Aerosol generation device

Abstract

An inhalation device (100) comprises: a power source unit (111); a housing section (140) that houses a portion of a stick-shaped substrate (150) inserted through an opening (142); a heating unit (121) that uses power supplied from the power source unit (111) to heat the portion of the stick-shaped substrate (150) housed in the housing section (140); and a control unit (116) that is configured so as to be able to control the supply of power from the power source unit (111) to the heating unit (121) and to be able to acquire a parameter pertaining to the temperature of the heating unit (121). In the stick-type substrate (150), a substrate portion (151) is provided at one side, and a mouthpiece part (152) is provided at the other side. On the basis of the abovementioned parameter for when the prescribed power is supplied to the heating unit (121), the control unit (116) discerns whether the substrate portion (151) or the mouthpiece part (152) is accommodated in the housing section (140), and on the basis of the discernment result thereof, controls the power supplied to the heating unit (121) after the supply of the prescribed power.

Description

Aerosol Generator

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

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols containing, for example, flavor components and deliver the generated aerosols to a user. Such aerosol generating devices typically generate aerosols by supplying power to a heating unit, which is an electric resistance heater or an induction heater, and heating an aerosol source with the heating unit.

[0003] Patent Document 1 listed below discloses an aerosol generating device provided with a cavity into which an aerosol-generating article to be heated is inserted.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 259949

[0005] However, the history of research and development of aerosol devices such as the aforementioned inhalers is still short, and there is room for improvement in terms of providing users with a high-quality experience.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device that can provide a high-quality experience to users.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit that accumulates power; a storage unit that has an opening at one end and stores a portion of the substrate inserted through the opening; a heating unit that heats the portion of the substrate stored in the storage unit by receiving power from the power supply unit; and a control unit that is configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit and to be able to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the substrate has a substrate unit that includes the aerosol source on one side and a suction port unit that is made of a different material from the substrate unit on the other side, and the control unit determines whether the portion of the substrate stored in the storage unit is the substrate unit or the suction port unit based on the parameters when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, and controls the power supply to the heating unit after the predetermined power is supplied based on the determination result.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device can be provided that can provide a high-quality experience to the user.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of the suction device 100. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted and when it is reversely inserted. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a detection pulse group 10 supplied to the heating unit 121 during a detection operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted and when it is reversely inserted during a detection operation. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted and when it is reversely inserted during a detection operation. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied when the regular type substrate 150A and the menthol type substrate 150B are attached to the inhalation device 100. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a first heating profile Pr1, which is a heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A, and a second heating profile Pr2, which is a heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the regular type substrate 150A and the menthol type substrate 150B are attached during the detection operation. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the regular type substrate 150A and the menthol type substrate 150B are attached during the detection operation.

[0010] An embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction indicated by the reference numerals. The embodiment described below is an example in which the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure is applied to an inhalation device. Note that not all of the features described in the following embodiment are necessarily essential for the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure. Furthermore, two or more of the features described in the following embodiment can be arbitrarily combined. Hereinafter, identical or similar elements will be denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] [1. Configuration of Inhalation Device] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 shown in Fig. 1 is an example of an aerosol generating device of the present disclosure, and is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user and allows the user to inhale the generated substance. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be a gas.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device 100 includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a memory unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a heating unit 121, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0013] 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 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0014] The sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100. The sensor unit 112 is configured to include, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor), and acquires values ​​associated with the user's inhalation. As an example, the sensor unit 112 may include a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "puff sensor") that can acquire changes in pressure within the suction device 100 caused by the user's inhalation. As another example, the sensor unit 112 may include a flow rate sensor that can acquire the flow rate of air or the like caused by the user's inhalation. The sensor unit 112 may also include a temperature sensor that can acquire the temperature of a predetermined location within the suction device 100 (e.g., the power supply unit 111 or the heating unit 121). Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include an input device that accepts information input (in other words, operation) from the user, such as an operation button or an operation switch.

[0015] The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 may be 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 may 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 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an OLED display (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode). The sound output device may be, for example, a speaker. The vibration device may be, for example, a vibrator that includes a motor and an eccentric weight attached to the rotation shaft of the motor.

[0016] 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 may be configured, for example, by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0017] 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).

[0018] 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).

[0019] 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. In other words, the storage unit 140 has an opening 142 at one end and accommodates a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted through the opening 142.

[0020] For example, the accommodation section 140 is a cylindrical body having an opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the accommodation section 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is disposed, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is disposed, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0021] Stick-shaped substrate 150 is formed, for example, in a stick shape, and has substrate portion 151 and suction port portion 152 provided in this order from one side in the longitudinal direction of stick-shaped substrate 150. That is, stick-shaped substrate 150 has substrate portion 151 provided on one side and suction port portion 152 provided on the other side.

[0022] The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug. For example, 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. More specifically, the substrate portion 151 may be formed by wrapping tobacco shreds (finely chopped and dried tobacco leaves), sheet tobacco, tobacco granules, or a combination thereof, with cigarette paper (also referred to as "cigarette paper").

[0023] 1, a filter portion 151a that prevents the tobacco shreds and other components that make up the base portion 151 from spilling out can be provided at one end of the base portion 151 opposite the mouthpiece portion 152. The filter portion 151a can be formed, for example, from a sheet-like paper filter.

[0024] Furthermore, the base material 151 may include flavor capsules 151b in which a flavor component is encapsulated. The flavor capsules 151b are configured by, for example, encapsulating menthol as a flavor component in a water-soluble capsule. The flavor capsules 151b are dissolved by the moisture contained in the aerosol generated by heating the stick-shaped base material 150, for example, to impart the encapsulated menthol (i.e., the flavor component) to the aerosol.

[0025] The mouthpiece 152 is made of a different material from the base material 151. More specifically, the mouthpiece 152 is mainly made of, for example, an acetate filter (also called "acetate tow") made of acetate fibers packed in a rod shape, and filters the aerosol generated when the stick-shaped base material 150 is heated and delivers it to the user. The acetate filter that makes up the mouthpiece 152 may have granular activated carbon woven into it, or may have wrapping paper wrapped around it, similar to the base material 151.

[0026] 1 , 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 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 an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from substrate portion 151.

[0027] The heating unit 121 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing unit 140 to atomize and / or vaporize the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0028] 1 , the heating unit 121 is configured as a film heater with a conductive track (also referred to as a "heating track") made of a heating resistor whose electrical resistance value correlates with temperature, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the accommodation 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 accommodated in the accommodation unit 140, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 may be made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] [2. Operation of Inhalation Device] <2-1. Basic Operation of Inhalation Device> In response to a request for aerosol generation from a user, the inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the container 140 with the heating unit 121. In other words, in response to the request for aerosol generation, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121, causing the heating unit 121 to perform heating.

[0036] The request for generating an aerosol may be a predetermined operation by the user, such as pressing an operation button (not shown) provided on the inhalation device 100 or inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage section 140. Furthermore, the request for generating an aerosol is not limited to a direct operation on the inhalation device 100, and may be, for example, reception of predetermined information from another device (e.g., a smartphone) that can communicate with the inhalation device 100.

[0037] When generating the aerosol, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on, for example, a heating profile prepared in advance. Here, the heating profile is, for example, information that specifies the time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 114, etc. Note that the heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized, and a high-quality smoking experience (in other words, an inhalation experience) can be provided to the user.

