Inhalation device, method and program

Abstract

Provided is an inhalation device capable of improving the quality of an inhalation experience provided to a user. The inhalation device includes a receiving portion that receives an inhalation article, a heating portion that heats the received inhalation article, a power supply portion that supplies power to the heating portion, a memory that stores data related to a plurality of heating profiles, a control portion that controls the operation of the inhalation device based on the plurality of heating profiles, and a temperature detection portion that detects the temperature of the heating portion. The control portion performs a preliminary heating operation common to the plurality of heating profiles, and the preliminary heating operation common to the plurality of heating profiles includes a first preliminary heating operation in which the temperature of the heating portion is maintained at a substantially same first heating temperature during a first heating period common to the plurality of heating profiles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to inhalation devices, methods, and procedures. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as a type of electronic device, there was an inhalation device that generated an inhalation component such as a scented aerosol. In such inhalation devices, a scented inhalation item (also known as a refill) was typically installed, and the user inhaled it.

[0003] In inhalation devices, there are known devices that pre-prepare and select from multiple heating profiles for heating inhaled ingredients. For example, in an inhalation device where the user can select the heating profile, an inhalation experience matching the user's preferences is provided. Alternatively, in an inhalation device that automatically selects the heating profile based on the characteristics of the inhaled substance, an inhalation experience suitable for the inhaled substance is provided. Here, the inhalation experience refers, for example, to the experience provided to the user through the inhalation of an aerosol, in which at least one of the user's five senses is stimulated.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic vapor inhaler that selectively provides an operating temperature according to a heating curve to heat the heating element at high or low temperatures.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-534926 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] To provide users with an inhalation experience tailored to their preferences and fragrance preferences, it is desirable for users to be able to choose an appropriate action mode from multiple action modes corresponding to multiple heating curves and / or switch to an appropriate action mode based on the environment. On the other hand, for example, if the duration from the start of heating after power-on to the point of inhalation varies for each of the multiple heating curves, it may sometimes cause discomfort for users who intentionally switch to a specific action mode. In other words, it is desirable to provide multiple heating curves that do not make users consciously aware of the switching of action modes.

[0010] This disclosure is made in view of the following: The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an inhalation device that can further improve the quality of the inhalation experience provided to the user (i.e., the satisfaction during inhalation). More specifically, one of its purposes is to provide an inhalation device that allows the user to flexibly select and switch between different operating modes. Furthermore, one of its purposes is to provide an inhalation device that enables an inhalation experience without the user being aware of the switching of operating modes.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] According to this disclosure, a first aspect provides an inhalation device. The inhalation device includes: a receiving unit for receiving an inhalation article; a heating unit for heating the received inhalation article; a power supply unit for supplying power to the heating unit; a memory for storing data related to multiple heating curves; a control unit for controlling the operation of the inhalation device based on the multiple heating curves; and a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the heating unit. Furthermore, the control unit performs a common preheating operation for the multiple heating curves, the common preheating operation including a first preheating operation of maintaining the temperature of the heating unit at a substantially uniform first heating temperature during a common first heating period for the multiple heating curves.

[0013] According to the aforementioned inhalation device, a common preheating action is provided. That is, the user does not need to be aware of the switching of the operating mode and can inhale from the inhalation device 10 at the same time. Therefore, it is intuitive and easy to use for the user, and can improve the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0014] Regarding the second viewpoint of the inhalation device, in the first viewpoint of the inhalation device, the first heating temperature is the highest heating temperature of the heating element detected by the temperature detection unit based on multiple heating curves.

[0015] Regarding the inhalation device of the third viewpoint, the maximum heating temperature specified in the inhalation device of the second viewpoint is 240 degrees Celsius (°C).

[0016] Regarding the fourth viewpoint of the inhalation device, in any of the first to third viewpoints of the inhalation device, the common preheating action is that, before the first preheating action, a second preheating action is included as follows: the heating unit is supplied with a common amount of electricity from the power unit for multiple heating curves, and the temperature of the heating unit rises to the first heating temperature.

[0017] Regarding the fifth viewpoint of the inhalation device, in the fourth viewpoint of the inhalation device, the amount of power supplied during the second preheating operation is based on the maximum output of the power supply unit during the second preheating operation.

[0018] Regarding the sixth viewpoint of the inhalation device, in the fourth or fifth viewpoint of the inhalation device, the inhalation device further includes a first notification unit, which causes the first notification unit to notify in a first manner during the first preheating operation, and causes the first notification unit to notify in a second manner different from the first manner during the second preheating operation.

[0019] Regarding the inhalation device of the seventh viewpoint, in the inhalation device of the sixth viewpoint, the first notification unit has multiple LEDs, and the first mode and the second mode are configured with different light emission modes based on the combination of multiple LEDs.

[0020] Regarding the inhalation device of the eighth viewpoint, in any one of the inhalation devices of the first to seventh viewpoints, the inhalation device further includes a second notification unit, and the control unit causes the second notification unit to complete the timing notification of multiple heating curves in accordance with the completion of the common preheating action.

[0021] Regarding the inhalation device of the ninth viewpoint, in the inhalation device of the eighth viewpoint, the second notification unit is equipped with a vibration motor, and the notification completed includes the vibration of the vibration motor.

[0022] Regarding the inhalation device of the tenth viewpoint, in any of the inhalation devices of the first to ninth viewpoints, the inhalation device also has an operation button that accepts pressing by the user, and the control unit switches between multiple operating modes based on multiple heating curves according to a predetermined number of pressings within a predetermined time.

[0023] Regarding the inhalation device of the eleventh viewpoint, in the inhalation device of the tenth viewpoint, the inhalation device also includes a third notification unit, and the control unit causes the third notification unit to notify switching in a third manner.

[0024] Regarding the inhalation device of the twelfth viewpoint, in any one of the inhalation devices of the first to eleventh viewpoints, the inhalation device further includes: an opener / closer capable of opening an opening associated with a receiving section; and an opening detection section that detects that the opening is open, and a control section that allows switching between multiple operating modes based on multiple heating curves only when the opening is open.

[0025] Regarding the inhalation device of the thirteenth viewpoint, in any of the inhalation devices of the first to twelfth viewpoints, the control unit performs an inhalation heating operation after the preheating operation. The inhalation heating operation includes maintaining the temperature of the heating unit at the first heating temperature during a second heating period, which varies for each of the multiple heating curves.

[0026] Regarding the inhalation device of the fourteenth viewpoint, in the inhalation device of the thirteenth viewpoint, multiple heating curves include a first heating curve and a second heating curve. The second heating period in the first heating curve is shorter than the second heating period in the second heating curve. The temperature of the heating element after the second heating period in the first heating curve drops to the second heating temperature faster than the temperature of the heating element after the second heating period in the second heating curve.

[0027] Furthermore, a fifteenth aspect provides a method for activating an inhalation device that receives an inhalation article. This method includes: a step of determining one of a plurality of heating curves; a step of detecting a trigger for initiating heating of the inhalation article; a step of preheating the inhalation article according to one of the heating curves, the preheating step including: detecting the temperature of the heating element; maintaining a substantially identical first heating temperature during a common first heating period of the plurality of heating curves; and a step of heating the inhalation article according to the heating curve to generate an inhalation component.

