Inhalation device, control method, and program

Abstract

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

Description

Suction device, control method, and program

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

[0002] Conventionally, inhalation devices have been known that generate aerosols containing, for example, flavor components and allow users to inhale the generated aerosols. Typically, such inhalation devices deliver the generated aerosol to a user by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source with a heating section (also referred to as a “heating element”) that is an electric resistance heater or an induction heater.

[0003] Generally, the suction device activates the heating section after the substrate is inserted into the receiving section. For example, the electrically heated smoking system of Patent Document 1 is activated when a detector detects a smoking article in the cavity.

[0004] Japan Special Table No. 2012-513750

[0005] However, if the heating unit is started to operate after the substrate is inserted into the storage unit, in a low temperature environment (hereinafter also referred to as a low temperature environment), the user will have to wait a long time from inserting the substrate until the aerosol can be inhaled, which could reduce the convenience of using the inhalation device.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a suction device, a control method, and a program that are more convenient for use in low-temperature environments.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is an suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, comprising: a storage section in which the substrate is stored; a heating section that can heat the substrate stored in the storage section; and a control section that controls the heating section, wherein the control section starts operation of the heating section before the substrate is stored in the storage section when the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a control method executed by a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, wherein the suction device has a storage section in which the substrate is stored and a heating section that heats the storage section, and the computer operates the heating section when the substrate is stored in the storage section, and operates the heating section in response to the substrate being removed from the storage section after the operation of heating the substrate has been completed.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a program that causes a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source to execute a predetermined process, wherein the suction device has a storage section in which the substrate is stored and a heating section that heats the storage section, and causes the computer to execute the following process: operate the heating section when the substrate is stored in the storage section, and operate the heating section in response to the substrate being removed from the storage section after the operation of heating the substrate has been completed.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve convenience when used in low-temperature environments.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device (suction device 100A). FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device (suction device 100B). FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the entire suction device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as seen from the front right side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as seen from the front left side. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 5, showing the structure of the stick detection sensor 12 and the stick guide 31 (storage section 140C) and their surroundings. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the progression of light emitted from the stick detection sensor 12 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is stored and when it is not stored. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the detection or non-detection of the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on brightness. FIG. 11 is a development view of the heating section 121C, which is a film heater. Fig. 12 is a graph showing a stick heating profile and a preheating heating profile. Fig. 13 is a graph showing that operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile is executed after operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating heating profile has started. Fig. 14 is a graph showing that operation of the heating unit 121C is forcibly terminated when a malfunction occurs in the heating unit 121C during preheating. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the MCU 1.

[0012] A suction device, a control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, two configuration examples (a first configuration example and a second configuration example) to which the configuration of the suction device of the present disclosure can be applied will be described. Note that, in the following, identical or similar elements will be denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] <<1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device>> The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0014] (1) First Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in Fig. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guide unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

[0015] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. The power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

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

[0017] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The information notified to the user by the notification unit 113A includes, for example, various information such as the SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the charge state of the power supply unit 111A, the preheating time for suction, the period during which suction is possible, etc. The notification unit 113A is configured, for example, by a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

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

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

[0020] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0021] The liquid reservoir 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

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

[0023] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and 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 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 inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply to the heating unit 121A may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Note that the user's inhalation operation on the inhalation device 100A can be detected, for example, based on the pressure (internal pressure) within the inhalation device 100A detected by a puff sensor exceeding a predetermined threshold.

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

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

[0026] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0027] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0028] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0029] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

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

[0031] (2) Second Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a suction device. As shown in Fig. 2, a suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a housing unit 140, and an insulating unit 144. In the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example, the power supply unit 110 housing the power supply unit 111A and the heating unit 121A are separate entities. However, in the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example, the power supply unit 111B and the heating unit 121B are integrated. In other words, the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example can also be said to be a power supply unit with a built-in heating unit.

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

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

[0034] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0035] 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, 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 heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0037] The above is a description of an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0038] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0039] As another example, the accommodation unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The accommodation unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the accommodation unit 140 and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0040] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 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. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

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

[0042] <<2. Configuration Example of Suction Device According to the Present Disclosure>> Next, an embodiment of a suction device (hereinafter referred to as suction device 100) in which the configuration of the suction device according to the present disclosure is applied to the suction device 100B of the second configuration example described above will be described. Note that, although a specific description will be omitted, part of the configuration of the suction device 100 described in detail below can also be applied to the suction device 100A of the first configuration example.

[0043] [Overall Configuration of Suction Device] Figure 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100. In the following description, the direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into or removed from the suction device 100 is defined as the up-down direction, the sliding movement direction of the shutter 23 (described later) as the front-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction as the left-right direction. As shown in the figure, the front is defined as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left side as L, the right side as R, the top as U, and the bottom as D.

[0044] The suction device 100 is preferably sized to fit in the hand, and has, for example, a rod shape. For example, a user holds the suction device 100 in one hand while touching the surface of the suction device 100 with the fingertip. The shape of the suction device 100 is not limited to a rod shape, and it may have any shape (for example, a rounded, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape or an egg shape).

