Aerosol generation system, control method, and program

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism capable of further improving heating efficiency. [Solution] An aerosol generation system comprising: a power supply unit; a heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a base material using power supplied from the power supply unit; and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit, wherein the control unit executes output control so as to increase the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time with an increase in the temperature of the heating unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating system, 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 aerosols imparted with 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 taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosols imparted with flavor components generated by the inhalation device. The flavor tasted by a user is hereinafter also referred to as "vaping taste." The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as "puffing" or "puffing action."

[0003] To date, various technologies relating to the treatment of heating a substrate have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technology for determining the duty ratio in PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control based on battery information at the start of heating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6930689 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in heating efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that can further improve heating efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol generation system is provided, comprising a power supply unit, a heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate using power supplied from the power supply unit, and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit, wherein the control unit performs output control to increase the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit increases.

[0008] The aerosol generation system may further include a first switching element that switches the power supply to the heating unit ON / OFF, and the control unit may perform the output control by controlling the first switching element so that the time that the power supply to the heating unit is ON per unit time becomes longer as the temperature of the heating unit increases.

[0009] The aerosol generation system may further include a plurality of transformers arranged between the power supply unit and the heating unit, which convert the voltage applied from the power supply unit and apply it to the heating unit, and a second switching element which switches one of the plurality of transformers to apply a voltage to the heating unit, wherein the output voltages of the plurality of transformers are different, and the control unit may perform the output control by controlling the second switching element so that the transformer with the higher output voltage applies voltage to the heating unit as the temperature of the heating unit rises.

[0010] The control unit may perform the output control during a period in which the temperature of the heating unit continues to increase after heating is started.

[0011] The heating section may be a resistive heating element whose resistance changes depending on the temperature, and the control section may perform the output control so that the output of the heating section reaches a predetermined target value.

[0012] The control unit may set the target value based on a maximum output of the power supply unit.

[0013] The control unit may be configured to reduce the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating increases.

[0014] The control unit may control the first switching element so that the time per unit time during which power supply to the heating unit is ON becomes shorter as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating becomes higher.

[0015] The control unit may control the second switching element so that the higher the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, the lower the output voltage of the transformer that applies voltage to the heating unit.

[0016] The control unit may be configured to decrease the target value as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating increases.

[0017] The control unit may control a timing for performing the output control based on a value corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit.

[0018] The control unit may control the timing of performing the output control based on an elapsed time from the start of heating.

[0019] The aerosol generating system may further comprise the substrate.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method executed by a computer that controls a suction device, wherein the suction device comprises a power supply unit and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate using power supplied from the power supply unit, and the control method includes performing output control that increases the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit increases.

[0021] In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executed by a computer that controls a suction device, wherein the suction device comprises a power supply unit and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a substrate using power supplied from the power supply unit, and the program causes the computer to perform output control that increases the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit increases. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, according to the present disclosure, a mechanism capable of further improving heating efficiency is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a suction device. [Figure 2] 1 is a graph showing an example of the temperature transition of the heating section when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining output control according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph for explaining output control according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a process executed by the suction device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining output control according to a first modified example. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a process executed by the suction device according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below 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 description will be omitted.

[0025] <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.

[0026] 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 storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0032] 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 an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0033] The storage unit 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 storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0034] 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 includes 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 include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol) containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or water, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the housing portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed 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 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0035] 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 storage 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. As an 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 storage 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 storage 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 storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0039] As another example, the storage 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 storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to hold and store the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the holding location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0040] 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. In that case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0041] The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user in cooperation with the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

[0042] <2. Technical Features> (1) Heating profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. 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 heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 (more specifically, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150).

[0043] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating, in which case the heating profile includes information that defines the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters that define the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters). The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. Turning power supply ON / OFF to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0044] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as 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 operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user experiences can be optimized.