[0038] To explain in more detail the temperature control of the heating section 121 based on the heating profile (hereinafter also simply referred to as "heating control"), the control section 116 acquires the temperature of the heating section 121 at a predetermined period and controls the temperature of the heating section 121 so that its time series progression is similar to the time series progression of the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0039] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 controls the power supply unit 111 to supply power 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.

[0040] 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 temperature of the heating unit 121 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 (in other words, supplying power to the heating unit 121) until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops below the target temperature.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 1, when stick-shaped substrate 150 is properly attached to suction device 100, base portion 151 is housed in housing portion 140 (more specifically, internal space 141). However, it is conceivable that a user may make an installation error, causing stick-shaped substrate 150 to be attached so that suction mouth portion 152 is housed in housing portion 140. In particular, if filter portion 151a is provided at one end of base portion 151 opposite suction mouth portion 152, it becomes difficult for the user to distinguish between base portion 151 and suction mouth portion 152 from their appearances, making the above-mentioned installation error more likely to occur.

[0043] Hereinafter, the term "normal insertion" will be used to refer to the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is properly attached to the suction device 100, i.e., the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached so that the base portion 151 is housed in the housing portion 140. The term "reverse insertion" will also be used to refer to the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached in the opposite direction to normal insertion, i.e., the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached so that the suction mouth portion 152 is housed in the housing portion 140.

[0044] If heating is performed by the heating unit 121 while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted upside down (i.e., while the suction mouthpiece 152 is housed in the housing 140), the suction mouthpiece 152 (e.g., an acetate filter) may melt due to the heat, resulting in poor quality smoke or a portion of the melted suction mouthpiece 152 becoming stuck inside the housing 140. If this occurs, it may cause discomfort to the user and reduce the quality of the experience provided by the inhalation device 100 to the user. Therefore, from the perspective of improving the marketability of the inhalation device 100, it is desirable to prevent this from occurring.

[0045] Therefore, the control unit 116 is configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 and to be able to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit 121, and controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the specified power has been supplied based on the above parameters when the specified power is supplied to the heating unit 121.

[0046] Here, the parameter related to the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be, for example, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more specifically, the heating resistor). In the following description, the parameter related to the temperature of the heating unit 121 is assumed to be the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121. In addition, in the following description, it is assumed that the heating unit 121 has a PTC characteristic, and that the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 increases in proportion to the temperature rise of the heating unit 121. In other words, in the following description, the "temperature of the heating unit 121" and the "electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121" may be read interchangeably.

[0047] Furthermore, the predetermined power may be, for example, power with a constant current value and voltage value, or a predetermined power pulse. However, it is preferable to prevent the heating unit 121 from becoming too hot when the predetermined power is supplied. In this way, even if the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted upside down, it is possible to prevent the suction nozzle 152 from melting due to heat.

[0048] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted and when it is reversely inserted. In FIG. 2, the vertical axis represents the electrical resistance value [Ω] of the heating unit 121, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [s] from the start of the supply of the predetermined power. In this example, it is assumed that a constant power set in advance by the manufacturer of the suction device 100 is supplied to the heating unit 121 as the predetermined power.

[0049] Line 201 shown in Fig. 2 represents an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied with the stick-shaped substrate 150 in a normally inserted state. Line 202 shown in Fig. 2 represents an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied with the stick-shaped substrate 150 in a reversely inserted state.

[0050] When power is supplied to heating unit 121 with stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted normally, substrate unit 151 made of shredded tobacco or the like is heated by heating unit 121. On the other hand, when power is supplied to heating unit 121 with stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted upside down, mouthpiece unit 152 made of a material different from that of substrate unit 151 (e.g., an acetate filter) is heated by heating unit 121. Therefore, the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied differs between when stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally and when it is inserted upside down.

[0051] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, when a predetermined amount of power is supplied, the time series change in the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 may be higher overall when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally (see line 201) than when it is inserted backwards (see line 202). This is because the acetate filter or the like that makes up the mouthpiece 152 is more likely to absorb heat than the shredded tobacco or the like that makes up the substrate 151 (in other words, it is more likely to absorb heat from the heating unit 121).

[0052] Therefore, the control unit 116 determines whether a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation unit 140 is a substrate part 151 (i.e., whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally) or a suction mouth part 152 (i.e., whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted upside down) based on, for example, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121 (i.e., a parameter related to the temperature of the heating unit 121).

[0053] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the control unit 116 determines that a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation unit 140 is the substrate part 151 (i.e., the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted) when, for example, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t1 [s] (e.g., 10 [s]) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω].

[0054] On the other hand, for example, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t1 [s] is less than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 determines that a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the containing unit 140 is the suction mouth unit 152 (i.e., the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted upside down).

[0055] Here, the predetermined time t1 [s] and the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] are set in advance, for example, by the manufacturer of the suction device 100. As an example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100 may experimentally determine the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted and when it is reversely inserted, and set the predetermined time t1 [s] and the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] taking these time series transitions into consideration.

[0056] Then, based on the determination result of whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally or reversely, the control unit 116 controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined power has been supplied. For example, if the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally, it supplies power to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined power has been supplied, whereas if it determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted reversely, it does not supply power to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined power has been supplied.

[0057] The trigger for starting the supply of the predetermined power can be, for example, the above-mentioned aerosol generation request, i.e., a predetermined operation by the user, which allows the power supply unit 111 to supply the predetermined power to the heating unit 121 at an appropriate timing.

[0058] More specifically, when the control unit 116 detects, for example, the pressing of an operation button provided on the inhalation device 100, the control unit 116 starts heating control and supplies a predetermined amount of power to the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 then determines whether the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] after a predetermined time t1 [s] has elapsed since the start of the heating control (in other words, the start of the supply of the predetermined amount of power). If the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 continues the heating control thereafter to generate aerosol. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 discontinues the heating control at that point and stops the supply of power to the heating unit 121.

[0059] As another example, when control unit 116 detects that an operation button provided on inhalation device 100 has been pressed, control unit 116 may supply to heating unit 121 a predetermined power (e.g., power with a lower voltage than the power supplied to heating unit 121 during heating control) that is lower than the power supplied to heating unit 121 during heating control. If control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] after a predetermined time t1 [s] has elapsed since the start of supplying the predetermined power, control unit 116 may then start heating control to generate aerosol. On the other hand, if control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], control unit 116 may not perform heating control thereafter.

[0060] As described above, the control unit 116 determines whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally or reversely, for example, based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121, and controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined amount of power has been supplied based on the determination result. This makes it possible to appropriately control the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined amount of power has been supplied, taking into account how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached to the housing unit 140. This makes it possible to prevent power from being supplied to the heating unit 121 without taking into account how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached to the housing unit 140, and to avoid a decrease in the quality of the experience provided to the user due to such power supply. More specifically, for example, if the stick-shaped base material 150 is inserted upside down and heated by the heating unit 121, the mouthpiece 152 may melt due to the heat, resulting in poor quality smoke, or part of the melted mouthpiece 152 becoming stuck inside the storage unit 140, thereby preventing a decrease in the quality of the experience provided to the user.

