HK40001108B - Flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Description

Aroma inhaler

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fragrance inhaler for containing fragrance in aerosol and inhaling the fragrance.

Background Art

Currently, there is a known flavor inhaler that absorbs flavor without burning. As an example, the flavor inhaler has an atomizing unit that atomizes an aerosol source without burning and a flavor source that is arranged on the mouthpiece side relative to the atomizing unit (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015/179388

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In the flavor inhaler described in Patent Document 1, the amount of flavor inhaled can be adjusted by changing the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit. However, the degree of freedom in controlling the amount of aerosol and flavor inhaled does not increase.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and one object of the present invention is to provide a flavor inhaler that can improve the degree of freedom in controlling the amounts of aerosol and flavor to be inhaled.

Solutions to Problems

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a flavor inhaler comprising: an aerosol source; an atomizing section that atomizes the aerosol source and generates an aerosol; a flavor source disposed downstream of the atomizing section; a mouthpiece disposed downstream of the flavor source; an aerosol flow path that guides the aerosol generated in the atomizing section to the mouthpiece, the aerosol flow path comprising a first flow path and a second flow path, the first flow path leading to the mouthpiece via the flavor source, the second flow path being different from the first flow path, the starting point of the second flow path being directly or indirectly connected to the first flow path; and a flow adjustment mechanism that can adjust the air flow ratio between the first flow path and the second flow path.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, wherein the second flow path is a flow path that does not pass through the flavor source.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, wherein the flow rate adjustment mechanism is provided in at least a portion of the first flow path or the second flow path.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of at least one of the flow rate adjustment mechanism and the atomization unit.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the flavor inhaler in the one embodiment, wherein the control unit is configured to control the air flow ratio of the first flow path and the second flow path by controlling the operation of the flow adjustment mechanism based on the aerosol generation amount of the atomization unit.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the flavor inhaler in the one embodiment, wherein the aerosol generation amount of the atomization unit per specified time is predetermined at the start of the inhalation action, and the control unit controls the air flow ratio based on the predetermined aerosol generation amount per specified time.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the one embodiment, wherein the control unit further detects a change in the aerosol generation amount of the atomization unit per specified time, and the control unit controls the air flow ratio based on the changed aerosol generation amount per specified time.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the flavor inhaler in the one embodiment, wherein the control unit is configured to control the amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit by controlling the operation of the atomization unit based on the air flow ratio of the first flow path and the second flow path.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment is configured such that the air flow rate ratio is predetermined at the start of inhalation, and the control unit controls the amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit based on the predetermined air flow rate ratio.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment is configured such that the control unit detects a change in the air flow ratio, and controls the amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit based on the changed air flow ratio.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, wherein the control unit determines the changed air flow rate ratio based on an operating state of the flow rate adjustment mechanism.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler according to the one embodiment is configured such that the control unit controls at least one of the air flow rate ratio and the amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit so as to keep the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path constant.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is a flavor inhaler as described in the one embodiment, wherein, when the cumulative value of the aerosol generation amount in the atomization section or the cumulative value of the aerosol generation amount passing through the first flow path exceeds a first threshold value, the control section controls the atomization section to change the predetermined aerosol generation amount in the atomization section per specified time.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is the flavor inhaler as described in the one embodiment, wherein, when the cumulative value of the aerosol generated in the atomization section or the cumulative value of the aerosol passing through the first flow path exceeds a first threshold value, the control section controls the flow adjustment mechanism to change the predetermined air flow ratio.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is a flavor inhaler as described in the one embodiment, wherein, when the cumulative value of the aerosol generated in the atomization section or the cumulative value of the aerosol passing through the first flow path exceeds a second threshold value, the control section further cuts off the connection between the atomization section and the first flow path or cuts off the power supply to the atomization section.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment, the control unit calculates the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path based on the air flow rate ratio and the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, wherein the control unit calculates the amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit based on the electric energy supplied to the atomization unit.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment is configured such that the flow rate adjustment mechanism includes a mechanism for changing at least one of a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the first flow path and a cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the second flow path.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention is a flavor inhaler as described in the one embodiment, wherein the flow adjustment mechanism includes a first component and a second component, and at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path is formed by the first component and the second component, and through the relative movement of the first component and the second component, at least one of the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the first flow path and the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the second flow path changes.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, further comprising a battery pack including batteries.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, wherein the battery pack is attachable to and detachable from the atomizing unit.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, wherein the flow rate adjustment mechanism is electrically connected to the battery.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, further comprising a user setting unit capable of setting at least one of the air flow rate ratio and the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, further comprising an inhalation sensor for detecting an inhalation action.

In addition, another aspect of the present invention is the flavor inhaler according to the above-mentioned aspect, wherein the flow rate adjustment mechanism further includes a flow rate sensor for detecting an air flow rate in at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present invention, the degree of freedom in controlling the amounts of aerosol and flavor to be inhaled can be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 is a structural diagram of a flavor inhaler 100 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 130 in the control according to the first embodiment.

FIG3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 130 in the control according to the second embodiment.

FIG4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 130 in the control according to the third embodiment.

FIG5 is a structural diagram of a flavor inhaler 500 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an aerosol flow path of the flavor inhaler 500 .

FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of a flavor inhaler 700 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the structure and operation of an example of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 730 .

FIG9 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 730 and its operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG1 is a structural diagram of a flavor inhaler 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG1 schematically and schematically illustrates the various components of the flavor inhaler 100. It should be noted that the diagram does not represent the exact arrangement, shape, size, or positional relationship of these components or the flavor inhaler 100. A more detailed description of the structure and appearance of the flavor inhaler and its various components according to an embodiment will be provided later with reference to FIG5 through FIG9.

As shown in FIG1 , the flavor inhaler 100 comprises a storage unit 102, an atomizing unit 104, a flavor source 106, a mouthpiece 108, an aerosol flow path 110, and a flow adjustment mechanism 112. Some of these components in the flavor inhaler 100 may be integrated and provided as a removable cartridge. For example, only the flavor source 106 may be provided as a removable cartridge relative to the main body of the flavor inhaler 100, the atomizing unit 104 and the storage unit 102 may be provided as a removable cartridge relative to the battery 114, or a cartridge integrating the flavor source 106, the storage unit 102, and the atomizing unit 104 may be provided so as to be removable relative to the battery 114.

Reservoir 102 holds an aerosol source. For example, reservoir 102 may be made of a fibrous or porous material, with the aerosol source, which is a liquid, held in the gaps between the fibers or in the pores of the porous material. Reservoir 102 may also be configured as a container for a liquid. The aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as glycerin or propylene glycol. Reservoir 102 may be configured to allow for replenishment of the aerosol source or replacement of the reservoir itself when the aerosol source is depleted.

