Suction device, control method, and program

Abstract

An MCU (1) of an inhalation device (100): operates a heating unit (121C) on the basis of a stick heating profile for heating a stick-type base material (150) when the stick-type base material (150) is housed in a housing unit (140C); and operates the heating unit (121C) on the basis of a cleaning heating profile different from the stick heating profile when the stick-type base material (150) is not housed in the housing unit (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 fragrance component is added and allows a user to inhale the generated aerosol is 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") that is an electric resistance type or induction heating type heater to the user.

[0003] Dirt may adhere to the housing portion into which the substrate is inserted as the suction device is used. For this reason, some conventional suction devices are configured to periodically clean the housing portion using a cleaning tool to which a cleaning agent such as alcohol or water is applied. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses cleaning the inside of a cavity by inserting a cleaning article (e.g., a brush) into the cavity or adding a cleaning component.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When the storage compartment is cleaned using cleaning tools containing cleaning agents such as alcohol or water, the inside of the compartment may become wet immediately after cleaning. If the user uses the inhalation device while the inside of the compartment is wet, an aerosol with a poor taste may be delivered to the user. Therefore, in conventional technology, in order to obtain a high-quality smoking experience, the user had to wait for the inside of the compartment to air dry completely after cleaning, which was inconvenient.

[0006] This disclosure provides a suction device, a control method, and a program that improve the convenience of use of the suction device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect 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 for heating the aforementioned housing section, The system includes a control unit that controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, The heating information includes first heating information for heating the substrate and second heating information different from the first heating information. The target temperature of the second heating information is lower than the target temperature of the first heating information. The control unit, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information.

[0008] Furthermore, one aspect 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, It has a heating section for heating the aforementioned housing section, The computer is configured to control the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit's temperature. The heating information includes first heating information for heating the substrate and second heating information different from the first heating information. The target temperature of the second heating information is lower than the target temperature of the first heating information. The aforementioned computer, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information.

[0009] 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, It has a heating section for heating the aforementioned housing section, The computer is configured to control the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit's temperature. The heating information includes first heating information for heating the substrate and second heating information different from the first heating information. The target temperature of the second heating information is lower than the target temperature of the first heating information. To the aforementioned computer, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Execute the process ru. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the convenience of using the suction device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example (suction device 100A) of the suction device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example (suction device 100B) of the suction device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of a suction device 100 which is an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as seen from the front right side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as seen from the front left side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 5, showing the structure around the sensor FPC 73, the stick detection sensor 12, and the stick guide 31 (accommodation part 140C). [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the traveling direction of light emitted from the stick detection sensor 12 in the accommodated state and the non-accommodated state of the stick-shaped substrate 150. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing detection or non-detection of the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on luminance. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing a heating profile for the stick and a heating profile for cleaning. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the MCU 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a graph for explaining the regions (first region to third region) of the luminance of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12.

Mode 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] [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.

[0083] Next, we will explain the automatic heating mode and the manual heating mode as modes for starting the operation of the heating unit 121C.

[0084] The automatic heating mode is a mode in which the heating unit 121C automatically starts operating when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the housing unit 140C. In automatic heating mode, for example, when the shutter 23 is opened, the stick detection sensor 12 starts irradiating and receiving light and detects the amount of reflected light. When automatic heating mode is selected, the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the detection result of the stick detection sensor 12 and then starts heating the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0085] The manual heating mode is a mode in which the heating unit 121C starts operating in response to a heating request from the user. When the manual heating mode is selected, the MCU1 does not automatically start heating the stick-type substrate 150 even if it detects the stick-type substrate 150. The MCU1 starts heating the stick-type 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.

[0086] The user selects either automatic heating mode or manual heating mode. Mode selection is made, for example, on the user's terminal (smartphone, etc.), and the MCU1 receives instruction information from the user's terminal via the communication unit 115B and sets the mode selected by the user.

[0087] Next, we will explain the heating of the stick-type substrate 150. When the stick-type substrate 150 is housed 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.

