Inhalation device, control method, and program

Abstract

An inhalation device (100) for generating an aerosol from a rod-shaped substrate (150) having an aerosol source, the inhalation device comprising: a receiving portion (140C) receiving the rod-shaped substrate (150); a heating unit (121C) capable of heating the rod-shaped substrate (150) housed in the housing portion (140C); and an MCU (1) that controls the heating unit (121C). When the temperature of the heating unit (121C) is lower than a predetermined temperature, the MCU (1) starts operation of the heating unit (121C) before the rod-shaped substrate (150) is accommodated in the accommodating portion (140C).

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 having an aerosol source. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, it is known that an inhalation device generates an aerosol provided with 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 including an aerosol source using a heating unit (also referred to as a "heating element"), which is a resistive heater or an induction heater.

[0003] Generally, after the substrate is inserted into the accommodation portion, the inhalation device operates the heating unit. For example, when a detector detects a smoking article in the cavity, the electric heating smoking system of PTL 1 is activated.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] [PTL 1] Japanese translation publication number of PCT international application JP 2012-513750 A Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical Problem

[0008] However, in a low-temperature environment (hereinafter also referred to as a cold environment), starting the operation of the heating unit after the substrate is inserted into the accommodation portion increases the waiting time for the user from the insertion of the substrate until the aerosol becomes inhalable, and thus there is a problem of reduced usability of the inhalation device.

[0009] The present disclosure provides an inhalation device, a control method, and a program that improve usability in a cold environment.

[0010] Solution to the Problem

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure is

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

[0013] An accommodation portion that accommodates the substrate;

[0014] A heating unit that can heat the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion; and

[0015] A control unit that controls the heating unit, wherein,

[0016] When the temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit causes the operation of the heating unit to start before the substrate is placed in the accommodating portion.

[0017] One aspect of the present disclosure is

[0018] A control method executed by a computer for controlling the operation of an inhalation device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source,

[0019] The inhalation device includes:

[0020] An accommodating portion that accommodates the substrate; and

[0021] A heating unit for heating the accommodating portion, and

[0022] The computer

[0023] When the substrate is in the accommodated state in the accommodating portion, causes the operation of the heating unit, and

[0024] After the operation of heating the substrate is terminated, in response to removing the substrate from the accommodating portion, causes the operation of the heating unit.

[0025] One aspect of the present disclosure is

[0026] A program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined process, the computer controlling the operation of an inhalation device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source,

[0027] The inhalation device includes:

[0028] An accommodating portion that accommodates the substrate; and

[0029] A heating unit for heating the accommodating portion, and

[0030] The program causes the computer to execute the following process:

[0031] When the substrate is in the accommodated state in the accommodating portion, causes the operation of the heating unit, and

[0032] After the operation of heating the substrate is terminated, in response to removing the substrate from the accommodating portion, causes the operation of the heating unit.

[0033] Advantageous effects of the present invention

[0034] According to the present disclosure, the convenience of use in a low-temperature environment can be improved. Description of the drawings

[0035] Figure 1is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device (inhalation device 100A);

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of an inhalation device (inhalation device 100B);

[0037] Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of an inhalation device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 observed from the right front side;

[0039] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 observed from the left front side;

[0040] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10;

[0041] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30;

[0042] Figure 8 is Figure 5 a cross-sectional view taken at A-A in and shows the structure around the rod detection sensor 12 and the rod guide 31 (accommodating portion 140C);

[0043] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the progress of light emitted from the rod detection sensor 12 in the state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated and not accommodated;

[0044] Figure 10 is a graph showing the detection and non-detection of the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on brightness;

[0045] Figure 11 is a developed view of the heating unit 121C, which is a film heater;

[0046] Figure 12 is a graph showing the rod heating curve and the preheating heating curve;

[0047] Figure 13 is a graph showing the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve after starting the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating heating curve;

[0048] Figure 14 is a graph showing the forced termination of the operation of the heating unit 121C when a failure occurs in the heating unit 121C during preheating; and

[0049] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the MCU 1. Detailed implementation manners

[0050] Now, an inhalation device, a control method, and a program according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Two configuration examples (a first configuration example and a second configuration example) to which the configuration of the inhalation device according to the present disclosure can be applied are described. It should be noted that hereinafter, the same or similar reference numerals may be provided for the same or similar elements, and the description of the same or similar elements may be appropriately omitted or simplified.

[0051] <<1. Configuration example of the inhalation device>>

[0052] An inhalation device is a device for generating a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0053] (1) First configuration example

[0054] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a 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 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.

[0055] The power unit 111A stores electric power. The power 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 unit 111A may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0056] 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 inhalation performed by the user. 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.

[0057] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The information notified to the user by the notification unit 113A includes, 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, and the like. The notification unit 113A may 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 the like.

[0058] The memory unit 114A stores various types of information for operating the inhalation device 100A. For example, the memory unit 114A may be configured by a non-volatile storage medium (such as a flash memory).

[0059] 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 the like.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 may 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 may include a drug.

[0062] The liquid guiding section 122 guides the aerosol source from the liquid storage section 123 and holds the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123. The liquid guiding section 122 is a wicking member formed, for example, by twisting a fibrous material (such as glass fiber) or a porous material (such as porous ceramics). In such a case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary action of the wicking member.

[0063] 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 held in the liquid guiding portion 122 is 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, power can be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or has input a predetermined information. Then, when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has completed inhaling and / or has input a predetermined information, the supply of power to the heating unit 121A can be stopped. It should be noted that the inhalation action of the user on the inhalation device 100A can be detected, for example, based on a pressure (internal pressure) exceeding a predetermined threshold in the inhalation device 100A detected by a suction sensor.

[0064] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 can include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0065] 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. Midway in the air flow path 180, the liquid guiding portion 122 is provided upstream (closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is provided 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.

[0066] The mouthpiece 124 is a member held in the user's mouth during inhalation. The air outlet hole 182 is provided in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth so as to be able to suck the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0067] The configuration example of the inhalation device 100A has been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100A is not limited to the configuration described above and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown as examples below.

