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WO2025032771A1 - Dispositif de génération d'aérosol - Google Patents

Dispositif de génération d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2025032771A1
WO2025032771A1 PCT/JP2023/029130 JP2023029130W WO2025032771A1 WO 2025032771 A1 WO2025032771 A1 WO 2025032771A1 JP 2023029130 W JP2023029130 W JP 2023029130W WO 2025032771 A1 WO2025032771 A1 WO 2025032771A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heating
unit
generating device
aerosol generating
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/JP2023/029130
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
干城 隅井
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 PCT/JP2023/029130 priority Critical patent/WO2025032771A1/fr
Priority to TW112151682A priority patent/TW202506017A/zh
Publication of WO2025032771A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025032771A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • A24F40/85—Maintenance, e.g. cleaning

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.
  • inhalers are known that generate aerosols containing flavor components and allow users to inhale the generated aerosols.
  • a power source such as a rechargeable battery
  • a heating unit which is an electrical resistance or induction heater
  • Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a control unit of an aerosol generating device switches from a general mode to a cleaning mode when it detects that the aerosol generating device has been coupled to a cleaning device used to clean the inside and/or outside of the aerosol generating device.
  • the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device that can provide a high-quality experience to users.
  • An aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit that stores and supplies power; A storage section that stores the base material; 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 configured to be able to control the supply of power to the heating unit and to be able to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with The control unit is determining whether or not retained matter is present in the storage unit based on the parameter obtained by applying a detection pulse, which is a predetermined power pulse, to the heating unit; An aerosol generating device.
  • the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device that can provide users with a high-quality experience.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a suction device 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a smoking heating profile Pr1 of the inhalation device 100.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a time series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 in the detection operation.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of a time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 during the detection operation.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 during the detection operation.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the condition for determining that a retained object exists.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration of a suction device 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a smoking heating profile Pr1 of the inhalation device 100.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the time series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 in the detection operation.
  • FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the control unit 116.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the cleaning heating profile Pr2 of the suction device 100.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one configuration example of an inhalation device 100 of the present embodiment.
  • the inhalation device 100 of the present embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user and enables the user to inhale the generated substance.
  • the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 will be described as an aerosol.
  • the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 may be a gas.
  • 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 accumulates power.
  • the power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the suction device 100 based on the control of the control unit 116.
  • the power supply unit 111 may be configured to be rechargeable by power received from an external power source (not shown).
  • the power supply unit 111 may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
  • the sensor unit 112 acquires various information related to the suction device 100.
  • the sensor unit 112 is configured to include, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor), and acquires values associated with inhalation by the user.
  • the sensor unit 112 may include a pressure sensor (also called a "puff sensor") that can acquire a change in pressure inside the suction device 100 caused by the user's inhalation.
  • the sensor unit 112 may include a flow sensor that can acquire the flow rate of air or the like caused by the user's inhalation.
  • the sensor unit 112 may also include a temperature sensor that can acquire the temperature of a specific location (e.g., the power supply unit 111 or the heating unit 121) inside the suction device 100. Furthermore, the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include an input device that accepts information input (in other words, operation) from the user, such as an operation button or an operation switch.
  • a temperature sensor that can acquire the temperature of a specific location (e.g., the power supply unit 111 or the heating unit 121) inside the suction device 100.
  • the sensor unit 112 may be configured to include an input device that accepts information input (in other words, operation) from the user, such as an operation button or an operation switch.
  • the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information.
  • the notification unit 113 may be configured, for example, as 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 (e.g., programs and data) required for the operation of the suction device 100.
  • the storage unit 114 may be 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 stored in the memory unit 114, etc.
  • the control unit 116 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to each component including the heating unit 121 described below.
  • the control unit 116 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.
  • the control unit 116 can be realized by an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).
  • 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 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source, and includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152.
  • the substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source.
  • the aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component.
  • the aerosol source may include a drug.
  • the aerosol source may be a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, which include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, and water, or may be a solid which includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.
  • the stick-shaped substrate 150 When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held (in other words, stored) in the storage section 140, at least a portion of the substrate section 151 is stored in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the suction mouth section 152 protrudes from the opening 142.
  • the heating unit 121 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source.
  • the heating unit 121 is configured as a film heater with conductive tracks made of heating resistors that have a correlation between electrical resistance and temperature, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage unit 140.
  • the heating unit 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111.
  • the heating unit 121 generates heat while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage unit 140 (in other words, the internal space 141), the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.
  • the heating resistor of the heating section 121 may be made of a material having a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic, in which the electrical resistance value increases in proportion to the rise in temperature, such as nichrome or stainless steel.
  • PTC Pressure Temperature Coefficient
  • the insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121 to other components.
  • the insulating section 144 may be made of a vacuum insulating material, an aerogel insulating material, or the like.
  • 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 means for atomizing the aerosol source may also be induction heating.
  • the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121.
  • a susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • control unit 116 In the inhalation device 100, for example, in response to a request from a user to generate an aerosol, the control unit 116 generates an aerosol by heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the storage unit 140 using the heating unit 121.
  • the request to generate an aerosol can be, for example, an operation of inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage section 140.
  • the request to generate an aerosol can be an operation of pressing an operation button provided on the suction device 100.
