WO2025120707A1 - Aerosol generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

An inhalation device (100) comprises: a power supply unit (111); a housing unit (140) that accommodates a stick-shaped substrate (150); a heating unit (121) that heats the stick-shaped substrate (150) accommodated in the housing unit (140) by using power supplied from the power supply unit (111); and a control unit (116) that is configured to be able to control power supply from the power supply unit (111) to the heating unit (121) and to be able to acquire a parameter relating to the temperature of the heating unit (121). The control unit (116) identifies the type of the stick-shaped substrate (150) accommodated in the housing unit (140) on the basis of the parameter acquired when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit (121), and controls power supply to the heating unit (121) to which the predetermined power has been supplied, on the basis of the identification result.

Description

Aerosol Generator

This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device.

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

The following Patent Document 1 discloses that the device is configured to identify the consumable inserted into the receptacle, and changes its operational mode based on the identified consumable.

International Publication No. 2021/259949

However, the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not fully consider how the device identifies consumables. Furthermore, the history of research and development of aerosol generating devices is still short, and there is room for improvement in terms of providing users with a high-quality experience.

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

One aspect of the present disclosure is
An aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising:
a power supply unit that stores power;
A storage section that stores the base material;
a heating section that heats the base material accommodated in the accommodation section by being supplied with power from the power supply section;
a control unit configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit and to be able to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit;
Equipped with
the control unit determines the type of the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit based on the parameters when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, and controls the power supply to the heating unit after the supply of the predetermined power based on the determination result.
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 a first configuration example of a suction device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when a predetermined power is supplied when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted and when it is reversely inserted. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device 100. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the detection pulse group 10 supplied to the heating unit 121 in the detection operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating part 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted and when it is reversely inserted during a detection operation. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating part 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is normally inserted and when it is reversely inserted during a detection operation. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when a predetermined power is supplied when the regular type base material 150A and the menthol type base material 150B are each attached to the inhalation device 100. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a first heating profile Pr1 which is a heating profile for the regular type base material 150A, and a second heating profile Pr2 which is a heating profile for the menthol type base material 150B. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when the regular type substrate 150A is attached and when the menthol type substrate 150B is attached during the detection operation. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when the regular type substrate 150A is attached and when the menthol type substrate 150B is attached during the detection operation.

Below, one embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference symbols. The embodiment described below is an example of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure applied to an inhalation device. Note that not all of the features described in the following embodiment are necessarily essential for the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine two or more of the multiple features described in the following embodiment. Below, identical or similar elements are given identical or similar reference symbols, and their descriptions may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

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

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

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. As an example, 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. As another example, 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.

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

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. For example, the control unit 116 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to each component including the heating unit 121 described below. The control unit 116 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. As an example, the control unit 116 can be realized by an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

The storage section 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while storing a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The storage section 140 has an opening 142 at one end 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. In other words, the storage section 140 has an opening 142 at one end, and stores a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted through the opening 142.

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

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

The substrate 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. For example, the aerosol source may be a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water, which includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid which includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. More specifically, the substrate 151 may be constructed by wrapping tobacco shreds (finely chopped and dried tobacco leaves), tobacco sheets, tobacco granules, or a combination thereof, in wrapping paper (also called "cigarette paper").

Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a filter portion 151a may be provided at one end of the base portion 151 opposite the mouthpiece portion 152, to prevent the tobacco shreds that make up the base portion 151 from spilling out. The filter portion 151a may be, for example, a sheet-like paper filter.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 1, 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 the suction mouth section 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the suction mouth section 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 substrate section 151.

The heating unit 121 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the container 140, thereby atomizing and/or vaporizing the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 to generate an aerosol.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating section 121 is configured as a film heater with a conductive track (also called a "heating track") made of a heating resistor whose electrical resistance value correlates with temperature, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage section 140. The heating section 121 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply section 111. When the heating section 121 generates heat while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is stored in the storage section 140, the substrate section 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.

