Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

An inhalation device (100) that generates an aerosol from a stick-type substrate (150) that has an aerosol source comprises an accommodation part (140C) that accommodates the stick-type substrate (150), a heater (121C) that can heat the stick-type substrate (150) as accommodated in the accommodation part (140C), and an MCU (1) that controls the heater (121C). When the temperature of the heater (121C) is below a prescribed temperature, the MCU (1) starts operation of the heater (121C) before the stick-type substrate (150) is accommodated in the accommodation part (140C).

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a suction device that generates an aerosol to which a flavor component is added and allows a user to inhale the generated aerosol has been known. Such a suction device typically delivers an aerosol generated by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source with a heating unit (also referred to as a "heating element"), which is an electric resistance type or induction heating type heater, to the user.

[0003] Generally, the suction device operates the heating unit after the substrate is inserted into the housing portion. For example, the electric heating type smoking system of Patent Document 1 starts when a detector detects a smoking article in a cavity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the operation of the heating unit is started after the substrate is inserted into the housing portion, in an environment where the air temperature is low (hereinafter also referred to as a low temperature environment), the waiting time for the user from the insertion of the substrate until the aerosol becomes inhalable becomes long, and there is a risk that the convenience regarding the use of the suction device decreases.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a suction device, a control method, and a program with improved convenience regarding use in a low temperature environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure First suction device are a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, a housing portion that houses the substrate, a heating portion that can heat the substrate housed in the housing portion, and a control portion that controls the heating portion, wherein when the temperature of the heating portion is less than a predetermined temperature, the control portion starts the operation of the heating portion before the substrate is housed in the housing portion The target temperature of the heating section is set to a temperature in a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated. 、 When the control unit is operating the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature range, it operates the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the first temperature range when the substrate is housed in the housing unit. . Furthermore, a second aspect of the suction device of this disclosure is: A suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, A housing section in which the substrate is housed, A heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the heating unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, before the substrate is placed in the housing section, and starts the operation of the heating section. When the temperature of the heating unit is above the predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range and starts the operation of the heating unit, in accordance with the fact that the substrate has been placed in the housing unit. Furthermore, a third aspect of the suction device of this disclosure is: A suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, A housing section in which the substrate is housed, A heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the heating unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, before the substrate is placed in the housing section, and starts the operation of the heating section. The control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit. The heating information includes at least first heating information in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature region, and second heating information in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature region but not in the first temperature region. The control unit, When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating section is started based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing section. When the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the heating unit is started based on the second heating information before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information when the substrate is placed in the storage unit.

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure First control method are a control method executed by a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, ​ The aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the containment unit, the target temperature of the heating unit is set to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the operation of the heating unit is started. When the heating unit is operated with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature range, the heating unit is operated with the target temperature set to a temperature within the first temperature range when the substrate is housed in the housing unit. A second aspect of the control method of this disclosure is: A control method performed by a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, The aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the containment unit, the target temperature of the heating unit is set to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the operation of the heating unit is started. When the temperature of the heating unit is above the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started by setting the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range, in accordance with the fact that the substrate has been placed in the housing unit. A third aspect of the control method of this disclosure is: A control method performed by a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the computer sets the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, before the substrate is placed in the housing section, and starts the operation of the heating section. The computer controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit. The heating information includes at least first heating information in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature region, and second heating information in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature region but not in the first temperature region. The aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating section is started based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing section. When the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the heating unit is started based on the second heating information before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information when the substrate is placed in the storage unit.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure Program History 1 are a program that causes a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source to execute a predetermined process, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, To the aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the storage section, the heating section is set to a target temperature within a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the heating section is started to operate. When the heating unit is operated with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature range, the process of setting the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range and operating the heating unit in response to the substrate being housed in the housing is executed. . A second aspect of the program of this disclosure is: A program that causes a computer controlling the operation of a suction device that generates aerosols from a substrate having an aerosol source to perform a predetermined process, A The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, To the aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the storage section, the heating section is set to a target temperature within a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the heating section is started to operate. When the temperature of the heating unit is above the predetermined temperature, the process of setting the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range and starting the operation of the heating unit is executed in accordance with the fact that the substrate has been placed in the housing unit. A third aspect of the program of this disclosure is: A program that causes a computer controlling the operation of a suction device that generates aerosols from a substrate having an aerosol source to perform a predetermined process, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the computer is instructed to set the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and to start the operation of the heating section, before the substrate is placed in the housing section. The process to be executed by the computer controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit. The heating information includes at least first heating information in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature region, and second heating information in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature region but not in the first temperature region. To the aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the process of starting the operation of the heating section based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing section, When the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the heating unit is started based on the second heating information before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being placed in the storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, convenience can be improved when it comes to use in low-temperature environments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a suction device (suction device 100A). [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the suction device (suction device 100B). [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of a suction device 100, which is one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 from the front right side. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 from the front left side. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 5, showing the structure around the stick detection sensor 12 and the stick guide 31 (housing section 140C). [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the path of light emitted from the stick detection sensor 12 in the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is contained and in the state in which it is not contained. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a graph showing whether the stick-type substrate 150 is detected or not based on brightness. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an unfolded view of the heating section 121C, which is a film heater. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a graph showing the heating profile for stick heating and the heating profile for preheating. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a graph showing that after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating heating profile is started, the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile is executed. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a graph showing how the operation of the heating unit 121C is forcibly terminated when a malfunction occurs in the heating unit 121C during preheating. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed by MCU1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, a suction device, control method, and program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First, two applicable configuration examples (the first configuration example and the second configuration example) of the suction device of the present disclosure will be described. In the following, identical or similar elements will be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] <<1. Example of Suction Device Configuration>> A suction device is a device that generates a substance to be aspirated by the user. In the following explanation, the substance generated by the suction device is assumed to be an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the suction device may be a gas.

[0014] (1) First example configuration Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Figure 1, the suction device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a storage unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. Air passages 180 are formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0015] The power supply unit 111A stores power. Then, based on the control by the control unit 116A, the power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the suction device 100A. The power supply unit 111A may be composed of a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0016] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. For example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is composed of an input device such as a button or switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0017] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The information that the notification unit 113A notifies the user of includes, for example, the State of Charge (SOC) indicating the charging status of the power supply unit 111A, the preheating time during suction, and various other information such as the period during which suction is possible. The notification unit 113A is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that emits sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0018] The memory unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The memory unit 114A is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory.

[0019] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include those using Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy®), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0020] The control unit 116A functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, controlling the overall operation of the suction device 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0021] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. An aerosol is generated when the aerosol source is atomized. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavoring components. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0022] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0023] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source, thereby atomizing it. In the example shown in Figure 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. For example, power may be supplied to the heating unit 121A when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started suctioning and / or that predetermined information has been input. Power may then be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished suctioning and / or that predetermined information has been input. The user's suctioning operation with respect to the suction device 100A can be detected, for example, based on the pressure (internal pressure) inside the suction device 100A detected by the puff sensor exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0024] Flavoring source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. Flavoring source 131 may contain flavor components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.