  • the request to generate an aerosol is not limited to a direct operation on the suction device 100, and can be, for example, the reception of specific information (e.g., information instructing the generation of an aerosol) from another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone of a user of the suction device 100; the same applies below).
  • the control unit 116 When generating the aerosol, the control unit 116 generates the aerosol by, for example, controlling the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on a predetermined heating profile prepared in advance.
  • the heating profile is, for example, information that specifies the time series progression of the target temperature, which is the target value for the temperature of the heating unit 121, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 114, etc.
  • the heating profile used to generate aerosol is also referred to below as the “smoking heating profile Pr1.”
  • the temperature control of the heating unit 121 based on the smoking heating profile Pr1 is also referred to below as the “heating control.”
  • the smoking heating profile Pr1 is designed, for example, to optimize the flavor that the user experiences when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. By controlling the temperature of the heating section 121 based on such smoking heating profile Pr1 to generate aerosol, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience (inhalation experience).
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a smoking heating profile Pr1 of the inhalation device 100.
  • the vertical axis indicates the temperature [°C] of the heating unit 121.
  • the horizontal axis indicates time [s], more specifically, the elapsed time from the start of heating control.
  • the smoking heating profile Pr1 specifies, for example, the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from 0 [s] to t1 [s] (where t1 > 0) as T1 [°C], the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from t1 [s] to t2 [s] (where t2 > t1) as T2 [°C] (where T2 ⁇ T1), and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from t2 [s] to t3 [s] (where t3 > t2) as T3 [°C] (where T3 > T2).
  • control unit 116 when the control unit 116 performs heating control based on the smoking heating profile Pr1 shown in FIG. 2, it first heats the heating unit 121 to T1 [°C], then lowers the temperature to T2 [°C], and then heats it again to T3 [°C].
  • the control unit 116 also ends the heating control when t3 [s] has elapsed after the start of the heating control. Note that the control unit 116 may end the heating control when a predetermined number of puffs (e.g., 15 puffs) have been taken after the start of the heating control.
  • the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated is also referred to as the "suction period.”
  • the period from when heating control begins until the start of the suction period is also referred to as the “pre-heating period.”
  • the time when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the initial target temperature and the heating unit 121 is expected to be sufficiently hot is regarded as the start of the suction period.
  • the period from 0 [s] to t11 [s] after the start of heating control is the pre-heating period
  • the period from t11 [s] to t3 [s] is the suction-enabled period.
  • t11 [s] is greater than t10 [s], which is the elapsed time assumed to be required for the temperature of the heating unit 121 to reach the first target temperature T1 [°C], and is less than t1 [s], which is the elapsed time required for the temperature to start decreasing from T1 [°C] to the next target temperature T2 [°C].
  • the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the deviation between a target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of the temperature control and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature"). Specifically, at this time, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the time series progression of the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 becomes similar to the time series progression of the target temperature defined in the heating profile.
  • the temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved, for example, by known feedback control.
  • the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses modulated 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.
  • the control unit 116 may control the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example the duty ratio, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature.
  • the feedback control may also be, for example, a PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller).
  • the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and perform heating by the heating unit 121 again when the actual temperature falls below the target temperature.
  • the temperature of the heating section 121 can be obtained (in other words, quantified) by, for example, measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of 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 (i.e., obtained) by, for example, measuring the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor.
  • the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor can be measured (i.e., obtained) by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor.
  • an object such as a part of the worn-out stick-type substrate 150 or tobacco leaves that have fallen from the stick-type substrate 150 may remain as is in the storage section 140.
  • an object that has remained in the storage section 140 in this way is also referred to as a "retained object.”
  • the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the storage section 140 is not included in the retained matter. More specifically, the retained matter in this specification is mainly assumed to be an object having a smaller volume or heat capacity than a new stick-shaped substrate 150, and unless otherwise specified, the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the storage section 140 and the retained matter are treated separately from each other.
  • the retained matter may produce poor quality aerosol or smoke, or the retained matter may adhere to the storage unit 140 and become difficult to remove. If such a situation occurs, it may cause discomfort to the user and reduce the quality of the experience that the suction device 100 provides to the user. Therefore, from the perspective of improving the marketability of the suction device 100, it is desirable to operate the suction device 100 appropriately depending on the state of the storage unit 140, including the presence or absence of retained matter.
  • the control unit 116 determines the state of the storage unit 140 based on parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit 121, and controls the operation of the suction device 100 based on the determination result. This makes it possible to operate the suction device 100 appropriately according to the state of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, by determining the state of the storage unit 140 based on parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit 121, it becomes possible to determine the state of the storage unit 140 with a simpler configuration than when the state of the storage unit 140 is determined using an optical sensor or the like.
  • a parameter related to the temperature of the heating section 121 is the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 (more specifically, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating section 121).
  • the parameter related to the temperature of the heating section 121 is described as being the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121.
  • the heating section 121 has PTC characteristics, and its electrical resistance value increases in proportion to the rise in temperature of the heating section 121. That is, in the following description, the "temperature of the heating section 121" and the "electrical resistance value of the heating section 121" may be read as interchangeable.
  • the control unit 116 determines the state of the storage unit 140 based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 obtained by applying a detection pulse, which is a predetermined power pulse, to the heating unit 121. This makes it possible to determine the state of the storage unit 140 with a simple configuration and control. More specifically, the control unit 116 determines the state of the storage unit 140 as whether or not a retained object other than the stick-shaped substrate 150 is present in the storage unit 140. In other words, the control unit 116 detects the presence or absence of a retained object in the storage unit 140.