[0061] More specifically, for example, if the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally, it supplies power to the heating unit 121 after supplying a predetermined amount of power, whereas if it determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards, it does not supply power to the heating unit 121 after supplying the predetermined amount of power. As a result, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached so that the substrate unit 151 is housed in the housing unit 140, in other words, if it is highly likely that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally (i.e., properly attached), it is possible to generate an aerosol by supplying power to the heating unit 121 after supplying the predetermined amount of power. On the other hand, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached so that the suction mouth unit 152 is housed in the housing unit 140, in other words, if it is highly likely that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards (i.e., improperly attached), it is possible to prevent the suction mouth unit 152 from being heated by not supplying power to the heating unit 121 after supplying the predetermined amount of power.

[0062] Furthermore, for example, suction mouth portion 152 is mainly made of an acetate filter, and control portion 116 determines that stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted if the electrical resistance value of heating portion 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to heating portion 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth1. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121 is less than a predetermined value Rth1. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards.

[0064] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may be configured to notify the user of information via the notification unit 113, which is configured to be able to notify the user of information, according to the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121. In this way, it becomes possible to provide a predetermined notification to the user when there is a high possibility that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally or when there is a high possibility that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards, thereby improving user convenience.

[0065] For example, assume that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t1 [s]. In this case, after supplying the predetermined power, the control unit 116 may supply power to the heating unit 121 and notify the user that power is being supplied to the heating unit 121.

[0066] The notification that power is being supplied to the heating unit 121 can be realized, for example, by making a light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 emit light in a predetermined and dedicated light-emitting mode (for example, red light), by making a vibration device included in the notification unit 113 vibrate in a predetermined and dedicated vibration mode, or by displaying a predetermined and dedicated icon, message, or the like on a display device included in the notification unit 113. By notifying the user using a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a display device in this way, it is possible to provide a notification that is intuitively easy for the user to understand.

[0067] On the other hand, suppose that the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t1 [s]. In this case, the control unit 116 may stop supplying power to the heating unit 121 after supplying the predetermined power, and may also issue a notification that the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be improperly attached (in other words, may be inserted backwards).

[0068] Notification that the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be improperly attached can also be achieved, for example, by making the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 emit light in a predetermined and dedicated light-emitting mode, by making the vibration device included in the notification unit 113 vibrate in a predetermined and dedicated vibration mode, or by displaying a predetermined and dedicated icon or message (for example, a message such as "The stick may be inserted backwards") on the display device included in the notification unit 113.

[0069] Furthermore, if the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 is less than predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] when a predetermined power is supplied to heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t1 [s], there is a high possibility that stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted backwards. Therefore, in such a case, it is possible that the supply of the predetermined power to heating unit 121 has already caused suction mouth portion 152 to melt, thereby contaminating the inside of housing unit 140.

[0070] Therefore, the control unit 116 may be configured to notify the user that cleaning of the storage unit 140 is necessary, for example, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is less than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t1 [s].

[0071] Notification that cleaning of the storage section 140 is necessary can also be achieved, for example, by making the light-emitting device included in the notification section 113 emit light in a predetermined and dedicated light-emitting mode, by making the vibration device included in the notification section 113 vibrate in a predetermined and dedicated vibration mode, or by displaying a predetermined and dedicated icon or message (for example, a message such as "Please clean the inside of the chamber") on the display device included in the notification section 113.

[0072] In this specification, the term "light emission mode" refers to a concept including the light emission color, the number of lights emitted (e.g., the number of light-emitting elements that emit light), the light emission pattern (e.g., the manner of blinking), etc. Furthermore, the term "vibration mode" refers to a concept including the vibration pattern (e.g., the manner of vibration), the intensity of vibration, the frequency of vibration, the duration of vibration, etc.

[0073] When making the notification, control unit 116 may notify the user via another device that can communicate with suction device 100 by transmitting predetermined information to the other device via communication unit 115. In this way, it is possible to notify the user without providing notification unit 113 in suction device 100.

[0074] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device 100. Here, the explanation will focus on points that differ from the explanation of FIG. 1 above, and explanations of points that are common to the explanation of FIG. 1 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0075] 3, the suction device 100 may be provided with a movable member 143a that is movable so as to eject the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing unit 140 out of the housing unit 140. The movable member 143a is provided, for example, on the bottom 143 of the housing unit 140, and moves within the internal space 141 along the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 under the control of the control unit 116. The movable member 143a may be composed, for example, of a piston-shaped member and a drive mechanism including a motor that drives the member.

[0076] Then, for example, if the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted backwards through the above determination, in other words, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t1 [s] is less than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 may drive the movable member 143a to eject the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing unit 140 from the housing unit 140. In this way, if there is a high possibility that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted backwards, the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be ejected from the housing unit 140, and the suction mouth unit 152 can be prevented from heating up after the supply of the predetermined power.

[0077] Furthermore, since the materials constituting the base material 151 and the mouthpiece 152 are different from each other, it is thought that their hardnesses also differ from each other. For example, the base material 151 including the flavor capsule 151b is likely to be harder than the mouthpiece 152.

[0078] 3, a pressure sensor 112a may be provided at a location where pressure is applied when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140, such as the inner wall of the storage section 140. The control section 116 may then determine whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted normally or reversely based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 112a, and may control the subsequent power supply to the heating section 121 based on the determination result.

[0079] More specifically, when stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally, pressure sensor 112a is pressed by substrate portion 151, which is harder than suction mouth portion 152. For this reason, the pressure detected by pressure sensor 112a when stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally may be greater than the pressure detected by pressure sensor 112a when stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards.

[0080] Therefore, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 112a is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted normally and may subsequently perform heating control. On the other hand, when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 112a is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted backwards and may not subsequently perform heating control. This makes it possible to prevent heating by the heating unit 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards. The pressure sensor 112a can be realized, for example, by a strain gauge.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 116 may start supplying power to the pressure sensor 112a from the power supply unit 111 based on the detection of an operation that is assumed to result in the stick-shaped substrate 150 being inserted into the housing unit 140 immediately after the operation, such as the operation of opening the lid that opens or closes the opening 142. In this way, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the pressure sensor 112a compared to when power is supplied to the pressure sensor 112a at all times.

[0082] Furthermore, instead of pressure sensor 112a, a motion sensor may be provided that detects acceleration generated in suction device 100. That is, if base material 151 is harder than suction mouth 152, when stick-shaped base material 150 is inserted normally, suction device 100 may move more in the insertion direction of stick-shaped base material 150 when stick-shaped base material 150 is attached than when stick-shaped base material 150 is inserted backwards.

[0083] Therefore, for example, when the acceleration detected by the motion sensor (in other words, the magnitude of the motion) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted normally and may subsequently perform heating control. On the other hand, when the acceleration detected by the motion sensor is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted backwards and may not subsequently perform heating control. This also makes it possible to prevent heating by the heating unit 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards.

[0084] Furthermore, in the example described above, the predetermined power supplied to the heating unit 121 to determine how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached is constant, but instead, the predetermined power may be a predetermined power pulse. By setting the predetermined power to a predetermined power pulse, it becomes possible to determine how the substrate is attached to the storage unit 140 while suppressing the power consumption and temperature rise of the heating unit 121 compared to when the predetermined power is constant.

[0085] An example in which predetermined power pulses are supplied to the heating unit 121 as the predetermined power will be described below. In this example, the control unit 116 performs a "detection operation" at a predetermined timing. In this detection operation, the control unit 116 applies (i.e., supplies) a group of detection pulses 10 (see FIG. 4 ), which will be described later, to the heating unit 121. In this example, the group of detection pulses 10 corresponds to the predetermined power.