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

The above describes one example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below are possible.

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

As another example, the storage unit 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, 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. In this case, the suction device 100 has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

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

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

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

To go into more detail about the temperature control of the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile (hereinafter also referred to simply as "heating control"), the control unit 116 acquires the temperature of the heating unit 121 at a predetermined cycle, and controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that its time series progression is 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. For example, the control unit 116 causes the power supply unit 111 to supply power to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulse.

In feedback control, the control unit 116 may control the power supplied to the heating unit 121, for example the duty ratio, based on the difference between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the target temperature. The feedback control may also be, for example, a PID (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller) control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 121 (in other words, supplying power to the heating unit 121) until the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the target temperature, and perform heating by the heating unit 121 again when the temperature of the heating unit 121 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.

<2-2. Characteristic operation of the suction device>
1, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is properly attached to the suction device 100, the substrate part 151 is housed in the accommodation part 140 (more specifically, the internal space 141). However, due to an installation error by the user, it is possible that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached so that the suction mouth part 152 is housed in the accommodation part 140. In particular, if the filter part 151a is provided at one end of the substrate part 151 opposite the suction mouth part 152, it becomes difficult for the user to distinguish whether it is the substrate part 151 or the suction mouth part 152 from their appearances, and the above-mentioned installation error becomes more likely to occur.

Hereinafter, the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is properly attached to the suction device 100, i.e., the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached so that the substrate portion 151 is housed in the housing portion 140, is also referred to as "normal insertion." In addition, the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached in the opposite direction to normal insertion, i.e., the state in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached so that the suction mouth portion 152 is housed in the housing portion 140, is also referred to as "reverse insertion."

If the heating unit 121 heats the stick-shaped base material 150 while it is inserted inverted (i.e., while the suction mouth part 152 is housed in the housing part 140), the heat may melt the suction mouth part 152 (e.g., an acetate filter), resulting in the generation of poor quality smoke or causing a part of the melted suction mouth part 152 to become stuck inside the housing part 140. 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 prevent such a situation from occurring.

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

Here, the parameter related to the temperature of the heating section 121 can be, for example, the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 (more specifically, the heating resistor). In the following description, the parameter related to the temperature of the heating section 121 is described as being the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121. In addition, in the following description, it is assumed that the heating section 121 has PTC characteristics, and that the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 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 specified power may be, for example, a power with a constant current value and voltage value, or a specified power pulse. However, it is preferable to prevent the heating part 121 from becoming too hot when the specified power is supplied. In this way, even if the specified power is supplied to the heating part 121 while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted inverted, it is possible to prevent the suction mouth part 152 from melting due to heat.

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

Line 201 in FIG. 2 shows an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when a predetermined power is supplied with the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the normally inserted state. Line 202 in FIG. 2 shows an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when a predetermined power is supplied with the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the reverse inserted state.

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

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally (see line 201), the time series change in the electrical resistance of the heating section 121 when a specified amount of power is supplied may be higher overall than when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards (see line 202). This is because the acetate filter etc. that constitutes the mouthpiece section 152 is more likely to absorb heat (in other words, more likely to remove heat from the heating section 121) than the shredded tobacco etc. that constitutes the substrate section 151.

The control unit 116 then determines whether a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 contained in the containing unit 140 is a substrate part 151 (i.e., whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally) or a suction mouth part 152 (i.e., whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards) based on, for example, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined amount of power is supplied to the heating unit 121 (i.e., a parameter related to the temperature of the heating unit 121).

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

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

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

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

The trigger that is the condition for starting the supply of the specified power can be, for example, the above-mentioned aerosol generation request, that is, a specified operation by the user. This makes it possible to supply the specified power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 at the appropriate timing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this specification, the term "light emission mode" refers to a concept that includes the light emission color, the number of lights emitted (e.g., the number of light-emitting elements that emit light), or the light emission pattern (e.g., the way the light blinks). In addition, the term "vibration mode" refers to a concept that includes the vibration pattern (e.g., the way the vibration occurs), the strength of the vibration, the frequency of the vibration, or the duration of the vibration.