  • the control section 116 can determine whether retained matter is present in the storage section 140 based on the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 (i.e., the temperature of the heating section 121) obtained by applying a predetermined detection pulse to the heating section 121.
  • the control unit 116 determines that retained matter is present in the storage unit 140 when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 obtained by applying a detection pulse to the heating unit 121 is equal to or lower than a threshold value.
  • a predetermined value determined by the manufacturer of the suction device 100 through experiments or the like can be set in advance as the threshold value. This makes it possible to accurately detect the presence or absence of retained matter in the storage unit 140 from the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.
  • the characteristics of the electrical resistance value which is a parameter that increases in proportion to the temperature rise of the heating unit 121, it becomes possible to accurately detect the presence or absence of retained matter in the storage unit 140.
  • the control unit 116 may also determine whether or not retained matter is present in the storage unit 140 based on the electrical resistance value obtained by repeatedly applying a detection pulse to the heating unit 121 multiple times.
  • the control section 116 determines whether retained matter is present in the storage section 140 based on the electrical resistance value obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse to the heating section 121 multiple times, and thus it becomes possible to detect the presence or absence of retained matter in the storage section 140 with higher accuracy. Note that a specific example of determining whether retained matter is present in the storage section 140 based on the electrical resistance value obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse to the heating section 121 multiple times will be described later, and therefore will not be described here.
  • control unit 116 determines that retained matter is present in the storage unit 140, it stops the supply of power to the heating unit 121 at that point in time, for example. This makes it possible to suppress the heating unit 121 from being heated in the presence of retained matter, and to prevent poor quality aerosols or smoke from being generated from the retained matter, or the retained matter from adhering to the storage unit 140.
  • control unit 116 when the control unit 116 determines that retained matter is present in the storage unit 140, it may transition the suction device 100 to a locked state in which execution of heating control is prohibited. When the suction device 100 is in a locked state, the control unit 116 does not execute heating control even if there is a request to generate aerosol. By transitioning to such a locked state when it is determined that retained matter is present in the storage unit 140, it is possible to prevent the heating unit 121 from increasing in temperature when retained matter is present in the storage unit 140, and to prevent poor quality aerosol or smoke from being generated from the retained matter, or the retained matter from adhering to the storage unit 140.
  • the control unit 116 when the control unit 116 receives a reset request from the user while the suction device 100 is in a locked state, for example, the control unit 116 releases the locked state.
  • the reset request can be, for example, a predetermined reset operation using an operation button provided on the suction device 100.
  • the reset request is not limited to a direct operation on the suction device 100, and can be, for example, the receipt of predetermined information (for example, information instructing the suction device 100 to be reset) from another device that can communicate with the suction device 100.
  • predetermined information for example, information instructing the suction device 100 to be reset
  • control unit 116 may transition the suction device 100 to a special locked state in which execution of heating control is prohibited.
  • the control unit 116 may transition the suction device 100 to the special locked state.
  • the control unit 116 may be configured to release the special lock state when the suction device 100 is in a special lock state and a special reset request is received from the user.
  • the special reset request may be a second operation that requires more operations than the first operation.
  • the special reset request may be a reset request plus an ⁇ operation.
  • the special reset request By making the special reset request a reset request plus an additional operation, if the suction device 100 is transitioned to the special locked state, more operations are required to execute heating control compared to the locked state. That is, for example, for a user who attempts to execute heating control by simply issuing a reset request without taking appropriate measures such as reliably removing any accumulated material from the storage unit 140 when the suction device 100 transitions to the locked state, it is possible to impose many operations to execute heating control by transitioning the suction device 100 to the special locked state. This makes it possible to prompt the user to reliably remove any accumulated material from the storage unit 140 when the suction device 100 transitions to the locked state (i.e., not to transition to the special locked state).
  • control unit 116 may notify the user of the suction device 100 of the determination that retained matter is present via the notification unit 113, which can notify the user of the suction device 100 of the determination that retained matter is present. This can prompt the user to check inside the storage unit 140, and can also prompt the user to clean inside the storage unit 140 to remove the retained matter if retained matter is actually present.
  • the control unit 116 may notify the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present by causing the light-emitting device to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting mode.
  • the predetermined light-emitting mode can be, for example, a light-emitting mode that is used only when notifying the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present, in other words, a light-emitting mode that is different from a light-emitting mode that indicates other errors or the state of the suction device 100.
  • the light-emitting mode refers to the light color, the number of lights emitted (for example, the number of light-emitting elements that emit light), or the light-emitting pattern (for example, the manner of blinking), etc. In this way, it is possible to notify the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.
  • the control unit 116 may notify the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present by vibrating the vibration device in a predetermined vibration mode.
  • the predetermined vibration mode can be, for example, a vibration mode that is used only when notifying the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present, in other words, a vibration mode that is different from the vibration mode that indicates other errors or the state of the suction device 100.
  • the vibration mode refers to the vibration pattern (for example, the way in which the vibration occurs), the vibration intensity, the vibration frequency, or the vibration duration for which the vibration continues, etc. In this way, it is possible to notify the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner.
  • the control unit 116 may notify the user that it has been determined that a lodged object is present by having the display device display a predetermined image or message.
  • the predetermined image may be, for example, an icon indicating that a lodged object is present.
  • the predetermined message may be, for example, a message such as "There may be a lodged object in the storage unit. Please clean the storage unit.” In this way, it is possible to notify the user in an intuitive and easy-to-understand manner that it has been determined that a lodged object is present and that cleaning of the storage unit is necessary.
  • the control unit 116 may also send predetermined information (information indicating the presence of a retained object) via the communication unit 115 to another device capable of communicating with the suction device 100, thereby causing the other device to notify the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present.
  • the control unit 116 may notify the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present, for example, by causing a display device provided in the other device capable of communicating with the suction device 100 to display a predetermined image or message as described above. In this way, it is possible to notify the user that it has been determined that a retained object is present, even without providing a notification unit 113 in the suction device 100.
  • the request for generating an aerosol to the inhalation device 100 can be, for example, an operation to insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140.
  • the control unit 116 may further determine, as the state of the storage unit 140, whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140. That is, the control unit 116 may further determine whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 obtained by applying a detection pulse to the heating unit 121.
  • control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140, it may determine that there has been a request for the suction device 100 to generate an aerosol, and may start heating control (i.e., generation of an aerosol).
  • heating control i.e., generation of an aerosol
  • the user can generate an aerosol simply by inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140, without the need for any other separate operations. Therefore, compared to a case in which other operations are required in addition to inserting the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 to generate an aerosol, the effort required by the user can be reduced, improving user convenience.
  • control unit 116 will determine the state of the storage unit 140, not only whether or not there is any retained matter, but also whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140.
  • the series of operations of the control unit 116 for determining the state of the storage unit 140 will also be referred to as the "detection operation.”
  • the trigger that is the condition for starting the detection operation is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, the detection of a predetermined operation on the suction device 100.
  • the predetermined operation can be, for example, an operation in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is assumed to be inserted into the storage section 140 immediately after the operation is performed, and more specifically, an operation of opening the lid that opens and closes the opening 142.
  • the operation of opening the lid that opens and closes the opening 142 can be detected, for example, by a sensor provided on the lid, a motion sensor, or the like.
  • Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a time series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during the detection operation.
  • the vertical axis indicates voltage [V].
  • the horizontal axis indicates time [s], more specifically, the elapsed time from the start of the detection operation.
  • the control unit 116 can apply a group of detection pulses 10 to the heating unit 121 during detection operation.
  • the group of detection pulses 10 includes at least one first detection pulse 11, and more specifically, for example, can include a plurality of first detection pulses 11 at a predetermined pulse period (in other words, a predetermined pulse interval).
  • the pulse period of the first detection pulse 11 is set to 0.5 [s].
  • the first detection pulse 11 is a power pulse that increases the temperature of the heating unit 121 and allows the control unit 116 to obtain the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, and has a predetermined voltage and pulse width.
  • the voltage of the first detection pulse 11 is V1 [V] (where V1>0) and the pulse width is 0.1 [s]. Note that the pulse width of the first detection pulse 11 is smaller than the pulse period of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection pulse group 10.
  • one period of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection pulse group 10 is also referred to as a "detection cycle.”
  • the detection cycles included in one detection operation are also referred to as the “first cycle,” the “second cycle,” ... in chronological order from the earliest one (see also FIG. 4).
  • the period during which the first detection pulse 11 is applied to the heating unit 121 is also referred to as a "temperature rise period.”
  • the period during which the first detection pulse 11 is not applied to the heating unit 121 is also referred to as a "temperature drop period.” Note that, as an example, in this embodiment, up to a maximum of 18 detection cycles are repeated in one detection operation.
  • the detection pulse group 10 may further include a third detection pulse 13 as the first power pulse.
  • the detection pulse group 10 may apply one third detection pulse 13 to the heating unit 121, and then apply the first detection pulse 11 to the heating unit 121 at a predetermined pulse period.
  • the third detection pulse 13 is a power pulse that increases the temperature of the heating unit 121 and allows the control unit 116 to obtain the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, and has a predetermined voltage and pulse width. More specifically, the third detection pulse 13 is a power pulse that can increase the temperature of the heating unit 121 more than the first detection pulse 11, and can be, for example, a power pulse with a pulse width greater than that of the first detection pulse 11.
  • the voltage of the third detection pulse 13 is V1 [V] and the pulse width is 0.5 [s].
  • the third detection pulse 13 may be a power pulse with a voltage greater than that of the first detection pulse 11 instead of or in addition to the pulse width.
  • the control section 116 first applies the third detection pulse 13 to the heating section 121, thereby increasing the temperature of the heating section 121 to a certain level, and then the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 can be appropriately increased or decreased in each detection cycle.
  • the control unit 116 acquires the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121, for example, at the start of application of each detection pulse included in the detection pulse group 10 and at the end of application of each detection pulse.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of a time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 during a detection operation.
  • the vertical axis indicates the electrical resistance value [ ⁇ ] of the heating unit 121.
  • the horizontal axis indicates time [s], more specifically, the elapsed time from the start of the detection operation.
  • Line 20 in FIG. 4 shows an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140 4 seconds after the start of the detection operation.
  • the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 can transition as shown by line 20.