[0086] That is, the control unit 116 determines whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally or reversely based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the detection pulse group 10 is applied to the heating unit 121, and controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the detection pulse group 10 is applied based on the determination result.

[0087] The trigger that serves as a condition for starting the detection operation can be, for example, an operation that is assumed to result in the stick-shaped substrate 150 being inserted into the storage section 140 immediately after the operation, such as the operation of opening the lid that opens or closes the opening 142. The operation of opening the lid that opens or closes the opening 142 can be detected, for example, by a sensor provided on the lid, a motion sensor, or the like. The detection operation will be described in more detail below.

[0088] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the detection pulse group 10 supplied to the heating unit 121 during the detection operation. In Fig. 4, the vertical axis represents the voltage [V] applied to the heating unit 121, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [s] from the start of the detection operation.

[0089] In the detection operation, the control unit 116 applies, for example, the detection pulse group 10 shown in Fig. 4 to the heating unit 121. Here, the detection pulse group 10 includes at least one first detection pulse 11, and more specifically, for example, it can include a plurality of first detection pulses 11 at a predetermined pulse period (in other words, a predetermined pulse interval). As an example, in the detection pulse group 10 shown in Fig. 4, the pulse period of the first detection pulse 11 is set to 0.5 [s].

[0090] The first detection pulse 11 is a power pulse that increases the temperature of the heating unit 121 and that the control unit 116 uses to obtain the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, and has a predetermined voltage and pulse width. As an example, in the detection pulse group 10 shown in FIG. 4 , the voltage of the first detection pulse 11 is V1 [V] (where V1 > 0) and the pulse width is 0.1 [s]. The pulse width of the first detection pulse 11 is set to be smaller than the pulse period of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection pulse group 10.

[0091] Hereinafter, one period of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection pulse group 10 will also be referred to as a "detection cycle." The detection cycles included in one detection operation will also be referred to as the "first cycle," the "second cycle," and so on, in chronological order from the earliest to the latest. In each detection cycle, the period during which the first detection pulse 11 is applied to the heating unit 121 will also be referred to as a "temperature increase period." On the other hand, in each detection cycle, the period during which the first detection pulse 11 is not applied to the heating unit 121 will also be referred to as a "temperature decrease period."

[0092] 4, detection pulse group 10 may further include third detection pulse 13 as the first power pulse. That is, detection pulse group 10 may apply one third detection pulse 13 to heating unit 121, and then apply first detection pulse 11 to heating unit 121 at a predetermined pulse period.

[0093] Here, the third detection pulse 13 is a power pulse that increases the temperature of the heating unit 121 and that the control unit 116 uses to acquire the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, and has a predetermined voltage and pulse width. More specifically, the third detection pulse 13 is a power pulse that can increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 more than the first detection pulse 11, and can be a power pulse with a pulse width greater than that of the first detection pulse 11, for example. In the detection pulse group 10 shown in FIG. 4 , the voltage of the third detection pulse 13 is V1 [V] and the pulse width is 0.5 [s]. Note that the third detection pulse 13 may be a power pulse with a voltage greater than that of the first detection pulse 11, instead of or in addition to the pulse width.

[0094] Unless the temperature of the heating unit 121 has risen to a certain level, there is a possibility that the electrical resistance value (i.e., temperature) of the heating unit 121 will not decrease appropriately during the temperature drop period of each detection cycle. Therefore, when the detection operation starts, the control unit 116 first applies the third detection pulse 13 to the heating unit 121, thereby making it possible to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to a certain level, and thereby make it possible to appropriately increase and decrease the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 in each subsequent detection cycle.

[0095] The control unit 116 acquires the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, for example, at the start of application of each detecting pulse included in the detecting pulse group 10 and at the end of application of each detecting pulse.

[0096] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating part 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally and when it is inserted backwards during the detection operation. In Fig. 5, the vertical axis represents the electrical resistance value [Ω] of the heating part 121, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time from the start of the detection operation.

[0097] A line 501 shown in Fig. 5 represents an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally when t11 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation (in other words, after the start of application of the detection pulse group 10). Furthermore, a line 502 shown in Fig. 5 represents an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards when t11 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation.

[0098] When each detection pulse included in detection pulse group 10 is applied to heating unit 121, the temperature of heating unit 121 increases, and accordingly, the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 also increases. On the other hand, when each detection pulse is not applied to heating unit 121, the temperature of heating unit 121 decreases, and accordingly, the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 also decreases.

[0099] 5, during the detection operation, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 fluctuates up and down. Then, as the first detection pulse 11 is repeatedly applied, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 repeatedly fluctuates up and down, and gradually increases.

[0100] When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 during the detection operation, the temperature of the heating unit 121 (i.e., the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121) decreases compared to before the insertion. This is because the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the storage unit 140 absorbs heat from the heating unit 121. The time series change in the temperature of the heating unit 121 after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 differs between when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally and when it is inserted in reverse.

[0101] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 , when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally (see line 501), the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 at each time point after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140 (here, after t11 [s]) may be higher overall than when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards (see line 502).

[0102] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 , if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth11 [Ω] after a predetermined time t12 [s] (e.g., 10 [s]) has elapsed since the start of application of the detection pulse group 10, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted, and may supply power to the heating unit 121 after application of the detection pulse group 10 is completed.

[0103] On the other hand, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is less than a predetermined value Rth11 [Ω] after a predetermined time t12 [s] has elapsed since the start of application of the detection pulse group 10, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards, and may not supply power to the heating unit 121 after application of the detection pulse group 10 is completed.

[0104] In this way, even if the predetermined power is a predetermined power pulse, it is possible to determine how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the power supply to the heating unit 121 by taking into account how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached.

[0105] In addition, the control unit 116 may supply power to the heating unit 121 after the application of the detection pulse group 10 is completed if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time t12 [s] has elapsed since the start of application of the detection pulse group 10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value after the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 is detected.

[0106] The insertion of stick-shaped substrate 150 into storage unit 140 can be detected, for example, based on the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 at the start of application of first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle and the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 at the start of application of first detection pulse 11 in the detection cycle immediately preceding that. As an example, control unit 116 may detect the insertion of stick-shaped substrate 150 into storage unit 140 if the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 at the start of application of first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle is lower than the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 at the start of application of first detection pulse 11 in the detection cycle immediately preceding that.

[0107] As another example, the control unit 116 may detect the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle is lower than the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the immediately preceding detection cycle.

[0108] Furthermore, as another example, the control unit 116 may detect the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle is lower than the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection cycle immediately preceding it, and when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the one detection cycle is lower than the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection cycle immediately preceding it.

[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may determine whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted normally or reversely based on the increase in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 during the detection cycle (more specifically, the temperature rise period) after detecting the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140, instead of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time t12 [s] has elapsed since the start of application of the detection pulse group 10.

[0110] As an example, if the difference between the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle after detecting the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the accommodation unit 140 and the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in that one detection cycle (i.e., the increase in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 in one detection cycle) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted, and may supply power to the heating unit 121 after completion of application of the detection pulse group 10. On the other hand, if the increase in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 in one detection cycle is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards, and may not supply power to the heating unit 121 after completion of application of the detection pulse group 10.

