WO2022230016A1

WO2022230016A1 - Aerosol generation system

Info

Publication number: WO2022230016A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/016617
Authority: WO
Inventors: 大樹楢原; 佑一加茂; 亮太嶋崎; 一詞山本; 宣弘竜田
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2021-04-26
Filing date: 2021-04-26
Publication date: 2022-11-03
Also published as: EP4265133A1; JPWO2022230016A1

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism such that it is possible to provide a novel puffing experience. [Solution] An aerosol generation system comprising a housing which has an opening, an insertion part into which a portion of an aerosol generation product is inserted, and a first supporting part which supports the insertion part, wherein the first supporting part is movably disposed inside of the housing so as to support the insertion part in a first condition in which the entirety of the insertion part is accommodated inside of the housing, or a second condition in which at least a portion of the insertion part projects outside of the housing from the opening.

Description

Aerosol generation system

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation system.

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.

In recent years, the type of suction device into which a stick-shaped base material is inserted has become widespread, and technologies related to this type have been actively developed. For example, in Patent Document 1 below, identification information attached to a portion of a stick-shaped base material that is inserted into a suction device is read by a sensor provided inside the suction device, whereby the base material is detected. Techniques for identifying types are disclosed.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-513750

However, there is a risk that the user's puff experience will be uniform with only the type of suction device in which a stick-shaped base material is inserted.

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 capable of providing a new puff experience.

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, a housing having an opening, an insertion portion into which a portion of the aerosol-generating article is inserted, and a first support portion that supports the insertion portion are provided. The first support portion is in a first state in which the entirety of the insertion portion is accommodated inside the housing, or in a second state in which at least a portion of the insertion portion protrudes from the opening to the outside of the housing. An aerosol generating system is provided movably disposed inside the housing to support the insert.

The aerosol-generating system may further include a detection unit that detects information on the aerosol-generating article.

The detection section may be arranged so that the detection range is positioned closer to the opening than the insertion section in the first state.

The detection section may be arranged so that the detection range is located at a portion of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion section that protrudes from the insertion section in the first state.

The aerosol generation system may further include a second support for supporting the detection section, and the second support may be arranged to be movable in accordance with the movement of the first support.

The first support and the second support are slidable inside the housing, and even if the direction in which the first support is slidable differs from the direction in which the second support is slidable. good.

The first state is a state in which the first support is slid to an end farther from the opening within the range in which the first support is slidable, and the second state is a state in which the first support is slidable. may be in a state in which the first support portion has slid to an end portion on a side closer to the opening within the slidable range.

In the first state, the second support portion is in a state of being slid to an end portion closer to the opening within the range in which the second support portion can slide, and in the second state, the second support portion is slid. may be in a state in which the second support portion is slid to an end farther from the opening within a slidable range.

The first support portion has a first inclined surface that is inclined in a direction approaching the second support portion from a side closer to the opening to a side farther from the opening, and the second support portion has a side closer to the opening from a side farther from the opening. and a second inclined surface inclined in a direction approaching the first support, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface slidably contacting each other, and the aerosol generating system comprises the second support On the other hand, it may further include an elastic body that biases the second support portion in a direction in which the second support portion is slidable in a direction toward the opening.

The detection unit may be a photoelectric sensor or a magnetic sensor.

The aerosol generation system may include a detection control section that controls the operation of the detection section according to a change in the state of the first support section.

The detection control unit outputs information about the aerosol-generating article to the detection unit, triggered by a change in the state of the first support section to the first state for the first time after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion section. may be detected.

The aerosol-generating system operates the generating section to generate an aerosol using the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion section to generate the aerosol when a puffing action to inhale the aerosol is detected. A generation control unit for controlling may be further provided.

The aerosol generation system may further include an operation unit capable of accepting a user's operation, and the position of the first support may change according to the user's operation on the operation unit.

The operation part may be a slider.

The aerosol generation system may include a lid that can open and close the opening.

The lid portion may be slidably arranged outside the housing.

The lid may be transparent or translucent.

The aerosol-generating article may have an identification portion with identification information attached to a portion that protrudes from the insertion portion while being inserted into the insertion portion.