[0028] According to the above method, a common preheating action is provided. That is, the user does not need to be aware of the switching of the action mode and can inhale the inhalation device 10 at the same time. Therefore, it is intuitive and easy to use for the user, and can improve the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0029] Regarding the method of the sixteenth viewpoint, in the method of the fifteenth viewpoint, the first heating temperature is the maximum heating temperature specified regarding the heating curve and the heating section.

[0030] Regarding the method of the seventeenth viewpoint, in the method of the fifteenth or sixteenth viewpoint, the step of performing preheating further includes raising the temperature of the heating section to a first heating temperature by supplying a common amount of electricity to multiple heating curves.

[0031] Regarding the method of the eighteenth viewpoint, in any of the methods of the fifteenth to the seventeenth viewpoints, the step of generating the inhaled component includes maintaining the temperature of the heating element at the first heating temperature during a second heating period after the first heating period, the second heating period being different for each of the plurality of heating curves.

[0032] Regarding the method of the nineteenth viewpoint, in any one of the methods of the fifteenth to eighteenth views, the method further includes: a step of detecting that the opener has opened the opening provided in the inhalation device for receiving the inhaled article; and a step of switching between multiple operating modes based on multiple heating curves according to the user operation specified for the inhalation device, allowing switching only when the opening is open.

[0033] Furthermore, the twentieth viewpoint provides a procedure for the inhalation device to perform any one of the methods in the fifteenth to nineteenth viewpoints. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1A This is an overall perspective view of an inhalation device according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 1B It is to keep inhaled items Figure 1A A three-dimensional view of the inhalation device.

[0036] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A A schematic top view of the inhalation device.

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the inhalation device.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an inhaled item.

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A A schematic block diagram of the inhalation device.

[0040] Figure 5 Is with Figure 4 The state transition diagram is an example of the heating action.

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A simplified flowchart of the heating action performed by the inhalation device.

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A graph showing the heating curve of an example of an inhalation device.

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A graph of the heating curve of another example of an inhalation device.

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A simplified flowchart of the preheating process performed by the inhalation device.

[0045] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A simplified flowchart of the heating action performed by the inhalation device during inhalation. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The inhalation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, the inhalation device includes electronic cigarettes and atomizers, but is not limited to these. In particular, it may include various inhalation devices for generating an aerosol or flavored aerosol for the user to inhale. Furthermore, the generated inhalation component source may include invisible vapors in addition to aerosols.

[0047] In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar elements are labeled with identical or similar reference numerals. In the descriptions of each embodiment, sometimes repeated descriptions related to identical or similar elements are omitted. Furthermore, features shown in each embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as long as they do not contradict each other. Additionally, the drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, ratios, etc. Sometimes, the drawings may also include portions with different dimensional relationships or ratios.

[0048] (1) Basic structure (appearance) of the inhalation device

[0049] Reference Figures 1A to 1C The appearance of the inhalation device 10 according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 1A This is a three-dimensional view of the inhalation device 10. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the inhalation device 10, which maintains a state where an aerosol-generating substrate is present. Figure 1C This is a top view of the inhalation device 10 as seen from the insertion direction of the aerosol generating substrate.

[0050] In this embodiment, the inhalation device 10 is, for example, detachably equipped with an aerosol generating substrate, which is a fragrance generating substrate containing a filler including an aerosol source and a fragrance source. Furthermore, by heating the installed inhalation article 110, a fragrance-containing aerosol is generated.

[0051] As those skilled in the art will understand, the aerosol-generating substrate is an example of inhalation article 110 (hereinafter, aerosol-generating substrates are sometimes collectively referred to as "inhalation articles"). The aerosol source contained in the aerosol-generating substrate can be either solid or liquid. The aerosol source can be, for example, a polyol such as glycerol, propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may also contain cigarette raw materials that release flavor components upon heating, or extracts derived from cigarette raw materials. In the case where the inhalation device 10 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also contain a pharmaceutical agent for patient inhalation. Depending on the application, the aerosol-generating substrate may not contain a flavor source.

[0052] like Figure 1AAs shown, the inhalation device 10 has a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, an opener / closer 13, an operation button 14, and a display 18. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other, thereby forming the outermost housing 11 of the inhalation device 10. The housing 11 may also be sized to fit within the user's hand. In this case, when the user uses the inhalation device 10, the user can hold the inhalation device 10 with their hand to inhale the aerosol.

[0053] The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 engages with the top housing 11A to close this opening. Figure 1B As shown, the cover 12 has an opening 12a for inserting a suction article 110. The opener 13 is configured to open and close the opening 12a of the cover 12. For example, the opener 13 may be a sliding type.

[0054] More specifically, the opener / closer 13 is mounted on the cover 12 and configured to move along the surface of the cover 12 between a first position with the opening 12a closed and a second position with the opening 12a open. Figure 1C In the example, the opener 13 is in the first position, and the user slides the opener 13 in the direction of the arrow with their finger, thereby opening the opening 12a. With the opening 12a open, the suction article 110 is inserted into the opening 12a, and the receiving part 42 opposite to the opening 12a receives the suction article 110, and the filling of the suction article 110 is retained inside.

[0055] The operation button 14 is used, for example, to switch the power supply of the inhalation device 10 on and off. Specifically, as... Figure 1B As shown, when the user presses (and holds) the operation button 14 while the inhalation article 110 is inserted into the opening 12a, power is supplied from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40, thereby heating the inhalation article 110. When the inhalation article 110 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the inhalation article 110, and the fragrance of the fragrance source is absorbed into the aerosol. The user inhales from the portion of the inhalation article 110 protruding from the inhalation device 10, thereby inhaling the fragrance-containing aerosol. Furthermore, in this specification, the direction in which the inhalation article 110, which serves as the aerosol generating substrate, is inserted into the opening 12a is defined as the longitudinal direction of the inhalation device 10.

[0056] In this embodiment, the operation button 14 can also be used to switch between multiple action modes. Specifically, the user can switch between multiple action modes by pressing the operation button 14 a specified number of times within a specified period.

[0057] in addition, Figures 1A to 1CThe structure of the inhalation device 10 shown is merely one example of the structure of the inhalation device disclosed herein. The inhalation device 10 disclosed herein can be configured in various ways: by heating the inhalation article 110 (aerosol generating substrate) containing an aerosol source, an aerosol can be generated, and a user can inhale the generated aerosol source.

[0058] The display unit 18 operates according to the operating state of the inhalation device 10, so as to provide explicit notification to the user through various display methods. The display unit 18 may also be part of the notification unit 60 (described later). Figure 1C In this example, the display unit 18 is configured to have five LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 18a to 18e, each emitting light in one or more colors. For example, LED 18a is an LED corresponding to multiple colors to indicate the user's selected operating mode, while LEDs 18b to 18e are LEDs corresponding to a single color (white) to indicate the operating status of the suction device 10.

[0059] (2) Internal structure of the inhalation device

[0060] Next, refer to Figure 2 The internal structure of the inhalation device 10 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1A The cross-sectional view shown by arrow 3-3. The inhalation device 10 has a power supply unit 20, a circuit unit 30, and a heating unit 40 inside the housing 11 (top housing 11A and bottom housing 11B). The circuit unit 30 has a first circuit board 31 and a second circuit board 32 electrically connected to the first circuit board 31.

