Suction device and suction system

Abstract

A suction device comprising: a housing; a storage part capable of storing a consumable material in the housing; a perforating part for opening a hole on a surface of the consumable material; and a detection part for enabling the detection of whether the hole was correctly opened by the perforating part.

Description

Suction device and suction system

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device and a suction system.

[0002] There is known a suction device that pierces a consumable product containing powder or the like and releases the powder or the like from the consumable product. In the suction system of Patent Document 1, the piercing element is configured to pierce a capsule in the suction article and includes only a single shaft extending from a fixed end to a tip end along the longitudinal axis.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 123486

[0004] The suction system of Patent Document 1 describes that the long axis of the perforation part is offset from the long axis of the capsule and the long axis of the sleeve of the suction system to improve the reliability of the capsule by the perforation part, but the perforation part does not always correctly perforate the surface of the consumable product.

[0005] In view of the above, one object of the present invention is to provide a suction device and a suction system that allows a user or the suction device to respond when a hole is not properly drilled in the surface of a consumable product by a perforation portion.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a suction device comprising: a housing; a storage section capable of storing a consumable product within the housing; a punching section for punching a hole in a surface of the consumable product; and a detection section for detecting whether the hole has been properly punched by the punching section.

[0007] According to the first aspect, it is possible to provide a suction device that allows a user or the like to take action when a hole is not properly drilled in the surface of a consumable product by the perforation section.

[0008] A second aspect is summarized as the first aspect, wherein the detection unit is configured to detect pressure applied to the perforation unit.

[0009] According to the second aspect, the suction device can obtain information about the type of contact the perforation portion has made with the consumable product, etc., and can more reliably detect whether a hole has been correctly drilled in the consumable product.

[0010] A third aspect is the second aspect, wherein the detection unit is a pressure sensor.

[0011] According to the third aspect, the suction device can use the measured pressure data to more accurately detect whether or not the hole has been properly drilled in the consumable product.

[0012] A fourth aspect is the third aspect, wherein the perforating portion is a rod-shaped or needle-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction, and the pressure sensor is arranged along the longitudinal direction on the side opposite to the side on which the consumable product is arranged.

[0013] According to the fourth aspect, the pressure sensor can more easily detect the force in the direction of movement when the perforation portion and the consumable product approach each other, and the suction device can more accurately detect whether a hole has been correctly drilled in the consumable product.

[0014] A fifth aspect is summarized as the third or fourth aspect, further comprising a control unit that determines whether the hole has been correctly punched in the consumable product by the punching unit.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect, the suction device can more precisely detect whether or not the hole has been properly drilled in the consumable product by analyzing the pressure data or the like.

[0016] A sixth aspect is the fifth aspect, wherein the control unit is provided with a memory unit that stores the pressure value when the perforation unit drills a hole in the surface of the consumable product, and makes the judgment based on the pressure value and the output from the pressure sensor.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, the suction device can more accurately detect whether or not a hole has been properly drilled in the consumable product by using data obtained in the past.

[0018] A seventh aspect is the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the control unit determines at least one of whether to continue measurement by the pressure sensor and whether to record the measured pressure based on whether the pressure obtained from the pressure sensor is increasing.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, it is possible to reduce power consumption and to store pressure data efficiently in the storage unit.

[0020] The eighth aspect is the fifth aspect, wherein the perforation portion is a rod-shaped or needle-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction, and the pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure applied to the perforation portion in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, bending or curvature of the perforation portion can be detected.

[0022] A ninth aspect is summarized as being in any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, wherein the control unit is configured to notify the user of information about the determination by at least one of sound, light, a screen, and vibration.

[0023] According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to more reliably convey to the user information as to whether or not the hole has been properly drilled in the consumable product.

[0024] A tenth aspect is summarized as follows: in any of the fifth to ninth aspects, the control unit is configured to switch the suction device between a state in which suction is possible and a state in which suction is not possible based on the determination.

[0025] According to the tenth aspect, when the perforation section does not properly open a hole, it is possible to prevent the user from attempting suction, which could result in adverse effects such as inadequate suction or damage to the suction device.

[0026] An eleventh aspect is summarized as the tenth aspect, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the switching by controlling opening and closing of a flow path that introduces air into the storage unit.

[0027] According to the eleventh aspect, when the perforation section fails to properly open a hole, it is possible to more reliably prevent the user from attempting suction, which could result in adverse effects such as inability to perform suction properly or damage to the suction device.

[0028] A twelfth aspect is summarized as follows: in any of the fifth to eleventh aspects, the control unit is configured to switch the pressure sensor between a detectable state and an undetectable state depending on the position of a shutter arranged at an inlet that introduces air into the storage section.

[0029] According to the twelfth aspect, the measurement by the pressure sensor can be stopped when there is a low possibility that a consumable product will be inserted into the storage portion, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0030] The thirteenth aspect is summarized as being in the first aspect, wherein the detection unit has a mechanical structure configured such that when the consumable product is inserted into the storage unit but the hole is not opened by the perforation unit, a part of the perforation unit is pushed out through a weak part or a through hole formed in the inner wall of the storage unit to a position visible from outside the suction device.

[0031] According to the thirteenth aspect, if a hole is not properly drilled on the surface of a consumable product, it is possible to detect that the hole was not properly drilled without necessarily requiring electricity, allowing the user or the like to take action.

[0032] A fourteenth aspect is summarized as any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, in which the consumable material includes a flavor powder, and the inhalation device is a flavor inhaler for inhaling a flavor.

[0033] According to the fourteenth aspect, the inhalation device can provide the user with an opportunity to enjoy flavor.

[0034] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a suction system comprising the suction device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects and a consumable product that can be accommodated in the suction device.

[0035] According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to provide a suction system that allows a user or the like to take action when a hole is not properly drilled on the surface of a consumable product by the perforation section.

[0036] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a suction system according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a suction article according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing a consumable product according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing particles contained in the consumable product; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a suction device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a suction system schematically showing perforation by a perforation unit; FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between time and pressure when perforation is performed by a perforation unit; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an insertion sensor according to the first embodiment; FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control flow of a control unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a suction device according to a second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining detection of whether a hole has been opened correctly in the second embodiment; FIG. 12 is a side view schematically showing a perforation unit according to a third embodiment; FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining detection of whether a hole has been opened correctly in the third embodiment.

