Aerosol-generating system, control method, and program

Abstract

A mechanism capable of further improving the quality of user experience is provided. An aerosol-generating system, the aerosol-generating system comprising: a tubular body containing a substrate comprising an aerosol source; resistance heating layers which are laminated on the outer side of the side wall of the tubular body; and conductive layers laminated so as to overlap at least a portion of the resistive heating layers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system, a control method, and a program. Background Art

[0002] Inhalation devices (such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers) that generate substances to be inhaled by a user are widely used. For example, an inhalation device uses an aerosol source for generating an aerosol, and a matrix including a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, etc., to generate an aerosol imparted with a flavor component. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling an aerosol is also referred to as "puffing" or "puffing action" hereinafter.

[0003] There is a need to improve the heating efficiency in an inhalation device of a type that generates an aerosol by heating a matrix. For example, Patent Document Article 1 listed below discloses a technique in which a coating of an electrically insulating material is formed on the surface of a heating chamber having an opening portion for receiving a matrix, and a coating of a conductive material serving as a Joule heater is further formed on the electrically insulating material.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Document

[0006] PTL 1: WO 2022 / 167261 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document Article 1 has only recently been developed and still has room for improvement in various aspects.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure takes into account the above problems, and an object of this disclosure is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience.

[0010] Solution to the Problem

[0011] To solve the above problems, an aspect of the present invention provides an aerosol generating system including: a tubular body that houses a matrix containing an aerosol source; resistive heating layers that are laminated on the outer side of the side wall of the tubular body; and conductive layers that are laminated so as to overlap at least a part of the resistive heating layers.

[0012] The rate of change of the temperature coefficient of resistance of these conductive layers with respect to temperature can be less than the rate of change of the temperature coefficient of resistance of these resistive heating layers with respect to temperature.

[0013] These conductive layers can be made of a single metal, and these resistive heating layers can be made of an alloy.

[0014] These resistive heating layers can have a first portion that generates heat when current flows and a second portion that generates less heat than the first portion, and these conductive layers can be laminated so as to overlap at least a portion of the first portion of these resistive heating layers.

[0015] The wire connected to the power supply unit that applies voltage to these conductive layers can be connected to a portion of these conductive layers that does not overlap with the first portion.

[0016] The direction in which current flows in these resistive heating layers and the direction in which current flows in the portion of these conductive layers that overlaps with these resistive heating layers can be the same.

[0017] The aerosol generating system can further include a control unit that controls the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the resistance value of these conductive layers.

[0018] The control unit can repeat, in the stated order, a first step of applying voltage to these conductive layers to measure the resistance value of these conductive layers, and a second step of applying voltage to these resistive heating layers in a manner determined based on the resistance value of these conductive layers measured in the first step.

[0019] The control unit can make the time period for performing the first step and the time period for performing the second step different.

[0020] The control unit can control the manner of applying the voltage to these resistive heating layers based on control information that defines a time-series transition of a target value of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of these resistive heating layers.

[0021] The time period for controlling the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the control information can include, in the stated order: a first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises or is maintained; a second time period after the first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers drops or is maintained; and a third time period after the second time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises or is maintained.

[0022] The time periods for controlling the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on this control information may include, in the stated order: a first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers increases or is maintained from an initial temperature; a second time period after the first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers decreases; and a third time period after the second time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers increases or is maintained.

[0023] The aerosol generating system may further include the substrate.

[0024] Additionally, to solve the above problems, another aspect of the present invention provides a control method executed by a computer for controlling an aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating system includes: a tubular body that houses a substrate containing an aerosol source; resistive heating layers that are laminated on the outer side of the sidewall of the tubular body; and conductive layers that are laminated so as to at least partially overlap with these resistive heating layers, and the control method includes controlling the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the resistance values of these conductive layers.

[0025] Additionally, to solve the above problems, another aspect of the present invention provides a program executed by a computer for controlling an aerosol generating system, wherein the aerosol generating system includes: a tubular body that houses a substrate containing an aerosol source; resistive heating layers that are laminated on the outer side of the sidewall of the tubular body; and conductive layers that are laminated so as to at least partially overlap with these resistive heating layers, and the program causes the computer to act as a control unit that controls the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the resistance values of these conductive layers.

[0026] Advantageous Effects of the Present Invention

[0027] The present disclosure as described above provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the user experience. Description of the Drawings

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example configuration of an inhalation device.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of a heating system of an inhalation device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a perspective view of the shown accommodation portion.

[0031] Figure 4 is along the Figure 3 ​​​​The cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 as shown.

[0032] Figure 5 is the cross-sectional view taken along Figure 4 line 5-5 as shown.

[0033] Figure 6 is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receiving portion including the non-pressing portion in the state where the rod-shaped substrate is held in the holding portion.

[0034] Figure 7 is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of the receiving portion including the pressing portion in the state where the rod-shaped substrate is held in the holding portion.

[0035] Figure 8 is the cross-sectional view taken along Figure 7 line 7-7 as shown.

[0036] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing a heating system according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing a heating system according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing a heating system according to a modified example.

[0039] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing a heating system according to a modified example.

[0040] Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing a heating system according to a modified example.

[0041] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing a heating system according to a modified example.

[0042] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing a heating system according to a modified example.

[0043] Figure 16 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 40 when temperature control is performed based on the heating curve shown in Table 1.

[0044] Figure 17 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 40 when temperature control is performed based on the heating curve shown in Table 2. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0045] Figure 18 is a graph for describing the temperature control of the resistive heating layer according to the present embodiment.

[0046] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed in the inhalation device according to the present embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0048] In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration may also be distinguished by using the same reference numerals followed by indices including different alphabetical or numerical characters. For example, as needed, a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration are distinguished as devices 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3. However, if it is not necessary to specifically distinguish between each of a plurality of components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numeral is assigned. For example, when it is not necessary to distinguish between devices 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3, devices 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 are also simply referred to as device 1.

[0049] <1. Example Configuration of an Inhalation Device>

[0050] An inhalation device is a device for generating a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0051] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example configuration of the inhalation device. As Figure 1 shown, the inhalation device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 40, a housing unit 50, and a heat insulation portion 70.

[0052] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. The power supply unit 111 then supplies electric power to each component of the inhalation device 100 according to the control executed by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium ion secondary battery).

[0053] ​​The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the inhalation device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor (such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, etc.), and acquires values associated with the user's inhalation. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device (such as a button or a switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0054] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113 is configured by a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that can vibrate.

[0055] The memory unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the inhalation device 100. The memory unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium (such as a flash memory), for example.

[0056] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, examples of communication standards that can be used include standards adopting Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Near Field Communication (NFC), or Low Power Wide Area (LPWA).

[0057] The control unit 116 serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116 is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor.

[0058] The accommodation part 50 has an internal space 80 and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the rod-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 80. The accommodation part 50 has an opening 52 to allow the internal space 80 to communicate with the outside, and the accommodation part accommodates the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 80 from the opening 52. For example, the accommodation part 50 is a tubular body including the opening 52 and having a bottom wall 56 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 80. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 80 can be connected to the accommodation part 50. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the side surface of the inhalation device 100, and the air inlet hole is an entrance for air to enter the air flow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom wall 56, and the air outlet hole is an outlet for air to flow from the air flow path to the internal space 80.

[0059] The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug. For example, the aerosol source may be a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components such as water or a polyol (e.g., glycerol or propylene glycol), or may be a solid including tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. In a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held in the accommodation portion 50, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 80, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 52. Thus, when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 52 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 80 via an air flow path (not shown in the figure) and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0060] The heating unit 40 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating an aerosol. In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the heating unit 40 is configured in a film shape and is provided to cover the outer periphery of the accommodation portion 50. Thus, when the heating unit 40 generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating an aerosol. The heating unit 40 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power can be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or has input a predetermined information. Then, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has completed inhaling and / or has input a predetermined information, the power supply can be stopped.

[0061] The heat insulation portion 70 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 40 to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 70 is configured of a vacuum heat insulation material or an aerogel heat insulation material, etc.

[0062] The configuration example of the inhalation device 100 has been described above. The inhalation device 100 is of course not limited to the above configuration, and various configurations can be adopted, such as those shown by way of example below.

[0063] As an example, the accommodation portion 50 may include an opening and closing mechanism (such as a hinge) for opening and closing a part of the housing forming the internal space 80. Thus, by opening and closing the housing, the accommodation portion 50 can clamp and accommodate the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 80. In this case, the heating unit 40 can be provided on the clamping portion of the accommodation portion 50 and can heat the rod-shaped substrate while pressing it.

[0064] In addition, the receiving part 50 may have a so-called countercurrent air intake and exhaust configuration. In this case, when the user sucks, air flows through the opening 52 into the internal space 80. Subsequently, the inflowing air passes through the inside of the rod-shaped substrate 150 from the end of the rod-shaped substrate 150 and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol.

[0065] The rod-shaped substrate 150 is an example of an aerosol-generating substrate containing an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 cooperate to generate an aerosol for the user to inhale. Thus, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be regarded as an aerosol-generating system.

[0066] <2. Technical features>

[0067] <2.1. Basic configuration>

[0068] Now, reference will be made to Figures 2 to 8 describe the basic configuration of the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment, which is related to the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0069] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example of the heating system 30 of the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment. The heating system 30 is a system of components involved in the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150. Figure 2 The shown heating system 30 includes a heating unit 40, a receiving part 50, and a measuring unit 90. In addition to Figure 2 the shown heating unit 40, receiving part 50, and measuring unit 90, the heating system 30 further includes Figure 1 the shown heat insulation part 70. As Figure 2 shown, the heating unit 40 is disposed on the outer side of the receiving part 50. Thus, when the heating unit 40 generates heat, the receiving part 50 is heated from the outside, and the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated by the heat transferred from the receiving part 50. This allows an aerosol to be generated from the rod-shaped substrate 150. In addition, the measuring unit 90 is disposed on the outer side of the heating unit 40 and is in close contact with the heating unit 40. Thus, the measuring unit 90 can accurately measure the temperature of the heating unit 40.

[0070] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a perspective view of the shown receiving part 50. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the receiving part 50 taken along Figure 3 the shown line 4-4. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the receiving part 50 taken along Figure 4 the shown line 5-5. As Figures 3 to 5As shown, the receiving portion 50 is a tubular body with a bottom, and the tubular body with a bottom includes an opening 52, a side wall 54, and a bottom wall 56. The bottom wall blocks the end portion on the opposite side of the opening 52. The side wall 54 has an inner surface 54a and an outer surface 54b. The bottom wall 56 has an inner surface 56a and an outer surface 56b. The rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the receiving portion 50 through the opening 52 and is received in the internal space 80 surrounded by the side wall 54 and the bottom wall 56. The receiving portion 50 is preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity and can be made of, for example, SUS (stainless steel), etc. This allows the rod-shaped substrate 150 to be effectively heated.