The atomization unit 104 atomizes the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. When the inhalation action is detected by the inhalation sensor 122 (for example, a pressure sensor that detects pressure changes in the air inlet flow path 116 or the aerosol flow path 110 or an operation button that can be operated by the user), the atomization unit 104 generates an aerosol. For example, a core portion not shown is provided to connect the storage portion 102 and the atomization unit 104. A portion of the core portion leads to the interior of the storage portion 102 and contacts the aerosol source. Another portion of the core portion extends toward the atomization unit 104. The aerosol source is transported from the storage portion 102 to the atomization unit 104 by the capillary effect of the core portion. As an example, the atomization unit 104 includes a heater electrically connected to the battery 114. The heater is configured in contact with the core portion to heat the aerosol source transported through the core portion, thereby atomizing. Another example of the atomization unit 104 can also be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes the aerosol source by ultrasonic vibration. The atomizing unit 104 is connected to an air introduction passage 116 that leads to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100 . Aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 104 is mixed with air introduced through the air introduction passage 116 and is then delivered to the aerosol passage 110 .

The fragrance source 106 is a unit for imparting fragrance to the aerosol. The fragrance source 106 is arranged in the middle of the aerosol flow path 110. The mixed fluid of the aerosol generated in the atomization section 104 and the air (hereinafter, it should be noted that the mixed fluid is sometimes simply referred to as aerosol) flows to the mouthpiece (mouthpiece component 108) through the aerosol flow path 110. That is, the fragrance source 106 is arranged downstream of the atomization section 104 in the flow of the aerosol. In other words, compared with the atomization section 104, the fragrance source 106 is located on the side closer to the mouthpiece in the aerosol flow path 110. In this way, the aerosol generated in the atomization section 104 reaches the mouthpiece after passing through the fragrance source 106. When the aerosol passes through the fragrance source 106, the fragrance components from the fragrance source 106 are imparted to the aerosol. The flavor source 106 can be, for example, tobacco-derived substances such as shredded tobacco or processed products formed from tobacco raw materials into granular, flaky, or powdered forms, or non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint or herbs). As an example, the flavor source 106 contains nicotine. The flavor source 106 can also contain flavoring ingredients such as menthol. In addition to the flavor source 106, the storage portion 102 can also contain substances containing flavoring ingredients. For example, the flavor inhaler 100 can also be configured such that the flavor source 106 holds a tobacco-derived flavoring substance, while the storage portion 102 contains a non-tobacco-derived flavoring substance.

The mouthpiece 108 is located at the end of the aerosol flow path 110 (ie, downstream of the flavor source 106), and opens the aerosol flow path 110 to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. The user holds the mouthpiece 108 in his mouth and inhales the air containing the aerosol into his oral cavity.

The aerosol flow path 110 is a tubular structure used to transport the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated in the atomization section 104 to the mouthpiece. As shown in Figure 1, the aerosol flow path 110 includes a common flow path 110C, a first flow path 110A, and a second flow path 110B. The common flow path 110C connects the atomization section 104 with the flow adjustment mechanism 112. The aerosol generated in the atomization section 104 is delivered to the common flow path 110C along with the air, and then transported to the flow adjustment mechanism 112 through the common flow path 110C. The flow adjustment mechanism 112 and the mouthpiece 108 are connected by two paths: the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B. The fragrance source 106 is disposed midway along the first flow path 110A. In other words, the first flow path 110A connects the flow adjustment mechanism 112 and the fragrance source 106, and the fragrance source 106 and the mouthpiece 108. On the other hand, the second flow path 110B directly connects the flow adjustment mechanism 112 and the mouthpiece component 108 without passing through the fragrance source 106. In this way, at the downstream portion of the flow adjustment mechanism 112, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air branches into the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B and is transported to the mouthpiece component 108. A portion of the aerosol flowing into the first flow path 110A is imparted with fragrance components by the fragrance source 106 and is then guided to the mouthpiece. Another portion of the aerosol flowing into the second flow path 110B does not pass through the fragrance source 106 and is therefore not imparted with the fragrance components contained in the fragrance source 106 and is guided to the mouthpiece. The aerosol from the first flow path 110A and the aerosol from the second flow path 110B merge at the mouthpiece component 108 and are inhaled by the user.

In the flavor inhaler 100 illustrated in FIG1 , a flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 is provided at the branch point where the aerosol flow path 110 branches from the common flow path 110C into the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B. That is, the starting point (upstream side end) of the second flow path 110B is indirectly connected to the first flow path 110A via the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112. However, the configuration of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 is not limited to this. For example, the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 may also be provided midway in the first flow path 110A (i.e., downstream of the branch point) or midway in the second flow path 110B (i.e., downstream of the branch point). In other words, the starting point of the second flow path 110B may also be directly connected to the first flow path 110A at the branch point. In addition, in the flavor inhaler 100 illustrated in FIG1 , the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B converge at the mouthpiece component 108, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the terminal end (downstream end) of the second flow path 110B may be connected not to the mouthpiece 108 but to the flavor source 106 (e.g., near the center of the flavor source 106 in the aerosol flow direction), so that the aerosol flowing in the second flow path 110B passes through a portion of the flavor source 106 (e.g., the downstream half of the flavor source 106). Furthermore, in the flavor inhaler 100 illustrated in FIG1 , the flavor source 106 is provided only in the first flow path 110A. However, a flavor source different from the flavor source 106 (e.g., a flavor source capable of imparting a different flavor component to the aerosol than the flavor source 106) may also be provided in the second flow path 110B.

The flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 adjusts the flow rate ratio between the fluid flowing from the common flow path 110C into the first flow path 110A and the fluid flowing into the second flow path 110B. As described above, the fluid flowing in the aerosol flow path 110 is a mixed fluid comprising the aerosol generated in the atomizing section 104 and the air introduced from the air introduction flow path 116. The flow rates of the air and aerosol flowing in the common flow path 110C are denoted by Q _T and _MT , respectively; the flow rates of the air and aerosol flowing in the first flow path 110A are denoted by Q ₁ and M ₁ , respectively; and the flow rates of the air and aerosol flowing in the second flow path 110B are denoted by Q ₂ and M ₂ , respectively. Here, Q _T = Q ₁ + Q ₂ and _MT = M ₁ + M _2. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 adjusts the flow rate ratio β between the air flowing into the first flow path 110A and the air flowing into the second flow path 110B. The air flow ratio β can be defined, for example, as the amount of air flowing through the first flow path 110A relative to the total amount of air flowing through the aerosol flow path 110 (i.e., β = Q ₁ /Q _T ), or as the amount of air flowing through the first flow path 110A relative to the amount of air flowing through the second flow path 110B (i.e., β = Q ₁ /Q ₂ ). The aerosol flow ratio α is similarly defined as α = M ₁ /M _T or α = M ₁ /M ₂ . Typically, the air flow ratio β and the aerosol flow ratio α are equal. The air flow ratio β (and the aerosol flow ratio α) depend on the ventilation resistance of each of the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B, which depends on the cross-sectional area and length of the flow paths, the degree of curvature, and the shape of the branching and converging portions. The flow adjustment mechanism 112 has a structure that can, for example, change the flow path cross-sectional area of at least one of the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B. In addition, an embodiment of a specific structure of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 .