[0045] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential (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 may control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio 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 a target temperature, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0046] As an example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified by measuring or estimating the resistance (more precisely, the electrical resistance) of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the resistive heating element that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the resistance of a resistive heating element changes depending on the temperature. The resistance of the resistive heating element can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the resistive heating element. The amount of voltage drop across the resistive heating element can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the resistive heating element. Alternatively, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be measured by a thermistor provided near the heating unit 121. A thermistor is a resistor whose resistance changes depending on the temperature.

[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 the operation of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the 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 and a puffable period following the pre-heating period. 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] An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

[0049] [Table 1]

[0050] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile may be divided into a plurality of periods, and the time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters may be specified in each period. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating profile is divided into a total of eight periods, STEP 0 to STEP 7. The time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters are specified in each STEP. 。

[0051] Time control may be performed in each step. Time control is a control that ends a step when a predetermined time (i.e., the duration set for each step) has elapsed. When time control is performed, the rate of change in the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature at the end of the duration. Alternatively, when time control is performed, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature midway through the duration and then maintains the target temperature until the duration has elapsed. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is performed in steps 1 and 4 to 7. The period during which time control is performed is also referred to as a fixed time period hereinafter.

[0052] In some cases, time control is not performed in each step. When time control is not performed, the step ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature (i.e., the target temperature set for each step). Therefore, the duration of a step in which time control is not performed expands or contracts depending on the rate of temperature change. In the example shown in Table 1 above, time control is not performed in steps 0, 2, and 3. The period in which time control is not performed is also referred to as a time-variable period hereinafter.

[0053] The temperature transition 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 transition of the heating unit 121 when the temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of graph 20 is time (seconds). The vertical axis of graph 20 is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 shows the temperature transition of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 transitions in the same manner as the transition of the target temperature defined in the heating profile. An example of the heating profile will be described below with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2.

[0054] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature to 300°C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. Time control is not performed in STEP 0. Therefore, STEP 0 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300°C, which is used as a trigger. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP 0 ends in 20 seconds. Thereafter, in STEP 1, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 300°C. The pre-heating period ends with the end of STEP 1, and the puffable period begins with the start of STEP 2.

[0055] For the user, a shorter preheating period is desirable. However, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not heated sufficiently, moisture may not completely evaporate and remain inside the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the user puffs in this state, hot steam may be delivered to the user's mouth. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure a certain length of preheating period. As an example, it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to 300°C in STEP 0 and ensure a certain duration of STEP 1.

[0056] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 220°C. Time control is not performed in STEP 2. Therefore, STEP 2 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 220°C. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP 2 ends in 10 seconds. In STEP 2, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop as quickly as possible. In this way, by lowering the temperature of the heating unit 121 during the heating session, rapid consumption of the aerosol source can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent the aerosol source from running out during the heating session.

[0057] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, next, in STEP 3, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is increased to 230°C. Time control is not performed in STEP 3. Therefore, STEP 3 ends when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 230°C, which is used as a trigger. In the example shown in FIG. 2, STEP 3 ends in 5 seconds. In this way, by providing a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 is decreased and then increased again, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121 from decreasing excessively.

[0058] 2, the temperature of the heating element 121 is then increased stepwise from STEP 4 to STEP 6 up to 260° C. In this way, by gradually increasing the temperature of the heating element 121, it is possible to reduce power consumption throughout the heating session while maintaining the amount of aerosol produced.

[0059] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2, in STEP 7, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In STEP 7, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. In STEP 7, the duration is specified, but the target temperature is not specified. Therefore, STEP 7 ends when the duration ends. In STEP 7, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated due to residual heat of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, in this example, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends with the end of STEP 7.

[0060] The notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information informing the user of the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of preheating at the timing at which preheating ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user may refer to such a notification and start puffing immediately after the end of preheating.

[0061] Similarly, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating the end of the puffing period when the puffing period ends. The notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting up an LED or vibrating. The user can refer to such a notification and continue puffing until the puffing period ends.

