KR20240056732A - Suction devices, substrates, and control methods - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] Provide a structure that can further improve the quality of user experience related to the suction device.
[Solution] A heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a temperature setting that defines a time series trend of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit, It has a control unit that controls the operation, wherein the temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from an initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature, and the control unit is configured to: A suction device that controls the length of the temperature rise period based on the initial temperature.

Description

Suction devices, substrates, and control methods

The present invention relates to suction devices, substrates, and control methods.

Suction devices that generate substances that are absorbed by users, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely available. For example, the suction device uses a base material including an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol, and generates an aerosol to which a flavor component has been added. do. The user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol to which the flavor component is applied and generated by the suction device. The action in which the user inhales the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as puff or puff action.

Typically, a suction device generates an aerosol by heating a substrate. Since the quality of user experience is greatly influenced by the temperature at which the substrate is heated, technology development is being conducted to realize appropriate temperature control. Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for controlling the temperature increase rate of the heater in the period from the start of heating until puffing is possible, based on the temperature of the heater at the start of heating.

Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019/186668

However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 has only recently been developed, and there remains room for improvement from various viewpoints.

Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can further improve the quality of user experience with the suction device.

In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a temperature setting that defines a time series trend of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit. Based on this, it has a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit, wherein the temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from an initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature, A suction device is provided, wherein the control unit controls the length of the temperature rise period based on the initial temperature.

The temperature increase period consists of a first period of variable length and a second period of fixed length following the first period, and the controller may control the length of the first period based on the initial temperature. do.

The control unit may shorten the first period as the initial temperature increases, and may lengthen the first period as the initial temperature decreases.

The control unit may change the length of the first period determined based on the initial temperature based on the temperature of the heating unit in the first period.

When the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, reaches the predetermined temperature, the control unit may end the first period and switch to the second period. .

The control unit may extend the first period when the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, does not reach the predetermined temperature.

The control unit may extend the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, by a time corresponding to the initial temperature.

The control unit may stop the operation of the heating unit when the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period after extension does not reach the predetermined temperature.

If the temperature of the heating unit reaches the predetermined temperature before reaching the end of the first period whose length is determined based on the initial temperature, the controller may terminate the first period and switch to the second period. do.

The suction device may include a plurality of heating units, and the control unit may control the lengths of the first periods in the plurality of temperature settings corresponding to the plurality of heating units to be different from each other.

The control unit determines the first period in setting the temperature corresponding to the heating unit disposed on the upstream side among the plurality of heating units, in setting the temperature corresponding to the heating unit disposed on the downstream side. It may be longer than the first period.

The control unit may control the operation of the heating unit to increase the temperature of the heating unit from the initial temperature to the predetermined temperature in the first period and maintain the temperature of the heating unit at the predetermined temperature in the second period. do.

The temperature increase period may be a period from the start of heating until suction of the aerosol by the user becomes possible.

The control unit may control the length of the temperature increase period based on the temperature of the heating unit during the temperature increase period.

The control unit may control the length of the temperature increase period based on the elapsed time since the previous end of heating based on the temperature setting.

In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and a time series trend of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit, is defined. It has a control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on the temperature setting, and the temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from an initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature; A substrate containing the aerosol source is provided, which is heated to generate the aerosol by a suction device, wherein the controller controls the length of the temperature rise period based on the initial temperature.

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 a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, wherein the temperature of the heating unit is set to a target value. and controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of the target temperature, wherein the temperature setting adjusts the temperature of the heating unit to a predetermined temperature from an initial temperature that is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating. A control method is provided, including a temperature increase period during which the temperature is increased to , and controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the length of the temperature increase period based on the initial temperature.

As explained above, according to the present invention, a structure is provided that can further improve the quality of user experience with respect to the suction device.

[Figure 1] A schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a suction device.
[Figure 2] is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating section when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1.
[FIG. 3] A graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit during the preheating period.
[Figure 4] is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit when control of the length of the time variable period shown in Table 2 is implemented.
[Figure 5] is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit when the length of the time variable period shown in Table 2 is controlled.
[FIG. 6] is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the suction device according to the present embodiment.
[FIG. 7] is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a suction device according to a modification.
[FIG. 8] is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit when control of the length of the time variable period shown in Tables 3 and 4 is implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are given the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant description.

<1. Configuration example>

A suction device is a device that produces a substance that is sucked in by a user. Below, it will be explained that the substance generated by the suction device is an aerosol. In addition, the substance generated by the suction device may be gas.

