Aerosol generation device

Abstract

This inhalation device (100), which is one example of an aerosol generation device, comprises: an accommodating unit (140) having an opening (142) at one end to accommodate at least part of a stick-type base material (150) inserted through the opening (142); a pressure sensor that outputs a value related to the pressure generated as a result of the stick-type base material (150) being inserted into the accommodating unit (140); a heating unit (121) that heats the stick-type base material (150) accommodated in the accommodating unit (140); and a control unit (116) that controls the heating by the heating unit (121) on the basis of the output value from the pressure sensor. The control unit (116) executes heating by the heating unit (121) in cases where the output value when the stick-type base material (150) is inserted into the accommodating unit (140) is included in a first range, and does not execute heating by the heating unit (121) in cases where said output value is included in a second range different from the first range.

Description

Aerosol Generator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known inhalation devices that generate an aerosol containing a flavor component and allow a user to inhale the generated aerosol. Some of these inhalation devices include a holder having an internal space, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the inner wall of the holder, and a control unit that determines the arrangement of the flavor component generating substrate in the internal space of the holder based on the detection result of the pressure sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1 listed below).

[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 174624

[0004] However, the history of research and development of aerosol generating devices such as the above-mentioned suction device is still short, and there is still room for further consideration regarding the use of pressure sensors in aerosol generating devices.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device that determines the state of a storage section by utilizing a pressure sensor that outputs a value related to the pressure generated when a substrate is inserted into the storage section, and that enables appropriate heating by a heating section to be performed taking into account that state.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol from a substrate containing an aerosol source, the aerosol generation device comprising: a storage section having an opening at one end and storing at least a portion of the substrate inserted through the opening; a pressure sensor that outputs a value related to the pressure generated by inserting the substrate into the storage section; a heating section that heats the substrate stored in the storage section; and a control section that controls heating by the heating section based on the output value of the pressure sensor, wherein the control section performs heating by the heating section when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the storage section is within a first range, and does not perform heating by the heating section when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the storage section is within a second range different from the first range.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be provided that determines the state of the storage section by utilizing a pressure sensor that outputs a value related to the pressure generated when a substrate is inserted into the storage section, and that can appropriately perform heating using the heating section while taking that state into consideration.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a suction device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2A is a front view of the suction device 100. FIG. 2B is a top view of the suction device 100. FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the suction device 100. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the suction device 100 taken along the arrows 3-3 in FIG. 2B. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 5A-5A in FIG. 4B. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 5B-5B in FIG. 4B. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heater 40. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 5B showing the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is placed at the heating position in the chamber 50. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the air flow path in the suction device 100. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the first holding unit 37. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristics of the pressure sensor 55. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a second example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile in this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example (part 1) of the arrangement of the pressure sensor 55. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example (part 2) of the arrangement of the pressure sensor 55. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing another example (part 3) of the arrangement of the pressure sensor 55.

[0009] An embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. The following embodiment is an example in which the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure is applied to an inhalation device. Note that the following embodiment does not limit the invention described in the claims, and not all of the features described in the following embodiment are necessarily essential. Furthermore, two or more of the multiple features described in the following embodiment may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, in the following, identical or similar elements are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0010] (Configuration of Inhalation Device) The inhalation device of this embodiment, which is an example of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure, is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device of this embodiment will be described as an aerosol, but this is not limited thereto, and the generated substance may be, for example, a gas.

[0011] (General Configuration of Suction Device) First, an example of the general configuration of the suction device of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a suction device 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the suction device 100 includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0012] The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. The power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 under the control of the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured to be rechargeable with electric power received from an external power source (not shown). The power supply unit 111 is configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0013] The sensor unit 112 acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100. The sensor unit 112 is configured to include, for example, a pressure sensor such as a strain gauge or a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user.

[0014] As an example, the sensor unit 112 includes a pressure sensor 55 that outputs a value related to the pressure generated when the stick-shaped substrate 150 (described below) housed in the housing unit 140 is pressed in the insertion direction. The pressure sensor 55 may also output a value related to the pressure generated when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the housing unit 140. Details of the pressure sensor 55 will be described later, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0015] The sensor unit 112 may also include an input device, such as an operation button or an operation switch, that accepts information input (in other words, operation) from the user. An example of this input device may be a switch of the switch unit 103, which will be described later.

[0016] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 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. Here, the light-emitting device can be realized, for example, by a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) and a drive circuit that causes the light-emitting element to emit light. The display device can be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an OLED display (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode). The sound output device can be, for example, a speaker. The vibration device can be, for example, a vibrator configured to include a motor and an eccentric weight attached to the rotation shaft of the motor.

[0017] The storage unit 114 stores various types of information (for example, programs and data) required for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0018] The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0019] The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs stored in the memory unit 114, etc. For example, the control unit 116 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to each component, including the heating unit 121 described below. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. As an example, the control unit 116 can be realized by an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0020] 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 at one end 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. That is, the storage unit 140 has the opening 142 at one end and accommodates a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted through the opening 142.

[0021] For example, the storage section 140 is a cylindrical body having an opening 142 and a bottom section 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. Air is supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150 stored in the storage section 140 via an air flow path provided in or connected to the internal space 141. An example of this air flow path will be described later using Figure 8 etc.

[0022] The stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source, and is configured to include a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes the aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component.

[0023] When stick-shaped substrate 150 is held (in other words, stored) in storage portion 140, at least a portion of substrate portion 151 is stored in internal space 141, and at least a portion of suction mouth portion 152 protrudes from opening 142. When a user holds suction mouth portion 152 protruding from opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into internal space 141 via the air flow path described above and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from substrate portion 151.

[0024] The heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured as a film heater with a conductive track (i.e., a heating track) formed of a heating resistor having a correlation between electrical resistance and temperature, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140. The heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. When the heating unit 121 generates heat while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 (in other words, the internal space 141), the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0025] The heating resistor of the heating unit 121 may be made of a material such as nichrome or stainless steel that has a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic, in which the electrical resistance increases in proportion to the temperature rise.

[0026] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

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

[0028] As one example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121 is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0029] As another example, the storage unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to hold and store the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121 may be provided at the holding location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0030] Alternatively, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In this case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100 or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0031] (Specific Configuration of Suction Device) Next, a description will be given of an example of a specific configuration of the suction device 100. Note that, hereinafter, the suction of the suction device 100 by the user will also be referred to as a "puff."

[0032] FIG. 2A is a front view of the suction device 100. FIG. 2B is a top view of the suction device 100. FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the suction device 100. For convenience of explanation, the drawings used in the following description may be accompanied by an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system. In this coordinate system, the Z axis faces vertically upward, the X-Y plane is positioned so as to cut the suction device 100 horizontally, and the Y axis is positioned so as to extend from the front to the back of the suction device 100. The Z axis can also be referred to as the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the chamber 50 (described below), or the axial direction of the chamber 50. The X axis is a direction perpendicular to the Y axis and the Z axis, and the X axis and the Y axis can also be referred to as radial directions perpendicular to the axial directions, or radial directions of the chamber 50.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C , the inhalation device 100 includes an outer housing 101, a slide cover 102, and a switch unit 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the inhalation device 100 and is sized to fit in a user's hand. When using the inhalation device 100, the user holds the inhalation device 100 in their hand and inhales (i.e., puffs) the aerosol. The outer housing 101 is formed, for example, by assembling multiple components. The components constituting the outer housing 101 can be made of various resins, such as polycarbonate, ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, or PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone), or various metals, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

[0034] The outer housing 101 has an opening (not shown) for receiving the stick-shaped substrate 150, and the sliding cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 to close the opening. Specifically, the sliding cover 102 is configured to be movable along the outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B ) in which the opening of the outer housing 101 is closed and an open position in which the opening is open. When the sliding cover 102 is in the closed position, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is restricted from accessing the interior of the suction device 100 (e.g., the storage portion 140). On the other hand, when the sliding cover 102 is in the open position, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is permitted to access the interior of the suction device 100 (e.g., the storage portion 140). The sliding cover 102 is an example of a cover member in the present disclosure. For example, a user can manually operate the sliding cover 102 to move the sliding cover 102 between the closed position and the open position.