[0025] The air passage 180 is a passage for air drawn in by the user. The air passage 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is the entrance for air into the air passage 180, and an air outlet 182, which is the exit for air from the air passage 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air passage 180, a liquid guide unit 122 is located on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) and a flavor source 131 is located on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air drawn in from the air inlet 181 by the user is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and transported to the air outlet 182 through the flavor source 131, as shown by arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0026] The mouthpiece 124 is a component that the user holds in their mouth during suction. The mouthpiece 124 has an air outlet 182. By holding the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and suctioning, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into their oral cavity.

[0027] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0028] For example, the inhalation device 100A does not necessarily have to include a flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, a mouthpiece 124 is provided on the cartridge 120.

[0029] As another example, the suction device 100A may contain multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air channel 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate even more types of aerosols.

[0030] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0031] (2) Second example configuration Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in Figure 2, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a housing unit 140, and a heat insulation unit 144. In the first configuration example, the suction device 100A had a separate power supply unit 110 housing the power supply unit 111A and a separate heating unit 121A, but in the second configuration example, the suction device 100B has the power supply unit 111B and the heating unit 121B integrated into one unit. In other words, the suction device 100B of the second configuration example can also be described as a power supply unit with a built-in heating unit.

[0032] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, storage unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0033] The housing section 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while housing a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The housing section 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside and accommodates the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the housing section 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and bottom 143 as its base, defining a columnar internal space 141. An air passage is connected to the housing section 140 to supply air to the internal space 141. An air inlet, which is the air entrance to the air passage, is located, for example, on the side of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is the air exit from the air passage to the internal space 141, is located, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0034] The stick-type base material 150 includes a base material portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The base material portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. If the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid such as glycerin and polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol, and water, which include flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or it may be a solid which includes flavoring components derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the stick-type base material 150 is held in the housing portion 140, at least a part of the base material portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user puts the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air passage (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion 151.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 2, the heating element 121B is configured as a film and is positioned to cover the outer circumference of the housing element 140. When the heating element 121B generates heat, the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer circumference, and an aerosol is generated.

[0036] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.

[0037] The above describes an example configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and it can take various configurations as exemplified below.

[0038] As an example, the heating element 121B may be configured in a blade shape and positioned to protrude from the bottom 143 of the housing 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating element 121B is inserted into the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 and heats the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating element 121B may be positioned to cover the bottom 143 of the housing 140. Furthermore, the heating element 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of the following: a first heating element covering the outer circumference of the housing 140, a blade-shaped second heating element, and a third heating element covering the bottom 143 of the housing 140.

[0039] As another example, the housing section 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. The housing section 140 may then house the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating section 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the housing section 140 and may heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

[0040] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source, such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B or may be included in the stick-type substrate 150.

[0041] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include a heating unit 121A, a liquid induction unit 122, a liquid storage unit 123, and an air passage 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air passage 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol generated by the heating unit 121A and air flows into the internal space 141, is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0042] <<2. Example of the configuration of the suction device of this disclosure>> Next, we will describe an embodiment of a suction device (hereinafter referred to as suction device 100) in which the configuration of the suction device of this disclosure is applied to the suction device 100B of the second configuration example described above. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, some of the configuration of the suction device 100 described below can also be applied to the suction device 100A of the first configuration example.

[0043] [Overall configuration of the suction device] Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100. In the following explanation, the insertion and removal direction of the stick-type substrate 150 from the suction device 100 is defined as the vertical direction, the sliding direction of the shutter 23 (described later) is defined as the front-back direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical and front-back directions is defined as the left-right direction. Also, as shown in the figure, the front is Fr, the rear is Rr, the left side is L, the right side is R, the top is U, and the bottom is D.

[0044] The suction device 100 is preferably small enough to fit in the hand, and for example, it has a rod shape. For example, the user holds the suction device 100 with one hand while touching the surface of the suction device 100 with their fingertips. The shape of the suction device 100 is not limited to a rod shape, but can be any shape (for example, a rounded, roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape or an egg shape).

[0045] The suction device 100 comprises an internal unit 10 (see Figures 4 to 6) and a case 20 that constitutes the external appearance of the suction device 100. The case 20 has a lower case 21 and an upper case 22. A part of the internal unit 10 is housed in the lower case 21, and the entire internal unit 10 is housed in the case 20 by placing the upper case 22 over the lower case 21 from above.

[0046] The top surface of the suction device 100 is provided with an opening 27 (see Figures 4 to 6) through which a stick-type substrate 150 is inserted and removed, and a shutter 23 that can slide in the front-rear direction. The opening 27 is located on the rear side of the top surface of the suction device 100. The shutter 23 can selectively take an open state (front position) that opens the opening 27 and allows insertion and removal of the stick-type substrate 150, and a closed state (rear position) that positions the shutter 23 above the opening 27 and closes the opening 27. When inserting the stick-type substrate 150 into the opening 27, the user opens the shutter 23.

[0047] A shutter detection sensor 11 (see Figure 4) is provided near the shutter 23. The shutter detection sensor 11 detects whether or not the shutter 23 is in the open state. The shutter detection sensor 11 is an example of the sensor unit 112B of the suction device 100B shown in Figure 2.

[0048] Furthermore, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 26 (see Figure 4) is provided on the upper surface of the suction device 100, adjacent to the opening 27. In the open state described above, the shutter 23 blocks the USB port 26. On the other hand, in the closed state described above, the shutter 23 does not block the USB port 26, and the USB port 26 is open. The USB port 26 is configured to be electrically connectable to an external power supply (not shown) capable of supplying power to charge the power supply unit 111C (see Figure 4). The USB port 26 is, for example, a receptacle into which a plug can be inserted. As an example, in this embodiment, the USB port 26 is a USB Type-C shaped receptacle.

[0049] The front of the suction device 100 is provided with an operating section 24 and a light-emitting section 25. The operating section 24 is located below the light-emitting section 25. More specifically, the operating section 24 and the light-emitting section 25 are components of an internal unit 10 housed in a case 20, and are configured such that parts of the operating section 24 and the light-emitting section 25 are exposed through an opening formed on the front of the case 20. The light-emitting section 25 is an example of a notification section 113B of the suction device 100B shown in Figure 2.

[0050] The operation unit 24 is a button-type switch that can be operated by the user and is an input device that accepts information from the user. The operation unit 24 is connected to the main board 50 (see Figures 4-6), which will be described later. When the user presses the operation unit 24, for example, the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 1 (see Figures 4-6) or the heating unit 121C (see Figure 7) is activated. The MCU 1 functions as the control unit 116B in the suction device 100B. In addition to its function as the control unit 116B in the suction device 100B, the MCU 1 may also have the function of a communication unit 115B integrated into it. Furthermore, the MCU 1 may consist of one IC or two or more ICs. For example, the discharge control to the heating unit 121C and the charging control to the power supply unit 111C may be performed by one IC or by separate ICs.

[0051] The light-emitting section 25 is composed of light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). More specifically, the light-emitting section 25 has a plurality of LEDs 251 (see Figure 6) provided on the main substrate 50, and a transparent cover 250 that covers the plurality of LEDs 251 and transmits the light from the LEDs 251. A part of the transparent cover 250 is exposed through an opening formed on the front surface of the case 20. In this embodiment, for example, the plurality of LEDs 251 are configured to emit light in multiple colors, including blue, yellow, and red. The number of light-emitting elements can be set arbitrarily, and for example, the light-emitting section 25 may have only one light-emitting element.

