JP7481444B2 - 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 that generate a substance to be inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used. 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 (hereinafter also referred to as puffing) the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the inhalation device.

The methods by which inhalation devices generate aerosols are roughly divided into a liquid atomization method and a stick heating method. In the liquid atomization method, aerosols are generated by atomizing a liquid aerosol source. In the stick heating method, aerosols are generated by heating a stick containing an aerosol source. Furthermore, the following Patent Document 1 discloses a hybrid inhalation device that uses both the liquid atomization method and the stick heating method.

International Publication No. 2020/039589

However, hybrid suction devices have only recently been developed, and it is difficult to say that they have yet to fully demonstrate their capabilities.

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 capable of improving the performance of a suction device.

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, an inhalation device is provided, comprising: a first heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate; a second heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate and generates an aerosol that passes through the first substrate; and a control unit that controls the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit so that it increases as the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit begins increases.

The control unit may also control the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit per suction operation of inhaling the aerosol so that it increases as the elapsed time since heating by the first heating unit is started increases.

The control unit may control an amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation so that the amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation increases as the time elapsed since heating by the first heating unit begins increases.

The control unit may perform control such that a time for which power is supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation increases as the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started increases.

The control unit may control the amount of power supplied per unit time to the second heating unit per suction operation so that it increases as the elapsed time since heating by the first heating unit is started becomes longer.

The control unit may control an amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation of suctioning the aerosol such that the amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation increases as the number of suction operations increases.

The control unit may be configured to perform control such that heating is performed by the second heating unit when a suction operation for suctioning the aerosol is performed.

The control unit may control heating by the first heating unit in accordance with a heating profile that defines the relationship between the elapsed time since heating by the first heating unit is started and the temperature of the first heating unit.

The control unit may be configured to control the heating unit so that heating by the second heating unit is not performed even if an suction operation is performed to suction the aerosol until the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started reaches a first predetermined time.

The control unit may also control the heating unit so that heating by the second heating unit is not performed even if a suction operation is performed to suction the aerosol after the elapsed time since heating by the first heating unit is started reaches a second predetermined time.

The control unit may control the heating profile based on user input.

The control unit may control the relationship between the elapsed time since heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit based on the type of the first substrate.

The control unit may identify a type of the first substrate based on identification information given to the first substrate.

The control unit may control the relationship between the elapsed time since heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit based on the type of the second substrate.

The control unit may control the relationship between the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit, based on an input by a user.

The first substrate may contain a flavor source.

The second substrate may contain the aerosol source in a liquid form.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an suction device having a first heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate, and a second heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate and generates an aerosol that passes through the first substrate, the control method including controlling the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating section so that it increases as the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating section begins becomes longer.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided to cause a computer that controls an suction device having a first heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate, and a second heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate and generates an aerosol that passes through the first substrate to control the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit so that it increases as the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit begins increases.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device comprising a first heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate, a second heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate, and a control section that controls heating by the second heating section when a suction operation for suctioning the aerosol is performed, wherein the control section controls so that heating by the second heating section is not performed even when the suction operation is performed, until a predetermined time has elapsed since heating by the first heating section was started.

In addition, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device comprising a first heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate, a second heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate, and a control section that controls so that heating by the second heating section is performed when a suction operation is performed to suction the aerosol, wherein the control section controls so that heating by the second heating section is not performed when the suction operation is performed after heating by the first heating section has ended.

As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of improving the performance of a suction device is provided.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile and atomization settings set in an inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process for controlling the amount of atomization of cartridge-side aerosol executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of the process for controlling the amount of nebulization of the cartridge-side aerosol executed by the suction device according to the present embodiment. 11 is a graph showing an example of switching of atomization settings according to the type of base material in the suction device according to the present embodiment. 11 is a graph showing an example of switching of a heating profile in response to a user input in the suction device according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

1. Configuration example of suction device
An inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following, the substance generated by the inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas. In the following, the inhalation of the substance generated by the inhalation device by a user will be simply referred to as "inhalation" or "puffing". Below, various configuration examples of the inhalation device will be described.

The suction device according to this configuration example generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source as a liquid and by heating a substrate containing the aerosol source. Hereinafter, this configuration example will be described with reference to FIG.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, a suction device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111, a sensor unit 112, a notification unit 113, a storage unit 114, a communication unit 115, a control unit 116, a liquid guide unit 122, a liquid storage unit 123, a heating unit 121-1, a heating unit 121-2, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144. In addition, an air flow path 180 is formed in the suction device 100.

The heating section 121-1, the liquid guide section 122, and the liquid storage section 123 are included in the cartridge 120. The cartridge 120 is configured to be detachable from the suction device 100. The user performs suction with the cartridge 120 attached to the suction device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 held in the holding section 140. Each component will be described in order below.

The power supply unit 111 accumulates power. The power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the suction device 100. The power supply unit 111 may be configured with a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery. The power supply unit 111 may be charged by being connected to an external power supply via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable or the like. The power supply unit 111 may also be charged by using wireless power transmission technology while not being connected to a power transmitting device. Alternatively, only the power supply unit 111 may be removable from the suction device 100, and may be replaced with a new power supply unit 111.