[0035] The switch unit 103 is used to switch on and off the operation of the suction device 100. As an example, when the switch unit 103 is operated with the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the suction device 100, power may be supplied to the heating member 42, which will be described later, and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be heated.

[0036] The switch portion 103 may be a switch provided outside the outer housing 101, or may be a switch located inside the outer housing 101. When the switch is located inside the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly pressed by pressing the switch portion 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101.

[0037] The suction device 100 may further include a terminal (not shown). This terminal functions, for example, as an interface that electrically connects the suction device 100 to an external power source. This terminal may also be used to connect the suction device 100 to an external device (for example, a user's smartphone). In this case, a data transmission cable may be connected to this terminal, and the suction device 100 and the external device may be connected via the data transmission cable, so that data related to the operation of the suction device 100 and the like may be exchanged between the suction device 100 and the external device.

[0038] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of suction device 100 taken along arrow 3-3 in Figure 2B. As shown in Figure 3, inner housing 10 is provided inside outer housing 101 of suction device 100. Inner housing 10 may be made of, for example, any of the resins described above. Power source 20 and atomization unit 30 are provided in the internal space of inner housing 10.

[0039] The power supply 20 is, for example, a rechargeable battery that constitutes the power supply unit 111 described above, and is electrically connected to the atomization unit 30. This allows the power supply 20 to supply power to the atomization unit 30.

[0040] The atomization unit 30 has a chamber 50, a heater 40 that covers a part of the chamber 50, a heat insulating unit 32, and a generally cylindrical insertion guide member 34 that abuts against an opening 52 of the chamber 50 (see FIG. 4A).

[0041] The chamber 50 is a cylindrical member that extends in the insertion direction (Z-axis direction) of the stick-shaped substrate 150, and is configured so that the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be inserted therein.

[0042] The heater 40 is provided so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50 and includes a heating member 42 (see FIG. 6) that heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50 .

[0043] Furthermore, a bottom member 36 is provided at the bottom of the chamber 50 as a component constituting the bottom 143 described above. The bottom member 36 is provided at the bottom of the chamber 50 and functions as a stopper that positions the stick-shaped substrate 150 within the chamber 50 by abutting against an end of the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the chamber 50. The container 140 described above is formed by, for example, the chamber 50 and the bottom member 36.

[0044] The bottom member 36 also has irregularities on the abutment surface 36c (see FIG. 9) with the stick-shaped substrate 150. Due to these irregularities, a first air flow path AF1 (see FIG. 8) that communicates with the stick-shaped substrate 150 is formed on the abutment surface 36c of the bottom member 36 with the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0045] Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the bottom member 36 also functions as a movable member that moves in the insertion direction when the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the chamber 50 is pressed in the insertion direction.

[0046] The bottom member 36 is made of, for example, any of the various resins described above. Note that the bottom member 36 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity in order to suppress heat transfer to the heat insulating portion 32 and the like.

[0047] The heat insulating section 32 constitutes, for example, the heat insulating section 144 described above. The heat insulating section 32 has a generally cylindrical shape overall, and is disposed so as to cover the chamber 50. The heat insulating section 32 is configured to include, for example, an aerogel sheet.

[0048] The insertion guide member 34 is provided between the chamber 50 and an opening provided in the outer housing 101 for receiving the stick-shaped substrate 150, and is provided in contact with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to guide the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50. By providing such an insertion guide member 34, it becomes possible to easily insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50.

[0049] The insertion guide member 34 is made of, for example, the various resins mentioned above. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the insertion guide member 34 is preferably made of PEEK.

[0050] The suction device 100 further has a first holding part 37 and a second holding part 38 that hold both ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32. The first holding part 37 is arranged to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the negative Z-axis side. The second holding part 38 is arranged to hold the ends of the chamber 50 and the heat insulating part 32 on the slide cover 102 side (positive Z-axis side).

[0051] The suction device 100 also has the aforementioned pressure sensor 55. This pressure sensor 55 is provided, for example, in the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150, so as to face the tip surface 36d (see FIG. 9 ) of the bottom member 36 on the side opposite to the abutment surface 36c that comes into contact with the stick-shaped substrate 150. The pressure sensor 55 is provided in contact with the tip surface 36d of the bottom member 36, and outputs a value related to the pressure generated by being pressed by the bottom member 36 moving in the insertion direction.

[0052] (Chamber) Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 4B-4B in Fig. 4A. Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5A-5A in Fig. 4B. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5B-5B in Fig. 4B. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heater 40.

[0053] 4A and 4B , the chamber 50 is a cylindrical member including, for example, an opening 52 into which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and a cylindrical sidewall 60 that houses the stick-shaped substrate 150. The chamber 50 is preferably made of a material that is heat-resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, such as stainless steel. This allows for effective heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the chamber 50. Note that the chamber 50 may be made of a resin such as PEEK, glass, ceramic, or the like, in addition to metal.

[0054] 4B and 5B , the side wall portion 60 includes a contact portion 62 and a spacing portion 66. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is placed at a predetermined heating position within the chamber 50, the contact portion 62 contacts or presses against a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in a plane intersecting the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150, and the spacing portion 66 is spaced apart from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Note that the heating position here refers to a position where the stick-shaped substrate 150 is appropriately heated, or the position of the stick-shaped substrate 150 when the user smokes using the inhalation device 100.

[0055] Because sidewall 60 includes contact portion 62 and separation portion 66, the cross-sectional shape of sidewall 60 perpendicular to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of chamber 50 is elliptical, i.e., non-cylindrical. In this case, since accommodating portion 140 is composed of chamber 50 and bottom member 36 formed of a material different from that of chamber 50, even if chamber 50 has an irregular shape such as an elliptical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape, bottom member 36 can be finely machined regardless of the shape of chamber 50, thereby improving the processability of accommodating portion 140.

[0056] The contact portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The separation portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in FIG. 6 , the heater 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. This allows heat generated by the heating member 42 of the heater 40 to be transferred to the stick-shaped substrate 150 in contact with the contact portion 62. The heater 40 is preferably disposed without gaps on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62. The heater 40 may include an adhesive layer. In this case, the heater 40 including the adhesive layer is preferably disposed without gaps on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4A and 5B, the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat. Because the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 is flat, when the strip-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heater 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the contact portion 62 as shown in Figure 6, it is possible to prevent the strip-shaped electrode 48 from bending. As shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62 is flat. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4B and 5B, the thickness of the contact portion 62 is uniform.

[0058] 4A, 4B, and 5B, the chamber 50 has two contact portions 62 arranged in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other so as to be parallel to each other. It is preferable that at least a part of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two contact portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50 that is disposed between the contact portions 62.

[0059] 5B , the inner surface 66a of the spaced portion 66 may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. In addition, the spaced portion 66 is disposed so as to be adjacent to the contact portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0060] 5B , the chamber 50 has a hole 56a in its bottom 56 so that the bottom member 36 shown in FIG. 3 can pass through and be placed inside the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 is provided inside the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 supports a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50 so that at least a portion of the end surface of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is exposed. The bottom 56 supports a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 so that the exposed end surface of the stick-shaped substrate 150 communicates with a void 67 (see FIG. 7 ), which will be described later.

[0061] 4A and 4B , the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-holding portion 54 between the opening 52 and the sidewall portion 60. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is positioned at the heating position of the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-holding portion 54 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the chamber 50 preferably has a first guide portion 58 with a tapered surface 58a that connects the inner surface of the non-holding portion 54 and the inner surface 62a of the contact portion 62.

