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WO2024194929A1 - Système de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande et support de stockage non transitoire - Google Patents

Système de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande et support de stockage non transitoire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024194929A1
WO2024194929A1 PCT/JP2023/010608 JP2023010608W WO2024194929A1 WO 2024194929 A1 WO2024194929 A1 WO 2024194929A1 JP 2023010608 W JP2023010608 W JP 2023010608W WO 2024194929 A1 WO2024194929 A1 WO 2024194929A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heating
unit
heating unit
aerosol
control unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/JP2023/010608
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
学 山田
康信 井上
遼 田村
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority to KR1020257029959A priority Critical patent/KR20250145658A/ko
Priority to PCT/JP2023/010608 priority patent/WO2024194929A1/fr
Priority to CN202380095617.3A priority patent/CN120769712A/zh
Priority to JP2025507910A priority patent/JPWO2024194929A1/ja
Publication of WO2024194929A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024194929A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an aerosol generation system, a control method, and a non-transitory storage medium.
  • inhalation devices such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers
  • inhalation devices generate aerosol imparted with flavor components using a substrate that includes an aerosol source for generating aerosol and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol.
  • Users can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with flavor components generated by the inhalation device.
  • the action of a user inhaling an aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or a puffing action.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that detects the insertion of a substrate into the suction device based on a change in capacitance detected by a capacitance sensor mounted on the suction device.
  • the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and the purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that enables further miniaturization of the suction device.
  • an aerosol generation system includes a power supply unit that accumulates and supplies power, a storage unit that stores a substrate containing an aerosol source, a heating unit that uses power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate stored in the storage unit, and a control unit that controls the power supply to the heating unit, and the control unit determines the state of the storage unit based on the rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.
  • the control unit may control the operation of the heating unit based on the result of determining the state of the storage unit.
  • the control unit may continue heating by the heating unit when the rate of change of the parameter satisfies a first condition, and may stop heating by the heating unit when the rate of change of the parameter does not satisfy the first condition.
  • the control unit may determine the state of the storage unit based on the rate of change of the parameter during a period from when a first time has elapsed since the heating unit started heating to generate an aerosol to when a second time has elapsed.
  • the control unit may be configured to maintain a duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate an aerosol until the parameter satisfies a second condition, and to change the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit when the parameter satisfies the second condition, and to set the first time and the second time to arrive before the second condition is satisfied.
  • the control unit may maintain a duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during the period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate the aerosol until the second time has elapsed.
  • the first time period may be at least 1 second.
  • the control unit may determine the state of the storage unit based on the time series transition of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit obtained by repeatedly applying a group of detection pulses including one first detection pulse to the heating unit, and may start heating to generate an aerosol by the heating unit based on the determination result.
  • the aerosol generating system may further include the substrate.
  • a control method executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system the aerosol generation system having a power supply unit that accumulates and supplies power, a storage unit that stores a substrate containing an aerosol source, and a heating unit that uses power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate stored in the storage unit, the control method including controlling the power supply to the heating unit, and the control of the power supply to the heating unit including determining the state of the storage unit based on the rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.
  • a non-transitory storage medium storing a program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generation system, the aerosol generation system having a power supply unit that accumulates and supplies power, a storage unit that stores a substrate containing an aerosol source, and a heating unit that uses power supplied from the power supply unit to heat the substrate stored in the storage unit, the program causing the computer to function as a control unit that controls the power supply to the heating unit, and the control unit determining the state of the storage unit based on the rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a suction device
  • 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a first process executed by a suction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining a first process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment.
  • 1 is a graph showing a schematic example of a heating profile.
  • 11 is a diagram for explaining power supply control based on a heating profile.
  • FIG. 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining experimental results regarding the suction device according to the present embodiment.
  • 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment.
  • 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a second process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment.
  • 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a second process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment.
  • 11A to 11C are diagrams for explaining experimental results regarding the suction device according to the present embodiment.
  • 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a second process executed by the suction device according to the embodiment.
  • elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by assigning an index containing different letters or numbers after the same reference numeral.
  • multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as devices 1A, 1B, and 1C as necessary.
  • only the same reference numeral may be assigned.
  • devices 1A, 1B, and 1C they may be referred to simply as device 1.
  • the inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user.
  • the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol.
  • the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device.
  • 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.
  • the power supply unit 111 stores power.
  • the power supply unit 111 supplies 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, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
  • the sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100.
  • the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with suction by the user.
  • the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device such as a button or switch that accepts information input from the user.
  • the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information.
  • the notification unit 113 is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.
  • the storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100.
  • the storage unit 114 is configured, for example, from a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.
  • the communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard.
  • Such communication standards may include, for example, standards using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).
  • the control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs.
  • the control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.
  • the storage section 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while storing a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141.
  • the storage section 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and stores the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142.
  • the storage section 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141.
  • An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage section 140.
  • An air inlet hole which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on the side of the suction device 100.
  • An air outlet hole which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.
  • 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 includes a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.
  • the aerosol source may include a medicine.