The sensor unit 112 detects various information related to the suction device 100. The sensor unit 112 outputs the detected information to the control unit 116. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. When the sensor unit 112 detects a numerical value associated with the suction by the user, the sensor unit 112 outputs information indicating that the user has performed the suction to the control unit 116. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts input of information from the user. In particular, the sensor unit 112 may include a button that instructs the start/stop of the generation of aerosol. The sensor unit 112 outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 116. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured with a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121-2. Such a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 121-2 based on, for example, the electrical resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 121-2. The sensor unit 112 may detect the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding unit 140 based on the temperature of the heating unit 121-2.

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. As an example, the notification unit 113 is configured with a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the notification unit 113 emits light in different light-emitting patterns when the state of the power supply unit 111 is in need of charging, when the power supply unit 111 is charging, and when an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100. The light-emitting pattern here is a concept including color and timing of turning on/off. The notification unit 113 may be configured with a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, and a vibration device that vibrates, together with or instead of the light-emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113 may notify information indicating that the user is able to inhale. The information indicating that the user is able to inhale is notified when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121-2 reaches a predetermined temperature.

The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is, for example, configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. One example of the information stored in the storage unit 114 is information related to the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100, such as the control contents of various components by the control unit 116. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 114 is information related to aspiration by the user, such as the number of suctions, the time of suction, and the cumulative suction time.

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the suction device 100 and another device. The communication unit 115 performs communication in compliance with any communication standard, whether wired or wireless. As such a communication standard, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like may be adopted. As one example, the communication unit 115 transmits information related to the suction by the user to a smartphone in order to display the information related to the suction by the user on the smartphone. As another example, the communication unit 115 receives new OS information from a server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114.

The control unit 116 functions as a calculation processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 116 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the programs and calculation parameters to be used, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate. The suction device 100 executes various processes based on the control by the control unit 116. Power supply from the power supply unit 111 to each of the other components, charging of the power supply unit 111, detection of information by the sensor unit 112, notification of information by the notification unit 113, storage and reading of information by the storage unit 114, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 115 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 116. Other processes executed by the suction device 100, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 116.

The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may further include a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from the tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component when heated. The aerosol source may further include nicotine. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicine for the patient to inhale.

The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. The liquid guide portion 122 is in liquid communication with the liquid storage portion 123. Therefore, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 spreads throughout the liquid guide portion 122 by the capillary effect.

The heating unit 121-1 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 121-1 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide in any shape such as a coil, film, or blade. The heating unit 121-1 is disposed close to the liquid guide unit 122. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121-1 is made of a metal coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. Thus, when the heating unit 121-1 generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121-1 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, the heating unit 121-1 may be powered and generate an aerosol during a period in which the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has inhaled the aerosol. As another example, the heating unit 121-1 may be powered and generate an aerosol when the sensor unit 112 detects that a predetermined user input (for example, pressing a button to instruct the start/stop of aerosol generation) has been performed. Thereafter, when the sensor unit 112 detects that a specific user input has been made (for example, a second press of the button to instruct the start/stop of aerosol generation), the power supply may be stopped.

The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside, and holds the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom part 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 is configured so that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-type substrate 150 in at least a part of the height direction of the cylindrical body, and can hold the stick-type substrate 150 by compressing the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the outer periphery. The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path of air passing through the stick-type substrate 150. An air inlet hole, which is an entrance of air into such a flow path, is arranged in, for example, the bottom part 143. On the other hand, an air outlet hole, which is an outlet for air from such a flow path, is an opening 142 .

The stick-shaped substrate 150 is a stick-shaped member. The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152.

The substrate 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source may be derived from tobacco, such as a processed product in which cut tobacco or tobacco raw material is molded into a granular, sheet, or powder form. The aerosol source may also include a non-tobacco-derived product made from a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). As an example, the aerosol source may include a flavoring component such as menthol. When the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a drug for the patient to inhale. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and a liquid such as water. At least a portion of the substrate 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140 when the stick-type substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140.

The suction mouth part 152 is a member that is held in the mouth of the user when inhaling. At least a part of the suction mouth part 152 protrudes from the opening 142 when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the holding part 140. When the user holds the suction mouth part 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his/her mouth and inhales, air flows into the inside of the holding part 140 from an air inlet hole (not shown). The air that has flowed in passes through the internal space 141 of the holding part 140, i.e., passes through the substrate part 151, and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate part 151.

The heating unit 121-2 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 121-2 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating unit 121-2 is configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. Then, when the heating unit 121-2 generates heat, the aerosol source included in the stick-type substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery of the stick-type substrate 150 and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121-2 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111. As an example, when the sensor unit 112 detects that a predetermined user input has been performed, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated. When the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121-2 reaches a predetermined temperature, inhalation by the user becomes possible. Thereafter, when the sensor unit 112 detects that a predetermined user input has been performed, power supply may be stopped. As another example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated during a period in which the sensor unit 112 detects that a user has inhaled.

Here, an air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 is disposed in the bottom 143 of the holding part 140. Through the air outlet hole 182, the internal space 141 of the holding part 140 and the air flow path 180 are in communication with each other.

The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet hole 181, which is an inlet of air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet hole 182, which is an outlet of air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. When the user inhales, air flows into the air flow path 180 from the air inlet hole 181, and flows out from the air outlet hole 182 to the internal space 141 of the holding part 140. As an example, the air inlet hole 181 is disposed at any position of the inhalation device 100. On the other hand, the air outlet hole 182 is disposed at the bottom 143 of the holding part 140. The liquid guide part 122 is disposed midway along the air flow path 180. The aerosol generated by the heating part 121-1 is mixed with the air flowing in from the air inlet hole 181. Next, as the user inhales, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air is transported to internal space 141 of holding section 140 via air outflow hole 182, as shown by arrow 190. Then, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air transported to internal space 141 of holding section 140 reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated by heating section 121-2.

In this configuration example, aerosol may be generated by vibration or induction heating instead of heating by the heating unit 121-1.

When the aerosol is generated by vibration, the suction device 100 includes a vibration unit instead of the heating unit 121-1. For example, the vibration unit is made of a plate-like member including piezoelectric ceramics that functions as an ultrasonic vibrator. When the vibration unit vibrates, the aerosol source guided to the surface of the vibration unit by the liquid guide unit 122 is atomized by ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibration unit, and the aerosol is generated.

When the aerosol is generated by induction heating, the suction device 100 includes a susceptor and an electromagnetic induction source instead of the heating unit 121-1. The susceptor generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is made of a conductive material such as metal. The susceptor is disposed close to the liquid guiding unit 122. For example, the susceptor is made of a metal conductor and is wound around the liquid guiding unit 122. The electromagnetic induction source heats the susceptor by electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is made of, for example, a coil-shaped conductor. When an alternating current is supplied from the power supply unit 111, the electromagnetic induction source generates a magnetic field. The electromagnetic induction source is disposed at a position where the susceptor is superimposed on the generated magnetic field. Thus, when a magnetic field is generated, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. Then, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122 is heated and atomized by the Joule heat, and an aerosol is generated.

Similarly, in this configuration example, aerosol may be generated by induction heating instead of heating by the heating unit 121-2.

In this case, the stick-shaped substrate 150 further includes a susceptor. The susceptor generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is made of a conductive material such as a metal. As an example, the susceptor is a metal piece. The susceptor is disposed in proximity to the aerosol source. For example, the susceptor is included in the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

Moreover, the suction device 100 includes an electromagnetic induction source instead of the heating unit 121-2. The electromagnetic induction source is, for example, configured of a coil-shaped conductor and is arranged so as to be wound around the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When an alternating current is supplied from the power supply unit 111, the electromagnetic induction source generates a magnetic field. The electromagnetic induction source is arranged at a position where the internal space 141 of the holding unit 140 overlaps with the generated magnetic field. Therefore, when a magnetic field is generated with the stick-type substrate 150 held by the holding unit 140, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor, and Joule heat is generated. Then, the aerosol source included in the stick-type substrate 150 is heated and atomized by the Joule heat, and an aerosol is generated.

The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

As one example, the heating unit 121-2 may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121-2 is inserted into the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121-2 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121-2 may be configured as a combination of two or more of a heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped heating unit, and a heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the holding unit 140.

As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121-2 may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

Furthermore, the means for generating the aerosol is not limited to heating, and may be, for example, vibration atomization or induction heating.

2. Technical features
(1) Basic Operation of the Inhalation Device 100 The inhalation device 100 generates an aerosol, which is a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the action of a user using the inhalation device 100 to inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100 will be simply referred to as inhalation (puffing) or inhalation action. An example of puffing is holding the suction mouth part 152 of the stick-type substrate 150 inserted into the inhalation device 100 in the mouth and inhaling. By puffing, the user can inhale the aerosol generated by the inhalation device 100.

The heating unit 121-2 is an example of a first heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate. The stick-type substrate 150 is an example of a first substrate. The stick-type substrate 150 contains a flavor source that releases a flavor component when heated. An example of the flavor component is an extract of tobacco leaves. Hereinafter, the heating unit 121-2 is also referred to as a stick heating unit 121-2.

The heating unit 121-1 is an example of a second heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate. The cartridge 120 is an example of a second substrate that contains an aerosol source that is a liquid. The cartridge 120 may contain a flavor source that releases a flavor component when heated. An example of the flavor component is menthol. Hereinafter, the heating unit 121-1 is also referred to as a cartridge heating unit 121-1.

The aerosol generated by the stick heating unit 121-2 is also referred to as stick-side aerosol. On the other hand, the aerosol generated by the cartridge heating unit 121-1 is also referred to as cartridge-side aerosol. When there is no need to particularly distinguish between the stick-side aerosol and the cartridge-side aerosol, they are also collectively referred to simply as aerosol.

When a puff is performed, the cartridge-side aerosol passes through the stick-type substrate 150 and reaches the user's mouth. When passing through the stick-type substrate 150, the cartridge-side aerosol picks up flavor components from the flavor source contained in the stick-type substrate 150. Furthermore, when passing through the stick-type substrate 150, the cartridge-side aerosol is mixed with the stick-side aerosol. Therefore, the user can inhale the aerosol to which the flavor components derived from the stick-type substrate 150 have been imparted.

When the aerosol source contained in the stick substrate 150 becomes depleted, the old stick substrate 150 is removed and replaced with a new stick substrate 150 .

Similarly, when the aerosol source contained in the cartridge 120 becomes depleted, the old cartridge 120 is removed and replaced with a new cartridge 120 .

- Control of the stick heating unit 121-2 The control unit 116 controls the stick heating unit 121-2 to perform heating according to a heating profile. The heating profile is information that defines the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of heating by the stick heating unit 121-2 and the temperature of the stick heating unit 121-2. The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121-2 so that a temperature change similar to the temperature change in the heating profile is realized in the stick heating unit 121-2 . The stick heating unit 121-2 may include a conductive track including a resistor, and the sensor unit 112 may detect the temperature of the stick heating unit 121-2 based on the electrical resistance of the conductive track. The control of the stick heating unit 121-2 can be realized, for example, by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the stick heating unit 121-2. The power supply control may be performed, for example, by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control.

The heating performed by the stick heating unit 121-2 can be classified into preheating and main heating. Preheating is heating that is performed until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of heating according to the heating profile, or until the temperature of the stick heating unit 121-2 reaches a predetermined temperature. Main heating is heating that is performed after preheating. Note that the contents of the PWM control for preheating and main heating may be the same or different. For example, the DUTY ratio for preheating and main heating may be the same or different.

At the timing when preheating ends, it is expected that a sufficient amount of aerosol will be generated from the stick-type substrate 150. Therefore, the user can inhale a sufficient amount of aerosol by holding the stick-type substrate 150 in the mouth and inhaling after preheating (i.e., during main heating). Note that aerosol may also be generated from the stick-type substrate 150 during preheating.

The control unit 116 starts heating the stick heating unit 121-2 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of the predetermined condition is that a predetermined user operation is detected by the sensor unit 112. An example of the predetermined user operation is pressing a button provided on the suction device 100. Such a button is also referred to as a power button below.

- Control of Cartridge Heating Unit 121-1 The control unit 116 controls the cartridge heating unit 121-1 to heat according to a predetermined atomization setting. The atomization setting is information that defines the amount of atomization per puff. The amount of atomization here is the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated. The amount of atomization depends on the amount of heating (i.e., the amount of power supply). Therefore, the control of the cartridge heating unit 121-1 can be realized, for example, by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the cartridge heating unit 121-1. The control of the power supply is performed, for example, by controlling the amount of power supply per puff. The amount of power supply per puff is calculated as the product of the power supply time and the amount of power supply per unit time. Therefore, the atomization setting may be defined by the power supply time and the amount of power supply per unit time per puff.

The control unit 116 controls the cartridge heating unit 121-1 to perform heating when a predetermined condition is satisfied. For example, the control unit 116 supplies power to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. One example of the predetermined condition is that a puff has been performed. With this configuration, aerosol can be efficiently generated limited to the timing when a puff has been performed. Furthermore, the predetermined condition may include the time from when the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches a first predetermined time to when it reaches a second predetermined time. This configuration will be described in detail later.

The fact that a puff has been performed can be detected by the sensor unit 112 based on a value associated with the user's inhalation, which is acquired by, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor.

(2) Technical Issues In the latter half of the heating profile, that is, the longer the elapsed time from the start of heating by the stick heating unit 121-2 (i.e., preheating), the less the flavor source contained in the stick-type substrate 150. This is because, as more time passes since the start of preheating, the cumulative amount of stick-side aerosol generated increases, and accordingly the cumulative amount of flavor components taken into the stick-side aerosol also increases. Furthermore, as more time passes since the start of preheating, the number of puffs performed by the user also increases, and therefore the cumulative amount of flavor components taken into the cartridge-side aerosol also increases. And, as the cumulative amount of flavor components taken into the aerosol increases, the more the flavor source contained in the stick-type substrate 150 decreases.

When the amount of flavor source contained in the stick-type substrate 150 decreases, the amount of flavor components contained in the aerosol inhaled by the user when he or she takes one puff decreases, so that the user is unable to fully enjoy the flavor. The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses that the amount of flavor components contained in the aerosol is controlled to be constant, but does not mention any specific method for achieving this. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a specific mechanism is provided that enables the user to fully enjoy the flavor even in the latter half of the heating profile.

(3) Control of the amount of atomization of the cartridge-side aerosol The control unit 116 controls the amount of aerosol generated by the cartridge heating unit 121-1 so that it increases as the time elapsed since the start of preheating increases. According to this configuration, the amount of generated cartridge-side aerosol can be increased as the time elapsed since the start of preheating increases. Due to the decrease in the flavor source contained in the stick-type substrate 150, the flavor components derived from the stick-type substrate 150 imparted per unit amount of the cartridge-side aerosol decrease. However, according to this configuration, the total amount of the cartridge-side aerosol can be increased. Therefore, the flavor components derived from the stick-type substrate 150 that are taken in when the cartridge-side aerosol passes through the stick-type substrate 150 increase by the amount of increase. As a result, the decrease in the flavor components can be suppressed in the entire cartridge-side aerosol. In other words, the decrease in the flavor components derived from the stick-type substrate 150 contained per unit amount of aerosol can be offset by increasing the total amount of aerosol, and the decrease in the flavor components reaching the user's mouth can be suppressed. Therefore, even in the latter half of the heating profile, the user can fully enjoy the flavor.

In particular, the control unit 116 controls the amount of aerosol generated by the cartridge heating unit 121-1 per puff so that it increases as the time elapsed from the start of preheating increases. According to this configuration, the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated per puff can be increased as the time elapsed from the start of preheating increases. Due to a decrease in the flavor source contained in the stick-type substrate 150, the flavor components derived from the stick-type substrate 150 imparted per unit amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated per puff decrease. However, according to this configuration, the total amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated per puff can be increased. Therefore, the flavor components derived from the stick-type substrate 150 that are taken in when the cartridge-side aerosol passes through the stick-type substrate 150 increase by the amount of the increase. As a result, the decrease in the flavor components can be suppressed in the entire cartridge-side aerosol generated per puff. In other words, the decrease in the flavor components derived from the stick-type substrate 150 contained per unit amount of aerosol is offset by increasing the total amount of aerosol, and the decrease in the flavor components reaching the user's mouth per puff can be suppressed. Therefore, even in the latter half of the heating profile, the user can fully enjoy the flavor with each puff.

Specifically, the control unit 116 controls the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 per puff so that it increases as the time elapsed from the start of preheating increases. As the amount of power supplied increases, the amount of heating increases, and accordingly, the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated can be increased.

As an example, the control unit 116 may control the time for which power is supplied to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 per puff to increase as the time elapsed since the start of preheating increases. The amount of power supplied per puff is determined by the product of the power supply time and the amount of power supplied per unit time. In this regard, with this configuration, by increasing the power supply time, the amount of power supplied per puff can be increased, and the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated can be increased accordingly.

As another example, the control unit 116 may control the amount of power supplied per unit time to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 per puff so that it increases as the time elapsed from the start of preheating increases. The amount of power supplied per puff is determined by the product of the power supply time and the amount of power supplied per unit time. In this regard, with this configuration, by increasing the amount of power supplied per unit time, it is possible to increase the amount of power supplied per puff, and accordingly increase the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated.

The control unit 116 may control either the power supply time or the amount of power supply per unit time, or may control both. When controlling both, the control unit 116 may control both the power supply time and the amount of power supply per unit time so that they increase as the time elapsed from the start of preheating increases. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may decrease one of the power supply time and the amount of power supply per unit time and increase the other, as long as the product of the power supply time and the amount of power supply per unit time increases.

The control unit 116 may control so that heating by the cartridge heating unit 121-1 is not performed even if puffing is performed until the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches a first predetermined time. In other words, the control unit 116 may not supply power to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 even if puffing is performed until the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches a first predetermined time. An example of the timing at which the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches the first predetermined time is the timing at which preheating ends. With this configuration, the cartridge-side aerosol is not generated until the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 increases. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the cartridge-side aerosol is cooled and condensed when passing through the stick-type substrate 150, causing the stick-type substrate 150 to become wet and deteriorate. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress power consumption.

The control unit 116 may control so that heating by the cartridge heating unit 121-1 is not performed even if a puff is performed after the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches a second predetermined time. In other words, the control unit 116 may not supply power to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 even if a puff is performed after the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches a second predetermined time. An example of the timing at which the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches the second predetermined time is the timing at which the main heating is terminated. In other words, the control unit 116 controls so that heating by the cartridge heating unit 121-1 is not performed when a puff is performed after the heating by the stick heating unit 121-2 is terminated. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an aerosol with an extremely low content of flavor components is inhaled by the user after the main heating is terminated and the flavor source of the stick-type substrate 150 is completely depleted. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress power consumption.

From the above, the control unit 116 may perform control so that heating is performed by the cartridge heating unit 121-1 when a puff is performed during the period from when the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches the first predetermined time until when it reaches the second predetermined time. In other words, the control unit 116 may supply power to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 when a puff is performed during the period from when the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches the first predetermined time until when it reaches the second predetermined time. With this configuration, it is possible to provide the user with an aerosol that contains a sufficient amount of flavor components while preventing deterioration of the stick-shaped substrate 150.

Furthermore, the function of the sensor unit 112 to detect puffs may be enabled during the period from when the elapsed time since the start of pre-heating reaches a first predetermined time until when it reaches a second predetermined time. In other words, the function of the sensor unit 112 to detect puffs may be disabled before the elapsed time since the start of pre-heating reaches the first predetermined time and after it reaches the second predetermined time. This is because before the elapsed time since the start of pre-heating reaches the first predetermined time and after it reaches the second predetermined time, heating by the cartridge heating unit 121-1 is not performed even if a puff is detected. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

Specific examples of heating profiles and atomization settings will be described below with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of a heating profile and atomization settings set in the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph indicates the elapsed time from the start of pre-heating. Line 10 indicates the heating profile. With respect to line 10, the vertical axis of this graph indicates the temperature of the stick heating unit 121-2. Line 20 indicates the atomization setting. With respect to line 20, the vertical axis of this graph indicates the amount of atomization per puff. _t1 is an example of a first predetermined time. _t2 is an example of a second predetermined time.

As shown in Fig. 2, preheating is performed until the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches _t1 . Referring to line 10, during this period, the temperature of the stick heating element 121-2 rises to TMP _MAX . Referring to line 20, during this period, no cartridge-side aerosol is generated by the cartridge heating element 121-1.

Main heating is performed from when the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches _t1 until it reaches _t2 . Referring to line 10, during this period, the temperature of the stick heating unit 121-2 is kept constant at TMP _MAX . Referring to line 20, during this period, cartridge-side aerosol is generated by the cartridge heating unit 121-1. In particular, the amount of atomization per puff increases as the elapsed time from the start of preheating increases. For example, the amount of atomization per puff increases from an initial value G _MIN at the start of main heating _{to G MAX at} the end of main heating.

After the elapsed time from the start of preheating reaches _t2 , the temperature of the stick heating unit 121-2 gradually decreases and heating ends . During this period, no cartridge-side aerosol is generated by the cartridge heating unit 121-1.

Hereinafter, an example of a process flow relating to control of the amount of atomization of the cartridge-side aerosol will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of a process for controlling the amount of atomization of the cartridge-side aerosol executed by the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment.

3, first, the control unit 116 determines whether or not pressing of the power button has been detected by the sensor unit 112 (step S102). If it is determined that pressing of the power button has not been detected (step S102: NO), the control unit 116 waits until pressing of the power button is detected.

When it is determined that pressing of the power button has been detected (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 starts supplying power to the stick heating unit 121-2, thereby starting pre-heating (step S104).

Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the time _t1 has elapsed since the start of preheating (step S106). If it is determined that the time _t1 has not elapsed since the start of preheating (step S106: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the time _t1 has elapsed since the start of preheating.

When it is determined that the time _t1 has elapsed since the start of pre-heating (step S106: YES), the control unit 116 starts main heating (step S108).

Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a puff has been detected by the sensor unit 112 (step S110).

If it is determined that a puff has not been detected (step S110: NO), the process proceeds to step S114.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a puff has been detected (step S110: YES), the control unit 116 controls the power supply unit 111 to supply power to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 for T _A +T _B seconds (step S112). Here, T _A is a positive constant (for example, 2 seconds). On the other hand, T _B is a value that increases according to the elapsed time since the start of preheating. As an example, T _B =T _C (t - t ₁ ) may be used. "T _C " is a positive constant. "t" is the elapsed time since the start of preheating. "t - t ₁ " is the elapsed time since the start of main heating. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

In step S114, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the time _t2 has elapsed since the start of preheating. If it is determined that the time _t2 has not elapsed since the start of preheating (step S114: NO), the process returns to step S110. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time _t2 has elapsed since the start of preheating (step S114: YES), the process ends.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of the process for controlling the amount of atomization of the cartridge-side aerosol executed by the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment. Steps S202 to S210 and S214 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4 are similar to steps S102 to S110 and S114 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 3, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step S212, the control unit 116 controls the power supply unit 111 to supply W _A +W _B watts per unit time to the cartridge heating unit 121-1. Here, W _A is a positive constant (for example, 1 watt). On the other hand, W _B is a value that increases according to the elapsed time since preheating was started. As an example, W _B =W _c (t - t ₁ ) may be used. "W _c " is a positive constant. "t" is the elapsed time since preheating was started. "t - t ₁ " is the elapsed time since main heating was started. Then, the process proceeds to step S214.

(4) Setting according to the type of substrate Depending on the type of stick substrate 150, the appropriate amount of cartridge-side aerosol passing through the stick substrate 150 may differ. Therefore, the control unit 116 may control the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of preheating and the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated based on the type of stick substrate 150. The relationship between the time elapsed since the start of preheating and the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated refers to the atomization setting described above. As an example, the control unit 116 may control the increase in the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated according to the time elapsed since the start of preheating (i.e., the slope of the line 20 shown in FIG. 2). As another example, the control unit 116 may control the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated at the start of main heating (i.e., the initial value G _MIN shown in FIG. 2). With this configuration, it is possible to adopt an appropriate atomization setting according to the type of stick substrate 150.

Hereinafter, a specific example of switching of atomization settings according to the type of substrate will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a graph showing an example of switching of atomization settings according to the type of substrate in the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment. Graph 30A is an example of a heating profile and atomization settings that are set when a stick-type substrate 150 that does not contain a menthol component is inserted into the inhalation device 100. Graph 30B is an example of a heating profile and atomization settings that are set when a stick-type substrate 150 that contains a menthol component is inserted into the inhalation device 100.

The horizontal axis of each graph indicates the elapsed time from the start of preheating. Lines 10A and 10B indicate the heating profile. For lines 10A and 10B, the vertical axis of the graph indicates the temperature of the stick heating portion 121-2. Lines 20A and 20B indicate the atomization setting. For lines 20A and 20B, the vertical axis of the graph indicates the amount of atomization per puff. _t1 is an example of a first predetermined time. _t2 is an example of a second predetermined time.

5, the heating profile shown by line 10A is the same as the heating profile shown by line 10B. On the other hand, the atomization setting shown by line 20A is the same as the atomization setting shown by line 20B, but has a different slope while having the same initial value G _MIN . Specifically, the slope of line 20B is smaller than the slope of line 20A. With this configuration, in the stick-type substrate 150 containing a menthol component, it is possible to prevent the amount of the menthol component inhaled by the user from increasing excessively.

There are various methods for identifying the type of the stick-type substrate 150. For example, the stick-type substrate 150 may be provided with identification information indicating the type of the stick-type substrate 150. In this case, the control unit 116 may identify the type of the stick-type substrate 150 based on the identification information provided to the stick-type substrate 150. Examples of the identification information include colored lines and barcodes. The sensor unit 112 may include an image sensor for reading the identification information, and the control unit 116 identifies the type of the stick-type substrate 150 based on the identification information included in the image obtained by the image sensor. With this configuration, it is possible to automatically identify the type of the stick-type substrate 150.

Similarly, the control unit 116 may control the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of preheating and the amount of generated cartridge-side aerosol based on the type of cartridge 120. With this configuration, it is possible to adopt an appropriate atomization setting according to the type of cartridge 120. The type of cartridge 120 may be identified based on identification information provided to the cartridge 120, for example.

(5) Setting according to user input Each user may have different preferences for the amount of flavor components contained in the aerosol. Therefore, the control unit 116 may control the relationship between the time elapsed since the start of preheating and the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated based on the user's input. An example of the user's input is pressing a button provided on the inhalation device 100. The user's input may be performed via another device such as a smartphone. With this configuration, it is possible to adopt an appropriate atomization setting according to the user's preference. This makes it possible to improve the satisfaction given to the user.

For the same reason, the control unit 116 may control the heating profile based on an input from the user. With this configuration, it is possible to adopt an appropriate heating profile according to the user's preferences, and it is possible to improve the satisfaction given to the user.

A specific example of switching of heating profiles in response to user input will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a graph showing an example of switching of heating profiles in response to user input in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of each graph indicates the elapsed time from the start of pre-heating. The vertical axis of each graph indicates the temperature of the stick heating unit 121-2. Each of lines 10A, 10B, and 10C indicates a heating profile. One of these heating profiles is set by user input.

As shown by line 10A, a heating profile may be set in which the temperature of the stick heating section 121-2 is constant during the period in which main heating is performed. As shown by line 10B, a heating profile may be set in which the temperature of the stick heating section 121-2 decreases during the period in which main heating is performed. As shown by line 10C, a heating profile may be set in which the temperature of the stick heating section 121-2 increases during the period in which main heating is performed. In addition, at least one of _t1 and _t2 may be changed.

<3. 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.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 is controlled to increase as the time elapsed since the start of preheating increases, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, together with or instead of this control, the control unit 116 may control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 to increase as the number of puffs increases. Furthermore, the control unit 116 may control the amount of power supplied to the cartridge heating unit 121-1 per puff to increase as the number of puffs increases. According to this configuration, the amount of cartridge-side aerosol generated per puff can be increased as the number of puffs increases. The amount of flavor source contained in the stick-type substrate 150 decreases as the number of puffs increases. And, due to the decrease in the flavor source, the flavor component imparted per unit amount of cartridge-side aerosol decreases. However, according to this configuration, the decrease in the flavor component contained per unit amount of aerosol can be offset by increasing the total amount of aerosol, and the decrease in the flavor component reaching the user's mouth per puff can be suppressed. Therefore, even after multiple puffs, the user can fully enjoy the flavor.

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 medium) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is loaded into a RAM when executed by a computer, for example, 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. Also, 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 in the drawings. Some processing steps may be performed in parallel. In addition, 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 first heating section that heats the aerosol source contained in the first base material;
A second heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate;
A control unit that controls the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit so that the amount increases as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit increases;
A suction device comprising:
(2)
The control unit controls the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit per suction operation of suctioning the aerosol so that the amount increases as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit becomes longer.
The suction device described in (1) above.
(3)
the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit increases.
The suction device described in (2) above.
(4)
the control unit controls the time for which power is supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit becomes longer.
The suction device described in (3) above.
(5)
the control unit controls the amount of power supplied per unit time to the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit becomes longer.
The suction device according to (3) or (4).
(6)
The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation of suctioning the aerosol so that the amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation increases as the number of suction operations increases.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (5).
(7)
The control unit controls the second heating unit to perform heating when a suction operation for suctioning the aerosol is performed.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6).
(8)
the control unit controls the heating by the first heating unit to be performed in accordance with a heating profile that defines a relationship between an elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and a temperature of the first heating unit.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (7).
(9)
The control unit controls the heating by the second heating unit so that the heating is not performed even if a suction operation for suctioning the aerosol is performed until an elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started reaches a first predetermined time.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (8).
(10)
The control unit controls so that heating by the second heating unit is not performed even if a suction operation for suctioning the aerosol is performed after an elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started reaches a second predetermined time.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (9).
(11)
The control unit controls the heating profile based on a user input.
The suction device described in (8) above.
(12)
The control unit controls the relationship between the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit based on the type of the first base material.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (11).
(13)
The control unit identifies a type of the first substrate based on identification information given to the first substrate.
The suction device (14) according to (12) above
The control unit controls the relationship between the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit based on the type of the second base material.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (13).
(15)
The control unit controls the relationship between the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit based on an input by a user.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (14).
(16)
The first substrate comprises a flavor source.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15).
(17)
The second substrate contains the aerosol source, which is a liquid.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (16).
(18)
A control method for controlling an inhalation device having a first heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate, and a second heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate, comprising:
Controlling the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit so that it increases as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit increases;
A control method comprising:
(19)
A computer that controls a suction device having a first heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate and a second heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate,
Controlling the amount of the aerosol generated by the second heating unit so that it increases as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit increases;
A program for executing the above.
(20)
A first heating section that heats the aerosol source contained in the first base material;
A second heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate;
a control unit that controls heating by the second heating unit when a suction operation for suctioning the aerosol is performed;
Equipped with
The control unit controls the suction device so that heating by the second heating unit is not performed even if the suction operation is performed until a predetermined time has elapsed since heating by the first heating unit was started.
(21)
A first heating section that heats the aerosol source contained in the first base material;
A second heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate;
a control unit that controls heating by the second heating unit when a suction operation for suctioning the aerosol is performed;
Equipped with
The control unit controls the suction device so that heating by the second heating unit is not performed when the suction operation is performed after heating by the first heating unit is completed.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Suction device 111 Power supply unit 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 114 Memory unit 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 120 Cartridge 121-1 Heating unit (cartridge heating unit)
121-2 Heating unit (stick heating unit)
122 Liquid guide section 123 Liquid storage section 140 Holding section 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom section 144 Heat insulating section 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate section 152 Suction port section 180 Air flow path 181 Air inlet hole 182 Air outlet hole

Claims (19)

A first heating section that heats the aerosol source contained in the first base material;
A second heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate;
a control unit that controls the operation of the first heating unit so as to continue heating regardless of whether or not a suction operation for suctioning an aerosol is performed after heating by the first heating unit is started, and controls the amount of aerosol generated by the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit becomes longer;
A suction device comprising: the control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit increases.
2. The suction device of claim 1. the control unit controls the time for which power is supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit becomes longer.
3. The suction device according to claim 2. the control unit controls the amount of power supplied per unit time to the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit becomes longer.
4. A suction device according to claim 2 or 3. The control unit controls the amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation so that the amount of power supplied to the second heating unit per suction operation increases as the number of times the suction operation is performed increases.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The control unit controls the second heating unit to perform heating when the suction operation is performed.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. the control unit controls the heating by the first heating unit in accordance with a heating profile that defines a relationship between an elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and a temperature of the first heating unit.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The control unit controls so that heating by the second heating unit is not performed even if the suction operation is performed, until an elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started reaches a first predetermined time.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. the control unit controls so that heating by the second heating unit is not performed even if the suction operation is performed after an elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started reaches a second predetermined time.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The control unit controls the heating profile based on a user input.
8. The suction device according to claim 7. The control unit controls the relationship between the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of aerosol generated by the second heating unit based on the type of the first base material.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The control unit identifies a type of the first substrate based on identification information given to the first substrate.
The suction device according to claim 11 . The control unit controls the relationship between the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of aerosol generated by the second heating unit based on the type of the second base material.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The control unit controls the relationship between the elapsed time from when heating by the first heating unit is started and the amount of aerosol generated by the second heating unit based on an input by a user.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The first substrate comprises a flavor source.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The second substrate contains an aerosol source that is a liquid.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 15. A control method for controlling an inhalation device having a first heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate, and a second heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate, comprising:
controlling the operation of the first heating unit so as to continue heating regardless of whether or not a suction operation for suctioning an aerosol is performed after heating by the first heating unit is started; and controlling the amount of aerosol generated by the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit becomes longer.
A control method comprising: A computer that controls a suction device having a first heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a first substrate and a second heating unit that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate,
controlling the operation of the first heating unit so as to continue heating regardless of whether or not a suction operation for suctioning an aerosol is performed after heating by the first heating unit is started; and controlling the amount of aerosol generated by the second heating unit per suction operation so as to increase as the elapsed time from the start of heating by the first heating unit becomes longer.
A program for executing. A first heating section that heats the aerosol source contained in the first base material;
A second heating section that heats an aerosol source contained in a second substrate to generate an aerosol that passes through the first substrate;
a control unit that controls the operation of the first heating unit so as to continue heating after heating by the first heating unit is started, regardless of whether a suction operation for suctioning an aerosol is performed, and controls the second heating unit to perform heating when the suction operation is performed;
Equipped with
The control unit controls the suction device so that heating by the second heating unit is not performed even if the suction operation is performed until a predetermined time has elapsed since heating by the first heating unit was started.

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