The aerosol-generating system may comprise the aerosol-generating article.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a mechanism capable of providing a new puff experience.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of a suction device typically. 1 is an overall perspective view of a suction device according to this embodiment; FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a suction device according to this embodiment; FIG. It is an end view which shows the whole internal structure of the suction device which concerns on this embodiment. It is an end view which shows a part of internal structure of the suction device which concerns on this embodiment. It is an end view which shows a part of internal structure of the suction device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of the flow of processing performed in a suction device concerning this embodiment.

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. Logical Configuration Example of Suction Device>
A suction device is a device that produces a substance that is suctioned by a user. In the following description, it is assumed that the substance produced by the suction device is an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance produced by the suction device may be a gas.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the logical configuration of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 1 , the suction device 100 according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111 , a sensor unit 112 , a notification unit 113 , a storage unit 114 , a communication unit 115 and a control unit 116 .

The suction device 100 uses an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. An aerosol-generating article is an article that contributes to the generation of an aerosol by the inhalation device 100 . Cartridge 120 and flavoring cartridge 130 shown in FIG. 1 are examples of aerosol-generating articles. The cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 are detachably attached to the suction device 100 .

The cartridge 120 includes a heating portion 121 , a liquid guiding portion 122 and a liquid storing portion 123 . Flavoring cartridge 130 includes flavor source 131 and mouthpiece 132 . The suction device 100 is formed with an air flow path 180 that passes through the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 .

The power supply unit 111 accumulates power. The power supply unit 111 supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100 under the control of the control unit 116 . The power supply unit 111 may be composed of, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The sensor unit 112 acquires various information regarding the suction device 100 . As an example, the sensor unit 112 is configured by a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires a value associated with suction by the user. 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.

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

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

The communication unit 115 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like, for example, can be adopted as such a communication standard.

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.

The liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source. An aerosol is generated by atomizing the aerosol source. Aerosol sources are, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavoring ingredients. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicament.

The liquid guide section 122 guides the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123, from the liquid storage section 123 and holds it. The liquid guide part 122 is a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In that case, the aerosol source stored in liquid reservoir 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

The heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating section 121 is configured as a coil and wound around the liquid guiding section 122 . When the heating part 121 generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding part 122 is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 121 generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111 . As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has started sucking and/or that predetermined information has been input. Then, the power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112 detects that the user has finished sucking and/or that predetermined information has been input.

The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

The air flow path 180 is a flow path of air sucked by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure having an air inlet hole 181 as an air entrance into the air flow path 180 and an air outflow hole 182 as an air outlet from the air flow path 180 at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guide portion 122 is arranged on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet hole 182). The air that flows in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121 , passes through the flavor source 131 and is transported to the air outlet 182 as indicated by arrow 190 . When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor component contained in the flavor source 131 is imparted to the aerosol.

The mouthpiece 132 is a member held by the user when inhaling. An air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 132 . The user can take the mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 132 and sucking.

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

The suction device 100 may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Further types of aerosols may be generated by mixing multiple types of aerosols generated from multiple types of aerosol sources and causing chemical reactions in the air flow path 180 .

The heating unit 121 is an example of a generating unit that generates an aerosol using an aerosol-generating article. The means by which the generation unit atomizes the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 . For example, the means of atomizing the aerosol source may be vibrational atomization or induction heating.

Note that the suction device 100, the cartridge 120, and the flavoring cartridge 130 cooperate to generate an aerosol that is inhaled by the user. Therefore, the suction device 100, the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130 can be regarded as constituting one aerosol generation system.

<2. Physical Configuration Example of Suction Device>
2 and 3 are overall perspective views of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 4 is an end view showing the overall internal configuration of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. 5 and 6 are end views showing part of the internal configuration of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. 4 and 5 show an end surface of the suction device 100 shown in FIG. 2 cut along the line AA. On the other hand, FIG. 6 shows an end face of the suction device 100 shown in FIG. 3 cut along the line AA.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the suction device 100 includes a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a switch 13, a lid portion 14, a display 15, a slider 16, and guide rails 17. , has The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B constitute the outermost outer housing 11 of the suction device 100 by being connected to each other. Outer housing 11 is sized to fit in a user's hand. When the user uses the suction device 100, the user can hold the suction device 100 by hand and inhale the flavor.

