Suction device, base material, and control method

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of suppressing occurrence of inconveniences associated with voltage adjustment.SOLUTION: A suction device comprises: a heating unit that heats a base material containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit on the basis of a temperature setting that defines a time-series transition of a target temperature being a target value of the temperature of the heating unit. The control unit performs control such that, among multiple periods included in the temperature setting, a first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a first period; a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a second period different from the first period; no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a third period included between the first period and the second period; and no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a fifth period following the second period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device, a substrate, and a control method. [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 aerosols containing flavor components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor-imparted aerosol generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puffing action.

[0003] Typically, inhalation devices generate aerosol by heating a substrate. Because the quality of the user experience is significantly affected by the temperature at which the substrate is heated, technological developments are being conducted to achieve appropriate temperature control. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology for adjusting the output voltage to a heating element that heats the substrate based on the temperature of the heating element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6667690 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Typically, during the heating period of the substrate, the temperature of the heating element changes irregularly due to the influence of puffing by the user, etc., so the technology described in Patent Document 1 may result in frequent adjustment of the output voltage. Such irregular and frequent voltage adjustments may cause various inconveniences.

[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 suppress the occurrence of inconveniences associated with voltage adjustment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an suction device comprising: a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the temperature setting so that, among multiple periods included in the temperature setting, a first voltage is applied to the heating unit during a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit during a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit during a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit during a fifth period following the second period.

[0008] The third period may be a period during which the temperature of the heating unit decreases.

[0009] The first period may be a period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from a temperature at the start of heating to a predetermined temperature.

[0010] The second period may be a period during which the temperature of the heating unit is maintained or increased after the temperature of the heating unit has decreased.

[0011] The first voltage may be higher than the second voltage.

[0012] The control unit may control at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage based on an environmental temperature.

[0013] When the environmental temperature is lower than a first reference value, the control unit may set at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage to a higher value.

[0014] When the environmental temperature is equal to or higher than a second reference value, the control unit may set at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage to a lower value.

[0015] The control unit may determine at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage based on the environmental temperature before controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the temperature setting.

[0016] The control unit may control the second voltage based on the temperature of the heating unit during the first period.

[0017] The control unit may control the second voltage based on information regarding a puff of the aerosol performed by a user during the first period.

[0018] The control unit may control at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage based on the type of the base material heated by the heating unit.

[0019] The suction device may include, as the heating unit, a first heating unit arranged downstream and a second heating unit arranged upstream, and the control unit may perform control so that the first voltage is applied to the first heating unit during the first period, the second voltage is applied to the first heating unit during the second period, and a fourth voltage is applied to the second heating unit during a fourth period that overlaps with the first period and the second period.

[0020] The fourth voltage may be lower than the first voltage and higher than the second voltage.

[0021] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a substrate containing an aerosol source that is heated to generate the aerosol by a suction device, the substrate comprising: a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the temperature setting so that, among a plurality of periods included in the temperature setting, a first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a fifth period following the second period.

[0022] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an suction device having a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, the control method including controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that specifies the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, and controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the operation of the heating unit so that, among multiple periods included in the temperature setting, a first voltage is applied to the heating unit during a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit during a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit during a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit during a fifth period following the second period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can suppress the occurrence of inconveniences associated with voltage adjustment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2] 10 is a graph showing an example of the transition of the temperature of the heating unit when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining control of a voltage applied to a heating unit. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of a process executed by a suction device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device according to a modified example. [Figure 6] 10 is a graph showing an example of a change in temperature of a heating unit in a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] 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.

[0026] <1. Configuration example> 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.

[0027] 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 121, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 condenser microphone, 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet, which is an entrance for air to this flow path, is located in, for example, the bottom 143. On the other hand, an air outlet, which is an exit for air from this flow path, is the opening 142.

[0035] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source and a flavor source. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol), or water. Of course, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. The flavor source is a component that imparts flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the holder 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 through an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0036] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. For example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0037] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0038] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0039] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0040] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0041] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0042] Here, the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 work together to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0043] <2. Technical Features> (1) Heating profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the temperature setting. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The temperature setting is information that defines the time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121. Hereinafter, such a temperature setting is also referred to as a heating profile.

