Inhalation device, control method, and program

Abstract

An MCU (1) of an inhalation device (100) operates a heating unit (121C) when a rod-shaped substrate material (150) is accommodated in an accommodating unit (140C), and operates the heating unit (121C) in response to removal of the rod-shaped substrate material (150) from the accommodating unit (140C) after completion of an operation of heating the rod-shaped substrate material (150).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inhalation device, a control method, and a program for generating an aerosol from a substrate material having an aerosol source. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, it is known that an inhalation device generates an aerosol having a flavor component and delivers the generated aerosol to a user in an inhalable manner. Such an inhalation device typically delivers an aerosol generated by heating a substrate material including an aerosol source with a heating unit (also referred to as a "heating element"), which is a resistance heater or an induction heater.

[0003] As the inhalation device is used, the accommodation unit into which the substrate material is inserted may become dirty. For example, a part of the aerosol source from the substrate material may overflow into the accommodation unit and adhere to the accommodation unit due to a liquid (e.g., water) in the accommodation unit. Moreover, a part of the aerosol generated by heating the substrate material may become liquid and adhere to the accommodation unit. To clean the accommodation unit, for example, PTL 1 discloses cleaning the inside of the cavity by inserting a cleaning article (e.g., a brush) into the cavity or adding a cleaning part to the cavity.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] PTL 1 publishes the Japanese translation of the PCT international publication of Patent Application 2012 - 513750 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] However, from the viewpoint of the convenience of cleaning the inhalation device, there is room for improvement.

[0009] The present disclosure provides an inhalation device, a control method, and a program that improve the convenience of cleaning the inhalation device.

[0010] Solution to the Problem

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure is

[0012] An inhalation device for generating an aerosol from a substrate material including an aerosol source, the inhalation device comprising:

[0013] An accommodation unit for accommodating the substrate material;

[0014] A heating unit for heating the accommodation unit; and

[0015] A control unit for controlling the heating unit,

[0016] Wherein, the control unit

[0017] operates the heating unit when the base material is received in the receiving unit, and

[0018] operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the receiving unit after completing the operation of heating the base material.

[0019] Moreover, one aspect of the present disclosure is

[0020] a control method executed by a computer for controlling the operation of an inhalation device that generates an aerosol from a base material having an aerosol source, wherein

[0021] the inhalation device includes:

[0022] a receiving unit for receiving the base material;

[0023] a heating unit for heating the receiving unit, and

[0024] the computer

[0025] operates the heating unit when the base material is received in the receiving unit, and

[0026] operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the receiving unit after completing the operation of heating the base material.

[0027] Moreover, one aspect of the present disclosure is

[0028] a program that causes a computer for controlling the operation of an inhalation device to execute a predetermined process, the inhalation device generating an aerosol from a base material having an aerosol source, wherein

[0029] the inhalation device includes:

[0030] a receiving unit for receiving the base material;

[0031] a heating unit for heating the receiving unit, and

[0032] the computer is caused to execute the following process:

[0033] operates the heating unit when the base material is received in the receiving unit, and

[0034] operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the receiving unit after completing the operation of heating the base material.

[0035] Advantageous effects of the present invention

[0036] According to the present disclosure, the convenience of cleaning the inhalation device can be improved. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic view showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device (inhalation device 100A);

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic view showing a second configuration example of an inhalation device (inhalation device 100B);

[0039] Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of an inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 4 is a perspective view observed from the right front side portion of the internal unit 10;

[0041] Figure 5 is a perspective view observed from the left front side portion of the internal unit 10;

[0042] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10;

[0043] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30;

[0044] Figure 8 is at Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken at A-A therein, which shows the structure around the sensor FPC 73, the rod detection sensor 12, and the rod guide 31 (accommodating unit 140C);

[0045] Figure 9 is a schematic view showing the progress of light emitted from the rod detection sensor 12 for the states of accommodating and not accommodating the rod-shaped base material 150;

[0046] Figure 10 is a graph showing the detection and non-detection of the rod-shaped base material 150 based on luminance;

[0047] Figure 11 is a graph showing the rod heating curve and the cleaning heating curve;

[0048] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the MCU 1;

[0049] Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining how the MCU 1 determines whether to operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve based on the remaining capacity (SOC) of the power supply unit 111C;

[0050] Figure 14 is a graph for explaining the luminance regions (first region to third region) of the reflected light detected by the rod detection sensor 12; and

[0051] Figure 15 It is a chart showing the rod heating curves (for high-temperature and low-temperature cases) and the cleaning heating curve. Detailed implementation

[0052] The following is an explanation of an embodiment of an inhalation device, a control method, and a program according to the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, two configuration examples (a first configuration example and a second configuration example) will be described, and the configuration of the inhalation device according to the present disclosure can be applied to these two configuration examples. It should be noted that hereinafter, the same or similar reference numerals may be provided for the same or similar elements, and the description thereof may be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0053] <<1. Configuration example of the inhalation device>>

[0054] 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.

[0055] (1) First configuration example

[0056] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the first configuration example of the inhalation device. As Figure 1 shown, the inhalation device 100A of this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding portion 122, and a liquid storage portion 123. The flavor cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor cartridge 130.

[0057] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. The power supply unit 111A then supplies electric power to each component of the inhalation device 100A according to the control executed by the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery), for example.

[0058] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the inhalation device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is configured by a pressure sensor (such as a capacitive microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, etc.) and acquires a value associated with the user's inhalation. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured by an input device (such as a button or a switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0059] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The information notified to the user by the notification unit 113A is various, including, for example, the SOC (state of charge) indicating the state of charge of the power supply unit 111A, the preheating time during inhalation, the inhalation period, the time when inhalation is possible, and so on. The notification unit 113A can be configured by, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, and so on.

[0060] The memory unit 114A stores various types of information for operating the inhalation device 100A. For example, the memory unit 114A can be configured by a non-volatile storage medium (such as a flash memory).

[0061] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication according to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that can be used include standards employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Near Field Communication (NFC), or Low Power Wide Area (LPWA), and so on.

[0062] The control unit 116A serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the inhalation device 100A according to various programs. For example, the control unit 116A is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor.

[0063] The liquid storage section 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol source is a polyol (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) or a liquid (such as water). The aerosol source can include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source can include a drug.

[0064] The liquid guiding section 122 guides the aerosol source from the liquid storage section 123 and accommodates the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123. The liquid guiding section 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material (such as fiberglass) or a porous material (such as porous ceramics). In such cases, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary action of the wick.

[0065] The heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating an aerosol. Figure 1In the example shown, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wound around the liquid guiding portion 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the liquid guiding portion 122 is then heated and atomized, thereby generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111A. For example, when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or a predetermined information has been input, power can be supplied to the heating unit 121A. Then, when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has completed inhaling and / or a predetermined information has been input, the supply of power to the heating unit 121A can be stopped. Note that the inhalation action of the user on the inhalation device 100A is detectable, for example, based on the pressure (internal pressure) detected by the suction sensor that exceeds a predetermined threshold in the inhalation device 100A.

[0066] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0067] The air flow path 180 is a flow path for the air to be inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure having an air inlet hole 181 and an air outlet hole 182. The air inlet hole is an entrance for air to enter the air flow path 180, and the air outlet hole is an exit for air to leave the air flow path 180. Inside the air flow path 180, the liquid guiding portion 122 is disposed upstream (closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is disposed downstream (closer to the air outlet hole 182). The air flowing in through the air inlet hole 181 during user inhalation is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and is conveyed through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet hole 182, as shown by the arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are applied to the aerosol.

[0068] The mouthpiece 124 is a member that is received in the user's mouth during inhalation. The air outlet hole 182 is provided in the mouthpiece 124. The user receives the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth so that it is possible to suck the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0069] The configuration example of the inhalation device 100A has been described above. The inhalation device 100A is of course not limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations can be adopted, such as those shown as examples hereinafter.

[0070] As an example, the inhalation device 100A does not need to include the flavored cartridge 130. In this case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0071] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include various types of aerosol sources. By mixing various types of aerosols generated from various types of aerosol sources in the air flow path 180 to cause a chemical reaction, other types of aerosols can be generated.

