Flavor inhaler or aerosol-generating apparatus, method for controlling same, and program therefor

Abstract

Provided is a flavor inhaler or the like with which it is possible to improve response speed. Provided is a method for controlling a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generation device provided with a power supply unit, a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, and a control unit that controls power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit while switching a PID gain used for the PID control in accordance with an elapsed time from the start of control based on the control information or a transition of a temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and determines that an integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain is not to be reset at a specific switching timing of control with respect to the heating unit on the basis of a predetermined condition.

Description

Flavor inhaler or aerosol generator, its control method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating device (hereinafter referred to as "flavor inhaler, etc.").

[0002] Flavor inhalers, such as heated tobacco products, which heat stick-type smoking articles and inhale the flavor generated by them, have become popular as an alternative to cigarettes. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that the temperature of a heating unit of such flavor inhalers is controlled by a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID).

[0003] International Publication No. WO2023 / 181279

[0004] The temperature control disclosed in Cited Document 1 describes switching a PID gain, which is a parameter of PID control, at a predetermined timing during heating of a flavor inhaler or the like. Furthermore, when switching the PID gain, the integrated value of the integral term of the gain may be reset because resetting the integrated value of the integral term of the gain can slow the response speed. Furthermore, by further increasing the response speed, it is possible to increase user satisfaction. In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a flavor inhaler or the like that can further improve the response speed.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a power supply unit; a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; and a control unit that controls the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit while switching the PID gain used for the PID control depending on the elapsed time since control based on the control information was started or the change in the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and is configured to determine not to reset the integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain at a specific switching timing of control for the heating unit based on predetermined conditions.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned device, wherein the predetermined condition is when switching from constant value control, which is control for maintaining a constant temperature, to temperature increase control, which is control for increasing the temperature of the heating section, when switching from the temperature increase control to the constant value control, or when switching from the constant value control to the constant value control.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned device, wherein the predetermined condition is when, during preheating of the flavor source or the aerosol source, switching occurs from constant value control, which is control for maintaining a constant temperature, to temperature increase control, which is control for increasing the temperature of the heating section, when switching from the temperature increase control to the constant value control, or when switching from the constant value control to the constant value control.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is the device described above, wherein the predetermined condition is that the value of I gain before control of the heating unit is switched is zero.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a control method for a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, which includes a power supply unit, a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, and a control unit that controls the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit while switching a PID gain used for the PID control depending on the elapsed time since control based on the control information was started or the change in the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and the control method includes a step of determining not to reset the integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain at a specific switching timing of control for the heating unit based on predetermined conditions.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a processor of a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, which includes a power supply unit, a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, and a control unit that controls the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, to control the heating unit while switching the PID gain used for the PID control in accordance with the elapsed time since control based on the control information was started or the change in the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and to execute a step of determining not to reset the integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain at a specific switching timing of control for the heating unit based on predetermined conditions.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a flavor inhaler etc. according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a flavor inhaler etc. according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of a part of the heating profile; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a heating profile; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a change in the duty ratio of PWM when the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is reset when the PID gain is switched; and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a change in the duty ratio of PWM when the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is not reset when the PID gain is switched. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by a flavor inhaler etc. according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The flavor inhalation device or the like according to this embodiment is a flavor inhalation device or an aerosol generating device, which generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. The substance generated by the flavor inhalation device or the like may be an aerosol or a gas that is not an aerosol. The flavor inhalation device is a device for inhaling flavors, and may be, for example, but not limited to, a device for electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, conventional cigarettes, etc. The aerosol generating device is a device for inhaling the generated aerosol, and may be, for example, but not limited to, a device for electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco, medical nebulizers, etc. The flavor inhalation device or the like includes so-called reduced-risk products (RRPs). (Configuration of the flavor inhalation device or the like) (First configuration example)

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

[0015] The cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 are examples of so-called "refills." At least a portion of one or both of the refills 120 and 130 may be colored according to the type of the refill. Furthermore, the coloring according to the type is not limited to the refill, and may be any component attached to the flavor inhaler 100A.