[0062] The heating profile described above is merely an example, and various other examples are possible. For example, the number of steps, the duration of each step, and the target temperature may be changed as appropriate.

[0063] (2) Output control during preheating The heating unit 121 is configured as a resistance heating element. The resistance of the heating unit 121 (more specifically, the resistance heating element that configures the heating unit 121) changes in response to changes in the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself. In particular, the higher the temperature of the heating unit 121, the higher the resistance of the heating unit 121. If the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is fixed, the higher the resistance of the heating unit 121, the lower the heating efficiency.

[0064] Therefore, the control unit 116 performs output control of the heating unit 121. The output control of the heating unit 121 is a control that increases the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. More specifically, the control unit 116 increases the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 per unit time in accordance with the increase in resistance of the heating unit 121 that accompanies the increase in temperature of the heating unit 121. With this configuration, the decrease in heating efficiency caused by the increase in resistance of the heating unit 121 can be counteracted by increasing the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 per unit time. In other words, it is possible to maintain high heating efficiency.

[0065] The control unit 116 performs output control during a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 continues to rise after heating by the heating unit 121 begins. Specifically, the control unit 116 performs output control during the preheating period, particularly during a time-variable period of the preheating period (e.g., STEP 0 in the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2). This configuration makes it possible to maintain a desired heating efficiency during the preheating period, thereby optimizing the length of the preheating period. As a result, it becomes possible to improve usability by, for example, shortening the preheating period.

[0066] The control unit 116 performs output control so that the output of the heating unit 121 becomes a predetermined target value. More specifically, the control unit 116 performs output control so that the output of the heating unit 121, calculated based on the resistance of the heating unit 121 and the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, becomes a predetermined target value (hereinafter also referred to as the output target). With this configuration, the output of the heating unit 121 is leveled out while matching or approximately matching the output target, so that the load on the power supply unit 111 can be leveled out. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce deterioration of the power supply unit 111.

[0067] The control unit 116 may set the output target based on the maximum output of the power supply unit 111. For example, the control unit 116 may set the output target to a value substantially equal to the maximum output, such as setting the output target to about 90% of the maximum output of the power supply unit 111. With this configuration, it is possible to maximize the heating efficiency of the heating unit 121.

[0068] The control unit 116 may control the timing of performing output control based on a value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. The value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself, or the resistance of the heating unit 121 that changes in response to changes in the temperature of the heating unit 121. For example, the control unit 116 may perform output control every time the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases by 100°C. This configuration makes it possible to make the output of the heating unit 121 reach the output target at the appropriate timing.

[0069] An example of output control according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0070] Fig. 3 is a block diagram for explaining output control according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 shows in detail an example of a circuit connecting power supply unit 111 and heating unit 121. As shown in Fig. 3, suction device 100 has a first switching element 161 and a DC (direct current) / DC converter 163 between power supply unit 111 and heating unit 121.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the maximum output of the power supply unit 111 is 26W.

[0072] The first switching element 161 is a device that switches ON / OFF the power supply to the heating unit 121. A metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), a bipolar transistor, or the like may be employed as the first switching element 161. Turning ON the power supply to the heating unit 121 is also referred to as turning ON the first switching element 161. Turning OFF the power supply to the heating unit 121 is also referred to as turning OFF the first switching element 161. As an example, the control unit 116 may use the first switching element 161 to perform PWM control of the power supply to the heating unit 121. That is, the control unit 116 may control the duty ratio by controlling the length of time the first switching element 161 is turned ON. As another example, the control unit 116 may use the first switching element 161 to perform PFM control of the power supply to the heating unit 121. That is, the control unit 116 may control the duty ratio by controlling the frequency at which the first switching element 161 is turned on.