  • the aerosol source may be a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water, which include a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or may be a solid which includes a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.
  • the stick-type substrate 150 When the stick-type substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is stored in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142.
  • the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base portion 151.
  • the heating unit 121 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source.
  • the heating unit 121 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140.
  • the heating unit 121 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.
  • the heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111.
  • power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started inhaling and/or that specific information has been input. Power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has stopped inhaling and/or that specific information has been input.
  • the insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components.
  • the insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.
  • the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below are possible.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the heating unit 121 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.
  • the heating unit 121 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.
  • 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 accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it.
  • the heating unit 121 may be provided at the clamping location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.
  • the heating unit 121 uses power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 (more specifically, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150) contained in the storage unit 140, thereby generating an aerosol.
  • the control unit 116 then controls the power supply to the heating unit 121.
  • the suction device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation system that generates an aerosol.
  • the combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be regarded as an aerosol generation system.
  • the control unit 116 determines the state of the accommodation unit 140 based on a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121.
  • the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 is assumed to be the electrical resistance (hereinafter also simply referred to as resistance) of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121).
  • the control unit 116 obtains the resistance of the heating unit 121 by applying a voltage to the heating unit 121.
  • the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases, and the resistance of the heating unit 121 decreases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. That is, in the following description, the resistance and the temperature may be interchangeable.
  • the control unit 116 executes a first process.
  • the first process includes acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121 and judging the state of the storage unit 140 based on the acquired resistance of the heating unit 121. In particular, in the first process, the control unit 116 judges whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140.
  • the control section 116 ends the first process and executes the second process.
  • the second process includes heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on a heating profile.
  • the heating profile is control information for generating an aerosol.
  • the suction device 100 can generate an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile. The heating profile will be described in detail later.
  • the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be erroneously determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140 even though the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the storage section 140.
  • Such an erroneous determination may occur when an item other than the stick-shaped substrate 150, such as a cleaning swab, is inserted into the storage section 140, or when outside air is blown into the storage section 140. This is because the resistance of the heating section 121 may change in these cases, just as it does when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140.
  • the control unit 116 therefore acquires the resistance of the heating unit 121 during heating based on the heating profile, and judges the state of the storage unit 140 based on the acquired resistance of the heating unit 121. In particular, the control unit 116 judges whether or not the judgment in the first process that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 was an erroneous judgment.
  • control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage unit 140, i.e., if it determines that the determination in the first process is correct, it continues heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile. On the other hand, if the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted in the storage unit 140, i.e., if it determines that the determination in the first process is incorrect, it stops heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile.
  • the heating section 121 for heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be used to detect the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150. In other words, there is no need to install another sensor such as a capacitance sensor to detect the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150. This allows the suction device 100 to be further miniaturized.
  • the heating section 121 may increase in temperature.
  • the first process may be considered as a process for heating the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • heating refers to heating based on the heating profile in the second process.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams for explaining the first processing performed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.
  • a graph 30 shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a time series transition of a voltage applied to the heating unit 121 in the first processing.
  • the vertical axis of the graph 30 is voltage in volts.
  • the horizontal axis of the graph 30 is time in seconds.
  • a graph 35 shown in FIG. 3 shows an example of a time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the voltage shown in FIG. 2 is applied.
  • the vertical axis of the graph 35 is resistance in ohms.
  • the horizontal axis of the graph 35 is time in seconds.
  • the graph 35 illustrates a case where the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 at the timing indicated by the arrow 39, i.e., 5 seconds after the start of the first processing.
  • the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a group of detection pulses 34 including one first detection pulse 31 to the heating unit 121.
  • the pulse here is a wave having a predetermined voltage.
  • the first detection pulse 31 is a pulse for increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 while acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121.
  • the period during which one group of detection pulses 34 is applied is also referred to as a detection cycle below.
  • the period during which the first detection pulse 31 is applied in the detection cycle is also referred to as a temperature rise period.
  • the period during which the first detection pulse 31 is not applied in the detection cycle is also referred to as a temperature fall period.
  • the duration of the detection cycle is 0.5 seconds
  • the first 0.1 seconds of the detection cycle is the temperature rise period
  • the remaining 0.4 seconds is the temperature fall period.
  • the resistance of the heating section 121 fluctuates up and down.
  • the resistance of the heating section 121 in the process in which the application of the detection pulse group 34 is repeated, the resistance of the heating section 121 repeatedly rises and falls, and then gradually rises.
  • the voltage and width of the first detection pulse 31 are adjusted so that the resistance of the heating section 121 gradually rises or is maintained at a constant value in the process in which the application of the detection pulse group 34 is repeated.
  • the control unit 116 determines the state of the storage unit 140 based on the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121. In detail, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 when the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition. On the other hand, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been inserted into the storage unit 140 when the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy the predetermined condition.
  • the time series transition of the resistance of the heating section 121 during the period when the detection pulse group 34 is applied to the heating section 121 differs between the case where the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage section 140 and the case where it is not.
  • the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted in the storage section 140 during the period from the start of the first process to the elapse of 5 seconds.
  • the resistance at the start of the application of the first detection pulse 31 is located on line 37
  • the resistance at the end of the application of the first detection pulse 31 is located on line 38.
  • the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage section 140 during the period after 5 seconds have elapsed from the start of the first process.
  • the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140. With this configuration, it becomes possible to determine whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 with a simple configuration.
  • the first process may include first applying a third detection pulse 33 to the heating unit 121.
  • the third detection pulse 33 is a pulse for increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 while acquiring the resistance of the heating unit 121.
  • the duration of the third detection pulse 33 is longer than the duration of the first detection pulse 31.
  • the duration of the first detection pulse 31 is 0.1 seconds
  • the duration of the third detection pulse 33 is 0.5 seconds.
  • the detection pulse group 34 may include one or more second detection pulses in addition to the one first detection pulse 31.
  • the second detection pulse is a pulse for acquiring the resistance of the heating section 121.
  • the duration of the second detection pulse is shorter than the duration of the first detection pulse 31.
  • the resistance of the heating section 121 obtained by the second detection pulse can be used to determine the state of the storage section 140.
  • the state of the storage section 140 can be determined based on a larger number of samples, making it possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of determining the state of the storage section 140 due to, for example, the influence of disturbances.
  • the control unit 116 may start the first process when a predetermined user action is detected as a trigger.
  • the predetermined user action may be any user action that is assumed to result in the stick-type substrate 150 being inserted into the storage unit 140 immediately after the predetermined user action is performed.
  • One example of the predetermined user action is opening the lid that opens and closes the opening 142.
  • Another example of the predetermined user action is lifting the suction device 100.
  • Another example of the predetermined user action is canceling the charging of the suction device 100.
  • the presence or absence of these predetermined user actions may be detected by a sensor provided on the lid, a motion sensor, or the like. With this configuration, the first process may be performed only at the timing when the stick-type substrate 150 may be inserted. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption.
  • the control unit 116 ends the first process if the time series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy a predetermined condition until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process. In other words, the control unit 116 stops the first process if it does not determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process.
  • the predetermined time may be set, for example, according to the time that is normally assumed to be required from the time the user performs a predetermined user operation that triggers the start of the first process to the time the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the predetermined time is 10 seconds, and the detection cycle is repeated a maximum of 18 times. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress power consumption within a range that does not deteriorate usability.
  • control unit 116 starts the second process when it is determined in the first process that the time series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition.
  • control unit 116 starts the second process when it is determined in the first process that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140.
  • control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, and determines the state of the accommodation unit 140. These processing will be described below in order.
  • the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on a heating profile.
  • the control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is realized by controlling the power supply from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121.
  • the heating unit 121 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 using the power supplied from the power source unit 111.
  • the heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.
  • the heating profile specifies the target value of a parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated.
  • An example of the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121.
  • An example of the target value of a parameter corresponding to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the target temperature).
  • the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be controlled to change according to the elapsed time from the start of heating. In that case, the heating profile includes information that specifies the time series progression of the target temperature.
  • the heating profile may include parameters that specify the method of supplying power to the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the power supply parameters).
  • the power supply parameters include, for example, the voltage applied to the heating unit 121, ON/OFF of the power supply to the heating unit 121, or the feedback control method to be adopted. Turning the power supply to the heating unit 121 on/off may be considered as turning the heating unit 121 on/off.
  • 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.
  • 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 operation of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.
  • the temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized, for example, by known feedback control.
  • the feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller).
  • the control unit 116 may supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM).
  • PWM pulse width modulation
  • PFM pulse frequency modulation
  • the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse in the feedback control.
  • the control unit 116 may perform simple on/off control in the feedback control.
  • control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, interrupt heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and resume heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature.
  • the temperature of the heating section 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating section 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, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor.
  • the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor.
  • the temperature of the heating section 121 can be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating section 121.
  • 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 starts.
  • 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 in the first half and a puffable period in the second half.
  • 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.
  • the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing at which preheating will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of preheating before the end of preheating, or may notify the user of information indicating that preheating has ended at the timing at which preheating has ended.
  • the notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting an LED or vibrating. The user may refer to such a notification and begin puffing immediately after preheating has ended.
  • the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information indicating the timing when the puffing period will end. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify the user of information predicting the end of the puffing period before the end of the puffing period, or may notify the user of information indicating that the puffing period has ended at the timing when the puffing period has ended.
  • the notification to the user may be performed, for example, by lighting an LED or vibrating. The user may refer to such a notification and continue puffing until the puffing period ends.
  • FIG. 4 is a graph that shows a schematic example of a heating profile.
  • the horizontal axis of graph 20 is time.
  • the vertical axis of graph 20 is temperature.
  • Line 21 shows the time series progression of the target temperature.
  • a heating session may include an initial heating period, an intermediate temperature drop period, and a re-heating period, in that order.
  • the initial heating period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly after the start of heating and is maintained at a high temperature.