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the suction device 100 includes an insertion portion 20, a first support portion 21, a second support portion 22, a third support portion 23, a detection portion 24, a compression coil spring 25, a rack 26, and a pinion. 27, substrates 30A to 30C, a battery 31, and a communication interface 32. The boards 30A-30C correspond to the controller 116 described above. The battery 31 corresponds to the power supply section 111 described above. The communication interface 32 corresponds to the communication section 115 described above.

The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown). A cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A to close the opening. The cover 12 has an opening 18 through which the insertion portion 20 can pass.

Note that the longitudinal direction of the suction device 100 is also referred to as the vertical direction. In particular, in the longitudinal direction of the suction device 100, the direction on the side of the opening 18 is also referred to as the upward direction, and the direction on the opposite side of the opening 18 is also referred to as the downward direction. On the other hand, the lateral direction of the suction device 100 is also referred to as the lateral direction. In particular, the direction toward the insertion portion 20 when viewed from the second support portion 22 is also referred to as the left direction, and the opposite direction is also referred to as the right direction.

A portion of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion portion 20 . The flavor imparting cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion section 20 with one portion inserted into the insertion portion 20 and the other portion protruding from the insertion portion 20 . A mouthpiece 132 of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 protrudes from the insertion portion 20 , and other portions are inserted into the insertion portion 20 . For example, the insertion portion 20 is configured in a cylindrical shape, and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is configured in a cylindrical shape. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 may be configured such that the mouthpiece 132 portion has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the insertion portion 20 and the other portion has a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the insertion portion 20 . In this case, when the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion portion 20 , the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is fixed while the mouthpiece 132 is hooked on the upper end of the insertion portion 20 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the insertion section 20 is accommodated inside the suction device 100 or pulled out of the suction device 100. As shown in FIG. The user accommodates the insertion section 20 inside the suction device 100 while the suction device 100 is not used. On the other hand, the user sucks the aerosol by holding the mouthpiece 132 protruding from the insertion section 20 with the insertion section 20 pulled out from the suction device 100 .

The flavor imparting cartridge 130 has an identification portion 134 with identification information attached to a portion protruding from the insertion portion 20 when inserted into the insertion portion 20 . As an example, the identification portion 134 provided on the outer circumference of the tip of the mouthpiece 132 is colored as identification information. The identification information is, for example, information indicating the type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 . In other words, different colors are attached to the identification portion 134 for each type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 .

The lid part 14 is configured to be able to open and close the opening 18 . For example, the lid 14 covers the opening 18 or exposes the opening 18 . Thereby, the lid part 14 can restrict or allow access to the inside of the suction device 100 . For example, by closing the opening 18 with the lid portion 14 , the mouthpiece 132 is prevented from being soiled and dust is prevented from entering the outer housing 11 . On the other hand, by opening the lid portion 14 , it becomes possible to pull out the insertion portion 20 from the opening 18 to suck the aerosol, or to insert the flavor imparting cartridge 130 into the insertion portion 20 .

The lid portion 14 is slidably arranged outside the outer housing 11 . Specifically, the lid portion 14 is slidably arranged along the surface of the cover 12 . Therefore, the user can easily open and close the opening 18 by sliding the lid portion 14 .

The lid part 14 is transparent or translucent. According to such a configuration, even when the lid portion 14 closes the opening 18, the identification portion 134 of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 inserted into the insertion portion 20 can be visually recognized from the outside. Therefore, the user can identify the type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 by visually recognizing the identification portion 134 with the lid portion 14 closing the opening 18 .

The switch 13 accepts user operations. For example, by pressing the switch 13, the operation mode of the suction device 100 can be switched between a power-on mode and a power-off mode. Power-on mode is a mode of operation that generates an aerosol when it is detected that the user has puffed. The power off mode is an operation mode in which no aerosol is generated even if the user performs a puffing operation. The switch 13 corresponds to the sensor section 112 described above.