[0016] The power supply unit 111A stores power and supplies power to each component of the flavor inhaler 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be formed of a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0017] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the flavor inhaler 100A. The sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor. The sensor unit 112A may also include an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from a user.

[0018] The notification unit 113A has a function of notifying the user of various information related to the flavor inhaler 100A. The notification unit 113A may include, for example, a display device that displays messages or images, a light-emitting device or light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits light, a sound output device or acoustic element that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like.

[0019] The storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the flavor inhaler 100A. The storage unit 114A is configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 114A may include a volatile memory that provides a working area for control by the control unit 116A. The storage unit 114A may also store data for controlling the heating profile.

[0020] The communication unit 115A may be a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 115A may also include a communication interface (including a communication module) that complies with a specific LPWA wireless communication standard or a wireless communication standard with similar restrictions. Examples of such communication standards that may be adopted include Sigfox and LoRA-WAN.

[0021] The control unit 116A functions as a processing unit and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the flavor inhaler 100A according to various programs. The control unit 116A can be realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. For example, the control unit 116A can execute control for executing a heating process of the aerosol source in the heating unit 121A. As an example, the control unit 116A can control the heating process according to a heating profile that indicates how the aerosol source should be heated.

[0022] The liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the flavor inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0023] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0024] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1A , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. For example, the heating unit 121A may be powered when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling, that predetermined information has been input, or that the user has operated a button or switch at any time. The power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects either or both of the user's stopping of inhalation and the input of predetermined information. The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component.

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

[0026] The mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth of the user when inhaling. An air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124. By holding the mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity. The above describes an example configuration of the flavor inhaler 100A. Of course, the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0027] As an example, the flavor inhalation device 100A may not include the flavor-imparting cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0028] As another example, the flavor inhaler 100A may include multiple aerosol sources. Multiple aerosols generated from the multiple aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating additional aerosols. (Second Configuration Example)

[0029] 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a flavor inhaler, etc. As shown in FIG. 1B, a flavor inhaler, etc. 100B according to this configuration example includes, for example, a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0030] Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the memory unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding component included in the flavor inhalation device etc. 100A relating to the first configuration example.

[0031] The holding part 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 stick-shaped substrate 150 is also an example of a so-called "refill." The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet, which is an entrance for air to this flow path, is located in the bottom 143, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet, which is an exit for air from this flow path, is the opening 142.

[0032] The stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source may be solid or liquid and is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source may be derived from tobacco, such as a processed product obtained by molding cut tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. The aerosol source may also include non-tobacco-derived aerosol sources made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may contain a flavoring component such as menthol. When the flavor inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a medication to be inhaled by the patient. When the stick-type substrate 150 is held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 through an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the base material 151.

[0033] The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in FIG. 1B, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film-like shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating an aerosol. The heat insulating unit 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating unit 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating unit 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material, an aerogel insulating material, or the like. The above describes a configuration example of the flavor inhaler 100B. Of course, the configuration of the flavor inhaler 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0034] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0035] As another example, the holding 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 holding unit 140 may then open and close a portion of the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0036] The flavor inhaler 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity. (Heating Profile)

[0037] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile. The control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is achieved by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The heating unit 121 uses the power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like.

[0038] The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile may be control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121. As an example, the heating profile may include a target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature). The target temperature may change depending on the elapsed time from the start of heating. In this case, the heating profile includes information specifying the time series progression of the target temperature. As another example, the heating profile may include parameters (hereinafter also referred to as power supply parameters) that specify the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121. The power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. The ON / OFF of power supply to the heating unit 121 may be regarded as ON / OFF of the heating unit 121.

[0039] The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile. By controlling the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user tastes can change.

[0040] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. In this embodiment, the feedback control is PID control. In this embodiment, the control unit 116 can supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses generated by pulse width modulation (PWM). 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 in the feedback control.