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In the following drawings, the dimensions of each part have been changed appropriately for easy understanding.

[0038] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a suction system 1000 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the suction system 1000 includes a suction article 100 having a consumable product 10 containing inhalable powder 11, and a suction device 200 having a perforation section 230 for perforating the consumable product 10 and discharging the powder 11 so that the user can inhale it. The suction system 1000 is configured to create holes in the surface of the consumable product 10 inserted into the suction device 200 using the perforation section 230, and to discharge the powder 11 discharged through the holes to the outside of the suction device 200. Air passes through a first air flow path A1 formed in the suction device 200 and is then introduced into a second air flow path A2 formed in the suction article 100, carrying the powder 11 and discharging it to the outside of the suction system 1000. In this way, the suction device 200 and the suction system 1000 function as a powder inhaler and a powder suction system for allowing a user to inhale the powder 11.

[0039] 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the suction article 100. The suction article 100 is configured to be able to be housed in the suction device 200. The suction article 100 has a sealing segment 110, a powder-containing segment 120, and a suction tip segment 130. The sealing segment 110, the powder-containing segment 120, and the suction tip segment 130 are aligned along an insertion direction, which is the direction in which the suction article 100 is inserted into the suction device 200. In the illustrated example, the insertion direction is the direction in which the longitudinal axis AX1 of the suction article 100 extends. The suction article 100 has a first end 101 that is inserted into the suction device 200 and a second end 102 formed on the opposite side of the first end 101.

[0040] The sealing segment 110 is disposed on the first end 101 side of the powder-containing segment 120 and serves to seal the consumable product 10 inside the suction article 100. The sealing segment 110 is configured to be penetrable by the perforated portion 230. It is preferable that the sealing segment 110 is configured to be penetrated by the perforated portion 230 in the insertion direction when the suction article 100 is inserted into the suction device 200. The sealing segment 110 has an air flow path formed therein that connects the first end 101 side with the second end 102 side, and this air flow path forms a part of the second air flow path A2.

[0041] The powder-containing segment 120 is a segment in which the consumable product 10 is placed. The consumable product 10 is a container, such as a capsule, containing powder 11. The surface of the consumable product 10 is configured to be perforable by the perforation section 230. It is preferable that the perforation section 230 is configured to penetrate the surface of the consumable product 10 in the insertion direction when the suction article 100 is inserted into the suction device 200. The powder-containing segment 120 has an air flow path that connects its first end 101 side to its second end 102 side, and this air flow path forms a part of the second air flow path A2. When holes are formed in the surface of the consumable product 10 by the perforation section 230, the powder 11 is released from the holes into the space in the powder-containing segment 120 in which the consumable product 10 is placed. The released powder 11 is introduced into the mouthpiece segment 130 together with air while being appropriately agitated by the air flow.

[0042] 3A is a side view schematically illustrating the consumable product 10. In the illustrated example, the consumable product 10 is a capsule. The consumable product 10 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22. The first portion 21 is disposed closer to the first end 101 of the suction article 100 than the second portion 22. It is preferable that the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are disposed side by side on the longitudinal axis AX10 of the consumable product 10.

[0043] A consumable product fragile portion 23 is formed at the end of the first portion 21 opposite to the second portion 22. The consumable product fragile portion 23 is made of a material more brittle than the perforation portion 230, making it easier for the perforation portion 230 to perforate the surface of the consumable product 10. Furthermore, by making the end of the consumable product 10 facing the perforation portion 230 brittle for perforation and making the other portions hard, it is possible to ensure the correct perforation position. From this perspective, it is preferable that the consumable product fragile portion 23 is formed to include the major axis AX10 of the consumable product 10. It is preferable that the consumable product 10 is placed in the suction article 100 so that the major axis AX10 of the consumable product 10 and the major axis AX100 of the suction article 100 approximately coincide with each other. It is preferable that the consumable product fragile portion 23 is placed so as to face the perforation portion 230 in the direction of the major axis AX10 when the suction article 100 is placed in the suction device 200. It should be noted that the consumable product fragile portion 23 does not need to be formed as long as the perforating portion 230 can perforate the consumable product 10 .

[0044] The powder 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is a substance that can be inhaled by a user. The powder 11 can be a flavored powder or a drug such as a pharmaceutical. When the powder 11 is a flavored powder, the type of powder is not particularly limited as long as it has a flavor and can be inhaled. The powder 11 can contain nicotine, various flavorings such as menthol, sugars, and amino acids. The powder 11 may be produced by spray drying. Sugar alcohols and amino acids can be used as excipients for the powder 11. Specifically, excipients selected from mannitol, trehalose, leucine, alanine, valine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan can be used in combination. When the powder 11 includes a flavored powder, the inhalation device 200 is configured as a flavor inhaler for inhaling the flavor, and the inhalation article 100 is configured as a flavor-generating article. This allows the inhalation device 200 to provide the user with an opportunity to enjoy the flavor.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3B , the consumable product 10 preferably includes particles 12 for crushing the powder 11 contained in the consumable product 10. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the particles 12. The shape and material of the particles 12 are not particularly limited as long as they can promote dispersion of the agglomerated powder 11 by vibration using the vibration generating unit 225 described below, and can be made of resin or the like. The particles 12 preferably have a maximum diameter larger than the maximum diameter of the powder 11. It is preferable that the particles 12 have a minimum diameter larger than the minimum diameter of the holes opened by the perforating unit 230, in order to prevent the particles 12 from being released outside the consumable product 10 and causing adverse effects such as damage to the suction article 100 or the particles 12 being inhaled. Note that the consumable product 10 does not necessarily have to include particles 12.