[0071] The rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and removed along the axial direction of the receiving portion 50, which is a tubular body. In the axial direction, the direction in which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted is also referred to as "down", while the direction in which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is withdrawn is also referred to as "up". The axial direction is also referred to as the up-down direction. The up-down direction can be the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion 50. In the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, the direction towards the central axis of the receiving portion 50 is also referred to as inwards, while the direction away from the central axis is also referred to as outwards.

[0072] As Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the receiving portion 50 has a holding portion 60 that holds the rod-shaped substrate 150. The holding portion 60 includes a pressing portion 62 that presses a part of the rod-shaped substrate 150, and a non-pressing portion 66. The pressing portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The non-pressing portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. The pressing portion 62 and the non-pressing portion 66 are parts of the side wall 54 of the receiving portion 50. The pressing portion 62 is an example of a first side wall. The non-pressing portion 66 is an example of a second side wall different from the first side wall.

[0073] The opening 52 of the receiving portion 50 can preferably receive the rod-shaped substrate without applying pressure to it. In other words, the opening 52 of the receiving portion 50 is preferably configured to be larger than the rod-shaped substrate 150 in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. The shape of the opening 52 of the receiving portion 50 in a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction can be polygonal or elliptical, but is preferably circular.

[0074] As Figure 2 As shown, the heating unit 40 is provided on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. The heating unit 40 is preferably provided on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 without a gap. In addition, the heating unit 40 is preferably provided on the entire outer surface 62b of each pressing portion 62. However, the heating unit 40 is preferably provided so as not to protrude beyond the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. Of course, the heating unit 40 can be provided to protrude from the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 to the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing portion 66.

[0075] As Figure 2 shown, each of the heating units 40 has a heat generating region 44 and a non-heat generating region 45. The heat generating region 44 is a region where heat is generated when an electric current flows through the heating unit 40. The non-heat generating region 45 is a region where less heat is generated compared to the heat generating region 44. The non-heat generating region 45 is a region where no heat or very little heat is generated when an electric current flows. The heat generating region 44 is provided on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. With this configuration, the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be effectively heated while pressing the rod-shaped substrate 150 with the pressing portion 62.

[0076] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, in the present embodiment, the accommodating portion 50 has two pressing portions 62 and two non-pressing portions 66. Further, the pressing portions 62 and the non-pressing portions 66 are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 50. In particular, the two pressing portions 62 of the holding portion 60 face each other. The distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two pressing portions 62 is at least partially smaller than the width of the portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 that is disposed between the pressing portions 62 when inserted into the accommodating portion 50. With this configuration, the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be pressed by the two opposing pressing portions 62.

[0077] As Figures 3 to 5 shown, the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 of the holding portion 60 is curved in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating portion 50. Preferably, the shape of the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating portion 50 is the same as the shape of the opening 52 in any position in the longitudinal direction of the accommodating portion 50 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating portion 50. In other words, the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 of the holding portion 60 is preferably formed by extending the inner surface of the accommodating portion 50 that forms the opening 52 in the longitudinal direction. The outer surface 66b of the non-pressing portion 66 of the holding portion 60 is curved in parallel with the inner surface 66a.

[0078] As Figure 5 shown, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 includes a pair of opposing flat pressing surfaces having a flat shape. At the same time, the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 connects the two ends of the pair of flat pressing surfaces and includes a pair of opposing curved non-pressing surfaces having a curved surface shape. As shown in the drawings, the curved non-pressing surfaces may have an overall arcuate cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating portion 50. The outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing portion 66 may be connected to each other at an angle, and a boundary 68 may be formed between the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing portion 66. As Figure 5As shown, the pressing portion 62 and the non-pressing portion 66 (i.e., the side wall 54 of the accommodating portion 50) may have a uniform thickness. For example, the pressing portion 62 may include a flat plate. Additionally, the non-pressing portion 66 may include a curved plate that curves outward along the circumferential direction of the accommodating portion 50 to the outside of the accommodating portion 50.

[0079] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the accommodating portion 50 preferably has a first guiding portion 58 having a conical surface 58a that connects the inner surface of the accommodating portion 50 (i.e., the non-holding portion 69) forming the opening 52 and the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62. The first guiding portion 58 provides a smooth connection between the pressing portion 62 and the non-holding portion 69, thereby allowing the rod-shaped substrate 150 to be properly guided into the holding portion 60 during the process of inserting the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the accommodating portion 50.

[0080] As Figure 4 shown, the accommodating portion 50 preferably has a tubular non-holding portion 69 between the opening 52 and the holding portion 60. The non-holding portion 69 is a part of the accommodating portion 50 that does not contribute to holding the rod-shaped substrate 150. For example, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the accommodating portion 50, the non-holding portion 69 may be formed to be larger than the rod-shaped substrate 150. This allows the rod-shaped substrate 150 to be easily inserted into the accommodating portion 50.

[0081] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the accommodating portion 50 including the non-pressing portion 66 in a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is being held by the holding portion 60. Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the accommodating portion 50 including the pressing portion 62 in a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is being held by the holding portion 60. Figure 8 is the accommodating portion 50 along Figure 7 shown in the cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7. It should be noted that in Figure 8 , a cross-section taken through the rod-shaped substrate 150 in a state before being pressed is shown in order to easily recognize that the rod-shaped substrate 150 is pressed by the pressing portion 62.

[0082] As Figure 6 shown, the rod-shaped substrate 150 is pressed by the pressing portion 66, and the inner surface 66a of the pressing portion 66 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 are in close contact with each other. At the same time, as Figure 7 shown, a gap 67 is formed between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0083] As Figure 8As shown, even when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 60 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 is pressed and deformed by the pressing portion 62, the gap 67 between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the rod-shaped substrate 150 is substantially maintained. If the accommodating portion 50 has a countercurrent air intake and exhaust configuration, the gap 67 can form an air flow path that provides communication between the opening 52 and the end of the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0084] As Figure 8 shown, in a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 60, the distance L between the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 and the center of the rod-shaped substrate 150 A is less than the distance L between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the center of the rod-shaped substrate 150. B With this configuration, compared with the case where the pressing portion 62 is not provided, the distance between the heating unit 40 provided on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 and the center of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be reduced. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be improved.

[0085] As Figures 3 to 8 shown, the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 60 preferably has the same shape and size (the outer peripheral length of the holding portion 60 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 60) along the entire longitudinal length of the holding portion 60. This enables the gap 67 to be ensured while uniformly pressing the rod-shaped substrate 150 over the entire holding portion 60 in the vertical direction.

[0086] As described above, the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment holds and heats the rod-shaped substrate 150 while pressing the rod-shaped substrate 150 by means of the pressing portion 62. This configuration enables the heating efficiency of the rod-shaped substrate 150 to be improved compared with the case where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated without being pressed.

[0087] <2.2. Configuration of the heating system 30>

[0088] The heating system 30 according to the present embodiment is manufactured by sequentially laminating the components constituting the heating system 30 on the outer side of the side wall 54 of the accommodating portion 50. Now, the configuration of the heating system 30 will be described while referring Figure 9 to Figure 10 and describing the steps for manufacturing the heating system 30.

[0089] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are drawings showing examples of the steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to the present embodiment. The steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to the present embodiment are sequentially through Figure 9 and Figure 10The manufacturing steps S11 to S16 shown are carried out. Hereinafter, the two pressing portions 62 of the holding portion 60 are in some cases distinguished as a pressing portion 62-1 and a pressing portion 62-2. Similarly, the two non-pressing portions 66 of the holding portion 60 are in some cases distinguished as a non-pressing portion 66-1 and a non-pressing portion 66-2. In Figure 9 and Figure 10 , each manufacturing step is shown in an exploded view, in which the side wall 54 of the receiving portion 50 (specifically, the portion corresponding to the holding portion 60) is separated and exploded at the center of the non-pressing portion 66-2. The left-right direction in the exploded view corresponds to the circumferential direction of the receiving portion 50.

[0090] In Figure 9 's manufacturing step S11, the receiving portion 50 is shown in a state before other components have been laminated onto the holding portion 60.

[0091] In Figure 9 's manufacturing step S12, first, the first electrical insulating layer 41 (41-1 and 41-2) is laminated onto the pressing portions 62. Specifically, the first electrical insulating layer 41-1 is laminated onto the outer side of the pressing portion 62-1, and the first electrical insulating layer 41-2 is laminated onto the outer side of the pressing portion 62-2. The first electrical insulating layer 41 is made of an electrical insulating material. For example, examples of materials that can be used to form the first electrical insulating layer 41 include glass and ceramics. The first electrical insulating layer 41 is laminated using a vapor deposition process or a printing process. The vapor deposition process is a process of vaporizing a substance toward the surface of a target object to form a thin film coating. The printing process is a process of ejecting a liquid toward the surface of a target object to form a thin film coating.

[0092] In Figure 9In manufacturing step S13, the resistance heating layer 42 (42-1 and 42-2) is laminated onto the outer side of the pressing portion 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone manufacturing step S12. Specifically, the resistance heating layer 42-1 is laminated onto the outer side of the first electrical insulating layer 41-1 that is laminated onto the pressing portion 62-1, and the resistance heating layer 42-2 is laminated onto the outer side of the first electrical insulating layer 41-2 that is laminated onto the pressing portion 62-2. In particular, the resistance heating layer 42 is laminated onto the first electrical insulating layer 41 in a single-line shape, and this line moves back and forth in the vertical direction while leaving a gap in the left-right direction. The resistance heating layer 42 is made of a conductive material. Examples of materials that can be used to form the resistance heating layer 42 include metallic materials (such as SUS) and non-metallic materials (such as silicon carbide). The resistance heating layer 42 can also be made of a conductive paste material. An example of such a material is a material in which the main component including silver is mixed with a resistance modifier. When an electric current flows through the resistance heating layer 42, Joule heat corresponding to the resistance is emitted. The resistance heating layer 42 is laminated using a vapor deposition process or a printing process.

[0093] Here, as Figure 9 shown, the resistance heating layer 42-1 forms an open circuit having a first end portion 46-1 and a second end portion 47-1 as its two ends. The resistance heating layer 42-2 also forms an open circuit having a first end portion 46-2 and a second end portion 47-2 as its two ends. The first end portions 46 (46-1 and 46-2) are provided within the first electrical insulating layer 41. In particular, the first end portion 46 is provided in the lower end portion of the first electrical insulating layer 41. At the same time, the second end portions 47 (47-1 and 47-2) are provided to protrude from the first electrical insulating layer 41. In particular, the second end portion 47 protrudes from the first electrical insulating layer 41, further protrudes from the pressing portion 62, and is provided in the non-pressing portion 66.