The aroma inhaler 100, equipped with this flow adjustment mechanism 112, provides greater flexibility in adjusting the amount of aerosol and aroma inhaled by the user. For example, by using the flow adjustment mechanism 112 to change the cross-sectional area of one or both of the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B, the air flow ratio β (and the aerosol flow ratio α) changes. Consequently, the amount of aerosol flowing through the first flow path 110A and the amount of aerosol flowing through the second flow path 110B also change. Furthermore, changes in the amount of aerosol flowing through the first flow path 110A result in changes in the amount of aroma delivered to the user. This allows the user to freely adjust the ratio of aerosol and aroma components inhaled.

The flavor inhaler 100 includes a user setting unit 150 that allows the user to set at least one of the air flow ratio β between the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 and the aerosol generation amount in the atomization unit 104. The user setting unit 150 is configured, for example, as a button, switch, handle, etc. that can be physically operated by the user. As another example, the user setting unit 150 can also be configured as a communication interface (such as a USB terminal or a wireless interface) that receives instructions from the user via a communication connection with an external computer. When the air flow ratio β of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 is set by the user operation of the user setting unit 150, the flow adjustment mechanism 112 operates according to the setting. When the aerosol generation amount of the atomization unit 104 is set by the user operation of the user setting unit 150, the atomization unit 104 operates according to the setting. The setting for the user setting unit 150 can be a setting for either the flow adjustment mechanism 112 or the atomization unit 104, or a setting for simultaneously changing the operation of both the flow adjustment mechanism 112 and the atomization unit 104.

For example, if a user wishes to maintain the amount of aerosol inhaled but inhale more (or less) flavor, the user can modify the air flow ratio of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 by setting the user setting unit 150 so that more (or less) aerosol passes through the cartridge 106. The user does not modify the settings for the atomizer 104. As a result, the atomizer 104 generates a constant amount of aerosol, while the air flow ratio for the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B, determined by the flow adjustment mechanism 112, changes in accordance with the user's operation. Thus, the flavor inhaler 100 can maintain a constant amount of aerosol delivered to the user while making the amount of flavor provided to the user variable. As another example, if the user modifies either the air flow ratio of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 or the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizer 104 in the user setting unit 150, the operation of the other of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 and the atomizer 104 can also be modified according to the control of the control unit 130 (the first mode of control and the second mode of control) described below.

The flavor inhaler 100 of this embodiment further includes a control unit 130 and a memory 140. The control unit 130 is an electronic circuit module composed of a microprocessor or a microcomputer, and is programmed to control the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 according to computer-executable commands stored in the memory 140. The memory 140 is an information storage medium such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory. In addition to computer-executable commands, the memory 140 also stores setting data required for controlling the flavor inhaler 100.

In brief, the control unit 130 controls the operation of at least one of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 and the atomizing unit 104. As a first control method, the control unit 130 controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 based on the aerosol generated _MT in the atomizing unit 104, thereby controlling the air flow ratio β between the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B. As a second control method, the control unit 130 controls the aerosol generated _MT in the atomizing unit 104 based on the air flow ratio β between the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B determined by the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112. In both the first and second control methods, the operating state of one of the atomizing unit 104 and the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 does not affect the operation of the other. Furthermore, as a third control method, the control unit 130 implements control based on the cumulative value of the aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 104. Each control method is described below in detail.

＜First method control＞

FIG2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of control unit 130 during control according to the first embodiment. In step S202, control unit 130 determines the amount of aerosol generated by nebulizer 104, _MT . Determining the amount of aerosol generated by nebulizer 104 includes reading a set value for the amount of aerosol to be generated by nebulizer 104 from memory 140 (a first example) and estimating the amount of aerosol actually generated based on the power supplied to the heater of nebulizer 104 ( _a second example). In the first example, the amount of aerosol generated by nebulizer 104, _MT , is the set value for the amount of aerosol to be generated by nebulizer 104 (an instruction for nebulizer 104). In the second example, the amount of aerosol generated by nebulizer 104, MT, is an estimated value for the amount of aerosol expected to be generated by nebulizer 104.

In the first example, the initial setting value for the amount of aerosol to be generated by the atomizing unit 104 at the start of operation of the flavor inhaler 100 (at the start of inhalation) is pre-stored in the memory 140. Furthermore, when the amount of aerosol to be generated by the atomizing unit 104 is reset by the user setting unit 150, the initial setting value for the amount of aerosol generated in the memory 140 is updated with the new setting value. The control unit 130 retrieves the initial setting value or the new setting value for the amount of aerosol generated from the memory 140 and determines the retrieved initial setting value or the new setting value as the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 104, _MT .

In the second example, the control unit 130 estimates the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104 based on the electrical energy supplied to the heater of the atomizing unit 104. Generally, the amount of aerosol generated is determined by the energy applied to the aerosol source. For example, the relationship between the electrical energy supplied to the heater of the atomizing unit 104 and the amount of aerosol estimated to be generated from the aerosol source when the heater is heated by this electrical energy is pre-stored in the memory 140. The control unit 130 measures the electrical energy supplied from the battery 114 to the heater of the atomizing unit 104, retrieves from the memory 140 an estimated value of the aerosol generated corresponding to the measured value, and determines the obtained estimated value as the aerosol generated amount _MT in the atomizing unit 104.

In addition, as for the electric energy of the heater, the resistance value of the heater, the voltage applied to the heater, and the power-on time of the heater can be actually measured and calculated based on these measured values. Alternatively, it is also possible to measure only the voltage applied to the heater and the power-on time under the assumption that the resistance value of the heater is constant, and estimate the electric energy based on the measured values. Under the condition that the power supplied to the heater per unit time is constant, the control unit 130 can measure the power-on time of the heater (for example, the power-on time per inhalation) instead of measuring the electric energy supplied to the heater (= power × power-on time). In the case where the voltage drop of the battery 114 needs to be taken into account, the control unit 130 measures both the instantaneous power supplied to the heater and the power-on time. However, in order to compensate for the voltage drop of the battery 114, the duty cycle can also be adjusted in the pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the heater to extend the power cycle (on period).