The display 15 displays various information. For example, the display 15 displays information indicating the operation mode of the suction device 100, the remaining amount of the battery 31, and the remaining number of puffs that can be performed. The display 15 corresponds to the notification section 113 described above.

The first support section 21 supports the insertion section 20 . For example, the first support portion 21 supports the insertion portion 20 in a state in which the insertion portion 20 is fitted on the upper portion of the first support portion 21 . The first support portion 21 may have an internal space for housing the cartridge 120 therein. In this case, the cartridge 120 housed inside the first support portion 21 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 are connected with the insertion portion 20 interposed therebetween. A ventilation hole is provided in the bottom surface of the insertion portion 20, and the aerosol generated from the cartridge 120 passes through the flavor imparting cartridge 130 via the ventilation hole and reaches the inside of the user's mouth.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the first support portion 21 can support the insertion portion 20 in the first state in which the entire insertion portion 20 is accommodated inside the outer housing 11. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the first support portion 21 supports the insertion portion 20 in a second state in which at least a portion of the insertion portion 20 protrudes from the opening 18 to the outside of the outer housing 11. can be done. The first support portion 21 is movably arranged inside the outer housing 11 so as to support the insertion portion 20 in the first state or the second state. According to such a configuration, the insertion section 20 can be accommodated in the outer housing 11 or pulled out from the outer housing 11 by moving the first support section 21 .

The first support portion 21 is slidable inside the outer housing 11 . For example, the first support portion 21 is slidably arranged along a slide rail (not shown) provided inside the outer housing 11 . As shown in FIG. 5 , the first state is a state in which the first support portion 21 has slid to the farthest end from the opening 18 in the range X in which the first support portion 21 can slide. As shown in FIG. 6, the second state is a state in which the first support portion 21 has slid to the end closest to the opening 18 in the range X in which the first support portion 21 can slide. 5 and 6, the range X in which the first support portion 21 can slide is illustrated as the range in which the upper end of the first support portion 21 can move.

The slider 16 is an example of an operation section capable of accepting a user's operation for changing the position of the first support section 21 . The slider 16 is slidable along the guide rails 17 . The position of the first support portion 21 changes according to the user's operation on the slider 16 . When the slider 16 is moved to the X2 direction end of the guide rail 17, the position of the first support portion 21 moves to the X1 direction end. On the other hand, when the slider 16 is moved to the X1 direction end of the guide rail 17, the position of the first support portion 21 moves to the X2 direction end.

The position of the first support portion 21 is changed by a rack-and-pinion mechanism that converts rotational motion and linear motion. A pinion is a rotatable gear. A rack is a plate-like member provided with teeth that mesh with a pinion. When the slider 16 is slid, the rack 26 fixed to the slider 16 meshes with the pinion 27, causing the pinion 27 to rotate. The pinion 27 meshes with a rack (not shown) fixed to the first support portion 21 to move the first support portion 21 up and down. In this manner, the rack 26 fixed to the slider 16 and the rack (not shown) fixed to the first support portion 21 move in opposite directions via the pinion 27 according to the user's operation on the slider 16. do.

The detection unit 24 detects information on the flavor imparting cartridge 130 . Specifically, the detection section 24 detects identification information attached to the identification section 134 of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 . Based on the identification information detected by the detection unit 24 , the control unit 116 identifies the type of the flavoring cartridge 130 inserted into the insertion unit 20 .

The detection unit 24 may be a photoelectric sensor. A photoelectric sensor is a sensor composed of a light projecting part that emits light such as visible light or infrared light, and a light receiving part that receives light reflected by an object within a detection range. For example, the detection unit 24 emits white light and detects the color as the identification information attached to the identification unit 134 from the light reflected by the identification unit 134 positioned within the detection range.

The detection section 24 is arranged so that the detection range is positioned closer to the opening 18 than the insertion section 20 in the first state. Furthermore, in the first state, the detection section 24 is arranged such that the portion of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 inserted by the insertion section 20 that protrudes from the insertion section 20 is positioned within the detection range. Accordingly, in the first state, the identification section 134 can be contained within the detection range. Therefore, it is possible to identify the type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 based on the color of the identification portion 134 .