[0073] The DC / DC converter 163 is a transformer that converts a DC voltage to a DC voltage. As shown in FIG. 3, the DC / DC converter 163 is disposed between the power supply unit 111 and the heating unit 121. The DC / DC converter 163 converts the voltage applied from the power supply unit 111 and applies the converted voltage to the heating unit 121. The voltage input to the DC / DC converter 163 is also referred to as an input voltage, and the voltage output from the DC / DC converter 163 is also referred to as an output voltage. The input voltage and the output voltage are typically different, but may be the same. The output voltage of the DC / DC converter 163 is applied to the heating unit 121. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the output voltage of the DC / DC converter 163 is 8 V, and 8 V is applied to the heating unit 121.

[0074] The heating unit 121 is a resistive heating element. As described above, the resistance of the heating unit 121 (more specifically, the resistive heating element constituting the heating unit 121) increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. Therefore, the control unit 116 performs output control by controlling the first switching element 161 so that the time during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is ON per unit time increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. For example, the control unit 116 increases the duty ratio of the power pulse supplied to the heating unit 121 as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. With this configuration, the decrease in heating efficiency caused by the increase in resistance of the heating unit 121 can be counteracted by increasing the duty ratio of the power pulse. In other words, it is possible to maintain high heating efficiency. This point will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0075] Fig. 4 is a graph for explaining output control according to this embodiment. Graph 30 shown in Fig. 4 shows the temperature change of heating unit 121 during the preheating period. The vertical axis of graph 30 represents the temperature of heating unit 121, and the resistance of heating unit 121 is also shown. The horizontal axis of graph 30 represents time (seconds).

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C, the resistance of the heating unit 121 becomes 1.0Ω, 1.75Ω, and 2.5Ω, respectively. The control unit 116 then sets the duty ratio to 40% during the period until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 100°C. Next, the control unit 116 sets the duty ratio to 70% during the period until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 200°C after reaching 100°C. Next, the control unit 116 sets the duty ratio to 100% during the period until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300°C after reaching 200°C. The output "P" of the heating unit 121 is calculated using the resistance "R" of the heating unit 121, the voltage "V" applied to the heating unit 121, and the duty ratio "D" according to the following equation:

[0077]

number

[0078] When the temperature of the heating unit 121 is 100°C, the output "P" of the heating unit 121 is 25.6 W according to the above formula (1). When the temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200°C, the output "P" of the heating unit 121 is 25.6 W according to the above formula (1). When the temperature of the heating unit 121 is 300°C, the output "P" of the heating unit 121 is 25.6 W according to the above formula (1). In this way, during the pre-heating period, the output "P" of the heating unit 121 is maintained at the output target of 25.6 W, which is approximately the same as the maximum output of 26 W of the power supply unit 111. With this configuration, it is possible to shorten the pre-heating period.

[0079] As a comparative example, an example is assumed in which the output voltage of the DC / DC converter 163 is 5 V and the duty ratio is always maintained at 100%. When the temperature of the heating unit 121 is 100°C, the output "P" of the heating unit 121 is 25 W according to the above formula (1). When the temperature of the heating unit 121 is 200°C, the output "P" of the heating unit 121 is 14.2 W according to the above formula (1). When the temperature of the heating unit 121 is 300°C, the output "P" of the heating unit 121 is 10 W according to the above formula (1). Thus, in the comparative example, the output "P" of the heating unit 121 decreases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases, making efficient heating difficult. In this regard, the present embodiment can achieve more efficient heating than the comparative example.

[0080] (3) Processing flow FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0081] 5, first, the suction device 100 receives a user operation to instruct the start of heating (step S102). One example of a user operation to instruct the start of heating is pressing a button provided on the suction device 100. Another example of a user operation to instruct the start of heating is inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage section 140.

[0082] Next, the suction device 100 sets the duty ratio to 40% and starts preheating (step S104).

[0083] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 100° C. (Step S106). The suction device 100 waits until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 100° C. (Step S106: NO).

[0084] If it is determined that the temperature of heating unit 121 has reached 100° C. (step S106: YES), suction device 100 sets the duty ratio to 70% (step S108).

[0085] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 200° C. (Step S110). The suction device 100 waits until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 200° C. (Step S110: NO).