[0088] The solid line in Figure 11 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 the maximum temperature T1 at the start of heating control, then lowered to T2, and then raised again to T3. When the elapsed time from the start of heating control reaches t1, the heating control is terminated. In Figure 11, 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 is generated and the user can inhale it. The heating period before inhalation becomes possible is also called the preheating period.

[0089] 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 same method is used for heating the housing section 140C based on the heating profile for cleaning, which will be described later.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Next, we will describe the heating of the housing section 140C when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not housed in the housing section 140C. The containment section 140C may become soiled with dirt due to the use of the suction device 100. For example, some of the aerosol source from the stick-type substrate 150 (e.g., tobacco leaves) may spill into the containment section 140C, or some of the aerosol generated by heating the stick-type substrate 150 may turn into liquid and adhere to the containment section 140C. Generally, if dirt adheres to the containment section 140C, the quality of the flavor enjoyed by the user will decrease, so it is desirable for the user to clean the containment section 140C regularly.

[0092] Cleaning of the housing section 140C is performed, for example, by inserting a cleaning tool (e.g., a cotton swab) coated with a cleaning agent (e.g., a liquid substance such as alcohol or water) into the housing section 140C. This removes dirt adhering to the housing section 140C. However, since the housing section 140C remains wet with the cleaning agent immediately after cleaning, if a user uses the inhalation device 100 while the inside of the housing section 140C is still wet, an aerosol with a poor taste may be delivered to the user.

[0093] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the stick-type substrate 150 is not housed in the housing section 140C, the MCU1 operates the heating section 121C based on a cleaning heating profile for heating the housing section 140C where the stick-type substrate 150 is not housed. The cleaning heating profile 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 cleaning the inside of the housing section 140C. The cleaning heating profile is stored in advance in ROM, for example. The cleaning 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.

[0094] In this way, the MCU1 controls the temperature of the heating section 121C based on the cleaning heating profile, allowing it to evaporate and remove any cleaning agent adhering to the housing section 140C where the stick-type substrate 150 is not contained. Therefore, even immediately after the user has cleaned the housing section 140C with a cleaning tool, the MCU1 heats the housing section 140C based on the cleaning heating profile, enabling the inhalation device 100 to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience without degrading the flavor quality. Thus, the convenience of using the inhalation device 100 can be improved.

[0095] Furthermore, heating control based on the cleaning heating profile can remove not only the cleaning agent but also the dirt that has adhered to the containment section 140C due to the use of the suction device 100 as described above. Specifically, heating control based on the cleaning heating profile causes the liquid present in the containment section 140C to evaporate, so that some of the aerosol source (e.g., tobacco leaves) that was adhering to the containment section 140C due to the liquid will no longer adhere to the containment section 140C. Therefore, the user can easily remove some of the aerosol source from the containment section 140C by, for example, directing the opening 27 downwards.

[0096] The conditions for executing heating control based on the cleaning heating profile are as follows: When the MCU1 receives a heating request from the user and the stick-type substrate 150 is not housed in the housing section 140C, it operates the heating section 121C based on the cleaning heating profile. Here, the heating request from the user is, for example, a press of the operating section 24. By making the heating request from the user a condition for heating control based on the cleaning heating profile, cleaning heating can be performed at the user's discretion.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the MCU1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on a cleaning heating profile, provided that, in addition to the above conditions, the manual heating mode is selected.

[0098] In this embodiment, when manual heating mode is selected, the stick detection sensor 12 starts operating (light irradiation and light reception) when a heating request is received from the user. When a heating request is received from the user and the stick-type substrate 150 is not detected based on the detection result of the stick detection sensor 12, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile. By starting the operation of the stick detection sensor 12 when a heating request is received from the user, power consumption can be reduced compared to when the stick detection sensor 12 is operating continuously. Note that the timing at which the stick detection sensor 12 starts operating in manual heating mode is not limited to this. In manual heating mode, as in automatic heating mode, the stick detection sensor 12 may also start operating in response to the shutter 23 being opened.