[0062] (Heater) As shown in FIG. 6 , the heater 40 includes a heating element 42 constituting the heating section 121 described above. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a film heater provided with a heating track. The heating element 42 is preferably arranged so as to heat the contact portion 62 without contacting the separation portion 66 of the chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 42 is preferably arranged only on the outer surface of the contact portion 62. The heating element 42 may have different heating capacities between the portion that heats the separation portion 66 of the chamber 50 and the portion that heats the contact portion 62. Specifically, the heating element 42 may be configured to heat the contact portion 62 to a higher temperature than the separation portion 66. For example, the arrangement density of the heating tracks of the heating element 42 at the contact portion 62 and the separation portion 66 may be adjusted. Alternatively, the heating element 42 may be wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 50, with substantially the same heating capacity around the entire circumference of the chamber 50.

[0063] 6, the heater 40 preferably includes, in addition to the heating member 42, an electrical insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating member 42. In this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is disposed so as to cover both surfaces of the heating member 42. Here, the bottom member 36 may be disposed so as not to overlap with the heating member 42 in the axial direction of the chamber 50. This makes it difficult for heat from the heating member 42 to be transferred to the bottom member 36, thereby suppressing deterioration of the bottom member 36 due to heat.

[0064] 7 is the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5B of the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is placed at the heating position within the chamber 50. As shown in FIG. 7 , when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is placed at the heating position within the chamber 50, the stick-shaped substrate 150 comes into contact with and is pressed against the contact portion 62 of the chamber 50. Meanwhile, a gap 67 is formed between the stick-shaped substrate 150 and the spaced portion 66. The gap 67 communicates with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end face of the stick-shaped substrate 150 positioned within the chamber 50. This allows air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to pass through the gap 67 and flow into the interior of the stick-shaped substrate 150. In other words, a second air flow path (gap 67) is formed between the stick-shaped substrate 150 and the spaced portion 66.

[0065] (Air flow path in suction device) Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the air flow path in the suction device 100. Note that the stick-type substrate 150 is not shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the second air flow path AF2 formed between the stick-type substrate 150 and the separating portion 66 communicates with the first air flow path AF1 formed in the bottom member 36, and the first air flow path AF1 communicates with a third air flow path AF3 that passes through the inside of the stick-type substrate 150.

[0066] As described above, in the inhalation device 100, air introduced into the housing 140, which is composed of the chamber 50 and the bottom member 36, is supplied to the stick-type substrate 150 through the second air flow path AF2 and the first air flow path AF1, and then reaches the user's mouth. This eliminates the need to provide a separate flow path for introducing air to be supplied to the stick-type substrate 150. This simplifies the structure of the inhalation device 100 and allows the inhalation device 100 to be made smaller. Furthermore, the air introduced into the housing 140 can be heated as it passes through the second air flow path AF2 before being supplied to the stick-type substrate 150. This allows the stick-type substrate 150 to be efficiently heated, making it possible to generate an aerosol with a greater amount of flavor components imparted thereto. This therefore makes it possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0067] (Configuration of the First Retaining Portion and Its Surroundings) Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the first retaining portion 37. As shown in Figure 9, the bottom member 36 engages with the bottom 56 of the chamber 50. This allows the bottom member 36 to be positioned and supported within the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 also has a shaft portion 36a that protrudes to the outside of the chamber 50 through a hole 56a in the chamber 50. A flat surface 36b, for example, is provided on a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 36a.

[0068] The first holding portion 37 has a support portion 72 which is an example of a support portion in the present disclosure, a heater cushion 74 which is another example of a support portion in the present disclosure, and a ring 85 .

[0069] The support portion 72 is configured to receive the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 and support the chamber 50. Specifically, the bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50 is supported by being sandwiched between the bottom member 36 and the support portion 72. The support portion 72 is made of, for example, any of the various resins, metals, glass, or ceramics described above. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the support portion 72 is preferably made of PEEK.

[0070] The support portion 72 has a flat surface 72a that faces the flat surface 36b of the shaft portion 36a. The engagement between the flat surface 36b of the shaft portion 36a and the flat surface 72a of the support portion 72 prevents the support portion 72 from rotating relative to the chamber 50.

[0071] The bottom member 36 also has a tip surface 36d as the surface opposite to the contact surface 36c that contacts the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50, more specifically, as the end face on the negative Z-axis direction side of the shaft portion 36a. As described above, the pressure sensor 55 is provided, for example, facing the tip surface 36d in the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 (i.e., the Z-axis direction) and in contact with the tip surface 36d.

[0072] Furthermore, the pressure sensor 55 is provided on, for example, a chassis member 200 that is harder than the pressure sensor 55 itself. The chassis member 200 is, for example, a frame member of the suction device 100, and is made of, for example, metal. This makes it possible to suppress displacement of the pressure sensor 55 when pressed, compared to when the pressure sensor 55 is provided on a soft member. The chassis member 200 is fixed to the inner housing 10 described above by, for example, a fixing portion (not shown). The chassis member 200 may also be part of the inner housing 10.

[0073] The heater cushion 74 accommodates and supports one end of the support portion 72, and has a hole 74a at approximately the center when viewed from the Z-axis direction, through which the shaft portion 36a of the bottom member 36 passes. The heater cushion 74 is made of an elastic material such as silicone, and supports the chamber 50 and the bottom member 36 via the support portion 72, and urges them in the positive direction of the Z-axis. The heater cushion 74 is positioned and fixed to, for example, the fixing portion 22 fixed to the inner housing 10 described above. The fixing portion 22 may be the inner housing 10 itself.

[0074] The ring 85 has an opening 85a into which the support portion 72 is inserted, and is fixed by being sandwiched between the support portion 72 and the heater cushion 74. The ring 85 is made of, for example, the various resins, metal, glass, ceramic, or the like as described above. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, the ring 85 is preferably made of PEEK.

[0075] The ring 85 is disposed opposite a support member 32a (described later) provided on the inner circumferential surface of the heat insulating portion 32 with a gap therebetween, and restricts movement of the heat insulating portion 32 in the radial direction of the chamber 50. This prevents the heat insulating portion 32 from moving endlessly in the radial direction of the chamber 50, thereby preventing the heat insulating portion 32 from colliding with other components (e.g., the inner housing 10). Furthermore, because the movement of the heat insulating portion 32 in the radial direction of the chamber 50 can be restricted from inside the heat insulating portion 32, the suction device 100 can be made smaller.

[0076] The heat insulating section 32 includes a support material 32a and a heat insulating layer 32b provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support material 32a. The support material 32a is, for example, substantially cylindrical and is disposed so as to surround the chamber 50. The support material 32a may be made of, for example, one of the various resins described above. The heat insulating layer 32b may be, for example, an aerogel sheet. The support material 32a is preferably formed thinner than the heat insulating layer 32b (for example, with a thickness of 1 mm or less). This reduces the heat capacity of the heat insulating section 32 itself, thereby suppressing heat loss in the heat insulating section 32.

[0077] (Pressure Sensor) The pressure sensor 55 outputs a value (parameter) related to pressure. Here, the pressure is, for example, a force applied to the pressure sensor 55 from the outside. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 55 is configured with a strain gauge such as a metal strain gauge or a semiconductor strain gauge, and outputs the electrical resistance value of its own resistor as a value related to pressure. The output value of the pressure sensor 55 is input to an MCU or the like that constitutes the control unit 116 described above. This allows the control unit 116 to acquire the output value of the pressure sensor 55.

[0078] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristics of the pressure sensor 55. In Fig. 10, the vertical axis represents the electrical resistance value [Ω] of the pressure sensor 55, and the horizontal axis represents the pressure [N].

[0079] 10, the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 decreases as the pressure increases. For example, when the pressure is Pa [N] (where Pa > 0), the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 is Ra [Ω] (where Ra > 0), and when the pressure is Pb [N] (where Pb > Pa), the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 is Rb [Ω] (where 0 < Rb < Ra).