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

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

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

Then, for example, if the control unit 116 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted backwards through the above determination, in other words, if the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for a predetermined time t1 [s] is less than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 may drive the movable member 143a to eject the stick-shaped substrate 150 accommodated in the accommodation unit 140 out of the accommodation unit 140. This allows the stick-shaped substrate 150 to be ejected out of the accommodation unit 140 when there is a high possibility that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted backwards, and makes it possible to prevent the suction mouth unit 152 from being heated after the supply of the predetermined power.

Furthermore, since the materials constituting the base material 151 and the mouthpiece 152 are different from each other, it is believed that they also have different hardnesses. As an example, the base material 151 that includes the flavor capsule 151b is likely to be harder than the mouthpiece 152.

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

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

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

Furthermore, for example, when an operation that is assumed to cause the stick-shaped substrate 150 to be inserted into the storage section 140 immediately after the operation, such as the operation of opening the lid to open or close the opening 142, is detected, the control section 116 may start supplying power from the power supply section 111 to the pressure sensor 112a. In this way, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the pressure sensor 112a compared to the case where power is constantly supplied to the pressure sensor 112a.

In addition, instead of the pressure sensor 112a, a motion sensor that detects the acceleration generated in the suction device 100 may be provided. In other words, if the base material portion 151 is harder than the suction mouth portion 152, when the stick-shaped base material 150 is inserted normally, the suction device 100 can move more in the insertion direction of the stick-shaped base material 150 when the stick-shaped base material 150 is attached than when the stick-shaped base material 150 is inserted in reverse.

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

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

Below, an example will be described in which a predetermined power pulse is supplied to the heating unit 121 as the predetermined power. In this example, the control unit 116 performs a "detection operation" at a predetermined timing. In this detection operation, the control unit 116 applies (i.e., supplies) a detection pulse group 10 (see FIG. 4) to be described later to the heating unit 121. In this example, the detection pulse group 10 corresponds to the predetermined power.

In other words, the control unit 116 determines whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally or reversely based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when the group of detection pulses 10 is applied to the heating unit 121, and controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the group of detection pulses 10 is applied based on the result of this determination.

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

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

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

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. As an example, in the detection pulse group 10 shown in FIG. 4, the voltage of the first detection pulse 11 is V1 [V] (where V1>0) and the pulse width is 0.1 [s]. 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.

Hereinafter, 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," "second cycle," etc., in chronological order from the earliest to the latest. In addition, in each detection cycle, 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." On the other hand, in each detection cycle, the period during which the first detection pulse 11 is not applied to the heating unit 121 is also referred to as a "temperature fall period."

Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the detection pulse group 10 may further include a third detection pulse 13 as the first power pulse. In other words, 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.

Here, 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 larger than that of the first detection pulse 11. In the detection pulse group 10 shown in FIG. 4, the voltage of the third detection pulse 13 is V1 [V] and the pulse width is 0.5 [s]. Note that the third detection pulse 13 may be a power pulse with a voltage larger than that of the first detection pulse 11 instead of or in addition to the pulse width.

If the temperature of the heating section 121 is not raised to a certain level, the electrical resistance value (i.e., temperature) of the heating section 121 may not decrease appropriately during the cooling period of each detection cycle. Therefore, when the detection operation starts, 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.

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

Line 501 shown in FIG. 5 represents 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 normally when t11 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation (in other words, after the application of the detection pulse group 10 has started). Line 502 shown in FIG. 5 represents 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 backwards when t11 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation.

When each detection pulse included in the detection pulse group 10 is applied to the heating section 121, the temperature of the heating section 121 rises, and the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 also rises accordingly. On the other hand, when each detection pulse is not applied to the heating section 121, the temperature of the heating section 121 falls, and the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 also falls accordingly.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 fluctuates up and down during the detection operation. Then, as the first detection pulse 11 is repeatedly applied, the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 repeatedly fluctuates up and down, and gradually increases.