[0099] Here, referring to Figure 11, the heating profile for cleaning (dashed line in Figure 11) will be explained in comparison to the heating profile for the stick. According to the cleaning heating profile, the temperature of the heating unit 121C is raised to the maximum temperature T4 upon the start of heating control, and then maintained at that temperature T4. When the elapsed time from the start of heating control reaches t2, the heating control is terminated.

[0100] The target temperature of the heating section 121C in the cleaning heating profile is set lower than the target temperature of the heating section 121C in the stick heating profile. Specifically, the maximum target temperature T1 of the stick heating profile is set to approximately 300°C, while the maximum target temperature T4 of the cleaning heating profile is approximately 100°C to 200°C. The maximum temperature T4 of the cleaning heating profile is set to a temperature that can evaporate the moisture in the housing section 140C, for example, above the boiling point of water. By setting the target temperature in this way, excessive heating of the housing section 140C, which does not contain the stick-type substrate 150, is suppressed.

[0101] Furthermore, the heating profile for the stick and the heating profile for cleaning include information on the operating time for operating the heating unit 121C, and the operating time t2 of the heating profile for cleaning is set to be shorter than the operating time t1 of the heating profile for the stick. The operating time t2 of the heating profile for cleaning should be sufficient to evaporate the moisture in the housing unit 140C. By setting the operating time in this way, excessive heating of the housing unit 140C, which does not contain the stick-type substrate 150, is suppressed. In addition, power consumption can be reduced.

[0102] [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.

[0103] The light-emitting unit 25 notifies the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. Specifically, the light-emitting unit 25 emits light in a predetermined pattern when the heating unit 121C is operating while the stick-type substrate 150 is housed in the housing unit 140C (i.e., in the housed state), and when the heating unit 121C is operating while the stick-type substrate 150 is not housed in the housing unit 140C (i.e., in the unhoused state). This notification allows the user to easily visually understand that the heating unit 121C is operating. In particular, when the heating unit 121C is operating in the housed state, the user can confirm the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 25 and take care not to bring their fingers near the opening 27, for example.

[0104] Furthermore, the light-emitting unit 25 may emit light in a manner different from that when the heating unit 121C is operating in the housing state. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the light-emitting color of the LED 251 is changed depending on whether the heating control is based on the heating profile for the stick or the heating control is based on the heating profile for cleaning. Alternatively, the number of LEDs 251 that emit light from among the multiple LEDs 251 may be changed to distinguish between the light-emitting and non-housing states. By setting the light-emitting states to be different for the housing state and the non-housing state, the user can easily visually understand that different heating control is being performed in the non-housing state compared to when the heating unit 121C is operating in the housing state.

[0105] Furthermore, 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 is different when the heating unit 121C is operating in the housing state and when the heating unit 121C is operating in the non-housing state.

[0106] [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 12.

[0107] First, the MCU1 determines whether manual heating mode is selected (step S101). If manual heating mode is not selected (step S101: NO), the MCU1 repeatedly monitors step S101 until manual heating mode is selected.

[0108] If manual heating mode is selected (step S101: YES), the MCU1 determines whether or not there is a heating request from the user (step S102). If there is no heating request from the user (step S102: NO), the MCU1 repeatedly monitors step S102 until a heating request is received from the user.

[0109] When a heating request is received from the user (step S102: YES), the MCU1 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing section 140C (step S103). Specifically, when a heating request is received from the user, the stick detection sensor 12 starts operating, and the MCU1 obtains the detection result from the stick detection sensor 12 and determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing section 140C.

[0110] When the stick-type substrate 150 is housed in the housing section 140C (step S103: YES), the MCU1 operates the heating section 121C based on the heating profile for the stick (step S104). This starts heating the stick-type substrate 150 and generates an aerosol.

[0111] On the other hand, when the stick-type substrate 150 is not housed in the housing section 140C (step S103: NO), the MCU1 operates the heating section 121C based on the cleaning heating profile (step S105). This allows the liquid substance in the housing section 140C to be evaporated and removed by heating with the heating section 121C.