[0111] As another example, if the amount of decrease in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 detects the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted, and supply power to the heating unit 121 after completing the application of the detection pulse group 10. On the other hand, if the amount of decrease in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 detects the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is reversely inserted, and may not supply power to the heating unit 121 after completing the application of the detection pulse group 10.

[0112] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may start heating control based on the detection operation that detects the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140. The control unit 116 may then determine whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted normally or reversely based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the heating control.

[0113] 6 is a diagram showing another example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating part 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally and when it is inserted backwards during detection operation. Here, the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation in FIG. 5, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation in FIG. 5 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0114] In this example, the stick-shaped substrate 150 was inserted when t11 [s] had elapsed after the start of the detection operation, and the control unit 116 started heating control from t13 [s] thereafter, which caused the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 to increase, similar to the example shown in FIG.

[0115] The control unit 116 may then determine whether the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] when a predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the start of heating control (here, t13 [Ω]) based on the detection of the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 by the detection operation. If the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 may continue heating control thereafter to generate aerosol. Alternatively, if the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 may discontinue heating control at that point. This also makes it possible to appropriately control the power supply to the heating unit 121, taking into account how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached.

[0116] 6, the difference in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally and when it is inserted backwards is more pronounced during heating control, in which greater power is supplied to the heating unit 121, than during detection operation, in which the detection pulse group 10 as a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121. For this reason, by determining whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally or backwards based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 during heating control, it becomes possible to more accurately determine how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached.

[0117] Furthermore, in the example described above, the control unit 116 determines how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121, and controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined amount of power has been supplied based on the determination result, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0118] For example, instead of determining how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached as described above, the control unit 116 may determine the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the suction device 100. That is, the control unit 116 may determine the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the suction device 100 based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121, and may control the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined amount of power has been supplied based on the determination result. An example of such a configuration will be described below.

[0119] In the following, the stick-type substrate 150 will be described as being of two types: a "regular type substrate 150A" having a substrate portion 151 that does not contain flavor capsules 151b, and a "menthol type substrate 150B" having a substrate portion 151 that contains flavor capsules 151b in which menthol is encapsulated.

[0120] In the following, unless otherwise specified, when the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is described as being attached, it means that the substrate part 151 of the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is housed in the housing part 140 (i.e., is normally inserted).

[0121] It is believed that when regular type substrate 150A is attached, the temperature (in other words, the electrical resistance value) of heating unit 121 is lower when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to heating unit 121 than when menthol type substrate 150B is attached. This is because menthol type substrate 150B, which has flavor capsules 151b, can more easily absorb heat from heating unit 121 than regular type substrate 150A, which does not have flavor capsules 151b.

[0122] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied when the regular type substrate 150A and the menthol type substrate 150B are attached to the inhalation device 100. In FIG. 7, the vertical axis represents the electrical resistance value [Ω] of the heating unit 121, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [s] from the start of the supply of the predetermined power. In this example, for example, a constant power preset by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100 is supplied to the heating unit 121 as the predetermined power.

[0123] Line 701 shown in Fig. 7 represents an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied with regular type substrate 150A attached to inhalation device 100. Line 702 shown in Fig. 7 represents an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied with menthol type substrate 150B attached to inhalation device 100.

[0124] As shown in Fig. 7, the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied differs between the case where regular type substrate 150A is attached and the case where menthol type substrate 150B is attached. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied can be higher overall when regular type substrate 150A is attached (see line 701) than when menthol type substrate 150B is attached (see line 702).

[0125] Therefore, the control unit 116 determines the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 stored in the storage unit 140, for example, based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121 (i.e., a parameter related to the temperature of the heating unit 121).

[0126] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 116 determines that the stick-type substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation unit 140 is the regular type substrate 150A (i.e., the regular type substrate 150A is attached) if, for example, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t21 [s] (e.g., 10 [s]) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth21 [Ω].

[0127] On the other hand, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the containing unit 140 is the menthol-type substrate 150B (i.e., the menthol-type substrate 150B is attached) if, for example, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t21 [s] is less than a predetermined value Rth21 [Ω].

[0128] Here, the predetermined time t21 [s] and the predetermined value Rth21 [Ω] are set in advance, for example, by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100. As an example, the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100 may experimentally determine the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied when the regular type substrate 150A and the menthol type substrate 150B are each attached to the inhalation device 100, and set the predetermined time t21 [s] and the predetermined value Rth21 [Ω] taking these time series transitions into consideration.

[0129] Then, based on the determination result of whether regular type substrate 150A or menthol type substrate 150B is attached, control unit 116 controls the power supply to heating unit 121 after the supply of the predetermined power. For example, if control unit 116 determines that regular type substrate 150A is attached based on the above determination, control unit 116 controls the power supply to heating unit 121 in a manner appropriate for regular type substrate 150A after the supply of the predetermined power, whereas if control unit 116 determines that menthol type substrate 150B is attached, control unit 116 controls the power supply to heating unit 121 in a manner appropriate for menthol type substrate 150B after the supply of the predetermined power.

[0130] More specifically, for example, when the control unit 116 determines that the regular type substrate 150A is attached, it supplies a predetermined amount of power and then controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on a heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A (for example, a first heating profile Pr1 described later). On the other hand, when the control unit 116 determines that the menthol type substrate 150B is attached, it supplies a predetermined amount of power and then controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on a heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B (for example, a second heating profile Pr2 described later).

[0131] Also in this example, the trigger that is the condition for starting the supply of the predetermined power can be, for example, the above-mentioned aerosol generation request, i.e., a predetermined operation by the user, which allows the predetermined power to be supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 at an appropriate timing.

[0132] More specifically, for example, when the control unit 116 detects the pressing of an operation button provided on the inhalation device 100, the control unit 116 supplies a predetermined amount of power to the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 then determines whether the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth21 [Ω] after a predetermined time t21 [s] has elapsed since the start of the supply of the predetermined amount of power. If the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Rth21 [Ω], the control unit 116 subsequently performs heating control based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A to generate an aerosol. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth21 [Ω], the control unit 116 subsequently performs heating control based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B to generate an aerosol.

[0133] As another example, when the controller 116 detects that an operation button provided on the inhalation device 100 has been pressed, the controller 116 may first start heating control based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A and supply a predetermined amount of power to the heating unit 121. If the controller 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth21 [Ω] after a predetermined time t21 [s] has elapsed since the start of the heating control (i.e., the start of the supply of the predetermined power), the controller 116 may continue heating control based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A. On the other hand, if the controller 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth21 [Ω], the controller 116 may switch to heating control based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B and thereafter perform heating control based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B.

[0134] As described above, the control unit 116 determines the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing unit 140, for example, based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121, and controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined amount of power has been supplied, based on the determination result. This makes it possible to appropriately control the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined amount of power has been supplied, taking into account the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing unit 140. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately heat the attached stick-shaped substrate 150 according to its type, and to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience (i.e., an inhalation experience).

