JP7645901B2 - Suction device, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a suction device, a control method, and a program.

Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that generate a substance to be inhaled by a user are in widespread use. For example, an inhalation device generates an aerosol imparted with a flavor component using a substrate that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the inhalation device.

The inhalation device generates an aerosol by heating the substrate according to a heating profile that specifies the heating operation. The heating profile has a significant impact on the quality of the experience when using the inhalation device. For this reason, various heating profiles are being considered. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a heating profile in which the temperature first reaches a maximum temperature after heating begins and then gradually decreases.

International Publication No. 2020/084773

However, it would be desirable to further improve the quality of the experience using the suction device.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the experience using a suction device.

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an suction device comprising a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, and a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that specifies the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, the heating profile including a plurality of slots that are consecutive time intervals along a time axis, a plurality of switching conditions being set in the slots, and the control unit switching the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set in the slot is satisfied, and controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching.

The control unit may switch to the slot next to the slot corresponding to the elapsed time when any one of the multiple switching conditions set for the slot corresponding to the elapsed time since starting control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile is satisfied.

The slot may be set to a target temperature at the end of the slot.

When the control unit switches the slot, it may control the operation of the heating unit based on the target temperature set for the slot after switching.

The multiple switching conditions may include the passage of time equal to the duration of the slot.

The multiple switching conditions may include detection of a user inhaling the aerosol.

The control unit may shorten the length of time of the heating profile when it detects a user inhaling the aerosol.

The control unit may shorten the length of the heating profile by the remaining time from the time when the user's action of inhaling the aerosol is detected to the end of the slot corresponding to that time.

In at least some of the slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature may differ between two consecutive slots.

In at least a portion of the multiple slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature may be the same between two consecutive slots.

The target temperature set for the slot may be equal to or higher than the target temperature set for another slot that precedes and follows the slot.

The heating profile may include 2 to 15 of the slots.

The duration of the slot may be greater than or equal to 10 seconds and less than 25 seconds.

The time lengths of at least two of the multiple slots included in the heating profile may be different from each other.

The time length of at least two of the multiple slots included in the heating profile may be the same.

The heating profile may include, in order, an initial heating-up section, an intermediate cooling section, and a re-heating section, the target temperature set in the initial heating-up section being higher than an initial value, the target temperature set in the intermediate cooling-down section being lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate cooling-down section, the target temperature set in the re-heating section being higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the re-heating section, and the slot may be set in the re-heating section.

The heating profile may include, in order, an initial heating section, a temperature maintenance section, an intermediate cooling section, and a re-heating section, and the target temperature set in the initial heating section is higher than an initial value, the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section is the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintenance section, the target temperature set in the intermediate cooling section is lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate cooling section, the target temperature set in the re-heating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the re-heating section, and the slot may be set in the re-heating section.

The control unit may also be configured to control so as not to supply power to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature drop section.

The initial heating section includes a first heating section and a second heating section following the first heating section, and the first heating section and the second heating section have different heating widths per unit time, and the heating width per unit time of the first heating section is a value obtained by dividing the difference between the target temperature set in the first heating section and the initial value by the time length of the first heating section, and the heating width per unit time of the second heating section may be a value obtained by dividing the difference between the target temperature set in the second heating section and the target temperature set in the first heating section by the time length of the second heating section.

The second heating section may have a smaller heating range per unit time compared to the first heating section.

The initial heating section may include a temperature maintenance section at the end, and the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section may be the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintenance section.

When comparing the absolute values of the change in the target temperature per unit time of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, the reheating section is the smallest, the intermediate heating section is the next smallest, and the initial heating section is the largest, the absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time of the initial heating section is the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the initial heating section and the initial value divided by the time length of the initial heating section, the absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time of the intermediate heating section is the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the intermediate heating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate heating section divided by the time length of the intermediate heating section, and the absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time of the reheating section may be the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the reheating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the reheating section divided by the time length of the reheating section.

When comparing the time lengths of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the re-heating section, the intermediate heating section may be the shortest, the initial heating section may be the next shortest, and the re-heating section may be the longest.

The suction device may further include a chamber for receiving the substrate, the chamber including an opening into which the substrate is inserted and a holding portion for holding the substrate, the holding portion including a pressing portion for pressing a portion of the substrate and a non-pressing portion, and the heating portion may be disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion.

The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit based on the deviation between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile began and the actual temperature of the heating unit.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, the control method comprising controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile in which a time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, is specified, the heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are consecutive time intervals along a time axis, and a plurality of switching conditions are set in the slots, and controlling the operation of the heating unit includes switching the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set in the slot is satisfied, and controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching is provided.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer that controls an suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol to control the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that specifies the time series progression of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating unit, the heating profile including a plurality of slots that are consecutive time intervals along a time axis, and a plurality of switching conditions are set in the slots, and controlling the operation of the heating unit includes switching the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set in the slot is satisfied, and controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching is provided.

As described above, the present invention provides a mechanism that can further improve the quality of the experience using a suction device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a suction device. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a physical configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the heater assembly shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 5-5 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a chamber including a non-pressure portion in a state in which a stick-shaped substrate is held by a holding portion. FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a chamber including a pressing section in a state in which a stick-shaped substrate is held by a holding section. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 8. 11 is a graph showing an example of a time series transition of the actual temperature of a heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of a process executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. 11 is a graph showing an example of a time series transition of the actual temperature of a heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 2. 11 is a graph showing an example of a time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 3. 13 is a graph showing an example of a time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 4. 13 is a graph showing an example of a time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 5. 13 is a graph showing an example of a time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 6. 13 is a graph showing an example of a time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 6. 13 is a graph showing an example of a time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 6.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description.

<<1. Configuration example of suction device>>
The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device 100 according to this example 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 40, a holding unit 60, and a heat insulating unit 70.

The power supply unit 111 stores electric power. The power supply unit 111 then supplies electric 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, 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. As one example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device that accepts information input from the user, such as a button or switch.

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113 is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

The memory unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The memory unit 114 is configured, for example, by 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 a communication standard may be, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

The holding part 60 holds the stick-shaped substrate 150. The holding part 60 holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 80 through the opening 52 that connects the internal space 80 formed in the suction device 100 to the external space.

The stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may include a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. When the stick-type substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 60, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 80, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 52. Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 52 in his/her mouth and inhales, the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151 reaches the user's mouth.

The heating unit 40 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. As an example, the heating unit 40 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 60. When the heating unit 40 generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 40 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111.

The insulating section 70 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 40 to other components. For example, the insulating section 70 is made of vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.

Hereinafter, the user's inhalation of the aerosol generated by the inhalation device will be referred to simply as "inhalation" or "puffing." The action of the user inhaling will also be referred to below as a puffing action.

＜＜2. Technical features＞＞
(1) Configuration for Heating Substrate While Pressing The suction device 100 according to this embodiment has a configuration for heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described in detail.

2 is a diagram showing a schematic physical configuration of the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100 has a heater assembly 30 including a heating unit 40 and a holding unit 60. As shown in FIG. 2, when the stick-type substrate 150 is held by the heater assembly 30 (more specifically, the holding unit 60), a gap exists between the heater assembly 30 and the stick-type substrate 150. When a user holds the stick-type substrate 150 in his/her mouth and inhales, air flowing in from the opening 52 flows through the gap into the inside of the stick-type substrate 150 from the end of the substrate 151, and flows out from the end of the suction port 152 into the user's mouth. That is, the air inhaled by the user flows in the order of air flow 190A, air flow 190B, and air flow 190C, and is introduced into the user's mouth in a state where it is mixed with the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150.