  • the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 fluctuates up and down. Then, as the application of the first detection pulse 11 is repeated, the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 repeatedly fluctuates up and down, but gradually increases. In other words, the voltage and pulse width of the first detection pulse 11 are determined so that the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 gradually increases as the application of the first detection pulse 11 is repeated.
  • the temperature of the heating section 121 i.e., the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121
  • the temperature of the heating section 121 may decrease compared to before the insertion. This is because the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the storage section 140 absorbs heat from the heating section 121.
  • the control unit 116 therefore determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 when, for example, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle is lower than the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection cycle immediately preceding it, as shown by arrow 21 in FIG. 4.
  • This makes it possible to accurately detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 from the time series progression (i.e., change) of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.
  • control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle is lower than the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the immediately preceding detection cycle, as shown by arrow 22 in FIG. 4. In this manner, it is possible to accurately detect that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 from the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.
  • control unit 116 may determine that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle is lower than the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection cycle immediately preceding it, and when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the one detection cycle is lower than the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection cycle immediately preceding it.
  • (3-3. Second example of time series transition of electrical resistance value of heating part during detection operation) 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 during the detection operation.
  • the explanation will be centered on the parts different from the explanation of FIG. 4, and the explanation of the parts common to the explanation of FIG. 4 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.
  • Line 30 shown in FIG. 5 represents an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when a detection operation is performed in a state where a retained object is present in the storage section 140 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the storage section 140.
  • Line 31 shown in FIG. 5 represents an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when a detection operation is performed in a state where a retained object is not present in the storage section 140 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not inserted into the storage section 140.
  • the temperature rise of the heating section 121 when each detection pulse is applied to the heating section 121 is suppressed compared to when retained matter is not present. Therefore, as shown by lines 30 and 31 in FIG. 5, the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 obtained in each detection cycle is lower when retained matter is present (see line 30) than when retained matter is not present (see line 31).
  • the control unit 116 may determine that retained matter is present when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 is equal to or less than the first threshold value Rth1 for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 [s]) from the start of the detection operation, as shown in FIG. 5. This makes it possible to accurately detect the presence or absence of retained matter in the storage unit 140 by utilizing the characteristics of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.
  • a predetermined time e.g. 3 [s]
  • the predetermined time and the first threshold value Rth1 may be set in advance by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, taking into consideration, for example, the predicted results of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the detection operation is performed in a state where no retained matter is present in the storage unit 140.
  • control unit 116 may determine that retained matter is present when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the completion of application of the first detection pulse 11 continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 [s]) from the start of the detection operation and is equal to or less than the second threshold value Rth2. In this way, it is possible to accurately detect the presence or absence of retained matter in the storage unit 140 by utilizing the characteristics of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.
  • a predetermined time e.g. 3 [s]
  • the predetermined time and the second threshold value Rth2 may be set in advance by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, taking into consideration, for example, the predicted results of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the detection operation is performed in a state where no retained matter is present in the storage unit 140.
  • control unit 116 may determine that retained matter is present if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of the first detection pulse 11 is equal to or less than the first threshold value Rth1, or the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the end of application of the first detection pulse 11, continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) from the start of the detection operation. In this way, it is possible to accurately detect the presence or absence of retained matter in the storage unit 140 by utilizing the characteristics of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.
  • a predetermined time e.g. 3 seconds
  • control unit 116 may determine that retained matter is present in the storage unit 140 when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (e.g., first threshold value Rth1) a predetermined time (e.g., 3 [s]) after the application of the first detection pulse 11 (in other words, the detection pulse group 10) is started.
  • a predetermined threshold value e.g., first threshold value Rth1
  • a predetermined time e.g., 3 [s]
  • the predetermined time and the threshold value can be set in advance by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, taking into consideration, for example, the predicted results of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the detection operation is performed in a state where no retained matter is present in the storage unit 140.
  • the conditions for determining the presence of retained matter are not limited to the above examples, and may be, for example, as exemplified below. Even when the conditions for determining the presence of retained matter are as exemplified below, the control unit 116 can accurately detect the presence or absence of retained matter in the storage unit 140 by utilizing the characteristics of the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the conditions for determining that a retained object is present.
  • the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.
  • the control unit 116 may determine that a retained object is present when the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 continues to be within a predetermined range 40 for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 [s]) after the application of the first detection pulse 11 is started.
  • the predetermined time and the predetermined range 40 e.g., the upper and lower limits of the predetermined range 40
  • the upper and lower limits of the predetermined range 40 may be constant, or may be gradually increased according to the elapsed time from the start of the detection operation, as shown in FIG. 6.
  • control unit 116 may determine that retained matter is present based on the amount of change in the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 during a predetermined period during the detection operation. More specifically, for example, the control unit 116 may determine that retained matter is present when the amount of change, which is the difference between the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start (or completion) of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle and the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start (or completion) of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the detection cycle immediately preceding that, is equal to or less than a threshold value.
  • control unit 116 may determine that retained matter is present when the rate of change obtained by dividing the difference between the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start (or completion) of application of the first detection pulse 11 in one detection cycle and the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start (or completion) of application of the first detection pulse 11 in the immediately preceding detection cycle by the pulse period of the first detection pulse 11 is equal to or less than a threshold value.
  • control unit 116 may determine that a retained object is present when the slope of the regression line calculated from the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start (or end) of application of the first detection pulse 11 in multiple detection cycles is equal to or less than a threshold value.