[0052] The light-emitting unit 25 emits light in a predetermined light-emitting pattern in response to a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. Here, the light-emitting pattern can be, for example, the color of the light emitted, but is not limited to this; it may also be, for example, the intensity of the illumination (in other words, brightness), or the illumination pattern (for example, blinking at predetermined time intervals). The predetermined information is, for example, operation information indicating whether the power of the suction device 100 is on or off.

[0053] Next, the internal unit 10 of the suction device 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 seen from the front right, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 seen from the front left, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10. Note that the internal unit 10 is obtained by removing the case 20 and shutter 23 from the suction device 100.

[0054] The internal unit 10 comprises a chassis 40, a main board 50, a vibration device 60, a heater assembly 30, a power supply unit 111C, a power supply board 71, a peripheral FPC (Flexible printed circuits) 72, a sensor FPC 73, and various sensors. The power supply board 71 may be a flexible circuit board, a rigid board (described later), or a combination of a flexible and a rigid board, but here, as an example, it will be described using a flexible circuit board.

[0055] (Chassis) As shown in the exploded perspective view of Figure 6, the chassis 40 includes a power supply holder 41 for holding the power supply unit 111C, a board holder 42 for holding the main board 50, and a heater holder 43 for holding the heater assembly 30. The power supply holder 41 is located at the bottom of the chassis 40, while the board holder 42 and the heater holder 43 are located at the top of the chassis 40.

[0056] The power supply holder 41 has a cylindrical shape with a part of its side cut out, in other words, a roughly semi-cylindrical shape. The power supply holder 41 has a bottom wall portion 401, a side wall portion 402 that has an arc shape and rises upward from the bottom wall portion 401, and an upper wall portion 403 provided at the upper end of the side wall portion 402. The power supply unit 111C is arranged in the space enclosed by the bottom wall portion 401, the side wall portion 402, and the upper wall portion 403.

[0057] The substrate holder 42 is provided on a vertical wall 404 that rises upward from the upper wall 403 of the power supply holder 41. The substrate holder 42 is provided on one side (in this case, the front side) of the vertical wall 404 in the front-rear direction and holds the main substrate 50.

[0058] The heater holding portion 43 is located on the opposite side (in this case, the rear side) of the vertical wall portion 404 from the substrate holding portion 42 in the front-rear direction. The heater holding portion 43 has a space enclosed by the vertical wall portion 404, a pair of left and right wall portions 405 extending from the vertical wall portion 404 in the front-rear direction, and the upper surface of the upper wall portion 403 of the power supply holding portion 41, and the heater assembly 30 is placed in this space.

[0059] (Main board) The main board 50 is a rigid board with multiple electronic components (elements) mounted on both sides. The main board 50 has an MCU1, LED251, charging IC (Integrated Circuit), boost DC / DC converter, etc. mounted on it. The main board 50 is held in the board holder 42 of the chassis 40 so that the element-mounted surface faces the front-to-back direction. Figure 6 shows only the front surface 501 (in this case, the front) of the main board 50. Therefore, the charging IC and boost DC / DC converter mounted on the back surface 502 (in this case, the rear) are not shown.

[0060] A power connection section 51, which is electrically connected to the power supply unit 111C, is provided in the lower region of the surface 501 of the main circuit board 50. The power connection section 51 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 111C via the power supply circuit board 71. The power supply unit 111C is a cylindrical lithium-ion secondary battery and is an example of the power supply unit 111B of the suction device 100B shown in Figure 2.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the power supply unit 111C is provided with a positive electrode tab 111a and a negative electrode tab 111b. The power supply unit 111C is positioned in the power supply holding section 41 of the chassis 40 such that the positive electrode tab 111a and the negative electrode tab 111b are positioned towards the front. The power supply board 71 is positioned in front of the power supply unit 111C and the main board 50 and extends in the vertical direction. The power supply board 71 is connected to the positive electrode tab 111a and the negative electrode tab 111b of the power supply unit 111C and is also connected to the power supply connection section 51 of the main board 50. Power from the power supply unit 111C is transmitted to the main board 50 through conductive tracks formed on the power supply board 71 and supplied to each electronic component. The power supply board 71 is also provided with a power supply temperature sensor 16. The power supply temperature sensor 16 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the power supply unit 111C. The power supply temperature sensor 16 is, for example, a thermistor. The power supply temperature sensor 16 is an example of the sensor unit 112B of the suction device 100B shown in Figure 2.

[0062] A USB port 26 is provided in the upper area of ​​the back surface 502 of the main board 50. The USB port 26 is electrically connected to a charging IC (not shown) by wiring formed on the main board 50.

[0063] On the back surface 502 of the main board 50, in addition to a charging IC and a boost DC / DC converter (not shown), a heater connection section is provided. The charging IC controls charging by supplying power input from the USB port 26 to the power supply unit 111C (charging). The boost DC / DC converter boosts the power supplied from the power supply unit 111C to generate power to be supplied to the heating unit 121C (see Figure 7).

[0064] A substrate connection portion 121a extending from the bottom of the heater assembly 30 is connected to the heater connection portion, supplying power to the heating portion 121C of the heater assembly 30. As a result, power from the power supply unit 111C is supplied to the heating portion 121C of the heater assembly 30 via the main substrate 50.

[0065] (vibration device) The vibration device 60 is composed of a vibration element, such as a vibration motor. As shown in Figure 6, the vibration device 60 is located in the power supply holding section 41 of the chassis 40, between the upper surface of the power supply unit 111C and the upper wall section 403. The lead wires 61 of the vibration device 60 are connected to the peripheral FPC 72. The vibration device 60 vibrates in a predetermined vibration pattern in response to a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. For example, when heating of the stick-type substrate 150 starts or ends, the vibration device 60 vibrates in a predetermined vibration pattern to notify the user of the start or end of heating. The vibration device 60 is an example of the notification section 113B of the suction device 100B in Figure 2.

[0066] (Heater assembly) Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. The heater assembly 30 comprises a heating section 121C, a housing section 140C, and a heat insulating section 144C. The heating section 121C is, for example, a film heater, which is wound around the outer circumference of the housing section 140C. The heating section 121C and the substrate connection section 121a may also be composed of a single heater FPC.

[0067] Furthermore, the heater assembly 30 is provided with a stick guide 31. The stick guide 31 is located on the upper part of the heater assembly 30 and guides the insertion and removal of the stick-shaped base material 150 into the housing section 140C. The stick guide 31 is a cylindrical member with an opening 27 and constitutes part of the housing section 140C.

[0068] Furthermore, the heater assembly 30 is provided with a heater temperature sensor 15 capable of detecting the temperature of the heating section 121C. More specifically, the heater temperature sensor 15 is provided between the heating section 121C and the heat insulating section 144C, in contact with or close to the heating section 121C. The heater temperature sensor 15 is, for example, a thermistor.

[0069] (Sensor FPC) As shown in Figure 6, the sensor FPC 73 is positioned between the vertical wall portion 404 of the heater holding portion 43 and the heater assembly 30. The sensor FPC 73 is equipped with a stick detection sensor 12, a suction sensor 13, and a case temperature sensor 14. The stick detection sensor 12, suction sensor 13, and case temperature sensor 14 are examples of the sensor portion 112B of the suction device 100B shown in Figure 2.