[0046] As shown in Figure 2, the mouthpiece segment 130 is disposed on the second end 102 side of the powder-containing segment 120 and functions as a mouthpiece. As shown in the example, the mouthpiece segment 130 preferably includes a tubular member 121 having a hollow section 122 formed therein. The tubular member 121 is adjusted to a hardness that makes it easy for the user to hold in their mouth. The mouthpiece segment 130 has an air flow path that connects the first end 101 side to the second end 102 side, and this air flow path forms part of the second air flow path A2. In the example shown, the hollow section 122 forms part of the second air flow path A2. The powder 11 and air introduced from the powder-containing segment 120 pass through the second air flow path A2 inside the mouthpiece segment 130 and are released into the user's oral cavity.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the suction article 100 has a columnar shape to make it easier for the user to hold. The suction article 100 is preferably cylindrical. However, as long as the perforation section 230 can perforate the consumable product 10 and the user can inhale the powder 11, the shape of the suction article 100 is not particularly limited. The suction article 100 may have a columnar shape with a cross section of any polygonal shape, or may have a flat shape. Furthermore, the suction article 100 may have any number of segments, or may not include at least one of the above-mentioned segments.

[0048] The suction article 100 may be composed of only the consumable product 10. In this case, the powder 11 released from the holes formed by the perforation portion 230 passes through the space outside the consumable product 10 in the storage portion 220 and is released to the outside of the suction device 200. In this case, if the consumable product fragile portion 23 is formed only at one end of the consumable product 10, there is a risk that the user may accidentally insert the consumable product 10 into the storage portion 220 so that the consumable product fragile portion 23 does not face the perforation portion 230. In this embodiment, this can be detected by the detection unit 310. In this case, the suction device 200 may further include a mouthpiece portion that functions as a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece portion may be detachably attached to the suction device 200. For example, the suction system 1000 may be configured such that, after the consumable product 10, such as a capsule, is loaded into the suction device 200, the mouthpiece portion is engaged with the suction device 200 to perform suction.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the suction device 200. The suction device 200 includes a housing 210 and a storage section 220 capable of storing the consumable product 10 within the housing 210. The housing 210 is configured to cover the storage section 220 and houses the components constituting the suction device 200. The housing 210 is preferably made of an elastic material such as an elastic resin. This can prevent the user from experiencing undesirable sensations when vibrations generated by the vibration generating section 225 (described later) are strong. From this perspective, an elastic member may be disposed between the housing 210 and the storage section 220, and the housing 210 may not contain an elastic material. As shown in FIG. 4, the suction device 200 is formed in a columnar shape extending in its longitudinal direction and centered on the central axis AX2 of the storage section 220. A columnar or flat shape is preferable for ease of holding by a user, but the shape is not particularly limited as long as the suction device 200 can store and suck the suction article 100.

[0050] The storage section 220 is configured to store the suction article 100 containing the powder 11 to be suctioned. The storage section 220 has a cylindrical section 221 and a bottom section 223. A hollow is formed in the cylindrical section 221, and the suction article 100 is placed in the hollow. The storage section 220 has an insertion end 201 into which the suction article 100 is inserted. An opening is formed in the insertion end 201, and the opening communicates with the hollow of the cylindrical section 221. The storage section 220 does not particularly need to be heat-resistant, and therefore can be made of various materials that can be processed into a desired shape, such as metal, resin, or ceramic.

[0051] The suction device 200 further includes a vibration generating unit 225. The vibration generating unit 225 is configured to vibrate the storage unit 220. The vibration generating unit 225 has a vibration generator such as an eccentric motor. The vibration of the storage unit 220 caused by the vibration generating unit 225 is transmitted to the consumable product 10, vibrating the powder 11. From the viewpoint of transmitting vibrations to the consumable product 10 more efficiently, the vibration generating unit 225 is preferably disposed in a position overlapping the stored consumable product 10 in the longitudinal direction of the suction device 200. The vibration generating unit 225 may be in contact with the storage unit 220, or may transmit vibrations via a member in contact with the storage unit 220. Although two vibration generating units 225 are shown in FIG. 4, the number of vibration generating units 225 in the suction device 200 may be any number equal to or greater than one.

[0052] If the powder 11 in the consumable product 10 is agglomerated, the powder 11 is less likely to be carried by the airflow, making it difficult to efficiently release the powder 11 outside the suction device 200. Furthermore, adhesion of the agglomerated powder 11 reduces the conductance of the second air flow path A2, etc., which also makes it difficult to efficiently release the powder 11. In this embodiment, by using the vibration generating unit 225 to vibrate the storage unit 220, it is possible to provide a suction device 200 with a novel configuration that can suppress a decrease in the efficiency of releasing the powder 11, even if the powder 11 in the consumable product 10 is agglomerated.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4 , the cylindrical portion 221 has a gripping portion 222. The gripping portion 222 grips the suction article 100 stored in the storage portion 220. In the illustrated example, the gripping portion 222 has a shape that protrudes into the hollow of the cylindrical portion 221. From the viewpoint of more reliably gripping the suction article 100, it is preferable that the gripping portion 222 be formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 221 and protrude from the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 221. The shape of the gripping portion 222 is not particularly limited as long as it can contact the suction article 100 and transmit vibrations, and may be, for example, a ribbed shape. It is preferable that the gripping portion 222 does not include an elastic member that suppresses transmission of vibrations generated by the vibration generating portion 225. The inner diameter of the gripping portion 222 is preferably approximately the same as the outer diameter of the suction article 100. It is preferable that the inner diameter of the gripping portion 222 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the suction article 100. This allows the gripping portion 222 to reliably come into contact with and grip the suction article 100. By the gripping portion 222 gripping the suction article 100, the vibrations generated by the vibration generating portion 225 can be more reliably transmitted to the consumable product 10.

[0054] 1 , the gripping portion 222 is configured to grip the powder-containing segment 120 when the suction article 100 is housed in the housing 220, particularly when the consumable product 10 is positioned for use. In the example shown, the gripping portion 222 grips a portion of the powder-containing segment 120, but it may grip the entire powder-containing segment 120. This allows the vibrations generated by the vibration generating portion 225 to be more reliably transmitted to the consumable product 10 placed in the powder-containing segment 120.

[0055] It is preferable that the vibration generating unit 225 be provided in the cylindrical portion 221, from the viewpoint of more reliably transmitting the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit 225 to the consumable product 10. The vibration generating unit 225 can be disposed by being embedded in the inner wall that constitutes the storage portion 220. From the same viewpoint, it is more preferable that the vibration generating unit 225 be provided in the gripping portion 222. In this case, it is sufficient that part or all of the vibration generating unit 225 is disposed in the gripping portion 222.