[0086] If it is determined that the temperature of heating unit 121 has reached 200° C. (step S110: YES), suction device 100 sets the duty ratio to 100% (step S112).

[0087] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300° C. (Step S114). The suction device 100 waits until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300° C. (Step S114: NO).

[0088] If it is determined that the temperature of the heating unit 121 has reached 300°C (step S114: YES), the suction device 100 ends the time variable period of the preheating period (step S116). Thereafter, the suction device 100 performs temperature control in the subsequent period, such as the period in which time control is performed, of the preheating period.

[0089] <3. Supplementary Information> Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0090] (1) First Modification In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the suction device 100 controls the duty ratio of the power pulse supplied to the heating unit 121 as output control, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The suction device 100 may also control the output by switching the DC / DC converter 163 to be used. An example of output control according to this modification will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0091] Fig. 6 is a block diagram for explaining output control according to this modification. Fig. 6 shows in detail an example of a circuit connecting power supply unit 111 and heating unit 121. As shown in Fig. 6, suction device 100 according to this modification has first switching element 161, second switching element 162, and three DC / DC converters 163 (163A to 163C) between power supply unit 111 and heating unit 121.

[0092] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the maximum output of the power supply unit 111 is 26W.

[0093] The configuration of the first switching element 161 is as described above with reference to Fig. 3. However, the control unit 116 does not change the duty ratio as output control. For example, the control unit 116 may maintain the duty ratio at a constant value during the pre-heating period.

[0094] The configuration of DC / DC converter 163 is as described above with reference to Fig. 3. However, DC / DC converters 163A to 163C each have a different output voltage. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the output voltage of DC / DC converter 163A is 8V. The output voltage of DC / DC converter 163B is 7V. The output voltage of DC / DC converter 163C is 6V.

[0095] The second switching element 162 switches one of the multiple DC / DC converters 163 to apply a voltage to the heating unit 121. That is, the voltage output from one of the DC / DC converters 163A to 163C that is connected to the power supply unit 111 and the heating unit 121 by the second switching element 162 is applied to the heating unit 121. A metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), a bipolar transistor, or the like may be used as the second switching element 162. The switching by the second switching element 162 so that the voltage output from the DC / DC converter 163A is applied to the heating unit 121 is also referred to as turning on the DC / DC converter 163A. The same applies to the DC / DC converters 163B and 163C.

[0096] The heating unit 121 is a resistive heating element. As described above, the resistance of the heating unit 121 (more specifically, the resistive heating element constituting the heating unit 121) increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. Therefore, the control unit 116 performs output control by controlling the second switching element 162 so that the DC / DC converter 163 with a higher output voltage applies a voltage to the heating unit 121 as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. For example, as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases, the control unit 116 switches the DC / DC converter 163 to be turned on from DC / DC converter 163C to DC / DC converter 163B, and from DC / DC converter 163B to DC / DC converter 163A. With this configuration, a decrease in heating efficiency caused by an increase in the resistance of the heating unit 121 can be counteracted by turning on the DC / DC converter 163 with a higher output voltage to increase the voltage applied to the heating unit 121. That is, similar to the above embodiment, high heating efficiency can be maintained.

[0097] Next, the process executed by the suction device 100 according to this modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process executed by the suction device 100 according to this modified example.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the suction device 100 receives a user operation to instruct the start of heating (step S202).

[0099] Next, suction device 100 turns on DC / DC converter 163C, which has an output voltage of 6V, to start preheating (step S204).

[0100] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 100° C. (Step S206). The suction device 100 waits until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 100° C. (Step S206: NO).

[0101] If it is determined that the temperature of heating unit 121 has reached 100° C. (step S206: YES), suction device 100 turns on DC / DC converter 163B, which has an output voltage of 7 V (step S208).

[0102] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 has reached 200° C. (Step S210). The suction device 100 waits until the temperature of the heating unit 121 has reached 200° C. (Step S210: NO).