[0070] The stick detection sensor 12 is a sensor capable of detecting the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing section 140C. In this embodiment, the stick detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor capable of detecting the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the amount of reflected light from light irradiated onto the housing section 140C. Here, the amount of light is a concept that includes luminous flux, illuminance, luminous flux exitance, luminous intensity, and luminance. The optical sensor is, for example, an IR (Infrared Rays) sensor.

[0071] The suction sensor 13 is a sensor that detects the user's puffing motion (suction motion). The suction sensor 13 is composed of, for example, a condenser microphone or a pressure sensor. The suction sensor 13 is located near the stick guide 31 in the sensor FPC 73.

[0072] The case temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the case 20. The case temperature sensor 14 is, for example, a thermistor. The case temperature sensor 14 is positioned adjacent to the inner surface of the case 20 in the sensor FPC 73.

[0073] Furthermore, the sensor FPC 73 is provided with a heater temperature sensor connection portion 731 that connects to the heater temperature sensor 15 of the heater assembly 30. The heater temperature sensor connection portion 731 is located at the bottom of the sensor FPC 73. More specifically, a lead wire 15a is connected to the heater temperature sensor 15, and the heater temperature sensor connection portion 731 connects to the lead wire 15a that extends from the bottom of the heater assembly 30.

[0074] The stick detection sensor 12, suction sensor 13, case temperature sensor 14, and heater temperature sensor connection section 731 are connected to the board connection section 730 via conductive tracks formed on the sensor FPC 73. The board connection section 730 is connected to the sensor FPC connection section 55, which is located in the central region of the surface 501 of the main board 50. As a result, the detection results of each sensor are output to the MCU 1 or the like, which is mounted on the main board 50.

[0075] In the suction device 100 configured in this way, when the shutter detection sensor 11 detects that the shutter 23 is open and the stick detection sensor 12 detects the stick-type substrate 150, the MCU 1 starts heating the heating unit 121C. When the user puts the suction nozzle 152 of the stick-type substrate 150 in their mouth and sucks, aerosol is supplied to the user's mouth from the aerosol source of the stick-type substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121C. The suction sensor 13 detects the number of suctions, and the MCU 1 stops heating after a predetermined number of suctions or after a predetermined time has elapsed. While the suction device 100 is heating, the case temperature sensor 14, heater temperature sensor 15, and power supply temperature sensor 16 detect their respective temperatures, and if abnormal heating is determined, the MCU 1 stops or suppresses heating of the heating unit 121C. The user can also operate the operation unit 24 to, for example, check the SOC of the power supply unit 111C. The light-emitting unit 25 (LED 251) and the vibration device 60 notify the user of various information, such as the State of Charge (SOC) of the power supply unit 111C and error indications. If the SOC of the power supply unit 111C decreases, the user can charge the power supply unit 111C by connecting an external power supply to the USB port 26.

[0076] [Stick detection sensor] Next, the details of the stick detection sensor 12 will be explained using Figures 8 and 9. The stick detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor that irradiates light onto the housing section 140C and detects the amount of reflected light from the housing section 140C. The MCU 1 is configured to detect whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing section 140C based on the amount of reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12. Here, the light irradiated and received by the stick detection sensor 12 is, for example, near-infrared light, and in this case, the stick detection sensor 12 is an IR sensor. In the following, the stick detection sensor 12 will be assumed to detect "luminance" as an example of light quantity.

[0077] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 5, showing the structure around the sensor FPC 73, the stick detection sensor 12, and the stick guide 31 (housing section 140C). The sensor FPC 73 is a flexible member and is arranged around the housing section 140C. The stick detection sensor 12 is provided on the sensor FPC 73. This makes it easier to arrange the stick detection sensor 12 around the housing section 140C compared to when the stick detection sensor 12 is provided on a rigid main board 50. The increased flexibility in arrangement allows for miniaturization of the suction device 100.

[0078] The stick detection sensor 12 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the stick guide 31 to minimize the influence of heat from the stick guide 31 (housing section 140C). In addition, a light-transmitting filter 311 is provided in a portion of the wall section of the stick guide 31 that partitions the housing section 140C, and the sensor FPC 73 is positioned around the housing section 140C such that the stick detection sensor 12 faces the light-transmitting filter 311 at a predetermined distance. The portion of the stick guide 31 that does not have the light-transmitting filter 311 is configured to be opaque to light.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, the stick detection sensor 12 irradiates light onto the housing section 140C through the transmission filter 311 and receives the reflected light. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing section 140C (hereinafter also referred to as the housed state), the light irradiated from the stick detection sensor 12 is reflected immediately from the surface of the stick-shaped substrate 150 after passing through the transmission filter 311. The stick detection sensor 12 receives the reflected light reflected from the surface of the stick-shaped substrate 150. On the other hand, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not housed in the housing section 140C (hereinafter also referred to as the unhoused state), the light irradiated from the stick detection sensor 12 passes through the transmission filter 311, travels through the housing section 140C, and is reflected from the inner wall of the housing section 140C. The stick detection sensor 12 receives the reflected light reflected from the inner wall of the housing section 140C.

[0080] Thus, in the contained state, the distance light travels from irradiation to reception is shorter than in the uncontained state. Therefore, in the contained state, the brightness of the reflected light received by the stick detection sensor 12 is higher than in the uncontained state. Based on this difference in brightness between the contained and uncontained states, the MCU1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the MCU1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 if the brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value L1. On the other hand, the MCU1 does not detect the stick-shaped substrate 150 if the brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12 is less than the predetermined value L1.

[0081] In this embodiment, two stick detection sensors 12 and two transmission filters 311 are provided. For example, the MCU1 can be configured not to detect the stick-type substrate 150 unless the detection results of both stick detection sensors 12 indicate that the stick-type substrate 150 is in a housing state.

[0082] [Heating section, heater temperature sensor] Next, the heating unit 121C and the heater temperature sensor 15 will be explained using Figures 7 and 11.

[0083] In this embodiment, the heating section 121C is a film heater, which is wound around the outer circumference of the cylindrical housing section 140C. Figure 11 shows an unfolded view of the heating section 121C, which is a film heater. The heating section 121C is composed of a pair of film-like electrical insulating layers 321 and a conductive layer 322 disposed between the pair of electrical insulating layers 321. The electrical insulating layers 321 are preferably made from a material with excellent electrical insulation properties, such as polyimide. The conductive layer 322 is made from a metallic material, such as copper foil.

[0084] Conductive tracks 322a are formed on the conductive layer 322. The conductive tracks 322a are formed by etching the conductive layer 322, leaving only the necessary parts intact. The conductive tracks 322a are formed in a meandering pattern consisting of multiple parallel straight sections and multiple arc sections connecting adjacent straight sections. Both ends of the conductive tracks 322a are electrically connected to the substrate connection sections 121a, and are connected to the main substrate 50 via the substrate connection sections 121a (see Figure 7). Through this connection, power is supplied to the conductive tracks 322a from the power supply section 111C via the main substrate 50 and the substrate connection sections 121a. When current flows through the conductive tracks 322a, the heating section 121C generates heat.

[0085] A temperature sensor FPC 33 is provided on the surface of the heating section 121C, and a heater temperature sensor 15 (e.g., a thermistor) is mounted on the temperature sensor FPC 33. The temperature sensor FPC 33 is provided on the heating section 121C by methods such as crimping (thermocompression bonding or ultrasonic thermocompression bonding) or direct printing onto the heating section 121C. As shown in Figure 7, the temperature sensor FPC 33 is positioned between the heating section 121C and the heat insulating section 144C in a direction perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction of the stick-type substrate 150.

[0086] The temperature sensor FPC 33 is composed of a pair of film-like electrical insulating layers 331 and a conductive layer 332 disposed between the pair of electrical insulating layers 331. The heater temperature sensor 15 is mounted on a conductive track 332a formed on the conductive layer 332. The heater temperature sensor 15 is electrically connected to the main board 50 via the conductive track 332a, lead wires 15a connected to the conductive track 332a, and the sensor FPC 73 (see Figures 6 and 7). By mounting the heater temperature sensor 15 on the flexible temperature sensor FPC 33, the structure near the heating section 121C can be miniaturized, lightened, and thinned.

[0087] To illustrate an example of temperature acquisition when the heater temperature sensor 15 is a thermistor, the MCU1, for example, triggers when the shutter 23 opens by energizing the conductive track 332a and acquires (calculates) the temperature of the heating section 121C based on the detected resistance value of the thermistor.

[0088] [Example of suction device operation] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the suction device 100. The suction device 100 is activated, for example, when the shutter 23 is opened. Specifically, the MCU 1 is activated when the shutter detection sensor 11 detects that the shutter 23 is open. After the MCU 1 is activated, the heating unit 121C can operate, etc. Here, the shutter detection sensor 11 is composed of, for example, a magnet provided on the shutter 23 and a Hall IC (Integrated Circuit) provided on the upper end of the main board 50. The MCU 1 may also be activated in response to a press of the operation unit 24.

[0089] In response to the shutter 23 being opened, the stick detection sensor 12 begins irradiating and receiving light and detects the amount of reflected light. Based on the detection result of the stick detection sensor 12, the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 and then automatically starts heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. The MCU 1 may also start heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 in response to a heating request from the user. Here, a heating request from the user is, for example, pressing the operation unit 24 or performing a suction operation on the suction device 100.

[0090] Next, we will explain the heating of the stick-type substrate 150. In response to the placement of the stick-type substrate 150 in the housing section 140C, the MCU1 operates the heating section 121C based on a heating profile for the stick to heat the stick-type substrate 150. The heating profile for the stick is information that defines the time-series transition of the target temperature, which is the target temperature of the heating section 121C, and is information for heating the stick-type substrate 150. The heating profile for the stick is stored in advance, for example, in ROM. The MCU1 generates an aerosol from the stick-type substrate 150 by controlling the temperature of the heating section 121C based on the heating profile for the stick.

[0091] The solid line in Figure 12 shows an example of a heating profile for a stick. According to the heating profile for the stick, the temperature of the heating unit 121C is raised to T1 (approximately 300°C) at the start of heating, then lowered to T2, and then raised again to T3. Here, the target temperatures T1 to T3 of the heating profile for the stick are temperatures that fall within the first temperature range in which aerosols are generated, i.e., the range above the temperature T0 (approximately 230°C to 250°C) at which aerosol generation begins. When the elapsed time from the start of heating control reaches t1, heating is terminated. When the temperature of the heating unit 121C reaches T1 and it is assumed that the heating unit 121C has become sufficiently hot, it is assumed that a sufficient amount of aerosol will be generated, and the user will be able to inhale it. The heating period before inhalation becomes possible is also called the preheating period.

[0092] To elaborate on the temperature control of the heating section 121C based on the heating profile for the stick, the MCU1 controls the temperature of the heating section 121C based on the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating control and the actual temperature of the heating section 121C (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature"). More specifically, at this time, the MCU1 controls the temperature of the heating section 121C so that the time-series change of the actual temperature of the heating section 121C is the same as the time-series change of the target temperature defined in the heating profile for the stick. The heating control of the housing section 140C based on the preheating heating profile, which will be described later, is performed in the same manner.

[0093] The heating profile for the stick is typically designed to optimize the flavor the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the heating section 121C based on the heating profile for the stick, the flavor the user experiences can be optimized, providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0094] Incidentally, when using the suction device 100 in a low-temperature environment, the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121C at the start of heating and the first temperature range in which aerosols are generated is large. Therefore, it takes longer for the heating unit 121C to heat up compared to when it is used in an environment that is not a low-temperature environment. Consequently, if the operation of the heating unit 121C is started after or at the same time as the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C, the user's waiting time from the placement of the stick-type substrate 150 until aerosol suction becomes possible becomes longer in a low-temperature environment.

[0095] Therefore, when the temperature of the heating section 121C is below a predetermined temperature, the MCU1 starts the operation (i.e., preheating) of the heating section 121C before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the housing section 140C. Here, the predetermined temperature is, for example, 0°C.

[0096] Preheating reduces the temperature difference between the heating section 121C and the first temperature region where aerosols are generated when the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the storage section 140C, compared to the case without preheating. Therefore, especially in low-temperature environments, the user's waiting time from the placement of the stick-type substrate 150 to the start of aerosol suction is shortened, improving the convenience of using the suction device 100.

[0097] When preheating, the MCU1 sets the target temperature of the heating unit 121C to a temperature within a second temperature range (e.g., 50-100°C) that is lower than the first temperature range in which aerosols are generated, and starts the operation of the heating unit 121C. The second temperature range is the range below the temperature T0 in which aerosols begin to be generated. This prevents the housing unit 140C from being overheated before the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C. Note that the temperature set when preheating is not limited to 50-100°C, but can be any temperature higher than a predetermined temperature (e.g., 0°C) used for determining the temperature of the heating unit 121C.

[0098] After preheating begins, the MCU1 sets the target temperature of the heating unit 121C to a temperature within the first temperature range in which aerosols are generated, in response to the placement of the stick-type substrate 150 in the housing unit 140C, and operates the heating unit 121C. This allows the heating unit 121C to be quickly heated to a temperature within the first temperature range in which aerosols are generated in response to the placement of the stick-type substrate 150 in the housing unit 140C.

[0099] On the other hand, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C is above a predetermined temperature, the MCU1 sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range in which aerosols are generated, in response to the fact that the stick-type substrate 150 has been placed in the housing unit 140C, and starts the operation of the heating unit 121C. In other words, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C is above a predetermined temperature, the MCU1 does not operate the heating unit 121C before the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C (i.e., does not preheat). When the temperature of the heating unit 121C is above a predetermined temperature, the user's waiting time from the placement of the stick-type substrate 150 until aerosol suction becomes possible is relatively short. Therefore, preheating is not required, and power consumption can be reduced compared to when preheating is performed.

[0100] Next, we will explain preheating in more detail. The comparison between the temperature of the heating unit 121C and a predetermined temperature, which is the condition for whether or not to perform preheating, is performed, for example, when the shutter 23 is opened. That is, when the shutter 23 changes from a closed state to an open state, the MCU1 determines whether or not the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below the predetermined temperature. The temperature of the heating unit 121C is detected, for example, by the heater temperature sensor 15 mentioned above. When the MCU1 determines that the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below the predetermined temperature, it starts the operation of the heating unit 121C before the stick-type substrate 150 is housed in the housing unit 140C. In this way, preheating can be performed triggered by the opening of the shutter 23, which is one of the user's indications of intent to use the suction device 100. This reduces unnecessary preheating and thus reduces power consumption compared to when preheating is performed only when the temperature of the heating unit 121C falls below the predetermined temperature.

[0101] Then, when the MCU1 determines that the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below a predetermined temperature, it starts the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating heating profile before the stick-type substrate 150 is housed in the housing unit 140C. As shown by the dashed line in Figure 12, the preheating heating profile is information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature, which is the target value of the heating unit 121C, and is information for preheating the housing unit 140C, which does not yet house the stick-type substrate 150. The preheating heating profile is stored in advance in ROM, for example. The preheating heating profile is a different heating profile from the stick heating profile, and for example, information such as the target temperature and operating time differs, as will be described later.

[0102] According to the preheating profile, the temperature of the heating unit 121C is raised to T4 upon the start of heating, and then maintained at that temperature T4. The target temperature T4 of the preheating profile is included in the second temperature range but not in the first temperature range. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the heating control based on the preheating profile is specified to terminate when the elapsed time from the start of operation of the heating unit 121C reaches t2.

[0103] Figure 13 is a graph showing the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating unit 121C when the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C while preheating is being performed. In response to the placement of the stick-type substrate 150 in the housing unit 140C, the MCU1 switches the reference heating profile from the preheating heating profile to the stick heating profile and operates the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile.

[0104] Here, the MCU1 starts the operation of the heating unit 121C before the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C. If the stick-type substrate 150 is not placed in the housing unit 140C within a predetermined time, the MCU1 terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C. The predetermined time is the operating time t2 included in the preheating profile, which is, for example, 30 seconds. This prevents the housing unit 140C from continuing to be heated when the stick-type substrate 150 is not placed inside, and also suppresses the increase in power consumption due to the operation of the heating unit 121C before the stick-type substrate 150 is placed inside.

[0105] Furthermore, when the MCU1 is operating the heating unit 121C with the target temperature set to T4 before the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C, if it detects that the temperature of the heating unit 121C has exceeded a predetermined temperature threshold T5 which is higher than the target temperature T4, it terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold T5 (elapsed time t3 from the start of preheating), the MCU1 determines that a malfunction such as thermal runaway has occurred due to a failure of the heating unit 121C. Then, even before the end of the operation time t2 of the preheating profile, the MCU1 forcibly terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C. Alternatively, instead of terminating the operation of the heating unit 121C, the MCU1 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121C.

[0106] Thus, even if a malfunction occurs in the heating unit 121C while preheating is in progress, for example, the MCU1 can detect the malfunction based on the detection result of the heater temperature sensor 15 and take appropriate action against the malfunction.

[0107] [Example of a notification by the notification department] Next, we will describe an example of notification to the user during heating. Here, we will describe the light emission by the light-emitting unit 25 (LED251), which is an example of the notification unit 113B in Figure 2.

[0108] The light-emitting unit 25 notifies the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. Specifically, it emits light in a predetermined light-emitting pattern when the heating unit 121C is operating based on a preheating heating profile before the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C, and when the heating unit 121C is operating based on a stick heating profile after the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C. For example, as shown in Figure 13, it emits yellow light during preheating and red light while the stick-type substrate 150 is being heated. The light-emitting pattern may be the same or different before and after the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C. Furthermore, the light-emitting pattern may be distinguished by changing the number of LEDs 251 that emit light from among the multiple LEDs 251.

[0109] Such notifications allow the user to easily visually understand that the heating unit 121C is in operation. In particular, when the heating unit 121C is operating before the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C, the user can confirm the illumination from the light-emitting unit 25 and take care not to bring their fingers near the opening 27, for example.

[0110] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when the heating unit 121C is operating before the stick-type substrate 150 is housed in the housing unit 140C, the MCU1 may detect that the temperature of the heating unit 121C has exceeded a predetermined temperature threshold T5 due to a malfunction in the heating unit 121C. At this time, the light-emitting unit 25 notifies the user that the operation of the heating unit 121C will be terminated or the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121C will be reduced, using a light-emitting pattern different from the light-emitting pattern during normal preheating. For example, as shown in Figure 14, during normal preheating, the light-emitting unit 25 emits yellow light, whereas when the operation of the heating unit 121C is terminated or the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121C is reduced due to a malfunction, the light-emitting unit 25 flashes yellow at predetermined time intervals. With such notification, the user can easily visually understand that a malfunction has occurred in the heating unit 121C (suction device 100).

[0111] Furthermore, the notification by the notification unit 113B is not limited to light emission by the light-emitting unit 25, but may also be vibration by the vibration device 60, for example. Specifically, the vibration device 60 may vibrate while the heating unit 121C is operating to notify the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. In addition, the vibration device 60 may vibrate in a manner that differs between the vibration pattern during normal preheating and the vibration pattern when a malfunction occurs in the suction device 100 during preheating.

[0112] [Example of processing performed by the control unit] Next, an example of the processing performed by MCU1 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 15.

[0113] First, the MCU1 determines whether the shutter 23 is open or not (step S101). If the shutter 23 is not open (step S101: NO), the MCU1 repeatedly monitors step S101 until the shutter 23 is open.

[0114] If the shutter 23 is open (step S101: YES), the MCU1 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below a predetermined temperature (step S102). Specifically, when the shutter 23 is open, the MCU1 energizes the conductive track 332a of the temperature sensor FPC 33 and obtains the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the resistance value of the heater temperature sensor 15 (a thermistor in this case). The MCU1 then determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121C obtained from the heater temperature sensor 15 is below a predetermined temperature. The stick detection sensor 12 also starts operating when the shutter 23 is opened.

[0115] If the temperature of the heating section 121C is above a predetermined temperature (step S102: NO), the MCU1 determines whether or not the stick-type substrate 150 has been housed in the housing section 140C (step S103). Specifically, the MCU1 obtains the detection result from the stick detection sensor 12 and determines whether or not the stick-type substrate 150 has been housed in the housing section 140C. If the stick-type substrate 150 has not been housed in the housing section 140C (step S103: NO), the MCU1 repeatedly monitors step S103 until the stick-type substrate 150 has been housed in the housing section 140C.

[0116] When the stick-type substrate 150 is placed in the housing section 140C (step S103: YES), the MCU1 operates the heating section 121C based on the heating profile for the stick (step S106). This starts heating the stick-type substrate 150 and generates an aerosol. Heating of the stick-type substrate 150 ends when the operating time included in the heating profile for the stick has elapsed or when a predetermined number of suctions has been exceeded since the start of heating of the stick-type substrate 150.

[0117] Returning to step S102, if the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below a predetermined temperature (step S102: YES), the MCU1 starts the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating profile (step S104).

[0118] Next, the MCU1 determines whether the stick-type substrate 150 was placed in the housing section 140C within a predetermined time after the start of operation of the heating section 121C (step S105). If the stick-type substrate 150 was placed in the housing section 140C within the predetermined time (step S105: YES), the MCU1 operates the heating section 121C based on the heating profile for the stick (step S106). On the other hand, if the stick-type substrate 150 was not placed in the housing section 140C within the predetermined time (step S105: NO), the MCU1 terminates the operation of the heating section 121C based on the heating profile for preheating (step S107).

[0119] The control method for the suction device 100 described in the above-mentioned embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). This program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed when read from the storage medium. This program may also be provided in the form of a non-transient storage medium such as flash memory, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes this program may be, for example, one included in the suction device 100 (e.g., MCU1), but is not limited to this, and may also be one included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone or server device).