[0072] In addition, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating provided by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0073] (2) Second configuration example

[0074] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the inhalation device. As Figure 2 shown, the inhalation device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a housing unit 140, and a heat insulation part 144. Although the inhalation device 100A of the first configuration example has a power supply unit 110 including a power supply unit 111A and a separate heating unit 121A, the inhalation device 100B of the second configuration example has an integrated power supply unit 111B and heating unit 121B. That is, the inhalation device 100B of the second configuration example can also be described as having a power supply unit with a built-in heating unit.

[0075] The power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the memory unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B are each substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the inhalation device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0076] The housing unit 140 has an internal space 141 and houses the rod-shaped base material 150 while accommodating a part of the rod-shaped base material 150 in the internal space 141. The housing unit 140 has an opening 142 that allows the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside, and houses the rod-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing unit 140 is a cylindrical body that includes the opening 142 and a bottom part 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the housing unit 140. 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 part 143, and the air outlet hole serves as an outlet for air from the air flow path to the internal space 141.

[0077] The rod-shaped substrate material 150 includes a substrate material portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate material portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid (such as water and polyols (such as glycerol and propylene glycol)) including tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, or alternatively may be a solid including tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. In a state where the rod-shaped substrate material 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140, at least a part of the substrate material portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when the user accommodates the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path not shown in the drawing, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate material portion 151.

[0078] In Figure 2 the example shown, the heating unit 121B is configured to be in a film shape and is provided so as to cover the outer periphery of the accommodation unit 140. Then, when the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate material portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate material 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0079] The heat insulation portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is configured of a vacuum heat insulation material or an aerogel heat insulation material or the like.

[0080] The configuration example of the inhalation device 100B has been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100B is not limited to the configuration described above, and various configurations can be adopted, such as the examples shown below.

[0081] As an example, the heating unit 121B may have a blade shape and may be arranged so as to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodation unit 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate material portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate material 150, and the substrate material portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate material 150 is heated from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodation unit 140. In addition, the heating unit 121B may be configured of a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the accommodation unit 140, a second blade-shaped heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodation unit 140.

[0082] As another example, the receiving unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism (such as a hinge) for opening / closing a part of the outer casing that forms the internal space 141. By opening / closing the casing, the receiving unit 140 can then receive and hold the rod-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided on the clamping portion of the receiving unit 140, and may heat the rod-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0083] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating provided by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In this case, the inhalation device 100B includes at least an electromagnetic induction source (such as a coil) for generating a magnetic field instead of the heating unit 121B. A receptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100B, or may be included in the rod-shaped base material 150.

[0084] The inhalation device 100B may further include a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding portion 122, a liquid storage portion 123, and an air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, a mixed fluid composed of air and the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141, and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B to reach the user's mouth.

[0085] <<2. Configuration Examples of the Inhalation Device of the Present Disclosure>>

[0086] Next, an embodiment of an inhalation device (hereinafter referred to as the inhalation device 100) that adopts the configuration of the inhalation device of the present disclosure will be described with respect to the inhalation device 100B of the second configuration example described above. Note that although specific descriptions are omitted, some configurations of the inhalation device 100 described below may also be applied to the inhalation device 100A of the first configuration example.

[0087] [Overall Configuration of the Inhalation Device]

[0088] Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of the inhalation device 100. Hereinafter, in the inhalation device 100, the insertion and removal direction of the rod-shaped base material 150 with respect to the inhalation device 100 is defined as the vertical direction, the sliding direction of the shutter 23 described below is defined as the front-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction. Also, as shown in the respective figures, Fr is the front, Rr is the rear, L is the left side, R is the right side, U is upward, and D is downward.

[0089] The inhalation device 100 is preferably sized to be held in the hand, for example having a rod shape. For example, the user holds the inhalation device 100 in one hand, with the fingertips in contact with the front surface of the inhalation device 100. Note that the shape of the inhalation device 100 is not limited to a rod shape, but can be any shape (e.g., a rounded substantially cubic shape or an oval shape).

[0090] The inhalation device 100 includes an internal unit 10 (see Figures 4 to 6 ), and a housing 20 that forms the exterior of the inhalation device 100. The housing 20 has a lower housing 21 and an upper housing 22. A part of the internal unit 10 is accommodated in the lower housing 21, and the entire internal unit 10 is accommodated in the housing 20 by covering the lower housing 21 with the upper housing 22 from above.

[0091] An orifice 27 (see Figures 4 to 6 ) and a shutter 23 are provided on the upper surface of the inhalation device 100. The rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and removed through the orifice, and the shutter is slidable in the front-rear direction. The orifice 27 is arranged at the rear of the upper surface of the inhalation device 100. The shutter 23 selectively assumes an open state (front position) and a closed state (rear position). In the open state, the orifice 27 is open to allow the insertion and removal of the rod-shaped substrate 150, and in the closed state, the shutter 23 is positioned above the orifice 27 to block the orifice 27. When inserting the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the orifice 27, the user places the shutter 23 in the open state.

[0092] Near the shutter 23, a shutter detection sensor 11 (see Figure 4 ) is provided. The shutter detection sensor 11 detects whether the shutter 23 is in the open state. The shutter detection sensor 11 is an example of the sensor unit 112B of the inhalation device 100B of Figure 2 .

[0093] Moreover, a universal serial bus (USB) port 26 (see Figure 4 ) is provided on the upper surface of the inhalation device 100, adjacent to the orifice 27. In the open state described above, the shutter 23 blocks the USB port 26. On the other hand, in the closed state described above, the shutter 23 does not block the USB port 26, and the USB port 26 is open. The USB port 26 is configured to be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown in the drawings) capable of supplying power to charge the power supply unit 111C (see Figure 4 ). The USB port 26 is, for example, a socket into which a mating plug can be inserted. As an example, in the present embodiment, the USB port 26 is a USB Type-C socket.

[0094] The operation unit 24 and the light-emitting unit 25 are provided on the front side portion of the inhalation device 100. The operation unit 24 is arranged below the light-emitting unit 25. More specifically, the operation unit 24 and the light-emitting unit 25 are components of the internal unit 10 accommodated in the housing 20, and are configured such that a part of the operation unit 24 and the light-emitting unit 25 is exposed through an opening formed in the front surface of the housing 20. The light-emitting unit 25 is Figure 2 an example of the notification unit 113B of the inhalation device 100B.

[0095] The operation unit 24 is a button-type switch that can be operated by the user, and is an input device for receiving information input from the user. The operation unit 24 is connected to a main board 50 (see Figures 4 to 6 ), which will be described later). When the user presses the operation unit 24, for example, the microcontroller unit (MCU) 1 (see Figures 4 to 6 ), or the heating unit 121C (see Figure 7 ) is activated. Note that the MCU 1 serves as the control unit 116B in the inhalation device 100B. Moreover, in addition to the function of the control unit 116B in the inhalation device 100B, the MCU 1 may also be integrally provided with the function of the communication unit 115B. In addition, the MCU 1 may be configured by one IC, or may be configured by two or more ICs. For example, the discharge control for the heating unit 121C and the charging control for the power supply unit 111C may be executed in one IC, or may be executed in separate ICs.

[0096] The light-emitting unit 25 is configured by a light-emitting device (such as, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED)). More specifically, the light-emitting unit 25 includes a plurality of LEDs 251 provided on the main board 50 (see Figure 6 ), and a transparent cover member 250 that covers the plurality of LEDs 251 and allows the light from the LEDs 251 to pass through. A part of the transparent cover member 250 is exposed through an opening formed in the front surface of the housing 20. In the present embodiment, for example, it is assumed that the plurality of LEDs 251 are configured to be able to emit light in a plurality of colors, including blue, yellow, and red. Note that the number of light-emitting elements can be arbitrarily set. For example, there may be one light-emitting element in the light-emitting unit 25.

[0097] The light-emitting unit 25 emits light in a predetermined light-emitting mode in response to a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. Here, the light-emitting mode may be, for example, the light-emitting color, but this is not a limitation. For example, it may be the irradiation intensity (in other words, the luminance) or the irradiation mode (for example, blinking at a predetermined time interval), etc. Moreover, the predetermined information is, for example, operation information indicating whether the inhalation device 100 is powered on.

[0098] Next, refer toFigures 4 to 6 The internal unit 10 of the inhalation device 100 of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 4 FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as seen from the right front side, Figure 5 FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as seen from the left front side, and Figure 6 FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10. Note that the internal unit 10 is the inhalation device 100 from which the housing 20 and the shutter 23 have been removed.