1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a suction device. As shown in FIG. 1, the 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, and a control unit 116. ), a heating unit 121, a holding unit 140, and an insulating unit 144.

The power supply unit 111 accumulates power. Then, the power supply unit 111 supplies power to each component of the suction device 100 based on control by the control unit 116. The power supply unit 111 may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

The sensor unit 112 acquires various information regarding the suction device 100. As an example, the sensor unit 112 is comprised of a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires a value according to suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112 is comprised of an input device that accepts input of information from the user, such as a button or switch.

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

The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit 114 is made of a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory, for example.

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface that enables communication based on any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. may be adopted.

The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls overall operations within the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 116 is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor, for example.

The holding portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped base material 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped base material 150 in the internal space 141 . The holding portion 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the inner space 141 to the outside, and a stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the inner space 141 from the opening 142. Pussy. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with an opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom, and defines a column-shaped internal space 141 ( Determine. The holding portion 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for air supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. The air inlet hole, which is the inlet of air into this flow path, is disposed at the bottom 143, for example. On the other hand, the air outlet hole, which is the outlet of air from this flow path, is the opening 142.

The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and an inlet portion 152. The substrate 151 contains an aerosol source. Additionally, in this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to liquid and may be solid. When the stick-shaped base material 150 is held in the holding portion 140, at least a portion of the base portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the intake portion 152 is positioned in the opening 142. protrudes from Then, when the user bites and inhales the inlet portion 152 protruding from the opening 142, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown), and along with the aerosol generated from the base portion 151 Arrives at the user's premises.

The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121 is formed in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140 . Then, when the heating part 121 generates heat, the base part 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started suction and/or that predetermined information has been input. And, when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished suction and/or that predetermined information has been input, power supply may be stopped.

The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating portion 121 to other components. For example, the insulation portion 144 is made of a vacuum insulation material, an airgel insulation material, or the like.

Above, an example of the configuration of the suction device 100 has been described. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above, and various configurations exemplified below can be adopted.

As an example, the heating unit 121 may be configured in a blade shape and may be arranged to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating part 121 is inserted into the base portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the base portion 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating part 121 may be arranged to cover the bottom part 143 of the holding part 140. In addition, the heating unit 121 includes a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the holding unit 140. Among the parts, it may be comprised as a combination of two or more parts.

As another example, the holding portion 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space 141. Additionally, the holding portion 140 may hold the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141 by opening and closing the outer shell. In that case, the heating unit 121 may be installed at the clamping location in the holding unit 140 and heat the stick-shaped base material 150 while pressing it.

Additionally, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

Here, the suction device 100 and the stick-type substrate 150 cooperate to generate an aerosol that is sucked in by the user. Therefore, the combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generating system.

＜2. Technical features>

(1) Heating profile

The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on the temperature setting. Control of the operation of the heating unit 121 is realized by controlling the power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The temperature setting is information that defines the time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target temperature of the heating unit 121. Hereinafter, such temperature settings are also referred to as heating profiles.

The control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 so that the transition of the temperature (hereinafter also referred to as room temperature) of the heating unit 121 is the same as the transition of the target temperature specified in the heating profile. Control the temperature. The heating profile is typically designed so that the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150 is optimal. Therefore, by controlling the power supply to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

The heating profile includes one or more combinations of a target temperature and information indicating a timing at which the target temperature should be reached. Then, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 while switching the target temperature according to the passage of time after starting heating based on the heating profile. In detail, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the current room temperature and the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time after starting heating based on the heating profile. control. Temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by, for example, known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). The control unit 116 can supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses using pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In that case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio or frequency of the power pulse in feedback control. Alternatively, the control unit 116 may perform simple on/off control in feedback control. For example, the control unit 116 performs heating by the heating unit 121 until the room temperature reaches the target temperature, and when the room temperature reaches the target temperature, the control unit 116 performs heating by the heating unit 121. is stopped, and when the room temperature becomes lower than the target temperature, heating by the heating unit 121 may be performed again. In addition, the control unit 116 may adjust the voltage in feedback control.