[0120] Variant form In the embodiment described above, the MCU1 obtained the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the detection result of the heater temperature sensor 15, but it is not limited to this. For example, the MCU1 may temporarily energize the heating unit 121C and obtain the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the detected resistance value of the heating unit 121C. In such a configuration, the MCU1 can obtain the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the resistance value of the heating unit 121C, so it is not necessary to provide the heater temperature sensor 15.

[0121] Although embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the claims, and these are also understood to naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the embodiments described above may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0122] For example, in the embodiment described above, the MCU1 operated the heating unit 121C based on the heating profile for the stick and the heating profile for preheating, but it is not limited to this. The MCU1 may also operate the heating unit 121C based on information that does not define a time series progression (for example, information that does not include time information and defines only the target temperature of the heating unit 121C) rather than on the heating profile, which is information that defines the time series progression of the target temperature.

[0123] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, by providing a heater temperature sensor 15 in the heating unit 121C, the MCU1 could detect whether or not a malfunction such as thermal runaway was occurring in the heating unit 121C based on the detection result of the heater temperature sensor 15. Similarly, the MCU1 may detect whether or not a malfunction (such as unexpected heat generation) is occurring in the power supply unit 111C based on the detection result of the power supply temperature sensor 16. If the MCU1 detects a malfunction in the power supply unit 111C, it may terminate the power supply from the power supply unit 111C to each device or reduce the amount of power supplied. In addition, a temperature sensor may be provided on the main board 50, and the MCU1 may detect whether or not a malfunction (such as unexpected heat generation) is occurring in the main board 50 based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. If the MCU1 detects a malfunction in the main board 50, it may restrict some of the functions of the electronic components mounted on the main board 50. Furthermore, if a notification unit such as the light-emitting unit 25 or the vibration device 60 detects these malfunctions, it may notify the user of the malfunction in a predetermined notification manner.

[0124] Furthermore, although an optical sensor was shown as an example of the stick detection sensor 12 in the embodiments described above, it is not limited to this. For example, the stick detection sensor 12 may be a pressure sensor that detects fluctuations in the pressure inside the housing section 140C due to the insertion and removal of the stick-type substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the stick-type substrate 150 based on the pressure fluctuations detected by the pressure sensor. Also, if the stick-type substrate 150 is marked with identification information, the stick detection sensor 12 may be an identification information reader capable of reading the identification information of the stick-type substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the stick-type substrate 150 based on the reading result from the identification information reader. Alternatively, the stick detection sensor 12 may be a mechanical switch provided near the housing section 140C (for example, on the bottom surface of the housing section 140C) and pressed by the stick-type substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the stick-type substrate 150 when the switch is pressed. Furthermore, if the stick-type substrate 150 includes a susceptor, the MCU1 may detect the stick-type substrate 150 based on the change in the characteristics of the circuit of the suction device 100 (for example, a change in inductance) caused by the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150.

[0125] This specification contains at least the following information. The components and other elements corresponding to those in the embodiments described above are shown in parentheses as examples, but are not limited thereto.

[0126] (1) A suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source, The aforementioned substrate is housed in a housing section (housing section 140, 140C), A heating section (heating section 121A~121C) capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing section, The system includes a control unit (MCU1, control units 116A, 116B) that controls the heating unit, The control unit, when the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the housing unit. Suction device.

[0127] According to (1), when the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the heating section is started to operate before the substrate is placed in the containment section. Therefore, especially in low-temperature environments, the waiting time for the user from the placement of the substrate until aerosol suction becomes possible is shortened, improving the convenience of using the suction device.

[0128] (2) The suction device described in (1), When the temperature of the heating section is below the predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature (temperature T4) in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, before the substrate is placed in the housing section, and starts the operation of the heating section. Suction device.

[0129] According to (2), the target temperature of the heating section is set to a temperature in a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range in which aerosols are generated, so that the containment section is not overheated before the substrate is contained within it.

[0130] (3) The suction device described in (2), When the control unit is operating the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature range, it operates the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the first temperature range (temperature T1) when the substrate is housed in the housing unit. Suction device.

[0131] According to (3), the heating section can be heated to a temperature at which an aerosol is quickly generated in response to the substrate being placed in the containment section.

[0132] (4) A suction device as described in (2) or (3), When the temperature of the heating unit is above a predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range and starts the operation of the heating unit, in accordance with the fact that the substrate has been placed in the housing unit. Suction device.

[0133] According to (4), when the temperature of the heating section is above a predetermined temperature, the user's waiting time from the placement of the substrate to the ability to aspirate the aerosol is relatively short, so the heating section does not need to operate before the substrate is placed in the storage section, and power consumption can be reduced accordingly.

[0134] (5) A suction device according to any one of (2) to (4), The control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit. The heating information includes at least first heating information (heating profile for sticks) in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature range, and second heating information (heating profile for preheating) in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature range but not in the first temperature range. The control unit, When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating section is started based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing section. When the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the heating unit is started based on the second heating information before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information when the substrate is placed in the storage unit. Suction device.

[0135] According to (5), the heating unit is operated based on appropriate heating information depending on the situation, so more appropriate heating control can be performed.

[0136] (6) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (5), The system further includes a shutter (shutter 23) that can selectively switch between a closed state, which closes the opening (opening 27) of the housing section, and an open state, which opens the opening to allow insertion and removal of the substrate. The control unit, When the shutter changes from the closed state to the open state, it is determined whether the temperature of the heating section is below the predetermined temperature. When it is determined that the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the substrate is placed in the storage unit. Suction device.

[0137] According to (6), preheating can be initiated when the shutter is opened, which is one of the user's indications of intent to use the suction device. This reduces unnecessary preheating compared to when preheating is initiated only when the temperature of the heating section falls below a predetermined temperature, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0138] (7) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (6), The control unit starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and if the substrate is not placed within a predetermined time, it terminates the operation of the heating unit. Suction device.

[0139] According to (7), it is possible to prevent the storage section from being continuously heated when the substrate is not stored, and to suppress the increase in power consumption due to the operation of the heating section before the substrate is stored.

[0140] (8) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (7), The system further includes a temperature detection unit (heater temperature sensor 15) for detecting the temperature of the heating section, The control unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below the predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the storage section, the target temperature of the heating section is set to a temperature (temperature T4) in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the operation of the heating section is started. When the heating unit is operating before the substrate is placed in the housing unit, if it is detected that the temperature of the heating unit exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold (temperature T5) that is higher than the temperature set as the target temperature, the operation of the heating unit is terminated or the amount of power supplied to the heating unit is reduced. Suction device.

[0141] According to (8), even if a malfunction occurs in the heating unit while it is operating before the substrate is placed in the housing unit, the operation of the heating unit can be terminated without continuing, or the amount of power supplied to the heating unit can be reduced.

[0142] (9) The suction device described in (8), The system further includes a notification unit (light-emitting unit 25, vibration device 60) that notifies the user that the heating unit is in operation. The notification unit indicates that when the heating unit is operating before the substrate is housed in the housing unit, The user is notified in a first notification manner that the heating unit is in operation. When the control unit detects that the temperature of the heating unit exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold, it notifies the user in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode that it will terminate the operation of the heating unit or reduce the amount of power supplied to the heating unit. Suction device.

[0143] According to (9), the user can easily visually identify if there is a malfunction in the heating unit (suction device).