[0112] In the embodiments described above, the MCU1 operated the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile, assuming that the manual heating mode was selected (i.e., YES in step S101), but it is not limited to this. For example, even when the automatic heating mode is selected, the heating unit 121C may be configured to operate based on the cleaning heating profile. In such a configuration, for example, the MCU1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile when a heating request is received from the user (e.g., by pressing the operation unit 24).

[0113] Variant form In the embodiment described above, if the brightness of the reflected light was less than a predetermined value L1, the MCU1 did not detect the stick-type substrate 150 and operated the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile. This modified example differs from the embodiment described above in that the MCU1 may not operate the heating unit 121C even if the brightness of the reflected light is less than a predetermined value L1.

[0114] If there is a large amount of dirt in the housing section 140C due to the use of cleaning agents or the suction device 100, the brightness of the reflected light may be lower compared to when there is little cleaning agent or dirt. This is thought to be because when the light emitted from the stick detection sensor 12 is reflected off the inner wall of the housing section 140C, it is scattered by the cleaning agent and dirt, reducing the amount of light that returns to the stick detection sensor 12. In this modified example, when it is determined that there is little cleaning agent or dirt in the housing section 140C based on the brightness of the reflected light, the MCU1 does not operate the heating unit 121C.

[0115] This modified example will be explained in detail. First, regarding the range of brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12, as shown in Figure 13, when the brightness of the reflected light falls within the first region (the region where the brightness is L1 or higher), the MCU1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150. Also, when the brightness of the reflected light falls within the second region (the region where the brightness is L2 or higher but less than L1) or the third region (the region where the brightness is less than L2), the MCU1 does not detect the stick-shaped substrate 150. Here, L2 is a smaller value than L1. These regions are different from each other. In the second region, there is little cleaning agent or dirt in the housing 140C and the brightness of the reflected light is high, while in the third region, there is a lot of cleaning agent or dirt in the housing 140C and the brightness of the reflected light is low.

[0116] When the brightness detected by the stick detection sensor 12 falls within the first region, the MCU1 detects the stick-type substrate 150 and operates the heating unit 121C based on the heating profile for the stick, as described in the above embodiment.

[0117] Furthermore, if the brightness of the MCU1 falls within the second region, it will not detect the stick-type substrate 150 and will not operate the heating unit 121C. As a result, if the MCU1 determines that there is little cleaning agent or dirt in the housing unit 140C, it will not operate the heating unit 121C, thereby reducing power consumption. If the heating control is based on a heating request from the user, the MCU1 will not operate the heating unit 121C against the user's heating request. In this case, the user may be notified, for example, via a communication unit such as the light-emitting unit 25 or the vibration device 60, that the heating unit 121C will not be operated.

[0118] Furthermore, if the brightness of the MCU1 falls within the third region, it does not detect the stick-type substrate 150 and operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile. As a result, if it is determined that there is a large amount of cleaning agent or dirt in the housing unit 140C, the heating unit 121C is operated based on the cleaning heating profile to evaporate and remove the liquid substance in the housing unit 140C.

[0119] When the automatic heating mode is selected, as described above, the stick detection sensor 12 starts operating in response to the shutter 23 being opened and detects the brightness of the reflected light. If the brightness falls within the third region, the MCU1 may prompt the user via the communication unit such as the light-emitting unit 25 or the vibration device 60 to perform heating based on the cleaning heating profile. The user who receives the notification can then, for example, press the operation unit 24 to cause the MCU1 to execute heating control based on the cleaning heating profile. Alternatively, when the automatic heating mode is selected, if the brightness falls within the third region, the MCU1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile instead of prompting the user to perform heating based on the cleaning heating profile.

[0120] The control method for the suction device 100 described in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications 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).

[0121] Although embodiments 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 will naturally also 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, an optical sensor was shown as an example of the stick detection sensor 12, but it is not limited to this. For example, the stick detection sensor 12 may be a pressure sensor that detects changes in pressure within 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 changes 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] (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) that heats the aforementioned housing section, The system includes a control unit (control units 116A, 116B, MCU1) that controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, The heating information includes first heating information (heating profile for stick) for heating the substrate and second heating information (heating profile for cleaning) which is different from the first heating information. The control unit, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Suction device.