[0094] In Figure 9 manufacturing step S14, the second electrical insulating layer 43 (43-1 and 43-2) is laminated onto the outer side of the pressing portion 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone manufacturing step S13. Specifically, the second electrical insulating layer 43-1 is laminated onto the outside of the first electrical insulating layer 41-1 and the resistance heating layer 42-2 that are laminated onto the pressing portion 62-1, and the second electrical insulating layer 43-2 is laminated onto the outside of the first electrical insulating layer 41-2 and the resistance heating layer 42-2 that are laminated onto the pressing portion 62-2. Similar to the first electrical insulating layer 41, the second electrical insulating layer 43 is made of an electrical insulating material. The second electrical insulating layer 43 is laminated using a vapor deposition process or a printing process.

[0095] Further, in manufacturing step S14, wire 48-1 is connected to resistive heating layer 42-1, and wire 48-2 is connected to resistive heating layer 42-2. Specifically, wire 48-1 is connected to the first end portion 46-1 of resistive heating layer 42-1, and wire 48-2 is connected to the first end portion 46-2 of resistive heating layer 42-2. Wires 48 (48-1 and 48-2) are connected to power supply unit 111. As an example, the first end portion 46-1 of resistive heating layer 42-1 is connected to the negative electrode of power supply unit portion 111 via wire 48-1. Meanwhile, the first end portion 46-2 of resistive heating layer 42-2 is connected to power supply unit 111 via wire 48-2. Power supply unit 111 then supplies power to resistive heating layer 42 on the basis of the control by control unit 116, causing resistive heating layer 42 to generate heat.

[0096] Here, housing portion 50 is made of a conductive material. SUS can be cited as an example of a material for forming housing portion 50.

[0097] The second end portion 47-1 of resistive heating layer 42-1 protrudes from first electrical insulation layer 41-1 and is connected to housing portion 50, and is electrically connected to power supply unit 111 via housing portion 50. Similarly, the second end portion 47-2 of resistive heating layer 42-2 protrudes from first electrical insulation layer 41-2 and is connected to housing portion 50, and is electrically connected to power supply unit 111 via housing portion 50. More specifically, the second end portion 47-1 of resistive heating layer 42-1 and the second end portion 47-2 of resistive heating layer 42-2 adjacent to resistive heating layer 42-1 are electrically connected via housing portion 50. Then, the first end portion 46-1 of resistive heating layer 42-1 is electrically connected to power supply unit 111 via wire 48-1, and the first end portion 46-2 of resistive heating layer 42-2 is electrically connected to power supply unit 111 via wire 48-2. With the above configuration, wire 48-1, resistive heating layer 42-1, housing portion 50, resistive heating layer 42-2, and wire 48-2 form a series circuit connected to power supply unit 111. When power supply unit 111 supplies power to this series circuit, heat can be generated in resistive heating layer 42-1 and resistive heating layer 42-2.

[0098] The above-mentioned first electrical insulation layer 41-1, resistance heating layer 42-1, and second electrical insulation layer 43-1 constitute the heating unit 40-1. Further, the first electrical insulation layer 41-2, resistance heating layer 42-2, and second electrical insulation layer 43-2 constitute the heating unit 40-2. Here, each component constituting the heating unit 40 (40-1 and 40-2) is laminated using a printing process or a vapor deposition process. Therefore, the occurrence of defects such as misalignment and peeling can be prevented, and thus, compared with other manufacturing methods (such as manufacturing the heating unit 40 independently and combining it with the accommodation part 50), the manufacturing accuracy of the heating system 30 can be improved. As a result, the heating efficiency of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be improved, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0099] Supplementary information regarding the characteristics of the heating unit 40 will now be provided.

[0100] Referring again to manufacturing steps S12 to S14, the first electrical insulation layer 41-1 is laminated inside the resistance heating layer 42-1, and the second electrical insulation layer 43-1 is laminated outside the resistance heating layer 42-1. In addition, at least a part of the resistance heating layer 42-1 is sandwiched between the first electrical insulation layer 41-1 and the resistance heating layer 42-2. With this configuration, a short circuit can be prevented from occurring in the resistance heating layer 42-1 via components on the inner side of the heating unit 40 (e.g., the accommodation part 50) or components on the outer side of the heating unit 40 (e.g., the heat diffusion layer discussed below). This also applies to the first electrical insulation layer 41-2, resistance heating layer 42-2, and second electrical insulation layer 43-2.

[0101] Referring again to manufacturing step S13, the resistance heating layer 42-1 and the resistance heating layer 42-2 are laminated on the outside of the pressing parts 62-1 and 62-2 adjacent to and on both sides of the non-pressing part 66-1 in a state where they are separated from each other at the non-pressing part 66-1. With this configuration, the resistance heating layer 42 can be provided on the flat surface of the pressing part 62. Therefore, the occurrence of defects such as misalignment and peeling can be prevented, and thus, compared with the case where the resistance heating layer 42 is provided on the curved surface of the non-pressing part 66, the manufacturing accuracy of the heating system 30 can be improved. As a result, the heating efficiency of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be improved, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0102] Referring again to manufacturing step S13, the second end portion 47-1 of the resistive heating layer 42-1 protruding from the first electrical insulating layer 41-1 protrudes from the pressing portion 62-1 and is connected to the non-pressing portion 66-1. At the same time, the second end portion 47-2 of the resistive heating layer 42-2 protruding from the first electrical insulating layer 41-2 protrudes from the pressing portion 62-2 and is connected to the non-pressing portion 66-1. That is, the second end portion 47-1 of the resistive heating layer 42-1 and the second end portion 47-2 of the resistive heating layer 42-2 are arranged to protrude from the left end and the right end of the non-pressing portion 66-1 in a direction approaching each other. With this configuration, the distance between the second end portion 47-1 of the resistive heating layer 42-1 and the second end portion 47-2 of the resistive heating layer 42-2 can be minimized. As a result, the electric power conduction between the resistive heating layer 42-1 and the resistive heating layer 42-2 can be promoted.

[0103] Referring again to manufacturing step S13, the resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the heat generation region 44 is configured to be thin. This allows the resistance of the resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the heat generation region 44 to increase, so as to generate high Joule heat when electric power is applied. The resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the heat generation region 44 is an example of the first part of the resistive heating layer 42, and these first parts generate heat when an electric current flows through them. At the same time, the resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the non-heat generation region 45 of the heating unit 40 is configured to be wider than the resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the heat generation region 44. This allows the resistance of the resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the non-heat generation region 45 to decrease, such that no Joule heat is generated or only a very small amount of Joule heat is generated when electric power is applied. The resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the non-heat generation region 45 is an example of the second part of the resistive heating layer 42, and these second parts generate less heat than the first part of the resistive heating layer 42.

[0104] Referring again to manufacturing step S14, the first end portion 46 to which the wire 48 is connected is arranged in the resistive heating layer 42 in the non-heat generation region 45, and these resistive heating layers are configured to be wider than the resistive heating layer 42 in the heat generation region 44. This makes it possible to prevent heat from being transferred to the wire 48 and to prevent the connection portion between the wire 48 and the resistive heating layer 42 from being damaged by heat.

[0105] Referring again to manufacturing step S14, the wire 48 is connected only to one of the two ends of each resistive heating layer 42. With this configuration, the number of wires 48 can be reduced compared to the case where the wire 48 is connected to both ends of the resistive heating layer 42. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of a poor connection between the wire 48 and the resistive heating layer 42, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0106] The resistive heating layer 42 is disposed at a position corresponding to the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation portion 50, and the aerosol source is distributed in this substrate portion. Specifically, in a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 50, as Figure 7 shown, the heat generation region 44 laminated with the resistive heating layer 42 is disposed at a position corresponding to the substrate portion 151 within the pressing portion 62. With this configuration, the heating efficiency of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be improved.

[0107] It is desirable that the portion of the outer periphery of the accommodation portion 50 laminated with the first electrical insulation layer 41 occupies less than 50% of the outer periphery of the accommodation portion 50. More simply, it is desirable that the pressing portion 62 occupies less than 50% of the outer periphery of the accommodation portion 50. With this configuration, the area of the heat generation region 44 can be reduced to increase the watt density. As a result, the heating efficiency of the rod-shaped substrate 150 can be improved.

[0108] Supplementary information regarding the features of the heating unit 40 has been provided above. Subsequently, the Figure 10 subsequent manufacturing steps will be described.

[0109] In Figure 10 manufacturing step S15, the conductive layers 91 (91-1 and 91-2) are laminated onto the outer side of the pressing portion 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone manufacturing step S14. Specifically, the conductive layer 91-1 is laminated onto the outer side of the heating unit 40-1 (specifically, the second electrical insulation layer 43-1) laminated onto the pressing portion 62-1. Additionally, the conductive layer 91-2 is laminated onto the outer side of the heating unit 40-2 (specifically, the second electrical insulation layer 43-2) laminated onto the pressing portion 62-2. Specifically, the electrical insulation layer 91 is laminated in a single-line shape onto the second electrical insulation layer 43, which moves back and forth in the vertical direction while leaving a gap in the left-right direction, and is laminated in a shape following the resistive heating layer 42 (i.e., overlapping with the resistive heating layer). The resistive heating layer 42 is made of a conductive material. The conductive layer 91 is laminated using a vapor deposition process or a printing process.

[0110] Here, as Figure 10As shown, the conductive layer 91-1 forms an open circuit having a first end portion 92-1 and a second end portion 93-1 at its two ends. The conductive layer 91-2 also forms an open circuit having a first end portion 92-2 and a second end portion 93-2 at its two ends. In particular, the first end portions 92 (92-1 and 92-2) and the second end portions 93 (93-1 and 93-2) of the electrical insulation layer 91 are provided on the lower end portion of the second electrical insulation layer 43. In addition, the conductive layer 91 is completely provided within the second electrical insulation layer 43. This configuration enables prevention of a situation where the conductive layer 91 and the resistance heating layer 42 come into contact with each other and cause a short circuit.

[0111] In Figure 10 manufacturing step S16, the third electrical insulation layers 94 (94-1 and 94-2) are laminated onto the outer sides of the pressing portions 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone manufacturing step S15. Specifically, the third electrical insulation layer 94-1 is laminated onto the outer side of the second electrical insulation layer 43-1 that is laminated onto the pressing portion 62-1 and the electrical insulation layer 91-1. In addition, the third electrical insulation layer 94-2 is laminated onto the outer side of the second electrical insulation layer 43-2 that is laminated onto the pressing portion 62-2 and the electrical insulation layer 91-2. Similar to the first electrical insulation layer 41 and the second electrical insulation layer 43, the third electrical insulation layer 94 is made of an electrical insulating material. The third electrical insulation layer 94 is laminated using a vapor deposition process or a printing process.