[0144] (10) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (9), The system further includes a temperature detection unit (heater temperature sensor 15) for detecting the temperature of the heating section, The heating element is a film heater wound around the outer circumference of the housing element. The temperature detection unit is mounted on a flexible wiring board (temperature sensor FPC33) provided on the surface of the film heater. Suction device.

[0145] According to (10), since the heating element is a film heater and the temperature detection element is mounted on a flexible wiring board, it is possible to miniaturize, lighten, and thin the structure near the heating element.

[0146] (11) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (7), The heating element is a heating element that generates heat when electricity is applied. The control unit obtains the temperature of the heating unit based on the resistance value of the heating unit which changes according to the temperature. Suction device.

[0147] According to (11), the temperature of the heating element can be obtained based on the resistance value of the heating element, so it is not necessary to provide a temperature detection unit to detect the temperature of the heating element.

[0148] (12) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (11), The system further includes a notification unit (light-emitting unit 25, vibration device 60) that notifies the user that the heating unit is in operation. The notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating when the heating unit is operating before the substrate is placed in the housing unit. Suction device.

[0149] According to (12), the user can easily visually recognize that the heating element is in operation.

[0150] (13) A control method performed by a computer (MCU1, control unit 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source, The suction device is The aforementioned substrate is housed in a housing section (housing section 140, 140C), The facility comprises a heating section (heating sections 121A to 121C) capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing section, The computer, when the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the housing unit. Control method.

[0151] According to (13), when the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the heating section is started to operate before the substrate is placed in the containment section. This reduces the user's waiting time from the placement of the substrate to the ability to aspirate the aerosol, especially in low-temperature environments, thus improving the convenience of using the suction device.

[0152] (14) A program that causes a computer (MCU1, control unit 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source to execute a predetermined process, The suction device is The aforementioned substrate is housed in a housing section (housing section 140, 140C), The facility comprises a heating section (heating sections 121A to 121C) capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing section, The computer is instructed to start the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, when the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature. program.

[0153] According to (14), when the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the heating section is started to operate before the substrate is placed in the containment section. This reduces the user's waiting time from the placement of the substrate to the ability to aspirate the aerosol, especially in low-temperature environments, thus improving the convenience of using the suction device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1. MCU (Control Unit, Computer) 15. Heater temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) 23 Shutter 25. Light-emitting section (notification section) 27 Aperture 33 Temperature Sensor FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit Board) 60 Vibration device (notification section) 100,100A,100B Suction device 116A, 116B Control Unit 121A~121C Heating part 140, 140C Storage Unit 150 Stick-type base material (base material)

Claims

1. A suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, A housing section in which the substrate is housed, A heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the heating unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, before the substrate is placed in the housing section, and starts the operation of the heating section. When the control unit is operating the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature range, it operates the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the first temperature range when the substrate is housed in the housing unit. Suction device.

2. A suction device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, A housing section in which the substrate is housed, A heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the heating unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, before the substrate is placed in the housing section, and starts the operation of the heating section. When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range and starts the operation of the heating section, in accordance with the fact that the substrate has been placed in the housing section. Suction device.

3. A suction device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, A housing section in which the substrate is housed, A heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, The system comprises a control unit for controlling the heating unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, before the substrate is placed in the housing section, and starts the operation of the heating section. The control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit. The heating information includes at least first heating information in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature region, and second heating information in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature region but not in the first temperature region. The control unit, When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating section is started based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing section. When the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the heating unit is started based on the second heating information before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information when the substrate is placed in the storage unit. Suction device.

4. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system further includes a shutter that can selectively switch between a closed state, which closes the opening of the housing, and an open state, which opens the opening to allow insertion and removal of the substrate. The control unit, When the shutter changes from the closed state to the open state, it is determined whether the temperature of the heating section is below the predetermined temperature. When it is determined that the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the substrate is placed in the storage unit. Suction device.

5. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and if the substrate is not placed within a predetermined time, it terminates the operation of the heating unit. Suction device.

6. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system further includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, The control unit, When the heating unit is operating before the substrate is placed in the housing unit, if it is detected that the temperature of the heating unit exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold higher than the temperature set as the target temperature, the operation of the heating unit is terminated or the amount of power supplied to the heating unit is reduced. Suction device.

7. A suction device according to claim 6, The system further includes a notification unit that notifies the user that the heating unit is in operation. The notification unit indicates that when the heating unit is operating before the substrate is housed in the housing unit, The user is notified in the first notification manner that the heating unit is in operation. When the control unit detects that the temperature of the heating unit exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold, it notifies the user in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode that it will terminate the operation of the heating unit or reduce the amount of power supplied to the heating unit. Suction device.

8. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system further includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, The heating element is a film heater wound around the outer circumference of the housing element. The temperature detection unit is mounted on a flexible wiring board provided on the surface of the film heater. Suction device.

9. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The heating element is a heating element that generates heat when electricity is applied. The control unit obtains the temperature of the heating unit based on the resistance value of the heating unit which changes according to the temperature. Suction device.

10. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system further includes a notification unit that notifies the user that the heating unit is in operation. The notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating when the heating unit is operating before the substrate is placed in the housing unit. Suction device.

11. A control method performed by a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The aforementioned suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, The aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the containment unit, the target temperature of the heating unit is set to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the operation of the heating unit is started. When the heating unit is operated with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature range, the heating unit is operated with the target temperature set to a temperature within the first temperature range when the substrate is housed in the housing unit. Control method.

12. A control method performed by a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, The aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the containment unit, the target temperature of the heating unit is set to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the operation of the heating unit is started. When the temperature of the heating unit is above the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started by setting the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range, in accordance with the fact that the substrate has been placed in the housing unit. Control method.

13. A control method performed by a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the computer sets the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, before the substrate is placed in the housing section, and starts the operation of the heating section. The computer controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit. The heating information includes at least first heating information in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature region, and second heating information in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature region but not in the first temperature region. The aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating section is started based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing section. When the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the heating unit is started based on the second heating information before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information when the substrate is placed in the storage unit. Control method.

14. A program that causes a computer controlling the operation of a suction device that generates aerosols from a substrate having an aerosol source to perform a predetermined process, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, To the aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the storage section, the heating section is set to a target temperature within a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the heating section is started to operate. When the heating unit is operated with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature range, the process of setting the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range and operating the heating unit in response to the substrate being housed in the housing unit is executed. program.

15. A program that causes a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source to perform a predetermined process, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, To the aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, before the substrate is placed in the storage section, the heating section is set to a target temperature within a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and the heating section is started to operate. When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the process of setting the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range and starting the operation of the heating section is executed in accordance with the fact that the substrate has been placed in the housing section. program.

16. A program that causes a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source to perform a predetermined process, The suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, The facility comprises a heating unit capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing unit, When the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature, the computer is instructed to set the target temperature of the heating section to a temperature in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and to start the operation of the heating section, before the substrate is placed in the housing section. The process to be executed by the computer controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature of the heating unit. The heating information includes at least first heating information in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature region, and second heating information in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature region but not in the first temperature region. To the aforementioned computer, When the temperature of the heating section is above the predetermined temperature, the process of starting the operation of the heating section based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing section, When the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, the heating unit is started based on the second heating information before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information when the substrate is placed in the storage unit. program.

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