[0056] The bottom 223 of the accommodation section 220 is formed on the opposite side of the insertion end 201 of the accommodation section 220 and is configured to face the first end 101 of the accommodated suction article 100. The bottom 223 can function as a stopper that contacts and supports the first end 101 of the suction article 100. The bottom 223 preferably includes a bottom plate, but its shape is not particularly limited. The bottom 223 preferably has a convex portion on the surface facing the suction article 100, for example. This creates a gap between the end face of the first end 101 of the suction article 100 and the bottom 223, as shown in FIG. 1 , allowing air to be introduced into the suction article 100 more efficiently.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4 , the storage unit 220 has an air inlet 224. The air inlet 224 is connected to the outside of the inhalation device 200 via the first air flow path A1. When a user inhales, air is introduced into the storage unit 220 through the vent 202, the first air flow path A1, and the air inlet 224, in this order. The first air flow path A1 is an air inlet flow path that introduces air toward the air inlet 224. The air vent 202 is an opening for introducing air into the interior of the inhalation device 200 and may be formed at any position on the exterior surface of the inhalation device 200. In the illustrated example, the air vent 202 is formed on the same surface as the insertion end 201, forming a counterflow air flow path in the inhalation device 200. It is preferable that the air inlet 224 be formed closer to the bottom 223 than the grip portion 222 in order to form a second air flow path A2 that passes around the consumable product 10 and transports the powder 11 to the user. In the illustrated example, two ventilation holes 202 are provided on both sides of the central axis AX2, but the number and positions of the ventilation holes 202 are not particularly limited. As shown in Fig. 1 , the air introduced from the air inlet 224 into the space in the accommodation section 220 where the suction article 100 is accommodated is preferably introduced into the second air flow path A2 of the suction article 100 from the end face of the first end 101 of the suction article 100, but may be introduced from the outer peripheral surface of the suction article 100.

[0058] It is preferable that at least a portion of the vibration generating unit 225 is located between the first air flow path A1 and the inner wall surface of the storage unit 220. In this case, the vibration generating unit 225 is configured to be located between the first air flow path A1 and the second air flow path A2 when the suction article 100 is stored in the storage unit 220. With such a configuration, vibrations can be efficiently transmitted to the consumable product 10, enabling dispersion of the agglomerated powder 11, and further, when the first air flow path A1 is at least partially blocked, the vibrations can move the obstruction and improve conductance.

[0059] In the illustrated example, the bottom 223 is a movable member and is configured to be movable along the insertion direction of the suction article 100. An elastic member 240 such as a spring is disposed on the opposite side of the bottom 223 from the storage section 220. The bottom 223 is connected to the elastic member 240 and configured to urge the suction article 100 toward the insertion end 201 after the consumable product 10 is perforated.

[0060] 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the suction system 1000 immediately after the perforation unit 230 has perforated the surface of the consumable product 10. As the user inserts the suction article 100 into the storage unit 220, the first end 101 of the suction article 100 presses the bottom 223, causing the consumable product 10 to come into contact with the perforation unit 230 and forming holes 24 in the surface of the consumable product 10. If the perforation unit 230 remains in the holes 24, the powder 11 is unlikely to escape to the outside of the consumable product 10. Therefore, the elastic member 240 is configured so that the elastic member 240, compressed by the pressing of the bottom 223, urges the bottom 223 and the suction article 100 toward the insertion end 201, making it easier for the perforation unit 230 to detach from the consumable product 10. The elastic member 240 is preferably configured to urge the consumable product 10 to a position where vibrations from the vibration generating unit 225 are easily transmitted to the consumable product 10. When the consumable product 10 separates from the perforation section 230, the powder 11 is released to the outside of the consumable product 10 and then to the outside of the suction article 100 through the second air flow path A2. The bottom 223 may not be movable, and the suction device 200 may not have the elastic member 240. In this case, the perforation section 230 may move relative to the storage section 220 to perform perforation.

[0061] The perforation unit 230 includes a perforation member for perforating the holes 24 on the surface of the consumable product 10. The perforation member may be a rod-shaped or needle-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction of the perforation unit 230, and may be configured such that the tip on the insertion end 201 side penetrates the surface of the consumable product 10. It is preferable that the longitudinal direction of the perforation unit 230 approximately coincides with the longitudinal direction of the suction device 200, but is not limited to this.

[0062] The suction device 200 includes a detection unit 310 that enables detection of whether the hole 24 has been correctly drilled in the consumable product 10 by the perforation unit 230. Here, "correctly" drilling the hole 24 in the consumable product 10 refers to the hole 24 being formed in a predetermined manner, and can be defined appropriately by an algorithm or the like of the control unit 400. For example, the detection unit 310 can determine whether the hole 24 has been drilled in the correct position of the consumable product 10, or whether the hole 24 has been drilled in the fragile portion 23 of the consumable product. If the hole 24 has not been correctly drilled in the surface of the consumable product 10, the detection by the detection unit 310 enables the user or the suction device 200 to take action.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the detection unit 310 is configured to detect the pressure applied to the perforation unit 230. This makes it possible to obtain information about the type of contact the perforation unit 230 has with the suction article 100 or the like, and more reliably detect whether the hole 24 has been correctly opened in the consumable product 10. In the example of FIG. 4 , the detection unit 310 is a pressure sensor PS. The pressure sensor PS has a measurement surface 311 and detects the pressure applied to the measurement surface 311. A signal obtained by this detection is analog-to-digital (A / D) converted and stored as pressure data in the memory unit 410 or the like. Because the detection unit 310 is the pressure sensor PS, it is possible to more accurately detect whether the hole 24 has been correctly opened in the consumable product 10 by using the measured pressure data.