3 shows a perspective view of the heater assembly 30 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the heater assembly 30 has a top cap 32, a heating section 40, and a chamber 50. The chamber 50 is configured to receive a stick-shaped substrate 150. The heating section 40 is configured to heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 received in the chamber 50. The top cap 32 has a function of guiding the stick-shaped substrate 150 when it is inserted into the chamber 50, and may be configured to fix the chamber 50 to the suction device 100.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the chamber 50. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 4. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the line 5-5 in Figure 5. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the chamber 50 includes an opening 52 into which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, and a holding portion 60 for holding the stick-shaped substrate 150. The chamber 50 is formed as a hollow member that surrounds an internal space 80 that receives the stick-shaped substrate 150. The hollow member may be a cylindrical member with a bottom. The hollow member may be a cylindrical body without a bottom. The chamber 50 is preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, and may be formed of, for example, stainless steel. This allows for effective heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the chamber 50.

5 and 6, the holding portion 60 includes a pressing portion 62 that presses a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150, and a non-pressing portion 66. The pressing portion 62 has an inner surface 62a and an outer surface 62b. The non-pressing portion 66 has an inner surface 66a and an outer surface 66b. As shown in FIG. 3, the heating portion 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62. It is preferable that the heating portion 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62 without any gaps.

The opening 52 of the chamber 50 is preferably capable of receiving the stick-shaped substrate 150 without pressing it. The shape of the opening 52 of the chamber 50 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50, in other words the direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the chamber 50 or the direction in which the side of the chamber 50 extends as a whole, may be polygonal or elliptical, but is preferably circular.

As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, in this embodiment, the chamber 50 has two or more pressing portions 62 in the circumferential direction of the chamber 50. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the two pressing portions 62 of the holding portion 60 face each other. It is preferable that at least a portion of the distance between the inner surfaces 62a of the two pressing portions 62 is smaller than the width of the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50 that is located between the pressing portions 62. As shown, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 is flat.

6, the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62 has a pair of opposing flat pressing surfaces, and the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 connects both ends of the pair of flat pressing surfaces and has a pair of opposing curved non-pressing surfaces. As shown, the curved non-pressing surfaces may have an overall arc-shaped cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. As shown in Figure 6, the holding portion 60 is composed of a metal cylindrical body having a uniform thickness.

Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 including the non-pressing portion 66 with the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding portion 60. Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 including the pressing portion 62 with the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding portion 60. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along the arrows 7-7 shown in Figure 8. Note that Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the stick-shaped substrate 150 before it is pressed, so that it is easy to see that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is pressed by the pressing portion 62.

9, the gap 67 between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 is substantially maintained even when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 60 and is pressed and deformed by the pressing portion 62. This gap 67 can communicate with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end face of the stick-shaped substrate 150 positioned in the chamber 50 (the lower end face in FIGS. 7 and 8, i.e., the end face of the substrate portion 151). It can also be said that this gap 67 communicates with the opening 52 of the chamber 50 and the end face of the stick-shaped substrate 150 positioned in the chamber 50 and positioned farther from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 (the lower end face in FIGS. 7 and 8, i.e., the end face of the substrate portion 151). Then, an air flow path is formed from the opening 52 of the chamber 50 to the end face of the stick-type substrate 150 positioned outside the chamber 50 (the upper end face in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, i.e., the end face of the mouthpiece 152), passing through the gap 67 and the inside of the stick-type substrate 150. This eliminates the need to provide a separate flow path for introducing air to be supplied to the stick-type substrate 150 in the inhalation device 100, and therefore simplifies the structure of the inhalation device 100. In addition, since the portion of the non-pressing portion 66 that forms a part of the gap 67 is exposed, cleaning of the flow path can be easily performed. Furthermore, since the air is heated in the process of passing through the gap 67, the heat dissipation by the heating unit 40 can be effectively utilized to increase the heating efficiency, and the excessive temperature drop of the stick-type substrate 150 due to the air flowing in with the puff can be prevented. As a result, the power consumption of the heating unit 40 can be suppressed, and the flavor reduction caused by the temperature drop of the stick-type substrate 150 with the puff can be prevented. From the standpoint of air resistance, etc., the height of the gap 67 between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressure portion 66 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less, and most preferably 0.3 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.

9, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding part 60, the distance LA between the inner surface 62a of the pressing part 62 and the center of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is shorter than the distance _LB between the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing part 66 and the center of the stick-shaped substrate _150. With this configuration, the distance between the heating part 40 arranged on the outer surface 62b of the pressing part 62 and the center of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be made shorter than when the pressing part 62 is not provided. Thus, the heating efficiency of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be improved.

4 to 8, the chamber 50 has a bottom 56. As shown in Fig. 8, the bottom 56 supports a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the chamber 50 via a bottom wall 56a so that at least a portion of the end face of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is exposed. The bottom 56 can also support a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 via the bottom wall 56a so that the exposed end face of the stick-shaped substrate 150 communicates with the void 67.

5, 7 and 8, the bottom 56 of the chamber 50 has a bottom wall 56a and may additionally have a side wall 56b. The width of the bottom 56 defined by the side wall 56b may decrease toward the bottom wall 56a. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 of the holding portion 60 is curved in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50.

It is preferable that the shape of the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 is the same as the shape of the opening 52 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 at any position in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. In other words, it is preferable that the inner surface 66a of the non-pressing portion 66 is formed by extending the inner surface of the chamber 50 that forms the opening 52 in the longitudinal direction.

3 to 5, the chamber 50 preferably has a cylindrical non-holding portion 54 between the opening 52 and the holding portion 60. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 60, a gap may be formed between the non-holding portion 54 and the stick-shaped substrate 150.

As shown in Figures 5 to 9, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the holding portion 60 has the same shape and size (the outer peripheral length of the holding portion 60 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 60) throughout the entire longitudinal length of the holding portion 60.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, it is preferable that the chamber 50 has a first guide portion 58 having a tapered surface 58a connecting the inner surface of the chamber 50 forming the opening 52 and the inner surface 62a of the pressing portion 62.

As shown in Fig. 3, the heating unit 40 has a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing unit 66 may be connected to each other at an angle, and a boundary 71 may be formed between the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 and the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing unit 66. The heating track preferably extends in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the boundary 71 (the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50 ), and preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the boundary 71.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heating unit 40 preferably has an electrical insulating member 44 covering at least one surface of the heating element 42 in addition to the heating element 42. In this embodiment, the electrical insulating member 44 is arranged so as to cover both surfaces of the heating element 42. The electrical insulating member 44 is preferably arranged within the region of the outer surface of the holding unit 60. In other words, the electrical insulating member 44 is preferably arranged so as not to protrude from the outer surface of the holding unit 60 on the first guide unit 58 side in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. As described above, since the first guide unit 58 is provided between the opening 52 and the pressing unit 62, the shape of the outer surface of the chamber 50 and the circumferential length of the chamber 50 in the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the chamber may change in the longitudinal direction of the chamber 50. For this reason, by arranging the electrical insulating member 44 on the outer surface of the holding unit 60, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of sagging.

It is preferable that the heating unit 40 is not disposed on the outer surface of the chamber 50 between the opening 52 and the first guide portion 58, i.e., at least one selected from the outer surface of the non-holding portion 54, the outer surface of the first guide portion 58, and the outer surface of the non-pressing portion 66. It is preferable that the heating unit 40 is disposed over the entire outer surface 62b of the pressing portion 62.

3, the suction device 100 has a strip-shaped electrode 48 extending from the heating unit 40. It is preferable that the strip-shaped electrode 48 extends from the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62, which is a flat surface, to the outside of the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62 when the heating unit 40 is disposed on the outer surface 62b of the pressing unit 62.

3, 7 and 8, the heating section 40 has a first portion 40a located on the opposite side to the opening 52, and a second portion 40b located on the opening 52 side. The heater power density of the second portion 40b is preferably higher than the heater power density of the first portion 40a. Alternatively, the temperature rise rate of the second portion 40b is preferably higher than the temperature rise rate of the first portion 40a. Alternatively, the heating temperature of the second portion 40b is preferably higher than the heating temperature of the first portion 40a at any given time. The second portion 40b preferably covers an outer surface of the holding section 60 corresponding to at least 1/2 of the smokable articles in the longitudinal direction of the smokable articles contained in the stick-type substrate 150 when the stick-type substrate 150 is held in the holding section 60.