[0044] The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the change in temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) of the heating unit 121 is similar to the change in the target temperature defined in the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0045] The heating profile includes one or more combinations of a target temperature and information indicating the timing at which the target temperature should be reached. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 by switching the target temperature depending on the elapsed time since the start of heating based on the heating profile. Specifically, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the current actual temperature and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating based on the heating profile. The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 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 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulses in the feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on / off control in the feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and perform heating by the heating unit 121 again when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature.

[0046] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). 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 amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of 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 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0047] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on a heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile starts. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period in the first half and a puffable period in the second half. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating.

[0048] The heating profile may include multiple periods in which different target temperatures are set. The temperature may be controlled to reach the target temperature set for a certain period at any timing during that period, or may be controlled to reach the target temperature at the end of that period. In either case, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be changed in the same way as the target temperature set in the heating profile.

[0049] An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0050] [Table 1]

[0051] The temperature change of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control in accordance with the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 when the temperature control is performed 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 121. Line 21 in this graph shows the temperature change of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same way as the target temperature change defined in the heating profile.

[0052] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile begins with an initial temperature rise period. The initial temperature rise period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from an initial temperature to a predetermined temperature. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. As shown in FIG. 2, during the initial temperature rise period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 310°C 17 seconds after the start of heating and is maintained at 310°C for 35 seconds after the start of heating. This is expected to allow the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to reach a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. By quickly raising the temperature to 310°C immediately after the start of heating, it is possible to end preheating early and start the puffable period early. Note that although the initial temperature rise period and the preheating period coincide in FIG. 2, they do not necessarily have to coincide.

[0053] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes an intermediate temperature-reducing period after an initial temperature-rising period. The intermediate temperature-reducing period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. As shown in FIG. 2, during the intermediate temperature-reducing period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases from 310°C to 260°C between 35 and 45 seconds after the start of heating. During this period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated due to the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the heating unit 121 is maintained at a high temperature, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be rapidly consumed, which may result in flavor deterioration, such as an overpowering flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, providing an intermediate temperature-reducing period midway through the puffing process can avoid such flavor deterioration and improve the quality of the user's puffing experience.

[0054] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a reheating period after a mid-way temperature-dropping period. The reheating period is the period after the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops and during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises. As shown in FIG. 2, during the reheating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from 260°C to 290°C between 45 seconds and 180 seconds after the start of heating and is maintained at 290°C until 260 seconds after the start of heating. If the temperature of the heating unit 121 continues to drop, 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. Furthermore, as the heating profile progresses, the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 decreases, so the amount of aerosol generated tends to decrease even if heating is continued at the same temperature. In this regard, by increasing the amount of aerosol generated by raising the temperature again in the latter half of the heating profile, the decrease in the amount of aerosol generated due to the decrease in the remaining amount of aerosol source can be compensated for. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user even in the latter half of the heating profile.

[0055] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a heating end period at the end. The heating end period is a period following the reheating period during which heating is not performed. A target temperature does not need to be set. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 begins to decrease after 260 seconds from the start of heating. Power supply to the heating unit 121 may be terminated after 260 seconds from the start of heating. Even in this case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated for a while due to residual heat from the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends after 270 seconds from the start of heating.

[0056] The user may be notified of the start and end timings of the puffable period. Furthermore, the user may be notified of the timing a predetermined time before the end of the puffable period (for example, the timing when power supply to the heating unit 121 ends). In this case, the user can puff during the puffable period by referring to such notification.

[0057] (2) Voltage control based on heating profile The control unit 116 controls the voltage applied to the heating unit 121. The control of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0058] 3 is a diagram for explaining the control of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction device 100 has a DC / DC converter 117 and a switching element 118 between the power supply unit 111 and the heating unit 121.

[0059] 3, the power supply unit 111 is a DC (Direct Current) power supply, and supplies direct current power.

[0060] DC / DC converter 117 is a device that adjusts the voltage of the applied DC power and outputs it. DC / DC converter 117 increases or decreases the applied voltage and outputs it based on the control of control unit 116.

[0061] The switching element 118 is a device that connects a circuit in an ON state and disconnects the circuit in an OFF state. The switching element 118 switches between supplying and stopping power to the heating unit 121 based on control by the control unit 116. For example, the control unit 116 turns the switching element 118 ON for a period corresponding to the ON pulse width in PWM control, and turns the switching element 118 OFF for a period corresponding to the OFF pulse width.

[0062] With the above configuration, a power pulse having a voltage adjusted by the DC / DC converter 117 and a pulse width adjusted by the switching element 118 is applied to the heating unit 121 .

[0063] Here, if the voltage is changed while the voltage is being applied to the heating unit 121 (including the OFF period in PWM control), noise is introduced into the gain of the PID control. The PID control gain here refers to the proportional term gain Kp, the integral term gain Ki, and the differential term gain Kd. If noise is introduced into the PID control gain, it becomes difficult to properly control the temperature of the heating unit 121, and an inappropriate aerosol may be delivered to the user.

[0064] Therefore, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 so that a first voltage is applied to the heating unit 121 during a first period among multiple periods included in the heating profile, and a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit 121 during a second period different from the first period. That is, the control unit 116 adjusts the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at a specific timing in the heating profile. Therefore, the timing at which noise appears in the gain of PID control is determined in relation to the heating profile. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121 compared to when voltage adjustments are performed irregularly and frequently, i.e., when noise appears in the gain of PID control irregularly and frequently.

[0065] The first period may be an initial temperature rise period, and the second period may be a re-temperature rise period. With this configuration, it is possible to apply an optimum voltage to the heating unit 121 for each of two periods in which different time series changes in the target temperature are defined.

[0066] The first voltage is higher than the second voltage. In the initial heating period, a rapid temperature rise is required to shorten the pre-heating period. In this regard, by applying a relatively high first voltage to the heating unit 121 in the initial heating period, such a rapid temperature rise can be easily achieved. On the other hand, in the re-heating period, a slow temperature rise is sufficient to prevent the aerosol source from being depleted. In this regard, by applying a relatively low second voltage to the heating unit 121 in the re-heating period, a slow temperature rise can be achieved while suppressing power consumption.

[0067] The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 so that no voltage is applied to the heating unit 121 during a third period between the first and second periods. That is, the control unit 116 stops supplying power to the heating unit 121 during the third period. With this configuration, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is changed before and after the period during which no voltage is applied to the heating unit 121, which makes it possible to prevent noise from being introduced into the gain of the PID control. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the first and second periods and deliver an appropriate aerosol to the user.

[0068] The third period may be an intermediate temperature-dropping period. That is, the control unit 116 may apply a first voltage to the heating unit 121 during the initial temperature-raising period, set the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 to 0 during the intermediate temperature-dropping period, and apply a second voltage to the heating unit 121 during the re-heating period. With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121 throughout the entire heating session, and deliver an appropriate aerosol to the user.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 4, first, the control unit 116 determines whether a puff request has been detected (step S102). A puff request is a user operation requesting the generation of aerosol. An example of a puff request is an operation on the inhalation device 100, such as operating a switch or the like provided on the inhalation device 100. Another example of a puff request is inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the inhalation device 100. Note that the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the inhalation device 100 can be detected by a capacitance-type proximity sensor that detects the capacitance of the space near the opening 142, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure within the internal space 141, or the like.

[0071] If it is determined that a puff request has not been detected (step S102: NO), control unit 116 waits until a puff request is detected.

[0072] On the other hand, if it is determined that a puff request has been detected (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the initial temperature rise period while applying the first voltage to the heating unit 121 (step S104).

[0073] Next, the control unit 116 stops the power supply to the heating unit 121 during the intermediate temperature decreasing period (step S106).

[0074] Next, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the temperature re-raising period while applying the second voltage to the heating unit 121 (step S108).

[0075] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a termination condition is satisfied (step S110). One example of the termination condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of heating. Another example of the termination condition is that a predetermined number of puffs have been taken since the start of heating.

[0076] If it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied (step S110: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the termination condition is satisfied.

[0077] If it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied (step S110: YES), control unit 116 terminates heating based on the heating profile (step S112), and then the process ends.

[0078] <3. Modifications> (1) First Modification The control unit 116 may control the first voltage and the second voltage based on the environmental temperature. The environmental temperature is the temperature of the environment that may affect the temperature of the heating unit 121. For example, the environmental temperature may be the temperature around the suction device 100 (i.e., air temperature), the temperature inside the housing of the suction device 100, the temperature of the power supply unit 111, etc. The suction device 100 may have a temperature sensor for detecting the environmental temperature, or may receive the environmental temperature from a smartphone, a server, or the like. Considering that the environmental temperature may affect the temperature of the heating unit 121, such a configuration makes it possible to more appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0079] An example of the relationship between the environmental temperature and the first and second voltages is shown in Table 2 below.

[0080] [Table 2]

[0081] When the environmental temperature is equal to or greater than the first reference value and less than the second reference value, the control unit 116 sets the first voltage and the second voltage to default values. According to the example shown in Table 2, when the environmental temperature is equal to or greater than 10°C and less than 30°C, the control unit 116 sets the first voltage to the default V1 and the second voltage to the default V2.

[0082] When the environmental temperature is below a first reference value, the control unit 116 sets the first voltage and the second voltage to higher values. According to the example shown in Table 2, when the environmental temperature is below 10°C, the control unit 116 sets the first voltage to V1, which is higher than the default V1. 1B and set the second voltage to V, which is higher than the default V2. 2B The lower the environmental temperature, the greater the power required to maintain and increase the temperature of the heating unit 121. In this regard, with this configuration, by increasing the applied voltage, it becomes possible to easily maintain and increase the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0083] On the other hand, as shown in Table 2, when the environmental temperature is equal to or higher than the second reference value, the control unit 116 sets the first voltage and the second voltage to lower values. The second reference value is equal to or higher than the first reference value. According to the example shown in Table 2, when the environmental temperature is equal to or higher than 30°C, the control unit 116 sets the first voltage to V1, which is lower than the default V1. 1A and set the second voltage to V lower than the default V2. 2A The higher the environmental temperature, the smaller the power required to maintain and increase the temperature of the heating unit 121. In this regard, with this configuration, by lowering the applied voltage, it is possible to suppress power consumption while maintaining and increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0084] Before controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the control unit 116 may determine the first voltage and the second voltage based on the environmental temperature. The environmental temperature may change in accordance with changes in the temperature of the heating unit 121, such as when the space around the suction device 100 locally increases in temperature as the heating unit 121 increases in temperature. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to determine the first voltage and the second voltage without being affected by changes in the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0085] Although the above describes an example in which both the first voltage and the second voltage are controlled based on the ambient temperature, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is sufficient that at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage is controlled based on the ambient temperature.

[0086] (2) Second Modification The control unit 116 may control the second voltage based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the initial heating period. As described above in the first modified example, the environmental temperature can affect the temperature of the heating unit 121. Therefore, it is considered that the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the first period is affected by the environmental temperature. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the re-heating period by taking into account the influence of the environmental temperature determined in the initial heating period.

[0087] Specifically, when the rate of temperature rise of the heating unit 121 during the first period is less than the third reference value, the control unit 116 sets the second voltage to a higher value. Since the rate of temperature rise of the heating unit 121 during the first period is slow, it is assumed that the environmental temperature is low. In this regard, with this configuration, by increasing the applied voltage, it is possible to easily maintain and increase the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0088] On the other hand, when the rate of temperature rise of the heating unit 121 during the first period is equal to or greater than a fourth reference value, the control unit 116 sets the second voltage to a lower value. The fourth reference value is equal to or greater than the third reference value. Since the rate of temperature rise of the heating unit 121 during the first period is fast, it is assumed that the environmental temperature is high. In this regard, with this configuration, by lowering the applied voltage, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining and raising the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0089] (3) Third Modification The control unit 116 may control the second voltage based on information about puffing of aerosol performed by the user during the initial heating period. An example of the information about puffing here is the number of puffs. When a puff is performed, outside air flows into the internal space 141, and the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the re-heating period, taking into account the influence of puffs identified during the initial heating period.

[0090] Specifically, when the number of puffs performed in the first period is equal to or greater than a fifth reference value, the control unit 116 sets the second voltage to a higher value. Since the temperature of the heating unit 121 is more likely to drop as the number of puffs increases, it is assumed that the power required to maintain and increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 is greater. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to easily maintain and increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 by applying a higher voltage.

[0091] On the other hand, when the number of puffs performed in the first period is less than a sixth reference value, the control unit 116 sets the second voltage to a lower value. The sixth reference value is equal to or less than the fifth reference value. The fewer the number of puffs, the less likely the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop, so it is assumed that the power required to maintain and increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 is small. In this regard, with this configuration, by lowering the applied voltage, it is possible to reduce power consumption while maintaining and increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121.

[0092] (4) Fourth Modification The control unit 116 may control at least one of the first voltage or the second voltage based on the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121. The type and content of the aerosol source and flavor source differ for each type of stick-shaped substrate 150, and it is thought that the ease with which the temperature rises also differs accordingly. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to more appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by taking into account the ease with which the temperature rises for each type of stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0093] (5) Fifth Modification In the above embodiment, an example in which the inhalation device 100 includes one heating unit 121 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The inhalation device 100 may include multiple heating units 121. In this case, the control unit 116 controls the voltage applied to each of the multiple heating units 121 at a timing according to a heating profile. The multiple heating units 121 heat different parts of the stick-shaped substrate 150. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to control the temperature of each part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 with an appropriate voltage. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption while delivering a more appropriate flavor to the user.

[0094] Voltage control when the suction device 100 has two heating parts 121 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0095] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of suction device 100 according to this modified example. As shown in Fig. 5, suction device 100 according to this modified example differs from the example shown in Fig. 1 in that it has two heating units 121 (heating units 121A and 121B). Below, of the configurations of the components of suction device 100 according to this modified example, differences from the configuration described above will be mainly described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0096] Heating unit 121A and heating unit 121B are disposed at different positions in the direction in which stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted. Specifically, heating unit 121A is disposed on the downstream side, which is closer to opening 142. On the other hand, heating unit 121B is disposed on the upstream side, which is closer to bottom 143. When puffing is performed, an airflow is generated from upstream to downstream.

[0097] The control unit 116 first heats the heating unit 121A, and then heats the heating unit 121B. As an example, the control unit 116 may sequentially start heating the heating units 121A to 121B, or sequentially heat them to their maximum temperatures. With this configuration, the aerosol sources are heated in order from the downstream to the upstream portions of the substrate 151, generating aerosol. If the upstream portion of the substrate 151 were heated before the downstream portion, the aerosol generated in the upstream portion might cool and condense as it passes through the downstream portion. In this case, the downstream portion of the substrate 151, which has not yet been heated, might become moist, which could deteriorate the flavor experienced by the user when the downstream portion of the substrate 151 is heated. In this regard, with this configuration, the generated aerosol does not pass through the unheated portion of the substrate 151. This prevents the unheated portion of the substrate 151 from becoming moist, thereby preventing deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user.

[0098] FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 in this modification. The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 31A in this graph shows the temperature transition of the heating unit 121A. Line 31B in this graph shows the temperature transition of the heating unit 121B. As shown in FIG. 6, in the first period, the temperature of the heating unit 121A rises rapidly to 310°C and then remains at 310°C. In the third period, the temperature of the heating unit 121A drops to 100°C and remains at 100°C in the subsequent second period. On the other hand, in the fourth period, the temperature of the heating unit 121B rises slowly to 310°C after the first period and reaches 310°C at the same time that the temperature of the heating unit 121A drops to 100°C. After that, when the second and fourth periods end, the temperatures of the heating units 121A and 121B decrease.

[0099] The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121A so that a first voltage V1 is applied to the heating unit 121A during the first period, and a second voltage V2 is applied to the heating unit 121A during the second period. With this configuration, the temperature of the heating unit 121A can be increased rapidly during the first period, thereby completing preheating early. Furthermore, the temperature of the heating unit 121A can be maintained during the second period, thereby preventing the aerosol generated in the upstream portion of the substrate unit 151 from being cooled and condensed as it passes through the downstream portion.

[0100] The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121A so that no voltage is applied to the heating unit 121A during a third period between the first and second periods. By adjusting the voltage before and after the third period during which no voltage is applied to the heating unit 121A, it is possible to prevent noise from being introduced into the gain of the PID control. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121A from the beginning of the first period to the end of the second period, thereby delivering an appropriate aerosol to the user.

[0101] The first voltage V1 is higher than the second voltage V2. With this configuration, it is possible to shorten the preheating period, prevent the aerosol source from running out, and reduce power consumption in the second period.

[0102] On the other hand, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121B so that a fourth voltage is applied to the heating unit 121B during a fourth period that overlaps with the first and second periods. More simply, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121B so that the fourth voltage is constantly applied to the heating unit 121B. This configuration makes it possible to prevent noise from being introduced into the gain of the PID control. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the temperature of the heating unit 121B throughout the entire fourth period and deliver an appropriate aerosol to the user.

[0103] The fourth voltage is lower than the first voltage and higher than the second voltage. As shown in Fig. 6, heating element 121A reaches 310°C before heating element 121B reaches 310°C, and sufficient aerosol is generated downstream, so there is no need to rapidly increase the temperature of heating element 121B. In this regard, this configuration makes it possible to sufficiently increase the temperature of heating element 121B while suppressing power consumption.

[0104] <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.

[0105] The series of processes performed by each device described herein 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 (more specifically, a non-transitory storage medium readable by a computer) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is then loaded into RAM when executed by a computer controlling each device described herein, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. Examples of the recording medium include a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a flash memory. Furthermore, the computer programs may be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0106] 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.

[0107] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) a heating section that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit performs control so that, among a plurality of periods included in the temperature setting, a first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a fifth period following the second period. Suction device. (2) The third period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit decreases. The suction device according to (1) above. (3) The first period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from a temperature at the start of heating to a predetermined temperature. The suction device according to (1) or (2). (4) The second period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit is maintained or increased after the temperature of the heating unit has decreased. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) the first voltage is higher than the second voltage; The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) the control unit controls at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage based on an environmental temperature. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (5) above. (7) the control unit sets at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage to a higher value when the environmental temperature is lower than a first reference value. The suction device according to (6) above. (8) the control unit sets at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage to a lower value when the environmental temperature is equal to or higher than a second reference value. The suction device according to (6) or (7) above. (9) the control unit determines at least one of the first voltage or the second voltage based on the environmental temperature before controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the temperature setting. The suction device according to any one of (6) to (8) above. (10) the control unit controls the second voltage based on the temperature of the heating unit during the first period. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9) above. (11) the control unit controls the second voltage based on information regarding the puffing of the aerosol performed by the user during the first period. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) the control unit controls at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage based on the type of the base material heated by the heating unit. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (11) above. (13) the suction device includes, as the heating unit, a first heating unit disposed downstream and a second heating unit disposed upstream, the control unit performs control so that the first voltage is applied to the first heating unit in the first period, the second voltage is applied to the first heating unit in the second period, and a fourth voltage is applied to the second heating unit in a fourth period overlapping the first period and the second period. The suction device according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) the fourth voltage is lower than the first voltage and higher than the second voltage; The suction device according to (13) above. (15) a heating section that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit performs control so that, among a plurality of periods included in the temperature setting, a first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a fifth period following the second period. A substrate containing the aerosol source that is heated by an aspirator to generate the aerosol. (16) A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising: Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Including, controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the operation of the heating unit so that a first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a fifth period following the second period, among a plurality of periods included in the temperature setting; A control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 117 DC / DC Converter 118 Switching element 121 Heating section 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece

Claims

1. a heating section that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit performs control so that, among a plurality of periods included in the temperature setting, a first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a fifth period following the second period. Suction device.

2. The third period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit decreases. The suction device of claim 1 .

3. The first period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit rises from a temperature at the start of heating to a predetermined temperature.

3. The suction device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit is maintained or increased after the temperature of the heating unit has decreased. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first voltage is higher than the second voltage; The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the control unit controls at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage based on an environmental temperature. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the control unit sets at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage to a higher value when the environmental temperature is lower than a first reference value; 7. The suction device according to claim 6.

8. the control unit sets at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage to a lower value when the environmental temperature is equal to or higher than a second reference value.

8. The suction device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. the control unit determines at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage based on the environmental temperature before controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the temperature setting. The suction device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. the control unit controls the second voltage based on the temperature of the heating unit during the first period. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the control unit controls the second voltage based on information regarding the puffing of the aerosol performed by the user during the first period. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the control unit controls at least one of the first voltage and the second voltage based on the type of the base material heated by the heating unit. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the suction device includes, as the heating unit, a first heating unit disposed downstream and a second heating unit disposed upstream, the control unit performs control so that the first voltage is applied to the first heating unit in the first period, the second voltage is applied to the first heating unit in the second period, and a fourth voltage is applied to the second heating unit in a fourth period overlapping the first period and the second period. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. the fourth voltage is lower than the first voltage and higher than the second voltage; 14. The suction device of claim 13.

15. a heating section that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit performs control so that, among a plurality of periods included in the temperature setting, a first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a fifth period following the second period. A substrate containing the aerosol source that is heated by an aspirator to generate the aerosol.

16. A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising: Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit; Including, controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the operation of the heating unit so that a first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a first period, a second voltage different from the first voltage is applied to the heating unit in a second period different from the first period, no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a third period included between the first period and the second period, and no voltage is applied to the heating unit in a fifth period following the second period, among a plurality of periods included in the temperature setting; A control method comprising:

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