[0080] (First Example of Time Series Change in Electrical Resistance Value of Pressure Sensor) Figure 11 is a diagram showing a first example of time series change in the electrical resistance value of pressure sensor 55. The first example described here is an example when the user puffs. In Figure 11, the vertical axis represents the electrical resistance value [Ω] of pressure sensor 55, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0081] In Figure 11, times t1, t2, t3, t4, and t5 are times when the user puffs. Explaining this with reference to Figures 3 and 9 as well, when puffing, the user holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the chamber 50 between their mouths. When the user holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the chamber 50 between their mouths, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed within the chamber 50 toward the negative Z-axis direction, which is the insertion direction.

[0082] When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed toward the negative Z-axis direction, the bottom member 36 that abuts against the stick-shaped substrate 150 inside the chamber 50 is also pressed toward the negative Z-axis direction, and can move slightly toward the negative Z-axis direction against the biasing force toward the positive Z-axis direction by the heater cushion 74. When the bottom member 36 moves toward the negative Z-axis direction, the tip surface 36d of the bottom member 36 presses against the pressure sensor 55, generating a pressure greater than that before the puff was performed.

[0083] Due to this increase in pressure caused by puffing, the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 at times t1, t2, t3, t4, and t5 becomes smaller than the predetermined value R1 [Ω]. On the other hand, when puffing is not performed, in other words, when the user is not holding the stick-shaped substrate 150 in his / her mouth, the above-mentioned increase in pressure does not occur, and the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 becomes larger than R1 [Ω].

[0084] (Second Example of Time-Series Change in Electrical Resistance Value of Pressure Sensor) Figure 12 is a diagram showing a second example of time-series change in the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55. The second example described here is an example in which a user inserts a stick-type substrate 150 into the chamber 50. Furthermore, when a user smokes using the inhalation device 100, dirt such as tobacco leaves that have fallen from the stick-type substrate 150 and / or condensed aerosol may adhere to the inside of the chamber 50; however, in the second example described here, it is assumed that there is no such dirt inside the chamber 50. In Figure 12, the vertical axis represents the electrical resistance value [Ω] of the pressure sensor 55, and the horizontal axis represents time.

[0085] 12 , time t11 is the time when the user inserts the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50. Explaining this further with reference to FIGS. 3 and 9 , when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed in the chamber 50 toward the negative Z-axis direction, which is the insertion direction.

[0086] Thereafter, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50 comes into contact with the bottom member 36 inside the chamber 50, the bottom member 36 is also pressed toward the negative Z-axis direction, and can move slightly toward the negative Z-axis direction against the biasing force toward the positive Z-axis direction by the heater cushion 74. Then, when the bottom member 36 moves toward the negative Z-axis direction, the tip surface 36d of the bottom member 36 presses against the pressure sensor 55, and a greater pressure is generated than before the stick-shaped substrate 150 was inserted into the chamber 50.

[0087] Due to this increase in pressure accompanying the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150, the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 at time t11 becomes smaller than the predetermined value R2 [Ω]. On the other hand, before the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and after the user stops pressing the stick-shaped substrate 150 because insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is complete, no such increase in pressure occurs, and so the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 becomes larger than R2 [Ω].

[0088] 12, time t12 is the time when the user removes the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the chamber 50. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed from the chamber 50, the stick-shaped substrate 150 moves within the chamber 50 in the positive Z-axis direction, which is the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0089] When the stick-shaped substrate 150 moves in the positive direction of the Z axis from a state in which it is in contact with the bottom member 36, the bottom member 36 moves slightly in the positive direction of the Z axis due to the biasing force of the heater cushion 74 in the positive direction of the Z axis. Then, as the bottom member 36 moves in the positive direction of the Z axis, the force (i.e., pressure) with which the tip surface 36d of the bottom member 36 presses against the pressure sensor 55 decreases. Due to this decrease in pressure associated with the removal of the stick-shaped substrate 150, the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 at time t12 becomes greater than a predetermined value R3 [Ω] (where R3 > R2).

[0090] (Third Example of Time-Series Change in Electrical Resistance Value of Pressure Sensor) Figure 13 is a diagram showing a third example of time-series change in the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55. The third example described here is an example in which the user inserts the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50, similar to the second example shown in Figure 12, but differs from the second example described above in that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty. Note that the following description will focus on the differences from the second example shown in Figure 12, and descriptions of similar points will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0091] In Figure 13, time t21 is the time when the user inserts the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50. As described above, when inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50, the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 decreases due to the increase in pressure that accompanies the insertion. If the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, the dirt will narrow the internal space of the chamber 50, and a greater force will be required to insert the stick-shaped substrate 150. For this reason, when the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty, the user will press the stick-shaped substrate 150 more strongly in the negative Z-axis direction when inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50 than when the inside of the chamber 50 is clean.

[0092] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, if the inside of chamber 50 is dirty when stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, a larger pressure is generated than when the inside of chamber 50 is clean, and the electrical resistance value of pressure sensor 55 becomes smaller than R4 [Ω], which is a predetermined value that is even smaller than the aforementioned R2 [Ω].

[0093] In the following description, as shown in FIG. 13, the range from R2 [Ω] to R4 [Ω] is also referred to as the "first range RG1," and the range smaller than R4 [Ω] is also referred to as the "second range RG2."

[0094] 13, time t22 is the time when the user removes the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the chamber 50. As described above, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed from the chamber 50, the pressure decreases as the user removes the stick-shaped substrate 150, causing the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 to become greater than R3 [Ω].

[0095] (Controller) The controller 116 can control the operation of the suction device 100 based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55. As an example, the controller 116 detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50 (i.e., the storage section 140) based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55. This makes it possible to utilize the pressure sensor 55 to detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50.

[0096] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50, the pressure increases as the insertion proceeds, causing the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 to transition from a state greater than R2 [Ω] to a state less than R2 [Ω].

[0097] Therefore, the control unit 116 acquires, for example, the electrical resistance value, which is the output value of the pressure sensor 55, at a predetermined cycle (e.g., every 5 ms), and detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50 when the electrical resistance value transitions from a state greater than R2 [Ω] to a state less than R2 [Ω]. That is, the control unit 116 detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50 based on the time-series transition of the output value of the pressure sensor 55. This makes it possible to accurately detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50 based on the output value (electrical resistance value) of the pressure sensor 55, which is easily available, such as a strain gauge. In this case, R2 [Ω] is set in advance, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0098] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may be configured to start heating by the heating unit 121 when it detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50. For example, the control unit 116 may be configured to start heating control, which will be described later, when it detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50. In this way, the user can generate aerosol simply by inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50, without the need for any other operations. Therefore, compared to when other operations are required in addition to inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50 to generate aerosol, this reduces the effort required by the user, and improves user convenience.

[0099] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the output value of the pressure sensor 55 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50 may differ depending on whether the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty or clean.

[0100] Therefore, the control unit 116 may further determine whether the inside of the chamber 50 is contaminated or not based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55 when it detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50. In this way, it becomes possible to utilize the pressure sensor 55 to determine whether the inside of the chamber 50 is contaminated or not.

[0101] For example, the control unit 116 may acquire the electrical resistance value, which is the output value of the pressure sensor 55, at a predetermined period, and when the electrical resistance value transitions from a state greater than R2 [Ω] to a state included in the first range RG1 shown in FIG. 13, it may detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50 and determine that the inside of the chamber 50 is not dirty.

[0102] On the other hand, when the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 transitions from a state greater than R2 [Ω] to a state included in the second range RG2 shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 116 may detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50 and determine that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty.

[0103] In this way, it becomes possible to accurately detect, from the output value of the pressure sensor 55, not only whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50, but also whether or not there is dirt inside the chamber 50. In this case, R2 [Ω] and R4 [Ω], i.e., the first range RG1 and the second range RG2, are set in advance by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0104] The control unit 116 may then start heating by the heating unit 121 when it determines that the inside of the chamber 50 is not dirty, and may not perform heating by the heating unit 121 when it determines that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty. In other words, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 when the output value of the pressure sensor 55 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50 is within the first range RG1, but may not perform heating by the heating unit 121 when the output value is within the second range RG2 (in other words, not within the first range RG1). In this way, heating by the heating unit 121 can be prevented when the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty, and heating by the heating unit 121 can be performed appropriately taking into account the state of the inside of the chamber 50.