[0041] The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

[0042] The period from the start to the end of the process of generating aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 is also referred to as a heating session below. In other words, a heating session is a period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on a heating profile. The start of a heating session is the timing when heating based on the heating profile begins. The end of a heating session is the timing when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer generated. A heating session includes a pre-heating period and a puffable period following the pre-heating period. Here, the action of the user inhaling aerosol is referred to as a "puff" or a "puffing action" (the same applies below). The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated. The pre-heating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating. An example of a heating profile according to this embodiment is shown in Table 1 below.

[0043]

[0044] As shown in Table 1, the heating profile may be divided into a plurality of periods, and the time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters may be specified in each period. In the example shown in Table 1, the heating profile is divided into a total of 10 periods, STEP 0 to STEP 9. The time series transition of the target temperature and the time series transition of the power supply parameters are specified in each STEP.

[0045] The temperature change of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control in accordance with the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the temperature change of the heating unit 121 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph indicates the temperature change of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 changes in the same way as the target temperature set in the heating profile. An example of a heating profile will be described below with reference to Table 1 and FIG. 2.

[0046] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 , in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises from the initial temperature to 300°C. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. In this example, time control is not performed in STEP 0. Here, time control is control that also determines the elapsed time until the target value of the heating profile (here, the target temperature) is reached. That is, in STEP 0, while the target value is set as the heating profile, the target elapsed time until the target value is reached does not have to be set. If time control is performed, STEP 0 is terminated by being triggered by the elapse of the duration. In this example, since time control is not performed in STEP 0, the termination is triggered by the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaching 300°C. In the example of FIG. 2 , STEP 0 ends in 20 seconds. Thereafter, in STEP 1 and STEP 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 300°C. The pre-heating period ends with the end of STEP 1, and the puffable period begins with the start of STEP 2. In addition, in STEP 0, the fact that time control is not performed does not prevent control such as determining that an error has occurred and stopping heating if a predetermined temperature is not reached within a predetermined time.

[0047] For users, a shorter preheating time is desirable. However, for example, if the stick-shaped substrate 150 in FIG. 1B is not sufficiently heated, moisture may not completely evaporate and remain inside the stick-shaped substrate 150. If the user puffs in this state, hot steam may be delivered into the user's mouth. Therefore, it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 to 300°C in STEP 0 and ensure that STEP 1 continues for a certain period of time.

[0048] In this example, in steps 0 to 2, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 at a high voltage. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to quickly reach 300°C and maintain a high temperature thereafter. In addition, the preheating period can be shortened.

[0049] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 , in STEP 3, the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops to 220° C. In STEP 3, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. This allows the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop quickly. Meanwhile, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is switched from a high voltage to a low voltage. If the voltage is switched while power is being supplied to the heating unit 121, the accuracy of the temperature control may decrease due to noise being introduced into the gain of the PID control, for example. In this regard, by switching the voltage while power is not being supplied to the heating unit 121, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of the temperature control that occurs when the voltage is switched.

[0050] Here, the control in STEP 3 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a graph showing in detail an example of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 shows in detail STEP 0 to STEP 4, which are the first half of the temperature transition of the heating unit 121 shown in Fig. 2.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3 , STEP 3 in this example can be divided into three periods: STEP 3-1, STEP 3-2, and STEP 3-3. After the duration of STEP 2 has elapsed, in STEP 3-1, which is the beginning of STEP 3, the control unit 116 interrupts the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. This causes the temperature of the heating unit 121 to drop. However, if the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops too much, the smoking taste delivered to the user may deteriorate. Therefore, in STEP 3-2, which is the middle of STEP 3, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 falls below 220°C, the power supply to the heating unit 121 is resumed, and heating is resumed. To prevent deterioration of the smoking taste, it is desirable to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 until it reaches 220°C in STEP 3-2. Time control is not performed in STEP 3-1 and STEP 3-2. On the other hand, time control is performed for the entirety of STEP 3. Therefore, the control unit 116 maintains the temperature of the heating unit 121 at 220° C. in STEP 3-3, which is the period until the duration of STEP 3 ends. Of course, time control does not have to be performed for the entirety of STEP 3. In that case, STEP 3-3 is omitted.