When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140 during detection operation, the temperature of the heating section 121 (i.e., the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121) decreases 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 time series change in the temperature of the heating section 121 after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the storage section 140 differs between when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally and when it is inserted in reverse.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The control unit 116 may also start heating control based on the detection of the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 by a detection operation. The control unit 116 may then determine whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been inserted normally or reversely based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 a predetermined time after the start of the heating control.

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

In this example, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted when t11 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation, and the control unit 116 starts heating control from t13 [s] thereafter. As a result, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 increases, similar to the example shown in FIG. 2.

Then, the control unit 116 may determine whether the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value Rth1 [Ω] when a predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the start of heating control (here, t13 [Ω]) based on the detection of the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage unit 140 by the detection operation. As a result, if the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 may continue the heating control thereafter to generate an aerosol. Also, if the control unit 116 determines that the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 is less than the predetermined value Rth1 [Ω], the control unit 116 may stop the heating control at that point. Even in this way, it is possible to appropriately control the power supply to the heating unit 121 in consideration of how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the difference in the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally and when it is inserted backwards can be more noticeable during heating control when a larger power is supplied to the heating section 121 than during detection operation when a detection pulse group 10 as a predetermined power is supplied to the heating section 121. Therefore, by determining whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted normally or backwards based on the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 during heating control, it becomes possible to more accurately determine how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached.

In the example described above, the control unit 116 determines how the stick-shaped substrate 150 is attached based on the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit 121, and controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 after the predetermined power is supplied based on the determination result, but this is not limited to the above.

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

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

In the following, unless otherwise specified, when it is stated that the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is attached, it means that the substrate portion 151 of the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is housed in the housing portion 140 (i.e., is normally inserted).

When a certain amount of power is supplied to the heating section 121, it is believed that the temperature (in other words, the electrical resistance value) of the heating section 121 will be lower when the regular type substrate 150A is attached than when the menthol type substrate 150B is attached. This is because the menthol type substrate 150B, which has the flavor capsules 151b, is more likely to absorb heat from the heating section 121 than the regular type substrate 150A, which does not have the flavor capsules 151b.

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

Line 701 in FIG. 7 shows an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when a predetermined power is supplied with the regular type base material 150A attached to the inhalation device 100. Line 702 in FIG. 7 shows an example of the time series change in the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when a predetermined power is supplied with the menthol type base material 150B attached to the inhalation device 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also, in this example, the trigger that is the condition for starting the supply of the specified power can be, for example, the above-mentioned aerosol generation request, that is, a specified operation by the user. This makes it possible to supply the specified power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 at the appropriate timing.

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

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

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

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

As an example, when the control unit 116 determines that a regular type substrate 150A is attached, it controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile for the regular type substrate 150A after supplying a predetermined amount of power, whereas when the control unit 116 determines that a menthol type substrate 150B is attached, it controls the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B after supplying a predetermined amount of power. This makes it possible to control the power supply to the heating unit 121 after supplying a predetermined amount of power based on an appropriate heating profile according to the type of stick-type substrate 150 attached, making it possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

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

In response to this, if the control unit 116 automatically determines whether a regular type substrate 150A or a menthol type substrate 150B is attached and performs heating control based on a heating profile according to the determination result, the user can stably enjoy a suitable smoking taste. Therefore, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

For example, regular type substrate 150A does not include flavor capsule 151b in which a flavor component (e.g., menthol) is enclosed, and menthol type substrate 150B includes flavor capsule 151b. Then, control unit 116 determines that regular type substrate 150A is attached if the electrical resistance value of heating unit 121 when a predetermined power is supplied to heating unit 121 is equal to or greater than predetermined value Rth21. This makes it possible to accurately determine that regular type substrate 150A is attached.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Therefore, when the control unit 116 performs heating control based on the first heating profile Pr1 shown in FIG. 8, 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]. Then, when t33 [s] has elapsed since the start of the heating control, the control unit 116 ends this heating control.

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

Therefore, when the control unit 116 performs heating control based on the second heating profile Pr2 shown in FIG. 8, it first heats the heating unit 121 to T4 [°C], then lowers the temperature to T2 [°C], and then heats it again to T3 [°C]. Then, when t33 [s] has elapsed since the start of the heating control, the control unit 116 ends this heating control.

For example, the maximum target temperature in the first heating profile Pr1 is T1 [°C], while the maximum target temperature in the second heating profile Pr2 is T3 [°C], which are different from each other. More specifically, for example, the maximum target temperature in the second heating profile Pr2, T3 [°C], is lower than the maximum target temperature in the first heating profile Pr1, T1 [°C]. This is because when the menthol-type base material 150B is heated to a high temperature such as T1 [°C], the flavor capsule 151b melts in an instant, and the flavor component (e.g., menthol) enclosed in the flavor capsule 151b vaporizes and/or atomizes early.

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

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

This is because the heating control based on the second heating profile Pr2 heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 at a lower temperature than the heating control based on the first heating profile Pr1, and therefore the aerosol source contained in the substrate portion 151 is atomized and/or vaporized more slowly. In other words, even if the heating control based on the second heating profile Pr2 is performed, if it is terminated at the same time as the heating control based on the first heating profile Pr1, the heating control may end even if there is a sufficient aerosol source remaining in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

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

Furthermore, for example, after a user has finished smoking using menthol-type base material 150B, the smell of menthol-type base material 150B (more specifically, the smell caused by the menthol contained in menthol-type base material 150B) may remain in storage section 140. If the user then smokes using regular-type base material 150A while such a smell remains, there is a risk that the user will not be able to enjoy a suitable smoking experience.

The control unit 116 may, for example, heat the storage unit 140 again using the heating unit 121 at a predetermined timing after the completion of heating control using the second heating profile Pr2, which is the heating profile for the menthol type substrate 150B, thereby volatilizing menthol and other substances that are the source of the odor remaining in the storage unit 140 and removing the odor remaining in the storage unit 140. In this way, even if smoking using regular type substrate 150A is started after smoking using menthol type substrate 150B, a suitable smoking taste can be delivered to the user.

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

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

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

Line 901 in FIG. 9 shows an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when regular type substrate 150A is attached when t51 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation (in other words, after the application of detection pulse group 10 has started). Line 902 in FIG. 9 shows an example of the time series transition of the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when menthol type substrate 150B is attached when t11 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this example, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted when t51 [s] has elapsed after the start of the detection operation, and the control unit 116 starts heating control from t53 [s] thereafter. As a result, the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 increases, similar to the example shown in FIG. 7.

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

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

Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the difference in the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 when the regular type substrate 150A is attached and when the menthol type substrate 150B is attached may be more noticeable during heating control when a larger power is supplied to the heating section 121 than during detection operation when the detection pulse group 10 is supplied to the heating section 121 as a predetermined power. Therefore, by determining whether the regular type substrate 150A or the menthol type substrate 150B is attached based on the electrical resistance value of the heating section 121 during heating control, it is possible to more accurately determine the type of stick-type substrate 150 attached to the inhalation device 100.

As described above, the suction device 100 of this embodiment makes it possible to provide a high-quality experience to the user.

Although each embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure has been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the invention.

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

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

(1) An aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100) that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source (a stick-type substrate 150, a regular-type substrate 150A, a menthol-type substrate 150B),
A power supply unit (power supply unit 111) that stores power;
A storage section (storage section 140) for storing the base material;
a heating section (heating section 121) that heats the base material accommodated in the accommodation section by being supplied with power from the power supply section;
A control unit (control unit 116) configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit and to be able to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit;
Equipped with
the control unit determines the type of the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit based on the parameters when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, and controls the power supply to the heating unit after the supply of the predetermined power based on the determination result.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (1), it is possible to appropriately control the power supply to the heating unit after a predetermined power is supplied, taking into account the type of substrate contained in the container. This makes it possible to appropriately heat the attached substrate according to its type, and to provide the user with a high-quality inhalation experience.

(2) The aerosol generating device according to (1),
The control unit is
When it is determined that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is a substrate of a first type (regular type substrate 150A), after the supply of the predetermined power, the power supply to the heating unit is controlled in a manner corresponding to the substrate of the first type;
When it is determined that the substrate contained in the substrate storage unit is a second type substrate (menthol type substrate 150B), after the predetermined electric power is supplied, the electric power supply to the heating unit is controlled in a manner corresponding to the second type substrate.
Aerosol generating device.

(2) makes it possible to appropriately heat the attached substrate depending on its type, thereby providing the user with a high-quality inhalation experience.

(3) The aerosol generating device according to (2),
The control unit is
The power supply to 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;
When it is determined that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the first type of substrate, after the supply of the predetermined power, the power supply to the heating unit is controlled based on a first heating profile (first heating profile Pr1) for the first type of substrate;
When it is determined that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the second type of substrate, after the supply of the predetermined power, the power supply to the heating unit is controlled based on a second heating profile (second heating profile Pr2) for the second type of substrate.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (3), it is possible to control the power supply to the heating unit after a specified amount of power has been supplied based on an appropriate heating profile according to the type of attached substrate, thereby providing the user with a high-quality suction experience.

(4) The aerosol generating device according to (3),
The maximum temperature of the target temperature in the first heating profile and the maximum temperature of the target temperature in the second heating profile are different from each other.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (4), the degree to which the temperature of the heating unit is increased can be made different when the power supply to the heating unit is controlled based on the first heating profile and when the power supply to the heating unit is controlled based on the second heating profile.

(5) The aerosol generating device according to (4),
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule (flavor capsule 151b) in which a flavor component is enclosed,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
a maximum temperature of the target temperature in the second heating profile is lower than a maximum temperature of the target temperature in the first heating profile;
Aerosol generating device.

According to (5), when the second type of base material is attached, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality inhalation experience.

(6) The aerosol generating device according to (5),
the first heating profile defines the target temperature from when control based on the first heating profile is started until a first time has elapsed,
the second heating profile defines the target temperature from when control based on the second heating profile is started until a second time has elapsed,
The second time period is greater than the first time period.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (6), when the second type of base material is attached, it is possible to provide the user with a high-quality inhalation experience.

(7) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (2) to (6),
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule (flavor capsule 151b) in which a flavor component is enclosed,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
The parameter increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases,
The control unit determines that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the first type of substrate when the parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (7), it is possible to accurately determine whether the first type of substrate is attached.

(8) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (2) to (7),
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule (flavor capsule 151b) in which a flavor component is enclosed,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
The parameter increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases,
The control unit determines that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the second type substrate when the parameter is less than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (8), it is possible to accurately determine whether the second type of substrate is attached.

(9) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (2) to (8),
The control unit performs a notification according to the parameters when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit via a notification unit (notification unit 113) configured to be able to notify a user of information.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (9), when there is a high possibility that the first type of substrate is attached or when there is a high possibility that the second type of substrate is attached, it is possible to provide a predetermined notification to the user, thereby improving user convenience.

(10) The aerosol generating device according to (9),
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule (flavor capsule 151b) in which a flavor component is enclosed,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
The parameter increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases,
When the parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, the control unit issues a notification according to the first type of base material as the notification.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (10), the user can be notified that the power supply to the heating unit is controlled in a manner corresponding to the first type of substrate, thereby improving user convenience.

(11) The aerosol generating device according to (9) or (10),
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule (flavor capsule 151b) in which a flavor component is enclosed,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
The parameter increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases,
When the parameter is less than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, the control unit issues a notification according to the second type of base material as the notification.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (11), the user can be notified that the power supply to the heating unit is controlled in a manner corresponding to the second type of substrate, thereby improving user convenience.

(12) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (9) to (11),
The notification unit includes a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a display device.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (12), it is possible to provide a user with a notification that is intuitive and easy to understand by using a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a display device.

(13) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (12),
The control unit controls the power supply unit to supply the predetermined power to the heating unit in response to a predetermined operation by a user.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (13), it is possible to supply a predetermined amount of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit at an appropriate timing.

(14) The aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (13),
The predetermined power is a predetermined pulse power.
Aerosol generating device.

According to (14), it is possible to determine how the substrate is attached to the storage section while suppressing the power consumption and temperature rise of the heating section, compared to when the specified power is set to a constant power.

100 Suction device (aerosol generating device)
111 Power supply unit 113 Notification unit 116 Control unit 121 Heating unit 140 Storage unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate (substrate)
150A Regular type substrate (substrate, first type substrate)
150B Menthol type base material (base material, second type base material)
Pr1 First heating profile Pr2 Second heating profile

Claims (14)

An aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source, comprising:
a power supply unit that stores power;
A storage section that stores the base material;
a heating section that heats the base material accommodated in the accommodation section by being supplied with power from the power supply section;
a control unit configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit and to be able to acquire parameters related to the temperature of the heating unit;
Equipped with
the control unit determines the type of the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit based on the parameters when a predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, and controls the power supply to the heating unit after the supply of the predetermined power based on the determination result.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 ,
The control unit is
When it is determined that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is a substrate of a first type, after the supply of the predetermined power, the supply of power to the heating unit is controlled in a manner corresponding to the substrate of the first type;
When it is determined that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is a substrate of a second type, after the supply of the predetermined power, the power supply to the heating unit is controlled in a manner corresponding to the substrate of the second type.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2,
The control unit is
The power supply to 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;
When it is determined that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the first type of substrate, after the supply of the predetermined power, the power supply to the heating unit is controlled based on a first heating profile for the first type of substrate;
when it is determined that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the second type of substrate, after the supply of the predetermined power, the power supply to the heating unit is controlled based on a second heating profile for the second type of substrate.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3,
The maximum temperature of the target temperature in the first heating profile and the maximum temperature of the target temperature in the second heating profile are different from each other.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 4,
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule in which a flavor component is encapsulated,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
a maximum temperature of the target temperature in the second heating profile is lower than a maximum temperature of the target temperature in the first heating profile;
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 5,
the first heating profile defines the target temperature from when control based on the first heating profile is started until a first time has elapsed,
the second heating profile defines the target temperature from when control based on the second heating profile is started until a second time has elapsed,
The second time period is greater than the first time period.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule in which a flavor component is encapsulated,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
The parameter increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases,
The control unit determines that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the first type of substrate when the parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule in which a flavor component is encapsulated,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
The parameter increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases,
The control unit determines that the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit is the second type substrate when the parameter is less than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 8,
The control unit performs a notification according to the parameter when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, via a notification unit configured to be able to notify a user of information.
Aerosol generating device. 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9,
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule in which a flavor component is encapsulated,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
The parameter increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases,
When the parameter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, the control unit issues a notification according to the first type of base material as the notification.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9 or 10,
The first type of base material does not include a flavor capsule in which a flavor component is encapsulated,
The second type of substrate is configured to include the flavor capsule,
The parameter increases as the temperature of the heating unit increases,
When the parameter is less than a predetermined value when the predetermined power is supplied to the heating unit, the control unit issues a notification according to the second type of base material as the notification.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
The notification unit includes a light-emitting device, a vibration device, or a display device.
Aerosol generating device. 13. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 ,
The control unit controls the power supply unit to supply the predetermined power to the heating unit in response to a predetermined operation by a user.
Aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The predetermined power is a predetermined pulse power.
Aerosol generating device.

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