  • the intermediate temperature drop period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 drops after the initial heating period.
  • the re-heating period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 rises again after the intermediate temperature drop period.
  • the target temperature rises rapidly to around 300°C during the initial heating period, then drops to around 230°C during the intermediate temperature drop period, and then rises stepwise to around 260°C during the re-heating period.
  • power supply to the heating unit 121 may be interrupted and heating may be turned off.
  • the period from the start of heating to the middle of the initial temperature rise period is the pre-heating period, and the period from the middle of the initial temperature rise period to the end of the re-heating period is the puffable period.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining power supply control based on a heating profile.
  • Graph 40 shown in FIG. 5 shows an example of the time series transition of the voltage applied to the heating section 121 during power supply control based on a heating profile.
  • the vertical axis of graph 40 is voltage in volts.
  • the horizontal axis of graph 40 is time in milliseconds.
  • the control unit 116 repeatedly applies a heating pulse group 44 including a measurement pulse 41 to the heating unit 121.
  • the measurement pulse 41 is a pulse applied to measure the resistance of the heating unit 121.
  • the heating pulse group 44 may include one or more heating pulses 42.
  • the heating pulse 42 is a pulse applied to increase the temperature of the heating unit 121.
  • the period during which one heating pulse group 44 is applied is also referred to as a heating cycle below.
  • the period during which the measurement pulses 41 are applied during the heating cycle is also referred to as a measurement period.
  • the period during which the measurement pulses 41 are not applied during the heating cycle is also referred to as a non-measurement period.
  • the heating pulses 42 may be applied.
  • the duration of the heating cycle is 50 milliseconds, with the first 3 milliseconds of the heating cycle being the measurement period and the remaining 47 milliseconds being the non-measurement period.
  • the control unit 116 controls the configuration of the heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement period.
  • the configuration here refers to whether or not the heating pulse 42 is applied, and the duration of the heating pulse 42.
  • the duration of the heating pulse 42 can be set to any time equal to or less than 47 milliseconds.
  • the number and start timing of the heating pulses 42 during the non-measurement period can also be set arbitrarily.
  • control unit 116 acquires the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the measurement pulse 41 is applied during the measurement period. Then, based on the resistance of the heating unit 121 acquired during the measurement period and the heating profile, the control unit 116 controls the configuration of the heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement period that belongs to the same heating cycle as the measurement period. In so doing, the control unit 116 controls the duty ratio of the heating pulse 42 during the non-measurement period based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated from the resistance of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature specified in the heating profile.
  • the above-mentioned heating pulse group 44 is applied to the heating unit 121 during the initial heating period and the reheating period of the heating session.
  • the heating pulse group 44 does not have to be applied to the heating unit 121 during the intermediate temperature drop period of the heating session.
  • whether or not the temperature of the heating unit 121 has dropped to the target temperature during the intermediate temperature drop period may be determined by a separately provided temperature sensor such as a thermistor, or may be simply determined based on the elapsed time since the supply of power to the heating unit 121 was stopped.
  • the control unit 116 determines the state of the storage unit 140 based on the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121. In detail, when the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140. On the other hand, when the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been inserted into the storage unit 140.
  • the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period when the heating pulse group 44 is applied to the heating unit 121 differs depending on whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage unit 140.
  • the resistance (i.e., temperature) of the heating unit 121 rises rapidly compared to when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage unit 140. Therefore, for example, the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage unit 140 when the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 falls within the range of the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 expected when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted. With this configuration, it becomes possible to determine whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage unit 140 with a simple configuration.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the experimental results regarding the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.
  • Graph 50 shown in FIG. 6 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when the suction device 100 executes the first process and the second process.
  • the vertical axis of graph 50 is resistance in ohms.
  • the horizontal axis of graph 50 is time in seconds.
  • the resistance of the heating section 121 measured at each time point is plotted on graph 50, and consecutive plots in time are connected by lines.
  • Graph 50 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted at the timing indicated by arrow 59, i.e., 4.5 seconds after the start of the first process.
  • the resistance of the heating section 121 repeatedly rises and falls, gradually increasing until the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted. Then, immediately after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, the resistance of the heating section 121 drops from plot 51A to plot 51B, and from plot 52A to plot 52B. Note that plots 51A and 51B correspond to the resistance of the heating section 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 31. Plots 52A and 52B correspond to the resistance of the heating section 121 at the end of application of the first detection pulse 31. Based on this drop in the resistance of the heating section 121, the control section 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage section 140. Therefore, the first process ends and the second process begins, and the resistance of the heating section 121 rises rapidly.
  • FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.
  • the control unit 116 determines whether a specific user operation has been detected (step S102). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether a user operation to open a cover that opens and closes the opening 142, a user operation to lift the suction device 100, or a user operation to cancel charging of the suction device 100 has been detected by the sensor unit 112.
  • step S102 If it is determined that the specified user operation has not been detected (step S102: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the specified user operation is detected.
  • step S104 the control unit 116 starts the first process (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 first applies the third detection pulse 33 to the heating unit 121, and then repeatedly applies the detection pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121.