  • the voltage of the detection pulse applied to the heating unit 121 it is preferable to increase the voltage of the detection pulse applied to the heating unit 121 to a certain extent. On the other hand, even if the voltage of the detection pulse applied to the heating unit 121 is decreased to a certain extent, it is believed that the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 can be detected with high accuracy.
  • the control unit 116 may, for example, apply the first detection pulse 11 to the heating unit 121 until a predetermined time (e.g., 3 s) has elapsed since the application of the first detection pulse (or the start of the detection operation) has begun, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, apply a detection pulse having a voltage smaller than the first detection pulse 11 to the heating unit 121.
  • a predetermined time e.g. 3 s
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of the time series transition of the voltage applied to the heating unit 121 during the detection operation.
  • the explanation will focus on the parts that are different from the explanation in FIG. 3, and the explanation of the parts that are common to the explanation in FIG. 3 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.
  • the detection pulse group 10 may, for example, repeatedly apply a first detection pulse 11 to the heating section 121 a predetermined number of times or more, and then repeatedly apply a second detection pulse 12 to the heating section 121 at a predetermined pulse period.
  • the second detection pulse 12 is a power pulse that increases the temperature of the heating section 121 and allows the control section 116 to obtain the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121, and has a predetermined voltage and pulse width. More specifically, the second detection pulse 12 can be a power pulse whose voltage is smaller than that of the first detection pulse 11. In the detection pulse group 10 shown in FIG. 7, the voltage of the second detection pulse 12 is V2 [V]. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, in this case, the pulse width and pulse period of the second detection pulse 12 can be the same as those of the first detection pulse 11, for example.
  • the high-voltage first detection pulse 11 can be used to accurately detect the presence or absence of retained matter and whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage section 140. Then, from the middle of the detection operation onwards, the detection pulse applied to the heating section 121 is changed to the low-voltage second detection pulse 12, making it possible to detect whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage section 140 while also reducing power consumption due to the detection operation.
  • Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116.
  • the control unit 116 executes a series of processing shown in Fig. 8 when, for example, neither the detection operation nor the heating control is being performed.
  • control unit 116 determines whether or not a predetermined operation that triggers a detection operation has been performed (step S1). If it is determined that a predetermined operation has not been performed (step S1: NO), the control unit 116 repeats the process of step S1 until it determines that a predetermined operation has been performed.
  • step S1 If it is determined that a predetermined operation has been performed (step S1: YES), the control unit 116 starts the detection operation and starts applying the detection pulse group 10 to the heating unit 121 (step S2). During the detection operation, the control unit 116 also acquires the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 at the start of application of each detection pulse included in the detection pulse group 10 and at the completion of application of each detection pulse.
  • control unit 116 determines whether the application of the detection pulse group 10 has been completed (step S3). In this embodiment, the control unit 116 determines that the application of the detection pulse group 10 has been completed when the 18th detection cycle has been completed. If the control unit 116 determines that the application of the detection pulse group 10 has been completed (step S3: YES), the control unit 116 ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 8. On the other hand, the control unit 116 determines that the application of the detection pulse group 10 has not been completed until the 18th detection cycle has been completed. If the control unit 116 determines that the application of the detection pulse group 10 has not been completed (step S3: NO), the control unit 116 proceeds to the process of step S4.
  • control unit 116 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140 based on the acquired electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (step S4). If it is determined that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been inserted into the storage unit 140 (step S4: NO), the control unit 116 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the detection operation, that is, whether or not it is time to determine whether or not retained matter is present in the storage unit 140 (step S5).
  • step S5 If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of the detection operation (step S5: NO), the control unit 116 returns to the process of step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the detection operation (step S5: YES), the control unit 116 determines whether or not retained matter is present in the storage unit 140 based on the acquired electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (step S6). In addition, the control unit 116 may change the detection pulse applied to the heating unit 121 to the second detection pulse 12 after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the detection operation (i.e., after determining whether or not retained matter is present in the storage unit 140).
  • step S6 If it is determined in the process of step S6 that no retained matter is present (step S6: NO), the control unit 116 returns to the process of step S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that retained matter is present (step S6: YES), the control unit 116 stops applying the detection pulse group 10 (step S7). Then, the control unit 116 notifies the user that retained matter is present (step S8), and transitions the suction device 100 to a locked state in which execution of heating control is prohibited (step S9), and the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 is terminated.
  • step S10 determines whether or not the suction device 100 is in a locked state (step S10). If it is determined that the suction device 100 is not in a locked state (step S10: NO), the control section 116 starts heating control to generate an aerosol (step S11) and ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 8. On the other hand, if it is determined that the suction device 100 is in a locked state (step S10: YES), the control section 116 does not start heating control and ends the series of processes shown in FIG. 8.
  • control unit 116 determines whether or not retained matter is present in the storage unit 140 based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 obtained by applying the first detection pulse 11 to the heating unit 121. This makes it possible to detect the presence or absence of retained matter in the storage unit 140 with a simple configuration and to operate the suction device 100 appropriately depending on the presence or absence. This enables the suction device 100 to provide a high-quality experience to the user.