The detection section 24 is supported by the second support section 22 . For example, the detection section 24 is arranged at the left end of the second support section 22 . The second support portion 22 is arranged so as to be movable according to the movement of the first support portion 21 . The detector 24 is fixed to the second support 22 and moves along with the movement of the second support 22 . Accordingly, the detection section 24 can move to a position where the identification section 134 can be preferably contained within the detection range in accordance with the movement of the first support section 21 . That is, it is possible to improve the identification accuracy of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 .

The second support part 22 is slidable inside the outer housing 11 . Specifically, the second support portion 22 is supported by the third support portion 23 . The third support portion 23 has a shape that partially covers the second support portion 22 and functions as a guide rail for the second support portion 22 . The second support portion 22 is slidable along the inner wall of the third support portion 23 .

The direction in which the first support part 21 can slide differs from the direction in which the second support part 22 can slide. Specifically, the first supporting portion 21 is slidable in the vertical direction, and the second supporting portion 22 is slidable in the horizontal direction, and these directions are perpendicular to each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the first state, the second support part 22 is in a state of being slid to the end of the range Y in which the second support part 22 can slide, which is closer to the opening 18 . On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6 , in the second state, the second support portion 22 is slid to the far end of the range Y in which the second support portion 22 can slide from the opening 18 . 5 and 6 show a range Y in which the second support section 22 can slide, a range in which the left end of the second support section 22 can move. According to such a configuration, the second support portion 22 moves leftward as the state changes from the second state to the first state, and accordingly the detection portion 24 moves leftward. Thereby, the detection section 24 arranged at the left end of the second support section 22 can be brought as close as possible to the identification section 134 . Therefore, it is possible to improve the identification accuracy of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 .

The first support part 21 has a first inclined surface 21a that is inclined in a direction approaching the second support part 22 from the side closer to the opening 18 to the far side. That is, the first inclined surface 21a is inclined rightward as it goes downward. The second support portion 22 has a second inclined surface 24 a that is inclined in a direction closer to the first support portion 21 from the far side to the closer side of the opening 18 . That is, the second inclined surface 24a is inclined leftward as it goes upward. The first inclined surface 21a and the second inclined surface 24a are in slidable contact. For example, the total inclination angle of the first inclined surface 21a and the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 24a is 90 degrees. The compression coil spring 25 biases the second support portion 22 in a direction in which the second support portion 22 is slidable in a direction toward the opening 18 . Accordingly, as will be described in detail below, when the first support portion 21 moves up and down, the first inclined surface 21a and the second inclined surface 24a slide while being in contact with each other, and the second support portion 22 moves left and right. will have to move.

The compression coil spring 25 exerts stress in a direction that expands left and right. One end of the compression coil spring 25 is fixed to the second support portion 22 and the other end is fixed to the third support portion 23 . Therefore, the compression coil spring 25 urges the second support portion 22 in a direction away from the third support portion 23 and toward the opening 18, that is, in the left direction. The second support portion 22 biased by the compression coil spring 25 moves left and right along with the first support portion 21 moving up and down according to the user's operation on the slider 16 . For example, when the state of the first support portion 21 changes from the first state to the second state, the second support portion 22 moves rightward and the compression coil spring 25 is compressed, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the state of the first support portion 21 changes from the second state to the first state, the stress of the compression coil spring 25 pushes the second support portion 22 leftward as shown in FIG.

In this way, by moving the second support part 22 left and right in accordance with the vertical movement of the first support part 21, it is possible to move the detection part 24 left and right. That is, when identifying the type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130, the detection unit 24 can be brought closer to the flavor imparting cartridge 130 to improve the identification accuracy. On the other hand, when the insertion portion 20 is pulled out from the outer housing 11 , the detection portion 24 can be kept away from the flavor imparting cartridge 130 so that the movement of the first support portion 21 is not hindered.

<3. Information processing>
The control section 116 functions as a detection control section that controls the operation of the detection section 24 . As an example, the board 30A may function as a detection control section.

The substrate 30A controls the operation of the detection section 24 according to the state change of the first support section 21. For example, the substrate 30A causes the detecting section 24 to detect the information of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 by using the change from the second state to the first state as a trigger. According to such a configuration, the detection unit 24 can be operated only at the timing when the identification unit 134 is within the detection range and the detection unit 24 is closest to the identification unit 134 . Therefore, it is possible to improve the accuracy of identifying the type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 .

Further, the substrate 30A is triggered by the fact that the state of the first support portion 21 changes to the first state after the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion portion 20, and transmits the information of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 to the detecting portion 24. may be detected. For example, it may be detected based on a user's operation that the state of the first support portion 21 changes to the first state after the flavoring cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion portion 20 . For example, the user presses the switch 13 to reset the remaining number of puffs displayed on the display 15 when the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion portion 20 (that is, replaced). 30 A of board|substrates make the detection part 24 detect the information of the flavor provision cartridge 130, when the state of the 1st support part 21 changes to a 1st state for the first time after reset operation is performed. Considering that the number of possible puffs may differ depending on the type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130, such a configuration makes it possible to display an appropriate remaining number of possible puffs on the display 15. FIG.

The control unit 116 functions as a communication control unit that controls the operation of the communication interface 32. As an example, the board 30B may function as a communication controller.

The board 30B controls the communication interface 32 to transmit and receive information regarding the suction device 100 to and from other devices. For example, the board 30B controls the communication interface 32 to transmit information indicating the type of the identified flavoring cartridge 130 and information indicating puff history.

The control unit 116 functions as a generation control unit that controls the operation of the heating unit 121. As an example, the substrate 30C may function as a generation controller.

The substrate 30C controls the operation of the heating unit 121 to generate an aerosol when the puffing action is detected. Whether or not there is a puffing operation is detected by a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like included in the sensor section 112 . The substrate 30C supplies power from the battery 31 to the heating unit 121 only at the timing of the puff operation to generate an aerosol. Therefore, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed, and wasteful consumption of the aerosol source and the flavor source can be suppressed.

FIG. 7 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. 7, first, the control unit 116 determines whether the state of the first support unit 21 is the first state (step S102).

When it is determined that the state of the first support portion 21 is the first state (step S102), the control portion 116 sets the current timing to the first state after the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion portion 20. It is determined whether or not the timing has come (step S104).

If it is determined that it is time to enter the first state for the first time after the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion portion 20 (step S104: YES), the control section 116 identifies the type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 ( step S106). Specifically, the control unit 116 operates the detection unit 24 to read the color of the identification unit 134 . Then, the control unit 116 identifies the type of the flavor imparting cartridge 130 based on the read color of the identification unit 134 .

Then, the display 15 displays the remaining number of possible puffs according to the type of the identified flavor imparting cartridge 130 (step S108). After that, the process ends.

If it is determined that it is not the first state after the flavor imparting cartridge 130 is inserted into the insertion portion 20 (step S104: NO), the process ends.

When it is determined that the state of the first support portion 21 is not the first state (step S102: NO), the control portion 116 determines whether or not the state of the first support portion 21 is the second state (step S110).

When it is determined that the state of the first support section 21 is the second state (step S110: YES), the control section 116 determines whether or not a puffing action has been detected (step S112).

When it is determined that the puffing operation has been detected (step S112: YES), the control unit 116 supplies power from the battery 31 to the heating unit 121 to generate aerosol (step S114).

Next, the control unit 116 updates the remaining number of possible puffs and displays the updated remaining number of possible puffs on the display 15 (step S116). Thereafter, the process returns to step S110 again.

If it is determined that the puff action has not been detected (step S112: NO), the process returns to step S110 again.

If it is determined that the state of the first support portion 21 is not the second state (step S110: NO), the process ends.

<4. 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-described embodiment, the slider 16 was given as an example of an operation unit capable of receiving a user's operation for changing the position of the first support portion 21, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. As an example, the position of the first support portion 21 may change according to the operation of rotating the rotary switch that rotates the pinion 27 . As another example, the pinion 27 may be electrically rotated in response to depression of the switch 13, and the position of the first support portion 21 may change accordingly.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the detection unit 24 is a photoelectric sensor has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The detection unit 24 may be a magnetic sensor. In that case, the identification information attached to the identification section 134 may be a magnetic material.