[0064] The pressure sensor PS is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the perforation section 230 on the side opposite to the side on which the consumable product 10 is placed. The measurement surface 311 of the pressure sensor PS is configured to face the end of the perforation section 230 opposite to the end on the side that comes into contact with the consumable product 10. This configuration makes it easier to detect the force in the movement direction when the perforation section 230 and the suction article 100 approach each other, and enables more precise detection of whether the hole 24 has been correctly opened in the consumable product 10. The suction device 200 has a support member 250 that supports the pressure sensor PS. In the illustrated example, the support member 250 is plate-shaped, but the form of the support member 250 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the pressure sensor PS.

[0065] 4, the suction device 200 further includes a control unit 400 and a power supply unit 500. The control unit 400 includes a control device or control circuit. The control unit 400 includes a processor and a storage medium such as a memory, and controls the operation of the suction device 200.

[0066] The control unit 400 determines whether the perforation unit 230 has correctly drilled the hole 24 in the consumable product 10. Hereinafter, this determination will be referred to as a perforation determination. By analyzing the pressure data, etc., it is possible to more accurately detect whether the perforation unit 24 has been correctly drilled in the consumable product 10. The control unit 400 has a memory unit 410 including a non-volatile storage medium. The memory unit 410 stores the pressure value when the perforation unit drills a hole in the surface of the consumable product, based on data previously obtained about perforation of the consumable product. This pressure value is referred to as a reference pressure value. The control unit 400 can perform perforation determination based on the reference pressure value and the output from the pressure sensor PS. This allows for more accurate detection of whether the perforation unit 24 has been correctly drilled in the consumable product 10 using previously obtained data, etc. For example, the control unit 400 can calculate the similarity between the reference pressure value and the pressure of the pressure data, and if the similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold, it can determine that the perforation unit 24 has been correctly drilled, and if the similarity is less than the threshold, it can determine that the perforation unit 24 has not been correctly drilled. This similarity can be set based on the difference between the pressure of the reference pressure value and the pressure data, or can be derived by calculating feature amounts for each of these data and comparing the feature amounts. Alternatively, if perforation determination can be performed with desired reliability, perforation determination may be performed by comparing the maximum value of the reference pressure value when the suction article 100 is inserted with the maximum value of the pressure data. Note that there are no particular limitations on the algorithm used to determine perforation from pressure data.

[0067] 6 is a graph showing an example of a profile of pressure applied to the pressure sensor PS when the suction article 100 is inserted. In this graph, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the pressure. At time T1, the perforation portion 230 comes into contact with the surface of the consumable product 10. While the perforation portion 230 comes into contact with the surface of the consumable product 10 but the hole 24 is not open, the force with which the consumable product 10 presses the perforation portion 230 increases. When the hole 24 is formed at time T2 when the pressure reaches a maximum value P1, the pressure may suddenly drop. Note that this graph is merely a schematic example, and the present invention is not limited by the contents of the graph.

[0068] The control unit 400 may be configured to analyze the input from the pressure sensor PS in real time. In this case, the control unit 400 may be configured to store pressure data in a storage medium such as the memory unit 410 when it detects a rise in pressure due to the input from the pressure sensor PS. Furthermore, the control unit 400 may be configured to continue measurement by the pressure sensor PS when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor PS is increasing, since the consumable product 10 is in contact with the perforation portion 230 but has not been perforated. The control unit 400 may be configured to stop measurement by the pressure sensor PS when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor PS is not increasing, since the perforation portion 230 has penetrated the surface of the consumable product 10 or has separated from the surface. Alternatively, the control unit 400 may be configured to store pressure data in a storage medium such as the memory unit 410 when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor PS is increasing, since the consumable product 10 is in contact with the perforation portion 230 but has not been perforated. The control unit 400 may be configured to stop storing pressure data if the pressure measured by the pressure sensor PS does not increase, assuming that the perforation portion 230 has penetrated the surface of the consumable product 10 or has moved away from the surface.

[0069] In this way, the control unit 400 can be configured to determine at least one of whether to continue measurement by the pressure sensor PS and whether to record the measured pressure, based on whether the pressure obtained from the pressure sensor PS is increasing. This reduces power consumption and allows pressure data to be efficiently stored in the memory unit 410. As an example, the control unit 400 can start recording pressure data at or around time T1, when the pressure is 0 or close to 0, and stop recording pressure data or stop measuring pressure by the pressure sensor PS when time T2, when the pressure reaches a maximum value P1, is reached.

[0070] The control unit 400 can notify the user of information about the perforation determination based on the results of the perforation determination. For example, if the control unit 400 determines that the hole 24 has been correctly drilled in the consumable product 10, the control unit 400 may notify the user that the hole 24 has been correctly drilled by causing the vibration generating unit 225 to vibrate in a predetermined pattern. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 400 may notify the user by controlling a sound source or light source (not shown) to emit sound or light. Alternatively, the control unit 400 may notify the user by displaying on a display screen (not shown) the fact that the hole 24 has been correctly drilled using characters, symbols, text, images, etc. In this way, the control unit 400 is preferably configured to notify the user of information about the perforation determination using at least one of sound, light, a screen, and vibration. This makes it possible to more reliably convey information about the perforation determination to the user.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 4, the suction device 200 preferably has a shutter 211. The shutter 211 is configured to be able to open and close the ventilation hole 202. In the illustrated example, the shutter 211 is also configured to be able to open and close the opening formed in the insertion end 201 of the housing section 220, but this is not limiting. In Fig. 4, the arrow AR1 schematically indicates that the shutter 211 is configured to be able to slide along the surface on which the insertion end 201 of the suction device 200 is disposed. The shutter 211 may be configured to be rotatable as long as it is capable of opening and closing the ventilation hole 202, etc.