[0068] As an example, the inhalation device 100A does not need to include a flavored cartridge 130. In this case, the cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

[0069] As another example, the inhalation device 100A can 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.

[0070] Furthermore, 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 can be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0071] (2) Second configuration example

[0072] 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 portion 140, and a heat insulation portion 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 referred to as a power supply unit with a built-in heating unit.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The housing portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the rod-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The housing portion 140 has an opening 142 that allows the internal space 141 to communicate with the outside, and accommodates the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing portion 140 is a cylindrical body that includes the opening 142 and a bottom portion 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 portion 140. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the side surface of the inhalation device 100, and this air inlet hole is the entrance for air to enter the air flow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143, and this air outlet hole serves as the exit for air from the air flow path to the internal space 141.

[0075] The rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 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, a solid including tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. With the rod-shaped substrate 150 held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a part of the substrate 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 holds 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 drawings and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0076] In Figure 2 the example shown, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is provided to cover the outer periphery of the accommodating portion 140. Then, when the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0077] 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 insulation material or an aerogel insulation material or the like.

[0078] The configuration examples of the inhalation device 100B have been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100B is not limited to the configuration described above and can adopt various configurations, such as the examples shown below.

[0079] As an example, the heating unit 121B may have a blade shape and may be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion from the inside of the substrate portion 151 of the rod-shaped substrate 150. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In addition, the heating unit 121B may be configured by a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.

[0080] As another example, the accommodating part 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism (such as a hinge) for opening / closing a part of the outer housing that forms the internal space 141. By opening / closing the housing, the accommodating part 140 can then receive and hold the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided on the holding part of the accommodating part 140 and may heat the rod-shaped substrate while pressing it.

[0081] 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 for generating heat by induction heating may be provided in the inhalation device 100B or may be included in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0082] The inhalation device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guiding part 122, the liquid storage part 123, and the 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, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and further mixes with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B and reaches the user's mouth.

[0083] <<2. Configuration Examples of the Inhalation Devices of the Present Disclosure>>

[0084] Next, embodiments of an inhalation device (hereinafter referred to as the inhalation device 100) applying the configuration of the inhalation device of the present disclosure are described with respect to the inhalation device 100B of the second configuration example described previously. It should be noted 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.

[0085] [Overall Configuration of the Inhalation Device]

[0086] 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 substrate 150 with respect to the inhalation device 100 is defined as the vertical direction, the sliding movement 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. Additionally, 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.

[0087] 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).

[0088] 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.

[0089] On the upper surface of the inhalation device 100, there are provided: an opening 27 (see Figures 4 to 6 ), through which the rod-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and removed; and a shutter 23 that can slide in the front-rear direction. The opening 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 opening 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 opening 27 to block the opening 27. When inserting the rod-shaped substrate 150 into the opening 27, the user places the shutter 23 in the open state.

[0090] Near the shutter 23, a shutter detection sensor 11 is provided (see Figure 4 ). 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 .

[0091] A USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 26 (see Figure 4 ) is provided on the upper surface of the inhalation device 100 adjacent to the opening 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) that can supply 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.

[0092] The operation unit 24 and the light-emitting unit 25 are provided on the front side 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 113A of the inhalation device 100B.

[0093] 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 the main board 50, which will be described later (see Figures 4 to 6 ). When the user presses the operation unit 24, for example, the microcontroller unit (MCU) 1 is activated (see Figures 4 to 6 ), or the heating unit 121C is activated (see Figure 7 ). Note that the MCU 1 serves as the control unit 116B in the inhalation device 100B. In addition, 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0094] As an example, the light-emitting unit 25 is configured by a light-emitting device (such as 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 emit light in a variety 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.

[0095] The light-emitting unit 25 emits light in a predetermined light-emitting pattern in response to a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. Here, the light-emitting pattern may be, for example, the light-emitting color, but this is not a limitation. For example, the light-emitting pattern may be the intensity of irradiation (in other words, luminance) or the irradiation pattern (for example, blinking at a predetermined time interval). In addition, the predetermined information is, for example, operation information indicating whether the inhalation device 100 is powered on.

[0096] Next, referring toFigures 4 to 6 Describe the internal unit 10 of the inhalation device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as viewed from the right front side, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as viewed from the left front side, and Figure 6 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.

[0097] The internal unit 10 includes a chassis 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 FPC (flexible printed circuit) 72, a sensor FPC 73, and various sensors. It should be noted that the power supply board 71 can 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.

[0098] (Chassis)

[0099] As Figure 6 shown in the exploded perspective view of, the chassis 40 includes a power supply component holding portion 41 for holding the power supply unit 111C, a board holding portion 42 for holding the main board 50, and a heater holding portion 43 for holding the heater assembly 30. The power supply component holding portion 41 is located at the lower part of the chassis 40, and the board holding portion 42 and the heater holding portion 43 are located at the upper part of the chassis 40.

[0100] The power supply component holding portion 41 has a cylindrical shape with a part of the side cut off, in other words, has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The power supply component holding portion 41 has a bottom wall portion 401, a side wall portion 402 having an arc shape and erected 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 arranged in the space surrounded by the bottom wall portion 401, the side wall portion 402, and the top wall portion 403.

[0101] The board holding portion 42 is provided in a vertical wall portion 404 extending upward from the top wall portion 403 of the power supply component holding portion 41. The board holding portion 42 is provided on one side in the front-rear direction (provided on the front side here) of the vertical wall portion 404, and holds the main board 50.

[0102] The heater holding portion 43 is provided on the side opposite to the board holding portion 42 in the front-rear direction (provided on the rear side here) of the vertical wall portion 404. The heater holding portion 43 has a space surrounded by the vertical wall portion 404, a pair of left and right wall portions 405 extending in the front-rear direction from the vertical wall portion 404, and the upper surface of the top wall portion 403 of the power supply component holding portion 41, and the heater assembly 30 is arranged in this space.