[0103] If it is determined that the temperature of heating unit 121 has reached 200° C. (step S210: YES), suction device 100 turns on DC / DC converter 163A, which has an output voltage of 8 V (step S212).

[0104] Next, the suction device 100 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300° C. (Step S214). The suction device 100 waits until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300° C. (Step S214: NO).

[0105] If it is determined that the temperature of the heating unit 121 has reached 300°C (step S214: YES), the suction device 100 ends the time variable period of the preheating period (step S216). Thereafter, the suction device 100 performs temperature control in the subsequent period, such as the period in which time control is performed, of the preheating period.

[0106] (2) Second Modification A user may puff by successively heating multiple stick-type substrates 150 while replacing them in the inhalation device 100 at short intervals. This type of usage is also known as chain smoking. When chain smoking is performed, heating is started at short intervals after the previous heating has ended, so the temperature of the heating unit 121 is already high when heating begins. Therefore, if no countermeasure is taken, the preheating period, or more precisely, the time-variable period within the preheating period, may become extremely short. If the preheating period is extremely short, the puffable period may begin before the moisture in the stick-type substrate 150 has sufficiently evaporated, which may result in a poor smoking experience, especially immediately after the start of the puffable period. Therefore, when chain smoking is performed, it is desirable to take measures to prevent the preheating period from becoming extremely short.

[0107] Therefore, the higher the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating, the lower the voltage applied to heating unit 121 per unit time. In particular, the higher the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating, the lower the voltage applied to heating unit 121 per unit time during the pre-heating period. With this configuration, even in cases where chain smoking is practiced, the pre-heating period can be prevented from becoming extremely short, thereby improving the smoking taste.

[0108] Specifically, in the above embodiment, the control unit 116 controls the first switching element 161 so that the higher the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating, the shorter the time per unit time that power supply to the heating unit 121 is ON. In particular, the control unit 116 controls the first switching element 161 so that the higher the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating, the lower the duty ratio during the preheating period. For example, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating is less than 50°C, the control unit 116 switches the duty ratio in the order of 40%, 70%, and 100% during the preheating period in response to the temperature rise, as described with reference to FIG. 4 . On the other hand, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating is 50°C or higher, the control unit 116 may switch the duty ratio in the order of 20%, 50%, and 80% during the preheating period in response to the temperature rise. This configuration prevents the preheating period from becoming extremely short when chain smoking is being performed, thereby improving the smoking experience.

[0109] Furthermore, as described in the first modified example, suction device 100 may include multiple DC / DC converters 163 with different output voltages and a second switching element 162 that switches which DC / DC converter 163 to turn ON. In this case, control unit 116 controls second switching element 162 so that the higher the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating, the lower the output voltage of DC / DC converter 163 that applies voltage to heating unit 121. In particular, control unit 116 controls second switching element 162 so that the higher the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating, the lower the output voltage of DC / DC converter 163 that applies voltage to heating unit 121 during the preheating period. For example, when the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating is less than 50°C, control unit 116 may turn ON DC / DC converter 163A with an output voltage of 8V during the preheating period. In addition, control unit 116 may switch the duty ratio between 40%, 70%, and 100% in this order depending on the temperature rise. On the other hand, if the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating is 50°C or higher, control unit 116 may turn on DC / DC converter 163B with an output voltage of 7V or DC / DC converter 163C with an output voltage of 6V during the pre-heating period. Then, control unit 116 may switch the duty ratio between 40%, 70%, and 100% in this order depending on the temperature rise. This configuration prevents the pre-heating period from becoming extremely short when chain smoking is being performed, thereby improving the smoking taste.

[0110] From another perspective, the higher the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating, the more control unit 116 may lower the output target. For example, when the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating is less than 50°C, control unit 116 may set the output target to approximately 90% of the maximum output of power supply unit 111. On the other hand, when the temperature of heating unit 121 at the start of heating is 50°C or higher, control unit 116 may set the output target to approximately 70% of the maximum output of power supply unit 111. This configuration prevents the pre-heating period from becoming extremely short when chain smoking is being performed, making it possible to improve the smoking taste.