[0072] The shutter 211 is preferably configured to be opened and closed manually by a user. In this case, the suction device 200 preferably includes a sensor (not shown) that detects the opening and closing of the shutter 211. The sensor is configured to transmit a signal or data regarding the detection to the control unit 400. For example, the control unit 400 may be configured to cause the pressure sensor PS to start measuring pressure when it detects that the shutter 211 has moved from a closed position that closes the air vent 202 to an open position that opens the air vent 202. Furthermore, the control unit 400 may be configured to stop measuring pressure by the pressure sensor PS when it detects that the shutter 211 has moved from the open position to the closed position. In this way, the control unit 400 may be configured to switch the pressure sensor PS between a detectable state and an undetectable state depending on the position of the shutter 211, which is disposed at the air vent 202 that introduces air into the storage unit 220. This allows the pressure sensor PS to stop measuring pressure when there is a low possibility that a suction article 100 will be inserted into the storage unit 220, thereby reducing power consumption. The pressure sensor PS may be configured to start measurement when pressure is applied to the pressure sensor PS.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally to providing the notification of the perforation determination, the control unit 400 may switch the suction device 200 between a suction-enabled state and a suction-disabled state based on the perforation determination. This prevents a user from attempting suction when the perforation unit 230 fails to properly open the hole 24, which could result in adverse effects such as improper suction or damage to the suction device 200. The control unit 400 can switch the suction device 200 between a suction-enabled state and a suction-disabled state by controlling the opening and closing of a solenoid valve (not shown) disposed in the first air flow path A1. Alternatively, if the opening and closing of the shutter 211 is configured to be controllable by the control unit 400, the switching may be performed by opening and closing the shutter 211. In this way, the control unit 400 may be configured to perform the switching by controlling the opening and closing of the first air flow path A1, which introduces air into the storage unit 220. This more reliably prevents the user from attempting suction when the hole 24 is not properly opened by the perforation section 230, which could result in adverse effects such as inability to perform suction properly or damage to the suction device 200.

[0074] The control unit 400 is configured to control the vibration of the vibration generating unit 225. For example, the control unit 400 can switch on / off the power supply to the vibration generating unit 225 based on predetermined conditions. Alternatively, the control unit 400 may be configured to switch on / off the power supply in a plurality of different patterns. With such a configuration, the vibration generating unit 225 can disperse the agglomerated powder 11 more efficiently, and the vibration pattern of the vibration generating unit 225 can provide information to the user.

[0075] Preferably, the suction device 200 further includes a suction sensor 320 for detecting inhalation by the user. The signal obtained by the detection by the suction sensor 320 is A / D converted and transmitted to the control unit 400. Preferably, the suction sensor 320 is a pressure sensor. The control unit 400 is configured to vibrate the vibration generating unit 225 when it detects inhalation by the user based on a change in pressure. This disperses the agglomerated powder 11 when the user inhales and in preparation for the next inhalation, thereby more reliably preventing a decrease in the efficiency of the suction device 200 in discharging the powder 11. In addition, power supply to the vibration generating unit 225 can be suppressed when the user is not inhaling, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0076] 4, the suction sensor 320 is preferably disposed in the first air flow path A1. The suction sensor 320 is preferably configured to detect the pressure in the first air flow path A1. This makes the suction sensor 320 less susceptible to contamination by contents that have fallen off the suction article 100, compared to when the suction sensor 320 is disposed in the storage section 220 or the like.

[0077] The control unit 400 can store the number of times the user's suction is detected in the memory unit 410 or the like. For example, the memory unit 410 stores a value indicating the number of times the user's suction is detected. The value is set to 0 when the suction device 200 is turned on and incremented by one each time the user's suction is detected. A threshold value is pre-stored in a storage medium such as the memory unit 410, and the control unit 400 can change the vibration pattern of the vibration generating unit 225 when the number of times the user's suction is detected exceeds the threshold value. This threshold value is hereinafter referred to as the detection count threshold. This change in the vibration pattern can be achieved by changing the duration of continuous vibration, or by changing at least one of the durations of the vibration period and the pause period when the vibration is intermittent. Alternatively, the intensity of the vibration can be changed; such changes are also considered to be included in the "change in vibration pattern." The detection count threshold value can be pre-set based on the number of times the suction article 100 can be suctioned, obtained from past examples or theoretical values. In this way, the control unit 400 is preferably configured to change the vibration pattern of the vibration generating unit 225 based on the number of times the user's suction is detected. This allows the user to be notified of changes due to the number of suctions, such as when the suction article 100 has been used up or when the suction article 100 is nearing the end of its use.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 7, the suction device 200 may include an insertion sensor 330 for detecting the insertion of the suction article 100. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the suction device 200, schematically illustrating the insertion sensor 330. The insertion sensor 330 may be an infrared sensor that detects infrared rays from the suction article 100. The type of the insertion sensor 330 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the insertion of the suction article 100, and may be a pressure sensor. In the case of a pressure sensor, the insertion sensor 330 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the storage section 220 and detects contact with the suction article 100 inserted in the storage section 220. In the case of a pressure sensor, the insertion sensor 330 is preferably disposed in the gripping section 222.

[0079] The control unit 400 is preferably configured to vibrate the vibration generating unit 225 when the insertion sensor 330 detects that the suction article 100 has been inserted into the storage unit 220. This disperses the agglomerated powder 11 before the user's first inhalation, and prevents a decrease in the efficiency of the suction device 200 in releasing the powder 11 from the first inhalation.

[0080] Returning to FIG. 4 , the power supply unit 500 stores power used by the suction device 200. The power supply unit 500 is, for example, a battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The power supply unit 500 may be rechargeable by an external power source, or may not be rechargeable. From the viewpoint of making the power supply unit 500 compact, the power supply unit 500 may be a button battery. The power supply unit 500 supplies power to the control unit 400, the vibration generating unit 225, the detection unit 310, and the like. The power supply unit 500 may include an element that performs piezoelectric conversion and an element that generates power using temperature differences based on the Seebeck effect, etc. This allows power to be generated using the environment even without a charger.

[0081] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control flow of the control unit 400 in this embodiment. The flow in FIG. 8 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this example. In step S10, when the suction device 200 is powered on, the control unit 400 controls the detection unit 310 to start detection by the pressure sensor PS. After step S10, step S20 is performed. In step S20, the control unit 400 acquires pressure data obtained by detection by the detection unit 310. After step S20, step S30 is performed. In step S30, the control unit 400 performs a perforation determination and determines whether the hole 24 has been opened correctly. After step S30, step S40 is performed. In step S40, the control unit 400 controls the vibration generation unit 225 and the like to notify information regarding the perforation determination, such as whether the hole 24 has been opened correctly.