[0103] (Main board)

[0104] The main board 50 is a rigid board with a plurality of electronic components (elements) mounted on both sides. An MCU 1, an LED 251, a charging IC (integrated circuit), a boost DC / DC converter, etc. are mounted on the main board 50. The main board 50 is held in the substrate holding portion 42 of the chassis 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. Therefore, the charging IC and the boost DC / DC converter mounted on the reverse side 502 (here mounted on the rear side) are not shown.

[0105] In the lower region of the surface 501 of the main board 50, a power connection portion 51 is provided for electrically connecting to the power supply unit 111C. The power connection portion 51 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 111C via the power supply board 71. The power supply unit 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.

[0106] 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 member holding portion 41 of the chassis 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. The power supply board 71 is also provided with a power supply temperature sensor 16. The power supply temperature sensor 16 is a temperature 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.

[0107] A USB port 26 is provided in the upper region of the reverse side 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.

[0108] In addition to a charging IC and a boost DC / DC converter (not shown), a heater connection part is provided on the reverse side 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 ).

[0109] 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. Thus, the heating unit 121C of the heater assembly 30 is supplied with power from the power supply unit 111C via the main board 50.

[0110] (Vibration device)

[0111] 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 member holding part 41 of the chassis 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 by a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. For example, at the start or end of the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150, 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.

[0112] (Heater assembly)

[0113] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30.

[0114] The heater assembly 30 includes a heating unit 121C, a housing part 140C, and a heat insulation part 144C. The heating unit 121C is, for example, a film heater and is wound around the outer circumference of the housing part 140C. In addition, the heating unit 121C and the board connection part 121a may be configured with a single heater FPC.

[0115] The heater assembly 30 is further provided with a rod guide 31. The rod guide 31 is provided at the top of the heater assembly 30 and guides the rod-shaped substrate 150 to be inserted into and removed from the housing part 140C. The rod guide 31 is a cylindrical member having an opening 27 and forms a part of the housing part 140C.

[0116] The heater assembly 30 is further provided with a heater temperature sensor 15 which is 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.

[0117] (Sensor FPC)

[0118] As Figure 6 shown, the sensor FPC 73 is disposed in the heater holding 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.

[0119] The rod detection sensor 12 is a sensor capable of detecting the rod-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation part 140C. In this embodiment, the rod detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor capable of detecting the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the amount of light reflected from the light emitted to the accommodation part 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.

[0120] The suction sensor 13 is a sensor for detecting 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 disposed in the sensor FPC 73 close to the rod guide 31.

[0121] 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 disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the housing 20 in the sensor FPC 73.

[0122] The sensor FPC 73 is further provided with a heater temperature sensor connection part 731 which connects to the heater temperature sensor 15 of the heater assembly 30. The heater temperature sensor connection part 731 is disposed 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.

[0123] The rod detection sensor 12, the suction 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 traces formed in the sensor FPC 73. The board connection part 730 is connected to the sensor FPC connection part 55 provided in the central region of the surface 501 of the main board 50. Thus, the detection results of each sensor are output to the MCU 1 etc. mounted on the main board 50.

[0124] 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-shaped substrate 150 is detected by the rod detection sensor 12, the MCU 1 starts heating by the heating unit 121C. When the user inhales on the mouthpiece part 152 of the rod-shaped substrate 150, aerosol is supplied from the aerosol source of the rod-shaped substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121C into the user's mouth. The suction 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 temperature sensor 16 measure their respective temperatures, and if it is determined that there is abnormal heating, the MCU 1 stops or reduces the heating performed by the heating unit 121C. The user can also operate the operation unit 24 to, for example, check the SOC of the power supply unit 111C. 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.

[0125] [Rod detection sensor]

[0126] Next, use Figure 8 and Figure 9 to describe the details of the rod detection sensor 12.

[0127] The rod detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor that irradiates light into the accommodation part 140C and detects the amount of light reflected from the accommodation part 140C. The MCU 1 is configured to be able to detect whether the rod-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation part 140C based on the amount of reflected light detected by the rod detection sensor 12. Here, the light irradiated and received by the rod detection sensor 12 is, for example, near-infrared light, and in this 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.

[0128] Figure 8 is Figure 5The cross-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 portion 140C). The sensor FPC 73 is a flexible member and is arranged around the accommodating portion 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 portion 140C compared to when the rod detection sensor 12 is provided on the rigid main board 50. Due to the greater degree of freedom in arrangement, the suction device 100 can be made smaller.

[0129] 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 portion 140C). In addition, a transmissive filter 311 for transmitting light is provided in a part of the wall of the rod guide 31 that defines the accommodating portion 140C, and the sensor FPC 73 is arranged around the accommodating portion 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 where the transmissive filter 311 is not provided is configured to be light-impermeable.

[0130] As Figure 9 shown, the rod detection sensor 12 emits light through the transmissive filter 311 into the accommodating portion 140C and receives the reflected light thereof. In a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 140C (hereinafter also referred to as the accommodation state), the light emitted from the rod detection sensor 12 is immediately reflected on the surface of the rod-shaped substrate 150 after passing through the transmissive filter 311. The rod detection sensor 12 receives the reflected light reflected on the surface of the rod-shaped substrate 150. On the other hand, in a state where the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not accommodated in the accommodating portion 140C (hereinafter also referred to as the non-accommodation state), the light emitted from the rod detection sensor 12 passes through the transmissive filter 311, passes through the accommodating portion 140C, and is reflected at the inner wall of the accommodating portion 140C. The rod detection sensor 12 receives the reflected light reflected at the inner wall of the accommodating portion 140C.

[0131] In this way, the distance that the light travels from emission to reception of light in the accommodation state is shorter than that in the non-accommodation state. Therefore, the brightness of the reflected light received by the rod detection sensor 12 is higher in the accommodation state than in the non-accommodation state. The MCU 1 performs detection of the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on this brightness difference between the accommodation state and the non-accommodation state. Specifically, as Figure 10 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 substrate 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 substrate 150.

[0132] Note that, in this embodiment, two rod detection sensors 12 and two transmission filters 311 are provided. For example, the MCU 1 may be configured to detect the rod-shaped substrate 150 as not detected unless the detection results of both rod detection sensors 12 indicate the accommodation state of the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0133] [Heating unit, heater temperature sensor]

[0134] Next, Figure 7 and Figure 11 are used to describe the heating unit 121C and the heater temperature sensor 15.

[0135] In this embodiment, the heating unit 121C is a film heater and is arranged to wind around the outer circumference of the accommodation portion 140C, which is a cylindrical body. Figure 11 An unfolded view of the heating unit 121C, which is a film heater, is shown. The heating unit 121C is composed of a pair of film-like electrical insulating layers 321 and a conductive layer 322 disposed between the pair of electrical insulating layers 321. The electrical insulating layer 321 is preferably made of a material having excellent electrical insulating properties (e.g., polyimide). The conductive layer 322 is made of a metallic material (e.g., copper foil).

[0136] In the conductive layer 322, a conductive track 322a is formed. The conductive track 322a is formed by etching, leaving the required points of the conductive layer 322. The conductive track 322a is formed in a meandering pattern, which is composed of a plurality of straight portions extending in parallel and a plurality of circular arcs connecting adjacent straight portions. Both ends of the conductive track 322a are electrically connected to the board connection portion 121a and are connected to the main board 50 via the board connection portion 121a (see Figure 7 ). With such a connection, power is supplied from the power supply unit 111C to the conductive track 322a via the main board 50 and the board connection portion 121a. Current flows through the conductive track 322a, thereby causing the heating unit 121C to heat up.

[0137] A temperature sensor FPC 33 is provided on the surface of the heating unit 121C, and the temperature sensor FPC 33 is equipped with a heater temperature sensor 15 (e.g., a thermistor). The temperature sensor FPC 33 is provided on the heating unit 121C by methods such as crimping (thermal crimping or ultrasonic thermal crimping) or direct printing on the heating unit 121C. The temperature sensor FPC33 is arranged between the heating unit 121C and the heat insulation portion 144C in a direction perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the rod-shaped substrate 150, as Figure 7 shown.

[0138] The temperature sensor FPC 33 is composed of a pair of film-like electrical insulating layers 331 and a conductive layer 332 disposed between the pair of electrical insulating layers 331. The heater temperature sensor 15 is mounted on a conductive track 332a formed in the conductive layer 332. The heater temperature sensor 15 is electrically connected to the main board 50 via the conductive track 332a, a lead 15a connected to the conductive track 332a, and a sensor FPC 73 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ). By mounting the heater temperature sensor 15 on the flexible temperature sensor FPC 33, a smaller, lighter, and thinner structure can be achieved near the heating unit 121C.

[0139] To explain an example of temperature acquisition when the heater temperature sensor 15 is a thermistor, the MCU 1 energizes the conductive track 332a (e.g., triggered by keeping the shutter 23 in the open state), and obtains (calculates) the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the measured resistance value of the thermistor.

[0140] [Example of operation of the inhalation device]

[0141] Next, an example of the operation of the inhalation device 100 is described.

[0142] 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 enabled. 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 end of the main board 50. It should be noted that the MCU 1 can be activated in response to pressing the operation unit 24.

[0143] In response to the shutter 23 being in the open state, the rod detection sensor 12 starts emitting and receiving light and detects the amount of reflected light. After detecting the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the detection result of the rod detection sensor 12, the MCU 1 automatically starts heating the rod-shaped substrate 150. It should be noted that the MCU 1 can start heating the rod-shaped substrate 150 in response to a heating request from the user. Here, the heating request from the user is, for example, a pressing action on the operation unit 24 or a sucking action on the inhalation device 100.

[0144] Next, the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is explained.

[0145] In response to the rod-shaped substrate 150 being received in the receiving portion 140C, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on a rod heating curve to heat the rod-shaped substrate 150. The rod heating curve is information that defines the time-series transition of a target temperature (which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121C), and is information for heating the rod-shaped substrate 150. For example, the rod heating curve is pre-stored in the ROM. By controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve, the MCU 1 generates an aerosol from the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0146] Figure 12 An example of the rod heating curve is shown. According to the rod heating curve, the heating unit 121C can be heated to T1 (about 300°C) in combination with the start of heating, and then the temperature decreases to T2, and after that the temperature rises to T3 again. Here, the target temperatures T1 to T3 of the rod heating curve are temperatures in the first temperature region where the aerosol is generated, in other words, temperatures in a region higher than the temperature T0 (about 230°C to 250°C) at which the aerosol starts to be generated. Then, when the time elapsed since the start of the self-heating control is t1, the heating can be ended. When it is assumed that the temperature of the heating unit 121C has reached T1 and the heating unit 121C has become hot enough, it is expected that a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated and the user can inhale. Note that the heating period before inhalation is possible is also referred to as the preheating period.

[0147] 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 deviation between the target temperature corresponding to the time elapsed since the start of the 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 such 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. It should be noted that the heating control of the receiving portion 140C is also performed based on a preheating heating curve described later.

[0148] The rod heating curve is typically designed such that when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the rod-shaped substrate 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.

[0149] When the inhalation device 100 is used in a low-temperature environment, the temperature difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121C at the start of heating and the temperature of the first temperature region where the aerosol is generated is relatively large. Therefore, compared with using the heating unit 121C in a non-low-temperature environment, it takes a longer time to heat this heating unit. Thus, starting the operation of the heating unit 121C after or simultaneously with the rod-shaped substrate 150 being received in the receiving portion 140C increases the waiting time of the user between receiving the rod-shaped substrate 150 and being able to inhale the aerosol in a low-temperature environment.

[0150] Therefore, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C is lower than a predetermined temperature, the MCU 1 starts the operation of the heating unit 121C (i.e., preheating) before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is received in the receiving portion 140C. Here, the predetermined temperature is, for example, 0°C.

[0151] In the case of preheating, the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121C when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is received in the receiving portion 140C and the first temperature region where the aerosol is generated is reduced compared with the case without preheating. Therefore, the waiting time of the user from receiving the rod-shaped substrate 150 to being able to inhale the aerosol is reduced (especially in a low-temperature environment), and the usability of the inhalation device 100 is improved.

[0152] When preheating is performed, the MCU 1 sets the target temperature of the heating unit 121C to a temperature within a second temperature region (e.g., 50°C to 100°C) lower than the first temperature region where the aerosol is generated, and starts the operation of the heating unit 121C. The second temperature region is a region lower than the temperature T0 at which the aerosol starts to be generated. This can prevent excessive heating of the receiving portion 140C before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is received in the receiving portion 140C. Note that the temperature set when preheating is performed is not limited to 50°C to 100°C, and this temperature can be a temperature higher than the predetermined temperature (e.g., 0°C) for judging the temperature of the heating unit 121C.

[0153] After the start of preheating, in response to the rod-shaped substrate 150 being received in the receiving portion 140C, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C by setting the target temperature of the heating unit 121C to a temperature within the first temperature region where the aerosol is generated. This allows the heating unit 121C to be heated to a temperature within the first temperature region, in which the aerosol is rapidly generated in response to the rod-shaped substrate 150 being received in the receiving portion 140C.

[0154] On the other hand, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature, the MCU 1 sets the target temperature to the temperature within the first temperature range for generating aerosol in response to the rod-shaped substrate 150 being received in the receiving portion 140C, and starts the operation of the heating unit 121C. In other words, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the MCU 1 does not operate (i.e., does not preheat) the heating unit 121C before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is received in the receiving portion 140C. When the temperature of the heating unit 121C is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the waiting time for the user from receiving the rod-shaped substrate 150 until the aerosol can be inhaled is relatively short. Therefore, preheating is not required, and the power consumption can be reduced compared to the case where preheating is performed.

[0155] Next, preheating will be explained in more detail.

[0156] The comparison of the temperature of the heating unit 121C (which is the condition for whether to perform preheating) with the predetermined temperature is triggered, for example, by the opening of the shutter 23. In other words, when the shutter 23 moves from the closed state to the open state, the MCU 1 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121C is lower than the predetermined temperature. The temperature of the heating unit 121C is measured, for example, by the heater temperature sensor 15 described previously. When the MCU 1 determines that the temperature of the heating unit 121C is lower than the predetermined temperature, the MCU starts the operation of the heating unit 121C before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is received in the receiving portion 140C. In this way, preheating can be triggered by opening the shutter 23, which is an indication of the user's intention to use the inhalation device 100. Compared with the case where preheating is triggered only by the temperature of the heating unit 121C dropping below the predetermined temperature, this can reduce additional preheating and proportionally reduce the power consumption.

[0157] Then, when the MCU 1 determines that the temperature of the heating unit 121C is lower than the predetermined temperature, the MCU starts the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating heating curve before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is received in the receiving portion 140C. As Figure 12 shown by the dashed line, the preheating heating curve is information defining the time-series transition of the target temperature (which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121C), and is information for preheating the receiving portion 140C when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not received. For example, the preheating heating curve is pre-stored in the ROM. The preheating 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.

[0158] According to the preheating heating curve, the temperature of the heating unit 121C rises to T4 after the start of heating and then remains at the temperature T4. The target temperature T4 of the preheating heating curve is within the second temperature region and not within the first temperature region. Additionally, although details will be described later, the heating control based on the preheating heating curve is defined to terminate when the time elapsed since the start of operation of the heating unit 121C is t2.

[0159] Figure 13 is a graph showing the time-series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit 121C when the rod-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing portion 140C during preheating. The MCU 1 switches the reference heating curve from the preheating heating curve to the rod heating curve in response to the rod-shaped substrate 150 being housed in the housing portion 140C, and operates the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve.

[0160] Here, the MCU 1 starts the operation of the heating unit 121C before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing portion 140C, and after starting the operation of the heating unit 121C, if the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not housed in the housing portion 140C within a predetermined time period, the MCU 1 ends the operation of the heating unit 121C. The predetermined time is the operation time t2 included in the preheating heating curve, for example, 30 seconds. This prevents the housing portion 140C without the rod-shaped substrate 150 from continuing to be heated, and also prevents an increase in power consumption due to the operation of the heating unit 121C before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is housed.

[0161] Additionally, when the heating unit 121C is operated at the target temperature set to T4 before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing portion 140C, and when the MCU 1 detects that the temperature of the heating unit 121C exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold T5, which is higher than the target temperature T4, the MCU 1 terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C. Specifically, as Figure 14 shown, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold T5 (the time t3 elapsed since the start of preheating), the MCU 1 determines that a failure has occurred, such as thermal runaway, due to a failure in the heating unit 121C, for example. Then, the MCU 1 forcibly terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C even before the operation time t2 of the preheating heating curve ends. Note that the MCU 1 can reduce the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit 121C instead of terminating the operation of the heating unit 121C.

[0162] In this way, when preheating, for example, in the case of a failure occurring in the heating unit 121C, the MCU 1 can detect the failure from the detection result of the heater temperature sensor 15 and can respond appropriately to the failure.

[0163] [Example of Notification by Notification Unit]

[0164] Next, an example of notifying the user during heating is described. Now, the light emitted by the light emitting unit 25 (LED 251), which is an example of the notification unit 113B, will be described. Figure 2 of the notification unit 113B.

[0165] The light emitting unit 25 notifies the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. Specifically, when the heating unit 121C is operated according to the preheating heating curve before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the accommodating portion 140C, and when the heating unit 121C is operated according to the rod heating curve after the rod-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the accommodating portion 140C, the light emitting unit emits light in a predetermined light emission pattern. For example, as Figure 13 shown, the light emitting unit emits yellow light during preheating and red light during heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150. It should be noted that the light emission pattern can be the same or different before and after the rod-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the accommodating portion 140C. The light emission pattern can also be distinguished by changing the number of LEDs 251 that emit light from the plurality of LEDs 251.

[0166] Such a 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 is operating before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the accommodating portion 140C, the user can see the light emitted by the light emitting unit 25 and be careful not to bring their fingers close to the opening 27.