  • control unit 116 determines that retained matter is present in the storage unit 140, it stops the supply of power to the heating unit 121 at that point in time (see step S7). This makes it possible to prevent the heating unit 121 from being heated when retained matter is present, and to prevent the retained matter from generating inferior aerosols or smoke, or from adhering to the storage unit 140.
  • control unit 116 determines that a retained object is present in the storage unit 140, it notifies the user that a retained object is present (see step S8), for example. This makes it possible to prompt the user to check inside the storage unit 140, and also to prompt the user to clean inside the storage unit 140 to remove the retained object if a retained object is present.
  • control unit 116 determines that retained matter is present in the storage unit 140, it transitions the suction device 100 to a locked state that prohibits the execution of heating control, for example (see step S9). This makes it possible to suppress the heating unit 121 from being heated when retained matter is present, and to prevent the retained matter from generating inferior aerosols or smoke, or from adhering to the storage unit 140.
  • the inhalation device 100 may have a cleaning heating profile Pr2, which is a heating profile that assists in cleaning the inside of the storage unit 140.
  • the cleaning heating profile Pr2 may be, for example, a heating profile that heats the heating unit 121 so as to vaporize moisture such as residual matter present in the storage unit 140.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the cleaning heating profile Pr2 of the suction device 100.
  • the vertical axis indicates the temperature [°C] of the heating unit 121.
  • the horizontal axis indicates time [s], more specifically, the elapsed time from the start of temperature control of the heating unit 121 based on the cleaning heating profile Pr2.
  • the smoking heating profile Pr1 shown in FIG. 2 is shown by a dashed dotted line for comparison with the cleaning heating profile Pr2.
  • the explanation will focus on the parts that differ from the explanation of FIG. 2, and the explanation of the parts in common with the explanation of FIG. 2 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.
  • the cleaning heating profile Pr2 specifies the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time from 0 [s] to t20 [s] (where 0 ⁇ t20 ⁇ t3) as T10 [°C] (where T10>T1 and T10>T3).
  • the cleaning heating profile Pr2 has the characteristic that the maximum temperature of the heating section 121 is higher and there is no temperature change after reaching this maximum temperature.
  • the control section 116 controlling the temperature of the heating section 121 based on this cleaning heating profile Pr2
  • the retained matter present in the storage section 140 can be heated to a high temperature and the moisture contained therein can be vaporized. This makes it possible to make the retained matter more likely to fall apart from the storage section 140, making it easier to remove them than if they were stuck together.
  • the cleaning heating profile Pr2 maintains the heating of the heating unit 121 for a shorter period of time than the smoking heating profile Pr1. In other words, the cleaning heating profile Pr2 raises the temperature of the heating unit 121 to a high temperature state such as T10 [°C], which is not used in the smoking heating profile Pr1. Maintaining such a high temperature state for a long period of time is undesirable from the perspective of protecting the inhalation device 100, including the heating unit 121.
  • the duration of heating of the heating unit 121 (t20 [s] in the example shown in FIG. 9) is set shorter than that of the smoking heating profile Pr1 (t3 [s] in the example shown in FIG. 9), thereby protecting the inhalation device 100.
  • This makes it possible to prevent the heating unit 121 from remaining in a high temperature state for a long period of time, even if the temperature of the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the cleaning heating profile Pr2, and to suppress the occurrence of breakdowns in the inhalation device 100.
  • the control unit 116 when the control unit 116 receives a cleaning request from the user, it performs temperature control based on the cleaning heating profile Pr2.
  • the cleaning request can be, for example, an operation of pressing an operation button provided on the suction device 100 in a predetermined pattern (for example, multiple times).
  • the cleaning request is not limited to a direct operation on the suction device 100, but can also be, for example, the receipt of predetermined information (for example, information indicating that temperature control based on the cleaning heating profile Pr2 will be performed) from another device that can communicate with the suction device 100. This allows the user to perform temperature control based on the cleaning heating profile Pr2 at a desired timing, such as when the user determines that cleaning inside the storage unit 140 is a tedious task.
  • the control unit 116 may prohibit the execution of temperature control of the heating unit 121 based on the cleaning heating profile Pr2 when it determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted into the storage unit 140. In other words, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is stored in the storage unit 140, the control unit 116 may not control the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the cleaning heating profile Pr2 even if a cleaning request is received from the user.
  • the control method described in the above embodiment can be realized by having a computer execute a prepared program.
  • This program is, for example, stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium.
  • This program may also be provided in a form stored in a non-volatile (non-transient) storage medium such as a flash memory, or provided via a network such as the Internet.
  • the computer that executes this program is the control unit 116, but this is not limited to this.
  • the computer that executes this program is not limited to one included in the suction device 100, and may be one included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100.
  • An aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate (stick-shaped substrate 150) containing an aerosol source, A power supply unit (power supply unit 111) that stores and supplies power; A storage section (storage section 140) for storing the base material; A heating unit (heating unit 121) that heats the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit by using the power supplied from the power supply unit; A control unit (control unit 116) configured to be able to control the supply of power to the heating unit and to be able to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit; Equipped with The control unit is determining whether or not a retained object other than the substrate is present in the storage portion based on the parameter obtained by applying a detection pulse, which is a predetermined power pulse, to the heating portion; Aerosol generating device.
  • a detection pulse which is a predetermined power pulse
  • the control unit determines whether the retained matter is present in the storage unit based on a time series transition of the parameter obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse to the heating unit a plurality of times. Aerosol generating device.