[0045] The suction device 100 includes an internal unit 10 (see FIGS. 4 to 6 ) and a case 20 that forms the exterior of the suction device 100. The case 20 has a lower case 21 and an upper case 22. A portion 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 FIGS. 4 to 6) through which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and removed, and a shutter 23 that can slide back and forth. The opening 27 is located on the rear side of the top surface of the suction device 100. The shutter 23 selectively takes an open state (front position) that opens the opening 27 to allow the stick-shaped substrate 150 to be inserted and removed, and a closed state (rear position) that positions the shutter 23 above the opening 27 to close the opening 27. When inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the opening 27, the user opens the shutter 23.

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

[0048] Furthermore, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 26 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the top 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 source (not shown) capable of supplying power to charge the power supply unit 111C (see FIG. 4). The USB port 26 is, for example, a receptacle into which a mating plug can be inserted. As an example, in this embodiment, the USB port 26 is a USB Type-C receptacle.

[0049] An operation unit 24 and a light-emitting unit 25 are provided on the front surface of the suction device 100. The operation unit 24 is disposed below the light-emitting unit 25. More specifically, the operation unit 24 and the light-emitting unit 25 are components of the internal unit 10 housed in the case 20, and are configured so that parts of the operation unit 24 and the light-emitting unit 25 are exposed from openings formed on the front surface of the case 20. The light-emitting unit 25 is an example of the notification unit 113B of the suction device 100B in FIG. 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 input from the user. The operation unit 24 is connected to the main board 50 (see FIGS. 4 to 6), which will be described later. When the user presses the operation unit 24, for example, the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 1 (see FIGS. 4 to 6) or the heating unit 121C (see FIG. 7) is activated. The MCU 1 functions as the control unit 116B in the suction device 100B. The MCU 1 may also have the function of the communication unit 115B in addition to the function of the control unit 116B in the suction device 100B. Furthermore, the MCU 1 may be composed of a single IC or two or more ICs. For example, the discharge control for the heating unit 121C and the charge control for the power supply unit 111C may be performed by a single IC or by separate ICs.

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

[0052] The light-emitting unit 25 emits light in a predetermined light-emitting manner in response to a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. Here, the light-emitting manner may be, for example, a light color, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, a lighting intensity (in other words, brightness) or a lighting pattern (for example, blinking at a predetermined time interval). Furthermore, the predetermined information may be, for example, operational information indicating whether the power of the suction device 100 is on or not.

[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 as seen from the front right side, Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as seen from the front left side, and Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10. The internal unit 10 is the suction device 100 with the case 20 and shutter 23 removed.

[0054] The internal unit 10 includes 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 board and a rigid board. However, a flexible circuit board will be described here as an example.

[0055] 6 , the chassis 40 has a power supply holding portion 41 that holds the power supply unit 111C, a board holding portion 42 that holds the main board 50, and a heater holding portion 43 that holds the heater assembly 30. The power supply holding portion 41 is located in the lower part of the chassis 40, and the board holding portion 42 and the heater holding portion 43 are located in the upper part of the chassis 40.

[0056] The power supply holding unit 41 has a cylindrical shape with a portion of the side cut out, in other words, a substantially semi-cylindrical shape. The power supply holding unit 41 has a bottom wall 401, an arc-shaped side wall 402 standing upward from the bottom wall 401, and an upper wall 403 provided at the upper end of the side wall 402. The power supply unit 111C is disposed in a space surrounded by the bottom wall 401, the side wall 402, and the upper wall 403.

[0057] The board holding portion 42 is provided on a standing wall portion 404 that stands upward from the upper wall portion 403 of the power supply holding portion 41. The board holding portion 42 is provided on one side (here, the front side) of the standing wall portion 404 in the front-rear direction, and holds the main board 50.

[0058] The heater holding portion 43 is provided on the opposite side (here, rear side) of the standing wall portion 404 from the substrate holding portion 42 in the front-rear direction. The heater holding portion 43 has a space surrounded by the standing wall portion 404, a pair of left and right wall portions 405 extending in the front-rear direction from the standing wall portion 404, and the upper surface of the upper wall portion 403 of the power supply holding portion 41, and the heater assembly 30 is disposed 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 is equipped with an MCU 1, an LED 251, a charging IC (Integrated Circuit), a step-up DC / DC converter, and the like. The main board 50 is held by the board holder 42 of the chassis 40 so that the element mounting surface faces the front-to-rear direction. Only the front surface 501 (here, the front surface) of the main board 50 is shown in FIG. 6 . Therefore, the charging IC and step-up DC / DC converter mounted on the back surface 502 (here, the rear surface) are not shown.

[0060] A power supply connector 51 electrically connected to the power supply unit 111C is provided in a lower region of the surface 501 of the main substrate 50. The power supply connector 51 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 111C via the power supply substrate 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 in FIG. 2.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 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 disposed in the power supply holding portion 41 of the chassis 40 with the positive electrode tab 111a and the negative electrode tab 111b disposed forward. The power supply board 71 is disposed in front of the power supply unit 111C and the main board 50 and extends vertically. 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 also to the power supply connection portion 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 also includes a power supply temperature sensor 16. The power supply temperature sensor 16 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 in FIG.

[0062] A USB port 26 is provided in an upper region of the rear 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] A heater connection section is provided on the rear surface 502 of the main board 50 in addition to a charging IC and a step-up DC / DC converter (not shown). The charging IC performs charging control to supply (charge) power input from the USB port 26 to the power supply section 111C. The step-up DC / DC converter boosts the power supplied from the power supply section 111C to generate power to be supplied to the heating section 121C (see FIG. 7).