[0167] In addition, as previously described, when the heating unit 121C is operated before the rod-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the accommodating portion 140C, a malfunction in the heating unit 121C may cause the MCU 1 to detect that the temperature of the heating unit 121C has exceeded a predetermined temperature threshold T5. At this time, the light emitting unit 25 notifies the user to terminate the operation of the heating unit 121C or reduce the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit 121C in a light emission pattern different from the normal preheating period. For example, as Figure 14 shown, compared with the normal preheating period when the light emitting unit 25 emits yellow light, when the operation of the heating unit 121C is terminated due to a malfunction or the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit 121C is reduced, the light emitting unit 25 emits yellow light and flashes at a predetermined time interval. Such a notification enables the user to easily understand visually that there is a malfunction in the heating unit 121C (the inhalation device 100).

[0168] Note that the notification performed by the notification unit 113B is not limited to the light emitted by the light emitting unit 25, but may be, for example, vibrations from the vibration device 60. Specifically, the vibration device 60 may vibrate during the operation of the heating unit 121C to notify the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. The vibration device 60 may also vibrate in different vibration modes during normal preheating and during preheating when a failure occurs in the inhalation device 100.

[0169] [Example of a process executed by the control unit]

[0170] Next, an example of the process executed by the MCU 1 is explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 15 .

[0171] 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.

[0172] When the shutter 23 is in the open state (step S101: Yes), the MCU 1 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121C is less than a predetermined temperature (step S102). Specifically, when the shutter 23 is in the open state, the MCU 1 energizes the conductive track 332a of the temperature sensor FPC 33, and based on the measured resistance value of the heater temperature sensor 15 (here a thermistor), the MCU 1 can obtain the temperature of the heating unit 121C. Then, the MCU 1 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121C obtained from the heater temperature sensor 15 is less than a predetermined temperature. Note that when the shutter 23 changes to the open state, the rod detection sensor 12 also starts to operate.

[0173] If the temperature of the heating unit 121C is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature (step S102: No), the MCU 1 determines whether the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been accommodated in the accommodation portion 140C (step S103). Specifically, the MCU 1 obtains the detection result from the rod detection sensor 12 to determine whether the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been accommodated in the accommodation portion 140C. If the rod-shaped substrate 150 is not accommodated in the accommodation portion 140C (step S103: No), the MCU1 repeatedly monitors step S103 until the rod-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 140C.

[0174] When the rod-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the accommodation part 140C (step S103: Yes), the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve (step S106). In this way, the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is started, and an aerosol is generated. When the operation time included in the rod heating curve has elapsed, or when the predetermined number of puffing times has been exceeded since the start of heating the rod-shaped substrate 150, the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is terminated.

[0175] Return to step S102. If the temperature of the heating unit 121C is less than the predetermined temperature (step S102: Yes), the MCU 1 starts the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating curve (step S104).

[0176] Then, the MCU 1 determines whether the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been placed in the accommodation part 140C within a predetermined time after the start of the operation of the heating unit 121C (step S105). When the rod-shaped substrate 150 has been placed in the accommodation part 140C within the predetermined time period (step S105: Yes), the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the rod heating curve (step S106). On the other hand, when the rod-shaped substrate 150 has not been placed in the accommodation part 140C within the predetermined time period (step S105: No), the MCU 1 terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating curve (step S107).

[0177] Note that the control method of the inhalation device 100 according to the embodiment described above can be implemented by executing a program prepared in advance on a 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 through a network (such as the Internet). In addition, the computer that runs the program can be included in the inhalation device 100 (for example, the MCU 1), but this is not a limitation, and the computer can also be included in another device (such as a smart phone or a server device) that can communicate with the inhalation device 100.

[0178] 《Modified Example》

[0179] In the foregoing embodiment, the MCU 1 obtains the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the measurement result of the heater temperature sensor 15, but this is not a limitation. For example, the MCU 1 can temporarily energize the heating unit 121C and obtain the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the measured resistance value of the heating unit 121C. In such a configuration, the MCU 1 does not need to provide the heater temperature sensor 15 because the MCU can obtain the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the resistance value of the heating unit 121C.

[0180] The embodiments and modified examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of multiple variant examples or modified examples within the scope disclosed in the claims, and it should naturally be understood that any such variant examples or modified examples fall within the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the components in the embodiments described above can be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0181] For example, in the embodiments described above, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the bar heating curve and the preheating heating curve, but this is not a limitation. The MCU 1 can operate the heating unit 121C based on information that is not time-series (for example, information that only defines the target temperature of the heating unit 121C without time information), rather than based on the heating curve (which is time-series information that defines the target temperature).

[0182] In addition, in the embodiments described above, by providing the heater temperature sensor 15 in the heating unit 121C, the MCU 1 can detect whether there is a fault in the heating unit 121C, such as thermal runaway, based on the measurement results of the heater temperature sensor 15. Similarly, the MCU 1 can detect whether there is a fault (such as unexpected heat generation) in the power supply unit 111C based on the measurement results of the power supply temperature sensor 16. When the MCU 1 detects a fault in the power supply unit 111C, the MCU terminates the power supply or reduces the power supply amount from the power supply unit 111C to each device. In addition, a temperature sensor can be provided on the main board 50, and the MCU 1 can detect whether there is a fault (such as unexpected heat generation) in the main board 50 based on the detection results of the temperature sensor. If the MCU 1 detects a fault in the main board 50, the MCU restricts some functions of the electronic components installed on the main board 50. In addition, a notification unit (such as the light-emitting unit 25 or the vibration device 60) can notify the user of the defect in a predetermined notification mode when these defects are detected.

[0183] In addition, 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 may be a pressure sensor that detects pressure fluctuations in the accommodation portion 140C due to the insertion and removal of the rod-shaped substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the pressure change detected by the pressure sensor. In addition, when identification information is attached to the rod-shaped substrate 150, the rod detection sensor 12 may be an identification information reader capable of reading the identification information of the rod-shaped substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on the reading result of the identification information reader. The rod detection sensor 12 may also be a mechanical switch disposed near the accommodation portion 140C (e.g., the bottom surface of the accommodation portion 140C) and pressed by the rod-shaped substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the rod-shaped substrate 150 due to the switch being pressed. In addition, if the rod-shaped substrate 150 includes a receptor, the MCU 1 may detect the rod-shaped substrate 150 based on a characteristic change (e.g., an inductance change) in the circuit of the inhalation device 100 caused by the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0184] This specification etc. elaborates at least the following features. The corresponding elements etc. in the embodiments described above are shown as examples in parentheses, but are not limited thereto.