  • the control unit determines that the retained matter is present in the storage unit when the parameter remains within a predetermined range for a predetermined time period after starting application of the detection pulse. Aerosol generating device.
  • the aerosol generating device When the control unit determines that the retained object is present in the storage unit, the control unit notifies the user that the retained object is present via a notification unit capable of notifying a user of information. Aerosol generating device.
  • the user can be prompted to check inside the storage unit, and if there is actually an object in the storage unit, the user can be prompted to clean the storage unit to remove the object.
  • the notification unit includes a light emitting device
  • the control unit determines that the retained object is present in the storage unit
  • the control unit notifies the user that the retained object is present by causing the light-emitting device to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting mode. Aerosol generating device.
  • the aerosol generating device includes a vibration device.
  • the control unit determines that the retained matter is present in the storage unit, the control unit notifies the user that the retained matter is present by vibrating the vibration device in a predetermined vibration mode. Aerosol generating device.
  • the aerosol generating device according to any one of (7) to (9),
  • the notification unit includes a display device.
  • the control unit determines that the retained object is present in the storage unit, the control unit notifies the user that the retained object is present by displaying a predetermined image or message on the display device. Aerosol generating device.
  • the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (10),
  • the control unit is The heating control is configured to be able to execute heating control for controlling the temperature of the heating unit based on a heating profile that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, in response to a request for generating an aerosol from a user;
  • a target temperature which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit
  • the user can execute heating control by removing any accumulated material in the storage unit and then making a reset request, thereby making it possible to inhale the aerosol generated by the heating unit.
  • the aerosol generating device according to (12), The control unit is when it is determined again that the retained matter is present in the storage unit immediately after the lock state of the aerosol generation device is released, the aerosol generation device is transitioned to a special lock state in which execution of the heating control is prohibited;
  • the aerosol generating device is in the special locked state, upon receiving a special reset request from the user, the special locked state is released, the reset request is a first operation, The special reset request is a second operation that requires more operations than the first operation. Aerosol generating device.
  • the user when the aerosol generating device transitions to a locked state, the user can be prompted to take appropriate measures, such as ensuring that any remaining material in the storage section is removed.
  • the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (13),
  • the control unit is The heating control is configured to be able to execute heating control for controlling the temperature of the heating unit based on a heating profile that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, in response to a request for generating an aerosol from a user;
  • the request for generating the aerosol is an operation of inserting the base material into the storage portion, determining whether the retained matter is present in the storage section and whether the substrate has been inserted into the storage section based on a time series transition of the parameter obtained by repeatedly applying the detection pulse to the heating section a plurality of times; Aerosol generating device.
  • the aerosol generating device is a first detection pulse having a predetermined voltage and a second detection pulse having a voltage smaller than that of the first detection pulse can be applied to the heating unit as the detection pulse; the first detection pulse is applied to the heating unit until a predetermined time has elapsed since application of the detection pulse is started, and the second detection pulse is applied to the heating unit after the predetermined time has elapsed. Aerosol generating device.
  • the aerosol generating device is The temperature of the heating unit is controlled based on a heating profile that defines a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit;
  • a user requests the generation of an aerosol
  • the temperature of the heating unit is controlled based on a first heating profile among the heating profiles;
  • a cleaning request is received from a user, the temperature of the heating unit is controlled based on a second heating profile of the heating profiles;
  • the second heating profile is a heating profile in which the maximum temperature of the heating section is higher than that of the first heating profile. Aerosol generating device.
  • the retained matter present in the storage section can be heated to a high temperature to vaporize the moisture contained therein. This makes it possible for the retained matter to easily fall apart from the storage section, making it easier to remove than if the retained matter was stuck in place.
  • the aerosol generating device according to (16),
  • the second heating profile is a heating profile having a shorter duration for sustaining heating of the heating unit than the first heating profile. Aerosol generating device.
  • Suction device (aerosol generating device) 111 Power supply unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Storage unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate (substrate)

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Abstract

Un dispositif d'aspiration (100), qui est un exemple d'un dispositif de génération d'aérosol de la présente invention, comprend : une unité d'alimentation électrique (111) qui accumule et fournit de l'énergie ; une unité de réception (140) qui reçoit un matériau de base de type bâton (150) ; une unité de chauffage (121) qui utilise l'énergie fournie par l'unité d'alimentation électrique (111) pour chauffer le matériau de base de type bâton (150) reçu dans l'unité de réception (140) ; et une unité de commande (116) qui est conçue pour pouvoir commander l'alimentation en énergie de l'unité de chauffage (121) et acquérir un paramètre relatif à la température de l'unité de chauffage (121). L'unité de commande (116) détermine, sur la base du paramètre obtenu par application d'une impulsion de détection, qui est une impulsion de puissance prescrite, à l'unité de chauffage (121), si un résidu différent du matériau de base de type bâton (150) est présent dans l'unité de réception (140).
PCT/JP2023/029130 2023-08-09 2023-08-09 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol Pending WO2025032771A1 (fr)

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PCT/JP2023/029130 WO2025032771A1 (fr) 2023-08-09 2023-08-09 Dispositif de génération d'aérosol
TW112151682A TW202506017A (zh) 2023-08-09 2023-12-29 霧氣生成裝置

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Citations (5)

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