The temperature of the heating unit 121 can be quantified, for example, by measuring or estimating the electrical resistance value of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor constituting the heating unit 121). This is because the electrical resistance value of the heating resistor changes depending on the temperature. The electrical resistance value of the heating resistor can be estimated, for example, by measuring the amount of voltage drop in the heating resistor. The amount of voltage drop across the heating resistor can be measured using a voltage sensor that measures the potential difference applied to the heating resistor. In another example, the temperature of the heating unit 121 may be measured by a temperature sensor such as a thermistor installed near the heating unit 121.

The period from the start of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150 until the end is hereinafter also referred to as a heating session. In other words, a heating session is a period in which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile. The timing of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile is started. The end of the heating session is the timing at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer produced. The heating session includes a preheating period in the first half and a puffable period in the second half. The puffable period is a period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating until the start of the puffable period. Heating performed in the preheating period is also called preheating.

The heating profile may include a plurality of periods in which different target temperatures are set. The temperature may be controlled to reach the target temperature set for a certain period at an arbitrary timing in the period, or may be controlled to reach the end of the period. In either case, it becomes possible to change the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the same way as the change in the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

An example of a heating profile is shown in Table 1 below.

The change in temperature of the heating unit 121 when the control unit 116 performs temperature control according to the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 . FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit 121 when temperature control is performed based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 21 in this graph represents the change in temperature of the heating unit 121. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is trending in the same manner as the trend of the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile first includes an initial temperature rise period. The initial temperature increase period is a period during which the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases from the initial temperature. The initial temperature is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. As shown in FIG. 2, in the initial temperature increase period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 310°C 17 seconds after the start of heating and is maintained at 310°C until 35 seconds after the start of heating. By this, it is assumed that the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 reaches a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. By immediately raising the temperature to 310°C immediately after starting heating, it becomes possible to end preheating early and start the puffable period early. Additionally, in Figure 2, the initial temperature increase period and the preliminary heating period coincide, but they do not need to coincide.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes an initial temperature increase period followed by an intermediate temperature drop period. The intermediate temperature drop period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. As shown in FIG. 2, in the intermediate temperature reduction period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases from 310°C to 260°C 35 seconds to 45 seconds after the start of heating. During this period, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be stopped. Even in that case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated by the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. Here, if the heating unit 121 is maintained at a high temperature, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is rapidly consumed, and flavor deterioration, such as the flavor tasted by the user becoming too strong, may occur. there is. In that respect, by providing a mid-temperature cooling period, it is possible to avoid such deterioration of flavor and improve the quality of the user's puff experience.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes an intermediate temperature lowering period followed by a reheating period. The reheating period is a period in which the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases. As shown in FIG. 2, during the reheating period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases from 260°C to 290°C from 45 seconds to 180 seconds after the start of heating, and increases to 290°C from 260 seconds after the start of heating. It is maintained. If the temperature of the heating unit 121 continues to decrease, the stick-shaped base material 150 also decreases in temperature, so the amount of aerosol generated may decrease and the flavor experienced by the user may deteriorate. Additionally, as the heating profile progresses to the latter half, the remaining amount of aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 decreases, so even if heating is continued at the same temperature, the amount of aerosol generated tends to decrease. In that regard, by raising the temperature again in the second half of the heating profile to increase the amount of aerosol production, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the amount of aerosol production due to the decrease in the remaining amount of the aerosol source. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the flavor tasted by the user even in the latter half of the heating profile.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a heating termination period at the end. The heating end period is the period following the reheating period and is a period during which heating is not performed. The target temperature does not need to be set. As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature of the heating unit 121 is decreasing after 260 seconds from the start of heating. After 260 seconds from the start of heating, power supply to the heating unit 121 may be terminated. Even in that case, a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated for a while due to the residual heat of the heating unit 121 and the stick-shaped substrate 150. In the example shown in Figure 2, 270 seconds after the start of heating, the puffable period, i.e., the heating session, ends.

The timing at which the puffable period starts and the timing at which it ends may be notified to the user. Additionally, the user may be notified of a timing that is a predetermined time before the end of the puffable period (for example, the timing at which power supply to the heating unit 121 ends). In that case, the user can refer to this notification and perform a puff during the puffable period.

(2) Relationship between the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 and preliminary heating

Depending on the user, chain smoke may be performed. Chain smoke is the act of continuously using a plurality of stick-shaped substrates 150 at short intervals. When chain smoke is performed, the next heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be started while the heat from the previous use of the stick-shaped substrate 150 remains in the heating unit 121. In that case, there was a risk that the stick-shaped base material 150 would be excessively heated during the preheating period, causing inconveniences such as delivering poor flavor to the user during the puffable period.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the temperature increase is started from a lower initial temperature than usual, such as when the temperature is low. In that case, there was a risk of inconveniences such as failing to sufficiently heat the stick-shaped base material 150 in the preheating period and delivering poor flavor to the user during the puffable period.

Therefore, the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment controls the length of the preheating period according to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconveniences due to excessive or insufficient preheating due to the high or low initial temperature.

(3) Control based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121

The control unit 116 determines the length of the temperature increase period for increasing the temperature of the heating unit 121 included in the heating profile from the initial temperature to a predetermined temperature based on the initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the start of heating. control. The control unit 116 performs this control while acquiring the initial temperature at the start of heating and periodically acquiring the temperature of the heating unit 121 thereafter. The predetermined temperature is a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated when the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 reaches the corresponding temperature. This predetermined temperature is hereinafter also referred to as the first target temperature. According to this configuration, since the length of the temperature increase period is controlled depending on the initial temperature, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences due to the high or low initial temperature.

The temperature increase period, the length of which is controlled based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, is the period from the start of heating until the user can inhale the aerosol. That is, the temperature increase period is a preliminary heating period. The first target temperature is the target temperature in the preliminary heating period (for example, the initial temperature increase period). By controlling the length of the preheating period according to the initial temperature, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience due to excessive or insufficient preheating due to the high or low of the initial temperature.

Control of the length of the preheating period will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit 121 in the preheating period. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 31 in this graph represents the change in temperature of the heating unit 121.

As shown in Fig. 3, the preheating period consists of a time variable period of variable length, and a time fixed period of fixed length following the time variable period. The time variable period is an example of the first period in this embodiment. The time fixation period is an example of the second period in this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 3, the length of the time variable period is 17 seconds. The length of the time fixation period is 18 seconds.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 116 increases the temperature of the heating unit 121 from the initial temperature to the first target temperature in the time variable period, and adjusts the temperature of the heating unit 121 to the first target temperature in the time fixed period. 1 Control the operation of the heating unit 121 to maintain the target temperature. In the example shown in Figure 3, the first target temperature is 310°C. The stick-shaped substrate 150 may contain moisture. If the stick-type substrate 150 containing moisture is heated to a high temperature, an aerosol with an excessively high temperature may be generated. In order to avoid the user from inhaling excessively high temperature aerosol, it is preferable to evaporate the moisture contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 during the preheating period. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, by providing a sufficient period for maintaining the temperature of the heating unit 121 at a high temperature equal to the first target temperature, moisture contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is reliably removed during the preheating period. It becomes possible to evaporate it.

The control unit 116 controls the length of the preliminary heating period based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 and controls the length of the time variable period based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. According to this configuration, it is possible to maintain a fixed time period for reliably evaporating the moisture contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150, while preventing the occurrence of inconvenience due to excessive or insufficient preheating due to high or low initial temperature. .

In detail, the control unit 116 shortens the time variable period as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 increases, and lengthens the time variable period as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. For example, the storage unit 114 stores a table that specifies the control contents of the length of the time variable period in the heating profile, shown in Table 2 below. Then, the control unit 116 determines the length of the time variable period to be the length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, with reference to the table shown in Table 2. According to this configuration, when the initial temperature is high, the time variable period can be shortened to prevent excessive temperature increase. On the other hand, when the initial temperature is low, it is possible to prevent insufficient temperature increase by lengthening the time variable period.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit 121 when the length of the time variable period shown in Table 2 is controlled. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 32 in this graph represents the change in temperature of the heating unit 121. In the example shown in this graph, the initial temperature was 160°C, so the length of the time variable period was shortened to 8 seconds. Therefore, at the end of the time variable period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 310°C, which is the first target temperature, and excessive temperature increase is prevented.

The control unit 116 may change the length of the time variable period determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the time variable period. That is, the control unit 116 may change the length of the time variable period, once determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, in real time based on the temperature of the heating unit 121. It is possible that the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 becomes faster or slower than expected due to the influence of the environment such as temperature and humidity. In this regard, according to this configuration, it becomes possible to make the temperature of the heating unit 121 reach the first target temperature more reliably in the time variable period. This makes it possible to deliver an appropriate flavor to the user during the puffable period.

Specifically, when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature at the end of the time variable period whose length is determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 operates for a time You can also end the variable period and switch to a time-fixed period. If the temperature of the heating unit 121 is increased as expected, the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature at the end of the time variable period whose length is determined with reference to the table shown in Table 2. In such a case, by ending the time variable period and switching to the time fixed period and maintaining the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the first target temperature, it becomes possible to deliver an appropriate flavor to the user during the puffable period.

If the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not reach the first target temperature at the end of the time variable period whose length is determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 sets the time variable period. You can extend it. It is conceivable that the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 may be slower than expected due to the influence of the environment such as temperature and humidity. According to this point and this configuration, it becomes possible to make the temperature of the heating unit 121 reach the first target temperature more reliably. This point will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit 121 when controlling the length of the time variable period shown in Table 2. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. Line 33 in this graph represents the change in temperature of the heating unit 121. In the example shown in this graph, since the initial temperature was 0°C, the length of the time variable period is determined to be 17 seconds. However, because the temperature of the heating unit 121 did not reach the first target temperature of 310°C at the end of the 17-second time variable period determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the time variable period was 10 seconds. It is extended. As a result, at the end of the extended time variable period, the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches 310°C, which is the first target temperature, and insufficient temperature increase is prevented.

Here, the control unit 116 may extend the time variable period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, by a time corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. For example, the control unit 116 may extend the time variable period by a length corresponding to the length of the original time variable period determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121. This is because it is believed that the longer the time variable period, the larger the error between the temperature of the heating unit 121 and the first target temperature at the end of the time variable period. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to extend the time variable period to an appropriate length.

The control unit 116 may stop the operation of the heating unit 121 when the temperature of the heating unit 121 at the end of the extended time variable period does not reach the first target temperature. That is, the control unit 116 may stop supplying power from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121. If the temperature of the heating unit 121 does not reach the first target temperature even at the end of the time variable period after extension, there is a risk that some inconvenience may occur in the suction device 100. According to this point and this configuration, it becomes possible to improve safety when using the suction device 100.

If the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature before reaching the end of the time variable period whose length is determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121, the control unit 116 sets the time variable period. You can quit and switch to a time-locked period. It is conceivable that the temperature increase rate of the heating unit 121 becomes faster than expected due to the influence of the environment such as temperature and humidity. In this regard, according to this configuration, it becomes possible to more reliably prevent the heating unit 121 from increasing in temperature beyond the first target temperature.

(4) Processing flow

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in Fig. 6, first, the control unit 116 determines whether a puff request has been detected (step S102). A puff request is a user operation requesting the creation of an aerosol. An example of a puff request is an operation on the suction device 100, such as operating a switch installed on the suction device 100. Another example of a puff request is to insert a stick-shaped substrate 150 into the suction device 100. In addition, the insertion of the stick-shaped base material 150 into the suction device 100 is performed using a capacitance-type proximity sensor that detects the capacitance of the space near the opening 142, or a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the internal space 141. It can be detected by a sensor or the like.

When it is determined that a puff request is not detected (step S102: NO), the control unit 116 waits until a puff request is detected.

On the other hand, when it is determined that a puff request has been detected (step S102: YES), the control unit 116 acquires the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 (step S104). For example, the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 based on the electrical resistance value when a weak current is applied to the heating unit 121 or from a temperature sensor installed near the heating unit 121. Obtain the initial temperature.

Next, the control unit 116 determines the length of the preliminary heating period based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 determines the length of the time variable period in the preheating period with reference to the table shown in Table 2.

Next, the control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 to perform heating based on the heating profile in which the length of the preheating period is adjusted (step S108). For example, the control unit 116 starts feeding power from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile in which the length of the preliminary heating period has been adjusted in step S106.

Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the termination condition has been met (step S110). An example of an end condition is that the elapsed time from the start of heating reaches a predetermined time. The predetermined time here refers to the duration of the entire heating profile for which the length of the preliminary heating period is adjusted in step S106. Another example of an end condition is that the number of puffs from the start of heating has reached a predetermined number.

If it is determined that the termination condition is not met (step S110: NO), the control unit 116 waits until the termination condition is met.

When it is determined that the termination condition is met (step S110: YES), the control unit 116 ends heating based on the heating profile (step S112). In detail, the control unit 116 terminates power supply from the power source unit 111 to the heating unit 121. After that, processing ends.