[0111] (3) Other Although the above describes an example in which output control is performed every time the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises by 100°C, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The temperature interval at which output control is performed is not limited to 100°C, and any temperature interval, such as 10°C or 1°C, may be set. By shortening the temperature interval at which output control is performed, it is possible to make the change in duty ratio closer to linear, for example. As a result, it is possible to prevent the output of the heating unit 121 from deviating from the output target.

[0112] In the above, two types of output control have been described: controlling the duty ratio and switching the DC / DC converter 163 to be turned on. These two types of control may be performed simultaneously.

[0113] Although the above describes an example in which the timing of output control is controlled based on the temperature of the heating unit 121, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may also control the timing of output control based on the elapsed time from the start of heating. For example, the control unit 116 may perform output control at 10-second intervals. This configuration also makes it possible to ensure that the output of the heating unit 121 reaches the target output at appropriate timing. Furthermore, the time interval for performing output control is not limited to 10 seconds, and any time interval, such as 5 seconds or 1 second, may be set. By shortening the time interval for performing output control, it is possible to make the change in the duty ratio closer to linear, for example. As a result, it is possible to prevent the output of the heating unit 121 from deviating from the target output.

[0114] In the above, it has been explained that output control is a process of increasing the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. Alternatively, output control may be considered to be a process of increasing the average value of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. Alternatively, output control may be considered to be a process of increasing the effective value of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases.

[0115] Although specific numerical values ​​have been given above for the maximum output of the power supply unit 111, the output voltage of the DC / DC converter 163, and the resistance of the heating unit 121, these are merely examples. Any other numerical values ​​may be applied.

[0116] Although an example has been described above in which the parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, which is defined in the heating profile, is the temperature of the heating unit 121, the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. Examples of the parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated include the temperature of the heating unit 121 itself described in the above embodiment, as well as the resistance of the heating unit 121.

[0117] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) 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 processing circuit 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. The computer may be, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may also be distributed among multiple computers.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) A power supply unit; a heating unit that heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate using the power supplied from the power supply unit; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit performs output control such that the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases. Aerosol generation systems. (2) The aerosol generation system further includes a first switching element that switches on / off the supply of power to the heating unit. The control unit performs the output control by controlling the first switching element so that the time during which power supply to the heating unit is ON per unit time becomes longer as the temperature of the heating unit increases. The aerosol generating system described in (1) above. (3) The aerosol generating system comprises: a plurality of transformers disposed between the power supply unit and the heating unit, which convert a voltage applied from the power supply unit and apply the converted voltage to the heating unit; a second switching element that switches one of the plurality of transformers to apply a voltage to the heating unit; Furthermore, the output voltages of the plurality of transformers are different; The control unit performs the output control by controlling the second switching element so that the transformer having a higher output voltage applies a voltage to the heating unit as the temperature of the heating unit increases. The aerosol generating system described in (1) above. (4) the control unit performs the output control during a period in which the temperature of the heating unit continues to rise after heating is started. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) the heating unit is a resistance heating element whose resistance changes depending on the temperature, The control unit performs the output control so that the output of the heating unit reaches a predetermined target value. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) the control unit sets the target value based on a maximum output of the power supply unit. The aerosol generating system described in (5) above. (7) the control unit reduces the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating increases; The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (6) above. (8) the control unit controls the first switching element so that the time per unit time during which power supply to the heating unit is ON becomes shorter as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating becomes higher. The aerosol generating system described in (2) above. (9) the control unit controls the second switching element so that the transformer, whose output voltage is lower, applies a voltage to the heating unit as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating increases. The aerosol generating system described in (3) above. (10) The control unit is configured to decrease the target value as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating increases. The aerosol generating system described in (6) above. (11) The control unit controls a timing for performing the output control based on a value corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (12) The control unit controls the timing of performing the output control based on the elapsed time from the start of heating. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (10) above. (13) The aerosol generating system further comprises the substrate. The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (12) above. (14) 1. A control method executed by a computer for controlling a suction device, comprising: The suction device is A power supply unit; a heating unit that heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate using the power supplied from the power supply unit; Equipped with The control method includes: performing output control such that the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases; A control method comprising: (15) A program executed by a computer that controls a suction device, The suction device is A power supply unit; a heating unit that heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate using the power supplied from the power supply unit; Equipped with The program performing output control such that the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases; A program that causes the computer to execute the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 100 Suction device 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 121 Heating section 140 Storage unit 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type base material 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 161 first switching element 162 second switching element 163 DC / DC converter