[0099] The internal unit 10 includes a base 40, a main board 50, a vibration device 60, a heater assembly 30, a power supply unit 111C, a power supply board 71, a peripheral flexible printed circuit (FPC) 72, a sensor FPC 73, and various sensors. Note that the power supply board 71 may be a flexible circuit board, a rigid board as described below, or a combination of a flexible board and a rigid board, but an example of a flexible circuit board is described as an example here.

[0100] (Base)

[0101] As Figure 6 shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 26, the base 40 includes a power supply component retention portion 41 that holds the power supply unit 111C, a board retention portion 42 that holds the main board 50, and a heater retention portion 43 that holds the heater assembly 30. The power supply component retention portion 41 is located at the lower part of the base 40, and the board retention portion 42 and the heater retention portion 43 are located at the upper part of the base 40.

[0102] The power supply component retention portion 41 has a cylindrical shape with a part of the side portion cut off, in other words, a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The power supply component retention portion 41 has a bottom wall portion 401, a side wall portion 402 having an arc shape and extending upward from the bottom wall portion 401, and a top wall portion 403 provided at the upper end of the side wall portion 402. The power supply unit 111C is disposed in the space surrounded by the bottom wall portion 401, the side wall portion 402, and the top wall portion 403.

[0103] The board retention portion 42 is provided in a vertical wall portion 404 that extends upward from the top wall portion 403 of the power supply component retention portion 41. The board retention portion 42 is provided on one side portion (here, the front side portion) of the vertical wall portion 404 in the front-rear direction and holds the main board 50.

[0104] The heater retention portion 43 is provided on the side portion (here, the rear side portion) opposite to the board retention portion 42 of the vertical wall portion 404 in the front-rear direction. The heater retention portion 43 has a space surrounded by the vertical wall portion 404, a pair of left and right wall portions 405 extending from the vertical wall portion 404 in the front-rear direction, and the upper surface of the top wall portion 403 of the power supply component retention portion 41, and the heater assembly 30 is disposed in this space.

[0105] (Main board)

[0106] The main board 50 is a rigid board having a plurality of electronic components (elements) mounted on both sides. The MCU 1, LED 251, charging IC (integrated circuit), boost DC / DC converter, etc. are mounted on the main board 50. The main board 50 is held in the board retention portion 42 of the base 40 such that the component mounting surface is oriented in the front-rear direction. In Figure 6 , only the surface 501 (here, the front surface) of the main board 50 is shown. Accordingly, the charging IC and the boost DC / DC converter mounted on the rear surface 502 (here, mounted on the rear surface) are not shown.

[0107] In the lower region of the surface 501 of the main board 50, a power connection portion 51 for electrically connecting to the power supply unit 111C is provided. The power connection portion 51 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 111C via the power supply board 71. The power supply portion 111C is a cylindrical lithium-ion secondary battery and is Figure 2 an example of the power supply unit 111B of the suction device 100B.

[0108] As Figure 6 shown, the power supply unit 111C is provided with a positive electrode tab 111a and a negative electrode tab 111b. The power supply unit 111C is arranged in the power supply retention portion 41 of the base 40 such that the positive electrode tab 111a and the negative electrode tab 111b are arranged to the front. The power supply board 71 is arranged in front of the power supply unit 111C and the main board 50 and extends in the vertical direction. The power supply board 71 is connected to the positive electrode tab 111a and the negative electrode tab 111b of the power supply unit 111C and is connected to the power connection portion 51 of the main board 50. The power of the power supply unit 111C is transmitted to the main board 50 through the conductive tracks formed in the power supply board 71 and is supplied to each electronic component. Further, the power supply board 71 is provided with a power supply temperature sensor 16. The power supply temperature sensor 16 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the power supply unit 111C. The power supply temperature sensor 16 is, for example, a thermistor. The power supply temperature sensor 16 is Figure 2 an example of the sensor unit 112B of the suction device 100B.

[0109] The USB port 26 is provided in the upper region of the rear surface 502 of the main board 50. The USB port 26 is electrically connected to a charging IC (not shown) through a wire formed in the main board 50.

[0110] In addition to the charging IC and the boost DC / DC converter not shown, a heater connection part is also provided on the rear surface 502 of the main board 50. The charging IC performs charging control to supply (charge) the power input from the USB port 26 to the power supply unit 111C. The boost DC / DC converter boosts the voltage of the power supplied from the power supply unit 111C to supply power to the heating unit 121C (see Figure 7 ).

[0111] The board connection part 121a extending from below the heater assembly 30 is connected to the heater connection part to supply power to the heating unit 121C of the heater assembly 30. In this way, the heating unit 121C of the heater assembly 30 is supplied with power from the power supply unit 111C via the main board 50.

[0112] (Vibration device)

[0113] The vibration device 60 is configured with a vibration element, such as a vibration motor. As Figure 6 shown, the vibration device 60 is arranged in the power supply part retention part 41 of the base 40, between the top surface of the power supply unit 111C and the top wall part 403. The lead 61 of the vibration device 60 is connected to the peripheral FPC 72. The vibration device 60 vibrates in a predetermined vibration mode according to a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. For example, when the heating of the rod-shaped base material 150 starts or ends, the vibration device 60 vibrates in a predetermined vibration mode to notify the user of the start or end of heating. The vibration device 60 is Figure 2 an example of the notification unit 113B of the suction device 100B.

[0114] (Heater assembly)

[0115] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30.

[0116] The heater assembly 30 includes a heating unit 121C, a housing unit 140C, and an insulating part 144C. The heating unit 121C is, for example, a film heater and is wound around the outer periphery of the housing unit 140C. Moreover, the heating unit 121C and the board connection part 121a may be configured with a single heater FPC.

[0117] Moreover, the heater assembly 30 is provided with a rod guide 31. The rod guide 31 is provided at the top of the heater assembly 30 and guides the insertion of the rod-shaped base material 150 into the housing unit 140C and the removal of the rod-shaped base material. The rod guide 31 is a cylindrical member having an orifice 27 and forms a part of the housing unit 140C.

[0118] Moreover, the heater assembly 30 is provided with a heater temperature sensor 15 capable of measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121C. More specifically, the heater temperature sensor 15 is disposed between the heating unit 121C and the heat insulation part 144C, in contact with or close to the heating unit 121C. The heater temperature sensor 15 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0119] (Sensor FPC)

[0120] As Figure 6 shown, the sensor FPC 73 is arranged in the heater retention part 43, between the vertical wall part 404 and the heater assembly 30. The sensor FPC 73 is equipped with a rod detection sensor 12, a suction sensor 13, and a housing temperature sensor 14. The rod detection sensor 12, the suction sensor 13, and the housing temperature sensor 14 are Figure 2 instances of the sensor unit 112B of the suction device 100B.

[0121] The rod detection sensor 12 is a sensor capable of detecting the rod-shaped base material 150 accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C. In the present embodiment, the rod detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor capable of detecting the rod-shaped base material 150 based on the amount of light reflected from the light emitted to the accommodation unit 140C. Here, the amount of light is a concept including luminous flux, illuminance, luminous emittance, luminance, brightness, etc. The optical sensor is, for example, an infrared (IR) sensor.

[0122] The suction sensor 13 is a sensor that detects the suction action (suction action) of the user. The suction sensor 13 includes, for example, a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, etc. The suction sensor 13 is arranged in the sensor FPC 73 close to the rod guide 31.

[0123] The housing temperature sensor 14 is a sensor for measuring the temperature of the housing 20. The housing temperature sensor 14 is, for example, a thermistor. The housing temperature sensor 14 is arranged in the sensor FPC 73, next to the inner surface of the housing 20.

[0124] Moreover, the sensor FPC 73 is provided with a heater temperature sensor connection part 731 connected to the heater temperature sensor 15 of the heater assembly 30. The heater temperature sensor connection part 731 is arranged in the lower part of the sensor FPC 73. More specifically, the lead 15a is connected to the heater temperature sensor 15, and the heater temperature sensor connection part 731 is connected to the lead 15a extending from below the heater assembly 30.