[0052] As shown in Table 1 and Fig. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 then gradually increases to 270°C in steps 4 to 7. In this manner, control information spanning multiple steps may be defined. Thereafter, in step 8, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is maintained at 270°C.

[0053] In this example, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 at a low voltage in steps 4 to 8. This is because there is no need to rapidly increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 or to maintain it at a high temperature in steps 4 to 8. By lowering the voltage in steps 4 to 8, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the entire heating session.

[0054] As shown in Table 1 and FIG. 2 , in STEP 9, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. In STEP 9, power supply to the heating unit 121 is turned off. Meanwhile, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 is switched from a low voltage to a high voltage. This makes it possible to start the next heating session at a high voltage. Furthermore, by switching the voltage during a period when power is not being supplied to the heating unit 121, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of temperature control due to the voltage switching. In this example, STEP 9 specifies the duration, but does not specify the target temperature. Therefore, STEP 9 ends when the duration ends. In STEP 9, a sufficient amount of aerosol can be generated due to the residual heat of the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, in this example, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends with the end of STEP 9.

[0055] The user may be notified of the start and end times of the puffable period. For example, the user may be notified at the start of STEP 2 and at the end of STEP 9. The user may refer to such notifications to puff during the puffable period.

[0056] Note that the heating profile described above is merely an example, and various other examples are possible. As an example, the number of steps, the duration of each step, and the target temperature may be changed as appropriate. As another example, time control may be performed in STEP 0. For example, in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be increased from the initial temperature to 300°C and then maintained at 300°C until the end of the duration. Alternatively, in STEP 0, the temperature increase speed may be controlled so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 300°C at the end of the duration. As another example, in STEP 4, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be maintained at 220°C. (PID Gain Control)

[0057] In this embodiment, the control unit 116 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 by PID control based on the heating profile. PID control is a method of controlling an input value to a controlled object using three elements: the deviation between an output value from the controlled object and a target value, the integral of the deviation, and the derivative of the deviation. In this embodiment, the controlled object is the heating unit 121, the output value from the heating unit 121 is an actual temperature, the target value is a target temperature, and the input value is a parameter that defines the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121 (for example, a duty ratio in PWM control).

[0058] PID control involves at least three parameters: P gain, I gain, and D gain. These PID control parameters are hereinafter collectively referred to as PID gains. The P gain is a coefficient by which the deviation is multiplied. The I gain is a coefficient by which the integral value of the deviation is multiplied. The D gain is a coefficient by which the derivative value of the deviation is multiplied. For example, the control unit 116 calculates the duty ratio at a certain time by adding together the value obtained by multiplying the deviation between the actual temperature and the target temperature at that time by the P gain, the value obtained by multiplying the integral value of the deviation by the I gain, and the value obtained by multiplying the derivative value of the deviation by the D gain. Note that one or two of the P gain, I gain, and D gain may be set to 0.

[0059] Typically, increasing the P gain can shorten the time it takes for the actual temperature to reach the target temperature. However, if the P gain is too large, overshoot and undershoot are more likely to occur. In other words, if the P gain is too large, the amplitude of hunting, in which the temperature rises and falls around the target temperature, becomes larger. On the other hand, the smaller the P gain, the larger the steady-state deviation.

[0060] Typically, by increasing the D gain, it is possible to make overshoot and undershoot less likely to occur, i.e., by increasing the D gain, it is possible to reduce the amplitude of hunting.

[0061] Typically, the steady-state deviation can be suppressed by increasing the I gain. On the other hand, if the I gain is too large, overshoot and undershoot are likely to occur, and the amplitude of hunting increases. Hereinafter, the PID control according to this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 again.

[0062] The heating profile includes two or more different PID gains that are defined in accordance with the time elapsed since control based on the heating profile was started or the temperature transition of the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 while switching the PID gain in accordance with the time elapsed since control based on the heating profile was started or the temperature transition of the heating unit 121. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the control unit 116 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 by switching the PID gain G １ In STEP 1 and STEP 2, the PID gain G ２ In STEP 3-2, the PID gain G ３ In STEP 3-3 and STEP 4, the PID gain G ４ These PID gains are defined in the heating profile together with information defining the switching timing. For example, the control unit 116 switches the PID gains to be used when the start or end of each STEP or when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches a predetermined temperature is used as a trigger. Specifically, the control unit 116 switches the PID gains to be used when the start of STEP 0 is used as a trigger. １Next, the control unit 116 starts using the PID gain G ２ Next, the control unit 116 switches to the PID gain G ３ Then, the control unit 116 switches the PID gain G ４ The heating session includes periods in which the temperature transitions in different ways, such as a period in which the temperature is rapidly increased, a period in which the temperature is gradually increased, a period in which the temperature is decreased, and a period in which the temperature is maintained. In this regard, with this configuration, the operation of the heating unit 121 can be controlled using a PID gain appropriate for the transition of the temperature. This makes it possible to more accurately track the actual temperature to the target temperature specified in the heating profile. As a result, it is possible to deliver an appropriate smoking experience to the user throughout the entire heating session.

[0063] PID gain G １ is a PID gain for quickly making the temperature of the heating unit 121 reach a predetermined temperature (i.e., 300° C.). On the other hand, the PID gain G ２ is a PID gain for maintaining the temperature of the heating unit 121 at a predetermined temperature. １ The P gain included in is the PID gain G ２ With this configuration, the control unit 116 controls the PID gain G １ In STEP 0, the PID gain G ２ In other words, in STEP 0, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be made to reach a predetermined temperature quickly. ２ The I gain included in is the PID gain G １ With this configuration, the PID gain G １ The temperature change is smaller than that in STEP 0, where PID gain G ２In STEP 1 where the gain I is used, the steady-state deviation can be effectively reduced by increasing the I gain, and the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be appropriately maintained at a predetermined temperature.

[0064] The same applies to the PID gain G ３ and PID gain G ４ The same can be said for the PID gain G ３ is a PID gain for quickly making the temperature of the heating unit 121 reach a predetermined temperature (i.e., 220° C.). On the other hand, the PID gain G ４ is a PID gain for maintaining the temperature of the heating unit 121 at a predetermined temperature. ３ The P gain included in is the PID gain G ４ With this configuration, the control unit 116 controls the PID gain G ３ In STEP 3-2, the PID gain G ４ In other words, in STEP 3-2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be made to reach a predetermined temperature quickly. ４ The I gain included in is the PID gain G ３ With this configuration, the PID gain G ３ The temperature change is smaller than that in STEP 3-2, where PID gain G ４ In STEP 3-3 where the gain I is used, the steady-state deviation can be effectively reduced by increasing the I gain, and the temperature of the heating unit 121 can be appropriately maintained at a predetermined temperature.

[0065] In this embodiment, the PID gain G １ is used, the PID gain G ３ When the voltage is high, the amplitude of hunting that occurs when the P gain and I gain are large becomes larger than when the voltage is low. １ The P gain and / or I gain in ３It is desirable that the P gain and / or I gain in １ It is possible to suppress fluctuations in the deviation between the actual temperature and the target temperature during the period when the temperature sensor is in use.

[0066] The same applies to the PID gain G ２ and PID gain G ４ In this embodiment, the PID gain G ２ is used, the PID gain G ４ When the voltage is high, the amplitude of hunting that occurs when the P gain and I gain are large becomes larger than when the voltage is low. ２ The P gain and / or I gain in ４ It is desirable that the P gain and / or I gain in ２ It is possible to suppress fluctuations in the deviation between the actual temperature and the target temperature during the period when the temperature sensor is in use.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is reset (i.e., set to zero) when heating starts and at a predetermined timing. This makes it possible to avoid a slow response speed. On the other hand, if the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is reset, the duty ratio becomes zero and the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops, which makes it take time to heat up. Therefore, under certain conditions, the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is not reset. Here, in this embodiment, the "predetermined timing" refers to the switching of the following steps (STEPs): - When switching from temperature increase control (control for increasing the temperature of the heating unit) to temperature decrease control (control for decreasing the temperature of the heating unit) - When switching from constant value control (control for maintaining a constant temperature of the heating unit) to temperature decrease control - When switching from temperature decrease control to temperature increase control - When switching from temperature decrease control to constant value control

[0068] For example, the transition from STEP 2 to STEP 3 and the transition from STEP 8 to STEP 9 in Fig. 2 correspond to the time of switching from constant value control to temperature decreasing control. Also, for example, the transition from STEP 3-1 to STEP 3-2 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the time of switching from temperature decreasing control to temperature increasing control. On the other hand, the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is not reset at the following times: - When switching from constant value control to temperature increasing control - When switching from temperature increasing control to constant value control - When switching from constant value control to constant value control

[0069] For example, the transition from STEP 3-3 to STEP 4 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the transition from constant value control to temperature increase control. Also, for example, the transition from STEP 3-2 to STEP 3-3 in Fig. 3 corresponds to the transition from temperature increase control to constant value control. Also, for example, the transition from STEP 1 to STEP 2 in Fig. 2 corresponds to the transition from constant value control to constant value control.

[0070] In this way, when temperature drop control is not involved and it is desired to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 121 at a certain level, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121 from dropping by not resetting the integrated value of the integral term of the gain. In particular, from the viewpoint of keeping the user waiting as short as possible during the pre-heating period, it is useful to prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121 from dropping by not resetting the integrated value of the integral term of the gain. (Specific Example)

[0071] The PID gain control according to this embodiment will be further described below. Figure 4 shows another specific example of a heating profile. The PID gain control during the pre-heating period will be described below.

[0072] In this example, as in the example of FIG. 3 , the PID gains are switched from PID1 to PID2 when the heating profile transitions from STEP 0 to STEP 1. However, because the switch from PID1 to PID2 corresponds to a switch from temperature increase control to constant value control, the integrated value of the gain integral term is not reset in the PID gain control of this embodiment. In this example, the PID gains in STEP 0 (PID1; Kp1 (P gain) / Ki1 (I gain) / Kd1 (D gain)), the PID gains in STEP 1 (PID2; Kp2 (P gain) / Ki2 (I gain) / Kd2 (D gain)), and the PID gains when heating resumes immediately after the heating unit OFF period (PID3; Kp3 (P gain) / Ki3 (I gain) / Kd3 (D gain)) are assumed to be set as follows: (PID1) Kp1:10000000(T.B.C) Ki1:6000(T.B.C) Kd1:0(T.B.C) (PID2) Kp2:5000(T.B.C) Ki2:3000(T.B.C) Kd2:0(T.B.C) (PID3) Kp3: 10000000 (T.B.C) Ki3: 6000 (T.B.C) Kd3: 0 (T.B.C)

[0073] Based on the above settings, FIGS. 5A and 5B show the difference in the drop in the PWM duty ratio when the integrated value of the gain integral term is reset and when it is not reset when switching from PID1 to PID2 (STEP 0 to STEP 1). FIG. 5A shows the change in the PWM duty ratio when the integrated value of the gain integral term is reset when switching from PID1 to PID2. FIG. 5B shows the change in the PWM duty ratio when the integrated value of the gain integral term is not reset when switching from PID1 to PID2. The vertical axis of FIGS. 5A and 5B represents the duty ratio (%), and the horizontal axis represents time (seconds). In this example, the upper limit for the output of the gain integral term in PID1 is 100%, and the integrated value of the integral term has already reached this upper limit when switching to PID2.