Claims

1. A power supply unit; a heating unit that heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate using the power supplied from the power supply unit; a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit; Equipped with the control unit performs output control to increase a voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit increases; the control unit, in the output control, refers to a correspondence relationship between a value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time, and applies to the heating unit a voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time that is associated with the value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit. Aerosol generation systems.

2. The aerosol generation system further includes a first switching element that switches on / off the power supply to the heating unit. The control unit performs the output control by controlling the first switching element so that the time during which power supply to the heating unit is ON per unit time becomes longer as the temperature of the heating unit increases.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

3. The aerosol generating system comprises: a plurality of transformers disposed between the power supply unit and the heating unit, which convert a voltage applied from the power supply unit and apply the converted voltage to the heating unit; a second switching element that switches one of the plurality of transformers to apply a voltage to the heating unit; Furthermore, the output voltages of the plurality of transformers are different; The control unit performs the output control by controlling the second switching element so that the transformer having a higher output voltage applies a voltage to the heating unit as the temperature of the heating unit increases.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

4. the control unit performs the output control during a period in which the temperature of the heating unit continues to rise after heating is started.

4. The aerosol generating system according to claim 1.

5. the heating unit is a resistance heating element whose resistance changes depending on the temperature, the control unit performs the output control so that the output of the heating unit, which is calculated from the resistance of the heating unit and the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time, becomes a predetermined target value.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

6. the control unit sets the target value based on a maximum output of the power supply unit.

6. The aerosol generating system according to claim 5.

7. the control unit reduces the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating increases; 10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

8. the control unit controls the first switching element so that the time during which power supply to the heating unit is ON per unit time becomes shorter as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating becomes higher.

3. The aerosol generating system according to claim 2.

9. the control unit controls the second switching element so that the transformer, whose output voltage is lower, applies a voltage to the heating unit as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating increases, The aerosol generating system according to claim 3 .

10. The control unit is configured to decrease the target value as the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating increases.

7. The aerosol generating system according to claim 6.

11. The aerosol generating system further comprises the substrate.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

12. The control unit is configured to reduce the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time in the output control during the entire period in which the temperature of the heating unit continues to rise after heating is started, the higher the temperature of the heating unit obtained at the timing when the heating unit starts heating.

5. The aerosol generating system according to claim 4.

13. The aerosol generating system, comprising: a storage section capable of storing the base material; the heating unit heats the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit, thereby heating the aerosol source contained in the base material; The control unit performs the output control during a time variable period of the preheating period.

10. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.

14. 1. A control method executed by a computer for controlling a suction device, comprising: The suction device is A power supply unit; a heating unit that heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate using the power supplied from the power supply unit; Equipped with The control method includes: performing output control such that the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases; Including, performing the output control includes referring to a correspondence relationship between a value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time, and applying to the heating unit a voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time that is associated with the value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit; Control method.

15. A program executed by a computer that controls a suction device, The suction device is A power supply unit; a heating unit that heats the aerosol source contained in the substrate using the power supplied from the power supply unit; Equipped with The program performing output control such that the voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases; causing the computer to execute performing the output control includes referring to a correspondence relationship between a value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit and a voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time, and applying to the heating unit a voltage applied to the heating unit per unit time that is associated with the value corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit; program.

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