[0125] Dirt may accumulate in the containment section due to the use of the suction device. If the user cleans the containment section with a liquid such as alcohol or water to remove the dirt, the inside of the containment section will be wet immediately after cleaning. According to (1), when the substrate is not contained in the containment section, the control unit operates the heating section based on a second heating information different from the first heating information for heating the substrate. This allows the liquid such as alcohol or water used for cleaning to evaporate and be removed, so the user does not need to wait for the inside of the containment section to air dry immediately after cleaning, and can have a high-quality smoking experience even immediately after cleaning. Therefore, the convenience of using the suction device can be improved.

[0126] (2) The suction device described in (1), The target temperature of the second heating information is lower than the target temperature of the first heating information. Suction device.

[0127] According to (2), when the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information, excessive heating of the housing unit where no substrate is contained is suppressed.

[0128] (3) The suction device described in (2), The highest temperature among the target temperatures in the second heating information is above the boiling point of water. Suction device.

[0129] According to (3), the moisture inside the container can be evaporated by heating the container based on the second heating information.

[0130] (4) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (3), The first heating information and the second heating information each include the operating time for operating the heating unit, The operation time of the second heating information is shorter than the operation time of the first heating information. Suction device.

[0131] According to (4), when the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information, excessive heating of the housing unit when no substrate is contained is suppressed. In addition, power consumption can be reduced.

[0132] (5) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (4), When the control unit receives a heating request from the user and the substrate is not housed in the housing unit, it operates the heating unit based on the second heating information. Suction device.

[0133] According to (5), by making the user's heating request a condition for heating control based on the second heating information, heating control based on the second heating information can be executed according to the user's wishes.

[0134] (6) The suction device described in (5), The control unit, The system allows for selective switching between a first mode (automatic heating mode) in which the heating unit automatically starts operating when the substrate is placed in the housing, and a second mode (manual heating mode) in which the heating unit starts operating in response to a heating request from the user. When the second mode is selected, and there is a heating request from the user and the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Suction device.

[0135] According to (6), the operation of the heating unit can be selectively switched between the first mode and the second mode, so that the user can set the heating operation mode according to their preference. Furthermore, when the second mode is selected and a heating request is made by the user, the heating unit can be operated based on the second heating information.

[0136] (7) A suction device according to any one of (1) to (6), The system further includes an optical sensor (stick detection sensor 12) that irradiates light onto the housing and detects the amount of reflected light from the housing, The control unit is configured to detect the substrate based on the amount of reflected light. Suction device.

[0137] According to (7), it is possible to detect whether or not the substrate is housed in the housing based on the amount of light detected by the optical sensor.

[0138] (8) The suction device described in (7), The control unit, If the amount of light falls within the first region, the substrate is detected and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. If the amount of light falls within a second region different from the first region, the substrate is not detected and the heating unit is not operated. If the amount of light falls within a third region different from the first and second regions, the substrate is not detected, and the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Suction device.

[0139] According to (8), if heating based on the second heating information is not required, the heating unit will not be operated, thus reducing power consumption.

[0140] (9) A suction device as described in (7) or (8), The facility further comprises a flexible member (sensor FPC73) arranged around the housing and electrically connected to the control unit, The optical sensor is provided on the flexible member, Suction device.

[0141] According to (9), by providing the optical sensor on a flexible member, the degree of freedom in arranging the optical sensor around the housing is increased compared to, for example, the case where the optical sensor is provided on a rigid substrate.

[0142] (10) The suction device described in (9), A light-transmitting member (transmitting filter 311) is provided in a part of the wall that partitions the aforementioned housing section. The flexible member is arranged around the housing portion such that the optical sensor faces the transparent member at a predetermined distance. Suction device.

[0143] According to (10), the optical sensor faces the transparent member at a predetermined distance, so the effect of heat from the housing on the optical sensor can be reduced.

[0144] (11) A suction device according to any of (1) to (10), 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 while the substrate is not housed in the housing unit. Suction device.

[0145] According to (11), the user can easily recognize that the heating unit is operating when the substrate is not housed in the housing, and can take care not to bring, for example, their fingers near the housing.

[0146] (12) The suction device described in (11), The aforementioned notification unit, When the heating unit is operating with the substrate housed in the housing, the user is notified in the first notification manner that the heating unit is operating. When the heating unit is operating while the substrate is not housed in the housing, the user is notified that the heating unit is operating in a second notification manner different from the first notification manner. Suction device.

[0147] According to (12), when the heating unit is operating while the substrate is not housed in the housing, the user can easily understand that different heating control is being performed compared to when the heating unit is operating while the substrate is housed in the housing.

[0148] (13) The suction device described in (12), The notification unit includes a light-emitting unit (light-emitting unit 25) that notifies the user by emitting light. The first notification mode and the second notification mode differ in their light emission modes. Suction device.

[0149] According to (13), the user can easily visually determine whether heating control is being performed based on the first heating information or the second heating information.

[0150] (14) A control method performed by a computer (control unit 116A, 116B, MCU1) 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), It has a heating section (heating section 121A to 121C) that heats the aforementioned housing section, The computer is configured to control the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit's temperature. The heating information includes first heating information (heating profile for stick) for heating the substrate, and second heating information (heating profile for cleaning) that is different from the first heating information. The aforementioned computer, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not contained in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Control method.

[0151] Dirt may accumulate in the housing section due to the use of the suction device. If the user cleans the housing section with a liquid such as alcohol or water to remove the dirt, the inside of the housing section will be wet immediately after cleaning. According to (14), when the substrate is not housed in the housing section, the computer operates the heating section based on second heating information, which is different from the first heating information for heating the substrate. This allows the alcohol or water used for cleaning to evaporate and be removed, so the user does not need to wait for the inside of the housing section to air dry immediately after cleaning, and can have a high-quality smoking experience even immediately after cleaning. Therefore, the convenience of using the suction device can be improved.

[0152] (15) A program that causes a computer (control unit 116A, 116B, MCU1) 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 A housing section (housing section 140C) in which the substrate is housed, It has a heating section (heating section 121A to 121C) that heats the aforementioned housing section, The computer is configured to control the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit's temperature. The heating information includes first heating information (heating profile for stick) for heating the substrate, and second heating information (heating profile for cleaning) that is different from the first heating information. To the aforementioned computer, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not contained in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. A program that executes a process.

[0153] Dirt may accumulate in the housing section due to the use of the suction device. If the user cleans the housing section with a liquid such as alcohol or water to remove the dirt, the inside of the housing section will be wet immediately after cleaning. According to (15), when the substrate is not housed in the housing section, the computer operates the heating section based on second heating information, which is different from the first heating information for heating the substrate. This allows the liquid such as alcohol or water used for cleaning to evaporate and be removed, so the user does not need to wait for the inside of the housing section to air dry immediately after cleaning, and can have a high-quality smoking experience even immediately after cleaning. Therefore, the convenience of using the suction device can be improved.

[0154] (16) A substrate having an aerosol source (stick-type substrate 150), A suction system comprising a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) as described in any of (1) to (13).

[0155] Dirt may accumulate in the containment section due to the use of the suction device. If the user cleans the containment section with a liquid such as alcohol or water to remove the dirt, the inside of the containment section will be wet immediately after cleaning. According to (16), when the substrate is not contained in the containment section, the control unit operates the heating section based on a second heating information different from the first heating information for heating the substrate. This allows the liquid such as alcohol or water used for cleaning to evaporate and be removed, so the user does not need to wait for the inside of the containment section to air dry immediately after cleaning, and can have a high-quality smoking experience even immediately after cleaning. Therefore, the convenience of using the suction device can be improved.

[0156] (17) The suction device described in (13), The first notification mode and the second notification mode differ in the light-emitting color of the light-emitting part. Suction device.

[0157] According to (17), the user can easily determine whether heating control is being performed based on the first heating information or the second heating information by checking the color of the emitted light.

[0158] (18) The suction device described in (13), The light-emitting unit has a plurality of light-emitting elements (LED251), The first notification mode and the second notification mode differ in the number of light-emitting elements. Suction device.

[0159] According to (18), the user can easily determine whether heating control is being performed based on the first heating information or the second heating information by checking the number of light-emitting elements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1. MCU (Control Unit, Computer) 12 Stick detection sensors (optical sensors) 25. Light-emitting section (notification section) 60 Vibration device (notification section) 73 Sensor FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) 100,100A,100B Suction device 116A, 116B Control Unit (Computer) 121A~121C Heating section 140, 140C Storage Unit 150 Stick-type base material (base material) 311 Transmissive filter (transmissive component)

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 for heating the aforementioned housing section, The system includes a control unit that controls the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, The heating information includes first heating information for heating the substrate and second heating information different from the first heating information. The target temperature of the second heating information is lower than the target temperature of the first heating information. The control unit, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Suction device.

2. A suction device according to claim 1, The target temperature in the second heating information is the temperature required to evaporate and remove any remaining cleaning agent after cleaning the housing. Suction device.

3. A suction device according to claim 2, The highest temperature among the target temperatures in the second heating information is above the boiling point of water. Suction device.

4. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The first heating information and the second heating information each include the operating time for operating the heating unit, The operation time of the second heating information is shorter than the operation time of the first heating information. Suction device.

5. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, When the control unit receives a heating request from the user and the substrate is not housed in the housing unit, it operates the heating unit based on the second heating information. Suction device.

6. A suction device according to claim 5, The control unit, A first mode in which the heating unit automatically starts operating when the substrate is placed in the housing section, and a second mode in which the heating unit starts operating in response to a heating request from the user, can be selectively switched between. When the second mode is selected, and there is a heating request from the user and the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Suction device.

7. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The system further includes an optical sensor that irradiates light onto the housing and detects the amount of light reflected from the housing, The control unit is configured to detect the substrate based on the amount of reflected light. Suction device.

8. A suction device according to claim 7, The control unit, If the light intensity falls within the first region, the substrate is detected and the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. If the amount of light falls within a second region different from the first region, the substrate is not detected and the heating unit is not operated. If the amount of light falls within a third region different from the first and second regions, the substrate is not detected, and the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Suction device.

9. A suction device according to claim 7, The system further comprises a flexible member arranged around the housing and electrically connected to the control unit, The optical sensor is provided on the flexible member, Suction device.

10. A suction device according to claim 9, A light-transmitting member is provided in a portion of the wall that partitions the aforementioned housing section. The flexible member is arranged around the housing portion such that the optical sensor faces the transparent member at a predetermined distance. Suction device.

11. 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 while the substrate is not housed in the housing unit. Suction device.

12. A suction device according to claim 11, The aforementioned notification unit, When the heating unit is operating with the substrate housed in the housing, the user is notified in the first notification manner that the heating unit is operating. When the heating unit is operating while the substrate is not housed in the housing, the user is notified that the heating unit is operating in a second notification manner different from the first notification manner. Suction device.

13. A suction device according to claim 12, The notification unit includes a light-emitting unit that notifies the user by emitting light. The first notification mode and the second notification mode differ in their light emission modes. Suction device.

14. 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, It has a heating section for heating the aforementioned housing section, The computer is configured to control the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit's temperature. The heating information includes first heating information for heating the substrate and second heating information different from the first heating information. The target temperature of the second heating information is lower than the target temperature of the first heating information. The aforementioned computer, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. Control method.

15. 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 aforementioned suction device is A housing section in which the substrate is housed, It has a heating section for heating the aforementioned housing section, The computer is configured to control the heating unit based on heating information that defines the time-series progression of the target temperature, which is a target value for the heating unit's temperature. The heating information includes first heating information for heating the substrate and second heating information different from the first heating information. The target temperature of the second heating information is lower than the target temperature of the first heating information. To the aforementioned computer, When the substrate is housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the first heating information. When the substrate is not housed in the housing, the heating unit is operated based on the second heating information. A program that executes a process.

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