[0112] Furthermore, in manufacturing step S16, wires 95-1 and 95-2 are connected to the conductive layer 91-1, and wires 95-3 and 95-4 are connected to the conductive layer 91-2. Specifically, the wire 95-1 is connected to the first end portion 92-1 of the conductive layer 91-1, and the wire 95-2 is connected to the second end portion 93-1 of the conductive layer 91-1. At the same time, the wire 95-3 is connected to the first end portion 92-2 of the conductive layer 91-2, and the wire 95-4 is connected to the second end portion 93-2 of the conductive layer 91-2. The wires 95 (95-1 to 95-4) are connected to the power supply unit 111. Specifically, the first end portion 92-1 of the conductive layer 91-1 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply unit portion 111 via the wire 95-1. At the same time, the second end portion 93-1 of the conductive layer 91-1 is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply unit 111 via the wire 95-2. In addition, the first end portion 92-2 of the conductive layer 91-2 is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply unit portion 111 via the wire 95-3. At the same time, the second end portion 93-2 of the conductive layer 91-2 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply unit 111 via the wire 95-4. Thus, the power supply unit 111 applies a voltage to the conductive layer 91 via the wires 95 based on the control of the control unit 116.

[0113] The above-described conductive layer 91-1 and the third electrical insulating layer 94-1 constitute the measurement unit 90-1. Additionally, the conductive layer 91-2 and the third electrical insulating layer 94-2 constitute the measurement unit 90-2. Now, supplementary information regarding the characteristics of the measurement unit 90 (90-1 and 90-2) will be provided.

[0114] The measurement unit 90 is a component for measuring the temperature of the heating unit 40 (specifically, the resistive heating layer 42). Specifically, the control unit 116 calculates the temperature of each conductive layer 91 based on the resistance value of the conductive layer 91. The resistance value of each resistive heating layer 91 is measured according to the amount of voltage drop between the first end portion 92 and the second end portion 93. Then, the control unit 116 measures (e.g., estimates) the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 based on the temperature of the conductive layer 91. The control unit 116 controls the temperature to which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated by estimating and controlling the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 using the measurement unit 90. In the present embodiment, it is considered that the temperature of the conductive layer 91 matches or substantially matches the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 because the conductive layer 91 and the resistive heating layer 42 are adjacent to each other with the second electrical insulating layer 43 therebetween. In this way, the control unit 116 can measure the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 with high accuracy. As a result, the temperature to which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated can be appropriately controlled, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0115] Referring again to Figure 10 manufacturing step S15, the conductive layer 91 is laminated so as to overlap at least a part of the resistive heating layer 42. With this configuration, the temperature of the conductive layer 91 and the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 can match or substantially match. Therefore, the accuracy of measuring the temperature of the heating unit 40 using the measurement unit 90 can be improved.

[0116] Specifically, the conductive layer 91 is laminated so as to overlap at least a part of the resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the heat generation region 44. Referring again to Figure 10 manufacturing step S15, the conductive layer 91 is laminated so as to almost completely overlap the resistive heating layer 42 provided within the heat generation region 44. With this configuration, the temperature of the conductive layer 91 and the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 laminated in the heat generation region 44 can match more closely. Therefore, the accuracy of measuring the temperature of the heating unit 40 using the measurement unit 90 can be further improved.

[0117] The direction in which current flows in the resistance heating layer 42 is the same as the direction in which current flows in the portion of the conductive layer 91 that overlaps with the resistance heating layer 42. Specifically, in the resistance heating layer 42-1, current flows from the first end portion 46-1 on the negative electrode side to the second end portion 47-1 on the positive electrode side. At the same time, in the conductive layer 91-1, current flows from the first end portion 92-1 on the negative electrode side to the second end portion 93-1 on the positive electrode side. In this way, the direction of current flow is the same in the overlapping portion between the resistance heating layer 42-1 and the conductive layer 91-1. With this configuration, both the first end portion 46-1 of the resistance heating layer 42-1 and the first end portion 92-1 of the conductive layer 91-1, which are arranged close to each other, are connected to the negative electrode. Therefore, the wire 48-1 or the wire 95-1 does not have to be routed circuitously, for example, to connect to the power supply unit 111, and the lengths of the wire 48-1 and the wires 95-1 and 95-2 can be minimized. Minimizing the lengths of the wires 95-1 and 95-2 enables minimizing the influence of the wires 95-1 and 95-2 on the measured resistance value of the conductive layer 91, thereby enabling improving the accuracy of measuring the temperature of the resistance heating layer 42. In addition, since parallel currents flow in the same direction, a magnetic field is generated in the opposite direction between the parallel currents, and a force is generated in the direction that brings the resistance heating layer 42-1 and the conductive layer 91-1 closer together. Therefore, when current flows through the resistance heating layer 42-1 and the conductive layer 91-1 simultaneously, the resistance heating layer 42-1 and the conductive layer 91-1 are attracted and come into close contact with each other, thereby enabling improving the accuracy of measuring the temperature of the resistance heating layer 42. This also applies to the resistance heating layer 42-2 and the conductive layer 91-2.

[0118] The resistance temperature coefficient of the conductive layer 91 is different from the resistance temperature coefficient of the resistance heating layer 42. The resistance temperature coefficient is the temperature characteristic of the resistance value. If the resistance value at temperature t is Rt, the value obtained by dividing the increase in the resistance value r when the temperature is increased by 1 °C from temperature t by the resistance value R can be defined as the resistance temperature coefficient at temperature t.

[0119] Specifically, the rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient of the conductive layer 91 with respect to temperature is less than the rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient of the resistance heating layer 42 with respect to temperature. The rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient with respect to temperature is the change in the resistance temperature coefficient when the temperature t changes. The rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient with respect to temperature can be regarded as the variance or deviation of the resistance temperature coefficient. The rate of change of the temperature coefficient with respect to temperature can also be referred to as the stability of the resistance temperature coefficient. The smaller the rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient with respect to temperature, the more likely it is to improve the temperature measurement accuracy based on the resistance value. Therefore, by measuring the temperature of the resistance heating layer 42 based on the resistance value of the conductive layer 91 instead of based on the resistance value of the resistance heating layer 42 itself, the accuracy of measuring the temperature of the resistance heating layer 42 can be improved.

[0120] More specifically, the conductive layer 91 can be made of a single metal. As an example, the conductive layer 91 can be made of a metal such as copper, silver, gold, SUS, or nichrome alloy. At the same time, the resistance heating layer 42 can be made of an alloy. As an example, the resistance heating layer 42 can be made of an alloy containing two or more metal materials (such as silver, palladium, aluminum, or SUS). With this configuration, the temperature rise efficiency of the resistance heating layer 42 can be improved while stabilizing the resistance temperature coefficient of the conductive layer 91.

[0121] The manufacturing steps of the heating system 30 and the configuration of the heating system 30 have been described above.

[0122] It should be noted that the heating system 30 may further include other components in addition to the heating unit 40, the accommodation part 50, the measurement unit 90, and the heat insulation part 70.

[0123] As an example, the heating system 30 can include a heat diffusion layer. The heat diffusion layer can be wound around the outside of the measurement unit 90 of the accommodation part 90 inside the heat insulation part 70 and laminated thereon. The heat diffusion layer allows the heat of the heating unit 40 laminated on the pressing part 62 to spread throughout the entire accommodation part 50 including the non-pressing part 66. As a result, the rod-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation part 50 can be effectively heated. The heat diffusion layer can be, for example, a graphite sheet obtained by forming graphite into a sheet shape. It should be noted that the position where the heat diffusion layer is laminated is not limited to the above position and can be laminated, for example, between the accommodation part 50 and the first electrical insulation layer 41.

[0124] As another example, the heating system 30 may include a fixing device for fixing a component laminated on the outer side of the accommodation part 50 to the accommodation part 50. An example of the fixing device is a heat shrink tube. A heat shrink tube is a tubular member that shrinks when heat is applied. For example, the heat shrink tube is made of a resin material. The heat shrink tube is positioned to completely cover the partially manufactured heating system 30 (including components other than the heat shrink tube), and shrinks when heated in this state, thereby fixing each laminated component to the outer side of the accommodation part 50. With this configuration, position displacement and the like of each component laminated on the outer side of the accommodation part can be prevented.

[0125] <3. Modified Example of Measurement Unit 90>

[0126] In the above embodiment, an example in which the conductive layer 91 is entirely provided within the heat generation region 44 of the heating unit 40 has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. A part of each conductive layer 91 may be provided to protrude from the heat generation region 44 of the heating unit 40 into the non-heat generation region 45. This modified example will be described with reference to Figure 11 the drawings.

[0127] Figure 11 FIG. is an example showing steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to this modified example. The steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to this modified example include Figure 11 the manufacturing steps S17 to S19 shown, instead of Figure 9 and Figure 10 the manufacturing steps S14 to S16 shown. Hereinafter, the differences from the manufacturing steps S14 to S16 will be mainly described, and the description of similar points will be omitted.

[0128] In Figure 11 manufacturing step S17, the wire 48 is connected to the resistance heating layer 42 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone manufacturing step S13, and the second electrical insulation layer 43 is laminated on the outer side of the pressing part 62. However, in this modified example, the second electrical insulation layer 43 is laminated so as to cover the entire surface of each first electrical insulation layer 41. The connection portion between the resistance heating layer 42 and the wire 48 is covered by the second electrical insulation layer 43.

[0129] In Figure 11 manufacturing step S18, the conductive layer 91 is laminated on the outer side of the pressing part 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone manufacturing step S17. However, in this modified example, the conductive layer 91 is laminated not only in the heat generation region 44 but also in the non-heat generation region 45. In particular, the first end portion 92 and the second end portion 93 of the conductive layer 91 are provided in the non-heat generation region 45.

[0130] In Figure 11 manufacturing step S19, the third electrical insulation layer 94 is laminated onto the outer side of the pressing portion 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone manufacturing step S18, and the wire 95 is connected to the conductive layer 91. However, in this modified example, the wire 95 is connected to a portion of the conductive layer 91 that does not overlap with the heat generation region 44. Specifically, the wire 95 is connected to the first end portion 92 and the second end portion 93 of the conductive layer 91 provided in the non-heat generation region 45. With this configuration, heat transfer to the wire 95 can be prevented, and the connection portion between the wire 95 and the conductive layer 91 can be prevented from being damaged by heat.

[0131] <4. Modified Example of Heating Unit 40>

[0132] The configuration of the heating unit 40 is not limited to the above example. The heating unit 40 according to various modified examples described below can be adopted as the heating unit 40. Regardless of which heating unit 40 is adopted, the conductive layer 91 should be arranged to overlap at least a part of each resistive heating layer 42 (specifically, the resistive heating layer 42 provided in the heat generation region 44).

[0133] (1) First Modified Example

[0134] In the above embodiment, an example in which the second end portion 47 of the resistive heating layer 42 is connected to the non-pressing portion 66 is described, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. The second end portion 47 of the resistive heating layer 42 can be connected to the pressing portion 62. This modified example will be described with reference to Figure 12 describe this modified example.

[0135] Figure 12 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to this modified example. The steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to this modified example include Figure 12 the manufacturing steps S21 to S24 shown, rather than Figure 9 the manufacturing steps S11 to S14. Hereinafter, the differences from the manufacturing steps S11 to S14 will be mainly described, and the description of the similar points will be omitted.

[0136] Figure 12 The manufacturing step S21 of Figure 9 is the same as the manufacturing step S11 of

[0137] In Figure 12In the manufacturing step S22, the first electrical insulating layer 41 is laminated onto the pressing portion 62. However, in this modified example, a cutout 49-1 is provided in the lower portion of the first electrical insulating layer 41-1, thereby exposing a part of the pressing portion 62-1. Similarly, a cutout 49-2 is provided in the lower portion of the first electrical insulating layer 41-2, thereby exposing a part of the pressing portion 62-2.

[0138] In Figure 12 the manufacturing step S23, the resistive heating layer 42 is laminated onto the outer side of the first electrical insulating layer 41 that is laminated onto the pressing portion 62 of the heating system 30 that has been partially manufactured through the manufacturing step S22. However, in this modified example, the second end portion 47-1 of the resistive heating layer 42-1 that protrudes from the first electrical insulating layer 41-1 is connected to the pressing portion 62-1 exposed in the cutout 49-1 of the first electrical insulating layer 41-1. Similarly, the second end portion 47-2 of the resistive heating layer 42-2 that protrudes from the first electrical insulating layer 41-2 is connected to the pressing portion 62-2 exposed in the cutout 49-2 of the first electrical insulating layer 41-1. With this configuration, the resistive heating layer 42 can be laminated only onto the outer side of the flat pressing portion 62. Therefore, compared with the case where the second end portion 47 of the resistive heating layer 42 is connected to the curved non-pressing portion 66, the occurrence of defects such as misalignment and peeling of the resistive heating layer 42 can be prevented more effectively.

[0139] In Figure 12 the manufacturing step S24, the second electrical insulating layer 43 is laminated onto the outer sides of the first electrical insulating layer 41 and the resistive heating layer 42 that are laminated onto the pressing portion 62 of the heating system 30 that has been partially manufactured through the manufacturing step S23. However, in this modified example, in the same manner as in the first electrical insulating layer 41-1, a cutout 49-1 is also provided in the lower portion of the second electrical insulating layer 43-1. Similarly, in the same manner as in the first electrical insulating layer 41-2, a cutout 49-2 is also provided in the lower portion of the second electrical insulating layer 43-2.

[0140] Furthermore, in the manufacturing step S24, a wire 48-1 is connected to the resistive heating layer 42-1, and a wire 48-2 is connected to the resistive heating layer 42-2.

[0141] (2) Second modified example

[0142] The first electrical insulating layer 41 and the second electrical insulating layer 43 can have any shape as long as their shapes are set to cover the resistive heating layer 42 in a manner that sandwiches the resistive heating layer from both sides. Hereinafter, as the second modified example, referring to Figure 13Another example of the shape that the first electrically insulating layer 41 and the second electrically insulating layer 43 can take is described. Hereinafter, the second modified example is described as a further modified example of the first modified example.

[0143] Figure 13 1 is a diagram showing an example of a step for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to the present modification example. The step for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to the present modification example includes Figure 13 The manufacturing steps S31 to S34 are shown instead of Figure 12 Hereinafter, points different from the manufacturing steps S21 to S24 will be mainly described, and description of similar points will be omitted.

[0144] Figure 13 The manufacturing step S31 and Figure 9 The manufacturing step S11 is the same.

[0145] exist Figure 13 In the manufacturing step S32, the first electrical insulating layer 41 is laminated onto the pressing portion 62. However, in the present modified example, the first electrical insulating layer 41-1 has a shape that conforms to the resistive heating layer 42-1 laminated later. That is, the first electrical insulating layer 41-1 is laminated onto the pressing portion 62-1 in a single-line shape, and the line moves back and forth in the up-down direction while leaving a gap in the left-right direction. Similarly, the first electrical insulating layer 41-2 has a shape that conforms to the resistive heating layer 42-2 laminated later. That is, the first electrical insulating layer 41-2 is laminated onto the pressing portion 62-2 in a single-line shape, and the line moves back and forth in the up-down direction while leaving a gap in the left-right direction.

[0146] exist Figure 13 In the manufacturing step S33, Figure 12 In the same manner as in the manufacturing step S23 of the embodiment, the resistance heating layer 42 is laminated on the outer side of the first electrical insulating layer 41 laminated on the pressing portion 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone the manufacturing step S32.

[0147] exist Figure 13 In the manufacturing step S34 of the present invention, the second electrical insulating layer 43 is laminated to the outer sides of the first electrical insulating layer 41 and the resistive heating layer 42 laminated to the pressing portion 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone the manufacturing step S33. However, in this modified example, the second electrical insulating layer 43-1 has a shape similar to that of the first electrical insulating layer 41-1. Similarly, the second electrical insulating layer 43-2 has a shape similar to that of the first electrical insulating layer 41-2.

[0148] Further, in manufacturing step S34, wire 48-1 is connected to resistive heating layer 42-1, and wire 48-2 is connected to resistive heating layer 42-2.

[0149] As described above, the first electrical insulation layer 41 and the second electrical insulation layer 43 according to this modification example are in a single-wire shape, and the wire moves back and forth in the vertical direction while leaving a gap in the left-right direction. Therefore, if the heat diffusion layer is laminated on the outer sides of the heating unit 40 and the measurement unit 90, the heat diffusion layer directly contacts the pressing portion 62 exposed in the left-right direction gap in the first electrical insulation layer 41 and the second electrical insulation layer 43. Accordingly, the heat diffusion effect of the heat diffusion layer can also be exhibited with respect to the pressing portion 62, thereby further improving the heating efficiency.

[0150] (3) Third modification example

[0151] Although the example in which the resistive heating layer 42-1 and the resistive heating layer 42-2 form a series circuit has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The resistive heating layer 42-1 and the resistive heating layer 42-2 may form a parallel circuit. This modification example will be described with reference to Figure 14 description.

[0152] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of the steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to this modification example. The steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to this modification example include Figure 14 the manufacturing steps S41 to S44 shown, rather than Figure 9 the manufacturing steps S11 to S14. Hereinafter, the differences from the manufacturing steps S11 to S14 will be mainly described, and the description of the similar points will be omitted.

[0153] Figure 14 The manufacturing step S41 of Figure 9 is the same as the manufacturing step S11 of

[0154] Figure 14 The manufacturing step S42 of Figure 9 is the same as the manufacturing step S12 of

[0155] In Figure 14 the manufacturing step S43 of Figure 9 the resistive heating layers 42-1 and 42-2 are laminated on the outer sides of the first electrical insulation layers 41-1 and 41-2 laminated on the pressing portion 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone the manufacturing step S42 in the same manner as in

[0156] In addition, in this modification example, in manufacturing step S43, the rectangular resistive heating layer 42-3 is laminated onto the lower portion of the non-pressing portion 66-1. The resistive heating layer 42-3 is laminated in the non-heat generation area 45. That is to say, similar to the first end portion 46-1 of the resistive heating layer 42-1 and the first end portion 46-2 of the resistive heating layer 42-2, the resistive heating layer 42-3 is configured to be wide. This enables prevention of heat generation in the resistive heating layer 42-3 and prevention of heat transfer to the wire 48, and also prevents the connection portion between the wire 48 and the resistive heating layer 42 from being damaged by heat.

[0157] In Figure 14 manufacturing step S44 of Figure 9 the heating system 30 that has been partially manufactured through manufacturing step S43, the second electrical insulating layer 43 is laminated in the same manner as in

[0158] manufacturing step S14 of Figure 9 onto the outside of the first electrical insulating layer 41 and the resistive heating layer 42 that are laminated onto the pressing portion 62 of the heating system 30.

[0159] Furthermore, in manufacturing step S44, in the same manner as in Figure 9 manufacturing step S14 of

[0159] the heating system 30, the wire 48-1 is connected to the resistive heating layer 42-1, and the wire 48-2 is connected to the resistive heating layer 42-2. However, each of the wire 48-1 and the wire 48-2 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply unit 111.

[0159] In addition, in this modification example, in manufacturing step S44, the wire 48-3 is connected to the resistive heating layer 42-3. The wire 48-3 is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply unit 111. As a result, the wire 48-3 connected to the power supply unit 111 is connected to the accommodation portion 50. Then, the second end portion 47-1 of the resistive heating layer 42-1 is electrically connected via the accommodation portion 50 to the wire 48-3 (more precisely, to the resistive heating layer 42-3) connected to the accommodation portion 50. Therefore, the wire 48-1, the resistive heating layer 42-1, the accommodation portion 50, the resistive heating layer 42-3, and the wire 48-3 form a first circuit connected to the power supply unit 111. At the same time, the second end portion 47-2 of the resistive heating layer 42-2 is electrically connected via the accommodation portion 50 to the wire 48-3 (more precisely, to the resistive heating layer 42-3) connected to the accommodation portion 50. Therefore, the wire 48-2, the resistive heating layer 42-2, the accommodation portion 50, the resistive heating layer 42-3, and the wire 48-3 form a second circuit connected to the power supply unit 111. The above-mentioned first circuit and second circuit constitute a parallel circuit. When the power supply unit 111 supplies power to this parallel circuit, heat can be generated in the resistive heating layer 42-1 and the resistive heating layer 42-2.

[0160] (4) Fourth modification example

[0161] Although an example in which the resistive heating layer 42 is connected to the power supply unit 111 via the accommodation portion 50 has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The resistive heating layer 42 may be connected to the power supply unit 111 without passing through the accommodation portion 50. A modified example will be described with reference to Figure 15 such a modified example.

[0162] Figure 15 FIG. is a diagram showing an example of steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to this modified example. The steps for manufacturing the heating system 30 according to this modified example include Figure 15 the manufacturing steps S51 to S54 shown, rather than Figure 9 the manufacturing steps S11 to S14 of

[0163] Figure 15 The manufacturing step S51 of Figure 9 is the same as the manufacturing step S11 of

[0164] Figure 15 The manufacturing step S52 of Figure 9 is the same as the manufacturing step S12 of

[0165] In Figure 15 the manufacturing step S53 of

[0166] In Figure 15 the manufacturing step S53, the resistive heating layer 42 is laminated on the outer side of the first electrical insulating layer 41 that is laminated on the pressing portion 62 of the partially manufactured heating system 30 that has undergone the manufacturing step S52. However, in this modified example, both the first end portion 46 and the second end portion 47, which are the two ends of each of the resistive heating layers 42, are provided within the first electrical insulating layer 41. In particular, the first end portion 46 and the second end portion 47 are provided on the lower end portion of the first electrical insulating layer 41.

[0166] In Figure 15 the manufacturing step S54, in the same manner as in Figure 9 the manufacturing step S14 of

[0167] In addition, in this modification example, in manufacturing step S54, wires 48 connected to the power supply unit 111 are connected to each of the first end portion 46 and the second end portion 47 of the resistive heating layer 42. Specifically, wire 48-1 connected to the positive electrode of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the first end portion 46-1 of the resistive heating layer 42-1. Wire 48-4 connected to the negative electrode of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the second end portion 47-1 of the resistive heating layer 42-1. Thus, wire 48-1, the resistive heating layer 42-1, and wire 48-4 form a first circuit connected to the power supply unit 111. At the same time, wire 48-2 connected to the negative electrode of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the first end portion 46-2 of the resistive heating layer 42-2. Wire 48-5 connected to the positive electrode of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the second end portion 47-2 of the resistive heating layer 42-2. Thus, wire 48-2, the resistive heating layer 42-2, and wire 48-5 form a second circuit connected to the power supply unit 111. The above-described first circuit and second circuit constitute a parallel circuit. When the power supply unit 111 supplies power to this parallel circuit, heat can be generated in the resistive heating layer 42-1 and the resistive heating layer 42-2.

[0168] It should be noted that the operations of the first circuit and the second circuit constituting the parallel circuit can be controlled individually or jointly. That is, different powers or the same power can be supplied to the first circuit and the second circuit.

[0169] <5. Heating Control>

[0170] (1) Heating Curve

[0171] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating curve. The control of the operation of the heating unit 40 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 40. The heating unit 40 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0172] The heating curve is control information for controlling the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. The heating curve can be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 40 (i.e., the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 measured using the measurement unit 90). As an example, the heating curve can include a target value of the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature can vary according to the time elapsed since the start of heating, in which case the heating curve includes information defining the time series transition of the target temperature. As another example, the heating curve can include parameters defining the method for supplying power to the heating unit 40 (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters). The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 40, the on / off of the power supply to the heating unit 40, or the feedback control method to be employed. The on / off of the power supply to the heating unit 40 can be considered as turning on / off the heating unit 40.

[0173] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 such that the temperature of the heating unit 40 transitions in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating curve. The heating curve is typically designed to optimize the flavor tasted by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the rod-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, the flavor tasted by the user can be optimized by controlling the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating curve.

[0174] The temperature control of the heating unit 40 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control can be, for example, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. The control unit 116 can supply the power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 40 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 40 by adjusting the pulse width or frequency of the power pulses to control the duty cycle in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 can perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 can perform heating by means of the heating unit 40 until the temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature. The control unit 116 can then interrupt the heating by means of the heating unit 40 when the temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature, and resume the heating by means of the heating unit 40 when the temperature of the heating unit 40 drops below the target temperature.

[0175] The time period from the start to the end of the process for generating an aerosol using the rod-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to hereinafter as the heating phase. In other words, the heating phase is the time period during which the operation of the heating unit 40 is controlled based on a heating curve. The start of the heating phase is the moment when heating based on the heating curve begins. The end of the heating phase is the moment when an insufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. The heating phase includes a preheating time period and a drawable time period after the preheating time period. The drawable time period is the time period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The preheating time period is the time period from the start of heating until the start of the drawable time period. The heating performed during the preheating time period is also referred to as preheating.

[0176] - First example of a heating curve

[0177] An example of a heating curve is shown in Table 1 below.

[0178] [Table 1]

[0179] Table 1. Example of a heating curve

[0180]

[0181] As shown in Table 1, the heating curve can be divided into multiple time periods, each of which defines a time series transition of the target temperature and a time series transition of the power supply parameters. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating curve is divided into a total of eight time periods, i.e., Step 0 to Step 7. In each step, a time series transition of the target temperature and a time series transition of the power supply parameters are defined.

[0182] As shown in Table 1, the heating curve includes information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 40 in each of an initial temperature rise period, an intermediate temperature drop period, a temperature rise-again period, and a heating end period. The initial temperature rise period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 40 rises from or is maintained at a specified temperature, and is an example of the first period. The initial temperature rise period consists of steps 0 to 2. The intermediate temperature drop period comes after the initial temperature rise period, and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 40 drops, and is an example of the second period. The intermediate temperature drop period consists of step 3. The temperature rise-again period comes after the intermediate temperature drop period, and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 40 rises from or is maintained at a specified temperature, and is an example of the third period. The temperature rise-again period consists of steps 4 to 6. The heating end period comes after the temperature rise-again period, and is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 40 drops. The heating end period consists of step 7. Configuring the heating phase to include the initial temperature rise period, the intermediate temperature drop period, and the temperature rise-again period in the stated order enables shortening of the preheating period, prevents rapid consumption of the aerosol source, and optimizes the smoking flavor delivered to the user, as discussed below.

[0183] In each step, time control can be implemented. Time control is a control that triggers the end of a step by the elapse of a specified time (i.e., the duration set for each step). It should be noted that when time control is implemented, the rate of change of the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be controlled such that the temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature at the end of the duration. Alternatively, the target temperature can be considered to change gradually over the entire step. Further, if time control is implemented, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be controlled such that the temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature in the middle of the duration, and thereafter the temperature of the heating unit 40 is maintained at the target temperature until the duration elapses. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is performed in steps 1, 2, and 4 to 7.

[0184] In some cases, time control is not implemented in any step. If time control is not performed, the end of a step is triggered when the temperature of the heating unit 40 has reached the specified temperature (i.e., the target temperature set for each step). Thus, the duration of a step in which time control is not implemented increases or decreases according to the rate of temperature change. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is not performed in steps 0 and 3.

[0185] Reference will be made to Figure 16 describe the transition of the temperature of the heating unit 40 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control according to the heating curve shown in Table 1. Figure 16It is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 40 when temperature control is performed based on the heating curve shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of the graph 20 is time in seconds. The vertical axis of the graph 20 is the temperature of the heating unit 40. The line 21 indicates the transition of the temperature of the heating unit 40. As Figure 16 shown, the temperature of the heating unit 40 transitions in the same manner as the transition of the target temperature defined in the heating curve. Now, an example of the heating curve will be described with reference to Table 1 and Figure 16 described.

[0186] As shown in Table 1 and Figure 16 shown, in step 0, the temperature of the heating unit 40 rises from the initial temperature to 295 °C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 40 at the start of heating. In step 0, time control is not implemented. Thus, step 0 ends triggered by the temperature of the heating unit 40 reaching 295 °C. In Figure 16 the example shown, step 0 ends after 20 seconds. Thereafter, in steps 1 and 2, the temperature of the heating unit 40 is maintained at 295 °C. The preheating period ends at the end of step 1, and the drawable period starts together with the start of step 2.

[0187] For the user, a shorter preheating time is desirable. However, if the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not heated sufficiently, moisture may not be completely evaporated within the rod-shaped substrate 150 and remain therein. If the user then draws, hot water vapor may be delivered into the user's mouth. Thus, it is desirable to rapidly raise the temperature of the heating unit 40 in step 0 until it reaches 295 °C and ensure a certain duration for steps 1 and 2.

[0188] As shown in Table 1 and Figure 16 shown, in step 3, the temperature of the heating unit 40 is lowered to 230 °C. In step 3, time control is not implemented. Thus, step 3 ends triggered by the temperature of the heating unit 40 reaching 230 °C. In Figure 16 the example shown, step 3 ends after 20 seconds. In step 2, the power supply to the heating unit 40 is cut off. As a result, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be lowered at the maximum rate. Lowering the temperature of the heating unit 40 in this way during the heating phase can prevent rapid consumption of the aerosol source. As a result, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from being depleted during the heating phase.

[0189] As shown in Table 1 and Figure 16 shown, next, from step 4 to step 6, the temperature of the heating unit 40 is gradually raised to 260 °C. In this way, gradually raising the temperature of the heating unit 40 enables reduction of power consumption throughout the heating phase while maintaining the aerosol generation amount.

[0190] As shown in Table 1 and Figure 16As shown, in step 7, the temperature of the heating unit 40 decreases. In step 7, the power supply to the heating unit 40 is cut off. In step 7, a specified duration is defined, but no target temperature is defined. Therefore, step 7 ends triggered by the end of the duration. In step 7, due to the residual heat in the rod-shaped substrate 150, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated. Therefore, in this example, the puffing period (i.e., the heating phase) ends together with the end of step 7.

[0191] The notification unit 113 can notify the user of information indicating the moment when preheating ends. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information announcing the end of the preheating period before the end of the preheating period, or notifies the user of information indicating that the preheating has ended at the moment of preheating end. For example, the notification to the user can be issued by lighting an LED or by means of vibration. By referring to such a notification, the user can puff immediately after the preheating ends.

[0192] Similarly, the notification unit 113 can notify the user of information indicating the moment when the puffing period ends. For example, the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information announcing the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or notifies the user of information indicating that the puffing period has ended at the moment of puffing period end. For example, the notification to the user can be issued by lighting an LED or by means of vibration. By referring to such a notification, the user can puff until the end of the puffing period.

[0193] It should be noted that the above heating curve is only an example, and various other examples can be conceived. As an example, the number of steps, the duration of each step, and the target temperature can be modified accordingly.

[0194] - Second example of heating curve

[0195] An example of the heating curve is shown in Table 2 below.

[0196] [Table 2]

[0197] Table 2. Example of heating curve

[0198]

[0199] Similar to the heating curve shown in Table 1, the heating curve shown in Table 2 includes information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 40 in each of the initial temperature increase period, intermediate temperature decrease period, temperature re-increase period, and heating end period. Now, the differences between the heating curve shown in Table 2 and the heating curve shown in Table 1 will be mainly explained.

[0200] The difference between the heating curve shown in Table 2 and the heating curve shown in Table 1 is that the temperature of the heating unit 40 gradually decreases during the intermediate temperature decrease period. That is, in the heating curve shown in Table 2, the intermediate temperature decrease period comes after the initial temperature increase period and is the period during which the temperature of the heating unit 40 decreases or is maintained. The intermediate temperature decrease period of the heating curve shown in Table 2 consists of Steps 3 to 5. Reference will be made to Figure 17 Describe in detail the temperature transition during the intermediate temperature decrease period. Figure 17 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 40 when temperature control is performed based on the heating curve shown in Table 2. The horizontal axis of Graph 22 is time in seconds. The vertical axis of Graph 22 is the temperature of the heating unit 40. Line 23 represents the transition of the temperature of the heating unit 40. As Figure 17 shown, the temperature of the heating unit 40 transitions in the same manner as the transition of the target temperature defined in the heating curve.

[0201] As shown in Table 2 and Figure 17 shown, in Step 3, the temperature of the heating unit 40 decreases to 275 °C. Time control is implemented in Step 3. Therefore, after the temperature of the heating unit 40 has decreased to 275 °C, Step 3 continues until the duration of Step 3 expires. In Step 3, the power supply to the heating unit 40 is cut off until the temperature of the heating unit 40 decreases to 275 °C, after which the power supply to the heating unit 40 is turned on and the temperature of the heating unit 40 is maintained at 275 °C.

[0202] As shown in Table 2 and Figure 17 shown, in Step 4, the temperature of the heating unit 40 decreases to 255 °C. Time control is implemented in Step 4. Therefore, after the temperature of the heating unit 40 has decreased to 275 °C, Step 4 continues until the duration of Step 4 expires. In Step 4, the power supply to the heating unit 40 is cut off until the temperature of the heating unit 40 decreases to 255 °C, after which the power supply to the heating unit 40 is turned on and the temperature of the heating unit 40 is maintained at 255 °C.

[0203] As shown in Table 2 and Figure 17 shown, in Step 5, the temperature of the heating unit 40 decreases to 230 °C. Time control is implemented in Step 5. Therefore, after the temperature of the heating unit 40 has decreased to 230 °C, Step 5 continues until the duration of Step 5 expires. In Step 5, the power supply to the heating unit 40 is cut off until the temperature of the heating unit 40 decreases to 230 °C, after which the power supply to the heating unit 40 is turned on and the temperature of the heating unit 40 is maintained at 230 °C.

[0204] Gradually reducing the temperature of the heating unit 40 during the intermediate temperature reduction period in this manner enables prevention of a sudden drop in the temperature of the heating unit 40. As a result, inconveniences such as a sudden decrease in the aerosol amount (which causes deterioration of the smoking flavor) can be prevented.

[0205] (2) Temperature control

[0206] The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 by controlling the power supply to the heating unit 40. More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 by controlling the power supply to the resistive heating layer 42 based on a heating curve.

[0207] In particular, the control unit 116 controls the power supply to the resistive heating layer 42 based on the resistance of the conductive layer 91. It should be noted that the control unit 116 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 42 based on the resistance value of the conductive layer 91. As an example, the control unit 116 measures the temperature of the conductive layer 91 based on the resistance of the conductive layer 91 and the temperature coefficient of resistance of the conductive layer 91, and measures (e.g., estimates) the temperature of the conductive layer 91 as the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42. As described above, the temperature of the conductive layer 91 is considered to match or substantially match the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42. Then, the control unit 116 controls the power supply to the resistive heating layer 42 based on the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42, and the temperature of the resistive heating layer is measured based on the resistance of the conductive layer 91.

[0208] The control unit 116 may repeat in the stated order the first step of applying a voltage to the conductive layer 91 to measure the resistance of the conductive layer 91, and the second step of applying a voltage to the resistive heating layer 42 in a manner determined based on the resistance of the conductive layer 91 measured in the first step. More specifically, in the first step, the control unit 116 applies a voltage to the conductive layer 91, measures the resistance value of the conductive layer 91, and measures the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 based on the measured resistance value of the conductive layer 91. Then, as a way of applying a voltage to the resistive heating layer 42 in the second step, the control unit 116 determines the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the resistive heating layer 42 in the second step based on the measured temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 and the target temperature defined in the heating curve. Then, in the second step after the first step, the control unit 116 controls the power supply unit 111 to apply a voltage to the resistive heating layer 42 with a pulse width or frequency corresponding to the determined duty ratio. The control unit 116 repeatedly executes the control block composed of the first step and the second step. This configuration allows the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 to transition as defined in the heating curve. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 is measured based on the resistance value of the conductive layer 91 measured in the first step. Refer to Figure 18 for a detailed description of the control block.

[0209] Figure 18 is a graph for describing the temperature control of the resistive heating layer 42 according to the present embodiment. Graph 24 shows the on / off of the voltage applied to each of the conductive layer 91 and the resistive heating layer 42 in a control block. The unit control time period is the time period for executing one control block. The unit control time period includes a measurement time period and a heating time period in the stated order. The measurement time period is the time period for executing the first step, and the heating time period is the time period for executing the second step. Graph 24 includes Graph 25 and Graph 26. Graph 25 shows the on / off of the voltage application to the conductive layer 91 in the first step. Graph 26 shows the on / off of the voltage application to the resistive heating layer 42 in the second step.

[0210] As Figure 18 shown, the control unit 116 can make the time period for executing the first step and the time period for executing the second step different. That is, the time period for applying voltage to the conductive layer 91 can be different from the time period for applying voltage to the resistive heating layer 42. Such switching of the voltage application destination can be achieved using a field effect transistor (FET) or the like. With this configuration, since voltage is prevented from being applied to both the conductive layer 91 and the resistive heating layer 42 simultaneously, the load on the control unit 116 can be reduced.

[0211] It should be noted that the voltage applied to the conductive layer 91 during the measurement time period may be weaker than the voltage applied to the resistive heating layer 42 during the heating time period. In addition, the duty ratio during the measurement time period can be set to a low value, such as 1%. As a result, the temperature of the conductive layer 91 can be prevented from rising during the measurement time period. That is, the temperature of the conductive layer 91 and the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 can be maintained in the same or substantially the same state.

[0212] <3. Processing Flow>

[0213] The following will refer to Figure 19 to describe an example of the processing flow executed in the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed in the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0214] As Figure 19 shown, first, the sensor unit 112 receives a user operation for indicating the start of heating (step S102). Examples of the user operation for indicating the start of heating are operations performed on the inhalation device 100, such as operating a switch provided in the inhalation device 100, etc. Another example of the user operation for indicating the start of heating is inserting the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the inhalation device 100.

[0215] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the measurement time period is in progress (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether the time elapsed since the user operation indicating the start of heating was detected is included in the measurement time period or the heating time period.

[0216] If it is determined that the measurement time period is in progress (step S104: Yes), the control unit 116 applies a voltage to the conductive layer 91 and measures the resistance value of the conductive layer 91 (step S106).

[0217] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the heating time period is in progress (step S104: No), the control unit 116 applies a voltage to the resistive heating layer 42 at a duty ratio corresponding to the target temperature defined in the heating curve and the resistance of the conductive layer 91 (step S108). For example, the control unit 116 measures the temperature of the conductive layer 91 based on the resistance value of the conductive layer 91 measured in the most recent step S106, and takes the measured temperature of the conductive layer 91 as the temperature of the resistive heating layer 42. Next, the control unit 116 determines the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the resistive heating layer 42 such that the measured temperature of the resistive heating layer 42 changes in the same manner as the time series change of the target temperature defined in the heating curve. Then, the control unit 116 applies a voltage to the resistive heating layer 42 at the determined duty ratio.

[0218] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether an end condition has been satisfied (step S110). Examples of the end condition are that the heating phase has ended. Another example of the end condition is that a specified number of puffing operations has been reached since the start of heating.

[0219] If it is determined that the end condition has not been satisfied (step S110: No), the process returns to step S104.

[0220] Meanwhile, if it is determined that the end condition has been satisfied (step S110: Yes), the control unit 116 ends the heating based on the heating curve (step S112). Then, the process ends.

[0221] <6. Supplementary Information>

[0222] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. Obviously, various modification examples or variations within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims can be conceived by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, and these modification examples and variations will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0223] Various methods can be conceived to manufacture the receiving portion 50 in the form of a tubular body. As an example, the receiving portion 50 in the form of a tubular body can be formed by subjecting a sheet to a stretching process. As another example, the receiving portion 50 in the form of a tubular body can be formed by bending a sheet and welding joints. In the latter case, the heating unit 40 can be laminated onto the sheet. Then, the receiving portion 50 with the heating unit 40 laminated thereon can be formed by bending the sheet with the heating unit 40 laminated thereon and welding the joints.

[0224] Although the example in which the holding portion 60 has two pressing portions 62 and two non-pressing portions 66 has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the holding portion 60 can have three or more pressing portions 62 and three or more non-pressing portions 66.

[0225] Although the examples in which the first electrical insulating layer 41, the resistive heating layer 42, and the second electrical insulating layer 43 constituting the heating unit 40 are laminated using a printing process or a vapor deposition process have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. As an example, the first electrical insulating layer 41 and the second electrical insulating layer 43 can be laminated by applying or transferring a paste material. As another example, the resistive heating layer 42 can include a metal foil processed into a predetermined shape and can be placed on the first electrical insulating layer 41. If the resistive heating layer 42 includes a metal foil, the metal foil can be placed on a carrier tape, and the first electrical insulating layer 41 can be printed thereon, and then the resulting printed material can be jointly transferred to the receiving portion 50. If the resistive heating layer 42 includes a metal foil, the resistive heating layer 42 and the receiving portion 50 can be electrically connected by welding. Alternatively, for example, the heating unit 40 can be independently manufactured and attached to the outer side of the receiving portion 50. This also applies to the conductive layer 91 and the third electrical insulating layer 94 constituting the measuring unit 90.

[0226] Although the example in which the contact point (i.e., the first end portion 46) between the resistive heating layer 42 and the wire 48 is located on the pressing portion 62 has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. For example, the first electrical insulating layer 41 and the resistive heating layer 42 can extend to the bottom wall 56 of the receiving portion 50, and the wire 48 can be directly or indirectly connected to the resistive heating layer 42 on the bottom wall 56 of the receiving portion 50.

[0227] Although the example in which the rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a nozzle portion 152 has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The rod-shaped substrate 150 can include only the substrate portion 151. Then, the inhalation device 100 can include the nozzle portion 152.

[0228] For example, the nozzle portion 152 may be removably attached to the opening 52 of the accommodation portion 50.

[0229] Where appropriate, two or more of the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be combined. As an example, the accommodation portion 50 may include four or more pressing portions 62, and Figure 9 and Figures 12 to 15 any two types of the heating units 40 shown may be provided on one accommodation portion 50. As another example, Figure 10 the measurement unit 90 shown may be provided in some of the plurality of heating units 40, and Figure 11 the measurement unit 90 shown may be provided in some other heating units of the plurality of heating units 40.

[0230] Although examples have been described above in which the wire 48 is connected to at least one of the two ends of each resistive heating layer 42, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. As an example, the accommodation portion 50 may have three or more pressing portions 62, and both ends of the resistive heating layer 42 provided on the pressing portion 62 located at the center of the three pressing portions 62 may be connected to the accommodation portion 50. Then, the resistive heating layer 42 having one end connected to the power supply unit 111 may be provided on each of the two pressing portions 62 adjacent to and on both sides thereof, and the three resistive heating layers 42 may form a series circuit. As another example, the accommodation portion 50 may include two pressing portions 62, the resistive heating layer 42 having both ends connected to the accommodation portion 50 may be provided on each of the two pressing portions 62, and the wire connected to the power supply unit 111 may be connected to each of the two non-pressing portions 66. In this case, the two resistive heating layers 42 form a parallel circuit.

[0231] In the above description, examples of controlling the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the temperature of the heating unit 40 measured by the measurement unit 90 have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. The operation of the heating unit 40 may be controlled based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 40. Similarly, the heating curve may include a target value of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 40. Parameters that may be cited corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 40 include the resistance value of the conductive layer 91 or the temperature of the conductive layer 91.

[0232] Although examples have been described above in which the conductive layer 91 is made of a single metal, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. As long as the temperature coefficient of resistance of the conductive layer 91 is more stable than that of the resistive heating layer 42, the material constituting the conductive layer 91 may be optionally selected. The conductive layer 91 may be made of, for example, a non-metal such as ceramics or an alloy.

[0233] Although the example of laminating the measurement unit 90 onto all the heating units 40 has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. It is sufficient to laminate the measurement unit 90 onto at least one of two or more heating units 40.

[0234] Furthermore, the processes described using flowcharts or sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be implemented in the order depicted. Some processing steps can be implemented in parallel. Additionally, additional processing steps can be adopted, and some processing steps can be omitted.

[0235] It should be noted that a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be implemented using software, hardware, and any combination of software and hardware. For example, a program constituting the software is pre-stored on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) provided inside or outside each device. Then, when these programs are executed by a computer for controlling each device described in this specification, for example, these programs are read into the RAM and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory, etc. In addition, the computer program can be distributed via a network without using a recording medium. Furthermore, the computer can be an application-specific integrated circuit (such as an ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by reading software programs, or a computer on a server for cloud computing, etc. Additionally, a series of processes performed by each device described in this specification can be processed in a distributed manner by multiple computers.

[0236] It should be noted that configurations such as the following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1)

[0238] An aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system comprising: a tubular body that houses a substrate containing an aerosol source;

[0239] Resistive heating layers that are laminated onto the outer side of the sidewall of the tubular body; and

[0240] Conductive layers that are laminated so as to at least partially overlap with these resistive heating layers. (2)

[0242] The aerosol generation system according to (1), wherein the rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient of these conductive layers with respect to temperature is less than the rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient of these resistive heating layers with respect to temperature. (3)

[0244] The aerosol generation system according to (1) or (2), wherein these conductive layers are made of a single metal, and

[0245] These resistive heating layers are made of an alloy. (4)

[0247] The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein these resistive heating layers have a first part that generates heat when current flows and a second part that generates less heat than the first part, and

[0248] These conductive layers are laminated so as to at least partially overlap with the first part of these resistive heating layers. (5)

[0250] The aerosol generating system according to (4), wherein a wire connected to a power supply unit that applies a voltage to these conductive layers is connected to a part of these conductive layers that does not overlap with the first part. (6)

[0252] The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the direction in which current flows in these resistive heating layers is the same as the direction in which current flows in the part of these conductive layers that overlaps with these resistive heating layers. (7)

[0254] The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a control unit that controls the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the resistance value of these conductive layers. (8)

[0256] The aerosol generating system according to (7), wherein the control unit repeats, in the stated order, a first step of applying a voltage to these conductive layers to measure the resistance value of these conductive layers, and a second step of applying a voltage to these resistive heating layers in a manner determined based on the resistance value of these conductive layers measured in the first step. (9)

[0258] The aerosol generating system according to (8), wherein the control unit makes the time period for performing the first step and the time period for performing the second step different. (10)

[0260] The aerosol generating system according to any one of (7) to (9), wherein the control unit controls the manner of applying the voltage to these resistive heating layers based on control information that defines a time series transition of a target value of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of these resistive heating layers. (11)

[0262] The aerosol generating system according to (10), wherein the time periods for controlling the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the control information include, in the stated order:

[0263] A first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises from an initial temperature or is maintained;

[0264] A second time period after the first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers decreases or is maintained; and

[0265] A third time period after the second time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises or is maintained. (12)

[0267] The aerosol generating system according to (10), wherein the time periods for controlling the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the control information include, in the stated order:

[0268] A first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises from an initial temperature or is maintained;

[0269] A second time period after the first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers decreases; and

[0270] A third time period after the second time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises or is maintained. (13)

[0272] The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (12) further includes the substrate. (14)

[0274] A control method executed by a computer for controlling an aerosol generating system, wherein

[0275] The aerosol generating system includes:

[0276] A tubular body that houses a substrate containing an aerosol source;

[0277] Resistive heating layers that are laminated on the outer side of the side wall of the tubular body; and

[0278] Conductive layers that are laminated so as to at least partially overlap these resistive heating layers,

[0279] Wherein

[0280] The control method includes

[0281] The power supply to these resistive heating layers is controlled based on the resistance values of these conductive layers. (15)

[0283] A program executed by a computer for controlling an aerosol generating system, wherein,

[0284] the aerosol generating system comprises:

[0285] a tubular body that houses a substrate containing an aerosol source;

[0286] resistive heating layers that are laminated on the outer side of the side wall of the tubular body; and

[0287] conductive layers that are laminated so as to overlap at least part of these resistive heating layers,

[0288] wherein,

[0289] the program causes the computer to act as

[0290] a control unit that controls the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the resistance values of these conductive layers.

[0291] List of reference numerals

[0292] 100 Inhalation device

[0293] 111 Power supply unit

[0294] 112 Sensor unit

[0295] 113 Notification unit

[0296] 114 Storage unit

[0297] 115 Communication unit

[0298] 116 Control unit

[0299] 150 Rod-shaped substrate

[0300] 151 Substrate portion

[0301] 152 Mouthpiece portion

[0302] 30 Heating system

[0303] 40 Heating unit

[0304] 41 First electrical insulation layer

[0305] 42 Resistive heating layer

[0306] 43 Second electrical insulation layer

[0307] 44 Heat generation area

[0308] 45 Non-heat-generating region

[0309] 46 First end portion

[0310] 47 Second end portion

[0311] 48 Conductive wire

[0312] 49 Notch

[0313] 50 Receiving portion

[0314] 52 Opening

[0315] 54 Side wall (54a: Inner surface, 54b: Outer surface)

[0316] 56 Bottom wall (56a: Inner surface, 56b: Outer surface)

[0317] 58 First guiding portion (58a: Tapered surface)

[0318] 60 Holding portion

[0319] 62 Pressing portion (62a: Inner surface, 62b: Outer surface)

[0320] 66 Non-pressing portion (66a: Inner surface, 66b: Outer surface)

[0321] 67 Gap

[0322] 68 Boundary

[0323] 69 Non-holding portion

[0324] 70 Heat-insulating portion

[0325] 80 Internal space

[0326] 90 Measuring unit

[0327] 91 Conductive layer

[0328] 92 First end portion

[0329] 93 Second end portion

[0330] 94 Third electrical insulating layer

[0331] 95 Conductive wire

Claims

1. An aerosol generating system, the aerosol generating system comprising: A tubular body that houses a substrate containing an aerosol source; Resistive heating layers that are laminated on the outer side of the side wall of the tubular body; And Conductive layers that are laminated so as to at least partially overlap with these resistive heating layers.

2. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1, wherein The rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient of these conductive layers with respect to temperature is less than the rate of change of the resistance temperature coefficient of these resistive heating layers with respect to temperature.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein These conductive layers are made of a single metal, and These resistive heating layers are made of an alloy.

4. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, These resistive heating layers have a first portion that generates heat when current flows and a second portion that generates less heat than the first portion, and These conductive layers are laminated so as to at least partially overlap with the first portion of these resistive heating layers.

5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 4, wherein, A wire connected to a power supply unit that applies a voltage to these conductive layers is connected to a portion of these conductive layers that does not overlap with the first portion.

6. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The direction of current flow in these resistive heating layers is the same as the direction of current flow in the portion of these conductive layers that overlaps with these resistive heating layers.

7. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a control unit that controls the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the resistance value of these conductive layers.

8. The aerosol generating system according to claim 7, wherein, The control unit repeats in the stated order a first step of applying a voltage to these conductive layers to measure the resistance value of these conductive layers, and a second step of applying a voltage to these resistive heating layers in a manner determined based on the resistance value of these conductive layers measured in the first step.

9. The aerosol generating system according to claim 8, wherein, The control unit makes the time period for executing the first step and the time period for executing the second step different.

10. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The control unit controls the manner of applying the voltage to these resistive heating layers based on control information that defines a time series transition of a target value of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of these resistive heating layers.

11. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein, The time periods for controlling the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the control information include in the stated order: A first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises or is maintained from an initial temperature; A second time period after the first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers decreases or is maintained; and A third time period after the second time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises or is maintained.

12. The aerosol generating system according to claim 10, wherein, The time periods for controlling the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the control information include in the stated order: A first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises or is maintained from an initial temperature; A second time period after the first time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers decreases; and A third time period after the second time period during which the temperature of these resistive heating layers rises or is maintained.

13. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising the substrate.

14. A control method executed by a computer for controlling an aerosol generating system, wherein, The aerosol generating system includes: A tubular body that houses a substrate containing an aerosol source; Resistive heating layers, which are laminated on the outer side of the side wall of the tubular body; and Conductive layers, which are laminated so as to at least partially overlap with these resistive heating layers, wherein The control method includes Controlling the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the resistance values of these conductive layers.

15. A program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generating system, wherein, The aerosol generating system includes:[[]]END]] A tubular body that houses a substrate containing an aerosol source; Resistive heating layers, which are laminated on the outer side of the side wall of the tubular body; and Conductive layers, which are laminated so as to at least partially overlap with these resistive heating layers, wherein The program causes the computer to act as A control unit that controls the power supply to these resistive heating layers based on the resistance values of these conductive layers.

Images