[0082] The suction device 200 and suction system 1000 of this embodiment include a housing 210, a storage section 220 capable of storing the consumable product 10 within the housing 210, a punching section 230 for punching holes 24 in the surface of the consumable product 10, and a detection section 310 configured to detect pressure applied to the punching section 230. This allows the suction device 200 to accurately detect when the punching section 230 has not properly punched the holes 24 in the surface of the consumable product 10, allowing the user or the suction device 200 to take action.

[0083] The powder inhaler (suction device 200) and powder inhalation system (suction system 1000) of this embodiment include a storage unit 220 that stores a suction article 100 containing powder 11 to be suctioned, and one or more vibration generating units 225 configured to vibrate the storage unit 220. This makes it possible to provide a powder inhaler and powder inhalation system with a novel configuration that can suppress a decrease in efficiency in releasing powder 11 even if the powder 11 is agglomerated in the suction article 100.

[0084] Second Embodiment The suction system 1000A of the second embodiment has a configuration that is partially identical to that of the suction system 1000 of the first embodiment. However, the suction system 1000A differs from the suction system 1000 in that it includes a suction device 200A instead of the suction device 200 described above. The suction device 200A differs from the suction device 200 of the first embodiment in that it includes a detection unit 310A instead of the detection unit 310 and further includes a window unit 212. Furthermore, the suction device 200A differs from the suction device 200 in that it does not include a power supply unit 500 and does not include any units that operate on electricity. The same parts as those of the first embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0085] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the suction device 200A according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the suction system 1000A according to this embodiment when the suction article 100 is inserted into the storage section 220. In this embodiment, the detection unit 310A changes the visible portion of the suction device 200A depending on whether the hole 24 has been correctly opened by the punching unit 230. In this way, the detection unit 310A allows a user or the like to detect whether the hole 24 has been correctly opened by the punching unit 230.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 9 , the detection unit 310A has a through-hole 312 formed therein. The through-hole 312 extends in the insertion direction of the suction article 100 and is configured to allow the piercing portion 230 to pass through. When the suction article 100 is not inserted into the storage unit 220, the detection unit 310A is configured to contact and support the piercing portion 230 located within the through-hole 312. As shown in FIG. 10 , the piercing portion 230 has a base end 231 located opposite the end that contacts the consumable product 10. When the suction article 100 is inserted into the storage unit 220 and the consumable product 10 contacts the piercing portion 230 and applies a force in the insertion direction, the piercing portion 230 moves due to the force, and the base end 231 moves to a position visible through the window 212. The piercing portion 230 may be configured to be biased toward the consumable product 10 by an elastic body such as a spring.

[0087] When the hole 24 is formed correctly in the consumable product 10, the base end 231 moves to approximately the same position. On the other hand, when the hole 24 is not formed correctly in the consumable product 10, the base end 231 moves to a different position than when the hole 24 is formed correctly. For example, when the hole 24 is formed correctly, the hole 24 is formed before the consumable product 10 reaches the position closest to the perforation section 230. On the other hand, when the hole 24 is not formed correctly, the perforation section 230 is pushed in until the consumable product 10 reaches the position closest to the perforation section 230, which may result in a longer longitudinal movement distance of the perforation section 230. Therefore, the length of the base end 231 exposed in a position visible to the user varies depending on whether the hole 24 is formed correctly. This allows the user, etc., to detect whether the hole 24 is opened correctly. Note that the window 212 does not need to be formed as long as it is visible to the user, etc., and an opening may be formed in the housing 210 instead of the window 212.

[0088] The detection unit 310A preferably has a mechanical structure MS that enables detection of whether the hole 24 has been properly formed without requiring power. This allows the suction device 200A and the suction system 1000A to be configured with a simple configuration that does not require electricity. The suction system 1000A may also have the same control unit 400, power supply unit 500, and sensor as the suction device 200 of the first embodiment, in which case the power required for detecting whether the hole 24 has been properly formed can be saved. The detection unit 310A may also be formed with a fragile portion that closes the through-hole 312, and may be configured so that the fragile portion is deformed or pushed out by the punching unit 230 when the suction article 100 is inserted into the storage unit 220, thereby forming the through-hole 312.

[0089] In this embodiment, the detection unit 310A is a mechanical structure MS configured such that, when the consumable product 10 is inserted into the storage unit 220 but the hole 24 is not opened by the punching unit 230, a part of the punching unit 230 is pushed out to a position visible from outside the suction device 200A through a weak part or through-hole 312 formed in the inner wall of the storage unit 220. This makes it possible to detect that the hole 24 has not been opened correctly on the surface of the consumable product 10 without necessarily requiring power, and allows the user or the like to take action.

[0090] Third Embodiment The suction system 1000B of the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the suction system 1000 of the first embodiment. However, the suction system 1000B differs from the suction system 1000 in that it has a suction device 200B instead of the suction device 200 described above. The suction device 200B differs from the suction device 200 of the first embodiment in that it has a punching unit 230A and a detection unit 310B instead of the punching unit 230 and the detection unit 310. The same parts as in the first embodiment will be referred to by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a side view schematically illustrating the perforation unit 230A according to this embodiment. The perforation unit 230A is configured as a needle-shaped member extending longitudinally along the major axis AX1. The perforation unit 230A includes a perforation unit main body 232 and a tip end 233. The perforation unit main body 232 is configured as a column extending longitudinally. The tip end 233 is configured to contact the consumable product 10. In the illustrated example, the tip end 233 is configured to taper toward the tip of the perforation unit 230A that faces the consumable product 10. However, this is not limited to this as long as the perforation unit 230A can penetrate the consumable product 10. The perforation unit 230A may be rod-shaped rather than needle-shaped. The detection unit 310B is a pressure sensor PS1. In the illustrated example, the detection unit 310B is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the perforation unit main body 232. However, this is not limited to this as long as the detection unit 310B can detect pressure in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. The detection unit 310B may be disposed on the tip end 233.

[0092] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the suction system 1000B, schematically illustrating the detection by the detection unit 310B of whether the hole 24 has been properly opened. When the suction article 100 is inserted into the storage unit 220, the perforation portion 230A may not penetrate the consumable product 10 but may bend or bend toward the inner wall surface of the storage unit 220. In this embodiment, in such a case, the detection unit 310B may come into contact with the consumable product 10 or the wrapper of the suction article 100, and the detection unit 310B may detect this contact, thereby enabling detection that the hole 24 has not been properly opened. The detection unit 310B may be configured to detect at least one of bending and curvature of the perforation portion 230A. For example, if the detection unit 310B detects a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 400 may determine that pressure has been applied to the perforation portion 230A from a direction other than the longitudinal direction, and thus determine that the hole 24 has not been properly opened.

[0093] In this embodiment, the perforation section 230A is a rod-like or needle-like member extending in the longitudinal direction, and the detection section 310B is configured to detect the pressure applied to the perforation section 230A in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. This allows the suction device 200B to detect bending or curvature of the perforation section 230A, and more reliably detect whether the hole 24 has been opened correctly.

[0094] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims and the technical idea described in the specification and drawings. Note that any shape or material not directly described in the specification or drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it achieves the functions and effects of the present invention.

[0095] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the suction device includes a housing, a storage section capable of storing a consumable product within the housing, a punching section for punching a hole in the surface of the consumable product, and a detection section for detecting whether the hole has been correctly punched by the punching section. According to a second aspect of the present invention, the detection section is configured to detect pressure applied to the punching section in the first aspect. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the detection section is a pressure sensor in the second aspect. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the punching section is a rod-shaped or needle-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction, and the pressure sensor is arranged on the opposite side of the longitudinal direction from the side where the consumable product is placed. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the suction device is the third or fourth aspect, further including a control section for determining whether the hole has been correctly punched in the consumable product by the punching section. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the control unit includes a memory unit that stores a pressure value when the perforation unit perforates the surface of the consumable product, and makes the determination based on the pressure value and an output from the pressure sensor. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the control unit determines at least one of whether to continue measurement by the pressure sensor and whether to record the measured pressure based on whether the pressure obtained from the pressure sensor is increasing. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the perforation unit is a rod-shaped or needle-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction, and the pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure on the perforation unit in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any of the fifth to eighth aspects, the control unit is configured to notify the user of information about the determination by at least one of sound, light, a screen, and vibration. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, the control unit is configured to switch the suction device between a suction-enabled state and a suction-disabled state based on the determination. According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect, the control unit is configured to switch by controlling opening and closing of a flow path that introduces air into the storage unit.According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the fifth to eleventh aspects, the control unit is configured to switch the pressure sensor between a detectable state and an undetectable state depending on the position of a shutter arranged in an inlet that introduces air into the storage unit. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the detection unit has a mechanical structure configured such that, when the consumable product is inserted into the storage unit but the hole is not opened by the perforation unit, a part of the perforation unit is pushed through a weak part or a through-hole formed in the inner wall of the storage unit to a position visible from outside the inhalation device. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the consumable product includes a flavor powder, and the inhalation device is a flavor inhaler for inhaling the flavor. According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, an inhalation system includes the inhalation device of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects and a consumable product that can be stored in the inhalation device.

[0096] 10: Consumable product 11: Powder 12: Particles 23: Consumable product fragile portion 24: Hole 100: Suction article 120: Powder-containing segment 200, 200A, 200B: Suction device 201: Insertion end 202: Vent 210: Housing 211: Shutter 212: Window portion 220: Storage portion 221: Cylindrical portion 222: Grip portion 223: Bottom portion 224: Air inlet 225: Vibration generating portion 230, 230A: Perforated portion 231: Base end portion 310, 310A, 310B: Detection portion 312: Through-hole 320: Suction sensor 330: Insertion sensor 400: Control unit 410: Memory unit 500: Power supply unit 1000, 1000A, 1000B: Suction system A1: First air flow path A2: Second air flow path AX1: Long axis of suction object AX2: Central axis of storage section AX10: Long axis of consumable product MS: Mechanical structure PS, PS1: Pressure sensor

Claims

1. Housing and a storage section capable of storing consumable products within the housing; a perforating section for perforating a surface of the consumable product; a detection unit for detecting whether the hole has been correctly opened by the punching unit; A suction device comprising:

2. The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection unit is configured to detect pressure applied to the perforation unit.

3. The suction device according to claim 2 , wherein the detection unit is a pressure sensor.

4. the perforating portion is a rod-shaped or needle-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction, The suction device according to claim 3 , wherein the pressure sensor is disposed on a side opposite to a side on which the consumable product is disposed along the longitudinal direction.

5. The suction device according to claim 3 , further comprising a control unit that determines whether the hole has been properly opened in the consumable product by the punching unit.

6. The suction device described in claim 5, wherein the control unit includes a memory unit that stores the pressure value when the perforation unit perforates the surface of the consumable product, and makes the judgment based on the pressure value and the output from the pressure sensor.

7. 6. The suction device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit determines at least one of whether to continue measurement by the pressure sensor and whether to record the measured pressure based on whether the pressure obtained from the pressure sensor is increasing.

8. the perforating portion is a rod-shaped or needle-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction, The suction device according to claim 5 , wherein the pressure sensor is configured to detect pressure applied to the perforated portion in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction.

9. The suction device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit is configured to notify the user of information about the determination by at least one of sound, light, a screen, and vibration.

10. The suction device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit is configured to switch the suction device between a suction-enabled state and a suction-disabled state based on the determination.

11. The suction device according to claim 10 , wherein the control unit is configured to perform the switching by controlling opening and closing of a flow path that introduces air into the storage unit.

12. 6. The suction device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit is configured to switch the pressure sensor between a detectable state and an undetectable state depending on the position of a shutter disposed at an inlet that introduces air into the storage unit.

13. The suction device described in claim 1, wherein the detection unit is a mechanical structure configured so that when the consumable product is inserted into the storage unit but the hole is not opened by the punching unit, a portion of the punching unit is pushed through a weak portion or through hole formed in the inner wall of the storage unit to a position visible from outside the suction device.

14. The inhalation device of claim 1 , wherein the consumable material includes a flavor powder, and the inhalation device is a flavor inhaler for inhaling flavors.

15. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; a consumable product that can be contained in the suction device; A suction system comprising: