WO2023089753A1 - 吸引装置 - Google Patents
吸引装置 Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2023089753A1 WO2023089753A1 PCT/JP2021/042541 JP2021042541W WO2023089753A1 WO 2023089753 A1 WO2023089753 A1 WO 2023089753A1 JP 2021042541 W JP2021042541 W JP 2021042541W WO 2023089753 A1 WO2023089753 A1 WO 2023089753A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- heating
- suction
- temperature
- suction device
- sensor
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 277
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 92
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 66
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- 230000008016 vaporization Effects 0.000 abstract 1
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- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N DL-menthol Natural products CC(C)C1CCC(C)CC1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/06—Inhaling appliances shaped like cigars, cigarettes or pipes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
- A24F40/465—Shape or structure of electric heating means specially adapted for induction heating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
- A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
- A24F40/57—Temperature control
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M11/00—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
- A61M11/04—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised
- A61M11/041—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters
- A61M11/042—Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes operated by the vapour pressure of the liquid to be sprayed or atomised using heaters electrical
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M15/00—Inhalators
- A61M15/0001—Details of inhalators; Constructional features thereof
- A61M15/0021—Mouthpieces therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M16/00—Devices for influencing the respiratory system of patients by gas treatment, e.g. mouth-to-mouth respiration; Tracheal tubes
- A61M16/0003—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure
- A61M2016/0015—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors
- A61M2016/0018—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical
- A61M2016/0021—Accessories therefor, e.g. sensors, vibrators, negative pressure inhalation detectors electrical with a proportional output signal, e.g. from a thermistor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/82—Internal energy supply devices
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a suction device.
- the device described in Patent Document 1 includes a heater that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, and a heater that heats the aerosol source at a preheating temperature lower than the heating temperature for generating the aerosol. and a controller capable of changing the amount of power to be supplied.
- an object of the present invention is to provide an aspiration device capable of suppressing wasteful power consumption associated with heating for lowering the temperature to a temperature lower than the temperature at which aerosol is generated.
- the first feature of the present invention completed for this purpose is a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid that generates an aerosol when heated, a heating unit that heats the liquid, and a power supply unit that stores electric power. and a control unit that controls power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit, wherein the control unit adjusts the temperature of the liquid to the level at which the liquid evaporates when a predetermined condition is established.
- the power supply is controlled to perform a first heating to a temperature equal to or higher than 1, and the temperature of the liquid is set to a temperature equal to or higher than a second temperature and lower than the first temperature before the predetermined condition is satisfied.
- the suction device performs the second heating by supplying power so that the second heating is performed, and then stops the second heating when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied.
- a second feature is that the termination condition is established when a predetermined time has elapsed after the second heating is started.
- a third feature is provided with a gyro sensor, and the termination condition is a state in which the output value of the gyro sensor is higher than the height of the power source when the mouthpiece held in the mouth when inhaling the aerosol is higher. is changed to a value indicating that the altitude of the power supply unit and the mouthpiece unit is the same.
- a fourth feature is that an acceleration sensor is provided, and the end condition is satisfied when the output value of the acceleration sensor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined negative threshold.
- a fifth feature is that a tactile sensor is provided, and the termination condition is met when the output value of the tactile sensor no longer indicates a value indicating the feel of the user's hand.
- a sixth feature is that the end condition is met when the distance from the user's mouth exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- the seventh feature is equipped with at least one device of LiDAR for measuring the distance, an infrared sensor for measuring the user's body temperature, a camera, an odor sensor, a touch sensor, a humidity sensor and a CO 2 sensor, and the control unit It is to grasp that the distance exceeds the threshold using the output value of the device.
- An eighth feature is that the control unit makes the power value for performing the second heating smaller than the power value for performing the first heating.
- a ninth feature is that the control section controls the temperature of the heating section so as not to exceed a target temperature.
- the second heating is stopped when it is no longer necessary to perform the second heating to make the temperature lower than the temperature at which the aerosol is generated, so wasteful power consumption accompanying the second heating can be suppressed.
- the second feature since the second heating can be stopped with higher accuracy, wasteful power consumption associated with the second heating can be suppressed with higher accuracy.