[0185] (1) An inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B) for generating an aerosol from a substrate (rod-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source, the inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B) comprising:

[0186] An accommodation portion (accommodation portions 140, 140C) that accommodates the substrate;

[0187] A heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) capable of heating the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion; and

[0188] A control unit (MCU 1, control units 116A, 116B) that controls the heating unit, wherein,

[0189] When the temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation portion.

[0190] According to (1), when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation portion, thereby reducing the waiting time of the user from accommodating the substrate to being able to inhale the aerosol (especially in a low-temperature environment), and improving the convenience of using the inhalation device.

[0191] (2) The inhalation device according to (1), wherein,

[0192] When the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the accommodating portion, the control unit sets the target temperature (temperature T4) of the heating unit to a temperature within a second temperature region lower than the first temperature region for generating the aerosol, and starts the operation of the heating unit.

[0193] According to (2), the target temperature of the heating unit is set to a temperature within the second temperature region lower than the first temperature region for generating the aerosol, thereby preventing overheating of the accommodating portion before the substrate is placed in the accommodating portion.

[0194] (3) The inhalation device according to (2), wherein,

[0195] When the heating unit is operated with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature region, the control unit sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature region (temperature T1) in response to the substrate being placed in the accommodating portion, and operates the heating unit.

[0196] According to (3), the heating unit can be heated to a temperature that rapidly generates aerosol in response to the substrate being placed in the accommodating portion.

[0197] (4) The inhalation device according to (2) or (3), wherein,

[0198] When the temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature region in response to the substrate being placed in the accommodating portion, and starts the operation of the heating unit.

[0199] According to (4), when the temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the waiting time of the user between placing the substrate and being able to inhale the aerosol is relatively short, such that it is not necessary to operate the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the accommodating portion, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0200] (5) The inhalation device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein,

[0201] The control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information defining the time-series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit,

[0202] The heating information at least includes first heating information (rod heating curve) of the target temperature in the first temperature region and second heating information (preheating heating curve) of the target temperature in the second temperature region but not in the first temperature region, and

[0203] the control unit

[0204] when the temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, in response to the matrix being accommodated in the accommodating portion, the operation of the heating unit is started based on the first heating information, and

[0205] when the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature, before the matrix is accommodated in the accommodating portion, the operation of the heating unit is started based on the second heating information and, in response to the matrix being accommodated in the accommodating portion, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information.

[0206] According to (5), more appropriate heating control can be performed as the case may be because the heating unit operates based on appropriate heating information.

[0207] (6) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (5) further includes

[0208] a shutter (shutter 23) that can selectively switch between a closed state and an open state. In the closed state, the opening (opening 27) of the accommodating portion is closed, and in the open state, the opening is open, thereby allowing insertion and removal of the matrix, wherein,

[0209] the control unit

[0210] when the shutter changes from the closed state to the open state, it is determined whether the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature, and

[0211] when it is determined that the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the matrix is accommodated in the accommodating portion.

[0212] According to (6), the execution of preheating can be triggered by the open state of the shutter, which is an indication of the user's intention to use the inhalation device. Compared with the case where preheating is performed only when the temperature of the heating unit drops below the predetermined temperature, this can reduce additional preheating, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0213] (7) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein,

[0214] After starting the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the placement portion, if the substrate is not placed within a predetermined time, the control unit terminates the operation of the heating unit.

[0215] According to (7), it is possible to prevent the placement portion that has not received the substrate from continuing to be heated, and it is possible to reduce the increase in power consumption caused by operating the heating unit before placing the substrate.

[0216] (8) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (7) further includes

[0217] a temperature detector (heater temperature sensor 15) for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, wherein,

[0218] the control unit

[0219] when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the placement portion, the target temperature of the heating unit is set to a temperature within a second temperature region lower than the first temperature region for generating the aerosol (temperature T4), and the operation of the heating unit is started, and

[0220] when the heating unit is operated before the substrate is placed in the placement portion and it is detected that the temperature of the heating unit exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold (temperature T5), the operation of the heating unit is terminated or the amount of power supplied to the heating unit is reduced, and the predetermined temperature threshold is higher than the temperature set as the target temperature.

[0221] According to (8), if a failure occurs in the heating unit when the heating unit is operating before the substrate is placed in the placement portion, the operation of the heating unit can be terminated without continuing the operation, or the amount of power supplied to the heating portion can be reduced.

[0222] (9) The inhalation device according to (8) further includes

[0223] a notification unit (light emitting unit 25, vibration device 60) for notifying the user that the heating unit is operating, wherein,

[0224] when the heating unit is operated before the substrate is placed in the placement portion, the notification unit

[0225] notifies the user that the heating unit is operating through a first notification mode, and

[0226] When the control unit detects that the temperature of the heating unit has exceeded the predetermined temperature threshold, the notification unit notifies the user, via a second notification mode different from the first notification mode, that the operation of the heating unit has terminated or the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit has decreased.

[0227] According to (9), the user can easily and visually determine that a failure has occurred in the heating unit (inhalation device).

[0228] (10) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (9) further includes

[0229] a temperature detector (heater temperature sensor 15) for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, wherein,

[0230] the heating unit is a film heater wound around the outer circumference of the accommodation portion, and

[0231] the temperature detector is mounted on a flexible circuit board (temperature sensor FPC 33) provided on the surface of the film heater.

[0232] According to (10), a smaller, lighter, and thinner structure can be achieved near the heating unit because the heating unit is a film heater and the temperature detector is mounted on a flexible circuit board.