[0135] More specifically, for example, when the control unit 116 determines that a regular type substrate 150A is attached, it supplies a predetermined amount of power and then controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 in a manner appropriate for the regular type substrate 150A. On the other hand, when the control unit 116 determines that a menthol type substrate 150B is attached, it supplies a predetermined amount of power and then controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 in a manner appropriate for the menthol type substrate 150B. This makes it possible to heat the attached stick-type substrate 150 appropriately according to its type, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0136] As an example, when it is determined that regular type substrate 150A is attached, control unit 116 supplies a predetermined amount of power and then controls the power supply to heating unit 121 based on the heating profile for regular type substrate 150A, whereas when it is determined that menthol type substrate 150B is attached, control unit 116 supplies a predetermined amount of power and then controls the power supply to heating unit 121 based on the heating profile for menthol type substrate 150B. This makes it possible to control the power supply to heating unit 121 based on the heating profile appropriate for the type of attached stick-type substrate 150 after the predetermined amount of power has been supplied, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0137] Incidentally, it is also conceivable that the user may select a heating profile according to the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the inhalation device 100, and the control unit 116 may perform heating control based on the heating profile selected by the user. However, in this case, if the user mistakenly selects an inappropriate heating profile, the user will not be able to enjoy a desirable smoking taste.

[0138] In contrast, if the control unit 116 automatically determines whether the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is attached and performs heating control based on a heating profile corresponding to the determination result, the user can stably enjoy a suitable smoking taste, thereby providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0139] Furthermore, for example, regular type substrate 150A is configured without including flavor capsules 151b containing a flavor component (e.g., menthol), while menthol type substrate 150B is configured with flavor capsules 151b. Then, control unit 116 determines that regular type substrate 150A is attached if the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth21. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether regular type substrate 150A is attached.

[0140] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 116 determines that the menthol type substrate 150B is attached when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 is less than a predetermined value Rth21. This makes it possible to accurately determine whether the menthol type substrate 150B is attached.

[0141] Also in this example, the control unit 116 may be configured to notify the user via the notification unit 113 configured to be able to notify the user of information, according to the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121. In this way, when there is a high possibility that the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is attached, it becomes possible to provide a predetermined notification to the user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0142] For example, suppose that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth21 [Ω] when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t21 [s]. In this case, after supplying the predetermined power, the control unit 116 may perform heating control based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A and provide a notification appropriate to the regular type substrate 150A. In this way, the user can be notified that the power supply to the heating unit 121 is being controlled in a manner appropriate to the regular type substrate 150A, thereby improving user convenience.

[0143] As an example, the notification corresponding to the regular type substrate 150A can be a notification that heating control is being performed based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A. The notification that heating control is being performed based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A can be realized, for example, by causing a light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined and dedicated light-emitting mode (e.g., white light), by causing a vibration device included in the notification unit 113 to vibrate in a predetermined and dedicated vibration mode, or by displaying a predetermined icon, message, or the like on a display device included in the notification unit 113. In this way, by notifying the user using a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a display device, it is possible to provide a notification that is intuitively easy for the user to understand.

[0144] On the other hand, suppose that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth21 [Ω] when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t21 [s]. In this case, after supplying the predetermined power, the control unit 116 may perform heating control based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B and may also provide a notification appropriate to the menthol type substrate 150B. In this way, the user can be notified that the power supply to the heating unit 121 is being controlled in a manner appropriate to the menthol type substrate 150B, thereby improving user convenience.

[0145] As an example, the notification according to the menthol type substrate 150B can be a notification that heating control is being performed based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B. The notification that heating control is being performed based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B can also be realized, for example, by causing the light-emitting device included in the notification unit 113 to emit light in a predetermined and dedicated light-emitting mode (e.g., green light), by causing the vibration device included in the notification unit 113 to vibrate in a predetermined and dedicated vibration mode, or by displaying a predetermined icon, message, or the like on the display device included in the notification unit 113.

[0146] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a first heating profile Pr1, which is a heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A, and a second heating profile Pr2, which is a heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B. In Fig. 8, the vertical axis represents the temperature [°C] of the heating unit 121, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [s] from the start of heating control.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 8, the first heating profile Pr1 defines, for example, the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from 0 [s] to t31 [s] (where t31 > 0) as T1 [°C] (where T1 > 0), the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from t31 [s] to t32 [s] (where t32 > t31) as T2 [°C] (where T2 < T1), and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from t32 [s] to t33 [s] (where t33 > t32) as T3 [°C] (where T3 > T2).

[0148] 8, the control unit 116 first raises the temperature of the heating unit 121 to T1 [°C], then lowers the temperature to T2 [°C], and then raises the temperature again to T3 [°C]. Then, when t33 [s] has elapsed since the start of the heating control, the control unit 116 ends this heating control.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 8, the second heating profile Pr2 defines, for example, the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from 0 [s] to t41 [s] (where t41>0) as T4 [°C] (where 0<T4<T1), the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from t41 [s] to t42 [s] (where t42>t41) as T2 [°C] (where T2<T4), and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from t42 [s] to t43 [s] (where t43>t42 and t43>t33) as T3 [°C].

[0150] 8, the control unit 116 first raises the temperature of the heating unit 121 to T4 [°C], then lowers the temperature to T2 [°C], and then raises the temperature again to T3 [°C]. Then, when t33 [s] has elapsed since the start of the heating control, the control unit 116 ends this heating control.

[0151] For example, the maximum target temperature in the first heating profile Pr1 is T1 [°C], while the maximum target temperature in the second heating profile Pr2 is T3 [°C], which are different from each other. More specifically, for example, the maximum target temperature T3 [°C] in the second heating profile Pr2 is lower than the maximum target temperature T1 [°C] in the first heating profile Pr1. This is because if the menthol-type base material 150B is heated to a high temperature such as T1 [°C], the flavor capsules 151b will melt in an instant, and the flavor components (e.g., menthol) encapsulated in the flavor capsules 151b will be vaporized and / or atomized early.

[0152] In contrast, by setting the maximum target temperature in the second heating profile Pr2 lower than the maximum target temperature in the first heating profile Pr1, the flavor components encapsulated in the flavor capsules 151b can be gradually imparted to the aerosol while heating control based on the second heating profile Pr2 is being performed, allowing the user to enjoy the flavor of the flavor components for a long period of time. Therefore, when the menthol-type substrate 150B is attached, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0153] Furthermore, for example, the first heating profile Pr1 specifies the target temperature from the time when heating control based on the first heating profile Pr1 is started until t33 [s] has elapsed, and the second heating profile Pr2 specifies the target temperature from the time when heating control based on the second heating profile is started until t43 [s], which is longer than t33 [s], has elapsed.

[0154] This is because the heating control based on the second heating profile Pr2 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 at a lower temperature than the heating control based on the first heating profile Pr1, and therefore atomizes and / or vaporizes the aerosol source contained in the substrate portion 151 more slowly. In other words, if heating control based on the second heating profile Pr2 is terminated in the same time as heating control based on the first heating profile Pr1, the heating control may be terminated even though a sufficient amount of aerosol source remains in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0155] In contrast, by making the heating control based on the second heating profile Pr2 last longer than the heating control based on the first heating profile Pr1, when the heating control based on the second heating profile Pr2 is performed, i.e., when the menthol type substrate 150B is attached, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience for a longer period of time.

[0156] Furthermore, for example, after a user has finished smoking using the menthol type base material 150B, the smell of the menthol type base material 150B (more specifically, the smell caused by the menthol contained in the menthol type base material 150B) may remain in the housing 140. If the user next smokes using the regular type base material 150A while such a smell remains, the user may not be able to enjoy a desirable smoking experience.