[0064] The heater connection portion is connected to a board connection portion 121a extending from below the heater assembly 30, and supplies power to the heating portion 121C of the heater assembly 30. As a result, power is supplied to the heating portion 121C of the heater assembly 30 from the power supply portion 111C via the main board 50.

[0065] (Vibration Device) The vibration device 60 is composed of a vibration element such as a vibration motor. As shown in FIG. 6 , the vibration device 60 is disposed in the power supply holding portion 41 of the chassis 40, between the upper surface of the power supply unit 111C and the upper wall portion 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 mode in response to a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. For example, when heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 starts or ends, the vibration device 60 vibrates in a predetermined vibration mode to notify the user of the start or end of heating. The vibration device 60 is an example of the notification unit 113B of the suction device 100B in FIG. 2 .

[0066] (Heater Assembly) Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the heater assembly 30. The heater assembly 30 includes a heating section 121C, a housing section 140C, and a heat insulating section 144C. The heating section 121C is, for example, a film heater, and is wound around the outer periphery of the housing section 140C. The heating section 121C and the board connection section 121a may be formed by a single heater FPC.

[0067] The heater assembly 30 is also provided with a stick guide 31. The stick guide 31 is provided on the upper part of the heater assembly 30 and guides the insertion and removal of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the housing portion 140C. The stick guide 31 is a cylindrical member that has an opening 27 and constitutes a part of the housing portion 140C.

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

[0069] 6, the sensor FPC 73 is disposed between the standing wall portion 404 of the heater holding portion 43 and the heater assembly 30. The sensor FPC 73 is equipped with the stick detection sensor 12, the suction sensor 13, and the case temperature sensor 14. The stick detection sensor 12, the suction sensor 13, and the case temperature sensor 14 are an example of the sensor unit 112B of the suction device 100B in FIG.

[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 of light irradiated onto the housing section 140C. Here, the term "amount of light" is a concept that includes luminous flux, illuminance, luminous emittance, luminous intensity, brightness, etc. The optical sensor is, for example, an IR (Infrared Rays) sensor.

[0071] The suction sensor 13 is a sensor that detects a puffing action (inhalation action) by the user. The suction sensor 13 is configured by, for example, a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, etc. The suction sensor 13 is provided in the sensor FPC 73 near the stick guide 31.

[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 disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the case 20 on the sensor FPC 73.

[0073] The sensor FPC 73 is also provided with a heater temperature sensor connection 731 that connects to the heater temperature sensor 15 of the heater assembly 30. The heater temperature sensor connection 731 is provided on the lower part 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 731 is connected to the lead wire 15a that extends from below the heater assembly 30.

[0074] The stick detection sensor 12, suction sensor 13, case temperature sensor 14, and heater temperature sensor connection part 731 are connected to the board connection part 730 via conductive tracks formed on the sensor FPC 73. The board connection part 730 is connected to the sensor FPC connection part 55 provided 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 mounted on the main board 50, etc.

[0075] In the suction device 100 configured in this manner, when the shutter detection sensor 11 detects the open state of the shutter 23 and the stick detection sensor 12 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150, the MCU 1 begins heating the heating unit 121C. When a user holds the suction mouthpiece 152 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in their mouth and inhales, aerosol is supplied into the user's mouth from the aerosol source of the stick-shaped 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. 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 SOC of the power supply unit 111C, error indications, etc. If the SOC of the power supply unit 111C decreases, the user can connect an external power source to the USB port 26 to charge the power supply unit 111C.

[0076] [Stick Detection Sensor] Next, details of the stick detection sensor 12 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. The stick detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor that irradiates light onto the storage section 140C and detects the amount of light reflected from the storage section 140C. The MCU 1 is configured to be able to detect whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is stored in the storage section 140C based on the amount of reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12. Here, the light that is 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 is assumed to detect "brightness" as an example of light amount.

[0077] 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 (housing portion 140C). The sensor FPC 73 is a flexible member and is arranged around the housing portion 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 portion 140C than when the stick detection sensor 12 is provided on the rigid main board 50. This increases the degree of freedom in terms of arrangement, allowing the suction device 100 to be made more compact.

[0078] The stick detection sensor 12 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the stick guide 31 to reduce the effect of heat from the stick guide 31 (housing section 140C). A light-transmitting transmission filter 311 is provided on a portion of the wall of the stick guide 31 that defines the housing section 140C, and the sensor FPC 73 is disposed around the housing section 140C so that the stick detection sensor 12 faces the transmission filter 311 at a predetermined distance. The portions of the stick guide 31 where the transmission filter 311 is not provided are configured to block light.

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

[0080] As such, the distance light travels from irradiation to reception in the housed state is shorter than in the unhoused state. Therefore, the brightness of the reflected light received by the stick detection sensor 12 in the housed state is higher than in the unhoused state. The MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on this difference in brightness between the housed state and the unhoused state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 when the brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value L1. On the other hand, the MCU 1 does not detect the stick-shaped substrate 150 when the brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12 is less than the predetermined value L1.

[0081] In this embodiment, there are provided two stick detection sensors 12 and two transmission filters 311. For example, the MCU 1 can be configured not to detect the stick-shaped substrate 150 unless the detection results of both stick detection sensors 12 indicate the storage state of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0082] [Heating Unit, Heater Temperature Sensor] Next, the heating unit 121C and the heater temperature sensor 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 11. FIG.