[0105] For example, if heating is performed by the heating unit 121 when the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty, poor quality aerosol or smoke may be generated due to the dirt inside the chamber 50, or the dirt may become more firmly attached to the inside of the chamber 50 and become difficult to remove. If such a situation occurs, it may cause discomfort to the user and reduce the quality of the experience provided by the inhalation device 100 to the user.

[0106] Therefore, when the control unit 116 determines that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned situation from occurring by preventing heating by the heating unit 121. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned situation from occurring and thereby prevent a decrease in the quality of the experience that the suction device 100 provides to the user.

[0107] Furthermore, when the control unit 116 determines that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty (i.e., when the output value of the pressure sensor 55 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50 is within the second range RG2), the control unit 116 may notify the user, via the notification unit 113 that can notify the user of information, that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the inside of the chamber 50 is necessary. In this way, the user can be prompted to check the inside of the chamber 50 when it is determined that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty, and can also be prompted to clean the inside of the chamber 50 if the inside of the chamber 50 is actually dirty.

[0108] As an example, if the notification unit 113 includes a light-emitting device, the control unit 116 may notify the user that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required by causing the light-emitting device to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting mode. Here, the predetermined light-emitting mode may be, for example, a light-emitting mode that is used only when notifying the user that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required; in other words, a light-emitting mode that is different from light-emitting modes that indicate other errors or states of the suction device 100. Here, the light-emitting mode refers to the light color, the number of lights emitted (e.g., the number of light-emitting elements that emit light), or the light-emitting pattern (e.g., blinking). This makes it possible to notify the user that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0109] As another example, if the notification unit 113 includes a vibration device, the control unit 116 may notify the user that the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required by vibrating the vibration device in a predetermined vibration mode. Here, the predetermined vibration mode may be, for example, a vibration mode used only when notifying the user that the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required; in other words, a vibration mode different from vibration modes indicating other errors or states of the suction device 100. Here, the vibration mode refers to a vibration pattern (e.g., the manner in which the vibration occurs), the vibration intensity, the vibration frequency, or the duration of the vibration. In this manner, it is possible to notify the user that the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0110] As another example, if the notification unit 113 includes a display device, the control unit 116 may notify the user that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required by displaying a predetermined image or message on the display device. Here, the predetermined image may be, for example, an icon indicating that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required. Furthermore, the predetermined message may be, for example, a message such as "Please clean the inside of the heating chamber." In this manner, it is possible to notify the user that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.

[0111] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may transmit predetermined information to another device capable of communicating with the suction device 100 via the communication unit 115, thereby causing the other device to notify the user that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required. In this case, the control unit 116 may notify the user that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required, for example, by displaying a predetermined image or message such as that described above on a display device provided in the other device capable of communicating with the suction device 100. In this way, it is possible to notify the user that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty and / or that cleaning of the chamber 50 is required, even without providing a notification unit 113 in the suction device 100.

[0112] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may further detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50, based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55. In this way, it is possible to utilize the pressure sensor 55 to detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50.

[0113] For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed from the chamber 50, the pressure decreases as the substrate is removed, and the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 transitions from a state smaller than R3 [Ω] to a state larger than R3 [Ω].

[0114] Therefore, the control unit 116 acquires, for example, the electrical resistance value, which is the output value of the pressure sensor 55, at a predetermined cycle, and after detecting that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50, detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50 when the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 transitions from a state smaller than R3 [Ω] to a state larger than R3 [Ω]. That is, the control unit 116 detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50 based on the time-series transition of the output value of the pressure sensor 55. This makes it possible to accurately detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50 based on the output value (electrical resistance value) of the pressure sensor 55, which is easily available, such as a strain gauge. In this case, R3 [Ω] is set in advance, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0115] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may be configured to terminate heating by the heating unit 121 when it detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50 during heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the control unit 116 may be configured to terminate heating control when it detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50 during heating control, which will be described later. In this way, it is possible to prevent power from being wasted and the suction device 100 from becoming too hot, which would otherwise occur if heating by the heating unit 121 were to continue even though the stick-shaped substrate 150 had been removed from the chamber 50. This makes it possible to improve the safety of the suction device 100 and increase user convenience.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 116 detects inhalation (i.e., puffing) by the user based on, for example, the output value of the pressure sensor 55. This makes it possible to utilize the pressure sensor 55 to detect puffing.

[0117] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when a puff is given, the increase in pressure caused by the puff causes the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor 55 to transition from a state greater than R1 [Ω] to a state less than R1 [Ω].

[0118] Therefore, the control unit 116 acquires, for example, the electrical resistance value, which is the output value of the pressure sensor 55, at a predetermined interval, and detects a puff when the electrical resistance value transitions from a state greater than R1 [Ω] to a state less than R1 [Ω]. That is, the control unit 116 detects a puff based on the time series transition of the output value of the pressure sensor 55. This makes it possible to accurately detect a puff based on the output value (electrical resistance value) of the pressure sensor 55, which is readily available, such as a strain gauge. In this case, R1 [Ω] is set in advance, for example, by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100.

[0119] The control unit 116 also heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 by, for example, controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121 according to a pre-prepared heating profile. The heating profile is, for example, information specifying the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (e.g., the heating member 42), and is pre-stored in the storage unit 114, etc. Typically, the heating profile is designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100. By generating aerosol by controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on such a heating profile, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience (inhalation experience). Note that, hereinafter, temperature control of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile will also be simply referred to as "heating control."

[0120] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile in this embodiment. In Fig. 14, the vertical axis represents the temperature [°C] of the heating unit 121. In Fig. 14, the horizontal axis represents time [s], more specifically, the elapsed time from the start of heating control.

[0121] The heating profile Pr1 shown in FIG. 14 defines, for example, the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from 0 [s] to T1 [s] (where T1 > 0) as Tp1 [°C], the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from T1 [s] to T2 [s] (where T2 > T1) as Tp2 [°C] (where Tp2 < Tp1), and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from T2 [s] to T3 [s] (where T3 > T2) as Tp3 [°C] (where Tp3 > Tp2).

[0122] According to this heating profile Pr1, when the control unit 116 starts heating control, it first raises the temperature of the heating unit 121 to Tp1 [° C.], then lowers the temperature to Tp2 [° C.], and then raises the temperature again to Tp3 [° C.]. Then, when T3 [s] has elapsed since the start of heating control, the control unit 116 ends the heating control.

[0123] Furthermore, when puffs are detected a predetermined number of times (e.g., 15 times) during heating by the heating unit 121, or when a state in which no puffs are detected continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds), the control unit 116 may terminate heating by the heating unit 121. In this way, it becomes possible to appropriately terminate heating by the heating unit 121 taking into consideration the inhalation status of the user, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[0124] In the heating control, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between a target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of the heating control and the actual temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature") of the heating unit 121. Specifically, at this time, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 becomes the same as the time series transition of the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0125] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses obtained by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses.

[0126] In feedback control, the control unit 116 may control the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example, the duty ratio, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. Furthermore, the feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.

[0127] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be obtained (i.e., quantified) by, for example, measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated (i.e., obtained) by, for example, measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured (i.e., obtained) by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor.

[0128] In the inhalation device 100, the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated is also referred to as the "inhalation period." The period from the start of heating control to the start of the inhalation period is also referred to as the "pre-heating period." Typically, the start of the inhalation period is the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the initial target temperature and is expected to be sufficiently high.