For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which the compression coil spring 25 biases the second support portion 22 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. Any elastic body such as a leaf spring may be used instead of the compression coil spring 25 .

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 housing having an opening;
an insert into which a portion of the aerosol-generating article is inserted;
a first support portion that supports the insertion portion;
with
The first support portion is inserted in a first state in which the entirety of the insertion portion is accommodated inside the housing, or in a second state in which at least a portion of the insertion portion protrudes from the opening to the outside of the housing. movably disposed inside the housing to support a part;
Aerosol generation system.
(2)
The aerosol-generating system further comprises a detector that detects information on the aerosol-generating article.
The aerosol generating system according to (1) above.
(3)
The detection unit is arranged such that the detection range is positioned closer to the opening than the insertion unit in the first state.
The aerosol generating system according to (2) above.
(4)
The detection unit is arranged such that, in the first state, the detection range is located at a portion of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion unit that protrudes from the insertion unit.
The aerosol generating system according to (3) above.
(5)
The aerosol generation system further comprises a second support that supports the detection unit,
The second support is arranged movably according to the movement of the first support,
The aerosol generating system according to any one of (2) to (4) above.
(6)
the first support and the second support are slidable inside the housing;
The direction in which the first support is slidable differs from the direction in which the second support is slidable,
The aerosol generating system according to (5) above.
(7)
The first state is a state in which the first support portion is slid to an end farther from the opening within a slidable range of the first support portion,
The second state is a state in which the first support portion has slid to an end portion on a side closer to the opening within a slidable range of the first support portion.
The aerosol generating system according to (6) above.
(8)
In the first state, the second support portion is in a state of sliding to an end portion of a range in which the second support portion is slidable, which is closer to the opening,
In the second state, the second support is in a state of being slid to the far end of the range in which the second support is slidable from the opening,
The aerosol generating system according to (6) or (7) above.
(9)
The first support section has a first inclined surface that is inclined in a direction approaching the second support section from a side closer to the opening to a side farther from the opening,
The second support portion has a second inclined surface that is inclined in a direction closer to the first support portion from a side farther from the opening to a side closer to the opening,
the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are in slidable contact,
The aerosol generating system further comprises an elastic body that biases the second support in a direction in which the second support is slidable in a direction approaching the opening,
The aerosol generating system according to (8) above.
(10)
The detection unit is a photoelectric sensor or a magnetic sensor,
The aerosol generating system according to any one of (3) to (9).
(11)
The aerosol generation system includes a detection control unit that controls the operation of the detection unit according to a change in the state of the first support unit.
The aerosol generating system according to any one of (3) to (10).
(12)
The detection control unit outputs information about the aerosol-generating article to the detection unit, triggered by a change in the state of the first support section to the first state for the first time after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion section. to detect
The aerosol generating system according to (11) above.
(13)
The aerosol generating system comprises:
a generation control unit that controls the operation of a generation unit that generates an aerosol using the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion unit so as to generate the aerosol when a puffing action to inhale the aerosol is detected;
further comprising
The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (12) above.
(14)
The aerosol generation system further includes an operation unit capable of accepting user operations,
The position of the first support portion changes according to the user's operation on the operation portion,
The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (13) above.
(15)
The operation unit is a slider,
The aerosol generating system according to (14) above.
(16)
The aerosol generation system includes a lid that can open and close the opening,
The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (15) above.
(17)
The lid is slidably arranged outside the housing,
The aerosol generating system according to (16) above.
(18)
The lid is transparent or translucent,
The aerosol generating system according to (16) or (17) above.
(19)
The aerosol-generating article has an identification portion with identification information attached to a portion that protrudes from the insertion portion in a state of being inserted into the insertion portion.
The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (18) above.
(20)
the aerosol-generating system comprises the aerosol-generating article;
The aerosol generating system according to any one of (1) to (19) above.