[0157] Therefore, the control unit 116 may reheat the storage unit 140 using the heating unit 121 at a predetermined timing after the completion of heating control using the second heating profile Pr2, which is the heating profile for the menthol-type substrate 150B, thereby volatilizing the menthol or the like that is the source of the odor remaining in the storage unit 140 and removing the odor remaining in the storage unit 140. In this way, even if smoking using the regular-type substrate 150A is started after smoking using the menthol-type substrate 150B, a preferable smoking taste can be delivered to the user.

[0158] Furthermore, in the example described above, the predetermined power supplied to the heating unit 121 to identify the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the suction device 100 was constant, but instead, the predetermined power may be a predetermined power pulse. By setting the predetermined power to a predetermined power pulse, it becomes possible to identify the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the suction device 100 while suppressing the power consumption and temperature rise of the heating unit 121 compared to when the predetermined power is constant.

[0159] Below, an example will be described in which a predetermined power pulse is supplied as the predetermined power to the heating unit 121. In this example, too, when a trigger for starting the above-described detection operation is established, the control unit 116 performs the above-described detection operation and applies (i.e., supplies) the group of detection pulses 10 shown in Fig. 4 to the heating unit 121. Then, the control unit 116 determines whether the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is attached based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 obtained by applying the group of detection pulses 10 to the heating unit 121.

[0160] 9 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a regular type substrate 150A is attached and when a menthol type substrate 150B is attached during the detection operation. In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the electrical resistance value [Ω] of the heating unit 121, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time from the start of the detection operation. Here, the explanation of parts common to the explanation of FIG. 5 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0161] A line 901 shown in Fig. 9 represents an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the regular type substrate 150A is attached when t51 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation (in other words, after the start of the application of the detection pulse group 10). Also, a line 902 shown in Fig. 9 represents an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the menthol type substrate 150B is attached when t11 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation.

[0162] When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage part 140 during the detection operation, the temperature of the heating part 121 (i.e., the electrical resistance value of the heating part 121) decreases compared to before the insertion. The time series change in the temperature of the heating part 121 after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage part 140 differs depending on whether the attached stick-shaped substrate 150 is a regular type substrate 150A or a menthol type substrate 150B.

[0163] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when regular type substrate 150A is attached (see line 901), the electrical resistance value of heating section 121 at each time point after attachment (here, after t51 [s]) may be higher overall than when menthol type substrate 150B is attached (see line 902).

[0164] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 , if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth31 [Ω] after a predetermined time t52 [s] (e.g., 10 [s]) has elapsed since the start of application of the detection pulse group 10, the control unit 116 may determine that the regular type substrate 150A is attached, and may perform heating control based on a heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A (e.g., the first heating profile Pr1 shown in FIG. 8 ) after application of the detection pulse group 10 is completed.

[0165] On the other hand, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth31 [Ω] when a predetermined time t52 [s] has elapsed since the start of application of the detection pulse group 10, the control unit 116 may determine that the menthol type substrate 150B is attached, and may perform heating control based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B (for example, the second heating profile Pr2 shown in FIG. 8 ) after the application of the detection pulse group 10 is completed.

[0166] In this way, even if the predetermined power is a predetermined power pulse, it is possible to determine the type of the attached stick-shaped substrate 150. As a result, after application of the detection pulse group 10 is complete, it becomes possible to supply the heating unit 121 with appropriate power according to the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the inhalation device 100. Therefore, it becomes possible to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the inhalation device 100 appropriately according to its type, and to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0167] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may perform heating control based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A or the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B (for example, the second heating profile Pr2 shown in FIG. 8 ) in accordance with the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time t52 [s] has elapsed since the start of application of the detection pulse group 10, based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 was detected.

[0168] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may determine whether the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B has been attached based on the increase in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 during the detection cycle (more specifically, the temperature rise period) after detecting the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140, instead of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time t52 [s] has elapsed since the start of application of the detection pulse group 10.

[0169] As an example, if the difference between the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle after detecting the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 and the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in that one detection cycle (i.e., the increase in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 in one detection cycle) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the regular type substrate 150A is attached, and may perform heating control based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A after application of the detection pulse group 10 is completed. On the other hand, if the increase in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 in one detection cycle is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the menthol type substrate 150B is attached, and may perform heating control based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B after application of the detection pulse group 10 is completed.

[0170] As another example, if the decrease in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 upon detecting the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the regular type substrate 150A has been attached, and may perform heating control based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A after completing the application of the detection pulse group 10. On the other hand, if the decrease in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 upon detecting the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 116 may determine that the menthol type substrate 150B has been attached, and may perform heating control based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B after completing the application of the detection pulse group 10.

[0171] Furthermore, as described above, the control unit 116 may start heating control based on the detection operation that detects the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 into the storage unit 140. The control unit 116 may then determine whether the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is attached based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the heating control.

[0172] 10 is a diagram showing another example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a regular type substrate 150A is attached and when a menthol type substrate 150B is attached during the detection operation. In Fig. 10, the vertical axis represents the electrical resistance value [Ω] of the heating unit 121, and the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time from the start of the detection operation. Here, the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation in Fig. 9, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation in Fig. 9 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0173] In this example, the stick-shaped substrate 150 was inserted when t51 [s] had elapsed after the start of the detection operation, and the control unit 116 started heating control from t53 [s] thereafter, which resulted in an increase in the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121, similar to the example shown in FIG.

[0174] The control unit 116 may then determine whether the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth21 [Ω] when a predetermined time t21 has elapsed since the start of heating control (here, t53 [Ω]) based on the detection of the insertion of the stick-type substrate 150 into the storage unit 140. If the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Rth21 [Ω], the control unit 116 may continue to perform heating control based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A to generate an aerosol. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth21 [Ω], the control unit 116 may switch to heating control based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B.

[0175] In this way, it is possible to supply appropriate power to the heating unit 121 according to the type of stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the inhalation device 100. Therefore, it is possible to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 attached to the inhalation device 100 appropriately according to its type, and it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0176] 10 , the difference in the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 between when the regular type substrate 150A and when the menthol type substrate 150B are attached is more pronounced during heating control, in which a higher power is supplied to the heating unit 121, than during detection operation, in which the detection pulse group 10 as a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121. Therefore, by determining whether the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is attached based on the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 during heating control, it is possible to more accurately determine the type of stick-type substrate 150 attached to the inhaler 100.

[0177] As described above, the suction device 100 of this embodiment can provide a high-quality experience to the user.

[0178] Although the above describes various embodiments of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0179] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the substrate 151 is made of shredded tobacco or the like, and the mouthpiece 152 is made of an acetate filter or the like, but this is not limited to this. As long as the change in temperature (in other words, electrical resistance) of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied differs between the substrate 151 and the mouthpiece 152, it is possible to determine whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally or reversely using the above-described method. Therefore, in determining which side the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached to, the configurations of the substrate 151 and the mouthpiece 152 are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment; for example, the thickness of the filter 151a may be adjusted so that the change in temperature of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied differs between the substrate 151 and the mouthpiece 152.