[0233] (11) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0234] the heating unit is a heating element that generates heat when power is applied, and

[0235] the control unit obtains the temperature of the heating unit based on the resistance value of the heating unit that changes with temperature.

[0236] Based on (11), the temperature of the heating unit can be obtained based on the resistance value of the heating unit, so there is no need to provide a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the heating unit.

[0237] (12) The inhalation device according to any one of (1) to (11) further includes

[0238] a notification unit (light-emitting unit 25, vibration device 60) for notifying the user that the heating unit is operating, wherein,

[0239] when the heating unit is operated before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation portion, the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating.

[0240] According to (12), the user can easily visually determine that the heating unit is operating.

[0241] (13) A control method executed by a computer (MCU1, control units 116A, 116B) for controlling the operation of an inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (rod-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source,

[0242] The inhalation device includes:

[0243] A receiving portion (receiving portions 140, 140C) that receives the substrate; and

[0244] A heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) that is capable of heating the substrate received in the receiving portion, and

[0245] When the temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined temperature, the computer causes the operation of the heating unit by the computer to start before the substrate is received in the receiving portion.

[0246] According to (13), when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the substrate is received in the receiving portion, thereby reducing the waiting time of the user from receiving the substrate to being able to inhale the aerosol (especially in a low-temperature environment), and improving the convenience of using the inhalation device.

[0247] (14) A program for causing a computer (MCU 1, control units 116A, 116B) to execute a predetermined process, the computer controlling the operation of an inhalation device (inhalation devices 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (rod-shaped substrate 150) having an aerosol source,

[0248] The inhalation device includes:

[0249] A receiving portion (receiving portions 140, 140C) that receives the substrate; and

[0250] A heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) that is capable of heating the substrate received in the receiving portion, and

[0251] The program causes the computer to execute a process of starting the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is received in the receiving portion when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined temperature.

[0252] According to (14), when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the substrate is placed in the accommodating portion, thereby reducing the waiting time of the user from placing the substrate to being able to inhale the aerosol (especially in a low-temperature environment), and improving the convenience of using the inhalation device.

[0253] List of Reference Numerals

[0254] 1 MCU (Control Unit, Computer)

[0255] 15 Heater Temperature Sensor (Temperature Detector)

[0256] 23 Shutter

[0257] 25 Light Emitting Unit (Notification Unit)

[0258] 27 Opening

[0259] 33 Temperature Sensor FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board)

[0260] 60 Vibration Device (Notification Unit)

[0261] 100, 100A, 100B Inhalation Device

[0262] 116A, 116B Control Unit

[0263] 121A to 121C Heating Unit

[0264] 140, 140C Accommodating Portion

[0265] 150 Rod-shaped Substrate

Claims

1. An inhalation device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, the inhalation device comprising: a housing portion that houses the substrate; a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing portion; and a control unit that controls the heating unit, wherein, when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit causes the operation of the heating unit to start before the substrate is housed in the housing portion.

2. The inhalation device according to claim 1, wherein, when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature, before the substrate is housed in the housing portion, the control unit sets the target temperature of the heating unit to a temperature within a second temperature region lower than a first temperature region for generating the aerosol, and starts the operation of the heating unit.

3. The inhalation device according to claim 2, wherein, when operating the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature region, the control unit sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature region in response to the substrate being housed in the housing portion, and operates the heating unit.

4. The inhalation device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, when the temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature region in response to the substrate being housed in the housing portion, and starts the operation of the heating unit.

5. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, the control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information defining a time-series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit, the heating information includes at least first heating information of the target temperature in the first temperature region and second heating information of the target temperature in the second temperature region but not in the first temperature region, and the control unit when the temperature of the heating unit is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, starts the operation of the heating unit based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing portion, and when the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature, starts the operation of the heating unit based on the second heating information before the substrate is housed in the housing portion and operates the heating unit based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing portion.

6. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a shutter that can be selectively switched between a closed state and an open state, in the closed state, the opening of the housing portion is closed, in the open state, the opening is open to allow insertion and removal of the substrate, wherein, the control unit when the shutter changes from the closed state to the open state, determines whether the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature, and when it is determined that the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature, starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is housed in the housing portion.

7. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, After starting the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the placement portion, if the substrate is not placed within a predetermined time, the control unit terminates the operation of the heating unit.

8. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, wherein, the control unit when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the placement portion, sets the target temperature of the heating unit to a temperature within a second temperature region lower than the first temperature region for generating the aerosol, and starts the operation of the heating unit, and when operating the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the placement portion and detecting that the temperature of the heating unit exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, terminates the operation of the heating unit or reduces the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit, the predetermined temperature threshold being higher than the temperature set as the target temperature.

9. The inhalation device according to claim 8, further comprising a notification unit for notifying the user that the heating unit is operating, wherein, when operating the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the placement portion, the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating through a first notification mode, and when the control unit detects that the temperature of the heating unit has exceeded the predetermined temperature threshold, the notification unit notifies the user through a second notification mode different from the first notification mode that the operation of the heating unit has been terminated or the amount of electric power supplied to the heating unit has been reduced.

10. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, wherein, the heating unit is a film heater wound around the outer circumference of the placement portion, and the temperature detector is mounted on a flexible circuit board provided on the surface of the film heater.

11. The inhalation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, the heating unit is a heating element that generates heat when electric power is applied, and the control unit obtains the temperature of the heating unit based on the resistance value of the heating unit that changes with temperature.

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 operating the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the placement portion, the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating.

13. A control method executed by a computer for controlling the operation of an inhalation device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, the inhalation device comprising: a placement portion for placing the substrate; and a heating unit capable of heating the substrate placed in the placement portion, and when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined temperature, the computer causes the operation of the heating unit performed by the computer to start before the substrate is placed in the placement portion.

14. A program for causing a computer to perform a predetermined process, the computer controlling the operation of an inhalation device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The inhalation device comprises: a housing portion that houses the substrate; and a heating unit that is capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing portion, and the program causes the computer to perform a process of starting the heating unit before the substrate is housed in the housing portion when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than a predetermined temperature.

Images