100 suction device 111 power supply unit 112 sensor unit 113 notification unit 114 storage unit 115 communication unit 116 control unit 120 cartridge 121 heating unit 122 liquid guide unit 123 liquid storage unit 130 flavor imparting cartridge 131 flavor source 132 mouthpiece 134 identification unit 180 air flow Path 181 Air inflow hole 182 Air outflow hole 11 Outer housing 12 Cover 13 Switch 14 Lid part 15 Display 16 Slider 17 Guide rail 18 Opening 20 Insert part 21 First support part 21a First inclined surface 22 Second support part 22a Second inclination Surface 23 Third Support Part 24 Detection Part 25 Compression Coil Spring 26 Rack 27 Pinion 30 Board 31 Battery 32 Communication Interface

Claims

a housing having an opening;
an insert into which a portion of the aerosol-generating article is inserted;
a first support portion that supports the insertion portion;
with
The first support portion is inserted in a first state in which the entirety of the insertion portion is accommodated inside the housing, or in a second state in which at least a portion of the insertion portion protrudes from the opening to the outside of the housing. movably disposed inside the housing to support a part;
Aerosol generation system.
The aerosol-generating system further comprises a detector that detects information on the aerosol-generating article.
2. The aerosol generating system of claim 1.
The detection unit is arranged such that the detection range is positioned closer to the opening than the insertion unit in the first state.
3. The aerosol generating system of claim 2.
The detection unit is arranged such that, in the first state, the detection range is located at a portion of the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion unit that protrudes from the insertion unit.
4. The aerosol generating system of claim 3.
The aerosol generation system further comprises a second support that supports the detection unit,
The second support is arranged movably according to the movement of the first support,
Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 2-4.
the first support and the second support are slidable inside the housing;
The direction in which the first support is slidable differs from the direction in which the second support is slidable,
6. The aerosol generating system of claim 5.
The first state is a state in which the first support portion is slid to an end farther from the opening within a slidable range of the first support portion,
The second state is a state in which the first support portion has slid to an end portion on a side closer to the opening within a slidable range of the first support portion.
7. The aerosol generating system of claim 6.
In the first state, the second support portion is in a state of sliding to an end portion of a range in which the second support portion is slidable, which is closer to the opening,
In the second state, the second support is in a state of being slid to the far end of the range in which the second support is slidable from the opening,
8. Aerosol generating system according to claim 6 or 7.
The first support section has a first inclined surface that is inclined in a direction approaching the second support section from a side closer to the opening to a side farther from the opening,
The second support portion has a second inclined surface that is inclined in a direction closer to the first support portion from a side farther from the opening to a side closer to the opening,
the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are in slidable contact,
The aerosol generating system further comprises an elastic body that biases the second support in a direction in which the second support is slidable in a direction approaching the opening,
9. The aerosol generating system of claim 8.
The detection unit is a photoelectric sensor or a magnetic sensor,
Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 3-9.
The aerosol generation system includes a detection control unit that controls the operation of the detection unit according to a change in the state of the first support unit.
Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 3-10.
The detection control unit outputs information about the aerosol-generating article to the detection unit, triggered by a change in the state of the first support section to the first state for the first time after the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the insertion section. to detect
12. The aerosol generating system of claim 11.
The aerosol generating system comprises:
a generation control unit that controls the operation of a generation unit that generates an aerosol using the aerosol-generating article inserted into the insertion unit so as to generate the aerosol when a puffing action to inhale the aerosol is detected;
further comprising
Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1-12.
The aerosol generation system further includes an operation unit capable of accepting user operations,
The position of the first support portion changes according to the user's operation on the operation portion,
Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1-13.
The operation unit is a slider,
15. The aerosol generating system of claim 14.
The aerosol generation system includes a lid that can open and close the opening,
Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1-15.
The lid is slidably arranged outside the housing,
17. The aerosol generating system of claim 16.
The lid is transparent or translucent,
18. An aerosol generating system according to claim 16 or 17.
The aerosol-generating article has an identification portion with identification information attached to a portion protruding from the insertion portion in a state of being inserted into the insertion portion.
Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1-18.
the aerosol-generating system comprises the aerosol-generating article;
Aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 1-19.