- the third feature it is possible to more accurately detect that the second heating is no longer necessary.
- the fourth feature it is possible to more accurately detect that the second heating is no longer necessary.
- the fifth feature it is possible to more accurately detect that the second heating is no longer necessary.
- the sixth feature it is possible to more accurately detect that there is no need to perform the second heating.
- the seventh feature it is possible to more accurately ascertain that the distance from the user's mouth exceeds the threshold. According to the eighth feature, even if the suction operation is not performed after performing the second heating, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption. According to the ninth feature, since power is not supplied more than necessary, it is possible to suppress power consumption during the second heating.
- FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of heat treatment performed by a control unit; It is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the suction device. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the sensor part and control part which concern on a modification. It is a figure which shows typically an example of schematic structure of the suction device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically an example of schematic structure of the suction device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically an example of a structure of the suction device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a timing chart for explaining operation of a suction device concerning a 4th embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is an example of a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the suction device 1.
- FIG. 2 is an example of a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the suction device 1.
- FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the schematic configuration of the suction device 1.
- a suction device 1 according to the first embodiment is a device that generates a substance to be sucked by a user.
- the substance generated by the suction device 1 is an aerosol.
- the substance produced by the suction device 1 may be a gas.
- the suction device 1 generates an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol source.
- the suction device 1 includes a power supply unit 110 , a cartridge 120 , a case 10 housing the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 , a mouthpiece 124 , and an end cap 20 housing part of the mouthpiece 124 .
- the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge 120 are configured to be detachable from each other. Aspiration by the user is performed with the cartridge 120 attached to the power supply unit 110 .
- the power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111, a sensor section 112, a notification section 113, a storage section 114, a communication section 115, and a control section .
- the power supply unit 110 also has an operation unit 117 that can be operated by a user, and a DC/DC converter 118 .
- the cartridge 120 has a heating portion 121 , a liquid guiding portion 122 and a liquid storing portion 123 .
- An air flow path 180 is formed in the suction device 1 . 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 1 .
- 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.
- 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 removed from the suction device 1 or may be replaced with a new power supply unit 111 .
- the sensor unit 112 detects various information regarding the suction device 1 .
- the sensor unit 112 includes a pressure sensor 112p such as a microphone condenser, a flow rate sensor 112q that detects the amount of the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123, and a temperature sensor 112t that detects the temperature of the heating unit 121. have.
- the sensor unit 112 then outputs the detected information to the control unit 116 .
- the sensor unit 112 outputs information indicating that the user has performed suction to the control unit 116 when the pressure sensor 112p detects a numerical value associated with the user's suction.
- the notification unit 113 notifies the user of information.
- the notification unit 113 is configured by a light-emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
- 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 1, 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.
- the storage unit 114 stores various information for the operation of the suction device 1.
- 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 1, 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 1 and other devices.
- the communication unit 115 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard.
- 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.
- the communication unit 115 transmits information regarding suction by the user to the smartphone in order to display the information regarding suction by the user on the smartphone.
- 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 1 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 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 1 executes various processes under the control of the controller 116 .
- the operation unit 117 is composed of a button type switch, a touch panel, or the like. Operation unit 117 outputs information operated by the user to control unit 116 . For example, when the power supply unit 110 is powered off and a predetermined activation operation is performed on the operation unit 117 , the operation unit 117 outputs an activation command for the power supply unit 110 to the control unit 116 . The control unit 116 activates the power supply unit 110 upon acquiring the activation command.
- the predetermined activation operation by the operation unit 117 can be exemplified by pressing the operation unit 117 three times in rapid succession.
- the DC/DC converter 118 is connected between the heating unit 121 and the power supply unit 111 when the cartridge 120 is attached to the power supply unit 110 .
- Control unit 116 is connected between DC/DC converter 118 and power supply unit 111 .
- the DC/DC converter 118 is a booster circuit capable of boosting an input voltage, and is configured to be able to supply a voltage obtained by boosting the input voltage or the input voltage to the heating unit 121 .
- the power supplied to the heating unit 121 can be adjusted by the DC/DC converter 118 .