[0061] The first circuit board 31 may also extend in the longitudinal direction, in which case the power supply unit 20 and the heating unit 40 are separated by the first circuit board 31. That is, the heat generated in the heating unit 40 is suppressed from being transferred to the power supply unit 20. Furthermore, the second circuit board 32 may also be disposed between the top housing 11A and the power supply unit 20, extending in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the first circuit board 31. The operation button 14 is disposed adjacent to the second circuit board 32. When the user presses the operation button 14, a portion of the operation button 14 contacts the second circuit board 32.

[0062] The first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32 include, for example, a microprocessor, and are capable of controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40. That is, the first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32 can be configured as a control unit 50 (described later) to control the heating of the suction article 110 by the heating unit 40.

[0063] The power supply unit 20 has a power source 21 electrically connected to the first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32. The power source 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power source 21 is electrically connected to the heating unit 40 via at least one of the first circuit board 31 and the second circuit board 32. That is, the power source 21 can supply power to the heating unit 40 to heat the inhalation article 110. The electrical force supplied by the power source 21 to the heating unit 40 and / or the duration of power supply can be adjusted by the control unit. Furthermore, the power sources 21 may be arranged adjacent to each other in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the heating unit 40. That is, even if the size of the power source 21 is increased, the increase in the length of the inhalation device 10 in the longitudinal direction can be suppressed.

[0064] Here, the inhalation device 10 may also have a terminal 22 that can be connected to an external power source (not shown). Terminal 22 can be connected, for example, to a cable such as a micro USB (Universal Serial Bus). If the power source 21 is a rechargeable battery, by connecting the external power source to terminal 22 of the power source 21, current can be applied to the power source 21 from the external power source to charge it. Furthermore, by connecting a data transmission cable such as a micro USB to terminal 22, data related to the operation of the inhalation device 10 can be exchanged with an external device.

[0065] The heating unit 40 has a heating assembly 41 extending in the longitudinal direction. The heating assembly 41 is composed of a plurality of cylindrical parts and is cylindrical in shape as a whole. The heating assembly 41 is configured to be housed in such a way that a portion of the inhaled article 110 is received inside it, and has the function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the inhaled article 110 and heating the inhaled article 110 from the periphery.

[0066] More specifically, the heating section 40 is constructed as a PI film heater, which is formed by sandwiching one or more conductive tracks (loads) made of stainless steel foil with an electrically insulating polyimide (PI) film. Furthermore, the PI film heater is configured such that the PI film is wound around the outer periphery of the stainless steel tube. Additionally, the stainless steel tube is configured as part of a receiving section 42 that internally receives the inhaled article 110. By applying current to the load to perform resistance heating and transferring heat through the PI film to the stainless steel tube, the inhaled article 110 received inside the stainless steel tube is heated.

[0067] Alternatively, the heating assembly 41 can be configured to heat the sucked-in article 110 radially from the central axis in the length direction, thereby forming a heating section.

[0068] To allow air to flow into the interior of the heating assembly 41, a vent 15 is formed in the bottom housing 11B for air to flow in. Specifically, the vent 15 is located at one end of the heating assembly 41 ( Figure 2 The left end of the device is in fluid communication with the heating element 41. Furthermore, the inhalation device 10 has a cap 16 that is removable from the vent 15. The cap 16 is configured such that air can flow into the interior of the heating element 41 from the vent 15 even when it is installed in the vent 15; for example, it may have a through hole or a cut (neither shown). By installing the cap 16 into the vent 15, substances generated by the inhaled article 110 received inside the heating element 41 can be prevented from falling from the vent 15 to the outside of the housing 11. Furthermore, by removing the cap 16, the interior of the heating element 41 or the inside of the cap 16 can be cleaned.

[0069] The other end of the heating component 41 ( Figure 2 The right end of the device 10 is in fluid communication with the opening 12a. A generally cylindrical external heat sink 17 is provided between the opening 12a and the other end of the heating assembly 41. When the suction device 10 passes through the opening 12a and is received by its interior by the suction article 110, Figure 1B A portion of the suction article 110 is disposed inside the heating assembly 41 via the outer heat sink 17. Therefore, the outer heat sink 17 is preferably formed such that the size of the opening 12a on the side of the switch 13 is larger than the size of the opening on the other end side of the heating assembly 41. That is, the user can easily insert the suction article 110 into the interior of the outer heat sink 17 through the opening 12a.

[0070] The state in which the inhaled article 110 is received into the inhalation device 10 from the opening 12a ( Figure 1B If a user inhales through the protruding part of the inhalation device 10, i.e., through the filter section 115 (described later) of the inhalation article 110, air flows into the interior of the heating assembly 41 from the vent 15. The inflowing air passes through the interior of the heating assembly 41 and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the inhalation article 110. Therefore, the side of the heating assembly 41 near the vent 15 is the upstream side, and the side of the heating assembly 41 near the opening 12a (the side near the outer heat sink 17) is the downstream side.

[0071] In addition, Figure 2 In the example, the vent 15 is provided at a position where the flow path forms a straight line along the length direction, but it is not necessarily limited to this. In addition, for example, the vent 15 may be provided at a position on the surface of the bottom housing 11B that is perpendicular to the length direction, in which case the flow path forms an approximately L-shape.

[0072] (3) Structure of inhaled items

[0073] Here, refer to Figure 3 This also explains the structure of the aerosol generating substrate containing the fragrance source, i.e., the inhalation article 110, received by the inhalation device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the inhalation article 110 along arrow 3-3. The inhalation article 110 has: a substrate portion 110A, including a filler 111 (an example of a fragrance-generating substrate) and a first roll of paper 112 wound around the filler 111; and a mouthpiece portion 110B, forming an end opposite to the substrate portion 110A. The substrate portion 110A and the mouthpiece portion 110B are connected by a second roll of paper 113, which is different from the first roll of paper 112. However, the second roll of paper 113 may be omitted, and the first roll of paper 112 may be used to connect the substrate portion 110A and the mouthpiece portion 110B.

[0074] The suction port 110B includes a paper tube section 114, a filter section 115, and a hollow section section 116 disposed between the paper tube section 114 and the filter section 115. The hollow section section 116 includes, for example, a filling layer having one or more hollow channels and a plug-type package covering the filling layer. Due to the high fiber density in the filling layer, during inhalation, air and aerosol flow only within the hollow channels and hardly within the filling layer. In the inhalation article 110, when it is desired to minimize the reduction in aerosol delivery caused by filtration of the aerosol components in the filter section 115, shortening the length of the filter section 115 and replacing it with the hollow section section 116 is effective in increasing the aerosol delivery volume.

[0075] exist Figure 3 In one example, the suction port 110B is composed of three sections. In another example, the suction port 110B may be composed of one or two sections, or four or more sections. For example, the hollow section 116 may be omitted, and the paper tube section 114 and the filter section 115 may be arranged adjacent to each other to form the suction port 110B.

[0076] The length of the inhalation article 110 in the longitudinal direction is preferably 40mm to 90mm, more preferably 50mm to 75mm, and even more preferably 50mm to 60mm. The circumference of the inhalation article 110 is preferably 15mm to 25mm, more preferably 17mm to 24mm or less, and even more preferably 20mm to 22mm. Furthermore, the length of the substrate portion 110A, the length of the first roll of paper 112, the length of the hollow section portion 116, and the length of the filter portion 115 can all be 20mm. The lengths of these various sections can be appropriately varied according to manufacturing adaptability, required quality, etc.

[0077] The filler 111 of the inhalation article 110 may contain an aerosol source that generates aerosols when heated at a specified temperature. The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural substances and / or their constituent components can be selected depending on the intended use. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerol, propylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof. The content of the aerosol source in the filler 111 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of sufficiently generating aerosols and imparting a pleasant aroma, it is typically 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, and typically 50% by weight or less, preferably 20% by weight or less.

[0078] The filling 111 of the inhalation article 110 may contain tobacco as a flavor source. The material of the tobacco is not particularly limited, and known materials such as leaves and stems can be used. The content of the filling 111 in the inhalation article 110 ranges from 200 mg to 400 mg, preferably from 250 mg to 320 mg, when the circumference is 22 mm and the length is 20 mm. The moisture content of the filling 111 is, for example, 8 to 18% by weight, preferably 10 to 16% by weight. Such a moisture content suppresses the formation of curling lines, resulting in good rolling adaptability during the manufacturing of the substrate portion 110A. The size of the tobacco used as the filling 111 and its preparation method are not particularly limited. For example, dried tobacco leaves cut into widths of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm can be used. Alternatively, tobacco leaves that have been pulverized into uniform particles with an average particle size of approximately 20 μm to 200 μm can be sheeted and cut into widths of 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Alternatively, the tobacco leaves processed from the above-mentioned sheet material may not be cut, and the pleated tobacco leaves may be used as filler material 111.

[0079] The first roll 112 and the second roll 113 of the inhalation article 110 can be made from base paper with a basis weight of, for example, 20 gsm to 65 gsm, preferably 25 gsm to 45 gsm. The thickness of the first roll 112 and the second roll 113 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of rigidity, air permeability and ease of adjustment during papermaking, it is 10 μm to 100 μm, preferably 20 μm to 75 μm, and more preferably 30 μm to 50 μm.

[0080] Filler may be included in the first roll 112 and the second roll 113 of the inhalation article 110. The filler content can be listed as 10% by weight or more and less than 60% by weight relative to the total weight of the first roll 112 and the second roll 113, preferably 15% by weight to 45% by weight. The filler content is preferably 15% by weight to 45% by weight relative to the preferred basis weight range (25 gsm to 45 gsm). For example, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and kaolin can be used as fillers. From the viewpoint of appearance when used as a roll of inhalation article 110, the paper containing such fillers exhibits a preferred bright white color and can permanently maintain its whiteness. By containing a large amount of such filler, for example, the ISO whiteness of the roll can be made to be 83% or more. Furthermore, from a practical viewpoint when used as a roll of inhalation article 110, the first roll 112 and the second roll 113 preferably have a tensile strength of 8 N / 15 mm or more. This tensile strength can be increased by reducing the filler content. Specifically, this can be achieved by reducing the filler content to less than the upper limit of the filler content shown in the range of weights exemplified above.

[0081] (4) Functional block structure of the inhalation device

[0082] Reference Figure 4 The functional structure of the inhalation device 10 involved in this embodiment will be explained. Figure 4 This is a block diagram that schematically shows the structure of the inhalation device 10. The inhalation device 10 includes: a power supply unit 20, a heating unit 40, a receiving unit 42, a control unit 50, a notification unit 60, a sensor 70, a memory 80, and a connection unit 90.

[0083] The power supply unit 20 is configured to supply power to various components such as the heating unit 40, control unit 50, notification unit 60, sensor 70, memory 80, and connection unit 90. In particular, in order to heat the inhaled article 110, the power supply unit 20 supplies power to the heating unit 40 from the output of the control unit according to a preset heating curve. Alternatively, the power supply unit 20 may also be configured to connect to other devices including the power supply 21.

[0084] The heating unit 40 is supplied with electricity from the power supply unit 20, thereby applying current to the load for resistance heating. Furthermore, the inhaled article 110 received by the receiving unit 42 is heated by heat transfer from the outer periphery to the interior of the receiving unit 42. The receiving unit 42 is configured to receive the inhaled article 110 through the opening 12a in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and to hold the filler 111.

[0085] The control unit 50 is configured to control the operation of the inhalation device 10. Furthermore, the control unit 50 is configured to exchange information between the various components of the inhalation device 10. The control unit 50 may also be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 50 is programmed to control the operation of the inhalation device 10 according to computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 80. Additionally, the control unit 50 may read data from the memory 80 and use that data to control the operation of the inhalation device 10, or store the data in the memory 80.

[0086] In this embodiment, the control unit 50 is configured to control the operation of the suction device 10 based on a plurality of heating curves stored in the memory 80. More specifically, the control unit 50 performs a heating operation corresponding to a specific heating curve. The heating operation includes a preheating operation common to the plurality of heating curves. The common preheating operation includes a preheating operation for temperature rise and a preheating operation for temperature maintenance. In the preheating operation for temperature rise, the control unit 50 supplies a common amount of power from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40, causing the temperature of the heating unit 40 to rise to a maximum heating temperature that is substantially the same among the plurality of heating curves. Furthermore, the preheating operation for temperature maintenance maintains the temperature of the heating unit 40 at a substantially the same predetermined maximum heating temperature during a predetermined heating period common to the plurality of heating curves.

[0087] Here, in this application, "substantially the same" means that even if the two temperatures are not strictly identical, the temperature difference is within a range that the user will not perceive a change in the (fragrance) during their inhalation experience. For example, when the inhalation device 10 according to this embodiment is heated, a temperature difference of less than 20 degrees Celsius can also be included in the range of substantially the same. More specifically, as a result of careful experiments conducted by the inventors, it has been determined that if the temperature difference at the start of inhalation is in the range of -5 degrees Celsius to less than +10 degrees Celsius, and the temperature difference outside the start of inhalation is in the range of -10 degrees Celsius to less than +10 degrees Celsius, then the user will not perceive any change.

[0088] In this way, the inhalation device 10 of this embodiment achieves a common preheating operation based on the heating curves of multiple operating modes. Therefore, during the preheating operation of the inhalation device 10, the time until the inhalation device 10 can inhale is common across multiple operating modes. That is, the user does not need to be consciously aware of the switching of operating modes and can inhale from the inhalation device 10 at the same time interval, making it intuitive and easy to use for the user, and improving the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0089] For example, although the duration of the preheating operation is common as a whole, sometimes the heating periods differ among the multiple heating curves associated with the preheating operation for temperature rise. In such cases, the manufacturer needs to fine-tune the heating curves associated with the preheating operation for temperature maintenance and to make the preheating operation common as a whole. During fine-tuning, environmental disturbances such as ambient temperature generated during preheating and residual heat from continuous intake must be considered, which is cumbersome for the manufacturer. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, by making the preheating operation for temperature rise common, the manufacturer only needs to make the setting data of multiple heating curves common during manufacturing, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0090] Furthermore, when multiple heating profiles related to the preheating operation for temperature maintenance differ, adjustments must sometimes be made not only to the inhalation device 10 but also to the inhalation article 110. However, for example, it is impractical to adjust the inhalation article 110 after it has been sold. On the other hand, as in this embodiment, such a situation can be avoided by unifying the duration of the preheating operation for temperature maintenance.

[0091] Return to Figure 4 The control unit 50 may also be configured to have a built-in timer 55 to measure the desired period based on a clock (e.g., RTC (real time clock)). For example, the control unit 50 can measure various operation periods such as the period during which the power supply unit 20 supplies power to the heating unit 40, the period during which the heating unit 40 is maintained at the desired temperature by the temperature detection unit 72, and the period during which the suction operation is detected by the suction detection unit 74.

[0092] The notification unit 60 is configured to provide explicit notification to the user. Specifically, it provides notifications corresponding to the operating state and / or state transition of the inhalation device 10. Specifically, the notification unit 60 can notify the user in various ways through light emission, display, sound emission, vibration, and any combination thereof. The notification unit 60 may also include multiple LEDs 18a-18e, each displaying multiple light emission modes (on, off, and flashing) in one or more colors. Furthermore, the notification unit 60 may include a vibration motor to provide multiple vibration modes, which can be combined with the light emission modes of the multiple LEDs 18a-18e. In this embodiment, the notification unit 60 includes a mode switching notification unit 62, a preheating preparation notification unit 64, a preheating preparation completion notification unit 66, and a heating preparation notification unit 68. Each notification unit may include all or part of the LEDs 18a-18e and the vibration motor.

[0093] The control unit 50 can also cause the mode switching notification unit 62 to notify the user of the switching between multiple operating modes. For example, the switching can be indicated to the user by causing the LED 18a to light up in different colors according to the operating mode and by causing the vibration motor of the second notification unit to vibrate. Thus, the user can perceive the completion of the switching between multiple operating modes through the vibration of the suction device 10.

[0094] The control unit 50 can also cause the preheating period notification unit 64 to notify the user of the preheating operation period for temperature rise and the preheating operation period for temperature maintenance in different ways. For example, during the preheating operation period for temperature rise, three LEDs 18a-c can be illuminated in stages over time, and during the preheating operation period for temperature maintenance, five LEDs 18a-e can be illuminated in stages over time to indicate the stages of the preheating operation period to the user. That is, different light emission modes based on combinations of multiple LEDs can also be configured.

[0095] In this way, by providing notifications in different ways, users can intuitively grasp the progress of the preheating process. Furthermore, among these methods, by creating a light-emitting pattern where the LEDs emit light in stages over time, users can further intuitively grasp the progress of the preheating process.

[0096] The control unit 50 can also cause the preheating completion notification unit 66 to notify the user of the completion of the preheating operation based on the expiration of the preheating operation period. For example, the completion of the preheating operation can also be indicated to the user by vibrating the vibration motor for 1 second. Thus, the user can know the completion of the preheating operation through the vibration of the suction device 10.

[0097] Regarding the heating period notification unit 68, the control unit can also indicate the stage of the heating period to the user by causing the five LEDs 18a-e to light up in stages as time passes during the heating operation after the preheating operation. Alternatively, it can indicate specific moments related to inhalation to the user by causing the vibration motor to vibrate at specific times, such as 30 seconds before the end of the heating operation period during inhalation and at the end of the heating period.

[0098] In this way, by creating a light-emitting pattern that causes the LED to emit light in stages over time, and by causing the vibrating motor to vibrate at specific moments related to suction, users can more intuitively grasp the progress of the preheating process.

[0099] As described above, in this embodiment, the preheating operation is common across multiple heating curves. Furthermore, during the period from the start of the preheating operation to its completion, notification actions performed by the preheating period notification unit 64 and the preheating completion notification unit 66 are executed at common timings across the multiple heating curves. That is, during the preheating operation, a common notification across multiple heating curves is provided to the user. In particular, for users notified of preheating completion at a common timing, the user can transition to the subsequent inhalation operation without being aware of the differences between the multiple operation modes. In other words, the inhalation device 10 of this embodiment is intuitive and easy to use for the user, which is advantageous in improving the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0100] The sensor 70 is configured to detect various operating states of the inhalation device 10. In this embodiment, the sensor 70 includes a temperature detection unit 72, an inhalation detection unit 74, a pressing detection unit 76, and an opening detection unit 78.

[0101] The temperature detection unit 72 is configured to detect the temperature of the heating unit 40 (more specifically, the load included in the heating unit 40). For example, the temperature detection unit is configured to detect values ​​needed to determine the resistance value of the load of the heating unit 40 (current flowing through the load of the heating unit 40, voltage applied to the load of the heating unit 40, etc.). If the resistance value of the load of the heating unit 40 is temperature-dependent, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be estimated based on the detected resistance value of the load of the heating unit 40. Alternatively, the temperature detection unit may also include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 40.

[0102] The inhalation detection unit 74 is configured to detect a series of inhalation actions performed by the user through the inhaler 110B using a pressure sensor that detects pressure changes in the air intake path and / or aerosol path from the vent 15 to the heating assembly 41, or a flow sensor that detects flow rate. The control unit 50 can use the inhalation detection unit 74 to determine the number of inhalations and / or the inhalation time. Alternatively, the inhalation detection unit 74 can also be configured to detect inhalation actions using a weight sensor that detects the weight of the components of the inhaled article 110. Or, it can be configured to detect the height of the internal liquid level when the aerosol source is liquid.

[0103] The press detection unit 76 is configured to detect that a user has pressed the operation button 14. Specifically, when the user presses the operation button 14, it is detected that a portion of the operation button 14 is in contact with the second circuit board 32 disposed nearby.

[0104] In this embodiment, the control unit 50 switches between multiple operating modes based on multiple heating curves according to the detection in the press detection unit 76. Specifically, the control unit 50 can be configured to switch between multiple operating modes based on the number of presses of the operation button 14 detected by the press detection unit 76 within a specified period. That is, the user can customize the inhalation experience according to their preferences, and the convenience of the inhalation device 10 can be improved.

[0105] The opening detection unit 78 is configured to detect whether the opening 12a is open (or closed) by the opener 13. Specifically, it mechanically determines whether the opener 13 is located on the cover 12 in a first position where the opening 12a is closed or a second position where the opening 12a is open. In this embodiment, the opening detection unit 78 detects the opening 12a, and the control unit 50 is configured to allow switching between multiple operating modes only when the opening 12a is open. This prevents arbitrary switching of operating modes due to accidental operation when the user does not expect it.

[0106] In addition to the above situations, the sensor 70 can also be used to detect the SOC (State of Charge), discharge state, current accumulation, voltage, etc. of the power supply unit 20. The current accumulation can also be obtained by current accumulation method, SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, etc.

[0107] The memory 80 is a storage medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or flash memory, configured to store various data related to the operation of the inhalation device 10, including computer-executable instructions. In this embodiment, the memory 80 may also store data related to multiple heating curves. The heating curve is setting data that defines the operating mode of the inhalation device 10, specifically defining the heating operation mode from the start to the end of heating by the heating unit 40 based on heating information including heating temperature and heating time. The control unit 50 supplies power to the heating unit 40 by the power supply unit 20 according to such heating curves. Furthermore, the heating curve can be set individually according to the type of fragrance contained in the inhalation item, or it can be manually set by the user.

[0108] In addition to storing computer-executable instructions, the memory 80 also stores setting data and firmware programs required to control the operation of the inhalation device 10. For example, the memory 80 may also store control methods of the notification unit 60 (light emission, sound emission, vibration, etc.) and data related to values ​​detected by the sensor 70. The setting data can also be set by user input.

[0109] The connector 90 is used to connect the inhalation device 10 to enable communication with an external device. This communication can be wired or wireless. In the case of wired communication, it is configured to connect a data transmission cable such as a micro USB via an external connection terminal (terminal 22) to the external device for data input / output related to the operation of the inhalation device 10. On the other hand, when the communication of the connector 90 is wireless, including short-range wireless communication based on Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)), the connector 90 becomes a communication module.

[0110] When the inhalation device 10 is connected to an external input device via terminal 22, various setting data and / or firmware of the inhalation device 10 stored in the memory 80 can be rewritten based on instructions from the external device. For example, the inhalation device 10 can be configured to rewrite information related to the control mode (light emission, sound emission, vibration, etc.) of the notification unit 60 and a portion of the heating curve during inhalation (permissible temperature range during heating, heating time, number of inhalations, etc.) via the connection unit 90.

[0111] (5) General operation of the inhalation device

[0112] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 This section describes a general example of the operation of the inhalation device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 This is an example of the heating action performed by the inhalation device 10 and the state transition of the inhalation device 10 corresponding to the user's operation. Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the overall heating operation performed by the inhalation device 10. Furthermore, these are merely illustrative examples, and those skilled in the art will understand that, in particular, except for… Figure 5 Besides the states shown, there are many other states.

[0113] In this embodiment, the inhalation device 10 has two states: an "unusable state" and a "usable state." The inhalation device 10 can transition between these states based on user operation. The "usable state" includes a "standby state," a "heating state," and a "heating stopped state," and the inhalation device 10 can transition between these states in sequence during the heating operation based on user operation. Furthermore, the heating state includes a preheating state and a subsequent inhalable state.

[0114] The initial state of the inhalation device 10 is an "unusable state" (START) where the user has not performed any operation on the inhalation device 10 and has not activated it. The user opens the opener 13 of the inhalation device 10 (OP1). Correspondingly, the opening detection unit 78 detects that the opener 13 has opened the opening 12a (step S10).

[0115] As a result of step S10, the inhalation device 10 is activated and transitions to the "standby state" in the "usable state". Correspondingly, the notification unit 60 may also cause the LED 18a to emit light in a color corresponding to the current operating mode. The "standby state" is the state before the inhalation device 10 performs the heating operation, specifically the state waiting for the preheating operation to begin. In the "standby state", the user inserts the inhalation item 110 through the opening 12a. Correspondingly, the receiving unit 44 receives the inhalation item 110 internally (step S20).

[0116] Furthermore, in the "standby state," before the heating action of the inhalation device 10, one of the multiple heating curves stored in the memory 80 is determined and activated (step S30). Multiple operating modes are associated with multiple heating curves, and the user can decide which operating mode the inhalation device 10 operates in. For example, the multiple operating modes include a "standard mode" and a "power mode." The "standard mode" refers to a heating mode where the user can continuously enjoy a stable aroma. The "power mode" refers to a heating mode that provides a stronger inhalation experience compared to the "standard mode," attempting to provide a higher quality inhalation experience for the user with an inhalation item 110.

[0117] Furthermore, in the initial settings of the inhalation device 10 at the factory, the operating mode can be set to "Standard Mode," and the heating curve corresponding to "Standard Mode" is activated. The user can selectively switch between "Standard Mode" and "Power Mode" via an operating mode switching operation (OP2). The switching operation can be a series of consecutive presses of the operating button 14 within a specified period; for example, it can be two presses within 1000 milliseconds from the first press of the operating button 14 (in this case, a total of three consecutive presses). Based on such a switching operation, the heating curve corresponding to the selected operating mode is activated.

[0118] The switching operation is detected by the press detection unit 76, and correspondingly, a notification based on the mode switching notification unit 62 is executed. Specifically, the control unit 50 causes the mode switching notification unit 62 to notify the switching between multiple operation modes.

[0119] Next, in order to switch the inhalation device 10 from "standby state" to "heating state", the user presses the operation button 14 (OP3). For example, this could be a long press of the operation button 14 for more than 2 seconds. Such a press of the operation button 14 is detected by the press detection unit 76. That is, the press detection unit 76 detects the trigger for starting to heat the inhalation article 110 (step S40).

[0120] The "preparatory heating state" in the "heating state" refers to the state during the preparatory heating operation from the start of power supply from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40 until the inhaled article 110 reaches an "inhalable state" capable of generating aerosols. The heating unit 40 performs a preparatory heating operation (step S50) to pre-heat the inhaled article 110 according to the heating curve determined in step S30. During the preparatory heating operation, a notification is sent by the preparatory heating period notification unit 64. Furthermore, if the preparatory heating operation period expires, a preparatory heating completion notification is sent by the preparatory heating completion notification unit 66. Details of the preparatory heating operation during the preparatory heating operation will be described later.

[0121] If the preheating period expires, the inhalation device 10 automatically transitions from the "preheating state" to the "inhalable state". The "inhalable state" is the state in which the inhalation device 10 can generate an aerosol based on the completion of the preheating operation, and is a state in which the user's inhalation action can be accepted. The heating unit 40 performs an inhalation heating operation (step S60) to heat the inhalation article 110 according to the heating curve determined in step S30 to generate inhalation components.

[0122] After heating the inhaled article 110 in step S60, the inhalation device 10 automatically transitions to the "heating stop state." The "heating stop state" is a state where the power supply from the power source 20 to the heating unit 40 has stopped, but it is still capable of accepting the user's inhalation actions. That is, certain actions after the control unit stops the power supply to the power source 20 can also be included in the inhalation heating operation. During the inhalation heating operation, a notification based on the heating period notification unit 68 is sent. Furthermore, if the inhalation heating operation period expires, a notification can also be sent for this condition. Details of the inhalation heating operation will be described later.

[0123] After the heating period during inhalation has ended, the user closes the inhalation device 10's opening / closing device 13 (OP4). Correspondingly, the opening detection unit 78 detects that the opening / closing device has closed the opening 12a, and the inhalation device 10 transitions from a "usable state" to a "non-usable state," returning to its initial state (END).

[0124] (6) Individual actions of the inhalation device

[0125] Reference Figures 7-10 This section describes examples of individual operations of the inhalation device 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 7 This is a graph of the heating curve corresponding to an example of the "standard mode" in the inhalation device 10. Figure 8 This is a graph of the heating curve for an example corresponding to "power mode". Furthermore, Figure 9 This is a simplified flowchart of the preheating process in the heating operation performed by the inhalation device. Figure 10 This is a simplified flowchart of the heating process during inhalation. Additionally, in Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The heating curves include curves corresponding to these preheating actions and the heating actions during inhalation.

[0126] By activating the inhalation device 10 according to this embodiment, a suitable inhalation experience corresponding to the user's selected mode of operation can be provided. This activation of the inhalation device 10 is intuitive for the user, improving the quality of the inhalation experience. In particular, Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The examples of heating curves are all defined as convex functions. That is, after the heating of the inhalation device 10 begins, the quality of the user's inhalation experience gradually improves, and then, at a certain time, the user's satisfaction reaches a peak. Furthermore, the satisfaction gradually decreases after reaching its peak. In other words, the user can intuitively predict when the period during which they can smoke will end. This further improves the quality of the user's inhalation experience.

[0127] (6-1) Preparatory heating action

[0128] like Figure 9 As shown, the preheating operation begins upon detection of a trigger in step S40 that initiates heating of the suction article 110. Initially, the control unit 50 causes the temperature detection unit 72 to begin detecting the temperature of the heating unit 40, and also begins measurement by the built-in timer 55 (step S52). Next, the control unit 50 executes the preheating operation for temperature rise. Specifically, the control unit 50 supplies power to the heating unit 40 from the power supply unit 20, causing the temperature of the heating unit 40 to rise to a predetermined heating temperature. More specifically, the power supply unit 20 supplies power to the heating unit 40 from the power supply unit 20 at its maximum output during the preheating operation, causing the temperature of the heating unit 40 to rise to the predetermined maximum heating temperature (step S54).

[0129] Here, the amount of power supplied from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40 is common between the heating curve of the "standard mode" and the heating curve of the "power mode". Furthermore, the specified maximum heating temperature is the maximum heating temperature that can be detected by the temperature detection unit 72 through both the heating curve of the "standard mode" and the heating curve of the "power mode", for example, it can be set to 240 degrees Celsius (°C). Therefore, in the preheating operation for temperature rise, since the heating curves of the "standard mode" and the "power mode" are common, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be linearly raised to 240 degrees Celsius (°C) over time t0. Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 In addition, the time t0 varies depending on the maximum output of the power supply unit 20 during the preheating operation.

[0130] The control unit 50 uses the temperature detection unit 72 and the timer 55 to determine whether the temperature of the heating unit 40 has reached the specified maximum heating temperature (step S55). If the temperature of the heating unit 40 has not reached the maximum heating temperature (No), the operation of step S54 continues for a maximum of 30 seconds. In addition, even if the temperature of the heating unit 40 has not reached the maximum heating temperature after 30 seconds, the preheating operation can be interrupted due to insufficient output from the power supply unit 20.

[0131] If the temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the maximum heating temperature in step S55 (Yes), the control unit 50, after the preheating operation for temperature rise, then executes a preheating operation for temperature maintenance. Specifically, the control unit 50 continues high-temperature heating to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 40 at the maximum heating temperature for a certain period of time (step S56). The preheating operation for temperature maintenance is common between the heating curve of the "standard mode" and the heating curve of the "power mode". Specifically, the certain period t1 for maintaining the maximum heating temperature of 240 degrees Celsius is common between the heating curves, and for example, it can be set to a period in the range of 10 to 15 seconds (14 seconds in this example). Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 ).

[0132] If the preheating operation period for maintaining temperature reaches a certain period t1 in step S57 and the preheating operation period for maintaining temperature expires (Yes), the control unit 50 ends the preheating operation and then starts the heating operation during intake.

[0133] (6-2) Heating action during inhalation

[0134] like Figure 10As shown, if the preheating operation expires (step S57, Yes), the inhalation heating operation is performed after the preheating operation.

[0135] Initially, the control unit 50 continues high-temperature heating to further maintain the highest heating temperature of the heating unit 40 maintained during the pre-heating operation for temperature maintenance (step S61). During the heating operation at intake, the duration t2 for continuing high-temperature heating to maintain the temperature can be set differently between the heating curve of the "standard mode" and the heating curve of the "power mode". Specifically, the duration t2 for maintaining the highest heating temperature of 240 degrees Celsius can be set to 1 second in the heating curve of the "standard mode". Figure 7 On the other hand, the heating curve in "Power Mode" can be set to 36 seconds. Figure 8 ).

[0136] Here, the heating curve in "Standard Mode" can also provide users with an inhalation experience that is not as strong as that in "Power Mode". That is, from the point of view of providing satisfaction to users, the period t2 during which the highest heating temperature is maintained in the heating curve of "Standard Mode" can be set to be shorter than the same period t2 in the heating curve of "Power Mode".

[0137] It is known to those skilled in the art that the aroma balance of the generated aerosol changes depending on the heating temperature. Furthermore, during the heating process during inhalation, by setting the heating period for maintaining the highest heating temperature to different heating curves for each heating profile, the user can choose an inhalation experience that maintains a constant aroma balance and corresponds to a level of satisfaction.

[0138] If, in step S62, the high-temperature heating period for maintaining the temperature reaches a certain period t2 (Yes), the control unit 50, during the heating operation at the intake, ends the high-temperature heating operation to maintain the highest heating temperature and begins the temperature-decreasing operation. Specifically, the control unit 50 performs heating for temperature decrease within a certain period t3, so that the heating unit 40 decreases to a predetermined temperature at a predetermined rate (step S63). The certain period t3 for temperature decrease can be set to be different between the heating curve of the "standard mode" and the heating curve of the "power mode".

[0139] More specifically, the heating period t3 in the "standard mode" heating curve can be set to a period ranging from 30 to 50 seconds (45 seconds in this example). Figure 7 On the other hand, in the heating curve of "Power Mode", the duration can be set to a range of 60 to 90 seconds (80 seconds in this example). Figure 8That is, during a certain period t3, the heating curve in "standard mode" experiences a faster temperature decrease than the heating curve in "power mode". Furthermore, during the temperature decrease operation, the heating curve in "standard mode" lowers the temperature of the heating unit 40 to 200 degrees Celsius, while the heating curve in "power mode" can lower the temperature to 205 degrees Celsius. Moreover, as mentioned above, 200 degrees Celsius and 205 degrees Celsius can be considered substantially the same temperature. This is because it represents a temperature difference within a range where the user cannot perceive a change in the (fragrance).

[0140] Here, the heating curve in "Standard Mode" can also provide users with an inhalation experience that is not as strong as that in "Power Mode." That is, from the perspective of providing user satisfaction, a certain period t3 in the heating curve of "Standard Mode" can be set to be shorter than a certain period t3 in the heating curve of "Power Mode." In addition, the temperature drop in the heating curve of "Standard Mode" can also be set to be lower than the temperature drop in the heating curve of "Power Mode."

[0141] In this way, by setting the specific period t2 for maintaining the maximum heating temperature and the specific period t3 for temperature reduction during the heating action during inhalation to vary for each heating curve, different inhalation experiences corresponding to different action modes can be flexibly provided to the user. That is, it is intuitive for the user and can improve the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0142] If, in step S64, the heating period for temperature reduction reaches a certain period t3 (Yes), the control unit 50 ends the temperature reduction operation and begins a low-temperature heating operation during the intake heating operation. Specifically, the control unit 50 continues low-temperature heating until the power supply to the heating unit 40 is stopped, so as to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 40 at the temperature reduced in step S63 (step S65). The certain period t4 for low-temperature heating can be set to be different between the heating curve of the "standard mode" and the heating curve of the "power mode".

[0143] Specifically, within a certain period, t4 in the heating curve of "standard mode" can be set to 214 seconds in this example. Figure 7 On the other hand, in the heating curve of "Power Mode," in this example, it can be set to 144 seconds. Figure 8 That is, during a certain period t4, the heating curve of the "standard mode" maintains a low temperature for a longer period than the heating curve of the "power mode", which is also suitable for the viewpoint of providing satisfaction to users.

[0144] If, in step S66, the heating period for temperature reduction reaches a certain period t4 (Yes), the control unit 50 ends the low-temperature heating and stops the power supply from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40 during the heating operation at the intake point. Specifically, the control unit 50 stops the power supply for a certain period T5, causing the temperature of the heating unit 40 to drop (step S67). More specifically, the certain period t5 can be set to 144 seconds, which is common to both the heating curve of the "standard mode" and the heating curve of the "power mode". Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 ).

[0145] If the period during which the power supply is stopped in step S68 reaches a certain period t5 (Yes), then the control unit 50 finally ends the intake heating operation (END). The duration of the series of intake heating operations is common between the heating curve of the "standard mode" and the heating curve of the "power mode", and in this example it can be set to 270 seconds. Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 ).

[0146] In this way, by unifying the duration of a series of inhalation heating actions between the heating curves of "Standard Mode" and "Power Mode," users can end their inhalation at the same time, thus remaining unaware of the difference between the action patterns in "Standard Mode" and "Power Mode." This is intuitive for the user and improves the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0147] (7) Change Example

[0148] (7-1) Example of changing the heating curve

[0149] In the above description, the specific time intervals t1 to t5 set in the heating curve are set to given values. However, this is not a limitation; in a modified example, the number of inhalation actions by the user can be set instead of the specific time intervals t1 to t5. When the heating curve is set using the number of inhalation actions, the control unit 50 can cause the inhalation detection unit 74 to detect the number of inhalations during the user's inhalation actions.

[0150] In this way, by dynamically feeding back the actual situation of the user's inhalation actions when applying the number of inhalation actions, it is more intuitive for the user and can improve the quality of the inhalation experience.

[0151] also, Figure 7 as well as Figure 8The heating temperature and values ​​during heating shown in the example heating curve are merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in practice, various values ​​can be set from the perspective of the quality or satisfaction of the inhalation experience provided to the user and / or according to the characteristics of the inhalation article 110.

[0152] (7-2) Changes to the Notification Department

[0153] In the above description, the notification unit 60 may also include multiple LEDs 18a to 18e, each displaying one or more colors to form various light-emitting modes (on, off, and flashing). Furthermore, it may include a vibration motor to create various vibration modes, which can be combined with the light-emitting modes of the multiple LEDs 18a to 18e. However, the structure of the notification unit 60 and the notification method are not limited to these. As long as it operates to explicitly notify the user, it can be arbitrary, and can be achieved through light emission, vibration, display, sound emission, and combinations thereof. This allows for more flexible notification methods to the user.

[0154] For example, the notification unit 60 may include one or more speakers, or it may be configured to notify the user based on sound together with multiple LEDs 18a-18e and a vibration motor. Alternatively, the notification unit 60 may include one or more displays, or it may be configured to notify the user by displaying text / image information on the displays.

[0155] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0156] In the foregoing description, some embodiments of the inhalation device and method have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that, if executed by a processor, this disclosure can also be implemented as a program that causes the processor to perform a method for operating the inhalation device, or as a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

[0157] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described above along with variations and applications of the embodiments thereof. However, these are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that appropriate changes, additions, and improvements can be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the above embodiments, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0158] Symbol Explanation

[0159] 10…Inhalation device, 11 (11A, 11B)…House, 12…Cover, 12a…Opening, 13…Opener / Closer, 14…Operating button, 110…Inhaled article (aerosol generating substrate), 110A…Substrate section, 110B…Inhalation port section, 111…Filling material, 112, 113…Rolled paper, 114…Paper tube section, 115…Filter section, 116…Hollow section section, 15…Ventilation port, 16…Cap, 17…External heat sink, 20…Power supply section, 21…Power supply, 22…External terminal, 30…Circuit section, 31, 32…Circuit board, 40…Heating section, 41…Heating assembly, 42…Receiver, 50…Control section, 60…Notification section, 62…Mode switching notification section, 64…Notification section during preheating, 66…Notification section after preheating, 68…Notification section during heating, 70…Sensor, 72…Temperature detection section, 74…Inhalation detection section, 76…Press detection section, 78…Opening detection section, 80…Memory, 90…Connection section

Claims

1. An inhalation device comprising: The receiving unit receives inhaled items; A heating unit heats the received inhaled article; The power supply unit supplies power to the heating unit; The memory stores data related to multiple heating curves; The control unit controls the operation of the inhalation device based on the multiple heating curves; as well as The temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the heating unit. The control unit executes the common preheating action for the multiple heating curves. The common preheating action includes a first preheating action as follows: maintaining the temperature of the heating element at a substantially identical first heating temperature during a common first heating period of the plurality of heating curves, wherein after the preheating action, the control unit performs a heating action during intake, the heating action during intake including: The action of maintaining the temperature of the heating element at the first heating temperature during the second heating period, and The action of maintaining the temperature of the heating element at the second heating temperature during the third heating period. The respective second heating periods of each of the plurality of heating curves are different from each other, and the second heating temperature is lower than the first heating temperature and is substantially the same among the plurality of heating curves.

2. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first heating temperature is the highest heating temperature of the heating element as determined by the temperature detection unit, based on the plurality of heating curves.

3. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The specified maximum heating temperature is 240 degrees Celsius.

4. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The common preheating action includes a second preheating action before the first preheating action: the heating element is supplied with a common amount of power from the power supply unit, which causes the temperature of the heating element to rise to the first heating temperature.

5. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The amount of power supplied during the second preheating operation is based on the maximum output of the power supply unit during the second preheating operation.

6. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The inhalation device also includes a first notification unit. The control unit causes the first notification unit to notify in a first manner during the first preheating operation, and causes the first notification unit to notify in a second manner different from the first manner during the second preheating operation.

7. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The first notification unit has multiple LEDs. The first method and the second method are configured with different light emission modes based on the combination of the plurality of LEDs.

8. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The inhalation device also includes a second notification unit. The control unit, based on the completion of the common preheating action, causes the second notification unit to notify the completion at a common time interval of the multiple heating curves.

9. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The second notification unit is equipped with a vibration motor. The completion notification includes the vibration of the vibration motor.

10. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The inhalation device also has an operation button that accepts pressure from the user. The control unit switches between multiple action modes based on the multiple heating curves according to the number of presses within a specified time.

11. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 10, wherein, The inhalation device also includes a third notification unit. The control unit causes the third notification unit to notify the switch in a third manner.

12. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The inhalation device also includes: An opening / closing device is capable of opening the opening associated with the receiving section; and The open detection unit detects whether the opening is open. The control unit allows switching between multiple operating modes based on the multiple heating curves only when the opening is open.

13. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of heating curves includes a first heating curve and a second heating curve. The second heating period in the first heating curve is shorter than the second heating period in the second heating curve. The temperature of the heating element after the second heating period in the first heating curve drops to the second heating temperature faster than the temperature of the heating element after the second heating period in the second heating curve.

14. A method for activating a suction device for receiving a suction article, the method comprising: The steps to determine one of multiple heating curves; A step for detecting the trigger used to begin heating the inhaled article; A step of preheating the inhaled article according to the heating curves, the preheating step including: detecting the temperature of the heating element, maintaining a substantially identical first heating temperature during a common first heating period of the plurality of heating curves; and The step of heating the inhaled article according to the heating curve to generate inhaled components. The step of generating the inhaled component includes: maintaining the temperature of the heating element at the first heating temperature during a second heating period after the first heating period, and maintaining the temperature of the heating element at the second heating temperature during a third heating period. The respective second heating periods of each of the plurality of heating curves are different from each other, and the second heating temperature is lower than the first heating temperature and is substantially the same among the plurality of heating curves.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The first heating temperature is the highest heating temperature specified for the heating curve and the heating section.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The preheating step further includes supplying the heating element with a common amount of electricity to the plurality of heating curves to raise the temperature of the heating element to the first heating temperature.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The method further includes: The step of detecting that the opening / closing device has opened an opening provided in the inhalation device, the opening being used to receive the inhaled article; and The steps of switching between multiple operating modes based on the multiple heating curves, according to the user operation specified for the inhalation device. The switching is permitted only if the opening is open.

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