[0125] The rod detection sensor 12, the aspiration sensor 13, the housing temperature sensor 14, and the heater temperature sensor connection part 731 are connected to the board connection part 730 via conductive tracks formed in the sensor FPC 73. The board connection part 730 is connected to the sensor FPC connection part 55 provided in the central area of the surface 501 of the main board 50. In this way, the detection results of each sensor are output to the MCU 1 etc. mounted on the main board 50.

[0126] In the suction device 100 configured in this way, when the shutter detection sensor 11 detects the open state of the shutter 23 and the rod detection sensor 12 detects the rod-shaped base material 150, the MCU 1 starts heating by the heating unit 121C. When the user inhales on the nozzle part 152 of the rod-shaped base material 150, aerosol is supplied from the aerosol source of the rod-shaped base material 150 heated by the heating unit 121C into the user's mouth. The aspiration sensor 13 detects the number of inhalations, and the MCU 1 stops heating after a predetermined number of inhalations or after a predetermined time has elapsed. During the heating of the suction device 100, the housing temperature sensor 14, the heater temperature sensor 15, and the power supply part temperature sensor 16 measure each temperature, and if it is determined that there is abnormal heating, the MCU 1 stops or reduces the heating by the heating unit 121C. The user can also operate the operation unit 24 to check the SOC of the power supply unit 111C etc., for example. The light emitting unit 25 (LED 251) and the vibration device 60 notify the user of various information, such as the SOC of the power supply unit 111C, error indication, etc. When the SOC of the power supply unit 111C drops, the user can connect an external power supply to the USB port 26 to charge the power supply unit 111C.

[0127] [Rod detection sensor]

[0128] Next, use Figure 8 and Figure 9 to describe the details of the rod detection sensor 12.

[0129] The rod detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor that irradiates light into the accommodation unit 140C and detects the amount of light reflected from the accommodation unit 140C. The MCU 1 is configured to be able to detect whether the rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C based on the amount of reflected light detected by the rod detection sensor 12. Here, the light emitted from and received by the rod detection sensor 12 is, for example, near-infrared, in which case the rod detection sensor 12 is an IR sensor. Hereinafter, the rod detection sensor 12 detects "brightness" as an example of the amount of light.

[0130] Figure 8 is in Figure 5Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A, and shows the structure around the sensor FPC 73, the rod detection sensor 12, and the rod guide 31 (accommodating unit 140C). The sensor FPC 73 is a flexible member and is arranged around the accommodating unit 140C. The rod detection sensor 12 is provided on the sensor FPC 73. This allows the rod detection sensor 12 to be more easily arranged around the accommodating unit 140C as compared with the case where the rod detection sensor 12 is provided on the rigid main board 50. Due to a greater degree of freedom in arrangement, the suction device 100 can be made smaller.

[0131] The rod detection sensor 12 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the rod guide 31 to reduce the influence of heat from the rod guide 31 (accommodating unit 140C). Further, a transmissive filter 311 that can transmit light is provided in a part of the wall of the rod guide 31 that defines the accommodating unit 140C, and the sensor FPC 73 is arranged around the accommodating unit 140C such that the rod detection sensor 12 is opposite to the transmissive filter 311 and at a predetermined distance from the transmissive filter. The portion of the rod guide 31 that is not provided with the transmissive filter 311 is configured to be light-impermeable.

[0132] As Figure 9 shown, the rod detection sensor 12 emits light through the transmissive filter 311 into the accommodating unit 140C and receives the reflected light thereof. In a state where the rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated in the accommodating unit 140C (hereinafter also referred to as the accommodated state), the light emitted from the rod detection sensor 12 is reflected on the surface of the rod-shaped base material 150 immediately after passing through the transmissive filter 311. The rod detection sensor 12 receives the reflected light reflected on the surface of the rod-shaped base material 150. On the other hand, in a state where the rod-shaped base material 150 is not accommodated in the accommodating unit 140C (hereinafter also referred to as the non-accommodated state), the light emitted from the rod detection sensor 12 passes through the transmissive filter 311, passes through the accommodating unit 140C, and is reflected at the inner wall of the accommodating unit 140C. The rod detection sensor 12 receives the light reflected at the inner wall of the accommodating unit 140C.

[0133] In this way, the distance that the light travels from emission to reception is shorter in the accommodated state than in the non-accommodated state. Therefore, the brightness of the reflected light received by the rod detection sensor 12 is higher in the accommodated state than in the non-accommodated state. The MCU 1 performs detection of the rod-shaped base material 150 based on this brightness difference between the accommodated state and the non-accommodated state. Specifically, as Figure 10As shown, when the brightness of the reflected light detected by the rod detection sensor 12 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value L1, the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped base material 150. On the other hand, if the brightness of the reflected light detected by the rod detection sensor 12 is less than the predetermined value L1, the MCU 1 does not detect the rod-shaped base material 150.

[0134] Note that in this embodiment, two rod detection sensors 12 and two transmission filters 311 are provided. For example, the MCU 1 can be configured such that the rod-shaped base material 150 is not detected unless the detection results of both rod detection sensors 12 indicate the accommodation state of the rod-shaped base material 150.

[0135] [Examples of the operation of the inhalation device]

[0136] Next, examples of the operation of the inhalation device 100 will be described.

[0137] The inhalation device 100 is activated, for example, in response to the shutter 23 being in the open state. Specifically, the MCU 1 is activated in response to the shutter detection sensor 11 detecting the open state of the shutter 23. After activating the MCU 1, operations such as energizing the heating unit 121C are performed. Here, the shutter detection sensor 11 includes, for example, a magnet provided in the shutter 23 and a Hall IC (integrated circuit) provided at the top of the main board 50. Note that the MCU 1 can be activated in response to pressing the operation unit 24.

[0138] Next, the automatic heating mode and the manual heating mode will be explained as modes for starting the operation of the heating unit 121C.

[0139] The automatic heating mode is a mode in which the operation of the heating unit 121C is automatically started in response to the rod-shaped base material 150 being accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C. In the automatic heating mode, for example, the rod detection sensor 12 starts emitting and receiving light and detecting the amount of reflected light in response to the shutter 23 being in the open state. When the automatic heating mode is selected, the MCU 1 starts heating the rod-shaped base material 150 after detecting the rod-shaped base material 150 based on the detection result of the rod detection sensor 12.

[0140] The manual heating mode is a mode in which the operation of the heating unit 121C is started in response to a heating request from the user. When the manual heating mode is selected, even if the rod-shaped base material 150 has been detected, the MUC 1 does not automatically start heating the rod-shaped base material 150. The MCU 1 starts heating the rod-shaped base material 150 in response to a heating request from the user. Here, the user requests heating, for example, by pressing the operation unit 24 or performing an inhalation operation on the inhalation device 100.

[0141] The user selects one mode from the automatic heating mode and the manual heating mode. For example, the mode selection is performed on the user's terminal (such as a smart phone), and the MCU 1 receives the instruction information from the user's terminal via the communication unit 115B and is able to set the mode selected by the user.

[0142] Next, the heating of the rod-shaped base material 150 will be described.

[0143] When the rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve to heat the rod-shaped base material 150. The rod heating curve is information that defines the time-series transition of the target temperature (the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121C) and is information for heating the rod-shaped base material 150. For example, the rod heating curve is pre-stored in the ROM. The MCU 1 generates aerosol from the rod-shaped base material 150 by controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve.

[0144] Figure 11 The solid line in shows an example of the rod heating curve. According to the rod heating curve, the heating unit 121C can be heated to the maximum temperature T1 in combination with the start of heating control, and then the temperature is temporarily reduced to T2, and after that the temperature rises again to T3. Then, when the time elapsed since the start of heating control is t1, the heating control can be ended. In Figure 11 When the temperature of the heating unit 121C reaches T1 and it is assumed that the heating unit 121C is at a sufficiently high temperature, it is assumed that a sufficient amount of aerosol has been generated and the user can inhale. Note that the heating time before inhalation is possible is called the preheating time.

[0145] In the case where the temperature control of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve has been described, the MCU 1 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the time elapsed since the start of heating control and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121C (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature"). More specifically, at this time, the MCU 1 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121C so that the time-series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121C is similar to the time-series transition of the target temperature defined in the rod heating curve. Note that the heating control of the accommodation unit 140C is similarly performed based on the cleaning heating curve to be described later.