In step S204, the control unit 130 determines the aerosol amount _M1 to be delivered to the flavor source 106. For example, a reference value for the aerosol amount required to impart a desired amount of flavor to the aerosol by delivering the aerosol to the flavor source 106 is pre-stored in the memory 140. The control unit 130 retrieves this reference value from the memory 140 and determines the retrieved reference value as the aerosol amount _M1 to be delivered to the flavor source 106. The flavor inhaler 100 may also be equipped with multiple cartridges each containing a different flavor source 106. In this case, the flavor inhaler 100 further includes a mechanism for identifying the type of currently installed cartridge (i.e., flavor source 106), and the memory 140 stores a different aerosol amount reference value for each type of flavor source 106. The control unit 130 retrieves the reference value corresponding to the identified flavor source 106 from the memory 140 and determines the retrieved reference value as the aerosol amount _M1 to be delivered to the flavor source 106.

In addition, step S204 may be performed before step S202, or step S204 and step S202 may be performed simultaneously (in parallel).

In step S206, the control unit 130 determines the air flow ratio β of the flow control mechanism 112 based on the aerosol amount _MT generated in the atomizing unit 104 and the aerosol amount _M1 passed to the flavor source 106. When the aerosol amount _MT generated in the atomizing unit 104 changes, the control unit 130 changes the air flow ratio β of the flow control mechanism 112 in accordance with the change. For example, the control unit 130 changes the air flow ratio _β of the flow control mechanism 112 to a smaller value when the aerosol amount MT generated in the atomizing unit 104 increases, and changes the air flow ratio _β of the flow control mechanism 112 to a larger value when the aerosol amount MT generated in the atomizing unit 104 decreases. As an example, the control unit 130 uses the aerosol amount _MT generated in the atomizing unit 104 and the aerosol amount _M1 passed to the flavor source 106 to determine the air flow ratio β of the flow control mechanism 112 according to the following equation (1).

(1)β＝α＝M ₁ /M _T

In step S208, the control unit 130 controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 so that the ratio Q ₁ /Q _T of the air flow rate Q ₁ flowing through the first flow path 110A to the total air flow rate Q _T flowing through the aerosol flow path 110 matches the air flow rate ratio β determined in step S206. For example, the control unit 130 operates the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 to change the flow path cross-sectional area of at least one of the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B, thereby controlling the air flow rate ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 to a desired value. The control unit 130 may also use the flow rate sensor 124 to detect at least one of the air flow rate Q ₁ flowing through the first flow path 110A and the air flow rate Q ₂ flowing through the second flow path 110B, and use the detected flow rates to perform feedback control on the air flow rate ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 is electrically connected to the battery 114 and changes, for example, the flow path cross-sectional area of each flow path 110A or 110B in response to instructions from the control unit 130.

As described above, the control unit 130 performs the control of the first mode, whereby the flavor inhaler 100 operates so that the air flow rate ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 is adjusted according to the amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit 104 .

For example, when the flavor inhaler 100 begins operating, the atomizing unit 104 generates a constant amount of aerosol based on the initial setting value for the aerosol generation amount stored in advance in the memory 140. The control unit 130 retrieves the initial setting value for the aerosol generation amount and the reference value for the aerosol amount directed to the flavor source 106 from the memory 140. Based on these values and according to the above formula (1), the control unit 130 calculates the air flow ratio β of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 and controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 based on the calculated air flow ratio β. As a result, an amount _M1 of aerosol is transported through the first flow path 110A and directed to the flavor source 106.

Furthermore, when the setting for the aerosol generation amount is changed by the user setting unit 150, the atomizing unit 104 generates the amount of aerosol indicated by the changed setting value. The control unit 130 retrieves the updated setting value for the aerosol generation amount and the reference value for the aerosol amount directed to the flavor source 106 from the memory 140, calculates the air flow ratio β of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 based on these values and according to the above formula (1), and controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 based on the calculated air flow ratio β. Thus, the atomizing unit 104 generates an aerosol amount different from that at the start of operation of the flavor inhaler 100, and the same amount of aerosol _M1 as at the start of operation of the flavor inhaler 100 is transported through the first flow path 110A and directed to the flavor source 106.

Furthermore, if the power supplied from the battery 114 to the heater of the atomizing unit 104 changes (e.g., due to a drop in the voltage of the battery 114), the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104 also changes. The control unit 130 detects the power supplied to the atomizing unit 104, retrieves from the memory 140 the value of the aerosol generated amount corresponding to the detected value and a reference value of the aerosol amount directed to the flavor source 106, and calculates the air flow ratio β of the flow control mechanism 112 based on these values and according to the above formula (1). The flow control mechanism 112 is controlled based on the calculated air flow ratio β. Consequently, regardless of any fluctuations in the power supplied to the atomizing unit 104, the same amount _M1 of aerosol as at the start of operation of the flavor inhaler 100 is transported through the first flow path 110A and directed to the flavor source 106.

Thus, in one example of control under the first mode, the control unit 130 controls the air flow ratio of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 so that the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A remains constant. Therefore, regardless of the amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit 104, the fragrance inhaler 100 can provide a certain amount of fragrance to the user. However, the control under the first mode is not limited to strictly maintaining the amount of aerosol and fragrance at the same value. For example, if the amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit 104 increases or decreases, by controlling the air flow ratio β (the distribution ratio to the first flow path 110A) of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 to be slightly smaller or larger, the fluctuation in the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A can be mitigated compared to the change in the amount of aerosol generated.

＜Second method control＞

FIG3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 130 during control according to the second method. In step S302, the control unit 130 calculates the air flow ratio β of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 based on the operating state of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 (e.g., the flow cross-sectional areas of the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B). For example, the flow adjustment mechanism 112 is configured such that the first flow path 110A has a fixed flow cross-sectional area, and the second flow path 110B has a flow cross-sectional area that is variable through user operation via the user setting unit 150. The flow cross-sectional area of the second flow path 110B is represented by a ratio (opening degree) X relative to the flow cross-sectional area when the second flow path 110B is fully open. The opening degree X of the second flow path 110B is a parameter indicating the operating state of the flow adjustment mechanism 112. The relationship between the opening degree X of the second flow path 110B and the air flow ratio β of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 is pre-stored in the memory 140. The control unit 130 detects the opening X of the second flow path 110B and retrieves the value of the air flow ratio of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 corresponding to the opening X from the memory 140. For example, a variable resistor that operates in conjunction with changes in the flow path cross-sectional area is installed in the second flow path 110B, and the control unit 130 can detect the opening X of the second flow path 110B based on the resistance value of the variable resistor. As another example, an optical sensor for detecting the opening X may be used. The flow adjustment mechanism 112 may also be configured so that both the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B have flow path cross-sectional areas that are variable through user operation via the user setting unit 150. In this case, the relationship between the opening _X1 of the first flow path 110A and the opening _X2 of the second flow path 110B, and the air flow ratio β of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 is pre-stored in the memory 140. The control unit 130 detects the opening degree _X1 of the first flow path 110A and the opening degree X2 of the second flow path _110B , and acquires the value of the air flow ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 corresponding to these values from the memory 140 .