- a switching regulator can be used that converts an input voltage into a desired output voltage by controlling the on/off time of a switching element while monitoring the output voltage. When a switching regulator is used as the DC/DC converter 118, by controlling the switching element, the input voltage can be directly output without being boosted.
- the temperature sensor 112t has a voltage sensor and a current sensor.
- the voltage sensor measures and outputs the voltage value applied to the heating unit 121 .
- the current sensor measures and outputs the current value flowing through the heating unit 121 .
- the output of the voltage sensor and the output of the current sensor are respectively input to control section 116 .
- Control unit 116 acquires the resistance value of heating unit 121 based on the output of the voltage sensor and the output of the current sensor, and acquires the temperature of heating unit 121 according to this resistance value.
- the temperature of the heating section 121 can be considered to be approximately the same as the temperature of the aerosol source heated by the heating section 121 .
- the temperature sensor 112t does not need to have a current sensor if a constant current is applied to the heating unit 121 when the resistance value of the heating unit 121 is obtained. Similarly, if a constant voltage is applied to the heating unit 121 when obtaining the resistance value of the heating unit 121, the temperature sensor 112t may not have a voltage sensor. Also, the temperature sensor 112t may be, for example, a thermistor arranged near the heating unit 121 .
- the liquid reservoir 123 stores an aerosol source.
- the aerosol source is atomized by heating to produce an aerosol.
- Aerosol sources are, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water.
- the aerosol source may further comprise a tobacco material or an extract derived therefrom that releases flavoring components when heated.
- the aerosol source may further include nicotine. If the inhalation device 1 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicament for inhalation by the patient.
- 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 guiding portion 122 according to the present embodiment is a wick formed by twisting a fibrous material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. Liquid guide portion 122 is in liquid communication with liquid reservoir portion 123 . Therefore, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 spreads over the entire liquid guide section 122 due to the capillary effect.
- the heating unit 121 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol.
- the heating part 121 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide in any shape such as coil, film or blade.
- the heating section 121 is arranged close to the liquid guiding section 122 . In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the heating section 121 is composed of a metal coil and wound around the liquid guiding section 122 . Therefore, 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 .
- the air flow path 180 is a flow path for air drawn by the user.
- the air flow path 180 has an air inflow hole 181 that is an inlet of air into the air flow path 180 and an air outflow hole 182 that is an outlet of air from the air flow path 180 at both ends.
- air inlet hole 181 is formed around the operating portion 117 .
- An air outlet hole 182 is formed in the mouthpiece 124 .
- a liquid guide portion 122 is arranged in the middle of the air flow path 180 .
- the aerosol generated by the heating part 121 is mixed with the air introduced from the air inlet 181 .
- the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air is transported to the air outflow hole 182 as indicated by the arrow 190 .
- the case 10 has a cylindrical power unit case 11 that houses the power unit 110 and a cylindrical cartridge case 12 that houses the cartridge 120 .
- the power supply unit case 11 is provided with an operation section 117 that is operable by the user and is exposed from the surface of the power supply unit case 11 .
- the power supply unit case 11 is formed with an air inlet hole 181 for taking in outside air. It can be exemplified that the air inlet hole 181 is formed around the operating portion 117 .
- a pressure sensor 112p is provided near the operation unit 117 .
- the pressure sensor 112p is configured to output the value of the pressure change within the power supply unit 110 caused by the user's suction through the mouthpiece 124 .
- the pressure sensor 112p outputs an output value corresponding to the flow rate of air sucked from the air inlet 181 toward the mouthpiece 124, in other words, the pressure that changes according to the user's suction.
- the end cap 20 has a first cylindrical portion 21 fitted inside an opening of the cartridge case 12 opposite to the power supply unit case 11 , and a second cylindrical portion 21 provided outside the cartridge case 12 . and a cylindrical portion 22 .
- a portion of the first cylindrical portion 21 on the cartridge case 12 side is fitted into the cartridge case 12 and has a flange portion that abuts against the end face of the cartridge case 12 .
- the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion 22 is smaller than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 21, and the diameter of the inner peripheral surface is the same as the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion 21. .
- the mouthpiece 124 is a cylindrical member and has a portion on the cartridge case 12 side that is fitted inside the end cap 20 and has a flange that abuts the end face of the end cap 20 .
- the mouthpiece 124 is an example of a mouthpiece held by the user when inhaling.
- An air outlet hole 182 of an air flow path 180 is formed in the mouthpiece 124 .
- the control unit 116 is activated when the suction device 1 is powered on. For example, the suction device 1 is powered on when the operating portion 117 is quickly pressed three times in succession. Then, when a predetermined condition is established, the control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the liquid aerosol source is equal to or higher than the first temperature at which the aerosol is generated by atomization.
- a predetermined condition can be exemplified by a case where the output value of the pressure sensor 112p of the sensor unit 112 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.
- a case where the output value of the pressure sensor 112p is equal to or greater than the threshold value is, for example, a case where the user sucks while holding the mouthpiece 124, and the flow rate of the air sucked from the air inlet 181 toward the mouthpiece 124. , the pressure changes and the output value of the pressure sensor 112p exceeds the threshold value.
- the user's sucking while holding the mouthpiece 124 may be referred to as a "sucking operation".
- the first temperature is the boiling point of the aerosol source.
- control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 121 to heat the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the aerosol source is equal to or higher than the boiling point.
- heating the heating unit 121 by supplying power to the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the aerosol source is equal to or higher than the boiling point may be referred to as “suction heating”.
- Control unit 116 starts suction heating when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
- the predetermined conditions mentioned above may be called “suction heating conditions.”
- the suction heating condition can be exemplified by the fact that the output value of the pressure sensor 112p is greater than or equal to the threshold.
- the control unit 116 controls, for example, the power value supplied to the heating unit 121 to be a predetermined power value for performing suction heating.
- the predetermined power value can be exemplified as a value that is obtained by performing an experiment or the like in advance and stored in the storage unit 114 or the ROM. Further, it is possible to exemplify that the predetermined power value is set so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 during suction heating becomes the suction heating target temperature described later.
- the control unit 116 may set the target temperature of the heating unit 121 during suction heating to be equal to or higher than the first temperature, and control the power supply so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 during suction heating reaches this target temperature. good.
- the target temperature of the heating unit 121 during suction heating may be referred to as "suction heating target temperature”.
- the suction heating target temperature can be exemplified as 180 degrees.
- the control unit 116 supplies electric power to the heating unit 121 via the DC/DC converter 118 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 detected by the temperature sensor 112t becomes the suction heating target temperature. may be controlled.
- the control unit 116 detects the deviation between the suction heating target temperature stored in the storage unit 114 and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 detected by the temperature sensor 112t (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “actual temperature”). Based on this, the power supplied to the heating unit 121 may be controlled.
- This temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by, for example, known feedback control.
- the control unit 116 sets a temperature lower than the target suction heating temperature (for example, 175 degrees) (hereinafter referred to as the “set suction heating temperature”). ) and the actual temperature, the power supplied to the heating unit 121 may be controlled.
- the control unit 116 assumes that the suction heating condition is satisfied and performs suction heating. However, when the period during which the output value of the pressure sensor 112p is equal to or greater than the threshold reaches a predetermined upper limit time (for example, 2.4 seconds), the control unit 116 Power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped.
- a predetermined upper limit time for example, 2.4 seconds
- control unit 116 detects an event in which the suction heating condition is expected to be satisfied before the suction heating condition is satisfied, control unit 116 sets the temperature of the aerosol source to the second temperature or higher and to the second temperature. Electric power is supplied to the heating unit 121 so that the temperature is lower than the 1 temperature.
- a case in which an event in which the suction heating condition is expected to be satisfied is detected is, for example, a case in which a predetermined operation (for example, pressing once) is performed on the operation unit 117. be able to.
- the target of the predetermined operation may be an operation unit different from the operation unit 117 that is the target of the predetermined activation operation to turn on the power supply unit 110 .
- the second temperature can be exemplified as 40 degrees, for example.