In the embodiment described above, the chamber 50 has a pair of pressing portions 62 facing each other, but the shape of the chamber 50 is not limited to this. For example, the chamber 50 may have one pressing portion 62, or three or more pressing portions 62.

As described above, the suction device 100 according to this embodiment holds and heats the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it with the pressing part 62. This configuration provides various effects, which will be described below.

First, the thermal conductivity from the heating unit 40 to the stick-type substrate 150 is improved. That is, the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150 can be improved. Since the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150 is improved, the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 can reach the target temperature quickly, and the time required for preheating, which will be described later, can be shortened. Furthermore, since the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150 is improved, the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 can be improved in response to the temperature change of the heating unit 40. As a result, first, the amount of aerosol generated can be more easily controlled. Second, even if the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 drops due to a puff by the user, it can be quickly returned to its original temperature. Third, the influence of the external environment, such as the outside air temperature, can be reduced. Fourth, it becomes easier to realize a temperature change in the stick-type substrate 150 similar to the temperature change in the heating profile, which will be described later. Fifth, the effect of improving the flavor, which is the effect of the re-heating section in the heating profile, which will be described later, can be quickly generated.

In addition, the suction device 100 according to this embodiment heats the stick-type substrate 150 from the outer periphery while pressing it. With this configuration, regardless of the shape of the aerosol source in the stick-type substrate 150, the above-mentioned improvement in the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150 and the improvement in the temperature tracking of the stick-type substrate 150 can be realized. Furthermore, with this configuration, regardless of the error in the shape or size of the stick-type substrate 150 caused by the variation that occurs in the manufacturing process of the stick-type substrate 150, the above-mentioned improvement in the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150 and the improvement in the temperature tracking of the stick-type substrate 150 can be realized. In contrast, in the comparative example in which a blade-shaped heating part is inserted into the stick-type substrate 150 and the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the inside, it is difficult to achieve these effects. This is because, in this comparative example, even if the stick-type substrate 150 is pressed from the outer periphery, it is difficult to bring the blade-shaped heating part into contact with the aerosol source in the stick-type substrate 150.

In addition, in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment, the insulating section 70 is arranged to surround the heating section 40 from the outer periphery. In this case, since the outer surface 62b of the pressing section 62 is located closer to the center of the internal space 80 than the outer surface 66b of the non-pressing section 66, the thickness of the air layer formed between the outer surface 62b of the pressing section 62 and the inner surface of the insulating section 70 can be made thicker. Alternatively, the thickness of the insulating section 70 superimposed on the pressing section 62 can be made thicker. Therefore, the insulating effect of the insulating section 70 can be improved.

(2) Heating Profile The inhalation device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile. The heating profile is information that specifies the time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit 40. The inhalation device 100 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the time series transition of the target temperature specified in the heating profile is realized. In this way, the aerosol is generated as planned by the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed so that the flavor that the user tastes when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-type substrate 150 is optimized. Therefore, by controlling the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile, the flavor that the user tastes can be optimized.

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the deviation between the target temperature defined in the heating profile and the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature). More specifically, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the deviation between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile was started and the actual temperature. The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 so that the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 is similar to the time series transition of the target temperature of the heating unit 40 defined in the heating profile. The temperature control of the heating unit 40 can be realized, for example, by known feedback control. Specifically, the control unit 116 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 40 in the form of a pulse by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 40 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 40, for example the duty ratio described above, based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may perform heating by the heating unit 40 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, stop heating by the heating unit 40 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and perform heating by the heating unit 40 again when the actual temperature becomes lower than the target temperature.

The temperature of the heating section 40 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating section 40. This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured by a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating section 40 can be measured by a temperature sensor installed near the heating section 40.

Heating based on the heating profile begins from the timing when it is detected that an operation has been performed to instruct the start of heating. One example of an operation to instruct the start of heating is pressing a button provided on the inhalation device 100. Another example of an operation to instruct the start of heating is a puffing action. Another example of an operation to instruct the start of heating is receiving a signal from another device such as a smartphone.

After heating begins, the aerosol source contained in the substrate gradually decreases over time. Typically, heating by the heating unit 40 is stopped at the timing when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be exhausted. One example of the timing when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be exhausted is when a predetermined time has elapsed since control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile began. One example of the timing when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be exhausted is when a predetermined number of puffs have been detected. One example of the timing when it is assumed that the aerosol source will be exhausted is when a button provided on the inhalation device 100 is pressed. For example, such a button is pressed when the user is no longer able to sense a sufficient flavor.

The period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is expected to be generated is also referred to as the puffable period. On the other hand, the period from when heating begins until when the puffable period begins is also referred to as the pre-heating period. Heating performed during the pre-heating period is also referred to as pre-heating. The user may be notified of the timing when the puffable period begins and ends. In that case, the user can use the notification as a reference to puff during the puffable period.

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the holding state of the stick-shaped substrate 150 by the holding unit 60. In detail, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated based on the heating profile with a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 pressed by the pressing unit 62 of the holding unit 60. That is, the control unit 116 adjusts the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 40 according to the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since starting to control the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile with a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 pressed by the pressing unit 62 of the holding unit 60, and controls the heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 by the heating unit 40. At that time, the control unit 116 may further adjust the amount of power supplied according to the strength of the pressure by the pressing unit 62. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 so as not to heat the stick-type substrate 150 based on the heating profile when a part of the stick-type substrate 150 is not pressed by the pressing unit 62 of the holding unit 60 (for example, not supplying power to the heating unit 40). Considering that pressing improves the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150, this configuration makes it possible to control the operation of the heating unit 40 according to the degree of improvement in the heating efficiency of the stick-type substrate 150. It is therefore possible to provide the user with a puffing experience of sufficient quality.

The heating profile includes multiple consecutive time intervals along the time axis. A target temperature at the end of each of the multiple time intervals is set. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the deviation between the target temperature set for a time interval among the multiple time intervals that corresponds to the elapsed time since control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile began and the actual temperature. Specifically, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the set target temperature is reached by the end of each of the multiple time intervals included in the heating profile. An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

The heating profile shown in Table 1 consists of an initial heating section, an intermediate heating section, and a re-heating section, which are included in that order. In the example shown in Table 1, the initial heating section is a section from the start of the heating profile until 35 seconds later. The intermediate heating section is a section from the end of the initial heating section until 10 seconds later. The re-heating section is a section from the end of the intermediate heating section until 310 seconds later. By including these time sections in the heating profile, as described below, it is possible to provide the user with a puffing experience of sufficient quality from the beginning to the end of the heating profile. In other words, it is possible to improve the quality of the user's puffing experience.

The initial heating section is a time section included at the beginning of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the initial heating section is higher than the initial value. The initial value is the temperature assumed to be the temperature of the heating section 40 before heating begins. One example of an initial value is an arbitrary temperature such as 0°C. Another example of an initial value is a temperature corresponding to the air temperature.

The intermediate temperature drop section is a time section included in the middle of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the intermediate temperature drop section is lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature drop section. In the example shown in Table 1, the target temperature of 230°C set in the intermediate temperature drop section is lower than the target temperature of 295°C set in the initial heating section, which is the time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature drop section.

The reheating section is a time section included at the end of the heating profile. The target temperature set in the reheating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the reheating section. In the example shown in Table 1, the target temperature of 260°C set in the reheating section is higher than the target temperature of 230°C set in the intermediate cooling section, which is the time section immediately preceding the reheating section.

The time series progression of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 when the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 according to the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of the time series progression of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 operating based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating unit 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating unit 40.

As shown in FIG. 10, the actual temperature of the heating section 40 rises in the initial heating section and reaches the target temperature of 295°C at the end of the initial heating section. When the actual temperature of the heating section 40 reaches the target temperature set in the initial heating section, it is expected that the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 will reach a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. The initial heating section is set at the beginning of the heating profile. Therefore, in the initial heating section, the heating section 40 is heated in one go from the initial temperature to the target temperature of 295°C set in the initial heating section. Note that the initial temperature is the actual temperature of the heating section 40 at the start of heating based on the heating profile. With this configuration, it is possible to end pre-heating early.

The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 so that the actual temperature in the initial heating section reaches the target temperature set for the initial heating section. That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 from the initial temperature toward 295°C. If the actual temperature reaches 295°C before 35 seconds have elapsed since the start of heating, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 to maintain 295°C.

As shown in FIG. 10, the actual temperature of the heating section 40 drops in the intermediate temperature drop section and reaches the target temperature of 230°C at the end of the intermediate temperature drop section. The intermediate temperature drop section is set after the initial temperature rise section. Therefore, in the intermediate temperature drop section, the heating section 40 drops in temperature from the set temperature of the initial temperature rise section to the set temperature of the intermediate temperature drop section. If the heating section 40 is maintained at a high temperature such as the target temperature of the initial temperature rise section, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is rapidly consumed, causing inconveniences such as the user tasting an overly strong flavor. In this regard, in the present embodiment, by providing an intermediate temperature drop section, such inconveniences can be avoided and the quality of the user's puff experience can be improved.

The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 40 not to supply power during the intermediate temperature drop section. In other words, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 40 to stop supplying power during the intermediate temperature drop section, so that heating is not performed by the heating unit 40. This configuration makes it possible to drop the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 as quickly as possible. It is also possible to reduce the power consumption of the suction device 100 compared to when power is supplied to the heating unit 40 during the intermediate temperature drop section.

As shown in FIG. 10, the actual temperature of the heating section 40 rises in the reheating section and reaches the target temperature of 260°C at the end of the reheating section. The reheating section is set after the intermediate temperature drop section and at the end of the heating profile. Therefore, in the reheating section, the heating section 40 is heated again from the set temperature of the intermediate temperature drop section to the set temperature of the reheating section, and then heating is stopped. If the heating section 40 continues to be lowered after the initial temperature rise section, the stick-shaped substrate 150 will also be lowered in temperature, which will reduce the amount of aerosol generated and may deteriorate the flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, in this embodiment, by providing a reheating section after the intermediate temperature drop section, it is possible to prevent the flavor experienced by the user from deteriorating even in the latter half of the heating profile.

The control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 in the reheating section so that the actual temperature reaches the target temperature set for the reheating section. That is, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 toward 260°C. If the actual temperature reaches 260°C before 310 seconds have elapsed since the start of the reheating section, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 40 to maintain 260°C.

When comparing the absolute values of the change in the target temperature per unit time of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate heating section, and the reheating section, the reheating section may be the smallest, the intermediate heating section may be the next smallest, and the initial heating section may be the largest. The absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time of the initial heating section is the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the initial heating section and the initial value divided by the time length of the initial heating section. The absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time of the intermediate heating section is the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the intermediate heating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate heating section (e.g., the initial heating section) divided by the time length of the intermediate heating section. The absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time of the reheating section is the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature set in the reheating section and the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the reheating section (e.g., the intermediate heating section) divided by the time length of the reheating section. In addition, when comparing the time lengths of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature drop section, and the re-heating section, the intermediate temperature drop section is the shortest, the initial heating section is the next shortest, and the re-heating section is the longest. With this configuration, as shown in Fig. 10, the heating unit 40 heats up rapidly in the initial heating section, quickly escapes from a high temperature state in the intermediate temperature drop section, and slowly heats up in the re-heating section. Therefore, it is possible to finish pre-heating early and provide the user with a puff experience of sufficient quality from the beginning to the end of the heating profile.

The control unit 116 may determine at least a portion of the switching between multiple time intervals in the heating profile based on the actual temperature of the heating unit 40. For example, the control unit 116 may determine the switching from the initial heating interval to the intermediate heating interval and the end of the re-heating interval based on the deviation between the target temperature set for each time interval and the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 falling within a predetermined threshold value.

The control unit 116 may determine at least a part of the switching of the multiple time sections in the heating profile based on the elapsed time. For example, the control unit 116 may determine the end of the intermediate temperature drop section based on the elapsed time from the start of the intermediate temperature drop section. For example, in the heating profile shown in FIG. 10, the intermediate temperature drop section is set to 10 seconds. Therefore, when 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of the intermediate temperature drop section, the control unit 116 determines the switching to the re-heating section and resumes heating by the heating unit 40. With this configuration, it is possible to determine the switching from the intermediate temperature drop section to the re-heating section without measuring the temperature of the heating unit 40, so that the processing load of the control unit 116 can be reduced. Furthermore, even if a configuration is adopted in which the temperature of the heating unit 40 is measured based on the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 40, it is possible to determine the switching to the re-heating section while stopping the power supply to the heating unit 40 in the intermediate temperature drop section.

However, the actual temperature of the heating section 40 at the end of the intermediate temperature drop section may vary depending on the external environment, such as the outside air temperature. For example, when operating based on the heating profile shown in FIG. 10, the actual temperature of the heating section 40 at the end of the intermediate temperature drop section may be 220° C. when the outside air temperature is low, and 240° C. when the outside air temperature is high.

Therefore, at the start of the next time interval (i.e., the re-heating interval) of the intermediate temperature drop interval, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 and the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature drop interval. More specifically, when the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 is lower than the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature drop interval at the start of the next time interval of the intermediate temperature drop interval, the control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 40 at a first duty ratio. On the other hand, when the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 is equal to or higher than the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature drop interval at the start of the next time interval of the intermediate temperature drop interval, the control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 40 at a second duty ratio. Here, the first duty ratio is greater than the second duty ratio. The duty ratio here is the ratio of the period during which power supply to the heating unit 40 continues in a predetermined period. With this configuration, even if a discrepancy occurs between the target temperature and the actual temperature of the heating section 40 due to the influence of the external environment, the discrepancy can be quickly reduced, thereby making it possible to suppress deterioration of the aroma and flavor experienced by the user.

(3) Process Flow FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the process flow executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, first, the suction device 100 heats up the heating section 40 from the initial temperature in the initial heating section to a target temperature set in the initial heating section (step S102).

Next, the suction device 100 stops supplying power to the heating unit 40 during the intermediate temperature drop section and causes the heating unit 40 to drop in temperature to the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature drop section (step S104).

Next, the suction device 100 heats up the heating section 40 in the re-heating section to the target temperature set in the re-heating section (step S106).

Then, when the re-heating period ends, the suction device 100 stops supplying power to the heating unit 40 (step S108).

<<3. Modified Examples>>
<3.1. First Modification>
In the initial heating section, in order to shorten the pre-heating period, the stick-type substrate 150 is rapidly heated to a temperature at which aerosol is sufficiently generated. As a result, the stick-type substrate 150 is likely to be excessively heated, a phenomenon called overshooting. If overshooting occurs, there is a risk that the life of the stick-type substrate 150 (more specifically, the length of the puffable period) will be shortened, or an inferior flavor will be delivered to the user.

Therefore, in the first modified example, a heating profile is provided in which the temperature rise rate per unit time gradually decreases in the initial temperature rise section. This configuration makes it possible to avoid overshooting in the initial temperature rise section and improve the quality of the user's puff experience. An example of a heating profile in this modified example is shown in Table 2.

Figure 12 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40 operating based on the heating profile shown in Table 2. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating section 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40.

As shown in Table 2, the initial heating section includes a first heating section and a second heating section following the first heating section. Different target temperatures are set for each of the first heating section and the second heating section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the target temperature of 290°C is reached in the first heating section, and then controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the target temperature of 295°C is reached in the second heating section. In this way, by setting a target temperature that functions as a milestone in the middle of the initial heating section and controlling the temperature, it is possible to increase the accuracy of the actual temperature reaching the target temperature of the initial heating section in the initial heating section.