[0074] In FIG. 5A , when switching from PID1 to PID2, the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is reset, i.e., the integral term becomes zero, and the duty ratio drops to 16% (see the area surrounded by the dashed line). This significantly reduces the temperature of the heating unit 121. In contrast, in FIG. 5B , when switching from PID1 to PID2, the duty ratio is the ratio of the integrated value of the integral term to the upper limit (= 100%) / Ki1 (= 6000) × Ki2 (= 3000) = 50%, which is a smaller drop compared to the case of FIG. 5A (see the area surrounded by the dashed line). In other words, it can be seen that the temperature drop of the heating unit 121 is reduced more in FIG. 5B .

[0075] Furthermore, when switching steps, if the value of I gain in a certain step is zero, the integrated value of the gain integral term may be set to zero. As a result, if the value of I gain in the step before the step is zero, the output of the PID gain integral term immediately after the step is switched will be 0%, thereby achieving the same effect as resetting the integrated value of the gain integral term. For example, if Ki1 = 0 and Ki2 = 3000, the output of the gain PID2 integral term immediately after switching to STEP 1 will be 0% based on the calculation formula: integrated value of the gain integral term in STEP 0 (= 0) × Ki2 (= 3000). (Flow Diagram) Figure 6 shows a flow diagram of the gain control method executed by the flavor inhaler 100 according to this embodiment.

[0076] First, the control unit 116 determines whether heating by the heating unit 121 has started (step S102). More specifically, the control unit 116 determines whether a user operation instructing the start of heating has been detected. One example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is an operation on the flavor inhaler 100, such as operating a switch or the like provided on the flavor inhaler 100. Another example of a user operation instructing the start of heating is inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the flavor inhaler 100.

[0077] If the control unit 116 determines that heating has not started (step S102: No), the control unit 116 waits until it determines that heating has started, for example by detecting a user operation to instruct the start of heating.

[0078] When the control unit 116 determines that heating has started (step S102: Yes), the control unit 116 resets the integrated value of the integral term of the gain (step S104).

[0079] The control unit 116 determines whether the step has been switched (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 can determine whether the step has been switched by determining whether the temperature of the heating unit 121 has reached the target temperature or whether a predetermined time has elapsed in the time control. The control unit 116 waits until the step has been switched (step S106: No).

[0080] If the control unit 116 determines that the step has been switched (step S106: Yes), the control unit 116 determines whether to reset the integrated value of the integral term of the gain (step S108). In this embodiment, the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is reset when switching from temperature increase control to temperature decrease control, when switching from constant value control to temperature decrease control, when switching from temperature decrease control to temperature increase control, or when switching from temperature decrease control to constant value control. In this embodiment, the integrated value of the integral term of the gain is not reset when switching from constant value control to temperature increase control, when switching from temperature increase control to constant value control, or when transitioning from constant value control to constant value control.

[0081] If the control unit 116 determines that the integrated value of the integral term of the gain should be reset (step S108: Yes), the control unit 116 resets the integrated value of the integral term of the gain (step S110). If the control unit 116 determines that the integrated value of the integral term of the gain should not be reset (step S108: No), the control unit 116 controls the integrated value of the integral term of the gain using the upper limit value without resetting it (step S112). Steps S104 to S112 are repeated until the heating process is completed (step S114).

[0082] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be embodied in various different forms within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0083] Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but includes all embodiments that achieve equivalent effects to those intended by the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the combination of inventive features defined by each claim, but can be defined by any desired combination of specific features from among all the respective disclosed features.

[0084] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention: (1) A device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generator, comprising: a power supply unit; a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source; and a control unit that controls power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit while switching a PID gain used in the PID control in accordance with the elapsed time since control based on the control information was started or a change in the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and is configured to determine not to reset an integrated value of an integral term of the PID gain at a specific switching timing of control for the heating unit based on a predetermined condition. (2) The device according to (1), wherein the predetermined condition is a switching from constant value control, which is control for maintaining a constant temperature, to temperature increase control, which is control for increasing the temperature of the heating unit, a switching from the temperature increase control to the constant value control, or a switching from the constant value control to the constant value control. (3) The device according to (1), wherein the predetermined condition is a time when, during preheating of the flavor source or the aerosol source, a constant value control for maintaining a constant temperature is switched to a temperature increase control for increasing the temperature of the heating unit, a time when the temperature increase control is switched to the constant value control, or a time when the constant value control is switched to the constant value control. (4) The device according to (1), wherein the predetermined condition is that the value of I gain before the control of the heating unit is switched is zero.(5) A control method for a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising a power supply unit, a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, and a control unit that controls the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, the control unit controlling the heating unit while switching a PID gain used in the PID control depending on the elapsed time since control based on the control information was started or the change in the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and determining not to reset the integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain at a specific switching timing of control for the heating unit based on predetermined conditions. (6) A program that causes a processor of a device that is a flavor inhaler or an aerosol generating apparatus, which includes a power supply unit, a heating unit that heats a flavor source or an aerosol source, and a control unit that controls the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, to execute a step of controlling the heating unit while switching the PID gain used in the PID control depending on the elapsed time since control based on the control information was started or the change in the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated, and determining not to reset the integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain at a specific switching timing of control for the heating unit based on predetermined conditions.

[0085] 21...Graph line 100A, 100B...Flavor inhalation device, etc. 110...Power supply unit 111A, 111B...Power supply section 112A, 112B...Sensor section 113A, 113B...Notification section 114A, 114B...Memory section 115A, 115B...Communication section 116A, 116B...Control section 117A, 117B...Conversion section 120...Cartridge 121A, 121B...Heating section 122...Liquid guiding section 123...Liquid storage section 124...Mouthpiece 130...Flavor imparting cartridge 131...Flavor source 140...Retaining section 141...Internal space 142...Opening 143...Bottom 144...Insulating section 150...Stick-shaped substrate 151...Substrate section 152...Suction mouth section 180...Air flow path 181...Air inlet hole 182...Air outlet hole

Claims

1. A device which is a fragrance attracting device or an aerosol generating device, comprising: a power supply unit; a heating unit for heating a fragrance source or an aerosol source; and a control unit for controlling power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit while switching a PID gain used for the PID control according to the elapsed time since the start of control based on the control information or the transition of the temperature for heating the aerosol source, and is configured to determine that the integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain is not reset at a specific switching timing of the control for the heating unit based on a predetermined condition.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a switching from constant value control for keeping the temperature constant to temperature rising control for raising the temperature of the heating unit, a switching from the temperature rising control to the constant value control, or a switching from the constant value control to the constant value control.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is a switching from constant value control for keeping the temperature constant to temperature rising control for raising the temperature of the heating unit, a switching from the temperature rising control to the constant value control, or a switching from the constant value control to the constant value control during preheating of the fragrance source or the aerosol source.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is that the value of the I gain before the control of the heating unit is switched is zero.

5. A control method for a device which is a fragrance suction device or an aerosol generating device, comprising a power supply unit, a heating unit for heating a fragrance source or an aerosol source, and a control unit for controlling power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, wherein the control unit controls the heating unit while switching a PID gain used for the PID control according to the elapsed time since the start of control based on the control information or the change in the temperature for heating the aerosol source, and includes a step of determining not to reset the integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain at a specific switching timing of control for the heating unit based on a predetermined condition.

6. A program for causing a processor of a device which is a fragrance suction device or an aerosol generating device, comprising a power supply unit, a heating unit for heating a fragrance source or an aerosol source, and a control unit for controlling power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit by PID control based on control information for controlling the temperature of the heating unit, to execute a step of controlling the heating unit while switching a PID gain used for the PID control according to the elapsed time since the start of control based on the control information or the change in the temperature for heating the aerosol source, and determining not to reset the integrated value of the integral term of the PID gain at a specific switching timing of control for the heating unit based on a predetermined condition.

Images