[0129] In the example shown in FIG. 14 , the period from 0 [s] to T11 [s] after the start of heating control is the pre-heating period, and the period from T11 [s] to T3 [s] is the inhalable period. Here, T11 [s] is greater than T10 [s], which is the estimated time elapsed until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature, T1 [°C], and is less than T1 [s], which is the estimated time elapsed until the temperature starts decreasing from Tp1 [°C] to Tp2 [°C], which is the next target temperature. Note that, for example, when the pre-heating period ends and the inhalable period begins, the control unit 116 notifies the user via the notification unit 113 that the inhalable period has begun. Then, upon receiving this notification, the user begins smoking (i.e., puffing).

[0130] Incidentally, when acquiring the output value of pressure sensor 55, control unit 116 supplies a predetermined amount of power from power supply unit 111 (e.g., power supply 20) to pressure sensor 55. From the viewpoint of reducing power consumption in suction device 100, it is preferable that power be supplied to pressure sensor 55 only when the output value of pressure sensor 55 is necessary for control purposes.

[0131] Therefore, when control unit 116 detects puffing based on the output value of pressure sensor 55, control unit 116 may start supplying power to pressure sensor 55 after an inhalation-enabled period in which puffing can occur has arrived. In other words, control unit 116 may start supplying power to pressure sensor 55 after a certain time (e.g., T11 [s]) has elapsed since heating unit 121 started heating. In this way, it is possible to suppress the supply of power to pressure sensor 55 during a period in which puffing is unlikely to occur, such as immediately after heating unit 121 starts heating, and power consumption can be reduced compared to when power is constantly supplied to pressure sensor 55.

[0132] Furthermore, in cases where the control unit 116 detects the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50 based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55, the control unit 116 may be configured to start supplying power to the pressure sensor 55 after the slide cover 102 is set to the open position. In other words, the control unit 116 may be configured to start supplying power to the pressure sensor 55 when the slide cover 102 is in a state that allows the stick-shaped substrate 150 to access the chamber 50. In this way, by starting to supply power to the pressure sensor 55 after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is in a state that allows it to be inserted into the chamber 50 (i.e., the storage unit 140), it is possible to reduce power consumption compared to when power is supplied to the pressure sensor 55 at all times.

[0133] (Example of Processing Executed by Control Unit) Next, a description will be given of an example of processing executed by the control unit 116. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116.

[0134] 15, the control unit 116 first determines whether the sliding cover 102 is in the open position (step S1). Whether the sliding cover 102 is in the open position can be determined based on the output value of a hall sensor or the like that detects the position of the sliding cover 102, for example.

[0135] If the control unit 116 determines that the sliding cover 102 is not in the open position, i.e., that the sliding cover 102 is in the closed position (step S1: NO), the control unit 116 repeats the process of step S1 until the sliding cover 102 is in the open position. If the control unit 116 determines that the sliding cover 102 is in the open position (step S1: YES), the control unit 116 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 111 (e.g., power supply 20) to the pressure sensor 55 (step S2).

[0136] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50, based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55 (step S3). If it determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been inserted into the chamber 50 (step S3: NO), the control unit 116 repeats the processing of step S3 until it determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50.

[0137] If it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50 (step S3: Yes), the control unit 116 determines whether the inside of the chamber 50 is contaminated or not (step S4) based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50. If it is determined that the inside of the chamber 50 is not contaminated (step S4: No), the control unit 116 starts heating control (step S5).

[0138] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50 (step S6). If it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the chamber 50 (step S6: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to the processing of step S10, which will be described later.

[0139] If it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been removed from the chamber 50 (step S6: NO), the control unit 116 determines whether or not puffing has occurred a predetermined number of times (e.g., 15 times) during the current heating control (step S7).If it is determined that puffing has occurred a predetermined number of times (step S7: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to the processing of step S10, which will be described later.

[0140] If it is determined that puffing has not been performed the predetermined number of times (step S7: NO), the control unit 116 determines whether a predetermined time (e.g., T3 [s]) has elapsed since the start of the current heating control (step S8).If it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S8: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to the process of step S10, which will be described later.

[0141] If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S7: YES), the control unit 116 determines whether the state in which no puffs are detected has continued for a predetermined time (e.g., 60 [s]) (step S9).If it is determined that the state in which no puffs are detected has not continued for the predetermined time (step S9: NO), the control unit 116 returns to the processing of step S6.

[0142] If it is determined that the state in which no puffs are detected has continued for a predetermined time (step S9: YES), the control unit 116 terminates the heating control (step S10), stops supplying power to the pressure sensor 55 (step S11), and terminates the series of processes shown in Figure 15.

[0143] Furthermore, if it is determined in the processing of step S4 that the inside of the chamber 50 is dirty (step S4: YES), the control unit 116 notifies the user, for example, that the inside of the chamber 50 needs to be cleaned (step S12), and proceeds to the processing of step S11. In this case, the control unit 116 does not perform heating control even when it detects that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the chamber 50. This makes it possible to prevent the generation of poor quality aerosol or smoke due to dirt inside the chamber 50, and to prevent the dirt from solidifying inside the chamber 50.

[0144] As described above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 116 can detect inhalation (i.e., puffing) by the user based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55, which outputs a value related to the pressure generated by pressing the stick-shaped substrate 150. This makes it possible to appropriately detect inhalation by the user by utilizing the pressure sensor 55 in the suction device 100.

[0145] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, if the output value of the pressure sensor 55 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 is within the first range RG1, the control unit 116 can perform heating using the heating member 42, and if the output value of the pressure sensor 55 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 is within the second range RG2, the control unit 116 can prevent heating using the heating unit 121. This makes it possible to determine the state of the storage unit 140 using the pressure sensor 55 in the suction device 100 and to appropriately perform heating using the heating unit 121 taking that state into consideration.

[0146] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the suction device 100 includes a bottom member 36 as a movable member that moves in the insertion direction when the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing 140 is pressed in the insertion direction. The pressure sensor 55 faces the bottom member 36 in the insertion direction and outputs a value related to the pressure generated by being pressed by the bottom member 36 moving in the insertion direction. In this manner, by configuring the pressure sensor 55 to be pressed by the bottom member 36 as a movable member, it is possible to position the pressure sensor 55 away from the housing 140 and / or the stick-shaped substrate 150. This makes it easy to protect the pressure sensor 55 from high temperatures, even when the housing 140 and / or the stick-shaped substrate 150 are heated to high temperatures during aerosol generation. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the pressure sensor 55 can be pressed using the bottom member 36, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated part just for pressing the pressure sensor 55. This simplifies the structure of the suction device 100.

[0147] Although one embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure has been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. 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 disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiment may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0148] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the suction device 100 has a so-called counterflow type air flow path in which air flowing in from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 is supplied to the end face of the stick-shaped substrate 150, but this is not limited to this. For example, the suction device 100 may have a so-called bottom flow type air flow path in which air is supplied into the chamber 50 from the bottom 56 of the chamber 50.

[0149] In the above-described embodiment, the pressure sensor 55 is configured to be pressed against the bottom member 36 as a movable member, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0150] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example (part 1) of the arrangement of the pressure sensor 55. As shown in FIG. 16 , the pressure sensor 55 may be configured to face the support portion 72 in the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and output a value related to the pressure generated by being pressed by the support portion 72 moving in the insertion direction. That is, the support portion 72 may be a movable member that presses the pressure sensor 55. In this case, the support portion 72 can be used to press the pressure sensor 55 instead of the bottom member 36, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated part just for pressing the pressure sensor 55. This simplifies the structure of the suction device 100. Furthermore, in this case, even if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed strongly, the force is dispersed by the bottom member 36 and the support portion 72, preventing excessive pressure from being generated in the pressure sensor 55 and protecting the pressure sensor 55.

[0151] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example (part 2) of the arrangement of the pressure sensor 55. As shown in FIG. 17 , the pressure sensor 55 may be configured to face the heater cushion 74 in the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and output a value related to the pressure generated by being pressed by the heater cushion 74 that has moved (or deformed) in the insertion direction. That is, the heater cushion 74 may be used as a movable member that presses the pressure sensor 55. In this case, the heater cushion 74 can be used to press the pressure sensor 55 instead of the bottom member 36, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated component for pressing the pressure sensor 55. This simplifies the structure of the suction device 100. Furthermore, in this case, even if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed strongly, the force is dispersed by the bottom member 36, the support portion 72, and the heater cushion 74, preventing excessive pressure from being generated in the pressure sensor 55 and protecting the pressure sensor 55.