- the control unit 116 sets the temperature of the aerosol source to the second temperature or higher and lower than the first temperature. Electric power is supplied to the heating unit 121 to heat the heating unit 121 so as to lower the temperature.
- heating the heating unit 121 by supplying power to the heating unit 121 so that the temperature of the aerosol source is equal to or higher than the second temperature and lower than the first temperature may be referred to as “preheating”.
- the control unit 116 starts preheating when an event that is expected to satisfy the suction heating condition is detected.
- an event that is expected to satisfy the suction heating condition may be referred to as a "preliminary event".
- the control unit 116 controls, for example, the power value supplied to the heating unit 121 to be a predetermined power value for performing preheating.
- the predetermined power value can be exemplified as a value that is obtained by performing an experiment or the like in advance and stored in the storage unit 114 or the ROM. Further, the predetermined power value can be exemplified so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 during preheating becomes a preheating target temperature, which will be described later.
- the control unit 116 sets the target temperature of the heating unit 121 during preheating to a temperature equal to or higher than the second temperature and lower than the boiling point of the aerosol source, and the temperature of the heating unit 121 during preheating reaches this target. Power supply may be controlled so as to achieve the temperature.
- the target temperature of the heating unit 121 during preheating may be referred to as "preheating target temperature”.
- the preheating target temperature can be exemplified as 50 degrees.
- the control unit 116 supplies electric power to the heating unit 121 via the DC/DC converter 118 so that the temperature of the heating unit 121 detected by the temperature sensor 112t becomes the preheating target temperature. may be controlled.
- the control unit 116 controls the power supplied to the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the preheating target temperature stored in the storage unit 114 and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 detected by the temperature sensor 112t. may be controlled.
- This temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be realized by, for example, known feedback control.
- control unit 116 controls a temperature set to a value (for example, 45 degrees) lower than the preheating target temperature (hereinafter referred to as “preheating set temperature”) so that the actual temperature does not exceed the preheating target temperature. ) and the actual temperature, the power supplied to the heating unit 121 may be controlled.
- the control unit 116 makes the power value for preheating smaller than the power value for suction heating.
- the control unit 116 makes the duty ratio of the PWM signal output to the DC/DC converter 118 smaller when performing preheating than when performing suction heating. For example, a duty ratio of 90% when performing suction heating and a duty ratio of 30% when performing preheating can be exemplified.
- control unit 116 fixes the duty ratio to 30% until the actual temperature reaches the preheating set temperature, and after the actual temperature reaches the preheating set temperature, the deviation between the actual temperature and the set temperature is fixed. You may change a duty ratio based on. Similarly, control unit 116 fixes the duty ratio to 90% until the actual temperature reaches the set temperature for suction, and after the actual temperature reaches the set temperature for suction, the deviation between the actual temperature and the set temperature You may change a duty ratio based on.
- the control unit 116 performs suction heating when the suction heating condition is satisfied during preheating. Therefore, in the suction device 1, the control unit 116 controls power supply to the heating unit 121 as described above to shift to suction heating. In some cases, the process proceeds to suction heating without preheating.
- suction heating when shifting to suction heating after performing preheating is referred to as “first suction heating”
- suction heating when shifting to suction heating without performing preheating is referred to as "second suction heating”.
- heating suction heating when shifting to suction heating without performing preheating.
- control unit 116 sets a predetermined condition for ending preheating (hereinafter referred to as “preheating end condition” in some cases) before the suction heating condition is established. ) is established, the preheating is stopped. This is for suppressing wasteful power consumption associated with preheating.
- a predetermined time for example, 10 seconds
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the heat treatment performed by the control unit 116.
- the control unit 116 repeatedly executes this process, for example, at a predetermined control cycle (for example, every 1 millisecond).
- Control unit 116 determines whether or not a preliminary event has been detected (S401). If a preliminary event is detected (YES in S401), control unit 116 performs preliminary heating (S402). After that, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the suction heating condition is satisfied (S403). If the suction heating condition is satisfied (YES in S403), the control unit 116 performs the first suction heating (S404). After that, it is determined whether or not the suction operation has ended (S405).