In step S304, the control unit 130 determines the aerosol amount _M1 directed to the fragrance source 106. This step S304 is the same as step S204 in the first control method described above. Furthermore, as in the first control method, step S304 can be performed before step 302 or simultaneously (in parallel) with step S302.

In step S306, the control unit 130 determines the amount of aerosol _MT to be generated in the atomization unit 104 based on the air flow ratio β of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 and the amount of aerosol _M1 flowing to the flavor source 106. If the air flow ratio β of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 is changed by a user operation of the user setting unit 150, the control unit 130 changes the amount of aerosol _MT generated in the atomization unit 104 in accordance with the operation. For example, if the air flow ratio β of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 is increased by the user operation, the control unit 130 reduces the _amount of aerosol generated in the atomization unit 104. If the air flow ratio β of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 is decreased, the control unit 130 increases the amount of _aerosol generated in the atomization unit 104. As an example, the control unit 130 uses the air flow rate ratio β of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 and the aerosol amount M ₁ to the flavor source 106 to determine the aerosol amount _MT to be generated in the atomization unit 104 according to the following equation (2).

(2)M _T =M ₁ /β

In step S308, the control unit 130 controls the atomization unit 104 so that the amount of aerosol generated by the atomization unit 104 reaches the aerosol generation amount _MT determined in step S306. The control unit 130 controls the aerosol generation amount of the atomization unit 104 to a desired value by varying the electric energy supplied from the battery 114 to the heater of the atomization unit 104. For example, the relationship between the electric energy supplied to the heater of the atomization unit 104 and the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source when the heater is heated by this electric energy is pre-stored in the memory 140. The control unit 130 retrieves from the memory 140 the value of heater supply electric energy corresponding to the aerosol generation amount _MT determined in step S306 and controls the electric energy supplied from the battery 114 to the heater of the atomization unit 104 so that it matches this retrieved value.

As described above, the control unit 130 performs the control of the second mode, whereby the flavor inhaler 100 operates so that the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 104 is adjusted according to the air flow rate ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 .

For example, at the start of operation of the flavor inhaler 100, the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 is set so that the opening X of the second flow path 110B takes a predetermined value. The control unit 130 detects the opening X of the second flow path 110B, retrieves from the memory 140 the value of the air flow rate ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 corresponding to the value and a reference value of the aerosol amount directed to the flavor source 106, calculates the aerosol generation amount _MT of the atomizing unit 104 based on these values and according to the above formula (2), and controls the atomizing unit 104 based on the calculated aerosol generation amount _MT . As a result, an aerosol amount _M1 is transported through the first flow path 110A and directed to the flavor source 106.

Furthermore, when the air flow rate ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 is changed by the user setting unit 150, the control unit 130 detects the changed opening X of the second flow path 110B, retrieves the value of the air flow rate ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 corresponding to the new opening and the reference value of the aerosol amount flowing to the flavor source 106 from the memory 140, calculates the aerosol generation amount _MT of the atomizing unit 104 based on these values according to the above formula (2), and controls the atomizing unit 104 based on the calculated aerosol generation amount _MT . As a result, an aerosol of a different amount than that at the start of operation of the flavor inhaler 100 is generated in the atomizing unit 104, and an aerosol of the same amount _M1 as at the start of operation of the flavor inhaler 100 is transported through the first flow path 110A and flows to the flavor source 106.

Thus, in one example of control under the second mode, the control unit 130 controls the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104 based on changes in the air flow ratio of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 caused by user operation, so that the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A remains unchanged. Therefore, regardless of the operating state of the flow adjustment mechanism 112, the fragrance inhaler 100 can provide a certain amount of fragrance to the user. However, the second mode of control is not limited to strictly maintaining the amount of aerosol and fragrance at the same value. For example, if the flow adjustment mechanism 112 is operated by the user in such a way that the air flow ratio (the distribution ratio to the first flow path 110A) of the flow adjustment mechanism 112 increases or decreases, the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104 can be controlled to reduce or increase slightly, thereby suppressing changes in the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A.

＜Third Mode Control＞

Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 130 during the third control method. In step S402, the control unit 130 calculates the cumulative amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104. As described above, the amount of aerosol generated is generally determined by the energy supplied to the aerosol source. For example, the relationship between the electrical energy supplied to the heater of the atomizing unit 104 and the amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source when the heater is heated by this electrical energy is pre-stored in the memory 140. The control unit 130 measures the electrical energy supplied from the battery 114 to the heater of the atomizing unit 104 in real time (power × power-on time), sequentially retrieves the aerosol generation values corresponding to each of these measured values from the memory 140, and adds them together to estimate the cumulative amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104. To account for voltage drops in the battery 114, the control unit 130 measures both the instantaneous power supplied to the heater and the power-on time. Under the condition that the power supplied to the heater per unit time is constant, the controller 130 can measure the heater power-on time as a proxy for the amount of electrical energy supplied to the heater, and calculate the cumulative value of the aerosol generated based on the cumulative value of the power-on time. Furthermore, the cumulative value of the aerosol amount can be the cumulative value during a single inhalation, or the cumulative value of the aerosol amount accumulated over multiple inhalations.

In step S404, the control unit 130 calculates the cumulative amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A. The amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A can be calculated based on the ratio of the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104 to the air flow rate of the flow control mechanism 112 (the aerosol flow rate ratio). The control unit 130 measures the air flow rate ratio (e.g., the opening X) of the flow control mechanism 112 in real time. Based on the air flow rate ratio at each point in time and the corresponding aerosol generation amount at each point in time retrieved from the memory 140 in step S402, the control unit 130 calculates the successive aerosol amounts passing through the first flow path 110A and adds these values together to obtain the cumulative amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A. The control unit 130 can also similarly calculate the cumulative amount of aerosol passing through the second flow path 110B. Step S404 is optional and can be omitted.

In step S406, the control unit 130 determines whether the cumulative value of the aerosol amount generated by the atomization unit 104 exceeds the first threshold. If the cumulative value of the aerosol generated exceeds the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S408; if not, the process returns to step S402. In the case where the cumulative value of the aerosol amount passing through the first flow path 110A is calculated in step S404, instead of determining whether the cumulative value of the aerosol generated in the atomization unit 104 exceeds the first threshold, the control unit 130 may determine whether the cumulative value of the aerosol amount passing through the first flow path 110A exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to the first threshold. The determination in step S406 may also be performed at any of the following times: 1) after the completion of an inhalation action; 2) during a predetermined time interval between detection of an inhalation action by the inhalation sensor 122 and the start of aerosol atomization; or 3) during an inhalation action (while the heater is powered on).

In step S408, the control unit 130 controls the atomizing unit 104 or the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 to change the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104 or the air flow ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112. For example, the control unit 130 controls the atomizing unit 104 or the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 to change the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A. As a result of the passage of aerosol, the release capacity of the flavor component from the flavor source 106 gradually decreases. To compensate for the decrease in the amount of flavor component released from the flavor source 106, control is employed to increase the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A. In this case, the first threshold used in the determination in step S406 corresponds to the cumulative aerosol amount sufficient to consume a certain amount of the flavor component from the flavor source 106. As an example, the control unit 130 controls the atomizing unit 104 to increase the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit 104 without changing the air flow ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112, thereby increasing the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A. As another example, the control unit 130 may control the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 to increase the air flow rate ratio (distribution ratio to the first flow path 110A) of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 112 without changing the aerosol generated by the atomizing unit 104. This can also increase the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path 110A. In this way, the fragrance inhaler 100 can suppress the effects of fragrance source depletion and provide a constant amount of fragrance to the user.

In step S410, the control unit 130 determines whether the cumulative value of the aerosol amount generated by the atomization unit 104 exceeds a second threshold value. If the cumulative value of the aerosol amount exceeds the second threshold value, the process proceeds to step S412. If not, the process returns to the initial step S402. The second threshold value is a value greater than the first threshold value described above. If the cumulative value of the aerosol amount passing through the first flow path 110A is calculated in step S404, instead of determining whether the cumulative value of the aerosol amount generated in the atomization unit 104 exceeds the second threshold value, the control unit 130 may determine whether the cumulative value of the aerosol amount passing through the first flow path 110A exceeds a predetermined threshold value corresponding to the second threshold value.

In step S412, the control unit 130 stops the delivery of the aerosol to the fragrance source 106. As an example, the control unit 130 controls the flow adjustment mechanism 112 to cut off the connection between the atomization unit 104 and the first flow path 110A (for example, the opening _X1 of the first flow path 110A is set to zero). In addition, the control unit 130 can also control the flow adjustment mechanism 112 to cut off the connection between the atomization unit 104 and both the first flow path 110A and the second flow path 110B. As another example, the control unit 130 can control the atomization unit 104 to cut off the power supplied from the battery 114 to the heater of the atomization unit 104. In this way, the fragrance inhaler 100 can prevent the user from being supplied with excessive fragrance or insufficient fragrance.

The determination in step S410, like step S406, can also be performed at any of the following times: 1) after a single inhalation has completed, 2) during a predetermined time interval between detection of an inhalation by the inhalation sensor 122 and the start of aerosol atomization, or 3) during an inhalation (while power is supplied to the heater). Among these exemplary times, if the determination in step S410 is performed 1) after a single inhalation has completed, the control in step S412 prevents aerosol atomization or flow path interruption during the user's inhalation, thereby minimizing discomfort to the user.

Furthermore, the determination in step S406 and the control in subsequent step S408 and the determination in step S410 and the control in subsequent step S412 may be performed in alternate orders.

Next, a more specific structure of the flavor inhaler will be described.

FIG5 is a block diagram of a flavor inhaler 500 according to one embodiment. The flavor inhaler 500 has a shape extending from the non-mouthpiece end toward the mouthpiece end, i.e., a predetermined direction A. As shown in FIG5 , the flavor inhaler 500 includes an inhaler body 510, a mouthpiece assembly 520, and a cigarette cartridge 530. The mouthpiece assembly 520 and the cigarette cartridge 530 correspond to the mouthpiece assembly 108 and the flavor source 106 in FIG1 , respectively.

The inhaler body 510 forms the main body of the flavor inhaler 500 and is shaped to be connected to the cigarette cartridge 530. The inhaler body 510 includes an atomization unit 511 that atomizes the aerosol source without combustion. The inhaler body 510 also includes a battery pack, a control unit, and a memory (not shown). The battery pack includes batteries. The control unit can also be located, for example, within the battery pack. The battery, control unit, and memory correspond to the battery 114, control unit 130, and memory 140 in Figure 1, respectively.

The atomization unit 511 includes a storage portion 511P, a core portion 511Q, and an atomization portion 511R. The storage portion 511P holds an aerosol source. For example, the storage portion 511P is a porous body made of a non-tobacco material such as a resin fiber mesh. The core portion 511Q absorbs the aerosol source held in the storage portion 511P. For example, the core portion 511Q is made of glass fiber. The atomization portion 511R atomizes the aerosol source absorbed by the core portion 511Q. The atomization portion 511R is made of, for example, a heating wire wound around the core portion 511Q at a predetermined interval. The storage portion 511P and the atomization portion 511R correspond to the storage portion 102 and the atomization portion 104 in Figure 1, respectively.

The mouthpiece member 520 has a mouthpiece for the user to hold in the mouth, and is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the inhaler body 510. The mouthpiece member 520 is attached to the inhaler body 510 by, for example, screwing or fitting.

The cigarette cartridge 530 is an example of a flavor source unit that can be connected to the inhaler body 510 that constitutes the flavor inhaler 500. The cigarette cartridge 530 is positioned on the flow path of gas (hereinafter, air) inhaled from the mouthpiece, closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizer unit 511. In other words, the cigarette cartridge 530 does not necessarily need to be physically located closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizer unit 511; it only needs to be located closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizer unit 511 in the aerosol flow path that guides the aerosol generated by the atomizer unit 511 toward the mouthpiece.

Specifically, the cigarette cartridge 530 includes a cigarette cartridge body 531 , a flavor source 532 , and a mesh 533 (a mesh 533A and a mesh 533B).

The cartridge body 531 has a cylindrical shape extending along a predetermined direction A. The cartridge body 531 houses a flavor source 532 .

The flavor source 532 is located closer to the mouthpiece than the atomizer unit 511 in the air flow path of the mouthpiece. The flavor source 532 imparts a flavor component to the aerosol generated by the aerosol source. In other words, the flavor imparted by the flavor source 532 to the aerosol is delivered to the mouthpiece.

The flavor source 532 is composed of a raw material sheet that imparts flavorful components to the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 511. The raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 532 can be made of shredded tobacco or a granularly formed body of tobacco raw material. However, the flavor source 532 can also be a sheet-shaped body of tobacco raw material. Furthermore, the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 532 can be made of plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 532 can also be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol.

The mesh 533A blocks the opening of the cartridge body 531 on the non-mouthpiece side relative to the flavor source 532, and the mesh 533B blocks the opening of the cartridge body 531 on the mouthpiece side relative to the flavor source 532. The meshes 533A and 533B are of such a thickness that the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 532 cannot pass through.

6 is a diagram showing an aerosol flow path of the flavor inhaler 500. Specifically, FIG6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 500 in a state where the cartridge 530 is housed in the inhaler body 510.

As shown in Figure 6, the flavor inhaler 500 has an aerosol flow path 540 that guides the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 511 toward the mouthpiece. In other words, when the cigarette cartridge 530 is housed in the inhaler body 510, an aerosol flow path 540 is formed that guides the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 511 toward the mouthpiece. The aerosol flow path 540 includes a first flow path 540A that guides the aerosol toward the mouthpiece via the flavor source 532, and a second flow path 540B that is different from the first flow path 540A. The second flow path 540B guides the aerosol toward the mouthpiece without passing through the flavor source 532. The aerosol flow path 540, the first flow path 540A, and the second flow path 540B correspond to the aerosol flow path 110, the first flow path 110A, and the second flow path 110B in Figure 1, respectively.

In a cross-section perpendicular to the predetermined direction A, the outer diameter of the cartridge body 531 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inhaler body 510. Furthermore, the second flow path 540B is formed between the outer surface 531A of the cartridge body 531 and the inner surface 510A of the inhaler body 510. Furthermore, a branching portion 545 between the first flow path 540A and the second flow path 540B is provided outside the cartridge body 531.

In this way, the first flow path 540A is provided inside the cigarette cartridge body 531 , and the second flow path 540B is provided outside the cigarette cartridge body 531 .

Furthermore, the first flow path 540A and the second flow path 540B share a common flow path. The branch portion 545 is provided in the common flow path formed between the atomization unit 511 and the cigarette cartridge 530. The common flow path corresponds to the common flow path 110C in FIG. 1 .

An orifice (not shown) is provided at the branching portion 545 between the first flow path 540A and the second flow path 540B. The orifice corresponds to the flow adjustment mechanism 112 in FIG1 . The orifice is controlled by the control unit to change the flow cross-sectional area of at least one of the first flow path 540A and the second flow path 540B.

Figure 7 is a structural diagram of a flavor inhaler 700 according to another embodiment. The flavor inhaler 700 comprises a battery pack 710, an atomizing unit 720, a flow rate adjustment mechanism 730, a smoke cartridge 740, and a mouthpiece 750. The battery pack 710 further comprises batteries, a storage unit, a control unit, and memory (not shown). Generally, the flavor inhaler 700 has an overall elongated cylindrical shape. The battery pack 710 is removable from the atomizing unit 720. The atomizing unit 720, flow rate adjustment mechanism 730, smoke cartridge 740, and mouthpiece 750 correspond to the atomizing unit 104, flow rate adjustment mechanism 112, flavor source 106, and mouthpiece 108 in Figure 1, respectively. Furthermore, the batteries, storage unit, control unit, and memory within the battery pack 710 correspond to the batteries 114, storage unit 102, control unit 130, and memory 140 in Figure 1, respectively.

The flavor inhaler 700 also has an aerosol flow path 760. The atomizing portion 720, the flow adjustment mechanism 730, the cigarette cartridge 740 and the mouthpiece component 750 are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side. When the flavor inhaler 700 is assembled (the overall view of Figure 7), the aerosol flow path 760 connects the atomizing portion 720 on the upstream side and the mouthpiece component 750 on the downstream side. The aerosol flow path 760 includes a first flow path 760A and a second flow path 760B. The first flow path 760A is composed of a cavity that passes through the center of the flow adjustment mechanism 730 along the length direction and a cavity that passes through the center of the cigarette cartridge 740 along the length direction. The second flow path 760B is composed of a cavity that passes through the peripheral portion of the flow adjustment mechanism 730 along the length direction and a cavity that passes through the peripheral portion of the cigarette cartridge 740 along the length direction. When the flavor inhaler 700 is assembled, the cavity in the center of the flow adjustment mechanism 730 and the cavity in the center of the cigarette cartridge 740 form an integrated continuous cavity, namely the first flow path 760A, and the cavity in the peripheral portion of the flow adjustment mechanism 730 and the cavity in the peripheral portion of the cigarette cartridge 740 form an integrated continuous cavity, namely the second flow path 760B. The cavity in the center of the cigarette cartridge 740 (i.e., the portion constituting the first flow path 760A) holds the flavor source. The cavity in the peripheral portion of the cigarette cartridge 740 (i.e., the portion constituting the second flow path 760B) does not hold the flavor source. In this way, the aerosol generated by the atomization unit 720 branches into the first flow path 760A and the second flow path 760B and is transported to the mouthpiece component 750. A portion (the first portion) of the aerosol flowing into the first flow path 760A is guided to the mouthpiece through the flavor source in the cigarette cartridge 740. The other portion (the second portion) of the aerosol that flows into the second flow path 760B is guided toward the mouthpiece within the cartridge 740 without passing through the flavor source. The aerosol from the first flow path 760A and the aerosol from the second flow path 760B merge at the mouthpiece assembly 750 and are inhaled by the user. Aerosol flow path 760, first flow path 760A, and second flow path 760B correspond to aerosol flow path 110, first flow path 110A, and second flow path 110B in Figure 1, respectively.

Figure 8 illustrates the structure and operation of an example flow control mechanism 730. The flow control mechanism 730 includes a first component 731A and a second component 731B. The first and second components 731A, 731B are cylindrical and aligned about a common central axis C. Either or both of the first and second components 731A, 731B can rotate about the central axis C. The first and second components 731A, 731B each have a cavity extending through their respective centers along their lengths. When the flavor inhaler 700 is assembled, the central cavities of the first and second components 731A, 731B form a portion of the first flow path 760A. The cross-section of the central cavity, perpendicular to the central axis C, is a circle of uniform size with the central axis C as the common center. Therefore, when the first and second components 731A, 731B rotate relative to each other about the central axis C, the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 760A remains unchanged. The first component 731A and the second component 731B also have cavities extending through their respective peripheries along their lengths. When the fragrance inhaler 700 is assembled, the periphery cavities of the first component 731A and the second component 731B form a portion of the second flow path 760B. As shown in the figure, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis C of the periphery cavity is a roughly semicircular arch. Therefore, depending on the positional relationship between the first component 731A and the second component 731B, the degree of overlap between the periphery cavity of the first component 731A and the periphery cavity of the second component 731B varies. Therefore, when the first component 731A and the second component 731B rotate relative to each other about the central axis C, the cross-sectional area of the second flow path 760B changes depending on the degree of overlap between the periphery cavities.

In this manner, in the flow adjustment mechanism 730, the relative rotation of the first component 731A and the second component 731B changes the cross-sectional area of the second flow path 760B, thereby adjusting the flow ratio of air (and aerosol) flowing through the first flow path 760A and the second flow path 760B. By grasping the first component 731A or the second component 731B of the flow adjustment mechanism 730 and twisting it around the rotation axis C, the user can freely adjust the air flow ratio of the flow adjustment mechanism 730. In this case, the first component 731A and the second component 731B function as a user setting unit (user setting unit 150 in FIG1 ) for setting the air flow ratio of the flow adjustment mechanism 730. Furthermore, the first component 731A and the second component 731B are equipped with variable resistors (not shown) whose resistance value changes in conjunction with their respective rotations. The control unit built into the battery pack 710 can detect the opening X of the second flow path 110B based on the resistance value of the variable resistors and utilize the detected opening in the control according to the second embodiment described above.

FIG9 illustrates another exemplary structure and operation of the flow control mechanism 730. The flow control mechanism 730 includes a first component 732A and a second component 732B. The second component 732B has the same structure as the second component 731B in the exemplary structure of FIG8 . The first component 732A has the same structure as the first component 731A in FIG8 , except that the shape of the cavities provided in the peripheral portion differs from that of the first component 731A in FIG8 . Specifically, the first component 732A has multiple (five in the example shown) small cavities extending longitudinally through the first component 732A in the peripheral portion. These cavities are arranged in a substantially semicircular portion of the first component 732A. Therefore, when the first component 732A and the second component 732B rotate relative to each other about the central axis C, as in the exemplary structure of FIG8 , the cross-sectional area of the second flow path 760B changes depending on the degree of overlap between the peripheral cavities of the first component 732A and the peripheral cavities of the second component 732B. Thus, the air flow ratio of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 730 can be adjusted.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Fragrance Inhalers

102 Storage Department

104 Atomization Unit

106 Fragrance Source

108 nozzle parts

110 Aerosol Flow Path

110A first flow path

110B Second flow path

110C common flow path

112 Flow adjustment mechanism

114 Batteries

116 Air inlet flow path

122 Inhalation sensor

124 Flow Sensor

130 Control Department

140 Memory

150 User Settings

Claims (23)

1. A fragrance inhaler, characterized in that it comprises: Aerosol source; The atomizing section atomizes the aerosol source and generates an aerosol; The fragrance source is located downstream of the atomizing section; The mouthpiece is positioned downstream of the fragrance source; An aerosol flow path is used to guide the aerosol generated in the atomizing section to the mouthpiece. It includes a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path leads to the mouthpiece via the flavor source. The second flow path is different from the first flow path. The starting point of the second flow path is directly or indirectly connected to the first flow path. The flow adjustment mechanism can adjust the air flow ratio between the first flow path and the second flow path; The control unit controls the operation of at least one of the flow adjustment mechanism and the atomizing unit; The control unit is configured to control the airflow ratio between the first flow path and the second flow path by controlling the operation of the flow adjustment mechanism based on the aerosol generation amount of the atomizing unit. 2. The aroma inhaler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, At the start of the inhalation action, the aerosol generation amount of the atomizing unit at each predetermined time is predetermined, and the control unit controls the airflow ratio based on the predetermined aerosol generation amount at each predetermined time. 3. The aroma inhaler as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit also detects changes in the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing unit at predetermined intervals. The control unit controls the airflow ratio based on the aerosol generation amount at each specified time interval of the change. 4. A fragrance inhaler, characterized in that it comprises: Aerosol source; The atomizing section atomizes the aerosol source and generates an aerosol; The fragrance source is located downstream of the atomizing section; The mouthpiece is positioned downstream of the fragrance source; An aerosol flow path is used to guide the aerosol generated in the atomizing section to the mouthpiece. It includes a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path leads to the mouthpiece via the flavor source. The second flow path is different from the first flow path. The starting point of the second flow path is directly or indirectly connected to the first flow path. The flow adjustment mechanism can adjust the air flow ratio between the first flow path and the second flow path; The control unit controls the operation of at least one of the flow adjustment mechanism and the atomizing unit; The control unit is configured to control the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit by controlling the operation of the atomizing unit based on the air flow ratio of the first flow path and the second flow path. 5. The aroma inhaler as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The airflow ratio is predetermined at the start of the inhalation action, and the control unit controls the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit based on the predetermined airflow ratio. 6. The aroma inhaler as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The control unit detects changes in the airflow ratio. The control unit controls the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit based on the changed airflow ratio. 7. The aroma inhaler as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The control unit determines the changed airflow ratio based on the operating status of the flow adjustment mechanism. 8. The aroma inhaler as described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The control unit controls at least one of the air flow ratio and the aerosol generation amount in the atomizing unit, so that the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path is constant. 9. The aroma inhaler as described in claim 2, characterized in that, If the cumulative value of aerosol generation in the atomizing section or the cumulative value of aerosol generation through the first flow path exceeds a first threshold, the control unit controls the atomizing section to change the predetermined aerosol generation amount in the atomizing section every predetermined time. 10. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, If the cumulative value of aerosol generation in the atomizing section or the cumulative value of aerosol through the first flow path exceeds a first threshold, the control unit controls the flow adjustment mechanism to change the predetermined air flow ratio. 11. A fragrance inhaler, characterized in that it comprises: Aerosol source; The atomizing section atomizes the aerosol source and generates an aerosol; The fragrance source is located downstream of the atomizing section; The mouthpiece is positioned downstream of the fragrance source; An aerosol flow path is used to guide the aerosol generated in the atomizing section to the mouthpiece. It includes a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path leads to the mouthpiece via the flavor source. The second flow path is different from the first flow path. The starting point of the second flow path is directly or indirectly connected to the first flow path. The flow adjustment mechanism can adjust the air flow ratio between the first flow path and the second flow path; The control unit controls the operation of at least one of the flow adjustment mechanism and the atomizing unit; If the cumulative value of aerosol generation in the atomizing section or the cumulative value of aerosol through the first flow path exceeds a second threshold, the control unit cuts off the connection between the atomizing section and the first flow path or cuts off the power supply to the atomizing section. 12. The aroma inhaler as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The control unit calculates the amount of aerosol passing through the first flow path based on the air flow ratio and the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit. 13. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claims 1, 2 and any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The control unit calculates the amount of aerosol generated in the atomizing unit based on the electrical energy supplied to the atomizing unit. 14. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow adjustment mechanism includes a mechanism for changing at least one of the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the first flow path and the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the second flow path. 15. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow adjustment mechanism includes a first component and a second component. The first component and the second component form at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path. As the first component and the second component move relative to each other, at least one of the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the first flow path and the cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the second flow path changes. 16. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a battery pack, which contains batteries. 17. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that, The battery pack is detachable from the atomizing section. 18. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The flow adjustment mechanism is electrically connected to the battery. 19. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a user setting unit that allows setting at least one of the airflow ratio and the aerosol generation amount in the atomizing unit. 20. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also features an inhalation sensor for detecting inhalation. 21. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow adjustment mechanism also includes a flow sensor for detecting the air flow rate of at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path. 22. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The second flow path is the flow path that does not pass through the fragrance source. 23. The aroma inhaler as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow adjustment mechanism is disposed in at least a portion of the first flow path or the second flow path.