[0180] This specification etc. describes at least the following items. In parentheses, components etc. corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0181] (1) An aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate (stick-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit (power supply unit 111) that accumulates power; a storage unit (storage unit 140) that has an opening (opening 142) at one end and stores a part of the substrate inserted through the opening; a heating unit (heating unit 121) that heats the part of the substrate stored in the storage unit by supplying power from the power supply unit; and a control unit (control unit 116) that is configured to be able to control the power supply to the heating unit from the power supply unit and to be able to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the substrate has a substrate unit (substrate unit 151) containing the aerosol source provided on one side and a suction port unit (suction port unit 152) made of a material different from the substrate unit provided on the other side, The control unit determines whether a part of the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the substrate part or the mouthpiece part based on the parameters when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, and controls the power supply to the heating unit after the predetermined power is supplied based on the determination result.

[0182] According to (1), it is possible to appropriately control the power supply to the heating unit after supplying a predetermined amount of power, taking into consideration how the base material is attached to the housing unit. This makes it possible to prevent power from being supplied to the heating unit without considering how the base material is attached to the housing unit, and to avoid a decrease in the quality of the experience provided to the user due to the power supply.

[0183] (2) The aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein the control unit supplies power to the heating unit after supplying the predetermined power when it determines that a part of the substrate contained in the storage unit is the substrate part, and does not supply power to the heating unit after supplying the predetermined power when it determines that a part of the substrate contained in the storage unit is the suction mouth part.

[0184] According to (2), when the substrate is attached so that the substrate part is accommodated in the accommodation part, in other words, when it is highly likely that the substrate is attached appropriately, aerosol generation is enabled by supplying power to the heating part after supplying a predetermined power. On the other hand, when the substrate is attached so that the suction mouth part is accommodated in the accommodation part, in other words, when it is highly likely that the substrate is attached improperly, heating of the suction mouth part can be prevented by not supplying power to the heating part after supplying the predetermined power.

[0185] (3) The aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), wherein the mouthpiece is mainly made of an acetate filter, the parameter increases as the temperature of the heating section increases, and the control section determines that a part of the substrate accommodated in the accommodation section is the substrate section when the parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating section.

[0186] According to (3), it is possible to accurately determine whether the substrate is properly attached.

[0187] (4) An aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the suction port portion is mainly composed of an acetate filter, the parameter increases as the temperature of the heating portion increases, and the control portion determines that a part of the substrate accommodated in the accommodation portion is the suction port portion when the parameter is less than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating portion.

[0188] According to (4), it is possible to accurately determine whether the substrate is improperly attached.

[0189] (5) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control unit provides a notification according to the parameters when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit via a notification unit (notification unit 113) configured to be able to notify a user of information.

[0190] According to (5), when there is a high possibility that the substrate is properly attached or when there is a high possibility that the substrate is improperly attached, it is possible to provide a predetermined notification to the user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0191] (6) The aerosol generating device according to (5), wherein the suction port is mainly made of an acetate filter, the parameter increases as the temperature of the heating section increases, and the control section issues the notification that the substrate may be improperly attached if the parameter is less than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating section.

[0192] According to (6), if there is a high possibility that the substrate is improperly installed, the user can be notified that the substrate may be improperly installed, thereby assisting in proper installation of the substrate.

[0193] (7) The aerosol generating device according to (5), wherein the suction port is mainly made of an acetate filter, the parameter increases as the temperature of the heating section increases, and the control section issues the notification that the storage section needs to be cleaned when the parameter is less than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating section.

[0194] According to (7), even if the inside of the storage section becomes dirty due to a predetermined power being supplied to the heating section when the substrate is improperly attached, the dirt can be prevented from being left unattended.

[0195] (8) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (5) to (7), wherein the notification unit includes a light emitting device, a vibration device, or a display device.

[0196] According to (8), it is possible to provide a notification that is intuitively easy for the user to understand using a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a display device.

[0197] (9) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit supplies the predetermined power from the power supply unit to the heating unit in response to a predetermined operation by a user.

[0198] According to (9), it is possible to supply a predetermined amount of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit at an appropriate timing.

[0199] (10) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the predetermined power is a predetermined pulse power.

[0200] According to (10), it is possible to determine how the substrate is attached to the storage section while suppressing the power consumption and temperature rise of the heating section compared to when the specified power is set to a constant power.

[0201] (11) An aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (10), further comprising a movable member that moves to discharge the substrate contained in the storage section to the outside of the storage section under the control of the control unit, and when the control unit determines that a part of the substrate contained in the storage section is the suction mouth section, the aerosol generating device drives the movable member to discharge the substrate contained in the storage section to the outside of the storage section.

[0202] According to (11), if there is a high possibility that the substrate is improperly attached, the substrate can be ejected from the storage section, and the suction mouth section can be prevented from heating up after the specified power is supplied.

[0203] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Suction device (aerosol generating device) 111 Power supply unit 113 Notification unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Storage unit 142 Opening 143a Movable member 150 Stick-shaped substrate (substrate) 151 Substrate unit 152 Suction nozzle unit

Claims

1. An aerosol generating apparatus that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, A power supply unit that stores electricity, A housing portion having an opening at one end and accommodating a part of the substrate inserted through the opening, A heating unit, which heats a portion of the substrate housed in the housing unit when power is supplied from the power supply unit, A control unit is configured to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit and to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit, Equipped with, The substrate has a substrate portion containing the aerosol source on one side, and a mouthpiece portion made of a different material from the substrate portion on the other side. The control unit determines, based on the parameters when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, whether a part of the substrate housed in the housing unit is the substrate unit or the suction nozzle unit, and controls the power supply to the heating unit after the predetermined power has been supplied, based on the determination result. Aerosol generator.

2. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit, When it is determined that a part of the substrate housed in the housing is the substrate, power is supplied to the heating section after the predetermined power has been supplied. If it is determined that a part of the substrate housed in the housing is the suction port, then power supply to the heating section will not be stopped after the predetermined power supply has been applied. Aerosol generator.

3. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The aforementioned mouthpiece is mainly composed of an acetate filter, The above parameter increases as the temperature of the heating section increases. The control unit determines that a portion of the substrate contained in the storage unit is the substrate unit when the parameter is greater than or equal to a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit. Aerosol generator.

4. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Claim 1, The aforementioned mouthpiece is mainly composed of an acetate filter, The above parameter increases as the temperature of the heating section increases. The control unit determines that a portion of the substrate housed in the housing is the suction port when the parameter is less than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit. Aerosol generator.

5. An aerosol generating apparatus according to Claim 1, The control unit, via a notification unit configured to notify the user of information, provides notification according to the parameters when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit. Aerosol generator.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, The aforementioned mouthpiece is mainly composed of an acetate filter, The above parameter increases as the temperature of the heating section increases. The control unit, when the parameter is below a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, provides a notification indicating that the substrate may be improperly installed. Aerosol generator.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, The aforementioned mouthpiece is mainly composed of an acetate filter, The above parameter increases as the temperature of the heating section increases. The control unit, when the parameter is below a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, provides a notification indicating that cleaning of the housing unit is necessary. Aerosol generator.

8. An aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, The notification unit includes a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a display device. Aerosol generator.

9. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit, in response to a predetermined operation by the user, causes the power supply unit to supply the predetermined power to the heating unit. Aerosol generator.

10. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, The predetermined power is a predetermined pulse power. Aerosol generator.

11. An aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, The system further includes a movable member that moves to discharge the substrate contained in the storage section to the outside of the storage section, according to the control of the control unit, When the control unit determines that a portion of the substrate contained in the housing is the suction port, it drives the movable member to discharge the substrate contained in the housing to the outside of the housing. Aerosol generator.