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

[0084] A conductive track 322a is formed on the conductive layer 322. The conductive track 322a is formed by etching the conductive layer 322 while leaving necessary areas. The conductive track 322a is formed in a serpentine pattern consisting of multiple straight line segments extending in parallel and multiple arc segments connecting adjacent straight line segments. Both ends of the conductive track 322a are electrically connected to the board connection portion 121a and connected to the main board 50 via the board connection portion 121a (see FIG. 7). Through this connection, power is supplied to the conductive track 322a from the power supply unit 111C via the main board 50 and the board connection portion 121a. When a current flows through the conductive track 322a, the heating unit 121C generates heat.

[0085] A temperature sensor FPC 33 is provided on the surface of the heating unit 121C, and a heater temperature sensor 15 (e.g., a thermistor) is mounted on the temperature sensor FPC 33. The temperature sensor FPC 33 is provided on the heating unit 121C by, for example, compression bonding (thermocompression bonding or ultrasonic thermocompression bonding) or by printing directly on the heating unit 121C. As shown in Fig. 7 , the temperature sensor FPC 33 is disposed between the heating unit 121C and the heat insulating unit 144C in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0086] The temperature sensor FPC 33 is composed of a pair of film-like electrical insulating layers 331 and a conductive layer 332 disposed between the pair of electrical insulating layers 331. The heater temperature sensor 15 is mounted on a conductive track 332a formed on the conductive layer 332. The heater temperature sensor 15 is electrically connected to the main board 50 via the conductive track 332a, a lead wire 15a connected to the conductive track 332a, and the sensor FPC 73 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Mounting the heater temperature sensor 15 on the flexible temperature sensor FPC 33 makes it possible to reduce the size, weight, and thickness of the structure near the heating unit 121C.

[0087] To explain an example of temperature acquisition when the heater temperature sensor 15 is a thermistor, the MCU 1, for example, when the shutter 23 is opened, energizes the conductive track 332a and acquires (calculates) the temperature of the heating section 121C based on the detected resistance value of the thermistor.

[0088] [Example of Operation of Suction Device] Next, an example of operation of the suction device 100 will be described. 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 opened. After the MCU 1 is activated, the heating unit 121C and other operations become possible. 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 when the operation unit 24 is pressed.

[0089] In response to the shutter 23 being opened, the stick detection sensor 12 begins emitting and receiving light and detects the amount of reflected light. After detecting the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the detection result of the stick detection sensor 12, the MCU 1 automatically begins heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. Note that the MCU 1 may begin heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 in response to a heating request from the user. Here, a heating request from the user is, for example, pressing the operation unit 24 or performing a suction operation on the suction device 100.

[0090] Next, the heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 will be described. In response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on a stick heating profile for heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. The stick heating profile is information that defines the time series progression of the target temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121C, and is information for heating the stick-shaped substrate 150. The stick heating profile is stored in advance in, for example, a ROM. The MCU 1 generates an aerosol from the stick-shaped substrate 150 by controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile.

[0091] The solid line in FIG. 12 shows an example of a stick heating profile. According to the stick heating profile, the temperature of the heating element 121C is raised to T1 (approximately 300°C) upon the start of heating, then temporarily lowered to T2, and then raised again to T3. The target temperatures T1 to T3 of the stick heating profile are within the first temperature range in which aerosols are generated, i.e., the range above the temperature T0 (approximately 230°C to 250°C) at which aerosols begin to be generated. When the elapsed time from the start of heating control reaches t1, heating is terminated. When the temperature of the heating element 121C reaches T1 and the heating element 121C is assumed to be sufficiently high, a sufficient amount of aerosols is assumed to be generated, and the user can inhale. The heating period before inhalation is also referred to as the preheating period.

[0092] To describe in more detail the temperature control of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile, the MCU 1 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the deviation between a target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating control and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121C (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature"). More specifically, the MCU 1 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121C so that the time series of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121C is the same as the time series of the target temperature specified in the stick heating profile. Note that the heating control of the storage unit 140C based on the preheating heating profile described below is also performed in a similar manner.

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

[0094] When the inhalation device 100 is used in a low-temperature environment, the temperature of the heating unit 121C at the start of heating is significantly different from the temperature in the first temperature region where aerosol is generated, and so it takes longer for the heating unit 121C to heat up compared to when the device is used in an environment other than a low-temperature environment. Therefore, if the operation of the heating unit 121C is started after or at the same time as the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, in a low-temperature environment, the user will have to wait a long time from the accommodation of the stick-shaped substrate 150 until the inhalation of the aerosol becomes possible.

[0095] Therefore, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below a predetermined temperature, the MCU 1 starts the operation (i.e., preheating) of the heating unit 121C before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C. Here, the predetermined temperature is, for example, 0°C.

[0096] Preheating reduces the difference between the temperature of heating unit 121C at the time stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in accommodation unit 140C and the first temperature region where aerosol is generated, compared to when preheating is not performed. Therefore, particularly in low-temperature environments, the user's waiting time from accommodating stick-shaped substrate 150 until aerosol can be inhaled is shortened, improving the convenience of using inhalation device 100.

[0097] When preheating, the MCU 1 sets the target temperature of the heating unit 121C to a temperature within a second temperature range (e.g., 50 to 100°C) that is lower than the first temperature range in which aerosol is generated, and starts the operation of the heating unit 121C. The second temperature range is a range below the temperature T0 at which aerosol generation begins. This makes it possible to prevent excessive heating of the storage unit 140C before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is stored in the storage unit 140C. Note that the temperature set when preheating is not limited to 50 to 100°C, and may be any temperature higher than the predetermined temperature (e.g., 0°C) used to determine the temperature of the heating unit 121C.

[0098] After preheating has begun, MCU 1 sets the target temperature of heating unit 121C to a temperature within the first temperature range in which aerosol is generated in response to the placement of stick-shaped substrate 150 in placement unit 140C, and operates heating unit 121C. This allows heating unit 121C to be quickly heated to a temperature within the first temperature range in which aerosol is generated in response to the placement of stick-shaped substrate 150 in placement unit 140C.

[0099] On the other hand, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the MCU 1 sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range in which aerosol is generated in response to the placement of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the storage unit 140C, and starts the operation of the heating unit 121C. In other words, when the temperature of the heating unit 121C is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the MCU 1 does not operate the heating unit 121C before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is placed in the storage unit 140C (i.e., does not perform preheating). When the temperature of the heating unit 121C is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the user's waiting time from the placement of the stick-shaped substrate 150 until the aerosol can be inhaled is relatively short. Therefore, preheating is not necessary, and power consumption can be reduced compared to when preheating is performed.

[0100] Next, preheating will be described in more detail. The comparison of the temperature of the heating unit 121C with a predetermined temperature, which is a condition for whether or not to perform preheating, is triggered, for example, by the opening of the shutter 23. That is, when the shutter 23 changes from a closed state to an open state, the MCU 1 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below the predetermined temperature. The temperature of the heating unit 121C is detected, for example, by the heater temperature sensor 15 described above. When the MCU 1 determines that the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below the predetermined temperature, it starts the operation of the heating unit 121C before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C. In this way, preheating can be triggered by the opening of the shutter 23, which is one indication of the user's intention to use the suction device 100. This reduces unnecessary preheating compared to when preheating is triggered only by the temperature of the heating unit 121C falling below the predetermined temperature, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0101] When the MCU 1 determines that the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below a predetermined temperature, it starts operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating heating profile before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C. As indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 12 , the preheating heating profile is information that defines the time series progression of the target temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121C, and is information for preheating the accommodation unit 140C when no stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated. The preheating heating profile is stored in advance in, for example, ROM. The preheating heating profile is a heating profile that differs from the stick heating profile, and differs in information such as the target temperature and operation time, as described below.

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

[0103] 13 is a graph showing the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit 121C when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C during preheating. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, the MCU 1 switches the heating profile to be referenced from the preheating heating profile to the stick heating profile, and operates the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile.

[0104] Here, the MCU1 starts the operation of the heating unit 121C before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, and if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C within a predetermined time, the MCU1 terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C. The predetermined time is the operation time t2 included in the preheating heating profile, and is, for example, 30 seconds. This prevents the accommodation unit 140C, which does not accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150, from being continuously heated, and also suppresses an increase in power consumption due to the operation of the heating unit 121C before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated.

[0105] Furthermore, when the heating unit 121C is operating with the target temperature set to T4 before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, the MCU 1 terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C upon detecting that the temperature of the heating unit 121C exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold T5, which is higher than the target temperature T4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14 , when the temperature of the heating unit 121C exceeds the predetermined temperature threshold T5 (time t3 elapsed since the start of preheating), the MCU 1 determines that a malfunction such as thermal runaway has occurred due to, for example, a malfunction of the heating unit 121C. The MCU 1 then forcibly terminates the operation of the heating unit 121C even before the end of the operation time t2 of the preheating heating profile. Instead of terminating the operation of the heating unit 121C, the MCU 1 may reduce the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121C.

[0106] In this way, even if a malfunction occurs in the heating unit 121C while preheating is being performed, the MCU 1 can detect the malfunction based on the detection result of the heater temperature sensor 15 and can deal with the malfunction appropriately.

[0107] [Example of Notification by Notification Unit] Next, an example of notification to the user during heating will be described. Here, light emission by the light emitting unit 25 (LED 251), which is an example of the notification unit 113B in FIG. 2, will be described.

[0108] The light-emitting unit 25 notifies the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. Specifically, when the heating unit 121C is operating based on the preheating heating profile before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, and when the heating unit 121C is operating based on the stick heating profile after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, the light-emitting unit 25 emits light in a predetermined light-emitting mode. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the light-emitting unit 25 emits light in yellow during preheating and in red during heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Note that the light-emitting mode may be the same or different before and after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C. Furthermore, the light-emitting mode may be distinguished by changing the number of emitting LEDs 251 among the multiple LEDs 251.

[0109] This notification allows the user to easily visually understand that heating unit 121C is operating. In particular, when heating unit 121C is operating before stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed in housing unit 140C, the user can check the light emitted by light-emitting unit 25 and be careful not to bring their fingers close to opening 27, for example.

[0110] Furthermore, as described above, when the heating unit 121C is operating before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C, the MCU 1 may detect that the temperature of the heating unit 121C has exceeded a predetermined temperature threshold T5 due to a malfunction of the heating unit 121C. At this time, the light-emitting unit 25 notifies the user by emitting light in a manner different from that emitted during normal preheating that the operation of the heating unit 121C will be terminated or the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121C will be reduced. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , during normal preheating, the light-emitting unit 25 emits light in yellow, whereas when the operation of the heating unit 121C is terminated or the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121C is reduced due to a malfunction, the light-emitting unit 25 flashes yellow at predetermined time intervals. This notification allows the user to easily visually recognize that a malfunction has occurred in the heating unit 121C (the suction device 100).

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

[0112] [Example of Processing Executed by Control Unit] Next, an example of processing executed by the MCU 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0113] First, the MCU 1 determines whether the shutter 23 is open (step S101). If the shutter 23 is not open (step S101: NO), the MCU 1 repeatedly monitors step S101 until the shutter 23 is opened.

[0114] If the shutter 23 is open (step S101: YES), the MCU 1 determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121C is below a predetermined temperature (step S102). Specifically, when the shutter 23 is open, the MCU 1 energizes the conductive track 332a of the temperature sensor FPC 33 and acquires the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the detected resistance value of the heater temperature sensor 15 (here, a thermistor). The MCU 1 then determines whether the temperature of the heating unit 121C acquired from the heater temperature sensor 15 is below a predetermined temperature. Note that the stick detection sensor 12 also starts operating when the shutter 23 is opened.

[0115] If the temperature of the heating unit 121C is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature (step S102: NO), the MCU 1 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C (step S103). Specifically, the MCU 1 acquires the detection result from the stick detection sensor 12 and determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C. If the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C (step S103: NO), the MCU 1 repeatedly monitors step S103 until the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C.

[0116] When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C (step S103: YES), the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile (step S106). This starts heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 and generates an aerosol. Heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 ends when the operation time included in the stick heating profile has elapsed or when a predetermined number of inhalations has been made since the start of heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0117] Returning to step S102, if the temperature of the heating unit 121C is lower than the predetermined temperature (step S102: YES), the MCU 1 starts the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating heating profile (step S104).

[0118] Next, the MCU 1 determines whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C within a predetermined time after the start of operation of the heating unit 121C (step S105). When the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C within the predetermined time (step S105: YES), the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile (step S106). On the other hand, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been accommodated in the accommodation unit 140C within the predetermined time (step S105: NO), the MCU 1 terminates operation of the heating unit 121C based on the preheating heating profile (step S107).

[0119] The control method of the suction device 100 described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer (processor). The program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. The computer that executes the program may be, for example, a computer included in the suction device 100 (e.g., MCU 1), but is not limited thereto and may also be a computer included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone or a server device).

[0120] <<Modification>> In the above-described embodiment, the MCU 1 obtains the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the detection result of the heater temperature sensor 15, but this is not limited to this. For example, the MCU 1 may temporarily energize the heating unit 121C and obtain the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the detected resistance value of the heating unit 121C. In such a configuration, the MCU 1 can obtain the temperature of the heating unit 121C based on the resistance value of the heating unit 121C, so there is no need to provide the heater temperature sensor 15.

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

[0122] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile and the preheating heating profile, but this is not limiting. The MCU 1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on information that does not represent a time series transition (for example, information that does not include time information and specifies only the target temperature of the heating unit 121C) rather than a heating profile that specifies a time series transition of the target temperature.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, by providing the heater temperature sensor 15 in the heating unit 121C, the MCU 1 can detect whether a malfunction such as thermal runaway has occurred in the heating unit 121C based on the detection results of the heater temperature sensor 15. Similarly, the MCU 1 may detect whether a malfunction (unexpected heat generation, etc.) has occurred in the power supply unit 111C based on the detection results of the power supply temperature sensor 16. When the MCU 1 detects a malfunction in the power supply unit 111C, it may terminate power supply from the power supply unit 111C to each device or reduce the amount of power supply. Furthermore, a temperature sensor may be provided in the main board 50, and the MCU 1 may detect whether a malfunction (unexpected heat generation, etc.) has occurred in the main board 50 based on the detection results of the temperature sensor. When the MCU 1 detects a malfunction in the main board 50, it may impose restrictions on some of the functions of the electronic components mounted on the main board 50. Furthermore, when a notification unit such as the light-emitting unit 25 or the vibration device 60 detects such a malfunction, it may notify the user of the malfunction in a predetermined notification manner.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an optical sensor was shown as an example of the stick detection sensor 12, but this is not limiting. For example, the stick detection sensor 12 may be a pressure sensor that detects pressure fluctuations within the housing portion 140C associated with the insertion and removal of the stick-shaped substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the pressure fluctuations detected by the pressure sensor. Furthermore, if identification information is attached to the stick-shaped substrate 150, the stick detection sensor 12 may be an identification information reader that can read the identification information of the stick-shaped substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the results read by the identification information reader. Furthermore, the stick detection sensor 12 may be a mechanical switch that is provided near the housing portion 140C (e.g., on the bottom surface of the housing portion 140C) and is pressed by the stick-shaped substrate 150. In this case, the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 when the switch is pressed. Furthermore, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a susceptor, the MCU 1 may detect the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on a 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-shaped substrate 150.

[0125] This specification and the like describes at least the following: In parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0126] (1) A suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source, the suction device comprising: a storage section (storage section 140, 140C) that stores the substrate; a heating section (heating section 121A to 121C) that can heat the substrate stored in the storage section; and a control section (MCU1, control section 116A, 116B) that controls the heating section, wherein the control section starts operation of the heating section before the substrate is stored in the storage section when the temperature of the heating section is below a predetermined temperature.

[0127] According to (1), when the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit. This reduces the waiting time for the user from the accommodation of the substrate until the aerosol can be inhaled, particularly in a low-temperature environment, thereby improving the convenience of using the suction device.

[0128] (2) The suction device according to (1), wherein, when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature of the heating unit to a temperature (temperature T4) within a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, and starts operation of the heating unit before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit.

[0129] According to (2), the target temperature of the heating section is set to a temperature within a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated, thereby preventing the storage section from being excessively heated before the substrate is stored in the storage section.

[0130] (3) The suction device according to (2), wherein, when the control unit is operating the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature range, the control unit operates the heating unit with the target temperature set to a temperature within the first temperature range (temperature T1) in response to the substrate being accommodated in the accommodation unit.

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

[0132] (4) The suction device according to (2) or (3), wherein when the temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature range and starts operation of the heating unit in response to the substrate being accommodated in the accommodation unit.

[0133] According to (4), when the temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the user's waiting time from when the substrate is placed in the storage unit until the aerosol can be inhaled is relatively short, so the heating unit does not need to be operated before the substrate is placed in the storage unit, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0134] (5) The suction device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information defining a time series transition of a target temperature of the heating unit, the heating information including at least first heating information (heating profile for stick) in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature range, and second heating information (heating profile for preheating) in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature range but not included in the first temperature range, and the control unit starts operation of the heating unit based on the first heating information when the temperature of the heating unit is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature in response to the substrate being accommodated in the storage unit, starts operation of the heating unit based on the second heating information when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature before the substrate is accommodated in the storage unit, and operates the heating unit based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being accommodated in the storage unit.

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

[0136] (6) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a shutter (shutter 23) that can be selectively switched between a closed state that closes the opening (opening 27) of the storage section and an open state that opens the opening to allow the substrate to be inserted and removed, wherein the control unit determines whether the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature when the shutter changes from the closed state to the open state, and when it determines that the temperature of the heating unit is below the predetermined temperature, starts operation of the heating unit before the substrate is stored in the storage section.

[0137] According to (6), preheating can be triggered by the opening of the shutter, which is one of the indications of the user's intention to use the suction device. This reduces unnecessary preheating compared to when preheating is triggered only by the temperature of the heating unit falling below a predetermined temperature, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0138] (7) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the control unit starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit, and then terminates the operation of the heating unit when the substrate is not accommodated within a predetermined time.

[0139] According to (7), it is possible to prevent the storage section that does not contain the substrate from continuing to be heated, and also to suppress an increase in power consumption due to the operation of the heating section before the substrate is contained.

[0140] (8) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising a temperature detection unit (heater temperature sensor 15) that detects the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit, when the temperature of the heating unit is lower than the predetermined temperature, starts operation of the heating unit by setting the target temperature of the heating unit to a temperature (temperature T4) within a second temperature range that is lower than the first temperature range in which the aerosol is generated before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit, and terminates operation of the heating unit or reduces the amount of power supplied to the heating unit when it detects that the temperature of the heating unit has exceeded a predetermined temperature threshold (temperature T5) that is higher than the temperature set as the target temperature while the heating unit is operating before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit.

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

[0142] (9) The suction device according to (8), further comprising a notification unit (light-emitting unit 25, vibration device 60) that notifies a user that the heating unit is operating, wherein the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating in a first notification mode when the heating unit is operating before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit, and when the control unit detects that the temperature of the heating unit has exceeded the predetermined temperature threshold, the notification unit notifies the user in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode to terminate the operation of the heating unit or to reduce the amount of power supplied to the heating unit.

[0143] According to (9), the user can easily visually recognize that a malfunction has occurred in the heating unit (suction device).

[0144] (10) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9), further comprising a temperature detection unit (heater temperature sensor 15) that detects the temperature of the heating unit, the heating unit being a film heater wound around the outer periphery of the housing unit, and the temperature detection unit being mounted on a flexible wiring board (temperature sensor FPC 33) provided on the surface of the film heater.

[0145] According to (10), the heating section is a film heater and the temperature detection section is mounted on the flexible wiring board, so that the structure near the heating section can be made smaller, lighter, and thinner.

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

[0147] According to (11), the temperature of the heating unit can be obtained based on the resistance value of the heating unit, so there is no need to provide a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the heating unit.

[0148] (12) The suction device according to any one of (1) to (11), further comprising a notification unit (light-emitting unit 25, vibration device 60) that notifies a user that the heating unit is operating, and when the heating unit is operating before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit, the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is operating.

[0149] According to (12), the user can easily visually know that the heating unit is operating.

[0150] (13) A control method executed by a computer (MCU1, control unit 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source, wherein the suction device includes a storage unit (storage unit 140, 140C) that stores the substrate, and a heating unit (heating unit 121A to 121C) that can heat the substrate stored in the storage unit, and the computer starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is stored in the storage unit when the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature.

[0151] According to (13), when the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit. This reduces the waiting time for the user from the accommodation of the substrate until the aerosol can be inhaled, particularly in a low-temperature environment, thereby improving the convenience of using the suction device.

[0152] (14) A program that causes a computer (MCU1, control units 116A, 116B) that controls the operation of a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source to execute a predetermined process, wherein the suction device includes a storage unit (storage unit 140, 140C) that stores the substrate, and a heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) that can heat the substrate stored in the storage unit, and causes the computer to execute a process that starts the operation of the heating unit before the substrate is stored in the storage unit when the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature.

[0153] According to (14), when the temperature of the heating unit is below a predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation unit. This reduces the waiting time for the user from the accommodation of the substrate until the aerosol can be inhaled, particularly in a low-temperature environment, thereby improving the convenience of using the suction device.

[0154] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 MCU (control unit, computer) 15 Heater temperature sensor (temperature detection unit) 23 Shutter 25 Light emitting unit (notification unit) 27 Opening 33 Temperature sensor FPC (flexible printed circuit board) 60 Vibration device (notification unit) 100, 100A, 100B Suction device 116A, 116B Control unit 121A to 121C Heating unit 140, 140C Storage unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate (substrate)

Claims

1. A suction device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source, comprising: a housing portion for housing the substrate; a heating portion capable of heating the substrate housed in the housing portion; a control portion for controlling the heating portion, wherein the control portion starts the operation of the heating portion before the substrate is housed in the housing portion when the temperature of the heating portion is less than a predetermined temperature. Suction device.

2. The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the control portion sets the target temperature of the heating portion to a temperature within a second temperature region lower than a first temperature region in which the aerosol is generated, and starts the operation of the heating portion before the substrate is housed in the housing portion when the temperature of the heating portion is less than the predetermined temperature. Suction device.

3. The suction device according to claim 2, wherein the control portion sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature region and operates the heating portion in response to the substrate being housed in the housing portion while operating the heating portion with the target temperature set to a temperature within the second temperature region. Suction device.

4. The suction device according to claim 2, wherein the control portion sets the target temperature to a temperature within the first temperature region and starts the operation of the heating portion in response to the substrate being housed in the housing portion when the temperature of the heating portion is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Suction device.

5. The suction device according to claim 2, wherein the control portion controls the heating portion based on heating information defining the time-series change of the target temperature of the heating portion, the heating information includes at least first heating information in which the target temperature is included in the first temperature region and second heating information in which the target temperature is included in the second temperature region and not included in the first temperature region, the control portion, when the temperature of the heating portion is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, starts the operation of the heating portion based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing portion, when the temperature of the heating portion is less than the predetermined temperature, starts the operation of the heating portion based on the second heating information before the substrate is housed in the housing portion, and operates the heating portion based on the first heating information in response to the substrate being housed in the housing portion. Suction device.

6. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, It further includes a shutter that can selectively switch between a closed state in which the opening of the accommodating portion is closed and an open state in which the opening is opened to enable insertion and extraction of the base material. The control unit determines whether the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature when the shutter changes from the closed state to the open state. When it is determined that the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature, the operation of the heating unit is started before the base material is accommodated in the accommodating portion. Suction device.

7. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, after the control unit starts the operation of the heating unit before the base material is accommodated in the accommodating portion, if the base material is not accommodated within a predetermined time, the control unit ends the operation of the heating unit. Suction device.

8. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, The control unit when the temperature of the heating unit is less than the predetermined temperature, before the base material is accommodated in the accommodating portion, sets the target temperature of the heating unit to a temperature within a second temperature region lower than the first temperature region where the aerosol is generated, and starts the operation of the heating unit. when it is detected that the temperature of the heating unit exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold higher than the temperature set as the target temperature while the heating unit is operating before the base material is accommodated in the accommodating portion, the control unit ends the operation of the heating unit or reduces the power supply amount to the heating unit. Suction device.

9. The suction device according to claim 8, further includes a notification unit for notifying the user that the heating unit is operating, The notification unit, when the heating unit is operating before the base material is accommodated in the accommodating portion, notifies the user in a first notification mode that the heating unit is operating, when the control unit detects that the temperature of the heating unit has exceeded the predetermined temperature threshold, notifies the user in a second notification mode different from the first notification mode that the operation of the heating unit is ended or the power supply amount to the heating unit is reduced. Suction device.

10. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further includes a temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, The heating unit is a film heater wound around the outer periphery of the accommodating portion, The temperature detection unit is mounted on a flexible wiring board provided on the surface of the film heater. Suction device.

11. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating unit is a heating element that generates heat when energized, and the control unit acquires the temperature of the heating unit based on the resistance value of the heating unit that changes according to the temperature. Suction device.

12. The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the user that the heating unit is in operation, wherein the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is in operation when the heating unit is operating before the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit. Suction device.

13. A control method executed by a computer for controlling the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a base material having an aerosol source, wherein the suction device comprises an accommodation unit in which the base material is accommodated, and a heating unit capable of heating the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit, and the computer starts the operation of the heating unit before the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit when the temperature of the heating unit is less than a predetermined temperature. Control method.

14. A program for causing a computer that controls the operation of a suction device that generates an aerosol from a base material having an aerosol source to execute a predetermined process, wherein the suction device comprises an accommodation unit in which the base material is accommodated, and a heating unit capable of heating the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit, and the program causes the computer to execute a process of starting the operation of the heating unit before the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit when the temperature of the heating unit is less than a predetermined temperature. Program.