The first heating section and the second heating section have different heating widths per unit time. The heating width per unit time of the first heating section is the difference between the target temperature set in the first heating section and the initial value divided by the time length of the first heating section. If the initial value is 0°C, the heating width per unit time of the first heating section in the example shown in Table 2 is (290-0)/17 ≒ 17. The heating width per unit time of the second heating section is the difference between the target temperature set in the second heating section and the target temperature set in the first heating section divided by the time length of the second heating section. The heating width per unit time of the second heating section in the example shown in Table 2 is (295-290)/18 ≒ 0.3.

In the multiple heating sections included in the initial heating section, the later heating sections have a smaller heating range per unit time than the earlier heating sections. In other words, the second heating section has a smaller heating range per unit time than the first heating section. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, the temperature rises more slowly as the initial heating section progresses to the latter half, so the actual temperature can be controlled more finely as the initial heating section progresses to the latter half. As a result, it is possible to prevent overshooting.

The time length of the first heating section and the target temperature set in the first heating section, and the time length of the second heating section and the target temperature set in the second heating section are set so that the temperature rise width per unit time in the second heating section is smaller than the temperature rise width per unit time in the first heating section. As an example, the length of the second heating section may be longer than the length of the first heating section. In the example shown in Table 2, the length of the second heating section is 18 seconds, which is longer than the length of the first heating section, 17 seconds. As another example, the temperature rise width in the second heating section may be smaller than the temperature rise width in the first heating section. In the example shown in Table 2, the temperature rise width in the second heating section is 295°C-290°C=5°C, which is smaller than the temperature rise width in the first heating section when the initial value is set to 0°C as an example, 290°C-0°C=290°C. According to this configuration, a time section of sufficient length for the temperature rise width can be secured as the second temperature rise section, so that overshoot can be prevented more reliably.

The initial heating section may further include a temperature maintenance section. An example of a heating profile in this case is shown in Table 3.

Figure 13 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40 operating based on the heating profile shown in Table 3. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating section 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40.

As shown in Table 3, the initial heating section includes a first heating section, a second heating section, and a temperature maintenance section at the end. The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section is the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintenance section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the temperature is raised to 290°C in the first heating section of 17 seconds, raised to 295°C in the subsequent second heating section of 18 seconds, and maintained at 295°C in the subsequent temperature maintenance section of 10 seconds. With this configuration, the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be sufficiently heated to the inside in the temperature maintenance section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not sufficiently heated to the inside, resulting in a poor smoking taste being delivered to the user in the subsequent intermediate temperature reduction section and re-heating section.

The number of heating sections included in the initial heating section is not limited to two. The initial heating section may have three or more heating sections. In that case, in the multiple heating sections included in the initial heating section, the later the heating section, the smaller the heating range per unit time compared to the earlier heating sections.

In this modified example, when comparing the absolute values of the change in the target temperature per unit time of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature drop section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the reheating section be the smallest, the intermediate temperature drop section be the next smallest, and the initial heating section be the largest. In particular, it is desirable that the absolute value of the change in the target temperature per unit time is the smallest in the reheating section, the second smallest in the intermediate temperature drop section, and the largest in the first heating section. In addition, when comparing the time lengths of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature drop section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the intermediate temperature drop section be the shortest, the initial heating section be the second shortest, and the reheating section be the longest. In particular, it is desirable that the time lengths of the time sections are the shortest in the intermediate temperature drop section, the second shortest in the first heating section, and the longest in the reheating section. With this configuration, the heating unit 40 rapidly heats up in the initial heating section, quickly escapes from a high temperature state in the intermediate temperature drop section, and slowly heats up in the reheating section. Therefore, it is possible to end pre-heating early and provide the user with a puffing experience of sufficient quality throughout the entire heating profile.

In the above, it has been explained that the initial heating section includes a temperature maintenance section, but it may also be understood that the temperature maintenance section is included between the initial heating section and the intermediate temperature drop section. That is, the heating profile may consist of an initial heating section, a temperature maintenance section, an intermediate temperature drop section, and a re-heating section, and may include these in that order. Even in this case, the effects described above are similarly achieved. Of course, a temperature maintenance section may be provided at the end of the initial heating section, and a temperature maintenance section may also be provided between the initial heating section and the intermediate temperature drop section.

3.2. Second Modification
If the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 rises rapidly, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is rapidly consumed, which may cause inconveniences such as the user tasting an overly strong flavor or the aerosol source being quickly depleted.

Therefore, in the second modified example, a heating profile is provided that includes a stepwise heating section, which is a time section during which the target temperature is increased stepwise. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a sudden increase in temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150, thereby preventing the above-mentioned inconveniences and improving the quality of the user's puff experience. An example of a heating profile in this modified example is shown in Table 4.

Figure 14 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 4. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating section 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40.

As shown in Table 4, the heating profile includes a reheating section as a stepwise heating section. The stepwise heating section is composed of a plurality of time sections, and the target temperature set in each of the plurality of time sections included in the stepwise heating section is equal to or higher than (i.e., the same as or higher than) the target temperature set in the previous time section. In the example shown in Table 4, the target temperature of the first temperature maintenance section included in the reheating section is 230°C, which is the same as the target temperature of the intermediate temperature drop section. The target temperature of the heating section included in the reheating section is 260°C, which is higher than the target temperature of the first temperature maintenance section. The target temperature of the second temperature maintenance section included in the reheating section is 260°C, which is the same as the target temperature of the reheating section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 in the reheating section so that the first temperature maintenance section maintains 230°C, the heating section increases the temperature to 260°C, and the second temperature maintenance section maintains 260°C. With this configuration, the aerosol is generated slowly in the reheating section, which makes it possible to extend the life of the stick-type substrate 150. In addition, this makes it possible to extract a sufficient amount of flavor from the stick-type substrate 150 until the end of the reheating section.

The stepwise heating section may alternately include a temperature maintenance section and a heating section. The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section is the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the temperature maintenance section. The target temperature set in the heating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately before the heating section. In the example shown in Table 4, a 135-second temperature maintenance section is provided at the beginning of the reheating section, followed by an 80-second heating section, and finally a 95-second temperature maintenance section. Since the target temperature set in the temperature maintenance section is the same as the target temperature set in the immediately previous time section, even if the actual temperature does not reach the target temperature in the immediately previous time section, it is possible to bring the actual temperature closer to the target temperature in the temperature maintenance section. Therefore, it is possible to improve the tracking of the actual temperature to the target temperature throughout the entire stepwise heating section.

The number of heating sections included in the stepwise heating section is not limited to one, and may be multiple. An example of a heating profile in this case is shown in Table 5.

Figure 15 is a graph showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40 operated based on the heating profile shown in Table 5. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating section 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40. In Figure 15, the temperature maintenance section in the re-heating section is marked with an "M", and the heating section in the re-heating section is marked with a "U".

The heating profile shown in FIG . 15 includes a reheating section that includes a plurality of alternating temperature maintaining sections M and temperature increasing sections U as a stepwise heating section. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 116 gradually heats the heating unit 40 in a plurality of stages in the reheating section. When the heating of a predetermined heating width in the heating section U is completed, the control unit 116 starts the next temperature maintaining section M. It is desirable that the predetermined heating width in one heating section U is suppressed to about several degrees Celsius to several tens of degrees Celsius. In addition, it is desirable that the target temperature set in the heating section U is heated within a range not exceeding 260°C, which is the target temperature of the reheating section. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from being shortened unnecessarily. The heating width in the heating section U may be the same throughout the entire reheating section, or may be different, for example, the heating width becomes smaller as it progresses to the latter half.

The control unit 116 may start the next heating section U when it is detected that the user has inhaled the aerosol. In other words, in the re-heating section, the temperature may be raised every time the user puffs, or the temperature may be maintained between puffs. With this configuration, the temperature is raised at the timing when the user puffs, and the amount of flavor extracted increases. Therefore, the flavor enjoyed by the user can be maintained even in the latter half of the heating profile, thereby improving the user's satisfaction with the puffing action.

Alternatively, the control unit 116 may end the temperature maintenance section M and start the next heating section U depending on the time elapsed in the temperature maintenance section M. For example, in the re-heating section, the temperature may be raised after being maintained for a predetermined time. With this configuration, the temperature can be raised without detecting the user's puffing action, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116. Here, it is desirable to set the above-mentioned predetermined time to a length equivalent to the interval between puffs performed by the user in the past. In that case, the same effect as when the temperature is raised every time the user puffs is achieved as described above.

In this modified example, when comparing the absolute values of the change in the target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature drop section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the reheating section (more specifically, the average value in the reheating section) is the smallest, the intermediate temperature drop section is the next smallest, and the initial heating section is the largest. Also, when comparing the time lengths of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature drop section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the intermediate temperature drop section is the shortest, the initial heating section is the next shortest, and the reheating section is the longest. With this configuration, the heating section 40 heats up rapidly in the initial heating section, escapes from a high temperature state early in the intermediate temperature drop section, and heats up slowly in the reheating section. Therefore, it is possible to end the preheating early and provide the user with a puff experience of sufficient quality from the beginning to the end of the heating profile.

<3.3. Third modified example>
The interval between puffs performed by users varies from person to person. Therefore, with a uniform heating profile, some users may not be able to fully enjoy the flavor. For example, in the above embodiment, if the interval between puffs performed by a user is short, the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150 may expire before the temperature is sufficiently raised in the re-heating section, and the user may not be able to realize the effect of improving the flavor due to the re-heating.

Therefore, in the third modified example, a variable heating profile is provided in response to input from the user. With this configuration, aerosol can be generated according to a heating profile suited to the user. Therefore, a satisfactory puffing experience can be provided to any user.

In this modified example, the heating profile includes multiple slots, which are consecutive time intervals along the time axis. The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the slot (hereinafter also referred to as the current slot) that corresponds to the elapsed time since control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile was started.

A target temperature at the end of the slot is set for the slot. Controlling the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the slot means controlling the power supply to the heating unit 40 so that the actual temperature at the end of the slot reaches the target temperature set for the slot. When switching slots, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the target temperature set for the slot after switching.

A plurality of switching conditions are set for the slots. The control unit 116 switches the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied, and controls the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the slot after the switch. The control unit 116 switches to the next slot after the current slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the current slot is satisfied. This configuration enables flexible control based on a plurality of switching conditions.

The multiple switching conditions set for a slot include the passage of time equal to the time length of the slot. In other words, the control unit 116 switches from the current slot to the next slot when time equal to the time length of the current slot has passed after switching to the current slot.

The multiple switching conditions set for the slots include the detection of the user's action of inhaling an aerosol. That is, the control unit 116 switches to the next slot when the user's action of inhaling an aerosol is detected. In this case, the control based on the current slot is interrupted and switched to the next slot. Therefore, when the user's action of inhaling an aerosol is detected, the control unit 116 shortens the time length of the heating profile. The time length of the heating profile is the length of the period during which control of the operation of the heating unit 40 is executed based on the heating profile. At that time, the control unit 116 shortens the time length of the heating profile by the remaining time length from the timing when the user's action of inhaling an aerosol is detected to the end of the slot corresponding to that timing. For example, if the time length of the current slot is 20 seconds and a puffing action is detected 5 seconds after switching to the current slot, the control unit 116 shortens the time length of the heating profile by 20-5=15 seconds. According to this configuration, the shorter the interval between puffing actions, the shorter the time length of the heating profile. Therefore, even if multiple puffing operations are performed and the aerosol source is depleted early, it is possible to prevent a situation in which heating based on the heating profile continues and an unpleasant flavor is delivered to the user.

Table 6 shows an example of a heating profile that includes four consecutive slots.

Figures 16 to 18 are graphs showing an example of the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40 operating based on the heating profile shown in Table 6. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the heating section 40. Line 21 in this graph shows the time series change in the actual temperature of the heating section 40.

In particular, FIG. 16 shows the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 when a puffing action by the user is not detected in each of slots S1 to S4. When a puffing action by the user is not detected, each of slots S1 to S4 is switched to the next slot when the time length of the slot has elapsed. Slot S1 is preceded by another slot in succession with a target temperature of 230°C. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, in slot S1, the temperature is raised from 230°C to 235°C. Similarly, in slot S2, the temperature is raised to 240°C, in slot S3 it is maintained at 240°C, and in slot S4 it is raised to 245°C.

Here, it is assumed that a predetermined input is detected at time _t1 included in slot S1. FIG. 17 shows the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 when a puffing action by the user is detected at time _t1 included in slot S1. When a puffing action by the user is detected at time _t1 included in slot S1, the control unit 116 ends slot S1 at time _t1 and switches to slot S2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature of 240° C. at the end of slot S2 after switching. Also, as shown in FIG. 17, slot S1 is interrupted midway, so the time length of the heating profile is shortened accordingly.

Furthermore, it is assumed that a predetermined input is detected at time _t2 included in slot S3. FIG. 18 shows the time series transition of the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 when a puffing action by the user is detected at time t1 included in slot _S1 and time _t2 included in slot S3. When a puffing action by the user is detected at time _t2 included in slot S3, the control unit 116 ends slot S3 at time _t2 and switches to slot S4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 40 so that the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 reaches the target temperature of 240° C. at the end of slot S4 after switching. Also, as shown in FIG. 18, slot S3 is interrupted midway, so the time length of the heating profile is shortened accordingly.

As described above, in this modified example, it is possible to control the temperature of the heating unit 40 while switching slots in response to the satisfaction of any one of a number of switching conditions set for the slots. In particular, in this modified example, it is possible to control the temperature of the heating unit 40 while switching slots in response to the detection of a puffing action by the user. With this configuration, it is possible to perform precise temperature control in response to the puffing interval by the user.

In at least some of the multiple slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature may be different between two consecutive slots. For example, in the example shown in Table 6, the target temperature of slot S1 is 235°C, and the target temperature of slot S2 is 240°C, which is different from 235°C. With this configuration, the heating section 40 can continue to be heated every time the user puffs, thereby improving the flavor experienced by the user.

In at least some of the multiple slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature may be the same between two consecutive slots. For example, in the example shown in Table 6, the target temperature of slot S2 is 240° C., and the target temperature of slot S3 is also 240° C. With this configuration, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be maintained even if the user puffs, so that the life of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be extended.

It is desirable that the target temperature set for a slot is equal to or higher than the target temperature set for the other slots that immediately precede that slot. In other words, the target temperature set for the subsequent slot is not set to a lower value than the target temperature set for the previous slot, but is set to the same value or a higher value. With this configuration, it is possible to maintain or improve the flavor that the user enjoys by maintaining or raising the temperature every time the user takes a puff.

It is desirable for the number of slots to be two or more. If the number of slots is too small, precise temperature control becomes difficult, and the flavor experienced by the user may deteriorate. In this respect, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the number of slots from being too small, thereby preventing the deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user.

It is desirable for the number of slots to be 15 or less. If there are too many slots, slot switching will occur more frequently, increasing the processing load on the control unit 116. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the number of slots from being too large, making it possible to reduce the processing load on the control unit 116.

It is desirable for the slot length to be 10 seconds or more. If the slot length is too short, slot switching will occur more frequently, increasing the processing load on the control unit 116. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to ensure that the slot length is not too short, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116.

It is desirable for the slot time length to be less than 25 seconds. If the slot time length is too long, precise temperature control becomes difficult, which may result in a deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the slot time length from being too long, thereby preventing the deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user.

The duration of at least two of the multiple slots included in the heating profile may be different from each other. This configuration allows for precise temperature control.

The time lengths of at least two of the multiple slots included in the heating profile may be the same. With this configuration, it is possible to easily switch between slots, thereby reducing the processing load on the control unit 116.

Typically, the slot is set in the reheating section. In that case, the reheating section is compressed every time a puff is performed, and the timing of the temperature rise is advanced compared to when no puff is performed. Therefore, even if the interval between puffs by the user is short, the temperature can be sufficiently raised in the reheating section, so that the user can feel the effect of the flavor improvement by the reheating. In this way, according to this modified example, it is possible to provide a satisfactory puffing experience to users of any puffing style.

In this modified example, when comparing the absolute values of the change in the target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature drop section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the reheating section (more specifically, the average value in the reheating section) is the smallest, the intermediate temperature drop section is the next smallest, and the initial heating section is the largest. Also, when comparing the time lengths of each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature drop section, and the reheating section, it is desirable that the intermediate temperature drop section is the shortest, the initial heating section is the next shortest, and the reheating section is the longest. With this configuration, the heating section 40 heats up rapidly in the initial heating section, escapes from a high temperature state early in the intermediate temperature drop section, and heats up slowly in the reheating section. Therefore, it is possible to end the preheating early and provide the user with a puff experience of sufficient quality from the beginning to the end of the heating profile.

<<4. Supplementary Information>>
Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the end of the intermediate temperature drop section is determined based on the elapsed time from the start of the intermediate temperature drop section, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control unit 116 may determine the end of the intermediate temperature drop section based on the difference between the target temperature set for the intermediate temperature drop section and the actual temperature of the heating unit 40. For example, the control unit 116 monitors the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 while performing measurements using a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 40 at a predetermined interval. Then, when the measured actual temperature reaches the target temperature of the intermediate temperature drop section, the control unit 116 determines to switch from the intermediate temperature drop section to the re-heating section. With this configuration, it is possible to switch from the intermediate temperature drop section to the re-heating section at an appropriate timing regardless of the external environment such as the outside air temperature.

In the above embodiment, the control unit 116 has been described as controlling the operation of the heating unit 40 in accordance with the deviation between the target temperature and the actual temperature. As an example, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 in accordance with the deviation between the current actual temperature and the target temperature set in the current time section (i.e., the time section corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of the control of the operation of the heating unit 40 based on the heating profile). That is, in the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 10, if the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 10 seconds after the start of heating is 100°C, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 based on 195°C, which is the deviation between 100°C and 295°C. As another example, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 in accordance with the deviation between the current actual temperature and the current target temperature. That is, in the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 10, if the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 10 seconds after the start of heating is 100°C, the current target temperature is approximately 295÷35×10=84°C. Therefore, the control unit 116 may control the operation of the heating unit 40 based on −16° C., which is the difference between 100° C. and 84° C.

The operation of the heating unit 40 for increasing the temperature, which is performed when the current actual temperature is lower than the target temperature set for the current time interval, can be realized in various ways. As an example, the operation of the heating unit 40 for increasing the temperature may be controlled based on the remaining time until the end of the time interval and the deviation between the actual temperature and the target temperature. That is, in the example shown in Table 1 and FIG. 10, if the actual temperature of the heating unit 40 10 seconds after the start of heating is 100°C, the control unit 116 may adjust the duty ratio of the power pulse supplied to the heating unit 40 so that the temperature is increased by another 195°C after 25 seconds. As another example, the operation of the heating unit 40 for increasing the temperature may be fixed. That is, the control unit 116 may always maximize the duty ratio of the power pulse supplied to the heating unit 40 during the temperature increase.

Notification of the start of the puffable period may be performed at any timing. As one example, notification of the start of the puffable period may be performed at the end of the initial heating section. As another example, if a temperature maintenance section is included at the end of the initial heating section, notification of the start of the puffable period may be performed at the start of a temperature maintenance section included in the initial heating section. As another example, if a temperature maintenance section is included between the initial heating section and an intermediate temperature drop section, notification of the start of the puffable period may be performed at the end of such temperature maintenance section.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the gap formed between the heater assembly 30 and the stick-type substrate 150 functions as a flow path for introducing air into the stick-type substrate 150, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, an opening communicating with outside air may be provided in the bottom wall of the heater assembly 30. Then, when the user puffs, air may be introduced into the stick-type substrate 150 from such an opening.

For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined. That is, at least two of the first modified example, the second modified example, and the third modified example may be combined. As an example, the first modified example and the second modified example may be combined. That is, the heating profile may include an initial heating section including a plurality of heating sections with different heating widths per unit time, an intermediate heating section, and a reheating section in which the target temperature increases stepwise. As another example, the first modified example and the third modified example may be combined. In that case, the heating profile may include an initial heating section including a plurality of heating sections with different heating widths per unit time, an intermediate heating section, and a reheating section including a plurality of slots.

In addition, the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is loaded into RAM, for example, when executed by a computer, and executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc. In addition, the computer program may be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

In addition, the processes described in this specification using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional processing steps may be employed, and some processing steps may be omitted.

The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.
(1)
A heating section for heating the substrate to generate an aerosol;
a control unit that controls an operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit;
Equipped with
The heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along a time axis;
A plurality of switching conditions are set in the slot,
The control unit switches the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied, and controls the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after the switching.
Suction device.
(2)
the control unit switches to the slot next to the slot corresponding to the elapsed time when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot corresponding to the elapsed time from starting control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile is satisfied.
The suction device described in (1) above.
(3)
The slot is set to the target temperature at the end of the slot.
The suction device according to (1) or (2).
(4)
When the control unit switches the slot, the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the target temperature set for the slot after the switching.
The suction device described in (3) above.
(5)
the plurality of switching conditions include a time period corresponding to a time length of the slot having elapsed;
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4).
(6)
The plurality of switching conditions include detection of a user's inhalation of the aerosol.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (5).
(7)
The control unit reduces a time length of the heating profile when a user's inhalation of the aerosol is detected.
The suction device described in (6) above.
(8)
The control unit shortens the time length of the heating profile by the remaining time length from a timing when the user's action of inhaling the aerosol is detected to the end of the slot corresponding to the timing.
The suction device described in (7) above.
(9)
In at least a portion of the plurality of slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature is different between two consecutive slots.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (8).
(10)
In at least a portion of the plurality of slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature is the same between two consecutive slots.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9).
(11)
The target temperature set for the slot is equal to or higher than the target temperature set for another slot preceding and succeeding the slot.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (10).
(12)
The heating profile includes 2 to 15 of the slots.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (11).
(13)
The time length of the slot is greater than or equal to 10 seconds and less than 25 seconds.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (12).
(14)
The time lengths of at least two of the slots included in the heating profile are different from each other.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (13).
(15)
The time lengths of at least two of the slots included in the heating profile are the same.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (14).
(16)
The heating profile includes an initial heating section, an intermediate heating section, and a re-heating section, in that order;
The target temperature set in the initial temperature rise section is higher than an initial value,
the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature decreasing section,
the target temperature set in the re-heating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the re-heating section,
The slot is set in the reheating section.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15).
(17)
The heating profile includes an initial temperature increase section, a temperature maintenance section, an intermediate temperature decrease section, and a re-heating section, in that order;
The target temperature set in the initial temperature rise section is higher than an initial value,
the target temperature set in the temperature maintaining section is the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintaining section, and the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature decreasing section,
the target temperature set in the re-heating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the re-heating section,
The slot is set in the reheating section.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15).
(18)
The control unit controls not to supply power to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature decreasing section.
The suction device according to (16) or (17) above.
(19)
The initial heating section includes a first heating section and a second heating section subsequent to the first heating section,
the first temperature rise section and the second temperature rise section have different temperature rise widths per unit time,
the temperature rise width per unit time in the first temperature rise section is a value obtained by dividing a difference between the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section and the initial value by a time length of the first temperature rise section,
The temperature rise width per unit time in the second temperature rise section is a value obtained by dividing a difference between the target temperature set in the second temperature rise section and the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section by a time length of the second temperature rise section.
The suction device according to any one of (16) to (18).
(20)
The second temperature increase section has a smaller temperature increase width per unit time than the first temperature increase section.
The suction device described in (19) above.
(21)
The initial temperature increasing section includes a temperature maintaining section at the end,
The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance interval is the same as the target temperature set in the time interval immediately preceding the temperature maintenance interval.
The suction device according to any one of (16) to (20).
(22)
When comparing absolute values of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and the re-heating section, the re-heating section has the smallest amount of change, the intermediate temperature decreasing section has the next smallest amount, and the initial heating section has the largest amount of change.
an absolute value of the change amount of the target temperature per unit time in the initial heating section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the initial heating section and an initial value by a time length of the initial heating section,
an absolute value of the change amount of the target temperature per unit time in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section and the target temperature set in a time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature decreasing section by a time length of the intermediate temperature decreasing section;
an absolute value of the change amount of the target temperature per unit time in the re-heating section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the re-heating section and the target temperature set in a time section immediately before the re-heating section by a time length of the re-heating section;
The suction device according to any one of (16) to (21).
(23)
When comparing the time lengths of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and the re-heating section, the intermediate temperature decreasing section is the shortest, the initial heating section is the next shortest, and the re-heating section is the longest.
The suction device according to any one of (16) to (22).
(24)
the suction device further comprising a chamber for receiving the substrate;
The chamber includes an opening into which the substrate is inserted and a holder that holds the substrate;
The holding portion includes a pressing portion that presses a portion of the base material and a non-pressing portion,
The heating portion is disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (23).
(25)
the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on a deviation between the target temperature corresponding to an elapsed time from starting control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile and an actual temperature of the heating unit.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (24).
(26)
A control method for controlling an inhalation device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, comprising:
Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile in which a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined;
Including,
The heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along a time axis;
A plurality of switching conditions are set in the slot,
Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes switching the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied, and controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching.
Control methods.
(27)
A computer that controls a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol is provided.
Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile in which a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined;
Run the command,
The heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along a time axis;
A plurality of switching conditions are set in the slot,
Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes switching the slot when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied, and controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching.
program.

100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate unit 152 Suction port unit 30 Heater assembly 32 Top cap 40 Heating unit 40a First portion 40b Second portion 42 Heating element 44 Electrical insulating member 48 Electrode 50 Chamber 52 Opening 54 Non-holding portion 56 Bottom portion 56a Bottom wall 56b Side wall 58 First guide portion 58a Tapered surface 60 Holding portion 62 Pressing portion 62a Inner surface 62b Outer surface 66 Non-pressing portion 66a Inner surface 66b Outer surface 67 Gap 70 Heat insulation portion 80 Internal space

Claims (24)

A heating section for heating the substrate to generate an aerosol;
a control unit that controls an operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit;
Equipped with
The heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along a time axis;
A plurality of switching conditions are set in the slot, including a detection of a user's inhalation of the aerosol ;
when one of the multiple switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied , the control unit switches the slot , controls the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching, and shortens the time length of the heating profile by the remaining time length from the timing at which the user's action of inhaling the aerosol was detected to the end of the slot corresponding to the timing.
Suction device. the control unit switches to the slot next to the slot corresponding to the elapsed time when any one of the plurality of switching conditions set for the slot corresponding to the elapsed time from starting control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile is satisfied.
2. The suction device of claim 1. The slot is set to the target temperature at the end of the slot.
3. A suction device according to claim 1 or 2. When the control unit switches the slot, the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on the target temperature set for the slot after the switching.
4. The suction device according to claim 3. the plurality of switching conditions include a time period corresponding to a time length of the slot having elapsed;
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. In at least a portion of the plurality of slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature is different between two consecutive slots.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . In at least a portion of the plurality of slots included in the heating profile, the target temperature is the same between two consecutive slots.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The target temperature set for the slot is equal to or higher than the target temperature set for another slot preceding and succeeding the slot.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . The heating profile includes 2 to 15 of the slots.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 . The time length of the slot is greater than or equal to 10 seconds and less than 25 seconds.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . The time lengths of at least two of the slots included in the heating profile are different from each other.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . The time lengths of at least two of the slots included in the heating profile are the same.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The heating profile includes an initial heating section, an intermediate heating section, and a re-heating section, in that order;
The target temperature set in the initial temperature rise section is higher than an initial value,
the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature decreasing section,
the target temperature set in the re-heating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the re-heating section,
The slot is set in the reheating section.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . The heating profile includes an initial temperature increase section, a temperature maintenance section, an intermediate temperature decrease section, and a re-heating section, in that order;
The target temperature set in the initial temperature rise section is higher than an initial value,
the target temperature set in the temperature maintaining section is the same as the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the temperature maintaining section, and the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is lower than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature decreasing section,
the target temperature set in the re-heating section is higher than the target temperature set in the time section immediately preceding the re-heating section,
The slot is set in the reheating section.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . The control unit controls not to supply power to the heating unit during the intermediate temperature decreasing section.
15. A suction device according to claim 13 or 14 . The initial heating section includes a first heating section and a second heating section subsequent to the first heating section,
the first temperature rise section and the second temperature rise section have different temperature rise widths per unit time,
the temperature rise width per unit time in the first temperature rise section is a value obtained by dividing a difference between the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section and the initial value by a time length of the first temperature rise section,
The temperature rise width per unit time in the second temperature rise section is a value obtained by dividing a difference between the target temperature set in the second temperature rise section and the target temperature set in the first temperature rise section by a time length of the second temperature rise section.
The suction device according to any one of claims 13 to 15 . The second temperature increase section has a smaller temperature increase width per unit time than the first temperature increase section.
17. A suction device according to claim 16 . The initial temperature increasing section includes a temperature maintaining section at the end,
The target temperature set in the temperature maintenance interval is the same as the target temperature set in the time interval immediately preceding the temperature maintenance interval.
A suction device according to any one of claims 13 to 17 . When comparing absolute values of the amount of change in the target temperature per unit time in each of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and the re-heating section, the re-heating section has the smallest amount of change, the intermediate temperature decreasing section has the next smallest amount, and the initial heating section has the largest amount of change.
an absolute value of the change amount of the target temperature per unit time in the initial heating section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the initial heating section and an initial value by a time length of the initial heating section,
an absolute value of the change amount of the target temperature per unit time in the intermediate temperature decreasing section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the intermediate temperature decreasing section and the target temperature set in a time section immediately preceding the intermediate temperature decreasing section by a time length of the intermediate temperature decreasing section;
an absolute value of the change amount of the target temperature per unit time in the re-heating section is a value obtained by dividing an absolute value of a difference between the target temperature set in the re-heating section and the target temperature set in a time section immediately before the re-heating section by a time length of the re-heating section;
A suction device according to any one of claims 13 to 18 . When comparing the time lengths of the initial heating section, the intermediate temperature decreasing section, and the re-heating section, the intermediate temperature decreasing section is the shortest, the initial heating section is the next shortest, and the re-heating section is the longest.
A suction device according to any one of claims 13 to 19 . the suction device further comprising a chamber for receiving the substrate;
The chamber includes an opening into which the substrate is inserted and a holder that holds the substrate;
The holding portion includes a pressing portion that presses a portion of the base material and a non-pressing portion,
The heating portion is disposed on the outer surface of the pressing portion.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 20 . the control unit controls the operation of the heating unit based on a deviation between the target temperature corresponding to an elapsed time from starting control of the operation of the heating unit based on the heating profile and an actual temperature of the heating unit.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 21 . A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol, comprising:
Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile in which a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined;
Including,
The heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along a time axis;
A plurality of switching conditions are set in the slot, including a detection of a user's inhalation of the aerosol ;
Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes, when one of the multiple switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied that the user's action of inhaling the aerosol has been detected , switching the slot, controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching , and shortening the time length of the heating profile by the remaining time length from the timing at which the user's action of inhaling the aerosol was detected to the end of the slot corresponding to the timing .
Control methods. A computer that controls a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate to generate an aerosol is provided.
Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a heating profile in which a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined;
Run the command,
The heating profile includes a plurality of slots, which are successive time intervals along a time axis;
A plurality of switching conditions are set in the slot, including a detection of a user's inhalation of the aerosol ;
Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes, when one of the multiple switching conditions set for the slot is satisfied , switching the slot , controlling the operation of the heating unit based on the slot after switching, and shortening the time length of the heating profile by the remaining time length from the timing at which the user's action of inhaling the aerosol was detected to the end of the slot corresponding to the timing .
program.

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