  • control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 based on whether or not the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse group 34 to the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition.
  • step S106 If it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 (step S106: YES), the control unit 116 ends the first process and starts the second process (step S108). For example, the storage unit 140 repeatedly applies the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile.
  • step S106 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first process (step S110). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of the first process.
  • step S110 NO
  • the process returns to step S106.
  • step S110 YES
  • the control unit 116 ends the first process (step S112). Then, the process ends.
  • control unit 116 determines whether or not the determination result in the first process is correct (step S114). For example, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 based on whether or not the time series transition of the resistance of the heating unit 121 obtained by repeatedly applying the heating pulse group 44 to the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition.
  • step S114 If the result of the first process is determined to be correct, that is, if it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140 (step S114: YES), the control section 116 continues heating based on the heating profile (step S116). When heating based on the heating profile ends, the process ends.
  • step S114 if it is determined that the result of the first process is erroneous, that is, if it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted in the storage section 140 (step S114: NO), the control section 116 ends the heating based on the heating profile (step S118). Then, the process ends.
  • the notification unit 113 may appropriately notify information indicating the progress of the above-mentioned processing. For example, the notification unit 113 may notify that a first processing has been started, the determination result of the first processing, that a second processing has been started, and the determination result of the second processing.
  • Criteria in the second process > (1) Determination Criteria The following is a detailed description of the determination criteria used in the second process to determine the state of the container 140. The determination criteria are set by the control unit 116.
  • the control unit 116 determines the state of the storage unit 140 based on the rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121. In particular, in the second process, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 based on the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during heating based on the heating profile.
  • the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 may be regarded as the amount of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 over a specified period of time.
  • the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the determination result of the state of the storage unit 140. In detail, when the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage unit 140, it continues heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile. On the other hand, when the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted in the storage unit 140, it stops heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the heating profile. This configuration makes it possible to improve usability in that it is not necessary to give a separate instruction to continue/stop heating.
  • the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 when the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies a first condition. In that case, the control unit 116 continues heating by the heating unit 121. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the storage unit 140 when the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 does not satisfy the first condition. In that case, the control unit 116 stops heating by the heating unit 121.
  • the first condition may be that the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 is less than a predetermined threshold value. This is because when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the housing unit 140, the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 tends to be lower than when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted in the housing unit 140.
  • the heating by the heating unit 121 may be performed continuously.
  • so-called chain smoking may be performed, in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is replaced while heating continuously and the aerosol is inhaled.
  • the resistance (i.e., temperature) of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating based on the heating profile is higher than when not.
  • non-continuous heating i.e., heating that is started when a long time has passed since the previous heating ended and the heating unit 121 is sufficiently cold
  • continuous heating i.e., heating that is started when a long time has not passed since the previous heating ended and the heating unit 121 is still warm, is also referred to as the second heating.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the second process executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.
  • Graph 60 shown in FIG. 8 shows the experimental results of observing the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 after heating based on the heating profile is started.
  • the vertical axis of graph 60 is resistance in ohms.
  • the horizontal axis of graph 60 is time in seconds. Note that the time shown on the horizontal axis of graph 60 indicates the elapsed time after heating based on the heating profile is started.
  • the elapsed time after heating based on the heating profile is started is also referred to as the heating time.
  • Line 61 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when the first heating is started with the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted in the storage section 140.
  • Line 62 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when the first heating is started with nothing inserted in the storage section 140. Comparing lines 61 and 62, the slope of line 61 is smaller than the slope of line 62 during the heating time period from 0 seconds to 1.5 seconds. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately determine whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage section 140 based on the first condition.
  • Line 63 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when the second heating is started with the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted in the storage section 140.
  • Line 64 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when the second heating is started with nothing inserted in the storage section 140. Comparing lines 63 and 64, the slope of line 63 is smaller than the slope of line 64 during the heating time period from 0 seconds to 1.5 seconds. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately determine whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage section 140 based on the first condition.
  • control unit 116 may determine the state of the storage unit 140 based on the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during a period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating to generate an aerosol until a second time has passed. That is, the control unit 116 may determine the state of the storage unit 140 based on the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during a period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating to generate an aerosol until a first time has passed until a second time has passed. As an example, the first time may be 1 second, and the second time may be 1.5 seconds.
  • control unit 116 may determine the state of the storage unit 140 based on the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during a period from when the heating time is 1 second to 1.5 seconds. With this configuration, it becomes possible to more appropriately determine whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140, as will be described in detail below.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the second process executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.
  • Graph 70 shown in FIG. 9 shows the experimental results of observing the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 after heating based on the heating profile is started.
  • the vertical axis of graph 60 is resistance in ohms.
  • the horizontal axis of graph 60 is time, more specifically, heating time in seconds.
  • Line 71 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first heating is started with the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted in the storage unit 140.
  • Line 72 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first heating is started with a dry cotton swab inserted in the storage unit 140.
  • Line 73 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the first heating is started with a wet cotton swab inserted in the storage unit 140.
  • a dry cotton swab is a cleaning swab with a cleaning part made of absorbent cotton or the like arranged at the end, and the cleaning part arranged at the end is in a dry state.
  • a wet cotton swab is a cleaning swab with a cleaning part arranged at the end soaked in a liquid such as alcohol and in a wet state.
  • the slope of line 71 is smaller than the slope of line 72 when the heating time is between 0 and 1.5 seconds. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140 based on the first condition.
  • the resistance of the heating unit 121 rises once and then falls. This is due to heat being lost from the heating unit 121 as the wet parts of the wet cotton swab dry. In this way, when the wet cotton swab is inserted into the storage unit 140, a temporary drop in the resistance of the heating unit 121 occurs.
  • the line 73 includes a section in which the slope of the line 73 is even smaller than the slope of the line 71 during the heating time period from 0 to 1 second.
  • Tables 1 and 2 below show detailed experimental results of observing the rate of change in resistance of the heating unit 121.
  • Table 1 shows the rate of change in resistance of the heating unit 121 in a period of 0 to 1 second from the start of heating when the stick-type substrate 150, a dry cotton swab, or a wet cotton swab is inserted into the storage unit 140.
  • Table 2 shows the rate of change in resistance of the heating unit 121 in a period of 1 to 1.5 seconds from the start of heating when the stick-type substrate 150, a dry cotton swab, or a wet cotton swab is inserted into the storage unit 140.
  • “1st" refers to the first heating.
  • 2nd (4 minutes) refers to a case in which the second heating was started 4 minutes after the previous heating was completed.
  • 2nd (2 minutes) refers to a case in which the second heating was started 2 minutes after the previous heating was completed.
  • 2nd (1 minute) refers to a case in which the second heating was started 1 minute after the previous heating was completed.
  • 2nd (30 seconds) refers to the case where the second heating started 30 seconds after the previous heating ended.
  • the rate of change in the resistance of the heating section 121 is lower in all cases compared to when the inserted article is a dry cotton swab.
  • the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted when a dry cotton swab is inserted in the storage section 140, based on the determination based on the first condition.
  • the rate of change in the resistance of the heating section 121 is lower in all cases compared to when the inserted article is a dry cotton swab or a wet cotton swab.
  • the rate of change in the resistance of the heating section 121 is lower in all cases compared to when the inserted article is a dry cotton swab or a wet cotton swab.
  • the accuracy of the judgment can be improved by making a judgment based on the first condition in a period after a predetermined time, preferably 1 second or more, has elapsed since the start of heating, taking into account the period it takes for the liquid to evaporate.
  • the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 when the rate of change in resistance of the heating unit 121 during the heating time period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds is less than 50 [m ⁇ /s]. In that case, in any of the cases shown in Table 2, it is possible to determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 when the inserted article is the stick-type substrate 150. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the storage unit 140 when the rate of change in resistance of the heating unit 121 during the heating time period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds is 50 [m ⁇ /s] or more. In that case, in any of the cases shown in Table 2, it is possible to determine that the stick-type substrate 150 is not inserted into the storage unit 140 when the inserted article is a dry cotton swab or a wet cotton swab.
  • the control unit 116 maintains the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at a predetermined value during the period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating to generate an aerosol until the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies the second condition.
  • the control unit 116 maintains the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at 100% during the period from when the heating based on the heating profile starts until the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches 99.8% of the resistance corresponding to the highest target temperature. This is because immediately after the start of heating, there is a large temperature difference between the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature (e.g., 300°C). This makes it possible to minimize the length of the preheating period.
  • the highest target temperature here is the highest target temperature among the target temperatures specified in the heating profile, and may in particular be the highest target temperature in the preheating period.
  • the control unit 116 changes the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 when the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies the second condition. For example, the control unit 116 reduces the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 to less than 100% when the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches 99.8% of the resistance corresponding to the highest target temperature. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 exceeds the highest target temperature.
  • the first time and the second time are desirably set so that they are satisfied before the second condition is satisfied.
  • control unit 116 may maintain the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 at a predetermined value for a period from when the heating unit 121 starts heating to generate an aerosol until the second time has elapsed. For example, the control unit 116 may maintain the duty ratio at 100% until the heating time has elapsed the second time and then the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies the second condition, and then reduce it to less than 100%. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining the state of the storage unit 140, as described above.
  • the state of the storage unit 140 based on the heating time at the timing when the resistance of the heating unit 121 satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, it is conceivable to judge that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 if the heating time at the timing when the resistance of the heating unit 121 reaches 99.5% of the resistance corresponding to the highest target temperature is longer than a predetermined threshold value.
  • the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 tends to be slower, i.e., the heating time required for the resistance of the heating unit 121 to increase tends to be longer, compared to when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted.
  • Table 3 below shows detailed experimental results of observing the heating time when the resistance of the heating portion 121 reaches 99.5% of the resistance corresponding to the highest target temperature.
  • Table 3 shows experimental results in each case similar to Tables 1 and 2, when the stick-shaped substrate 150, a dry cotton swab, or a wet cotton swab is inserted into the storage portion 140.
  • the judgment criteria according to the comparative example may result in a decrease in judgment accuracy when the second heating is started 30 seconds after the end of the previous heating.
  • the judgment based on the first condition can appropriately judge whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in any case.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the experimental results regarding the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.
  • Graph 80 shown in FIG. 10 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 when the suction device 100 executes the first process and the second process.
  • the vertical axis of graph 80 is resistance in ohms.
  • the horizontal axis of graph 80 is time in seconds.
  • the state of the storage unit 140 is determined based on the rate of change in the resistance of the heating unit 121 during the heating time (the elapsed time from the start of heating based on the heating profile) from 1 second to 1.5 seconds.
  • Line 81 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted at the timing indicated by arrow 88, i.e., 3.7 seconds after the start of the first process, and the first heating based on the heating profile is started.
  • the increase in the resistance of the heating section 121 in the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds after heating based on the heating profile is started is less than 25 m ⁇ (i.e., the rate of change is less than 50 m ⁇ /s). Therefore, it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage section 140, and heating based on the heating profile continues.
  • Line 82 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when, at the timing indicated by arrow 89, i.e., 3.2 seconds after the start of the first process, it is erroneously determined that a stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage section 140 even though nothing has been inserted, and the first heating based on the heating profile is started.
  • the increase in the resistance of the heating section 121 in the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds after heating based on the heating profile is started is 25 m ⁇ or more (i.e., the rate of change is 50 m ⁇ /s or more). Therefore, it is determined that a stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been inserted into the storage section 140, and heating based on the heating profile is stopped.
  • Line 83 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted at the timing indicated by arrow 88, i.e., 3.7 seconds after the start of the first process, and the second heating based on the heating profile is started.
  • the increase in the resistance of the heating section 121 in the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds after the heating based on the heating profile is started is less than 25 m ⁇ (i.e., the rate of change is less than 50 m ⁇ /s). Therefore, it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted in the storage section 140, and heating based on the heating profile continues.
  • Line 84 shows the time series change in the resistance of the heating section 121 when, at the timing indicated by arrow 89, i.e., 3.2 seconds after the start of the first process, it is erroneously determined that a stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage section 140 even though nothing has been inserted, and a second heating process based on the heating profile is started.
  • the increase in the resistance of the heating section 121 in the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds after heating based on the heating profile is started is 25 m ⁇ or more (i.e., the rate of change is 50 m ⁇ /s or more). Therefore, it is determined that a stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been inserted into the storage section 140, and heating based on the heating profile is stopped.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second process executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.
  • control unit 116 starts heating based on the heating profile (step S202).
  • control unit 116 determines whether the rate of change in resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds after heating based on the heating profile begins is less than 50 m ⁇ /s.
  • step S104 If it is determined that the rate of change in resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds after heating based on the heating profile is started is less than 50 [m ⁇ /s] (step S104: YES), the control unit 116 continues heating based on the heating profile (step S208). After that, when heating based on the heating profile is terminated, the process ends.
  • step S104 determines that the rate of change in resistance of the heating unit 121 during the period from 1 second to 1.5 seconds after heating based on the heating profile is started is 50 m ⁇ /s or more (step S104: NO)
  • the control unit 116 stops heating based on the heating profile (step S208). Then, the process ends.
  • the state of the storage unit 140 is determined based on the resistance of the heating unit 121 in the first process, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.
  • the state of the storage unit 140 i.e., whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140, may be detected by a capacitance sensor, a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like.
  • the first process may be omitted, and the second process may be started based on a user operation such as pressing a button.
  • the resistance of the heating section 121 increases as the temperature of the heating section 121 increases, and the resistance of the heating section 121 decreases as the temperature of the heating section 121 decreases, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.
  • the resistance of the heating section 121 may decrease as the temperature of the heating section 121 increases, and the resistance of the heating section 121 may increase as the temperature of the heating section 121 decreases.
  • the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 used to determine the state of the storage unit 140 is the resistance of the heating unit 121, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.
  • the parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit 121 used to determine the state of the storage unit 140 may be the temperature of the heating unit 121 calculated based on the resistance of the heating unit 121.
  • the parameter related to the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated which is specified in the heating profile, is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 121, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example.
  • the heating profile may also specify a target value of the resistance of the heating unit 121.
  • the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.
  • the programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transient storage medium readable by a computer) provided inside or outside each device.
  • Each program is loaded into a RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and executed by a processing circuit such as a CPU.
  • the recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc.
  • the computer program may be distributed, for example, via a network without using a recording medium.
  • the computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit such as an ASIC, a general-purpose processor that executes functions by reading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing.
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • CPU central processing unit
  • CPU central processing unit
  • server a server used in cloud computing.
  • the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be distributed and processed by multiple computers.
  • a power supply unit that stores and supplies power
  • a container that contains a substrate containing an aerosol source
  • a heating unit that heats the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit by using the power supplied from the power supply unit
  • a control unit that controls power supply to the heating unit; Equipped with The control unit determines the state of the storage unit based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit. Aerosol generation systems.
  • the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on a result of the determination of the state of the storage unit.
  • control unit continues heating by the heating unit when a rate of change in the parameter satisfies a first condition, and stops heating by the heating unit when the rate of change in the parameter does not satisfy the first condition.
  • the control unit determines the state of the storage unit based on a rate of change of the parameter during a period from when a first time has elapsed since the heating unit started heating to generate an aerosol to when a second time has elapsed.
  • the control unit maintains a duty ratio of a voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate an aerosol until the parameter satisfies a second condition, and changes the duty ratio of the voltage applied to the heating unit when the parameter satisfies the second condition; the first time and the second time are set to occur before the second condition is satisfied.
  • the control unit maintains a duty ratio of a voltage applied to the heating unit at a predetermined value during a period from when the heating unit starts heating to generate an aerosol until the second time has elapsed.
  • the first time period being at least 1 second;
  • the control unit determines a state of the storage unit based on a time series transition of a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit obtained by repeatedly applying a group of detection pulses including one first detection pulse to the heating unit, and starts heating by the heating unit to generate an aerosol based on a result of the determination.
  • the aerosol generating system further comprises the substrate.
  • a computer-implemented control method for controlling an aerosol generation system comprising: The aerosol generation system comprises: a power supply unit that stores and supplies power; A container that contains a substrate containing an aerosol source; a heating unit that heats the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit by using the power supplied from the power supply unit; having The control method includes: Controlling power supply to the heating unit; Controlling the power supply to the heating unit includes determining a state of the accommodation unit based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to a temperature of the heating unit. Control methods.
  • a non-transitory storage medium storing a program executed by a computer that controls an aerosol generating system,
  • the aerosol generation system comprises: a power supply unit that stores and supplies power; A container that contains a substrate containing an aerosol source; a heating unit that heats the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit by using the power supplied from the power supply unit; having The program causes the computer to function as a control unit that controls power supply to the heating unit, The control unit determines the state of the storage unit based on a rate of change of a parameter corresponding to the temperature of the heating unit.
  • a non-transitory storage medium that stores a program.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un mécanisme avec lequel il est possible de réduire davantage la taille d'un dispositif d'inhalation. Un système de génération d'aérosol comprend une unité d'alimentation électrique qui accumule et fournit de l'énergie électrique, une unité de réception qui reçoit un matériau de base dans lequel une source d'aérosol est contenue, une unité de chauffage qui chauffe le matériau de base logé dans l'unité de réception à l'aide de l'énergie électrique fournie par l'unité d'alimentation électrique, et une unité de commande qui commande l'alimentation en énergie de l'unité de chauffage. L'unité de commande détermine l'état de l'unité de réception sur la base de la vitesse de changement d'un paramètre qui correspond à la température de l'unité de chauffage.
PCT/JP2023/010608 2023-03-17 2023-03-17 Système de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande et support de stockage non transitoire Pending WO2024194929A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

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KR1020257029959A KR20250145658A (ko) 2023-03-17 2023-03-17 에어로졸 생성 시스템, 제어 방법, 및 컴퓨터 판독 가능한 매체에 저장된 프로그램
PCT/JP2023/010608 WO2024194929A1 (fr) 2023-03-17 2023-03-17 Système de génération d'aérosol, procédé de commande et support de stockage non transitoire
CN202380095617.3A CN120769712A (zh) 2023-03-17 2023-03-17 气溶胶产生系统、控制方法和非暂时性存储介质
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JP2020521438A (ja) * 2017-05-26 2020-07-27 ケーティー・アンド・ジー・コーポレーション シガレット挿入感知機能を有するエアロゾル生成装置及びその方法
JP2022509085A (ja) * 2018-11-19 2022-01-20 アール・エイ・アイ・ストラテジック・ホールディングス・インコーポレイテッド エアロゾル送達デバイスにおける温度制御
JP2022519473A (ja) * 2020-01-06 2022-03-24 ケーティー アンド ジー コーポレイション エアロゾル生成装置
JP2022079558A (ja) * 2016-07-25 2022-05-26 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム ヒーター管理

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HUE062731T2 (hu) 2014-03-21 2023-12-28 Nicoventures Trading Ltd Berendezés elfüstölhetõ anyag hevítésére és elfüstölhetõ anyagból készült termék

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JP2022079558A (ja) * 2016-07-25 2022-05-26 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム ヒーター管理
JP2020521438A (ja) * 2017-05-26 2020-07-27 ケーティー・アンド・ジー・コーポレーション シガレット挿入感知機能を有するエアロゾル生成装置及びその方法
JP2022509085A (ja) * 2018-11-19 2022-01-20 アール・エイ・アイ・ストラテジック・ホールディングス・インコーポレイテッド エアロゾル送達デバイスにおける温度制御
JP2022519473A (ja) * 2020-01-06 2022-03-24 ケーティー アンド ジー コーポレイション エアロゾル生成装置

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