WO2022176129A1

WO2022176129A1 - Inhalation device, program, and system

Info

Publication number: WO2022176129A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/006193
Authority: WO
Inventors: 和俊芹田; 玲二朗川崎
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2021-02-18
Filing date: 2021-02-18
Publication date: 2022-08-25
Also published as: JPWO2022176129A1; EP4226788A1

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a structure that enables preferential generation of aerosol in an induction heating-type inhalation device. [Solution] An inhalation device includes: a power supply unit; an electromagnetic induction source that uses electric power supplied from the power supply unit to generate a fluctuating magnetic field; a control unit that controls a supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source; a holding unit that holds a substrate which has been inserted into an internal space through an opening and which contains an aerosol source; a response unit that is disposed at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source intrudes and that generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field intrudes; and a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the response unit. The electromagnetic induction source is disposed at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field intrudes in a susceptor that is disposed thermally near the aerosol source contained in the substrate held by the holding unit and that generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field intrudes. The control unit controls the supply of power to the electromagnetic induction source on the basis of the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.

Description

Aspirators, programs and systems

The present invention relates to suction devices, programs and systems.

Inhalation devices, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, that produce substances that are inhaled by the user are widespread. 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 to generate an aerosol imparted with a flavor component. A user can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the flavor component-applied aerosol generated by the suction device. The action of the user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as puffing or puffing action.

Until now, suction devices that use external heat sources such as heating blades have been the mainstream. In recent years, however, induction heating type suction devices have attracted attention. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for estimating the temperature of a susceptor contained in a base material from the apparent ohmic resistance when the susceptor is induction-heated.

Japanese Patent No. 6623175

In the suction device that uses an external heat source, suitable aerosol generation was achieved by measuring and controlling the temperature of the external heat source. On the other hand, since it is difficult to directly measure and control the temperature of the susceptor with the induction heating type suction device, it has been difficult to achieve suitable aerosol generation. As disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like, techniques for estimating the temperature of the susceptor have been developed, but there is still room for improvement in accuracy.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that enables generation of suitable aerosol in an induction heating suction device. .

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a suction device comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power; and an electromagnetic induction that generates a varying magnetic field using the power supplied from the power supply a source, a controller for controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source, an internal space, and an opening communicating the internal space with the outside, and an aerosol source inserted into the internal space through the opening. a holding part that holds a base material; a response part that is arranged at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates and generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates; and a temperature that detects the temperature of the responding part. a sensor, wherein the electromagnetic induction source transmits the aerosol generated from the electromagnetic induction source to a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material held by the holding part; The susceptor is arranged at a position where a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates, the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates, and the controller controls the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the response section detected by the temperature sensor. A suction device is provided that controls the power supply to the.

The Curie point of the susceptor and the Curie point of the response section may be substantially the same.

The response section may be made of a material that is paramagnetic within a temperature range that the response section can reach due to induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source.

The Curie point of the susceptor is lower than the maximum temperature that the susceptor can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source, and the control unit uses different temperature estimation algorithms before and after the Curie point of the susceptor to The temperature of the susceptor may be estimated.

Each of the susceptor and the response section may be made of one or more materials selected from a group of materials including aluminum, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, copper, and stainless steel.

The response section may be arranged between the electromagnetic induction source and the holding section.

The response portion may be a cylindrical member that covers at least a portion of the outer circumference of the holding portion.

The response unit may be at least part of the holding unit.

The suction device further includes a magnetic shield that blocks a magnetic field, the magnetic shield is disposed between a housing that constitutes a shell of the suction device and the electromagnetic induction source, and the response unit It may be part of a shield.

The control unit may estimate the temperature of the susceptor based on the temperature of the response unit, and control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor.

The control unit may control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor and the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.

The control unit may control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on a heating profile that is information that defines a time-series transition of a target temperature that is a target temperature of the susceptor.

The control unit switches the heating profile to be used, and a temperature estimation algorithm used to estimate the temperature of the susceptor based on the temperature of the response unit may be different for each heating profile to be used. .

The control unit may control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device.

The control unit may control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the type of the base material held by the holding unit.

The control unit may control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the operation history of the suction device.

The control unit may control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source and/or the interval at which power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source.

Controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source may include stopping power supply to the electromagnetic induction source.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program to be executed by a computer that controls a suction device, the suction device comprising: a power supply unit for supplying power; An aerosol having an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field using power supplied from a power supply, an internal space, and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and that is inserted into the internal space through the opening. a holding part that holds a substrate containing a source; a responding part that is arranged at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates and generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates; and a temperature of the responding part. and a temperature sensor for detecting the electromagnetic induction source, the electromagnetic induction source being connected to a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the substrate held by the holding part. and the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates, and the program detects the temperature of the response section detected by the temperature sensor. A program is provided for controlling power supply to an electromagnetic induction source.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a suction device and a base material, the base material containing an aerosol source, the suction device an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field using the power supplied from the power supply unit; a control unit that controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source; an internal space; and the internal space a holding portion for holding the substrate inserted into the internal space through the opening; A response section that generates heat when a magnetic field penetrates; and a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the response section, wherein the electromagnetic induction source is the aerosol source contained in the base material held by the holding section. is arranged at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates into the susceptor arranged thermally close to the susceptor, the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates, and the control unit , a system for controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a mechanism that enables the generation of suitable aerosol in an induction heating suction device.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of a suction device typically. 4 is a graph showing an example of time-series transition of the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 induction-heated based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows roughly an example of the physical structure inside the suction device which concerns on this embodiment. 5 is a graph for explaining an example of a susceptor temperature estimation algorithm according to the present embodiment; It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process performed by the suction device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows roughly an example of the physical structure inside the suction device which concerns on a 1st modification.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, constituent elements having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, thereby omitting redundant description.

<1. Configuration example of suction device>
The suction device according to this configuration example generates an aerosol by heating a substrate including an aerosol source by induction heating (IH (Induction Heating)). This configuration example will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 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, a control unit 116, a susceptor 161, an electromagnetic induction source 162, and A retainer 140 is included. The user performs suction while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140 . Each component will be described in order below.

The power supply unit 111 accumulates power. The power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 . The power supply unit 111 may be composed of, for example, 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 USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. Also, the power supply unit 111 may be charged in a state of being disconnected from the device on the power transmission side by wireless power transmission technology. Alternatively, only the power supply unit 111 may be detached from the suction device 100 or may be replaced with a new power supply unit 111 .

The sensor unit 112 detects various information regarding the suction device 100 . The sensor unit 112 then outputs the detected information to the control unit 116 . As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor. When the sensor unit 112 detects a numerical value associated with the user's suction, the sensor unit 112 outputs information indicating that the user has performed suction to the control unit 116 . As another example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by an input device, such as a button or switch, that receives information input from the user. Among other things, sensor unit 112 may include a button for instructing start/stop of aerosol generation. The sensor unit 112 then outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 116 . As another example, the sensor section 112 is configured by a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the susceptor 161 . Such a temperature sensor detects the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the electrical resistance value of the electromagnetic induction source 162, for example. The sensor section 112 may detect the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding section 140 based on the temperature of the susceptor 161 .

The notification unit 113 notifies the user of information. As an example, the notification unit 113 is configured by a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the notification unit 113 emits light in different light emission patterns when the power supply unit 111 is in a charging required state, when the power supply unit 111 is being charged, when an abnormality occurs in the suction device 100, and the like. . The light emission pattern here is a concept including color, timing of lighting/lighting out, and the like. The notification unit 113 may be configured by a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates, or the like, together with or instead of the light emitting device. In addition, the notification unit 113 may notify information indicating that suction by the user has become possible. Information indicating that suction by the user is enabled is notified when the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 150 heated by electromagnetic induction reaches a predetermined temperature.

The storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100 . The storage unit 114 is configured by, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as flash memory. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 114 is information regarding the OS (Operating System) of the suction device 100, such as control details of various components by the control unit 116. FIG. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 114 is information related to suction by the user, such as the number of times of suction, suction time, total suction time, and the like.

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the suction device 100 and other devices. The communication unit 115 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be adopted. As an example, the communication unit 115 transmits information about suction by the user to the smartphone so that the smartphone displays information about suction by the user. As another example, the communication unit 115 receives new OS information from the server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 114 .

The control unit 116 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the general 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. In addition, the control unit 116 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs to be used, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters, etc. that change as appropriate. The suction device 100 executes various processes under the control of the controller 116 . Power supply from power supply unit 111 to other components, charging of power supply unit 111, detection of information by sensor unit 112, notification of information by notification unit 113, storage and reading of information by storage unit 114, and communication unit 115 Transmission and reception of information is an example of processing controlled by the control unit 116 . Other processes executed by the suction device 100, such as information input to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 116. FIG.

The holding part 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 part 140 has an opening 142 that communicates the internal space 141 with the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142 . For example, the holding portion 140 is a tubular body having an opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141 . The holding part 140 is configured such that the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped base material 150 at least in part in the height direction of the cylindrical body, and holds the stick-shaped base material 150 inserted into the internal space 141. The stick-shaped substrate 150 can be held by pressing from the outer periphery. The retainer 140 also functions to define air flow paths through the stick-shaped substrate 150 . An air inlet hole, which is an inlet for air into the flow path, is arranged, for example, in the bottom portion 143 . On the other hand, the air outflow hole, which is the exit of air from such a channel, is the opening 142 .

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

The base material portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating to produce an aerosol. The aerosol source may be tobacco-derived, such as, for example, a processed product of cut tobacco or tobacco material formed into granules, sheets, or powder. Aerosol sources may also include non-tobacco sources made from plants other than tobacco, such as mints and herbs. By way of example, the aerosol source may contain perfume ingredients such as menthol. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a medicament for inhalation by the patient. The aerosol source is not limited to solids, and may be, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water. At least part of the base material part 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141 of the holding part 140 in a state in which the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding part 140.

The mouthpiece 152 is a member held by the user when inhaling. At least part of the mouthpiece 152 protrudes from the opening 142 when the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding part 140 . Then, when the user holds the mouthpiece 152 protruding from the opening 142 and sucks, 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 , that is, passes through the base material part 151 and reaches the inside of the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material part 151 .

Furthermore, the stick-type base material 150 includes a susceptor 161 . The susceptor 161 generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor 161 is made of a conductive material such as metal. As an example, the susceptor 161 is a piece of metal. A susceptor 161 is placed in close proximity to the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the susceptor 161 is included in the base portion 151 of the stick-shaped base 150 .

Here, the susceptor 161 is placed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source. The susceptor 161 being thermally close to the aerosol source means that the susceptor 161 is arranged at a position where heat generated in the susceptor 161 is transferred to the aerosol source. For example, the susceptor 161 is contained in the substrate portion 151 along with the aerosol source and is surrounded by the aerosol source. With such a configuration, the heat generated from the susceptor 161 can be efficiently used to heat the aerosol source.

It should be noted that the susceptor 161 may not be accessible from the outside of the stick-shaped substrate 150 . For example, the susceptors 161 may be distributed in the central portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and not distributed near the periphery.

The electromagnetic induction source 162 causes the susceptor 161 to generate heat by electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source 162 is composed of, for example, a coiled conductor wire, and is arranged so as to wrap around the outer periphery of the holding portion 140 . The electromagnetic induction source 162 generates a magnetic field when alternating current is supplied from the power supply section 111 . The electromagnetic induction source 162 is arranged at a position where the internal space 141 of the holding section 140 overlaps the generated magnetic field. Therefore, when a magnetic field is generated while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor 161 and Joule heat is generated. Then, the Joule heat heats the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 and atomizes it to generate an aerosol. As an example, power may be supplied and an aerosol may be generated when the sensor unit 112 detects that a predetermined user input has been performed. When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 150 induction-heated by the susceptor 161 and the electromagnetic induction source 162 reaches a predetermined temperature, the suction by the user becomes possible. After that, when the sensor unit 112 detects that a predetermined user input has been performed, the power supply may be stopped. As another example, power may be supplied and aerosol may be generated during a period in which the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has inhaled.

Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the susceptor 161 is included in the base material portion 151 of the stick-shaped base material 150, this configuration example is not limited to such an example. For example, the holding part 140 may serve the function of the susceptor 161 . In this case, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction source 162 generates an eddy current in the holding portion 140 and generates Joule heat. Then, the Joule heat heats the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 and atomizes it to generate an aerosol.

Note that the combination of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be regarded as one system in that aerosol can be generated by combining the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 .

<2. Induction heating>
Induction heating is described in detail below.

Induction heating is the process of heating a conductive object by penetrating a varying magnetic field into the object. Induction heating involves a magnetic field generator that generates a fluctuating magnetic field, and a conductive heated object that is heated by being exposed to the fluctuating magnetic field. An example of a varying magnetic field is an alternating magnetic field. The electromagnetic induction source 162 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a magnetic field generator. The susceptor 161 shown in FIG. 1 is an example of the object to be heated.

When the magnetic field generator and the object to be heated are arranged in relative positions such that the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator penetrates into the object to be heated, when the fluctuating magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generator, the object to be heated Eddy currents are induced. When the eddy current flows through the object to be heated, Joule heat corresponding to the electrical resistance of the object to be heated is generated and the object to be heated is heated. Such heating is also referred to as joule heating, ohmic heating, or resistance heating.

The object to be heated may have magnetism. In that case, the object to be heated is further heated by magnetic hysteresis heating. Magnetic hysteresis heating is the process of heating a magnetic object by impinging it with a varying magnetic field. When a magnetic field penetrates a magnetic body, the magnetic dipoles contained in the magnetic body align along the magnetic field. Therefore, when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates a magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipole changes according to the applied fluctuating magnetic field. Due to such reorientation of the magnetic dipoles, heat is generated in the magnetic material, and the object to be heated is heated.

Magnetic hysteresis heating typically occurs at temperatures below the Curie point and does not occur at temperatures above the Curie point. The Curie point is the temperature at which a magnetic material loses its magnetic properties. For example, when the temperature of an object to be heated which has ferromagnetism at a temperature below the Curie point exceeds the Curie point, the magnetism of the object to be heated undergoes a reversible phase transition from ferromagnetism to paramagnetism. When the temperature of the object to be heated exceeds the Curie point, magnetic hysteresis heating does not occur, so the rate of temperature increase slows down.

It is desirable that the object to be heated is made of a conductive material. Furthermore, it is desirable that the object to be heated is made of a ferromagnetic material. In the latter case, it is possible to increase the heating efficiency by combining resistance heating and magnetic hysteresis heating. For example, the object to be heated is made of one or more materials selected from a group of materials including aluminum, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, copper, stainless steel, and the like.

In both resistance heating and magnetic hysteresis heating, heat is generated inside the object to be heated, not by heat conduction from an external heat source. Therefore, rapid temperature rise of the object to be heated and uniform heat distribution can be realized. This can be realized by appropriately designing the material and shape of the object to be heated and the magnitude and direction of the varying magnetic field. That is, by appropriately designing the distribution of the susceptors 161 included in the stick-shaped substrate 150, a rapid temperature rise and uniform heat distribution of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be achieved. Therefore, the time required for preheating can be shortened, and the quality of flavor that the user can enjoy can be improved.

Since induction heating directly heats the susceptor 161 included in the stick-shaped base material 150, the base material can be heated more efficiently than when the stick-shaped base material 150 is heated from the outer periphery or the like by an external heat source. It is possible. Moreover, when heating is performed by an external heat source, the temperature of the external heat source is inevitably higher than that of the stick-shaped substrate 150 . On the other hand, when performing induction heating, the electromagnetic induction source 162 does not become hotter than the stick-shaped substrate 150 . Therefore, the temperature of the suction device 100 can be kept lower than when an external heat source is used, which is a great advantage in terms of user safety.

The electromagnetic induction source 162 uses power supplied from the power supply unit 111 to generate a varying magnetic field. As an example, the power supply unit 111 has a DC (direct current) power supply and a DC/AC (alternate current) inverter, and supplies alternating current to the electromagnetic induction source 162 . In that case, the electromagnetic induction source 162 can generate an alternating magnetic field.

The electromagnetic induction source 162 causes the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source 162 to enter the susceptor 161 which is arranged in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped base material 150 held by the holding part 140 . placed in position. The susceptor 161 generates heat when a fluctuating magnetic field enters. The electromagnetic induction source 162 shown in FIG. 1 is a solenoid coil. The solenoid-type coil is arranged so that the conductive wire is wound around the outer periphery of the holding portion 140 . When a current is applied to the solenoid type coil, a magnetic field is generated in the central space surrounded by the coil, that is, the internal space 141 of the holding part 140 . As shown in FIG. 1, when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holding portion 140, the susceptor 161 is surrounded by the coil. Therefore, the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction source 162 enters the susceptor 161 and heats the susceptor 161 by induction.

<3. Technical features>
(1) Heating profile The suction device 100 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the heating profile. A heating profile is information that defines a time-series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of temperature. The suction device 100 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 so that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 (hereinafter also referred to as the actual temperature) changes in the same manner as the target temperature specified in the heating profile changes over time. do. An example of a controlled object is voltage. This produces an aerosol as planned by the heating profile. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the aerosol produced from the stick-shaped substrate 150 . Therefore, by controlling the operation of the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized.

A heating profile includes one or more combinations of the elapsed time from the start of heating and the target temperature to be reached in that elapsed time. Then, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the difference between the target temperature in the heating profile corresponding to the elapsed time from the start of the current heating and the current actual temperature. Temperature control of the susceptor 161 can be realized, for example, by known feedback control. In feedback control, the controller 116 may control the power supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the difference between the actual temperature and the target temperature. Feedback control may be, for example, PID control (Proportional-Integral-Differential Controller). Alternatively, control unit 116 may perform simple ON-OFF control. For example, the control unit 116 may supply power to the electromagnetic induction source 162 until the actual temperature reaches the target temperature, and interrupt power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 when the actual temperature reaches the target temperature.

The time interval from the start to the end of the process of generating an aerosol using the stick-shaped substrate 150, more specifically, the time interval during which the electromagnetic induction source 162 operates based on the heating profile, is also referred to as a heating session below. called. The beginning of the heating session is the timing at which heating based on the heating profile is started. The end of the heating session is when a sufficient amount of aerosol is no longer produced. A heating session consists of a first half preheating period and a second half puffable period. The puffable period is the period during which a sufficient amount of aerosol is assumed to be generated. The preheating period is the period from the start of heating to the start of the puffable period. Heating performed in the preheating period is also referred to as preheating.

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

The time series transition of the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 when the control unit 116 controls the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 according to the heating profile shown in Table 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a graph showing an example of time-series transition of the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 induction-heated based on the heating profile shown in Table 1. In FIG. The horizontal axis of this graph is time (seconds). The vertical axis of this graph is the temperature of the susceptor 161 . A line 21 in this graph indicates the time series transition of the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 . Also, points 22 (22A to 22F) in this graph indicate target temperatures defined in the heating profile. As shown in FIG. 2, the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 transitions in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the heating profile.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile first includes an initial heating section. The initial temperature rising section is a time section included at the beginning of the heating profile, and is a section in which the target temperature set at the end is higher than the initial temperature. The initial temperature is the assumed temperature of the susceptor 161 before starting heating. An example of an initial temperature is any temperature, such as 0°C. Another example of the initial temperature is the temperature corresponding to the air temperature. As shown in FIG. 2, the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 reaches 295° C. 25 seconds after the start of heating and is maintained at 295° C. until 35 seconds after the start of heating, according to the target temperature set in the initial temperature rising section. there is As a result, it is assumed that the temperature of the stick-type substrate 150 reaches a temperature at which a sufficient amount of aerosol is generated. By rapidly raising the temperature to 295° C. immediately after the start of heating, it is possible to finish preheating early and start the puffable period early. Although FIG. 2 shows an example in which the initial heating period and the preheating period match, they may be different.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile then includes an intermediate cooling interval. The midway temperature decrease interval is a time interval after the initial temperature increase interval in which the target temperature set at the end is lower than the target temperature set at the end of the initial temperature increase interval. As shown in FIG. 2, the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 drops from 295.degree. C. to 230.degree. In this section, power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 may be stopped. Even in that case, the residual heat of the susceptor 161 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 generates a sufficient amount of aerosol. If the susceptor 161 is kept at a high temperature, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is rapidly consumed, which may cause inconveniences such as too strong flavor tasted by the user. In this regard, by providing an intermediate temperature drop section in the middle, it is possible to avoid such inconvenience and improve the quality of the user's puff experience.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile then includes a reheating interval. The re-heating interval is a time interval after the intermediate temperature-lowering interval, in which the target temperature set at the end is higher than the target temperature set at the end of the intermediate temperature-lowering interval. As shown in FIG. 2, the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 gradually increases from 230° C. to 260° C. from 45 seconds to 355 seconds after the start of heating according to the target temperature set in the reheating section. there is If the temperature of the susceptor 161 continues to drop, the temperature of the stick-shaped base material 150 also drops, so the amount of aerosol generated decreases and the flavor tasted by the user may deteriorate. In this regard, by raising the temperature again after lowering the temperature, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the flavor that the user enjoys even in the second half of the heating session.

As shown in Table 1, the heating profile includes a heating end section at the end. The heating end section is a time section after the reheating section and is a time section in which heating is not performed. The target temperature does not have to be set. As shown in FIG. 2, the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 drops after 355 seconds from the start of heating. Power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 may be terminated 355 seconds after the start of heating. Even in that case, the remaining heat of the susceptor 161 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 will generate a sufficient amount of aerosol for a while. In the example shown in FIG. 2, 365 seconds after the start of heating, the puffable period, ie the heating session, ends.

The timing at which the puffable period starts and ends may be notified to the user. Furthermore, the user may be notified of the timing (for example, the timing of the end of the reheating interval) that is a predetermined time before the end of the puffable period. In that case, the user can perform puffing during the puffable period by referring to such notification.

(2) Power Supply Control with Estimation of Temperature of Susceptor 161 FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the physical configuration inside the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the power supply unit 111 is configured as a battery, the control unit 116 is configured as a circuit board, the electromagnetic induction source 162 is configured as a solenoid coil, and the holding unit 140 is configured as a cylindrical chamber. ing. An air flow path 170 is connected to the holding portion 140 . The opening 142 of the holding portion 140 and the air intake hole 171 of the air flow path 170 are provided in the housing 101 that constitutes the outer shell of the suction device 100 . are taken in and out. Air flow path 170 has a function of supplying air taken in from air intake hole 171 to internal space 141 of holding portion 140 via a hole (not shown) provided in bottom portion 143 of holding portion 140 . When the user sucks the mouthpiece 152 of the stick-shaped base material 150 held by the holding part 140, the air supplied from the air flow path 170 to the internal space 141, together with the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped base material 150, Reach inside the user's mouth.

The suction device 100 further includes a response section 119 . The response unit 119 generates heat when a fluctuating magnetic field enters. That is, the response unit 119 is an example of an object to be heated by induction heating. The response unit 119 is arranged at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction source 162 enters. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the response section 119 is arranged between the electromagnetic induction source 162 and the holding section 140 . When a current is applied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 configured as a solenoid type coil, a magnetic field is generated in the space surrounded by the coil and including the response section 119 . As a result, the fluctuating magnetic field enters the response section 119, and the response section 119 generates heat.

The suction device 100 includes a temperature sensor 118 that detects the temperature of the response section 119 as the sensor section 112 . Temperature sensor 118 may be a thermistor, as an example. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the temperature sensor 118 is placed in contact with the responsive section 119 to detect the temperature of the responsive section 119 .

Note that the temperature sensor 118 may be arranged at a position that overlaps less with the position of the susceptor 161 contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding portion 140 in the insertion direction of the stick-shaped substrate 150 . desirable. For example, when the distribution of the susceptors 161 is small on the tip side (that is, on the bottom portion 143 side) of the stick-type substrate 150 in the insertion direction, the temperature sensor 118 may be arranged on the bottom portion 143 side as shown in FIG. desirable. Such an arrangement makes it possible to reduce the adverse effect on the heating of the susceptor 161 caused by the entry of the magnetic field into the temperature sensor 118 . The same applies to the response section 119 as well. Also, for the same reason, the temperature sensor 118 may be placed outside the coil that is the electromagnetic induction source 162 .

The response unit 119 and the susceptor 161 are arranged at positions where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source 162 similarly penetrates. Therefore, it is considered that the temperature of the response section 119 and the temperature of the susceptor 161 maintain a certain correspondence expressed by a function such as a linear function. Therefore, control unit 116 controls power supply to electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the temperature of response unit 119 detected by temperature sensor 118 . For example, the response section 119 and the susceptor 161 may have the same configuration, in which case the temperature of the response section 119 and the temperature of the susceptor 161 are considered to be the same. In that case, the control unit 116 substitutes the temperature of the response unit 119 for the temperature of the susceptor 161 and controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the heating profile. According to such a configuration, it is possible to generate suitable aerosol even in the induction heating type suction device 100 in which it is difficult to directly detect the temperature of the susceptor 161 .

Controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 according to the temperature of the response unit 119 includes adjusting the amount of power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 . With such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately control the amount of heat generated by the susceptor 161 . Furthermore, controlling power supply to electromagnetic induction source 162 according to the temperature of response unit 119 may include stopping power supply to electromagnetic induction source 162 . With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent overheating of the susceptor 161 or the response section 119 and ensure the safety of the user.

The control unit 116 may estimate the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the response unit 119 and control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor 161 . For example, if the response unit 119 and the susceptor 161 have different configurations, the temperature of the response unit 119 and the temperature of the susceptor 161 may differ. In this case, the control unit 116 estimates the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the response unit 119, and controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor 161 and the heating profile. With such a configuration, even if the temperature of the response section 119 and the temperature of the susceptor 161 are different, it is possible to generate a suitable aerosol.

The Curie point of the susceptor 161 and the Curie point of the response unit 119 may be substantially the same. As an example, the susceptor 161 and the response section 119 may be made of the same material. According to such a configuration, since the magnetic phase transition occurs at the same temperature in the susceptor 161 and the response section 119, the slowdown of the temperature rise rate accompanying the magnetic phase transition occurs at the same timing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the accuracy of estimating the temperature of the susceptor 161 as compared with the case where the timing of the slowdown of the temperature rise rate due to the magnetic phase transition is shifted.

The Curie point of the response section 119 may be higher than the maximum temperature that the response section 119 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 . The maximum temperature that the response section 119 can reach due to induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 is determined according to the specifications of the suction device 100 such as the output voltage from the power supply section 111 and the characteristics of the response section 119 . According to such a configuration, magnetic phase transition does not occur in the response section 119 within the range in which the suction device 100 normally operates. Therefore, it is possible to avoid deterioration in the temperature estimation accuracy of the susceptor 161 due to the slowdown of the temperature rise rate of the response section 119 due to the magnetic phase transition of the response section 119 .

The response section 119 may be made of a material that is paramagnetic within the temperature range that the response section 119 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 . An example of such a material is a paramagnetic material such as aluminum. The temperature range that the response section 119 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 is a range below the maximum temperature that the response section 119 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 . According to such a configuration, magnetic phase transition does not occur in the response section 119 within the range in which the suction device 100 normally operates. Therefore, it is possible to avoid deterioration in the temperature estimation accuracy of the susceptor 161 due to the slowdown of the temperature rise rate of the response section 119 due to the magnetic phase transition of the response section 119 .

The Curie point of the susceptor 161 may be lower than the maximum temperature that the susceptor 161 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 . In that case, the control unit 116 estimates the temperature of the susceptor 161 using different temperature estimation algorithms before and after the Curie point of the susceptor 161 . The maximum temperature that the susceptor 161 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 is determined according to the specifications of the suction device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150, such as the output voltage from the power supply section 111 and the characteristics of the susceptor 161. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the temperature estimation accuracy of the susceptor 161 caused by the slowdown of the temperature rise rate of the susceptor 161 due to the magnetic phase transition of the susceptor 161 . This point will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining an example of a temperature estimation algorithm for the susceptor 161 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis of this graph is the temperature of the response section 119 and the vertical axis is the temperature of the susceptor 161 . T1 _MAX is the maximum temperature that the response section 119 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 . T2 _MAX is the maximum temperature that the susceptor 161 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 . _T2C is the Curie point of the susceptor 161; T1C' is the temperature of the response section 119 at the timing when the _temperature of the susceptor 161 reaches the Curie point _T2C . When the temperature of the susceptor 161 is lower than the Curie point _T2C , the temperature of the response section 119 and the temperature of the susceptor 161 have a ratio R1. Therefore, when the temperature of the response section 119 is lower than the temperature _T1C ', the control section 116 estimates the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the response section 119 and the ratio R1. On the other hand, when the temperature of the susceptor 161 is higher than the Curie point _T2C , the temperature rise rate of the susceptor 161 slows down due to the magnetic phase transition. A relationship of a different ratio R2 is established. Therefore, when the temperature of the response section 119 is higher than the temperature _T1C ', the control section 116 estimates the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the response section 119 and the ratio R2. By using different ratios R1 and R2 before and after the magnetic phase transition occurs in the susceptor 161, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be accurately estimated.

(3) Flow of Processing FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the sensor unit 112 receives a user's operation to instruct the start of heating (step S102). An example of an operation for instructing the start of heating is pressing a button provided on the suction device 100 .

Next, the control unit 116 estimates the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the response unit 119 detected by the temperature sensor 118 (step S104). At that time, as _described above with _reference to FIG. An estimation algorithm is used to estimate the temperature of the susceptor 161 .

Next, the control unit 116 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor 161 and the heating profile (step S106). For example, the control unit 116 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 so that the estimated temperature of the susceptor 161 changes in the same way as the target temperature specified in the heating profile changes over time.

<4. Variation>
(1) First Modification FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a physical configuration inside a suction device 100 according to a first modification. As shown in FIG. 6 , the response portion 119 may be a tubular member that covers at least a portion of the outer circumference of the holding portion 140 . With such a configuration, as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 3, by controlling the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the temperature of the response section 119, suitable aerosol can be generated.

Furthermore, the response unit 119 according to this modification may function as an external heat source that heats the stick-shaped base material 150 held by the holding unit 140 . That is, the suction device 100 according to this modified example may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside and the outer periphery by induction heating the susceptor 161 and the response section 119 . Such a configuration enables efficient generation of aerosol.

The control unit 116 may control power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor 161 and the temperature of the response unit 119 detected by the temperature sensor 118 . As an example, the control unit 116 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 so that the temperature of the susceptor 161 and/or the temperature of the response unit 119 changes in the same manner as the target temperature specified in the heating profile. Control. It should be noted that there may be a first heating profile that defines the time-series transition of the target temperature of the susceptor 161 and a second heating profile that defines the time-series transition of the target temperature of the response section 119 . In that case, the control unit 116 controls the temperature of the susceptor 161 so that the temperature of the susceptor 161 transitions in the same manner as the target temperature defined in the first heating profile changes over time, and the target temperature defined in the second heating profile. Power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 is controlled so that the temperature of the response unit 119 changes in the same manner as the time-series transition. Such a configuration enables efficient and suitable aerosol generation using two heat sources.

(2) Second Modification The response section 119 may be at least part of the holding section 140 . For example, at least part of the holding part 140 may be configured as a heated object that generates heat when a fluctuating magnetic field penetrates. Also in this case, the same actions and effects as in the first modified example are achieved.

(3) Third Modification For example, the suction device 100 may further include a magnetic shield that blocks a magnetic field. A magnetic shield is placed between the housing 101 that constitutes the outer shell of the suction device 100 and the electromagnetic induction source 162 . With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction source 162 from reaching the housing 101 and other devices in the vicinity of the suction device 100, while preventing the magnetic field from entering the susceptor 161. Become. Furthermore, the magnetic shield is desirably placed between the electronic components such as the controller 116 and the electromagnetic induction source 162 . This is to prevent adverse effects of the fluctuating magnetic field on electronic components.

The magnetic shield has the function of restricting the passage of a magnetic field from the inside of the magnetic shield (that is, the electromagnetic induction source 162 side) to the outside (that is, the housing 101 side). A magnetic shield is composed of any material that has the function of blocking a magnetic field. Furthermore, the magnetic shield is preferably made of a material with high magnetic permeability. Examples of such materials include nu-metals and permalloys. For example, the magnetic shield may be configured in a film shape and arranged to wrap around the electromagnetic induction source 162 from the outside. Such a configuration makes it possible to block the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction source 162 before it spreads.

When the suction device 100 includes a magnetic shield, the response section 119 may be part of the magnetic shield. In other words, the response section 119 may function as a magnetic shield. According to such a configuration, it is possible to achieve both reduction of adverse effects of the fluctuating magnetic field and generation of suitable aerosol.

(4) Fourth Modification A temperature estimation algorithm based on the correspondence relationship between the temperature of the response section 119 and the temperature of the susceptor 161, such as the ratio R1 and the ratio R2 shown in FIG. , is used for estimating the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the response section 119 .

A standard environment is a standard operating environment of the suction device 100 . The operating environment of the suction device 100 includes the environment surrounding the suction device 100 such as temperature, humidity and pressure, the state of the suction device 100 such as the operation history of the suction device 100, and the stick-shaped base material 150 to be induction-heated. It is a concept that includes states. The standard environment includes tolerances for each of a plurality of parameters indicating the operating environment of the suction device 100, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, the state of the suction device 100, and the state of the stick-shaped substrate 150 to be induction-heated. defined by a set of parameters provided.

In a standard environment, it is possible to accurately estimate the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the response section 119 . However, the operating environment of the suction device 100 may deviate from the standard environment due to the presence of disturbance elements. In an operating environment that deviates from the standard environment, the temperature of the susceptor 161 estimated based on the temperature of the response section 119 deviates from the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 . As a result, the production of suitable aerosols becomes difficult.

Therefore, the control unit 116 according to this modification controls the power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the disturbance element in addition to the temperature of the response unit 119 . For example, the control unit 116 estimates the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the response unit 119 and the disturbance factor, and the temperature of the susceptor 161 changes in the same manner as the target temperature specified in the heating profile changes over time. The power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 is controlled so as to do so. According to such a configuration, it is possible to achieve suitable aerosol generation even when a disturbance element exists.

The following describes the disturbance elements and power supply control according to the disturbance elements.

- Temperature of operating environment An example of a disturbance factor is the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100 . An example of the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100 is air temperature. Another example of the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100 is the temperature inside the suction device 100 . The suction device 100 includes an environmental temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100 as the sensor section 112 . Then, the control unit 116 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100 detected by the environmental temperature sensor. Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 estimated based on the temperature of the response unit 119 based on the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100, and based on the temperature of the susceptor 161 after correction, Controls power supply to inductive source 162 . As an example, the control unit 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 to be higher when the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100 is higher than the temperature of the standard environment. On the other hand, the control unit 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 to be lower when the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100 is lower than the temperature of the standard environment.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce an error in estimating the temperature of the susceptor 161 due to the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100. This makes it possible to achieve the generation of suitable aerosol.

-Operating history Another example of the disturbance element is the operating history of the suction device 100 . The control unit 116 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the operation history of the suction device 100 . Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 estimated based on the temperature of the response unit 119 based on the operation history of the suction device 100, and calculates the temperature of the electromagnetic induction source based on the corrected temperature of the susceptor 161. 162 is controlled. As an example, when the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 is predicted to be higher than expected due to the difference between the actual operation history of the suction device 100 and the operation history in the standard environment, the control unit 116 adjusts the temperature of the susceptor 161. Correct higher. On the other hand, when the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 is predicted to be lower than expected due to the difference between the actual operation history of the suction device 100 and the operation history in the standard environment, the control unit 116 increases the temperature of the susceptor 161. Correct low.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce an error in estimating the temperature of the susceptor 161 due to the operation history of the suction device 100. This makes it possible to achieve the generation of suitable aerosol.

The operation history of the suction device 100 may be stored in the storage unit 114. The control unit 116 updates the operation history stored in the storage unit 114 each time the stick-type substrate 150 is induction-heated based on the heating profile.

An example of the operation history of the suction device 100 is the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 . Here, the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 is the number of times induction heating is performed based on the heating profile. The control unit 116 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 . Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 estimated based on the temperature of the response unit 119 based on the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162, Controls power supply to inductive source 162 . It is thought that as the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 increases, circuit elements including the DC/AC inverter and the like and the electromagnetic induction source 162 deteriorate, increasing the electrical resistance value and lowering the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 for the same amount of power supply. be done. In other words, if the actual number of times of power feeding is less than the number of times of power feeding in the standard environment, it is predicted that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 will be higher than the target temperature. In that case, the controller 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 to be higher. On the other hand, if the actual number of times of power supply is greater than the number of times of power supply under the standard environment, it is predicted that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 will be lower than the target temperature. In that case, the controller 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 to be lower.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce an error in estimating the temperature of the susceptor 161 due to the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 . This makes it possible to achieve the generation of suitable aerosol.

Another example of the operation history of the suction device 100 is the power supply interval to the electromagnetic induction source 162 . Here, the power supply interval to the electromagnetic induction source 162 is the length of time from the previous execution of the induction heating based on the heating profile to the current execution. The control unit 116 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the power supply interval to the electromagnetic induction source 162 . Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 estimated based on the temperature of the response unit 119 based on the power supply interval to the electromagnetic induction source 162, Controls power supply to inductive source 162 . It is considered that the shorter the interval of power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162, the more heat remains from the previous induction heating, and the higher the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 for the same amount of power supply. That is, when the actual power supply interval is narrower than the power supply interval in the standard environment, it is predicted that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 will be higher than the target temperature. In that case, the controller 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 to be higher. On the other hand, when the actual power supply interval is wider than the power supply interval in the standard environment, it is predicted that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 will be lower than the target temperature. In that case, the controller 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 to be lower.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce an error in estimating the temperature of the susceptor 161 due to the power supply interval to the electromagnetic induction source 162 . This makes it possible to achieve the generation of suitable aerosol.

- Type of substrate An example of a disturbance factor is the type of stick-type substrate 150 . Depending on the type of stick-type substrate 150, the material, shape, content and distribution of the susceptor 161 and the type of aerosol source may differ. Therefore, control unit 116 controls power supply to electromagnetic induction source 162 based on the type of stick-shaped base material 150 held by holding unit 140 . Specifically, the control unit 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 estimated based on the temperature of the response unit 119 based on the type of the stick-shaped base material 150, and based on the corrected temperature of the susceptor 161, the electromagnetic induction control the power supply to the source 162; As an example, when it is predicted that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 will be higher than expected due to the difference between the type of the stick-shaped base material 150 held by the holding part 140 and the type of the stick-shaped base material 150 in the standard environment. There is In that case, the controller 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 to be higher. On the other hand, it may be predicted that the actual temperature of the susceptor 161 will be lower than expected due to the difference between the type of the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding portion 140 and the type of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the standard environment. be. In that case, the controller 116 corrects the temperature of the susceptor 161 to be lower.

According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce an error in estimating the temperature of the susceptor 161 due to the type of the stick-shaped base material 150 held by the holding part 140 . This makes it possible to achieve the generation of suitable aerosol.

The type of stick-shaped base material 150 held by the holding portion 140 can be identified by various methods. As an example, identification information such as a two-dimensional code indicating the type of stick-shaped base material 150 may be given to stick-shaped base material 150 . In this case, the type of the stick-shaped base material 150 can be identified by performing image recognition or the like on the identification information given to the stick-shaped base material 150 held by the holding unit 140 . As another example, the type of susceptor 161 contained may be different for each type of stick-shaped substrate 150 . The electrical resistance value of the closed circuit including the power supply unit 111 and the electromagnetic induction source 162 when power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source 162 depends on the type of the susceptor 161 contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding unit 140. may vary. In that case, the type of the stick-shaped substrate 150 can be identified based on the electrical resistance value of the closed circuit including the power source 111 and the electromagnetic induction source 162 .

- Supplement Note that the control unit 116 may switch the heating profile to be used. The temperature estimation algorithm used to estimate the temperature of the susceptor 161 based on the temperature of the responder 119 may differ for each heating profile used. For example, the amount of correction based on the disturbance factor for the temperature of the susceptor 161 estimated based on the temperature of the response section 119 may differ for each heating profile used. That is, the correction amount based on the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device 100, the operation history of the suction device 100, and/or the type of the stick-shaped substrate 150 held by the holding section 140 differs for each heating profile used. good too. This is because the target temperature differs for each heating profile, and the estimation error caused by the disturbance element may differ accordingly. With such a configuration, the temperature of the susceptor 161 can be accurately estimated even when the heating profile is switched. This makes it possible to achieve the generation of suitable aerosol.

<5. Supplement>
Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs can conceive of various modifications or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It is understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which magnetic phase transition does not occur in the response section 119 within the temperature range that the response section 119 can reach due to induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 has been described. Not limited. A magnetic phase transition may occur in the response section 119 within a temperature range that the response section 119 can reach due to induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 . That is, the Curie point of the response section 119 may be lower than the maximum temperature that the response section 119 can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source 162 . In that case, the correspondence relationship between the temperature of the response section 119 and the temperature of the susceptor 161 changes before and after the Curie point of the response section 119 . Therefore, the control unit 116 uses different temperature estimation algorithms before and after the Curie point of the response unit 119 to estimate the temperature of the susceptor 161 . According to this configuration, for the same reason as the example described above with reference to FIG. It is possible to reduce the decrease in

For example, in the above embodiment, the temperature sensor 118 is a thermistor, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As an example, the response unit 119 may be configured to change its electrical resistance value according to temperature, and may be supplied with power from the power supply unit 111 . In that case, the temperature sensor 118 estimates the temperature of the response section 119 based on the electrical resistance value of the closed circuit including the power supply section 111 and the response section 119 . The temperature sensor 118 may be arranged separately from the response section 119 , or the control section 116 may also function as the temperature sensor 118 .

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the base material portion 151 contains the susceptor 161 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. That is, the susceptor 161 can be placed at any location where the susceptor 161 is in thermal proximity to the aerosol source. As an example, the susceptor 161 may be configured in a blade shape and arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the holding portion 140 into the internal space 141 . Then, when the stick-shaped base material 150 is inserted into the holding part 140, the blade-shaped susceptor 161 may be inserted so as to pierce the base part 151 from the end of the stick-shaped base material 150 in the insertion direction. . As another example, the susceptor 161 may be arranged on the inner wall of the holding part 140 forming the inner space 141 .

A series of processes by each device described in this specification may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Programs that make up the software are stored in advance in, for example, recording media (non-transitory media) provided inside or outside each device. Each program, for example, is read into a RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and is 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, or the like. Also, the above computer program may be distributed, for example, via a network without using a recording medium.

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

The following configuration also belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.
(1)
a suction device,
a power supply unit that supplies electric power;
an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field using power supplied from the power supply;
a control unit that controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source;
a holding part that has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and that holds a substrate containing an aerosol source that is inserted into the internal space through the opening;
a response unit disposed at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates and generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the response unit;
with
The electromagnetic induction source is located at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material held by the holding unit. is placed in
the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.
suction device.
(2)
the Curie point of the susceptor and the Curie point of the responder are substantially the same;
The suction device according to (1) above.
(3)
The Curie point of the response unit is higher than the maximum temperature that the response unit can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source.
The suction device according to (1) or (2) above.
(4)
The response unit is made of a material that is paramagnetic within a temperature range that the response unit can reach due to induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source,
The suction device according to (1) above.
(5)
the Curie point of the susceptor is lower than the maximum temperature that the susceptor can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source;
The control unit estimates the temperature of the susceptor using different temperature estimation algorithms before and after the Curie point of the susceptor.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (4) above.
(6)
each of the susceptor and the response unit is made of one or more materials selected from a group of materials including aluminum, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, copper, and stainless steel;
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (5) above.
(7)
The response unit is arranged between the electromagnetic induction source and the holding unit,
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6) above.
(8)
The responsive part is a cylindrical member that covers at least part of the outer circumference of the holding part,
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (7) above.
(9)
The response unit is at least part of the holding unit,
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6) above.
(10)
The suction device further comprises a magnetic shield that blocks the magnetic field,
The magnetic shield is disposed between a housing that constitutes the outer shell of the suction device and the electromagnetic induction source,
the responsive unit is part of the magnetic shield,
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (6) above.
(11)
The control unit estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the temperature of the response unit, and controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (10) above.
(12)
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor and the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.
The suction device according to (11) above.
(13)
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on a heating profile that is information that defines a time-series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the susceptor.
The suction device according to (11) or (12) above.
(14)
The control unit switches the heating profile to be used,
the temperature estimation algorithm used to estimate the temperature of the susceptor based on the temperature of the responsive section is different for each of the heating profiles used;
The suction device according to (13) above.
(15)
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (14) above.
(16)
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the type of the base material held by the holding unit.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (15) above.
(17)
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the operation history of the suction device.
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (16) above.
(18)
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source and/or the interval at which power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source.
The suction device according to (17) above.
(19)
controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source includes stopping power supply to the electromagnetic induction source;
The suction device according to any one of (1) to (18) above.
(20)
A program to be executed by a computer that controls a suction device,
The suction device is
a power supply unit that supplies electric power;
an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field using power supplied from the power supply;
a holding part that has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and that holds a substrate containing an aerosol source that is inserted into the internal space through the opening;
a response unit disposed at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates and generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the response unit;
with
The electromagnetic induction source is located at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material held by the holding unit. is placed in
the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
Said program
controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor;
program to run.
(21)
A system comprising a suction device and a substrate,
the substrate contains an aerosol source;
The suction device is
a power supply unit that supplies electric power;
an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field using power supplied from the power supply;
a control unit that controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source;
a holding part that has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and that holds the base material inserted into the internal space through the opening;
a response unit disposed at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates and generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the response unit;
with
The electromagnetic induction source is located at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material held by the holding unit. is placed in
the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.
system.
(22)
The susceptor is contained in the base material,
The system according to (21) above.

100 suction device 101 housing 111 power supply unit 112 sensor unit 113 notification unit 114 storage unit 115 communication unit 116 control unit 118 temperature sensor 119 response unit 140 holding unit 141 internal space 142 opening 143 bottom 150 stick-shaped substrate 151 substrate 152 mouthpiece Part 161 Susceptor 162 Electromagnetic induction source 170 Air flow path 171 Air intake hole

Claims

a suction device,
a power supply unit that supplies electric power;
an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field using power supplied from the power supply;
a control unit that controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source;
a holding part that has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and that holds a substrate containing an aerosol source that is inserted into the internal space through the opening;
a response unit disposed at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates and generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the response unit;
with
The electromagnetic induction source is located at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material held by the holding unit. is placed in
the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.
suction device.
the Curie point of the susceptor and the Curie point of the responder are substantially the same;
A suction device according to claim 1 .
The response unit is made of a material that is paramagnetic within a temperature range that the response unit can reach due to induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source,
A suction device according to claim 1 .
the Curie point of the susceptor is lower than the maximum temperature that the susceptor can reach by induction heating by the electromagnetic induction source;
The control unit estimates the temperature of the susceptor using different temperature estimation algorithms before and after the Curie point of the susceptor.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
each of the susceptor and the response unit is made of one or more materials selected from a group of materials including aluminum, iron, nickel, cobalt, conductive carbon, copper, and stainless steel;
A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The response unit is arranged between the electromagnetic induction source and the holding unit,
A suction device according to any one of claims 1-5.
The responsive part is a cylindrical member that covers at least part of the outer circumference of the holding part,
A suction device according to any one of claims 1-6.
The response unit is at least part of the holding unit,
A suction device according to any one of claims 1-5.
The suction device further comprises a magnetic shield that blocks the magnetic field,
The magnetic shield is disposed between a housing that constitutes the outer shell of the suction device and the electromagnetic induction source,
the responsive unit is part of the magnetic shield,
A suction device according to any one of claims 1-5.
The control unit estimates the temperature of the susceptor based on the temperature of the response unit, and controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1-9.
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor and the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.
11. A suction device according to claim 10.
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on a heating profile that is information that defines a time-series transition of a target temperature that is a target value of the temperature of the susceptor.
A suction device according to claim 10 or 11.
The control unit switches the heating profile to be used,
the temperature estimation algorithm used to estimate the temperature of the susceptor based on the temperature of the responsive section is different for each of the heating profiles used;
13. A suction device according to claim 12.
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the operating environment of the suction device.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1-13.
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the type of the base material held by the holding unit.
A suction device according to any one of claims 1-14.
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the operation history of the suction device.
Suction device according to any one of claims 1-15.
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the number of times power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source and/or the interval at which power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction source.
17. A suction device according to claim 16.
controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source includes stopping power supply to the electromagnetic induction source;
A suction device according to any one of the preceding claims.
A program to be executed by a computer that controls a suction device,
The suction device is
a power supply unit that supplies electric power;
an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field using power supplied from the power supply;
a holding part that has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and that holds a substrate containing an aerosol source that is inserted into the internal space through the opening;
a response unit disposed at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates and generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the response unit;
with
The electromagnetic induction source is located at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material held by the holding unit. is placed in
the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
Said program
controlling power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor;
program to run.
A system comprising a suction device and a substrate,
the substrate contains an aerosol source;
The suction device is
a power supply unit that supplies electric power;
an electromagnetic induction source that generates a varying magnetic field using power supplied from the power supply;
a control unit that controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source;
a holding part that has an internal space and an opening that communicates the internal space with the outside, and that holds the base material inserted into the internal space through the opening;
a response unit disposed at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates and generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the response unit;
with
The electromagnetic induction source is located at a position where the fluctuating magnetic field generated from the electromagnetic induction source penetrates a susceptor disposed in thermal proximity to the aerosol source contained in the base material held by the holding unit. is placed in
the susceptor generates heat when the fluctuating magnetic field penetrates;
The control unit controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source based on the temperature of the response unit detected by the temperature sensor.
system.