＜3. Modification example>

In the above embodiment, an example in which the suction device 100 has one heating unit 121 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. The suction device 100 may be provided with a plurality of heating units 121. In that case, the control unit 116 controls the lengths of the time variable periods in the plurality of temperature settings corresponding to the plurality of heating units 121 to be different from each other. The plurality of heating units 121 heat different parts of the stick-shaped substrate 150. In this regard, according to this configuration, each part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be heated at an appropriate temperature increase rate. This makes it possible to deliver a more appropriate flavor to the user.

Each of the plurality of heating units 121 is disposed at a different position in the direction in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted. For example, a plurality of heating units 121 may be disposed at different positions from upstream to downstream of the holding unit 140. Downstream refers to the side closer to the opening 142. Meanwhile, upstream refers to the side closer to the bottom (143). When a puff is performed, an airflow is generated from upstream to downstream.

The control unit 116 sequentially raises the temperature from the heating unit 121 arranged on the downstream side to the heating unit 121 arranged on the upstream side. As an example, the control unit 116 may sequentially start heating from the heating unit 121 arranged on the downstream side to the heating unit 121 arranged on the upstream side, or may sequentially raise the temperature to the maximum temperature. According to this configuration, the aerosol source is sequentially heated from the downstream side to the upstream side of the base portion 151, thereby generating an aerosol. If the upstream part of the substrate 151 is heated before the downstream part, there is a risk that the aerosol generated on the upstream side will cool and condense when it passes through the downstream part. In that case, the portion on the downstream side of the substrate portion 151 that has not yet been heated becomes wet, and the flavor experienced by the user when the portion on the downstream side of the substrate portion 151 is heated may deteriorate. In this regard, according to this configuration, the generated aerosol does not pass through the unheated portion of the base portion 151. Accordingly, since the unheated portion of the base portion 151 is prevented from becoming wet, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the flavor experienced by the user.

At that time, the control unit 116 controls the time variable period in the heating profile corresponding to the heating unit 121 arranged on the upstream side among the plurality of heating units 121 to the heating unit 121 arranged on the downstream side. It is longer than the time variable period in the heating profile corresponding to . For example, in a time variable period, the control unit 116 adjusts the duty ratio of the power pulse applied to the heating unit 121 arranged on the upstream side to the power applied to the heating unit 121 arranged on the downstream side. Make it smaller than the pulse duty ratio. According to this configuration, the temperature increase rate of the portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121 disposed on the upstream side can be slowed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the aerosol source due to rapid temperature changes and to prevent deterioration of the flavor tasted by the user. The points described above will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the suction device 100 according to this modification. As shown in Fig. 7, the suction device 100 according to the present modification is different from the example shown in Fig. 1 in that it has two heating units 121 (heating units 121A and 121B). The heating unit 121A is an example of the heating unit 121 disposed on the side close to the opening 142, that is, on the downstream side. The heating unit 121B is an example of the heating unit 121 disposed on the side close to the bottom 143, that is, on the upstream side. Below, among the configurations of each component of the suction device 100 according to this modification, points that are different from the configuration described above with reference to FIG. 1 will be mainly explained.

The control unit 116 shortens the time variable period as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 increases, and lengthens the time variable period as the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 decreases. However, the control unit 116 makes the time variable period in the heating profile corresponding to the heating unit 121B longer than the time variable period in the heating profile corresponding to the heating unit 121A.

For example, the storage unit 114 stores the tables shown in Tables 3 and 4 below. Table 3 is a table specifying the control contents of the length of the time variable period in the heating profile applied to the heating unit 121A. Table 4 is a table specifying the control contents of the length of the time variable period in the heating profile applied to the heating unit 121B. With reference to Table 3, the control unit 116 controls the length of the time variable period during preheating using the heating unit 121A to a length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121A. With reference to Table 4, the control unit 116 controls the length of the time variable period during preliminary heating using the heating unit 121B to a length corresponding to the initial temperature of the heating unit 121B. As shown in Tables 3 and 4, when the initial temperature of the heating unit 121A and the initial temperature of the heating unit 121B are the same, the time variable period during preheating using the heating unit 121B is the time of the heating unit 121A. It is longer than the time variable period during preheating using .

FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of the change in temperature of the heating unit 121 when the length of the time variable period shown in Tables 3 and 4 is controlled. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph represents the temperature of the heating unit 121. The line 41A in this graph represents the change in temperature of the heating unit 121A. The line 41B in this graph represents the change in temperature of the heating unit 121B. In the example shown in this graph, since the initial temperature of the heating unit 121A was 0°C, the length of the time variable period in the heating profile applied to the heating unit 121A is set to 17 seconds. On the other hand, since the initial temperature of the heating unit 121B was 0°C, the length of the time variable period in the heating profile applied to the heating unit 121B is set to 67 seconds.

Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, heating by the heating unit 121B is started at the end of the time variable period in the heating profile applied to the heating unit 121A, but these timings may be different. Additionally, in the heating unit 121A and the heating unit 121B, the lengths of the time fixation periods are the same, but they may be different.

＜4. Supplement>

As mentioned above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can come up with various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also discussed. , it is understood that it naturally falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the length of the time variable period determined based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 is changed based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the time variable period. , the present invention is not limited to these examples. The control unit 116 may control (i.e., determine) the length of the preheating period based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the preheating period together with or instead of the initial temperature. More specifically, the control unit 116 may control the length of the time variable period based on the temperature of the heating unit 121 in the time variable period together with or instead of the initial temperature. For example, the control unit 116 periodically acquires the temperature of the heating unit 121 during a variable time period. Additionally, the control unit 116 may end the time variable period at the timing when the temperature of the heating unit 121 reaches the first target temperature and switch to the time fixed period. Even with this configuration, it becomes possible to reliably bring the temperature of the heating unit 121 to the first target temperature during the variable time period. This makes it possible to deliver an appropriate flavor to the user during the puffable period.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the length of the preheating period is controlled based on the initial temperature of the heating unit 121 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the control unit 116 may control (i.e., determine) the length of the preheating period based on the elapsed time since the last heating based on the heating profile was completed, in addition to or instead of the initial temperature. do. In detail, the control unit 116 may lengthen the preliminary heating period as the elapsed time since the last heating based on the heating profile is completed is longer. This is because it is believed that the longer the interval for using the stick-type substrate 150, the lower the initial temperature. On the other hand, the control unit 116 may shorten the preheating period as the elapsed time since the last heating based on the heating profile was completed is shorter. This is because it is believed that the shorter the interval for using the stick-type substrate 150, the higher the initial temperature. Even with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience due to excessive or insufficient preheating due to the initial temperature.

Additionally, a series of processes by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance in a recording medium (specifically, a non-transitory storage medium readable by a computer) installed inside or outside each device. And, for example, each program is read into RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processor such as CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, etc. Additionally, the above computer program may be transmitted, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

Additionally, the processes explained using flow charts and sequence diagrams in this specification do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown. Several processing steps may be executed in parallel. Additionally, additional processing steps may be employed, or some processing steps may be omitted.

In addition, the following configuration also falls within the technical scope of the present invention.

(One)

a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol;

A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit.

Equipped with

The temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from the initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature,

The control unit controls the length of the temperature increase period based on the initial temperature,

Suction device.

(2)

The temperature increase period consists of a first period of variable length and a second period of fixed length following the first period,

The control unit controls the length of the first period based on the initial temperature,

The suction device according to (1) above.

(3)

The control unit shortens the first period as the initial temperature increases, and lengthens the first period as the initial temperature decreases.

The suction device described in (2) above.

(4)

The control unit changes the length of the first period determined based on the initial temperature based on the temperature of the heating unit in the first period,

The suction device according to (2) or (3) above.

(5)

The control unit ends the first period and switches to the second period when the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, reaches the predetermined temperature.

The suction device according to (4) above.

(6)

The control unit extends the first period when the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, does not reach the predetermined temperature,

The suction device according to (4) or (5) above.

(7)

The control unit extends the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, by a time corresponding to the initial temperature.

The suction device according to (6) above.

(8)

The control unit stops the operation of the heating unit when the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period after extension does not reach the predetermined temperature.

The suction device according to (6) or (7) above.

(9)

The control unit ends the first period and switches to the second period when the temperature of the heating unit reaches the predetermined temperature before reaching the end of the first period whose length is determined based on the initial temperature. ,

The suction device according to any one of (4) to (8) above.

(10)

The suction device includes a plurality of heating units,

The control unit controls the lengths of the first periods in the plurality of temperature settings corresponding to the plurality of heating units to be different from each other,

The suction device according to any one of (2) to (9) above.

(11)

The control unit determines the first period in setting the temperature corresponding to the heating unit disposed on the upstream side among the plurality of heating units, in setting the temperature corresponding to the heating unit disposed on the downstream side. longer than the first period of,

The suction device according to (10) above.

(12)

The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit to increase the temperature of the heating unit from the initial temperature to the predetermined temperature in the first period and to maintain the temperature of the heating unit at the predetermined temperature in the second period. ,

The suction device according to any one of (2) to (11) above.

(13)

The temperature increase period is the period from the start of heating until suction of the aerosol by the user becomes possible,

The suction device according to any one of (1) to (12) above.

(14)

The control unit controls the length of the temperature increase period based on the temperature of the heating unit in the temperature increase period,

The suction device according to any one of (1) to (13) above.

(15)

The control unit controls the length of the temperature increase period based on the elapsed time since the last heating based on the temperature setting was terminated,

The suction device according to any one of (1) to (14) above.

(16)

a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol;

A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit.

Equipped with

The temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from the initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature,

The control unit controls the length of the temperature increase period based on the initial temperature,

A substrate containing the aerosol source, which is heated to generate the aerosol by a suction device.

(17)

A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, comprising:

Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit.

Including,

The temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from the initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature,

Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the length of the temperature increase period based on the initial temperature.

A control method comprising:

100 suction device
111 power unit
112 sensor unit
113 Notification Department
114 memory
115 Department of Communications
116 control unit
121 heating unit
140 pussy part
141 interior space
142 opening
143 bottom
150 stick type substrate
151 Ministry of Strategy and Finance
152 intake part

Claims (17)

a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol;
A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit.
Equipped with
The temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from the initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature,
The control unit controls the length of the temperature increase period based on the initial temperature,
Suction device. In claim 1,
The temperature increase period consists of a first period of variable length and a second period of fixed length following the first period,
The control unit controls the length of the first period based on the initial temperature,
Suction device. In claim 2,
The control unit shortens the first period as the initial temperature increases, and lengthens the first period as the initial temperature decreases.
Suction device. In claim 2 or claim 3,
The control unit changes the length of the first period determined based on the initial temperature based on the temperature of the heating unit in the first period,
Suction device. In claim 4,
The control unit ends the first period and switches to the second period when the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, reaches the predetermined temperature.
Suction device. In claim 4 or claim 5,
The control unit extends the first period when the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, does not reach the predetermined temperature,
Suction device. In claim 6,
The control unit extends the first period, the length of which is determined based on the initial temperature, by a time corresponding to the initial temperature.
Suction device. In claim 6 or claim 7,
The control unit stops the operation of the heating unit when the temperature of the heating unit at the end of the first period after extension does not reach the predetermined temperature.
Suction device. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8,
The control unit ends the first period and switches to the second period when the temperature of the heating unit reaches the predetermined temperature before reaching the end of the first period whose length is determined based on the initial temperature. ,
Suction device. The method of any one of claims 2 to 9,
The suction device includes a plurality of heating units,
The control unit controls the lengths of the first periods in the plurality of temperature settings corresponding to the plurality of heating units to be different from each other,
Suction device. In claim 10,
The control unit determines the first period in setting the temperature corresponding to the heating unit disposed on the upstream side among the plurality of heating units, in setting the temperature corresponding to the heating unit disposed on the downstream side. longer than the first period of,
Suction device. The method of any one of claims 2 to 11,
The control unit controls the operation of the heating unit to increase the temperature of the heating unit from the initial temperature to the predetermined temperature in the first period and maintain the temperature of the heating unit at the predetermined temperature in the second period. ,
Suction device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
The temperature increase period is the period from the start of heating until suction of the aerosol by the user becomes possible,
Suction device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The control unit controls the length of the temperature increase period based on the temperature of the heating unit in the temperature increase period,
Suction device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
The control unit controls the length of the temperature increase period based on the elapsed time since the previous end of heating based on the temperature setting,
Suction device. a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol;
A control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit.
Equipped with
The temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from the initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature,
The control unit controls the length of the temperature increase period based on the initial temperature,
A substrate containing the aerosol source, which is heated to generate the aerosol by a suction device. A control method for controlling a suction device having a heating unit that heats a substrate containing an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, comprising:
Controlling the operation of the heating unit based on a temperature setting that defines a time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating unit.
Including,
The temperature setting includes a temperature increase period in which the temperature of the heating unit is raised from the initial temperature, which is the temperature of the heating unit at the start of heating, to a predetermined temperature,
Controlling the operation of the heating unit includes controlling the length of the temperature increase period based on the initial temperature.
A control method comprising: