Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of further improving the quality of experiences using a suction device.SOLUTION: A suction device includes a heating unit for heating a base material to generate an aerosol, a control unit for controlling an operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile in which a time-series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of a temperature of the heating unit is defined, and a temperature sensor capable of measuring a temperature of the heating unit. The heating profile includes an initial temperature rising section, an intermediate temperature falling section, and a temperature re-rising section in this order, and a target temperature set in the intermediate temperature falling section is lower than a target temperature in the initial temperature rising section. The control unit performs control so as not to supply power to the heating unit in the intermediate temperature falling section, and determines an end of the intermediate temperature falling section based on an actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature falling section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate a flavored aerosol using a base material that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the flavored aerosol generated by the inhalation device.

[0003] Inhalation devices generate aerosols by heating a substrate according to a heating profile that defines the heating operation. The heating profile significantly affects the quality of the experience using the inhalation device. Therefore, various heating profiles have been studied. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a heating profile in which the temperature first reaches a maximum temperature after heating begins and then gradually decreases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 084773 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, it would be desirable to further improve the quality of the experience using the suction device.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the experience when using a suction device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series progression of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit; and a temperature sensor that can measure the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the heating profile includes a plurality of time intervals that are consecutive along a time axis, and the target temperature at the end of the time interval is set for each of the plurality of time intervals, and the heating profile includes, in order, an initial heating interval, an intermediate heating interval, and a re-heating interval, and the target temperature set for the intermediate heating interval is lower than the target temperature of the initial heating interval, and the control unit controls so as not to supply power to the heating unit during the intermediate heating interval, and determines the end of the intermediate heating interval based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set for the intermediate heating interval.

[0008] The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit in each of the initial heating section and the reheating section based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured based on the electrical resistance value of a heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit and the target temperature set for each of the initial heating section and the reheating section.

[0009] At the start of the re-heating section, the control unit supplies power to the heating unit at a first duty ratio when the actual temperature of the heating unit is lower than the target temperature set for the intermediate cooling section, and supplies power to the heating unit at a second duty ratio when the actual temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than the target temperature set for the intermediate cooling section, and the first duty ratio may be greater than the second duty ratio.

[0010] The target temperature set in the initial temperature increase section may be higher than an initial value.

[0011] The initial heating section may include a first heating section and a second heating section following the first heating section, and the first heating section and the second heating section may have different heating widths per unit time, and the heating width per unit time of the first heating section may be a value obtained by dividing the difference between the target temperature set in the first heating section and the initial value by the time length of the first heating section, and the heating width per unit time of the second heating section may be a value obtained by dividing the difference between the target temperature set in the second heating section and the target temperature set in the first heating section by the time length of the second heating section.

[0012] The second temperature-raising section may have a smaller temperature rise width per unit time than the first temperature-raising section.

[0013] The initial temperature increase section may include a temperature maintenance section at the end, and the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section may be the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the temperature maintenance section.

[0014] The target temperature set in the reheating interval may be higher than the target temperature set in a time interval immediately preceding the reheating interval.

[0015] The re-heating section may alternately include a temperature maintenance section and a temperature increase section, the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section may be the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintenance section, and the target temperature set in the temperature increase section may be higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature increase section.

[0016] The heating profile may further include a temperature maintenance section between the initial temperature increase section and the intermediate temperature decrease section, and the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section may be the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintenance section.

[0017] When comparing absolute values ​​of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, the reheating section may be smallest, the intermediate heating section may be next smallest, and the initial heating section may be largest, the absolute value of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in the initial heating section may be a value obtained by dividing the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the initial heating section and an initial value by the time length of the initial heating section, the absolute value of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in the intermediate heating section may be a value obtained by dividing the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the intermediate heating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the intermediate heating section by the time length of the intermediate heating section, and the absolute value of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in the reheating section may be a value obtained by dividing the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the reheating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the reheating section by the time length of the reheating section.

[0018] When comparing the time lengths of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, the intermediate heating section may be the shortest, the initial heating section may be the next shortest, and the reheating section may be the longest.

[0019] The suction device may further include a chamber that receives the substrate, the chamber including an opening into which the substrate is inserted and a holding portion that holds the substrate, and the holding portion may include a pressing portion that presses a portion of the substrate and a non-pressing portion.

[0020] The heating portion may be disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion.

[0021] The heating profile may include a plurality of slots, which are consecutive time intervals along a time axis, and a plurality of switching conditions may be set in the slots. The control unit may switch the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set in the slot is satisfied, and control the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching.

[0022] The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit based on the deviation between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile began and the actual temperature of the heating unit.

[0023] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, the control method including: measuring the temperature of the heating unit based on the electrical resistance value of a heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit; controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit; and measuring the temperature of the heating unit with a temperature sensor, wherein the heating profile includes a plurality of time intervals that are consecutive along a time axis, and the target temperature at the end of the time interval is set in each of the plurality of time intervals, and the heating profile includes an initial heating interval, an intermediate heating interval, and a re-heating interval, in that order, and the target temperature set in the intermediate heating interval is lower than the target temperature of the initial heating interval, and controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling so that power is not supplied to the heating unit in the intermediate heating interval, and determining the end of the intermediate heating interval based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set in the intermediate heating interval.

[0024] In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program that causes a computer controlling a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol to measure the temperature of the heating unit based on the electrical resistance value of a heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit, control the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and measure the temperature of the heating unit with a temperature sensor, wherein the heating profile includes a plurality of time intervals that are consecutive along a time axis, and the target temperature at the end of the time interval is set for each of the plurality of time intervals, and the heating profile includes an initial heating interval, an intermediate heating interval, and a re-heating interval, in that order, and the target temperature set for the intermediate heating interval is lower than the target temperature of the initial heating interval, and controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling so that power is not supplied to the heating unit in the intermediate heating interval, and determining the end of the intermediate heating interval based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set for the intermediate heating interval. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the experience when using a suction device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a physical configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 4. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the arrows 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 6] 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the arrows 5-5 in FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a chamber including a non-pressure portion in a state in which a stick-shaped substrate is held by a holding portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a chamber including a pressing unit, with a stick-shaped substrate held by a holding unit. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along the arrows 7-7 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 2. [Figure 13] 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 3. [Figure 14] 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 4. [Figure 15] 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 5. [Figure 16] 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 6. [Figure 17] 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 6. [Figure 18] 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0028] <<1. Example of suction device configuration>> An inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0029] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 1, a suction device 100 according to this example configuration includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 40, a holding unit 60, and a heat insulating unit 70.

[0030] Power supply unit 111 stores electric power. Power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of suction device 100 based on the control of control unit 116. Power supply unit 111 can be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0031] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0032] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is 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, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0033] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0034] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0035] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example.

[0036] The holding part 60 holds the stick-shaped substrate 150. The holding part 60 holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 80 formed in the suction device 100 through the opening 52 that connects the internal space 80 to the external space.

[0037] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is generated by atomizing the aerosol source. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may also be a solid. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the holding portion 60, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 80, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 52. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 52 in their mouth and inhales, the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151 reaches the user's mouth.

[0038] The heating unit 40 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. As an example, the heating unit 40 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 60. When the heating unit 40 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating aerosol. The heating unit 40 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111.

[0039] The heat insulating section 70 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 40 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 70 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0040] Hereinafter, the act of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the inhalation device will also be simply referred to as "inhaling" or "puffing." The action of the user inhaling will also be referred to as a puffing action.

[0041] <<2. Technical Features>> (1) Heating the substrate while pressing it The suction device 100 according to this embodiment has a configuration that heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it. This configuration will be described in detail below.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the physical configuration of the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the inhalation device 100 has a heater assembly 30 including a heating unit 40 and a holding unit 60. As shown in FIG. 2, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the heater assembly 30 (more specifically, the holding unit 60), a gap exists between the heater assembly 30 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. When a user holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 in their mouth and inhales, air flowing in from the opening 52 passes through the gap and flows into the inside of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the end of the substrate unit 151, and then flows out from the end of the mouthpiece 152 into the user's mouth. That is, the air inhaled by the user flows in the order of airflow 190A, airflow 190B, and airflow 190C, and is introduced into the user's mouth in a state where it is mixed with the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the heater assembly 30 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the heater assembly 30 has a top cap 32, a heating section 40, and a chamber 50. The chamber 50 is configured to receive a stick-shaped substrate 150. The heating section 40 is configured to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 received in the chamber 50. The top cap 32 functions as a guide when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50, and may also be configured to fix the chamber 50 to the suction device 100.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the chamber 50. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 4-4 in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along arrows 5-5 in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the chamber 50 includes an opening 52 into which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and a holder 60 that holds the stick-shaped substrate 150. The chamber 50 is formed as a hollow member that surrounds an internal space 80 that receives the stick-shaped substrate 150. The hollow member may be a cylindrical member with a bottom. Alternatively, the hollow member may be a cylindrical member without a bottom. The chamber 50 is preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel. This allows for effective heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the chamber 50.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the holding unit 60 includes a pressing unit 62 that presses a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150, and a non-pressing unit 66. The pressing unit 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The non-pressing unit 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in Figure 3, the heating unit 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62. It is preferable that the heating unit 40 be disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 without any gaps.

[0046] The opening 52 of the chamber 50 is preferably capable of receiving the stick-shaped substrate 150 without applying pressure. The shape of the opening 52 of the chamber 50 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50, in other words, the direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50 or the direction in which the entire side of the chamber 50 extends, may be polygonal or elliptical, but is preferably circular.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, in this embodiment, the chamber 50 has two or more pressing portions 62 in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the two pressing portions 62 of the holding portion 60 face each other. It is preferable that at least a portion of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two pressing portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50 that is located between the pressing portions 62. As shown in the figures, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 is flat.

[0048] 6, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 has a pair of opposing flat pressing surfaces, and the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 has a pair of opposing curved non-pressing surfaces that connect both ends of the pair of flat pressing surfaces. As shown in the figure, the curved non-pressing surfaces may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 60 is formed of a metal cylindrical body having a uniform thickness.

[0049] Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 including the non-pressing portion 66, with the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding portion 60. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 including the pressing portion 62, with the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding portion 60. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 7-7 shown in Fig. 8. Note that Fig. 9 shows a cross-section of the stick-shaped substrate 150 before it is pressed, so that it is easy to see that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed by the pressing portion 62.

[0050] 9 , the gap 67 between the inner surface 66 a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 is substantially maintained even when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 60 and is pressed and deformed by the pressing portion 62. This gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end face of the stick-shaped substrate 150 positioned within the chamber 50 (the lower end face in FIGS. 7 and 8 , i.e., the end face of the substrate portion 151). It can also be said that this gap 67 communicates with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end face of the stick-shaped substrate 150 positioned within the chamber 50 and away from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 (the lower end face in FIGS. 7 and 8 , i.e., the end face of the substrate portion 151). An air flow path is formed through the gap 67 and the interior of the stick-type substrate 150 from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to the end face of the stick-type substrate 150 positioned outside the chamber 50 (the upper end face in FIGS. 7 and 8 , i.e., the end face of the mouthpiece 152). This eliminates the need to provide a separate flow path for introducing air to be supplied to the stick-type substrate 150 in the inhalation device 100, thereby simplifying the structure of the inhalation device 100. Furthermore, because the portion of the non-pressing portion 66 that forms part of the gap 67 is exposed, cleaning of the flow path is easy. Furthermore, because the air is heated as it passes through the gap 67, heat dissipation by the heating unit 40 is effectively utilized to increase heating efficiency, and excessive temperature drop of the stick-type substrate 150 due to air flowing in with puffing can be prevented. As a result, power consumption by the heating unit 40 can be reduced, and flavor loss caused by temperature drop of the stick-type substrate 150 with puffing can be prevented. From the viewpoint of air resistance, etc., the height of the gap 67 between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressure portion 66 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less, and most preferably 0.3 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding part 60, the distance L between the inner surface 62a of the pressing part 62 and the center of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is Ais the distance L between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressure portion 66 and the center of the stick-shaped substrate 150. B With this configuration, the distance between the heating unit 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 and the center of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be made shorter than when the pressing unit 62 is not provided. This makes it possible to improve the heating efficiency of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0052] 4 to 8, the chamber 50 has a bottom 56. As shown in Fig. 8, the bottom 56 supports a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50 via a bottom wall 56a so that at least a portion of the end surface of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is exposed. The bottom 56 can also support a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 via the bottom wall 56a so that the exposed end surface of the stick-shaped substrate 150 communicates with the void 67.

[0053] 5, 7, and 8, the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 has a bottom wall 56a and may also have a side wall 56b. The width of the bottom 56 defined by the side wall 56b may decrease toward the bottom wall 56a. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 of the holding portion 60 is curved in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50.

[0054] The shape of the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is preferably the same as the shape of the opening 52 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 at any position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. In other words, the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 is preferably formed by extending the inner surface of the chamber 50 that forms the opening 52 in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] 3 to 5, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-holding portion 54 between the opening 52 and the holding portion 60. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 60, a gap may be formed between the non-holding portion 54 and the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0056] As shown in Figures 5 to 9, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 60 has the same shape and size (the outer peripheral length of the holding portion 60 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 60) along the entire longitudinal length of the holding portion 60.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the chamber 50 that forms the opening 52 and the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, the heating unit 40 has a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing unit 66 may be connected to each other at an angle, and a boundary 71 may be formed between the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing unit 66. The heating track preferably extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the boundary 71 (the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50), and preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the boundary 71.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3 , the heating unit 40 preferably includes, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrical insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. In this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is arranged so as to cover both surfaces of the heating element 42. The electrical insulating member 44 is also preferably arranged within the outer surface of the holding unit 60. In other words, the electrical insulating member 44 is preferably arranged so as not to protrude from the outer surface of the holding unit 60 on the first guide portion 58 side in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. As described above, since the first guide portion 58 is provided between the opening 52 and the pressing unit 62, the shape of the outer surface of the chamber 50 and the circumferential length of the chamber 50 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 may change in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. Therefore, by arranging the electrical insulating member 44 on the outer surface of the holding unit 60, sagging can be suppressed.

[0060] It is preferable that the heating unit 40 is not disposed on the outer surface of the chamber 50 between the opening 52 and the first guide unit 58, i.e., on at least one selected from the outer surface of the non-holding unit 54, the outer surface of the first guide unit 58, and the outer surface of the non-pressing unit 66. It is preferable that the heating unit 40 is disposed over the entire outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62.

[0061] 3, the suction device 100 has a strip-shaped electrode 48 extending from the heating unit 40. It is preferable that the strip-shaped electrode 48 extends from the flat outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 to the outside of the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 when the heating unit 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62.

[0062] 3, 7, and 8, the heating unit 40 has a first portion 40a located on the opposite side from the opening 52, and a second portion 40b located on the opening 52 side. The heater power density of the second portion 40b is preferably higher than the heater power density of the first portion 40a. Alternatively, the temperature rise rate of the second portion 40b is preferably higher than the temperature rise rate of the first portion 40a. Alternatively, the heating temperature of the second portion 40b is preferably higher than the heating temperature of the first portion 40a at any given time. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the holding unit 60, the second portion 40b preferably covers an outer surface of the holding unit 60 that corresponds to at least half of the smokable articles contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the longitudinal direction.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the chamber 50 has a pair of pressing portions 62 facing each other, but the shape of the chamber 50 is not limited to this. For example, the chamber 50 may have one pressing portion 62, or three or more pressing portions 62.

[0064] As described above, the suction device 100 according to this embodiment holds and heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it with the pressing part 62. This configuration provides various effects, which will be described below.

[0065] First, the thermal conductivity from the heating unit 40 to the stick-shaped substrate 150 is improved. That is, the heating efficiency of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be improved. Because the heating efficiency of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is improved, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can reach the target temperature more quickly, thereby shortening the time required for preheating, which will be described later. Furthermore, because the heating efficiency of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is improved, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can better follow temperature changes in the heating unit 40. As a result, first, the amount of aerosol generated can be more easily controlled. Second, even if the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 drops due to a puff by the user, it can be quickly restored to its original temperature. Third, the influence of external environments such as outside air temperature can be reduced. Fourth, it becomes easier to achieve temperature changes in the stick-shaped substrate 150 similar to those in the heating profile, which will be described later. Fifth, the flavor-enhancing effect, which is the effect of the reheating section in the heating profile, which will be described later, can be quickly achieved.

[0066] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment heats the stick-type substrate 150 from the periphery while pressing it. This configuration makes it possible to improve the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150 and improve the temperature tracking of the stick-type substrate 150, as described above, regardless of the shape of the aerosol source inside the stick-type substrate 150. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible to improve the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150 and improve the temperature tracking of the stick-type substrate 150, as described above, regardless of errors in the shape or size of the stick-type substrate 150 that arise from variations that occur during the manufacturing process of the stick-type substrate 150. In contrast, a comparative example in which a blade-shaped heating unit is inserted into the stick-type substrate 150 and the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the inside makes it difficult to achieve these effects. This is because, in this comparative example, even if the stick-type substrate 150 is pressed from the periphery, it is difficult to bring the blade-shaped heating unit into contact with the aerosol source inside the stick-type substrate 150.

[0067] Furthermore, in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment, the heat insulating section 70 is disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the heating section 40. In this case, since the outer surface 62b of the pressing section 62 is positioned closer to the center of the internal space 80 than the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing section 66, the thickness of the air layer formed between the outer surface 62b of the pressing section 62 and the inner surface of the heat insulating section 70 can be increased accordingly. Alternatively, the thickness of the heat insulating section 70 superimposed on the pressing section 62 can be increased. Therefore, the heat insulating effect provided by the heat insulating section 70 can be improved.

[0068] (2) Heating profile The inhalation device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile. The heating profile is information that specifies the time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 40. The inhalation device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the time series transition of the target temperature specified in the heating profile is achieved. As a result, the aerosol is generated as planned by the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user tastes when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user tastes can be optimized.

[0069] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the deviation between the target temperature defined in the heating profile and the actual temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) of the heating unit 40. More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the deviation between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile began and the actual temperature. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 so that the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 is similar to the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit 40 defined in the heating profile. The temperature control of the heating unit 40 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 40 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 40 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses.

[0070] In feedback control, the control unit 116 controls the power supplied to the heating unit 40, for example, the duty ratio, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 40 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 40 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 40 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0071] The temperature of the heating unit 40 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 40. This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the voltage drop across the heating resistor. The voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 40.

[0072] Heating based on the heating profile starts when it is detected that an operation to start heating has been performed. One example of an operation to start heating is pressing a button provided on the inhalation device 100. Another example of an operation to start heating is a puffing action. Another example of an operation to start heating is receiving a signal from another device such as a smartphone.

[0073] After heating begins, the aerosol source contained in the base material gradually decreases over time. Typically, heating by the heating unit 40 is stopped when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be depleted. An example of when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be depleted is when a predetermined time has elapsed since control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile began. An example of when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be depleted is when a predetermined number of puffs have been detected. An example of when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be depleted is when a button provided on the inhalation device 100 is pressed. For example, the button is pressed when the user is no longer able to fully detect the flavor.

[0074] The period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated is also referred to as a puffable period. On the other hand, the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period is also referred to as a preheating period. Heating performed during the preheating period is also referred to as preheating. The user may be notified of the start and end timings of the puffable period. In this case, the user can puff during the puffable period based on the notification.

[0075] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the holding state of the stick-shaped substrate 150 by the holding unit 60. More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated based on the heating profile while a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed by the pressing unit 62 of the holding unit 60. That is, while a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed by the pressing unit 62 of the holding unit 60, the control unit 116 adjusts the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 40 in accordance with a target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile began, thereby controlling the heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 by the heating unit 40. In this case, the control unit 116 may further adjust the amount of power supplied in accordance with the strength of the pressure applied by the pressing unit 62. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 so as not to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile when a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not pressed by the pressing unit 62 of the holding unit 60 (for example, not supplying power to the heating unit 40). Considering that pressing improves the heating efficiency of the stick-shaped substrate 150, this configuration makes it possible to control the operation of the heating unit 40 according to the degree of improvement in the heating efficiency of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a puffing experience of sufficient quality.

[0076] The heating profile includes multiple time intervals that are consecutive along a time axis. A target temperature at the end of each of the multiple time intervals is set. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the difference between the target temperature set for a time interval corresponding to the elapsed time since control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile began and the actual temperature. Specifically, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the set target temperature is reached by the end of each of the multiple time intervals included in the heating profile. An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0077] [Table 1]

[0078] The heating profile shown in Table 1 consists of an initial heating section, an intermediate heating section, and a re-heating section, which are included in this order. In the example shown in Table 1, the initial heating section is the section from the start of the heating profile until 35 seconds later. The intermediate heating section is the section from the end of the initial heating section until 10 seconds later. The re-heating section is the section from the end of the intermediate heating section until 310 seconds later. By including these time sections in the heating profile, as will be described below, it is possible to provide the user with a puffing experience of sufficient quality from the beginning to the end of the heating profile. In other words, it is possible to improve the quality of the user's puffing experience.

[0079] The initial heating section is a time section included at the beginning of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the initial heating section is higher than the initial value. The initial value is the temperature assumed as the temperature of the heating unit 40 before heating begins. An example of the initial value is an arbitrary temperature such as 0°C. Another example of the initial value is a temperature corresponding to the air temperature.

[0080] The intermediate temperature drop section is a time section included in the middle of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the intermediate temperature drop section is lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature drop section. In the example shown in Table 1, the target temperature of 230°C set in the intermediate temperature drop section is lower than the target temperature of 295°C set in the initial temperature rise section, which is the time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature drop section.

[0081] The reheating section is the time section included at the end of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the reheating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the reheating section. In the example shown in Table 1, the target temperature of 260°C set in the reheating section is higher than the target temperature of 230°C set in the intermediate cooling section, which is the time section immediately before the reheating section.

[0082] The time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 when the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 according to the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operating based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 10 , the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 rises during the initial heating section and reaches the target temperature of 295°C at the end of the initial heating section. When the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature set for the initial heating section, it is assumed that the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 will reach a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. The initial heating section is set at the beginning of the heating profile. Therefore, during the initial heating section, the heating unit 40 is rapidly heated from its initial temperature to 295°C, the target temperature set for the initial heating section. Note that the initial temperature is the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 at the start of heating based on the heating profile. This configuration makes it possible to finish preheating early.

[0084] The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 in the initial heating section so that the actual temperature reaches the target temperature set for the initial heating section. That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 from the initial temperature toward 295°C. If the actual temperature reaches 295°C before 35 seconds have elapsed since the start of heating, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 to maintain 295°C.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 10 , the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 drops during the intermediate temperature-reducing section and reaches the target temperature of 230°C at the end of the intermediate temperature-reducing section. The intermediate temperature-reducing section is set after the initial temperature-rising section. Therefore, during the intermediate temperature-reducing section, the heating unit 40 temporarily drops its temperature from the set temperature of the initial temperature-rising section to the set temperature of the intermediate temperature-reducing section. If the heating unit 40 were maintained at a high temperature, such as the target temperature of the initial temperature-reducing section, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 would be rapidly consumed, resulting in inconveniences such as the user tasting an overly strong flavor. In this regard, by providing an intermediate temperature-reducing section, this inconvenience can be avoided and the quality of the user's puff experience can be improved.

[0086] The control unit 116 controls not to supply power to the heating unit 40 during the intermediate temperature decreasing section. In other words, the control unit 116 controls to stop supplying power to the heating unit 40 during the intermediate temperature decreasing section, so that heating by the heating unit 40 is not performed. With this configuration, it is possible to decrease the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 most quickly. Furthermore, it is also possible to reduce the power consumption of the suction device 100 compared to when power is supplied to the heating unit 40 even during the intermediate temperature decreasing section.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 10 , the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 rises during the reheating section and reaches the target temperature of 260°C at the end of the reheating section. The reheating section follows the intermediate temperature-dropping section and is set at the end of the heating profile. Therefore, during the reheating section, the heating unit 40 is again heated from the set temperature of the intermediate temperature-dropping section to the set temperature of the reheating section, and then heating is stopped. If the temperature of the heating unit 40 continues to drop after the initial temperature-rise section, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 also drops, reducing the amount of aerosol generated and potentially degrading the flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, in this embodiment, by providing a reheating section after the intermediate temperature-dropping section, it is possible to prevent degradation of the flavor experienced by the user even in the latter half of the heating profile.

[0088] The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 in the reheating section so that the actual temperature reaches the target temperature set for the reheating section. That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 toward 260°C. If the actual temperature reaches 260°C before 310 seconds have elapsed since the start of the reheating section, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 to maintain 260°C.

[0089] When comparing the absolute values ​​of the change in target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, the reheating section may be the smallest, the intermediate heating section may be the next smallest, and the initial heating section may be the largest. The absolute value of the change in target temperature per unit time in the initial heating section is the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the initial heating section and the initial value, divided by the time length of the initial heating section. The absolute value of the change in target temperature per unit time in the intermediate heating section is the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the intermediate heating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate heating section (e.g., the initial heating section), divided by the time length of the intermediate heating section. The absolute value of the change in target temperature per unit time in the reheating section is the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the reheating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the reheating section (e.g., the intermediate heating section), divided by the time length of the reheating section. Furthermore, when comparing the time lengths of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, the intermediate heating section is the shortest, the initial heating section is the next shortest, and the reheating section is the longest. With this configuration, as shown in Fig. 10, the heating unit 40 rapidly heats up in the initial heating section, quickly recovers from a high temperature state in the intermediate heating section, and slowly heats up in the reheating section. This makes it possible to finish preheating early and provide the user with a high-quality puffing experience from the beginning to the end of the heating profile.

[0090] The control unit 116 may determine at least a part of the switching between the multiple time intervals in the heating profile based on the actual temperature of the heating unit 40. For example, the control unit 116 may determine the switching from the initial heating interval to the intermediate heating interval and the end of the reheating interval based on whether the deviation between the target temperature set for each time interval and the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 falls within a predetermined threshold.

[0091] The control unit 116 may determine at least a portion of the switching between multiple time periods in the heating profile based on elapsed time. For example, the control unit 116 may determine the end of the intermediate temperature-dropping period based on the elapsed time from the start of the intermediate temperature-dropping period. For example, in the heating profile shown in FIG. 10 , the intermediate temperature-dropping period is set to 10 seconds. Therefore, the control unit 116 determines the switching to the re-heating period and resumes heating by the heating unit 40 when 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of the intermediate temperature-dropping period. This configuration allows the control unit 116 to determine the switching from the intermediate temperature-dropping period to the re-heating period without measuring the temperature of the heating unit 40, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116. Furthermore, even when the temperature of the heating unit 40 is measured based on the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 40, it is possible to determine the switching to the re-heating period while stopping power supply to the heating unit 40 during the intermediate temperature-dropping period.

[0092] However, the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 at the end of the intermediate temperature-reducing section may vary depending on the external environment, such as the outside air temperature, etc. For example, when operating based on the heating profile shown in Fig. 10, the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 at the end of the intermediate temperature-reducing section may be 220°C when the outside air temperature is low, and 240°C when the outside air temperature is high.

[0093] Therefore, at the start of the time interval following the intermediate temperature decreasing interval (i.e., the re-heating interval), the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 and the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing interval. More specifically, at the start of the time interval following the intermediate temperature decreasing interval, if the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 is lower than the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing interval, the control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 40 at a first duty ratio. On the other hand, at the start of the time interval following the intermediate temperature decreasing interval, if the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing interval, the control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 40 at a second duty ratio. Here, the first duty ratio is greater than the second duty ratio. The duty ratio here refers to the proportion of the period during which power supply to the heating unit 40 continues within a predetermined period. With this configuration, even if a discrepancy occurs between the target temperature and the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 due to the influence of the external environment, the discrepancy can be quickly reduced, thereby making it possible to suppress deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user.

[0094] (3) Processing flow FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 11, first, the suction device 100 increases the temperature of the heating unit 40 from the initial temperature in the initial temperature increase section to the target temperature set in the initial temperature increase section (step S102).

[0096] Next, the suction device 100 stops the power supply to the heating unit 40 in the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and decreases the temperature of the heating unit 40 to the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section (step S104).

[0097] Next, the suction device 100 increases the temperature of the heating unit 40 in the re-heating section up to the target temperature set in the re-heating section (step S106).

[0098] Then, as the re-heating section ends, the suction device 100 stops supplying power to the heating unit 40 (step S108).

[0099] <<3. Modifications>> <3.1. First modified example> In the initial temperature rise section, in order to shorten the preheating period, the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is rapidly raised to a temperature at which aerosol is sufficiently generated. As a result, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is prone to excessive temperature rise, a phenomenon known as overshoot. When overshoot occurs, there is a risk that the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150 (more specifically, the length of the puffable period) will be shortened or an inferior flavor will be delivered to the user.

[0100] Therefore, in the first modification, a heating profile is provided in which the temperature rise rate per unit time gradually decreases in the initial temperature rise section. This configuration makes it possible to avoid overshooting in the initial temperature rise section and improve the quality of the user's puff experience. An example of a heating profile in this modification is shown in Table 2.

[0101] [Table 2]

[0102] 12 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 2. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40.

[0103] As shown in Table 2, the initial heating section includes a first heating section and a second heating section following the first heating section. Different target temperatures are set for the first heating section and the second heating section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the target temperature of 290°C is reached in the first heating section, and then controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the target temperature of 295°C is reached in the second heating section. By controlling the temperature using a target temperature that functions as a milestone midway through the initial heating section, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the actual temperature in the initial heating section will reach the target temperature of the initial heating section.

[0104] The first and second temperature rise sections have different temperature rise widths per unit time. The temperature rise width per unit time of the first temperature rise section is the difference between the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section and the initial value divided by the time length of the first temperature rise section. If the initial value is 0°C, the temperature rise width per unit time of the first temperature rise section in the example shown in Table 2 is (290-0) / 17 ≒ 17. The temperature rise width per unit time of the second temperature rise section is the difference between the target temperature set in the second temperature rise section and the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section divided by the time length of the second temperature rise section. In the example shown in Table 2, the temperature rise width per unit time of the second temperature rise section is (295-290) / 18 ≒ 0.3.

[0105] Among the multiple temperature rise sections included in the initial temperature rise section, the later temperature rise sections have a smaller temperature rise rate per unit time than the earlier temperature rise sections. That is, the second temperature rise section has a smaller temperature rise rate per unit time than the first temperature rise section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the temperature rises more slowly as the initial temperature rise section progresses, and the actual temperature transition can be more precisely controlled as the initial temperature rise section progresses. As a result, it is possible to prevent overshooting.

[0106] The time length of the first heating section and the target temperature set for the first heating section, as well as the time length of the second heating section and the target temperature set for the second heating section, are set so that the temperature rise width per unit time in the second heating section is smaller than the temperature rise width per unit time in the first heating section. For example, the length of the second heating section may be longer than the length of the first heating section. In the example shown in Table 2, the length of the second heating section is 18 seconds, which is longer than the 17 seconds of the first heating section. As another example, the temperature rise width in the second heating section may be smaller than the temperature rise width in the first heating section. In the example shown in Table 2, the temperature rise width in the second heating section is 295°C-290°C=5°C, which is smaller than the temperature rise width in the first heating section, 290°C-0°C=290°C, when the initial temperature is set to, for example, 0°C. According to this configuration, a time section of sufficient length for the temperature rise width can be secured as the second temperature rise section, so that overshoot can be more reliably prevented.

[0107] The initial temperature increase section may further include a temperature maintenance section. An example of the heating profile in this case is shown in Table 3.

[0108] [Table 3]

[0109] 13 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 3. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40.

[0110] As shown in Table 3, the initial temperature rise section includes a first temperature rise section, a second temperature rise section, and a temperature maintenance section at the end. The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section is the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintenance section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the temperature rises to 290°C in the 17-second first temperature rise section, rises to 295°C in the subsequent 18-second second temperature rise section, and maintains 295°C in the subsequent 10-second temperature maintenance section. This configuration allows the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to be sufficiently raised to the inside during the temperature maintenance section. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not sufficiently heated to the inside, resulting in a poor smoking experience in the subsequent intermediate temperature drop section and re-heating section.

[0111] The number of temperature rise sections included in the initial temperature rise section is not limited to two. The initial temperature rise section may have three or more temperature rise sections. In this case, among the multiple temperature rise sections included in the initial temperature rise section, the later the temperature rise section, the smaller the temperature rise width per unit time compared to the earlier temperature rise section.

[0112] In this modified example, when comparing the absolute values ​​of the change in target temperature per unit time for each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the reheating section be the smallest, the intermediate heating section be the next smallest, and the initial heating section be the largest. In particular, it is desirable that the absolute value of the change in target temperature per unit time for the reheating section be the smallest, the intermediate heating section be the next smallest, and the first heating section be the largest. Furthermore, when comparing the time lengths of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the intermediate heating section be the shortest, the initial heating section be the next shortest, and the reheating section be the longest. In particular, it is desirable that the time lengths of the time sections be the shortest, the first heating section be the next shortest, and the reheating section be the longest. With this configuration, the heating unit 40 rapidly heats up in the initial heating section, quickly escapes from a high-temperature state in the intermediate heating section, and slowly heats up in the reheating section. Therefore, it is possible to finish pre-heating early and provide the user with a puffing experience of sufficient quality throughout the heating profile.

[0113] In the above description, the initial heating section includes a temperature maintaining section, but it may also be understood that the temperature maintaining section is included between the initial heating section and the intermediate temperature decreasing section. That is, the heating profile may consist of an initial heating section, a temperature maintaining section, an intermediate temperature decreasing section, and a re-heating section, and these sections may be included in this order. Even in this case, the effects described above are similarly achieved. Of course, a temperature maintaining section may be provided at the end of the initial heating section, and a temperature maintaining section may also be provided between the initial heating section and the intermediate temperature decreasing section.

[0114] <3.2. Second Modification> If the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 rises rapidly, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is consumed rapidly, which can cause inconveniences such as the user tasting an overly strong flavor or the aerosol source being quickly depleted.

[0115] Therefore, in the second modified example, a heating profile is provided that includes a stepwise temperature increase section, which is a time section in which the target temperature increases stepwise. This configuration prevents a sudden increase in temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150, thereby preventing the above-mentioned inconvenience and improving the quality of the user's puff experience. An example of a heating profile in this modified example is shown in Table 4.

[0116] [Table 4]

[0117] 14 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 4. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40.

[0118] As shown in Table 4, the heating profile includes a reheating section as a stepwise heating section. The stepwise heating section is composed of multiple time sections, and the target temperature set for each of the multiple time sections included in the stepwise heating section is equal to or higher than (i.e., the same as or higher than) the target temperature set for the previous time section. In the example shown in Table 4, the target temperature of the first temperature maintenance section included in the reheating section is 230°C, the same as the target temperature of the intermediate temperature drop section. The target temperature of the temperature increase section included in the reheating section is 260°C, which is higher than the target temperature of the first temperature maintenance section. The target temperature of the second temperature maintenance section included in the reheating section is 260°C, the same as the target temperature of the reheating section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 in the reheating section so that the temperature is maintained at 230°C in the first temperature maintenance section, raised to 260°C in the temperature increase section, and maintained at 260°C in the second temperature maintenance section. With this configuration, the aerosol is generated slowly in the reheating section, which makes it possible to extend the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150. In addition, this also makes it possible to extract a sufficient amount of flavor from the stick-shaped substrate 150 until the end of the reheating section.

[0119] The stepwise heating section may alternate between temperature maintenance sections and temperature increase sections. The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section is the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintenance section. The target temperature set in the temperature increase section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature increase section. In the example shown in Table 4, the reheating section begins with a 135-second temperature maintenance section, followed by an 80-second temperature increase section, and finally with a 95-second temperature maintenance section. Because the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section is the same as the target temperature set in the immediately preceding time section, even if the actual temperature did not reach the target temperature in the immediately preceding time section, it is possible to bring the actual temperature closer to the target temperature in the temperature maintenance section. This allows for improved tracking of the actual temperature relative to the target temperature throughout the entire stepwise heating section.

[0120] The number of temperature-raising sections included in the stepwise temperature-raising section is not limited to one, and may be more than one. An example of a heating profile in this case is shown in Table 5.

[0121] [Table 5]

[0122] FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 5. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40. In FIG. 15, the temperature maintenance section in the reheating section is marked with "M", and the temperature increase section in the reheating section is marked with "U".

[0123] The heating profile shown in Table 15 includes a reheating section that alternates between temperature maintenance sections M and temperature increase sections U and includes multiple sections as a stepwise temperature increase section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 116 gradually increases the temperature of the heating unit 40 in multiple stages in the reheating section. When the temperature increase of a predetermined temperature increase in the temperature increase section U is completed, the control unit 116 starts the next temperature maintenance section M. It is desirable that the predetermined temperature increase in one temperature increase section U be limited to a few degrees Celsius to a dozen degrees Celsius. It is also desirable that the target temperature set in the temperature increase section U be increased within a range not exceeding 260°C, which is the target temperature of the reheating section. This configuration can prevent the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from being unnecessarily shortened. The temperature increase in the temperature increase section U may be the same throughout the entire reheating section, or may vary, for example, by decreasing the temperature increase in the latter half of the section.

[0124] When the control unit 116 detects that the user has inhaled the aerosol, it may start the next heating section U. That is, in the re-heating section, the temperature may be increased each time the user puffs, or the temperature may be maintained between puffs. With this configuration, the temperature is increased when the user puffs, and the amount of flavor extracted increases. Therefore, the flavor enjoyed by the user can be maintained even in the latter half of the heating profile, thereby improving the user's satisfaction with the puffing action.

[0125] Alternatively, the control unit 116 may end the temperature maintenance section M and start the next temperature increase section U depending on the elapsed time in the temperature maintenance section M. For example, in the re-heating section, the temperature may be increased after being maintained for a predetermined time. With this configuration, the temperature can be increased without detecting the user's puffing action, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116. Here, it is desirable to set the predetermined time to a length equivalent to the interval between previous puffs by the user. In this case, the same effect as when the temperature is increased each time the user puffs is achieved.

[0126] In this modification, when comparing the absolute values ​​of the change in target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the reheating section (more specifically, the average value in the reheating section) be the smallest, the intermediate heating section be the next smallest, and the initial heating section be the longest. Furthermore, when comparing the time lengths of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the intermediate heating section be the shortest, the initial heating section be the next shortest, and the reheating section be the longest. With this configuration, the heating unit 40 rapidly heats up in the initial heating section, quickly escapes from a high-temperature state in the intermediate heating section, and slowly heats up in the reheating section. This allows for early completion of preheating and provides the user with a high-quality puffing experience from the beginning to the end of the heating profile.

[0127] <3.3. Third modified example> The intervals between puffs vary from person to person. Therefore, a uniform heating profile may result in some users being unable to fully enjoy the flavor. For example, in the above embodiment, if the user's intervals between puffs are short, the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150 may expire before the temperature is fully increased in the re-heating section, and the user may not be able to realize the flavor improvement effect of the re-heating.

[0128] Therefore, in the third modification, a variable heating profile is provided in response to user input. This configuration allows aerosol to be generated according to a heating profile suited to the user, thereby providing a satisfactory puffing experience for any user.

[0129] In this modification, the heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along the time axis. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the slot (hereinafter also referred to as the current slot) corresponding to the elapsed time since the control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile started.

[0130] A target temperature at the end of the slot is set for each slot. Controlling the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the slot means controlling the power supply to the heating unit 40 so that the actual temperature at the end of the slot reaches the target temperature set for the slot. When switching slots, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the target temperature set for the slot after switching.

[0131] A plurality of switching conditions are set for the slots. The control unit 116 switches the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied, and controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the slot after the switch. The control unit 116 switches to the slot following the current slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the current slot is satisfied. This configuration enables flexible control based on a plurality of switching conditions.

[0132] The multiple switching conditions set for a slot include the passage of time equal to the time length of the slot. That is, the control unit 116 switches from the current slot to the next slot when the time equal to the time length of the current slot has passed since switching to the current slot.

[0133] The multiple switching conditions set for a slot include the detection of the user's inhalation of aerosol. That is, when the control unit 116 detects the user's inhalation of aerosol, it switches to the next slot. In this case, control based on the current slot is interrupted and the slot is switched to the next slot. Therefore, when the control unit 116 detects the user's inhalation of aerosol, it shortens the time length of the heating profile. The time length of the heating profile is the length of the period during which control of the operation of the heating unit 40 is executed based on the heating profile. In this case, the control unit 116 shortens the time length of the heating profile by the remaining time from the time when the user's inhalation of aerosol is detected to the end of the slot corresponding to that time. For example, if the time length of the current slot is 20 seconds and a puffing action is detected 5 seconds after switching to the current slot, the control unit 116 shortens the time length of the heating profile by 20-5=15 seconds. With this configuration, the shorter the interval between puffing actions, the shorter the time length of the heating profile. Therefore, even if the aerosol source is depleted early due to multiple puffing operations, it is possible to prevent a situation in which heating based on the heating profile continues and an unpleasant flavor is delivered to the user.

[0134] An example of a heating profile containing four consecutive slots is shown in Table 6.

[0135] [Table 6]

[0136] 16 to 18 are graphs showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 6. The horizontal axis of the graph represents time (seconds). The vertical axis of the graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 40. Line 21 in the graph represents the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40.

[0137] In particular, Figure 16 shows the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 when a puffing action by the user is not detected in each of slots S1 to S4. When a puffing action by the user is not detected, each of slots S1 to S4 is switched to the next slot after the time length of the slot has elapsed. Slot S1 is assumed to be preceded by another slot with a target temperature of 230°C. Therefore, as shown in Figure 16, in slot S1, the temperature is raised from 230°C to 235°C. Similarly, in slot S2, the temperature is raised to 240°C, in slot S3 it is maintained at 240°C, and in slot S4 it is raised to 245°C.

[0138] Here, it is assumed that a predetermined input is detected at time t1 included in slot S1. FIG. 17 shows the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 when a puffing action by the user is detected at time t1 included in slot S1. When a puffing action by the user is detected at time t1 included in slot S1, the control unit 116 ends slot S1 at time t1 and switches to slot S2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature of 240°C at the end of slot S2 after the switch. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17, because slot S1 is interrupted midway, the time length of the heating profile is shortened accordingly.

[0139] Furthermore, it is assumed that a predetermined input is detected at time t2 included in slot S3. FIG. 18 shows the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 when a puffing action by the user is detected at time t1 included in slot S1 and time t2 included in slot S3. When a puffing action by the user is detected at time t2 included in slot S3, the control unit 116 ends slot S3 at time t2 and switches to slot S4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature of 240°C at the end of slot S4 after switching. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, because slot S3 is interrupted midway, the time length of the heating profile is shortened accordingly.

[0140] As described above, in this modified example, it is possible to control the temperature of the heating unit 40 while switching slots in response to the satisfaction of any one of a plurality of switching conditions set for the slots. In particular, in this modified example, it is possible to control the temperature of the heating unit 40 while switching slots in response to the detection of a puffing action by the user. With this configuration, it is possible to perform precise temperature control in response to the puff interval by the user.

[0141] In at least some of the multiple slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature may be different between two consecutive slots. For example, in the example shown in Table 6, the target temperature of slot S1 is 235°C, and the target temperature of slot S2 is 240°C, which is different from 235°C. With this configuration, the temperature of heating unit 40 can be continuously increased each time the user puffs, thereby improving the flavor experienced by the user.

[0142] For at least some of the multiple slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature may be the same between two consecutive slots. For example, in the example shown in Table 6, the target temperature for slot S2 is 240°C, and the target temperature for slot S3 is also 240°C. With this configuration, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be maintained even when the user puffs, thereby extending the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0143] The target temperature set for a slot is preferably equal to or higher than the target temperature set for the other slots immediately preceding that slot. In other words, the target temperature set for a subsequent slot is not set to a lower value than the target temperature set for the previous slot, but is set to the same value or a higher value. With this configuration, the temperature can be maintained or increased each time the user takes a puff, thereby maintaining or improving the flavor enjoyed by the user.

[0144] The number of slots is preferably two or more. If the number of slots is too small, precise temperature control becomes difficult, which may result in a deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, with this configuration, the number of slots can be prevented from being too small, making it possible to prevent the deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user.

[0145] It is desirable that the number of slots be 15 or less. If the number of slots is too large, slot switching will occur more frequently, increasing the processing load on the control unit 116. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the number of slots from being too large, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116.

[0146] It is desirable that the time length of a slot is 10 seconds or more. If the time length of a slot is too short, slot switching will occur accordingly, increasing the processing load on the control unit 116. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to ensure that the time length of a slot is not too short, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116.

[0147] The slot time length is preferably less than 25 seconds. If the slot time length is too long, precise temperature control becomes difficult, which may result in a deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to prevent the slot time length from being too long, thereby preventing the deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user.

[0148] The time lengths of at least two of the multiple slots included in the heating profile may be different from each other, which allows for precise temperature control.

[0149] The time lengths of at least two of the multiple slots included in the heating profile may be the same. This configuration simplifies slot switching, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116.

[0150] Typically, the slot is set in the reheating section. In this case, the reheating section is compressed each time a puff is made, and the timing of the temperature rise is accelerated compared to when no puffs are made. Therefore, even if the user's puff intervals are short, the temperature can be sufficiently raised in the reheating section, allowing the user to experience the flavor improvement effect of reheating. In this way, according to this modification, it is possible to provide a satisfactory puffing experience to users of any puffing style.

[0151] In this modification, when comparing the absolute values ​​of the change in target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the reheating section (more specifically, the average value in the reheating section) be the smallest, the intermediate heating section be the next smallest, and the initial heating section be the longest. Furthermore, when comparing the time lengths of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the intermediate heating section be the shortest, the initial heating section be the next shortest, and the reheating section be the longest. With this configuration, the heating unit 40 rapidly heats up in the initial heating section, quickly escapes from a high-temperature state in the intermediate heating section, and slowly heats up in the reheating section. This allows for early completion of preheating and provides the user with a high-quality puffing experience from the beginning to the end of the heating profile.

[0152] <<4. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0153] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the end of the intermediate temperature-dropping section was determined based on the elapsed time from the start of the intermediate temperature-dropping section. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may determine the end of the intermediate temperature-dropping section based on the difference between the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature-dropping section and the actual temperature of the heating unit 40. For example, the control unit 116 monitors the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 while periodically measuring the temperature using a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 40. Then, when the measured actual temperature reaches the target temperature of the intermediate temperature-dropping section, the control unit 116 determines whether to switch from the intermediate temperature-dropping section to the re-heating section. This configuration makes it possible to switch from the intermediate temperature-dropping section to the re-heating section at an appropriate time, regardless of the external environment, such as the outside air temperature.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 in accordance with the difference between the target temperature and the actual temperature. As an example, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 in accordance with the difference between the current actual temperature and the target temperature set for the current time interval (i.e., the time interval corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile). That is, in the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 10, if the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 10 seconds after the start of heating is 100°C, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 based on 195°C, which is the difference between 100°C and 295°C. As another example, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 in accordance with the difference between the current actual temperature and the current target temperature. That is, in the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 10, if the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 10 seconds after the start of heating is 100°C, the current target temperature is approximately 295 ÷ 35 × 10 = 84°C. Therefore, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 based on -16°C, which is the difference between 100°C and 84°C.

[0155] The operation of the heating unit 40 to raise the temperature when the current actual temperature is lower than the target temperature set for the current time interval can be implemented in various ways. For example, the operation of the heating unit 40 to raise the temperature may be controlled based on the remaining time until the end of the time interval and the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. For example, in the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 10, if the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 is 100°C 10 seconds after the start of heating, the control unit 116 may adjust the duty ratio of the power pulses supplied to the heating unit 40 so that the temperature will rise to 195°C after 25 seconds. As another example, the operation of the heating unit 40 to raise the temperature may be fixed. For example, the control unit 116 may always maximize the duty ratio of the power pulses supplied to the heating unit 40 during the temperature increase.

[0156] Notification of the start timing of the puffable period may be performed at any timing. As one example, notification of the start timing of the puffable period may be performed at the end of the initial heating section. As another example, if a temperature maintenance section is included at the end of the initial heating section, notification of the start timing of the puffable period may be performed at the start of the temperature maintenance section included in the initial heating section. As another example, if a temperature maintenance section is included between the initial heating section and the intermediate temperature decrease section, notification of the start timing of the puffable period may be performed at the end of the temperature maintenance section.

[0157] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the gap formed between the heater assembly 30 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 functions as a flow path for introducing air into the stick-shaped substrate 150, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, an opening communicating with outside air may be provided in the bottom wall of the heater assembly 30. Then, when the user puffs, air may be introduced into the stick-shaped substrate 150 through this opening.

[0158] For example, the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. That is, at least two of the first, second, and third modified examples may be combined. As an example, the first and second modified examples may be combined. That is, the heating profile may include an initial heating section including multiple heating sections with different heating rates per unit time, an intermediate heating section, and a reheating section in which the target temperature is increased in stages. As another example, the first and third modified examples may be combined. In this case, the heating profile may include an initial heating section including multiple heating sections with different heating rates per unit time, an intermediate heating section, and a reheating section including multiple slots.

[0159] Furthermore, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (non-transitory medium) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0160] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0161] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) a heating section that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the heating profile includes a plurality of successive time intervals along a time axis; The target temperature at the end of each of the plurality of time periods is set, The heating profile includes an initial temperature increase section, an intermediate temperature decrease section, and a re-heating section, in that order; the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the initial temperature increasing section, the control unit controls not to supply power to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and determines the end of the intermediate temperature decreasing section based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing section. Suction device. (2) the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on an actual temperature of the heating unit measured based on an electrical resistance value of a heating resistor constituting the heating unit and the target temperature set for each of the initial heating section and the reheating section, in each of the initial heating section and the reheating section. The suction device according to (1) above. (3) the control unit supplies power to the heating unit at a first duty ratio when the actual temperature of the heating unit is lower than the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section at the start of the re-heating section, and supplies power to the heating unit at a second duty ratio when the actual temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section; the first duty ratio is greater than the second duty ratio; The suction device according to (1) or (2). (4) The target temperature set in the initial temperature rise section is higher than an initial value. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) the initial heating section includes a first heating section and a second heating section subsequent to the first heating section, the first temperature-raising section and the second temperature-raising section have different temperature-raising widths per unit time, the temperature rise width per unit time in the first temperature rise section is a value obtained by dividing the difference between the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section and the initial value by the time length of the first temperature rise section, the temperature rise width per unit time in the second temperature rise section is a value obtained by dividing the difference between the target temperature set in the second temperature rise section and the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section by the time length of the second temperature rise section. The suction device according to (4) above. (6) The second temperature-raising section has a smaller temperature-raising range per unit time than the first temperature-raising section. The suction device according to (5) above. (7) The initial temperature increasing section includes a temperature maintaining section at the end, The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance interval is the same as the target temperature set in the time interval immediately preceding the temperature maintenance interval. The suction device according to any one of (4) to (6) above. (8) the target temperature set in the reheating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the reheating section; The suction device according to any one of (1) to (7) above. (9) The reheating section includes a temperature maintaining section and a temperature increasing section alternately, the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance interval is the same as the target temperature set in the time interval immediately preceding the temperature maintenance interval, the target temperature set in the temperature increase section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature increase section; The suction device according to (8) above. (10) The heating profile further includes a temperature maintaining section between the initial temperature increasing section and the intermediate temperature decreasing section, The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance interval is the same as the target temperature set in the time interval immediately preceding the temperature maintenance interval. The suction device according to (8) or (9). (11) When comparing absolute values ​​of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and the re-heating section, the re-heating section has the smallest amount of change, the intermediate temperature decreasing section has the next smallest amount, and the initial heating section has the largest amount of change, an absolute value of the change amount of the target temperature per unit time in the initial heating section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the initial heating section and an initial value by a time length of the initial heating section; an absolute value of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section and the target temperature set in a time section immediately before the intermediate temperature decreasing section by a time length of the intermediate temperature decreasing section; the absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time in the reheating section is a value obtained by dividing the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the reheating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the reheating section by the time length of the reheating section. The suction device according to (9) or (10) above. (12) When comparing the time lengths of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the re-heating section, the intermediate heating section is the shortest, the initial heating section is the next shortest, and the re-heating section is the longest. The suction device according to any one of (9) to (11) above. (13) the suction device further comprises a chamber for receiving the substrate; the chamber includes an opening into which the substrate is inserted and a holder that holds the substrate; The holding portion includes a pressing portion that presses a portion of the base material and a non-pressing portion. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) The heating portion is disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion. The suction device according to (13) above. (15) the heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along a time axis; A plurality of switching conditions are set in the slot, the control unit switches the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied, and controls the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (14) above. (16) the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on a deviation between the target temperature corresponding to an elapsed time from when control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile is started and an actual temperature of the heating unit. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15) above. (17) 1. A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, comprising: measuring the temperature of the heating unit based on the electrical resistance value of a heating resistor constituting the heating unit; controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; and measuring the temperature of the heating unit by a temperature sensor; Including, the heating profile includes a plurality of successive time intervals along a time axis; The target temperature at the end of each of the plurality of time periods is set, The heating profile includes an initial temperature increase section, an intermediate temperature decrease section, and a re-heating section, in that order; the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the initial temperature increasing section, Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the heating unit so that power is not supplied to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and determining the end of the intermediate temperature decreasing section based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing section. Control method. (18) A computer that controls a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol measuring the temperature of the heating unit based on the electrical resistance value of a heating resistor constituting the heating unit; controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; and measuring the temperature of the heating unit by a temperature sensor; Execute the heating profile includes a plurality of successive time intervals along a time axis; The target temperature at the end of each of the plurality of time periods is set, The heating profile includes an initial temperature increase section, an intermediate temperature decrease section, and a re-heating section, in that order; the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the initial temperature increasing section, Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the heating unit so that power is not supplied to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and determining the end of the intermediate temperature decreasing section based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing section. program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 30 Heater assembly 32 Top cap 40 Heating section 40a Part 1 40b Part 2 42 Heating element 44 Electrical insulating materials 48 electrode 50 Chambers 52 Aperture 54 Non-holding part 56 Bottom 56a Bottom wall 56b side wall 58 First guide section 58a Tapered surface 60 Holding part 62 Pressing part 62a Inner surface 62b External surface 66 Non-pressure part 66a Inner surface 66b External surface 67 void 70 Insulation section 80 Interior Space

Claims

1. a heating section that heats the substrate to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the heating profile includes a plurality of successive time intervals along a time axis; The target temperature at the end of each of the plurality of time periods is set, The heating profile includes an initial temperature increase section, an intermediate temperature decrease section, and a re-heating section, in that order; the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the initial temperature increasing section, the control unit controls not to supply power to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and determines the end of the intermediate temperature decreasing section based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing section. Suction device.

2. the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on an actual temperature of the heating unit measured based on an electrical resistance value of a heating resistor constituting the heating unit and the target temperature set for each of the initial heating section and the reheating section, in each of the initial heating section and the reheating section.

10. The suction device of claim 1.

3. the control unit supplies power to the heating unit at a first duty ratio when the actual temperature of the heating unit is lower than the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section at the start of the re-heating section, and supplies power to the heating unit at a second duty ratio when the actual temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section; the first duty ratio is greater than the second duty ratio; 3. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The target temperature set in the initial temperature rise section is higher than an initial value. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the initial heating section includes a first heating section and a second heating section subsequent to the first heating section, the first temperature-raising section and the second temperature-raising section have different temperature-raising widths per unit time, the temperature rise width per unit time in the first temperature rise section is a value obtained by dividing a difference between the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section and the initial value by a time length of the first temperature rise section, the temperature rise width per unit time in the second temperature rise section is a value obtained by dividing the difference between the target temperature set in the second temperature rise section and the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section by the time length of the second temperature rise section.

5. The suction device according to claim 4.

6. The second temperature-raising section has a smaller temperature-raising width per unit time than the first temperature-raising section.

6. The suction device according to claim 5.

7. The initial temperature increasing section includes a temperature maintaining section at the end, The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance interval is the same as the target temperature set in the time interval immediately preceding the temperature maintenance interval. The suction device according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. the target temperature set in the reheating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the reheating section; The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The reheating section includes a temperature maintaining section and a temperature increasing section alternately, the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance interval is the same as the target temperature set in the time interval immediately preceding the temperature maintenance interval, the target temperature set in the temperature increase section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature increase section; 9. The suction device of claim 8.

10. The heating profile further includes a temperature maintaining section between the initial temperature increasing section and the intermediate temperature decreasing section, The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance interval is the same as the target temperature set in the time interval immediately preceding the temperature maintenance interval.

10. The suction device according to claim 8 or 9.

11. When comparing absolute values ​​of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and the re-heating section, the re-heating section has the smallest amount of change, the intermediate temperature decreasing section has the next smallest amount, and the initial heating section has the largest amount of change, an absolute value of the change amount of the target temperature per unit time in the initial heating section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the initial heating section and an initial value by a time length of the initial heating section; an absolute value of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section and the target temperature set in a time section immediately before the intermediate temperature decreasing section by a time length of the intermediate temperature decreasing section; the absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time in the reheating section is a value obtained by dividing the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the reheating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the reheating section by the time length of the reheating section.

11. The suction device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. When comparing the time lengths of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the re-heating section, the intermediate heating section is the shortest, the initial heating section is the next shortest, and the re-heating section is the longest. The suction device according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. the suction device further comprises a chamber for receiving the substrate; the chamber includes an opening into which the substrate is inserted and a holder that holds the substrate; The holding portion includes a pressing portion that presses a portion of the base material and a non-pressing portion. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The heating portion is disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion.

14. The suction device of claim 13.

15. the heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along a time axis; A plurality of switching conditions are set in the slot, the control unit switches the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied, and controls the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on a deviation between the target temperature corresponding to an elapsed time from when control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile is started and an actual temperature of the heating unit. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. 1. A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, comprising: measuring the temperature of the heating unit based on the electrical resistance value of a heating resistor constituting the heating unit; controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; and measuring the temperature of the heating unit by a temperature sensor; Including, the heating profile includes a plurality of successive time intervals along a time axis; The target temperature at the end of each of the plurality of time periods is set, The heating profile includes an initial temperature increase section, an intermediate temperature decrease section, and a re-heating section, in that order; the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the initial temperature increasing section, Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the heating unit so that power is not supplied to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and determining the end of the intermediate temperature decreasing section based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing section. Control method.

18. A computer that controls a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol measuring the temperature of the heating unit based on the electrical resistance value of a heating resistor constituting the heating unit; controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; and measuring the temperature of the heating unit by a temperature sensor; Execute the heating profile includes a plurality of successive time intervals along a time axis; The target temperature at the end of each of the plurality of time periods is set, The heating profile includes an initial temperature increase section, an intermediate temperature decrease section, and a re-heating section, in that order; the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the initial temperature increasing section, Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the heating unit so that power is not supplied to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and determining the end of the intermediate temperature decreasing section based on the actual temperature of the heating unit measured by the temperature sensor and the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature decreasing section. program.

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