[0152] In addition, a pressure sensor 55 that outputs a value related to the pressure generated when the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the chamber 50 (i.e., the containing section 140) is pressed in the insertion direction, and a pressure sensor 55 that outputs a value related to the pressure generated when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50 may be separately provided.

[0153] 18 is a diagram showing another example (part 3) of the placement of the pressure sensor 55. As shown in FIG. 18, the pressure sensor 55 may be provided, for example, on the inner wall 34a of the insertion guide member 34 and may output a value related to the pressure generated when the inner wall 34a is pressed. Even in this case, the insertion guide member 34 can be used to press the pressure sensor 55, so there is no need for a separate dedicated part just for pressing the pressure sensor 55. This makes it possible to simplify the structure of the suction device 100.

[0154] Furthermore, if it is not necessary to detect suction (i.e., puffing) based on the output value of the pressure sensor 55, then, for example, of the pressure sensors 55 shown in Fig. 18 , the pressure sensor 55 facing the bottom member 36 may be omitted. In this case, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 when the output value of the pressure sensor 55, which is provided on the inner wall 34a and outputs a value related to the pressure generated by inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the chamber 50, is within the first range RG1, but may not perform heating by the heating unit 121 when the output value is within the second range RG2.

[0155] 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.

[0156] (1) An aerosol generation device (suction device 100) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source, the aerosol generation device comprising: a storage section (storage section 140) having an opening (opening 142) at one end and storing at least a portion of the substrate inserted through the opening; a pressure sensor (pressure sensor 55, sensor section 112) that outputs a value related to the pressure generated by inserting the substrate into the storage section; a heating section (heating section 121, heating member 42) that heats the substrate stored in the storage section; and a control section (control section 116) that controls heating by the heating section based on an output value of the pressure sensor, wherein the control section performs heating by the heating section when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the storage section is within a first range (first range RG1), and does not perform heating by the heating section when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the storage section is within a second range (second range RG2) different from the first range.

[0157] The output value of the pressure sensor when the substrate is inserted into the storage unit may differ depending on whether the storage unit is dirty or not. According to (1), if the output value of the pressure sensor when the substrate is inserted into the storage unit is within a first range, heating by the heating unit can be performed, but if the output value is within a second range different from the first range, heating by the heating unit can be prevented. This makes it possible to determine the state of the storage unit using the pressure sensor in the aerosol generation device and to appropriately perform heating by the heating unit taking that state into consideration.

[0158] (2) The aerosol generating device described in (1), wherein the pressure sensor has a characteristic that the electrical resistance value decreases as the pressure increases, and outputs the electrical resistance value as the output value; the control unit detects that the substrate has been inserted into the storage unit when the electrical resistance value transitions to a state smaller than a first predetermined value (R2); the first range is a range from the first predetermined value to a second predetermined value (R4) smaller than the first predetermined value; and the second range is a range smaller than the second predetermined value.

[0159] If the inside of the storage unit is clean, the electrical resistance value (output value) of the pressure sensor when the substrate is inserted into the storage unit may fall within a first range from a first predetermined value, which is a condition for detecting that the substrate has been inserted into the storage unit, to a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value. In other words, if the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor when the substrate is inserted into the storage unit falls within a second range smaller than the second predetermined value, the inside of the storage unit is likely to be contaminated. According to (2), if the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensor when inserted into the storage unit falls within the second range and the inside of the storage unit is likely to be contaminated, heating by the heating unit can be prevented. This makes it possible to prevent poor quality aerosol or smoke caused by contamination in the storage unit, or for the contamination to solidify inside the storage unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent such situations from occurring and degrading the quality of the experience provided to the user by the aerosol generation device.

[0160] (3) The aerosol generating device according to (2), wherein the control unit further detects that the substrate has been removed from the storage unit when the electrical resistance value becomes greater than a third predetermined value (R3) that is greater than the first predetermined value after detecting that the substrate has been inserted into the storage unit.

[0161] According to (3), it is possible to accurately detect that the substrate has been removed from the container based on the output value of the pressure sensor.

[0162] (4) The aerosol generating device according to (3), wherein the control unit terminates the heating when detecting that the base material has been removed from the storage unit during heating by the heating unit.

[0163] According to (4), it is possible to prevent the heating unit from continuing to heat the substrate even after it has been removed from the storage unit, which would result in wasting electricity and causing the aerosol generating device to become too hot.

[0164] (5) An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a cover member (slide cover 102) that allows or restricts access of the substrate to the storage section, and the control unit further controls the supply of power to the pressure sensor, and starts supplying power to the pressure sensor when the cover member is in a state that allows access of the substrate to the storage section.

[0165] According to (5), power supply to the pressure sensor is started only after the substrate is ready to be inserted into the housing portion, thereby reducing power consumption compared to when power is supplied to the pressure sensor at all times.

[0166] (6) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit further notifies a user, via a notification unit (notification unit 113) capable of notifying a user of information, that the inside of the storage unit is dirty and / or that the storage unit needs to be cleaned, when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the storage unit is within the second range.

[0167] According to (6), if there is a possibility that the inside of the storage compartment is dirty, the user can be prompted to check the inside of the storage compartment, and if the inside of the storage compartment is actually dirty, the user can be prompted to clean the inside of the storage compartment.

[0168] (7) The aerosol generating device according to (6), wherein the notification unit includes a light-emitting device, and the control unit, when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the storage unit is within the second range, notifies the user that the inside of the storage unit is dirty and / or that the storage unit needs to be cleaned by causing the light-emitting device to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting mode.

[0169] According to (7), it is possible to notify the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner that the inside of the storage unit is dirty and / or that the inside of the storage unit needs to be cleaned.

[0170] (8) The aerosol generating device according to (6) or (7), wherein the notification unit includes a vibration device, and the control unit vibrates the vibration device in a predetermined vibration mode when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the storage unit is within the second range, thereby notifying the user that the inside of the storage unit is dirty and / or that the storage unit needs to be cleaned.

[0171] According to (8), it is possible to notify the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner that the inside of the storage unit is dirty and / or that the inside of the storage unit needs to be cleaned.

[0172] (9) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the notification unit includes a display device, and the control unit, when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the storage unit is within the second range, notifies the user that the inside of the storage unit is dirty and / or that the storage unit needs to be cleaned by causing the display device to display a predetermined image or message.

[0173] According to (9), it is possible to notify the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner that the inside of the storage unit is dirty and / or that the inside of the storage unit needs to be cleaned.

[0174] (10) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (9), further comprising a movable member (bottom member 36, support member 72, heater cushion 74) that moves in an insertion direction as the substrate is inserted into the storage section, and the pressure sensor faces the movable member in the insertion direction and outputs a value related to the pressure generated by being pressed by the movable member that has moved in the insertion direction.

[0175] According to (10), by configuring the pressure sensor to be pressed by the movable member, it is possible to dispose the pressure sensor away from the container and / or the substrate, which makes it easy to protect the pressure sensor from the high temperature of the container and / or the substrate when the aerosol is generated.

[0176] (11) The aerosol generating device according to (10), wherein the pressure sensor is provided on a chassis member (chassis member 200) that is harder than the pressure sensor.

[0177] According to (11), it is possible to suppress displacement of the pressure sensor when pressed, compared to when the pressure sensor is provided on a soft material, and thus it is possible to accurately detect inhalation by the user based on the output value of the pressure sensor.

[0178] (12) The aerosol generating device according to (10) or (11), wherein the storage section is configured to include a chamber (chamber 50) that is a cylindrical member extending in the insertion direction and configured to be able to store the substrate therein, and a bottom member (bottom member 36) that is provided at the bottom of the chamber, which is the other end of the storage section, and abuts against an end of the substrate stored in the chamber, and the movable member is the bottom member.

[0179] In the aerosol generating device, the storage unit may include a cylindrical chamber extending in the direction of insertion of the substrate and a bottom member provided at the bottom of the chamber. According to (13), the bottom member in such an aerosol generating device can be used to press the pressure sensor, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated part for pressing the pressure sensor. This simplifies the structure of the aerosol generating device.

[0180] (13) The aerosol generating device according to (10) or (11), wherein the storage section is configured to include a chamber (chamber 50) that is a cylindrical member extending in the insertion direction and configured to be able to store the substrate therein, and a bottom member (bottom member 36) that is provided at the bottom of the chamber, which is the other end of the storage section, and abuts against an end of the substrate stored in the chamber; the aerosol generating device further includes a support section (support section 72, heater cushion 74) that supports the chamber; and the movable member is the support section.

[0181] In the aerosol generating device, the storage unit may include a cylindrical chamber extending in the substrate insertion direction and a bottom member provided at the bottom of the chamber, and a support member may also be provided to support the chamber. According to (13), the support member in such an aerosol generating device can be used to press the pressure sensor, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated part for pressing the pressure sensor. This simplifies the structure of the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, according to (13), even if the substrate is pressed strongly, the force is dispersed by the bottom member and the support member, preventing excessive pressure from being generated in the pressure sensor and protecting the pressure sensor.

[0182] (14) The aerosol generating device according to (12) or (13), wherein a first air flow path (first air flow path AF1) communicating with the substrate contained in the chamber is formed on the contact surface (contact surface 36c) of the bottom member that contacts the substrate, and the chamber has a contact portion (contact portion 62) that contacts the contained substrate, and a separation portion (separation portion 66) that is adjacent to the contact portion in the circumferential direction and spaced apart from the contained substrate, and a second air flow path (second air flow path AF2) communicating with the first air flow path is formed between the separation portion and the contained substrate.

[0183] According to (14), the air introduced into the storage section formed by the chamber and the bottom member is supplied to the substrate through the second air flow path and the first air flow path, so that a separate flow path for introducing the air to be supplied to the substrate is not required, thereby simplifying the structure of the aerosol generating device.

[0184] (15) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the storage section has an opening (opening 52) at one end and includes a chamber (chamber 50) that is a cylindrical member capable of storing the substrate therein via the opening, the aerosol generating device further includes an insertion guide member (insertion guide member 34) that is provided in contact with the opening of the chamber and guides the insertion of the substrate into the chamber, and the pressure sensor is provided on an inner wall (inner wall 34a) of the insertion guide member and outputs a value related to the pressure generated by pressing the inner wall.

[0185] In the aerosol generating device, an insertion guide member that guides the insertion of the substrate into a chamber that constitutes at least a part of the storage unit may be provided. According to (15), the pressure sensor can be provided by utilizing the insertion guide member in such an aerosol generating device, so that a separate dedicated part for providing the pressure sensor is not required. This makes it possible to simplify the structure of the aerosol generating device.

[0186] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Suction device (aerosol generating device) 102 Slide cover (cover member) 112 Sensor unit (pressure sensor) 113 Notification unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Storage unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate (substrate) 200 Chassis member 36 Bottom member (movable member) 36c Contact surface 42 Heating member (heating unit) 50 Chamber 55 Pressure sensor 62 Contact unit 66 Separation unit 72 Support unit (movable member) 74 Heater cushion (movable member, support unit) AF1 First air flow path AF2 Second air flow path RG1 First range RG2 Second range

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus that generates an aerosol from a substrate containing an aerosol source, A housing portion having an opening at one end and accommodating at least a portion of the substrate inserted through the opening, A pressure sensor that outputs a value relating to the pressure generated when the substrate is inserted into the housing portion, A heating unit for heating the substrate housed in the housing section, A control unit controls heating by the heating unit based on the output value of the pressure sensor, Equipped with, The control unit, If the output value when the substrate is inserted into the housing is within the first range, heating is performed by the heating unit. If the output value when the substrate is inserted into the housing falls within a second range different from the first range, heating by the heating unit is not performed. Aerosol generator.

2. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, The pressure sensor has the characteristic that its electrical resistance decreases as the pressure increases, and outputs the electrical resistance as the output value. The control unit detects that the substrate has been inserted into the housing when the electrical resistance value transitions to a state smaller than a first predetermined value. The first range is the range from the first predetermined value to a second predetermined value that is smaller than the first predetermined value. The second range is a range smaller than the second predetermined value. Aerosol generator.

3. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, The control unit further detects that the substrate has been removed from the housing when, after detecting that the substrate has been inserted into the housing, the electrical resistance value becomes greater than a third predetermined value which is greater than the first predetermined value. Aerosol generator.

4. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, The control unit, upon detecting that the substrate has been removed from the housing during heating by the heating unit, terminates the heating. Aerosol generator.

5. an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aerosol generating apparatus further comprises a cover member that allows or restricts access of the substrate to the containment section. The control unit, Further control the power supply to the pressure sensor, When the cover member is in a state that allows the substrate to access the housing, power is supplied to the pressure sensor. Aerosol generator.

6. an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit further notifies the user, via a notification unit capable of notifying the user, that the inside of the housing is dirty and / or that the housing needs to be cleaned, when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the housing falls within the second range. Aerosol generator.

7. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, The notification unit includes a light-emitting device, The control unit notifies the user that the inside of the housing is dirty and / or that cleaning of the housing is necessary by illuminating the light-emitting device in a predetermined manner when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the housing falls within the second range. Aerosol generator.

8. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, The notification unit includes a vibrator, The control unit, when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the housing falls within the second range, vibrates the vibrator in a predetermined vibration pattern to notify the user that the housing is dirty and / or that the housing needs to be cleaned. Aerosol generator.

9. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, The notification unit includes a display device, The control unit notifies the user that the inside of the housing is dirty and / or that the housing needs to be cleaned by displaying a predetermined image or message on the display device when the output value when the substrate is inserted into the housing falls within the second range. Aerosol generator.

10. an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aerosol generating apparatus further comprises a movable member that moves in the insertion direction when the substrate is inserted into the housing section, The pressure sensor faces the movable member in the insertion direction and outputs a value relating to the pressure generated when pressed by the movable member as it moves in the insertion direction. Aerosol generator.

11. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, The pressure sensor is mounted on a chassis member that is harder than the pressure sensor itself. Aerosol generator.

12. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, The aforementioned housing section is A cylindrical member extending in the insertion direction, comprising a chamber configured to accommodate the base material inside, A bottom member provided at the bottom of the chamber which is the other end of the housing portion, and which abuts against the end of the base material housed in the chamber, It consists of, The movable member is the bottom member, Aerosol generator.

13. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, The aforementioned housing section is A cylindrical member extending in the insertion direction, comprising a chamber configured to accommodate the base material inside, A bottom member provided at the bottom of the chamber which is the other end of the housing portion, and which abuts against the end of the base material housed in the chamber, It consists of, The aerosol generating apparatus further comprises a support portion that supports the chamber, The movable member is the support portion, Aerosol generator.

14. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, A first air passage is formed on the contact surface of the bottom member with the substrate, which communicates with the substrate housed in the chamber. The aforementioned chamber is A contact portion that comes into contact with the contained substrate, The contact portion is adjacent to the circumferential portion and is spaced apart from the contained substrate, It has, A second air passage communicating with the first air passage is formed between the separated portion and the contained substrate. Aerosol generator.

15. an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The aforementioned housing portion is configured to include a chamber, which is a cylindrical member having an opening at one end and capable of housing the base material inside through the opening. The aerosol generating apparatus further comprises an insertion guide member provided in contact with the opening of the chamber and guiding the insertion of the substrate into the chamber, The pressure sensor is provided on the inner wall of the insertion guide member and outputs a value relating to the pressure generated when the inner wall is pressed. Aerosol generator.