[0146] The rod heating curve is typically designed such that when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the rod-shaped base material 150, the flavor tasted by the user is optimized. Therefore, controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve can optimize the flavor tasted by the user and provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0147] With the use of the inhalation device 100, dirt adheres to the accommodation unit 140C. For example, a part of the aerosol source of the rod-shaped base material 150 (e.g., tobacco leaves) may spill into the accommodation unit 140C and may adhere to the accommodation unit 140C due to the liquid (e.g., water) in the accommodation unit 140C. Also, a part of the aerosol generated by heating the rod-shaped base material 150 becomes liquid and may adhere to the accommodation unit 140C. Generally, if dirt adheres to the accommodation unit 140C, the quality of the flavor tasted by the user deteriorates, and thus it is desirable for the user to regularly clean the accommodation unit 140C.

[0148] Cleaning the accommodation unit 140C is performed, for example, by inserting a cleaning tool (e.g., a cotton swab) having a cleaning agent (e.g., a liquid substance such as alcohol or water) into the accommodation unit 140C. In this way, the dirt adhering to the accommodation unit 140C can be removed. However, if the frequency of cleaning using the cleaning tool and the cleaning agent is low, dirt accumulates in the accommodation unit 140C and it becomes difficult to remove the dirt. On the other hand, if the frequency of cleaning using the cleaning tool and the cleaning agent is high, it is boring for the user.

[0149] Therefore, in the present embodiment, in response to removing the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve is completed, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve to heat the accommodation unit 140C in which the rod-shaped base material 150 is not accommodated. Specifically, when the brightness of the reflected light becomes less than a predetermined value L1 after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve is completed, the MCU 1 determines that the rod-shaped base material 150 has been removed from the accommodation unit 140C. In response to this determination result, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve. The cleaning heating curve is information that defines the time-series transition of the target temperature (the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121C) and is information for cleaning the interior of the accommodation unit 140C. For example, the cleaning heating curve is pre-stored in the ROM. The cleaning heating curve is a heating curve different from the rod heating curve and has different information such as the target temperature and the operation time, as described below.

[0150] In this way, after removing the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C, the accommodation unit 140C is heated, so that the liquid (e.g., water) present in the accommodation unit 140C evaporates. As a result, the part of the aerosol source that adhered to the accommodation unit 140C due to the liquid present in the accommodation unit 140C no longer adheres to the accommodation unit 140C. Therefore, by, for example, pointing the orifice 27 downward, the user can easily remove this part of the aerosol source from the accommodation unit 140C. Moreover, the part of the aerosol that has become liquid and adhered to the accommodation unit 140C evaporates by heating and is removed from the accommodation unit 140C. Heating control is performed immediately after removing the rod-shaped base material 150 (in other words, immediately after smoking) to remove such dirt, so that the dirt does not accumulate in the accommodation unit 140C, and the frequency of cleaning with cleaning tools and cleaning agents can be reduced. Therefore, the convenience of cleaning the inhalation device 100 can be improved.

[0151] Note that the timing of operating the heating unit 121C in response to removing the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C includes the time when the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped base material 150 based on the detection result of the rod detection sensor 12, and the time when a predetermined amount of time (a relatively short amount of time) has elapsed since the time of detecting the rod-shaped base material 150.

[0152] Here, referring to Figure 11 , a cleaning heating curve (dashed line in Figure 11 ) is described in comparison with the rod heating curve.

[0153] According to the cleaning heating curve, when starting the heating control, the temperature of the heating unit 121C rises to the maximum temperature T4, and then is maintained at this temperature T4. Then, when the time elapsed since the start of the heating control is t2, the heating control is terminated.

[0154] The rod heating curve and the cleaning heating curve include operation time information for operating the heating unit 121C, and the operation time t2 of the cleaning heating curve is set to be shorter than the operation time t1 of the rod heating curve. The operation time t2 of the cleaning heating curve should be long enough to evaporate the moisture in the accommodation unit 140C. The operation time t2 of the cleaning heating curve is short, so that overheating of the accommodation unit 140C in which no rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated is reduced. Moreover, power consumption can be reduced. Note that when the shutter 23 is closed before the operation time t2 has elapsed, the MCU 1 can terminate the heating control based on the cleaning heating curve, or the MCU can continue the heating control until the operation time t2 has elapsed even if the shutter 23 is closed before the operation time t2 has elapsed.

[0155] Moreover, in the cleaning heating curve, the target temperature of the heating unit 121C is set to be higher than the target temperature of the heating unit 121C in the rod heating curve. Specifically, the highest target temperature T1 of the rod heating curve is set to approximately 300°C, and the highest target temperature T4 of the cleaning heating curve is set to a temperature higher than 300°C. By setting the target temperature of the cleaning heating curve to be high, the moisture in the accommodating unit 140C can be evaporated in a shorter time.

[0156] In the present embodiment, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous operation of the heating unit 121C performed in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodating unit 140C, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodating unit 140C after the operation of heating the rod-shaped base material 150 has been completed. Here, the predetermined period of time can be, for example, a period until the operation of heating the rod-shaped base material 150 has been performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 20 times), or a period preset in the MCU 1 by the manufacturer of the suction device 100 (e.g., 3 days), etc. For example, the predetermined period of time is counted or timed by the MCU 1.

[0157] To explain an example, after, for example, 20 rod-shaped base materials 150 have been heated since the end of the previous operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve in response to the removal of the 20th rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodating unit 140C. To explain another example, after, for example, three days have passed since the end of the previous operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodating unit 140C after the operation of heating the rod-shaped base material 150 has ended. In this way, compared with performing the heating control based on the cleaning heating curve every time a rod-shaped base material 150 is used, the heating control is not continuously performed, so the power consumption can be reduced.

[0158] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the MCU 1 can selectively switch between the following two modes in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C: a first mode in which the heating unit 121C is operated; and a second mode in which the heating unit 121C is not operated. Specifically, as described above, the first mode is a mode in which, in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve has ended, the heating unit 121C is operated based on the cleaning heating curve. The second mode is a mode in which, when the rod-shaped base material 150 is removed from the accommodation unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve has ended, the heating unit 121C is not operated.

[0159] For example, the first mode corresponds to the automatic heating mode, and the second mode corresponds to the manual heating mode. However, this correspondence is not restrictive, and even when the automatic heating mode is selected, a separate mode can be provided in which the heating unit 121C is not operated when the rod-shaped base material 150 is removed from the accommodation unit 140C. Moreover, even when the manual heating mode is selected, a separate mode can be provided in which, in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C, the heating unit 121C is automatically operated based on the cleaning heating curve.

[0160] The MCU 1 selectively adopts the first mode or the second mode, and thus can reflect the intention of the user who does not want heating control for cleaning after removing the rod-shaped base material 150.

[0161] [Examples of notification by the notification unit]

[0162] Next, examples of notifying the user during heating will be described. Here, the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 25 (LED 251), which is an example of the notification unit 113B, will now be described. Figure 2 of the notification unit 113B.

[0163] The light emitting unit 25 notifies the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. Specifically, when the heating unit 121C is operated based on the rod heating curve with the rod-shaped substrate material 150 accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, and when the heating unit 121C is operated based on the cleaning heating curve after removing the rod-shaped substrate material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C, the light emitting unit emits light in a predetermined light emission pattern. Such notification allows the user to easily and visually understand that the heating unit 121C is operating. In particular, for example, when the heating unit 121C operates without the rod-shaped substrate material 150 being accommodated, the user can see the light emitted by the light emitting unit 25 and be careful not to bring their fingers close to the orifice 27.

[0164] The light emitting unit 25 can emit light such that the light emission pattern when the heating unit 121C operates based on the rod heating curve with the rod-shaped substrate material 150 accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C is different from the light emission pattern when the heating unit 121C operates based on the cleaning heating curve after the rod-shaped substrate material 150 has been removed from the accommodation unit 140C. For example, as Figure 11 shown, the emission color of the LED 251 changes between the light emission pattern during heating control based on the rod heating curve and the light emission pattern during heating control based on the cleaning heating curve. Also, the light emission pattern can be distinguished by changing the number of the LEDs 251 among the plurality of LEDs 251 that emit light. By setting the light emission pattern to be different between the accommodated state and the non-accommodated state, the user can visually and easily understand that when the heating unit 121C operates in the non-accommodated state, the heating control is performed in a different manner than when the heating unit 121C operates in the accommodated state.

[0165] Note that, for example, the notification performed by the notification unit 113B is not limited to the light emission by the light emitting unit 25, but can be the vibration by the vibration device 60. Specifically, the vibration device 60 can vibrate during the operation of the heating unit 121C to notify the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. Also, when the heating unit 121C operates in the accommodated state, the vibration device 60 can operate in a vibration pattern different from the vibration pattern when the heating unit 121C operates in the non-accommodated state.

[0166] [Example of the process executed by the control unit]

[0167] Next, an example of the process executed by the MCU 1 is explained using the Figure 12 flowchart shown in.

[0168] The MCU 1 first determines whether the shutter 23 is in the open state (step S101). If the shutter 23 is not in the open state (step S101: No), the MCU 1 repeatedly monitors step S101 until the shutter 23 is in the open state.

[0169] When the shutter 23 is in the open state (step S101: Yes), the MCU 1 determines whether the rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C (step S102). Specifically, when the shutter 23 is in the open state, the rod detection sensor 12 starts to operate, the MCU 1 obtains the detection result from the rod detection sensor 12, and determines whether the rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C. If the rod-shaped base material 150 is not accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C (step S102: No), the MCU 1 repeatedly monitors step S102 until the rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C.

[0170] When the rod-shaped base material 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C (step S102: Yes), the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve (step S103). In this way, the heating of the rod-shaped base material 150 is started, and an aerosol is generated. When the operation time in the rod heating curve has elapsed, or when a predetermined number of inhalations have been performed since the start of the heating of the rod-shaped base material 150, the heating of the rod-shaped base material 150 ends (step S104).

[0171] Next, the MCU 1 determines whether the rod-shaped base material 150 has been removed from the accommodation unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve has ended (step S105). If the rod-shaped base material 150 has not been removed from the accommodation unit 140C (step S105: No), the MCU 1 repeatedly monitors step S105 until the rod-shaped base material 150 is removed from the accommodation unit 140C.

[0172] If the rod-shaped base material 150 has been removed from the accommodation unit 140C (step S105: Yes), the MCU 1 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve (step S106).

[0173] If a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve (step S106: Yes), the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve in response to the removal of the rod-shaped substrate material 150 (step S107). On the other hand, if the predetermined period of time has not elapsed since the previous operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve (step S106: No), the MCU 1 does not operate the heating unit 121C and ends this process.

[0174] <<Modified Example 1>>

[0175] Based on the SOC of the power supply unit 111C, the MCU 1 can determine whether to operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve. Specifically, the MCU 1 determines whether the SOC of the power supply unit 111C is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve in response to the determination that after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve has ended, the rod-shaped substrate material 150 has been removed from the accommodation unit 140C, and the SOC is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. Here, the specified value of the SOC is, for example, the sum of the power required to perform the current operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve and the power required to perform the next operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve. If the predetermined value of the SOC is set in this way, the possibility that the SOC of the power supply unit 111C will decrease due to performing the heating control based on the cleaning heating curve this time and that it will be impossible to perform the next heating control based on the rod heating curve will be eliminated.

[0176] Reference Figure 13 to specifically describe Modified Example 1. As Figure 13 shown in the upper part of, when the SOC (also referred to as the current SOC) at the end of the heating control based on the rod heating curve is equal to or greater than the predetermined value described above, even if the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve is performed, it is possible to heat the next accommodated rod-shaped substrate material 150 without charging. Therefore, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve in response to the determination that the rod-shaped substrate material 150 has been removed from the accommodation unit 140C and the SOC is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. On the other hand, as Figure 13As shown in the lower part of [], when the SOC (also known as the current SOC) at the end of the heating control based on the rod heating curve is less than the specified value described above, when the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve is performed, due to insufficient power, it will be impossible to heat the next rod-shaped substrate material 150 to be accommodated. Therefore, when the MCU 1 determines that the SOC is less than the predetermined value, the MCU 1 does not operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve.

[0177] <<Modified Example 2>>

[0178] In the embodiment described above, if the brightness of the reflected light becomes less than the predetermined value L1 after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve is terminated, the MCU 1 does not detect the rod-shaped substrate 150 and operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve. The difference between Modified Example 2 and the embodiment described above is that in some cases, even if the brightness of the reflected light is less than the predetermined value L1, the MCU 1 may not operate the heating unit 121C.

[0179] When there is a large amount of cleaning agent or dirt inside the accommodating unit 140C (which occurs as the suction device 100 is used), the brightness of the reflected light may be lower than when there is a small amount of cleaning agent or dirt. This situation is considered to be because when the light emitted from the rod detection sensor 12 is reflected from the inner wall of the accommodating unit 140C, it is scattered by the cleaning agent and dirt, thereby reducing the amount of light returned to the rod detection sensor 12. In Modified Example 2, when it is determined based on the brightness of the reflected light that there is a small amount of cleaning agent or dirt in the accommodating unit 140C, the MCU 1 does not operate the heating unit 121C.

[0180] The following is a specific explanation of Modified Example 2. First, the brightness region of the reflected light detected by the rod detection sensor 12 is explained. As Figure 14 shown, when the brightness of the reflected light falls within the first range (the range where the brightness is L1 or greater), the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped substrate material 150. Moreover, when the brightness of the reflected light is within the second region (the region where the brightness is equal to or greater than L2 and less than L1) or the third region (the region where the brightness is less than L2), the MCU 1 does not detect the rod-shaped substrate material 150. Here, L2 has a value less than L1. These regions are different from each other. The second region has less cleaning agent and dirt in the accommodating unit 140C and has a high brightness of the reflected light, while in contrast, the third region has more cleaning agent and dirt in the accommodating unit 140C and has a low brightness of the reflected light.

[0181] When the brightness detected by the rod detection sensor 12 is within the first region, the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped base material 150 and operates the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve, as in the embodiments described above.

[0182] Moreover, when the brightness is within the second region, the MCU 1 does not detect the rod-shaped base material 150 and does not operate the heating unit 121C in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C. In this way, when it is determined that there is little or no cleaner or dirt in the accommodation unit 140C, the MCU 1 does not operate the heating unit 121C, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0183] Moreover, when the brightness is within the third region, the MCU 1 does not detect the rod-shaped base material 150 and operates the heating unit 121C in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C. In this way, if it is determined that there is a large amount of cleaner or dirt in the accommodation unit 140C, the MCU 1 can operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve to evaporate and remove the liquid substances in the accommodation unit 140C.

[0184] Note that the control method of the inhalation device 100 in the embodiments and the modified examples 1 and 2 described above can be implemented by executing a program on a pre-prepared computer (processor). The program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and is executed by being read out from the storage medium. The program can also be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium (such as a flash memory), or can be provided via a network (such as the Internet). Moreover, the computer that executes this program can be included, for example, in the inhalation device 100 (e.g., the MCU 1), but this is not a limitation, and it can also be included in another device (e.g., a smartphone or a server device) that can communicate with the inhalation device 100.

[0185] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of several variant examples or modified examples within the scope disclosed in the claims, and any such variant examples or modified examples are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. In addition, the components in the embodiments described above can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0186] For example, in the embodiment described above, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve and the cleaning heating curve, but this is not a limitation. The MCU 1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on information that is not a time-series progression (e.g., information that does not include time information and only specifies the target temperature of the heating unit 121C) and is not a heating curve (which is information that specifies the time-series progression of the target temperature).

[0187] Moreover, as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 15 , the target temperature of the heating unit 121C in the reference cleaning heating curve may be set lower than the target temperature of the heating unit 121C in the rod heating curve. In this case, the maximum temperature T5 of the cleaning heating curve is set to, for example, about 100°C to 200°C (the maximum temperature is equal to or higher than the boiling point of water), so that the moisture in the accommodation unit 140C can be evaporated. In this case, although the operation time t3 included in the cleaning heating curve is longer than the operation time t2 in the embodiment described above, if the operation time is long enough to evaporate the moisture in the accommodation unit 140C, then t3 can be set shorter than the operation time t1 of the rod heating curve.

[0188] Moreover, the MCU 1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve during the period from when the shutter 23 is opened until the rod detection sensor 12 detects the rod-shaped base material 150. This enables the moisture in the accommodation unit 140C to evaporate before the rod-shaped base material 150 is heated.

[0189] Moreover, the MCU 1 does not have to automatically operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve in response to the removal of the rod-shaped base material 150 from the accommodation unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve has ended. Specifically, after the rod-shaped base material 150 is removed from the accommodation unit 140C, the MCU 1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating curve in response to a heating request from the user (e.g., by pressing the operation unit 24).

[0190] Moreover, in the embodiments described above, the optical sensor is described as an example of the rod detection sensor 12, but this is not a limitation. For example, the rod detection sensor 12 can be a pressure sensor that detects pressure changes in the accommodation unit 140C associated with the insertion and removal of the rod-shaped base material 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped base material 150 based on the pressure fluctuations detected by the pressure sensor. Moreover, in the case where identification information is attached to the rod-shaped base material 150, the rod detection sensor 12 can be an identification information reader capable of reading the identification information on the rod-shaped base material 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped base material 150 based on the reading result obtained by the identification information reader. Moreover, the rod detection sensor 12 can be a mechanical switch that is provided near the accommodation unit 140C (for example, provided on the bottom surface of the accommodation unit 140C) and is pressed by the rod-shaped base material 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped base material 150 due to the switch being pressed. Moreover, if the rod-shaped base material 150 includes a receptor, the MCU 1 can detect the rod-shaped base material 150 based on the characteristic change (for example, inductance change) of the circuit of the inhalation device 100 caused by the insertion of the rod-shaped base material 150.

[0191] This specification etc. elaborates at least the following features. The corresponding components etc. in the embodiments described above are shown in parentheses by way of example, but are not limited thereto.

[0192] (1) An inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B) for generating an aerosol from a base material (rod-shaped base material 150) having an aerosol source, the inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B) comprising:

[0193] An accommodation unit (accommodation units 140, 140C) for accommodating the base material;

[0194] A heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) for heating the accommodation unit; and

[0195] A control unit (control units 116A, 116B, MCU 1) for controlling the heating unit,

[0196] wherein the control unit

[0197] Operates the heating unit when the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit, and

[0198] Operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the accommodation unit after completing the operation of heating the base material.

[0199] The dirt that appears in the accommodation unit with the use of the inhalation device includes parts of the aerosol source that have fallen from the base material and adhered to the accommodation unit together with the liquid, and a part of the aerosol generated by heating the base material (this part becomes liquid and adheres to the accommodation unit). According to (1), the control unit operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the accommodation unit after the operation of heating the base material is completed. In this way, the liquid in the accommodation unit is evaporated and removed, so it is possible to remove the dirt adhering to the inside of the accommodation unit, or it becomes easier to remove the dirt. Therefore, the convenience of cleaning the inhalation unit can be improved.

[0200] (2) The inhalation device according to (1), wherein,

[0201] The control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information that specifies the time-series transition of a target temperature that is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit,

[0202] This heating information includes at least first heating information (rod heating curve) for heating the base material and second heating information (cleaning heating curve) different from the first heating information,

[0203] and the control unit

[0204] When the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit, operates the heating unit based on the first heating information, and

[0205] In response to removing the base material from the accommodation unit after the operation of the heating unit based on the first heating information is completed, operates the heating unit based on the second heating information.

[0206] According to (2), the heating unit is operated based on appropriate heating information according to each situation, so more appropriate heating control can be performed.

[0207] (3) The inhalation device according to (2), wherein,

[0208] Each of the first heating information and the second heating information includes an operation time for operating the heating unit, and

[0209] The operation time (operation time t2) of the second heating information is shorter than the operation time (operation time t1) of the first heating information.

[0210] According to (3), when the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information, overheating of the heating unit from which the base material has been removed is reduced.

[0211] (4) The inhalation device according to (3), wherein,

[0212] The target temperature of the second heating information is higher than the target temperature of the first heating information.

[0213] According to (4), the target temperature of the second heating information is higher than the target temperature of the first heating information, and thus the operation time of the second heating information can be shortened.

[0214] (5) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein

[0215] After a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous operation of the heating unit in response to removing the substrate material from the accommodation unit, the control unit operates the heating unit in response to removing the substrate material from the accommodation unit after completing the operation of heating the substrate material.

[0216] According to (5), the heating control is not performed continuously, and thus the power consumption can be reduced as compared with performing the heating control every time the substrate material is removed.

[0217] (6) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising

[0218] A power supply unit (power supply units 111A to 111C) that can supply power to the heating unit, wherein

[0219] The control unit

[0220] Determines whether the remaining capacity of the power supply unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and

[0221] Operates the heating unit in response to removing the substrate material from the accommodation unit after completing the operation of heating the substrate material and determining that the remaining capacity is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0222] According to (6), it is possible to determine whether to operate the heating unit in response to removing the substrate material from the accommodation unit in consideration of the remaining capacity of the power supply unit.

[0223] (7) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0224] The control unit can selectively switch between: a first mode in which the heating unit is operated in response to removing the substrate material from the accommodation unit after completing the operation of heating the substrate material; and a second mode in which the heating unit is not operated even if the substrate material is removed from the accommodation unit after completing the operation of heating the substrate material.

[0225] According to (7), the control unit selectively adopts the first mode or the second mode, and thus it is possible to reflect the user's desire not to control the heating after removing the substrate material.

[0226] (8) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (7) further comprises

[0227] an optical sensor (rod detection sensor 12) for emitting light into the accommodation unit and detecting the amount of light reflected from the accommodation unit, wherein,

[0228] the control unit is configured to be able to detect the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit based on the amount of reflected light.

[0229] According to (8), the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit can be detected based on the amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor.

[0230] (9) The inhalation device according to (8), wherein,

[0231] the control unit

[0232] when the amount of light is within the first region, the base material is detected and the heating unit is operated,

[0233] when the amount of light is within a second region different from the first region, the base material is not detected in response to the removal of the base material from the accommodation unit and the heating unit is not operated, and

[0234] when the amount of light is within a third region different from the first region and the second region, the base material is not detected in response to the removal of the base material from the accommodation unit and the heating unit is operated.

[0235] According to (9), when the base material is removed from the accommodation unit, the heating unit is not operated when heating is not necessary, so power consumption can be reduced.

[0236] (10) The inhalation device according to (8) or (9) further comprises

[0237] a flexible member (sensor FPC 73) electrically connected to the control unit and arranged around the accommodation unit, wherein,

[0238] the optical sensor is provided on the flexible member.

[0239] According to (10), by providing the optical sensor on the flexible member, the degree of freedom of arranging the optical sensor around the accommodation unit is increased compared to, for example, providing the optical sensor on a rigid plate.

[0240] (11) The inhalation device according to (10), wherein,

[0241] a transparent member (transmission filter 311) capable of transmitting light is provided on a part of the wall defining the accommodation unit, and

[0242] The flexible member is arranged around the accommodation unit such that the optical sensor faces the transparent member at a predetermined distance.

[0243] According to (11), the optical sensor faces the transparent member at a predetermined distance, so it is possible to reduce the influence of the heat from the accommodation unit on the optical sensor.

[0244] (12) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (11) further comprises

[0245] a notification unit (light emitting unit 25, vibration device 60) for notifying the user that the heating unit is operating, wherein,

[0246] when the heating unit is operating after the base material has been removed from the accommodation unit, the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating.

[0247] According to (12), when the heating unit is operating after the base material has been removed from the accommodation unit, the user can easily determine that the heating control is being executed and, for example, can be careful not to bring their fingers close to the accommodation unit.

[0248] (13) The inhalation device according to (12), wherein,

[0249] the notification unit

[0250] when the heating unit is operating while the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit, notifies the user that the heating unit is operating through a first notification mode, and

[0251] when the heating unit is operating based on second heating information after the base material has been removed from the accommodation unit, notifies the user that the heating unit is operating through a second notification mode different from the first notification mode.

[0252] According to (13), the user can easily determine that the heating unit is operating when the base material is not accommodated in the accommodation unit, so, for example, the user can be careful not to bring their fingers close to the accommodation unit.

[0253] (14) A control method executed by a computer (control units 116A, 116B, MCU 1) that controls the operation of an inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B), the inhalation device generating an aerosol from a base material (rod-shaped base material 150) having an aerosol source, wherein,

[0254] the inhalation device comprises:

[0255] an accommodation unit (accommodation units 140, 140C) for accommodating the base material; and

[0256] A heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) that heats the accommodation unit, and

[0257] the computer

[0258] operates the heating unit when the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit, and

[0259] operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the accommodation unit after completing the operation of heating the base material.

[0260] As the inhalation device is used, dirt may accumulate in the accommodation unit. For example, a part of the aerosol source that has fallen from the base material and adhered to the accommodation unit together with the liquid, or a part of the aerosol generated by heating the base material may turn into a liquid and adhere to the accommodation unit. According to (14), the computer operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the accommodation unit after completing the operation of heating the base material by the heating unit. In this way, the liquid in the accommodation unit is evaporated and removed, so it is possible to remove the dirt adhering to the inside of the accommodation unit, or it becomes easier to remove the dirt. Therefore, the convenience of cleaning the inhalation unit can be improved.

[0261] (15) A program that causes a computer (control units 116A, 116B, MCU 1) that controls the operation of an inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B) to execute a predetermined process, the inhalation device generating an aerosol from a base material (rod-shaped base material 150) having an aerosol source, wherein,

[0262] the inhalation device includes:

[0263] an accommodation unit (accommodation units 140, 140C) that accommodates the base material; and

[0264] a heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) that heats the accommodation unit, and

[0265] the computer is caused to execute the following process:

[0266] operates the heating unit when the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit, and

[0267] operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the accommodation unit after completing the operation of heating the base material.

[0268] As the inhalation device is used, dirt may accumulate in the accommodation unit, such as the part of the aerosol source that has fallen from the base material and adhered to the accommodation unit together with the liquid, or a part of the aerosol generated by heating the base material may turn into a liquid and adhere to the accommodation unit. According to (15), the computer operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the accommodation unit after the operation of heating the base material by the heating unit. In this way, the liquid in the accommodation unit is evaporated and removed, so it is possible to remove the dirt adhering to the inside of the accommodation unit, or it becomes easier to remove the dirt. Therefore, the convenience of cleaning the inhalation unit can be improved.

[0269] (16) An inhalation system, comprising: a base material (rod-shaped base material 150) having an aerosol source; and

[0270] The inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B) according to any one of (1) to (13).

[0271] As the inhalation device is used, dirt may accumulate in the accommodation unit, such as the part of the aerosol source that has fallen from the base material and adhered to the accommodation unit together with the liquid, or a part of the aerosol generated by heating the base material may turn into a liquid and adhere to the accommodation unit. According to (16), the control unit operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the accommodation unit after the operation of heating the base material by the heating unit. In this way, the liquid in the accommodation unit is evaporated and removed, so it is possible to remove the dirt adhering to the inside of the accommodation unit, or it becomes easier to remove the dirt. Therefore, the convenience of cleaning the inhalation unit can be improved.

[0272] (17) The inhalation device according to (13), wherein,

[0273] The notification unit includes a light-emitting unit (light-emitting unit 25) that notifies the user by emitting light, and

[0274] The first notification mode and the second notification mode are different light-emitting modes.

[0275] According to (17), the user can visually and easily determine whether to perform heating control to heat the base material, or whether to perform heating control after the base material has been removed from the accommodation unit.

[0276] (18) The inhalation device according to (17), wherein,

[0277] The first notification mode and the second notification mode are different light-emitting colors of the light-emitting unit.

[0278] According to (18), by checking the color of the emitted light, the user can easily determine whether to perform heating control to heat the base material, or whether to perform heating control after the base material has been removed from the accommodating unit.

[0279] (19) The inhalation device according to (17), wherein,

[0280] The light emitting unit has a plurality of light emitting elements (LED 251), and

[0281] The first notification mode and the second notification mode have different numbers of light emitting elements that emit light.

[0282] According to (19), by checking the number of light emitting elements of the emitted light, the user can easily determine whether to perform heating control to heat the base material, or whether to perform heating control after the base material has been removed from the accommodating unit.

[0283] List of reference numerals

[0284] 1 MCU (control unit, computer)

[0285] 12 Rod detection sensor (optical sensor)

[0286] 25 Light emitting unit (notification unit)

[0287] 60 Vibration device (notification unit)

[0288] 73 Sensor FPC (flexible member)

[0289] 100, 100A, 100B Inhalation device

[0290] 116A, 116B Control unit

[0291] 121A to 121C Heating unit

[0292] 140, 140C Accommodating unit

[0293] 150 Rod-shaped base material (base material)

[0294] 311 Transmission filter (transparent member)

Claims

1. An inhalation device for generating an aerosol from a substrate material having an aerosol source, the inhalation device comprising: a receiving unit for receiving the substrate material; a heating unit for heating the receiving unit; and a control unit for controlling the heating unit, wherein the control unit operates the heating unit when the substrate material is received in the receiving unit, and operates the heating unit in response to removal of the substrate material from the receiving unit after completion of the operation of heating the substrate material.

2. The inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines a time-series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, the heating information includes at least first heating information for generating an aerosol from the substrate material and second heating information different from the first heating information, the control unit operates the heating unit based on the first heating information when the substrate material is received in the receiving unit, and operates the heating unit based on the second heating information in response to removal of the substrate material from the receiving unit after completion of the operation of the heating unit based on the first heating information.

3. The inhalation device according to claim 2, wherein each of the first heating information and the second heating information includes an operation time for operating the heating unit, and the operation time of the second heating information is shorter than the operation time of the first heating information.

4. The inhalation device according to claim 3, wherein the target temperature of the second heating information is higher than the target temperature of the first heating information.

5. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a previous operation of the heating unit performed in response to removal of the substrate material from the receiving unit, the control unit operates the heating unit in response to removal of the substrate material from the receiving unit after completion of the operation of heating the substrate material.

6. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a power supply unit that can supply power to the heating unit, wherein the control unit determines whether a remaining capacity of the power supply unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and operates the heating unit in response to removal of the substrate material from the receiving unit after completion of the operation of heating the substrate material and determining that the remaining capacity is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

7. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit can selectively switch between: a first mode in which the heating unit is operated in response to removal of the substrate material from the receiving unit after completion of the operation of heating the substrate material; and a second mode in which the heating unit is not operated even if the substrate material is removed from the receiving unit after completion of the operation of heating the substrate material.

8. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising An optical sensor for emitting light into the receiving unit and detecting the amount of light reflected from the receiving unit, wherein, the control unit is configured to be able to detect the base material accommodated in the receiving unit based on the amount of reflected light.

9. The inhalation device according to claim 8, wherein, the control unit when the amount of light is within a first region, detects the base material and operates the heating unit, when the amount of light is in a second region different from the first region, does not detect the base material and does not operate the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the receiving unit, and when the amount of light is in a third region different from the first region and the second region, does not detect the base material and operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the receiving unit.

10. The inhalation device according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a flexible member electrically connected to the control unit and disposed around the receiving unit, wherein, the optical sensor is provided on the flexible member.

11. The inhalation device according to claim 10, wherein, a transparent member capable of transmitting light is provided on a part of the wall defining the receiving unit, and the flexible member is disposed around the receiving unit such that the optical sensor faces the transparent member at a predetermined distance.

12. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the user that the heating unit is operating, wherein, when the heating unit is operating after the base material has been removed from the receiving unit, the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating.

13. The inhalation device according to claim 12, wherein, the notification unit when the heating unit is operating while the base material is accommodated in the receiving unit, notifies the user that the heating unit is operating through a first notification mode, and when the heating unit is operating after the base material has been removed from the receiving unit, notifies the user that the heating unit is operating through a second notification mode different from the first notification mode.

14. A control method executed by a computer for controlling the operation of an inhalation device that generates an aerosol from a base material having an aerosol source, wherein, the inhalation device includes: a receiving unit for accommodating the base material; a heating unit for heating the receiving unit, and the computer operates the heating unit when the base material is accommodated in the receiving unit, and operates the heating unit in response to removing the base material from the receiving unit after completing the operation of heating the base material.

15. A program for causing a computer for controlling the operation of an inhalation device to execute a predetermined process, the inhalation device generating an aerosol from a base material having an aerosol source, wherein, the inhalation device includes: a receiving unit for accommodating the base material; a heating unit for heating the receiving unit, and the computer is caused to execute the following process: operate the heating unit when the base material is accommodated in the receiving unit, and The heating unit is operated in response to removing the substrate material from the accommodating unit after completing the operation of heating the substrate material.

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