- the control unit 116 determines whether or not the upper limit time has been reached (S406). If the upper limit time has not been reached (NO in S406), the control unit 116 performs the processes after S405. When the upper limit time is reached (YES in S406) or when the suction operation ends (YES in S405), the control unit 116 stops power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 to stop heating ( S407).
- control unit 116 determines whether or not the preheating end condition is satisfied (S408). If the preheating end condition is not satisfied (NO in S408), the control unit 116 performs the processes from S402 onwards. On the other hand, if the preheating end condition is satisfied (YES in S408), control unit 116 stops power supply from power supply unit 111 to heating unit 121 to stop heating (S407).
- the control unit 116 determines whether or not the suction heating condition has been established (S409). If the suction heating condition is not satisfied (NO in S409), the control unit 116 terminates this process. If the suction heating condition is satisfied (YES in S409), the control unit 116 performs the second suction heating (S410). After that, it is determined whether or not the suction operation has ended (S411). When determining that the suction operation has not ended (NO in S411), the control unit 116 determines whether or not the upper limit time has been reached (S412).
- control unit 116 performs the processes after S411.
- the control unit 116 stops power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 to stop heating ( S407).
- FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the suction device 1.
- FIG. FIG. 5(a) is a timing chart for performing the first suction heating
- FIG. 5(b) is a timing chart for performing the second suction heating.
- an operation for turning on the power of the suction device 1 is performed at time t1, a preliminary event is detected at time t2 thereafter, and the first event is detected at time t3. It shows the operation when it is detected that the suction operation is performed (when it is detected that the suction heating condition is satisfied). Further, in FIG. 5A, it is detected that the first suction operation is not performed at time t4, a preliminary event is detected at time t5, and the second suction operation is performed at time t6. It shows the operation when it is detected that it has been broken.
- FIG. 5(b) shows a case where an operation for turning on the power of the suction device 1 is performed at time t1, and it is detected that the first suction operation is performed at time t3 thereafter (suction heating conditions are When it is detected that it is established). Further, FIG. 5B shows the operation when it is detected that the first suction operation is not performed at time t4, and that the second suction operation is performed at time t6. ing.
- FIG. 5C shows a case where the suction device 1 operates as shown in FIG.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in the temperature of the heating unit 121 in a case (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “case 2”).
- the change in temperature in case 1 is indicated by a solid line
- the change in temperature in case 2 is indicated by a dashed line.
- the preheating is performed before the suction heating. Therefore, in the case of Case 1, the temperature of the aerosol source tends to reach the temperature at which it atomizes to form an aerosol earlier than in the case of Case 2. Therefore, in the suction device 1, when the first suction heating is performed (Case 1 in FIG. 5), the second suction heating is performed (Case 2 in FIG. 5). The amount of aerosol produced is large. This is for the following reasons.
- the liquid guide section 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123, by a capillary effect, and the heating section 121 is arranged close to the liquid guide section 122 to generate heat.
- An aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. Therefore, as the amount of power supplied to the heating unit 121 increases, the amount of generated aerosol increases.
- the suction device 1 includes the liquid storage unit 123 that stores liquid that is an aerosol source that generates an aerosol when heated, the heating unit 121 that heats the liquid, and the power supply unit 111 that stores electric power. and a control unit 116 that controls power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 . Then, when a suction heating condition, which is an example of a predetermined condition, is satisfied, the control unit 116 sets the temperature of the liquid, which is the aerosol source, to a first temperature (for example, boiling point) at which the liquid evaporates or higher. Power supply is controlled to perform suction heating as one example of heating.
- a suction heating condition which is an example of a predetermined condition
- control unit 116 detects an event in which the suction heating condition is expected to be satisfied before the suction heating condition is satisfied, the control unit 116 sets the temperature of the liquid that is the aerosol source to a second temperature (for example, 40 degrees) or higher. and the power supply is controlled to perform preheating, which is an example of second heating, in which the temperature is lower than the first temperature (eg, boiling point).
- a second temperature for example, 40 degrees
- preheating which is an example of second heating, in which the temperature is lower than the first temperature (eg, boiling point).
- the suction device 1 performs preheating when an event expected to satisfy the suction heating condition is detected before the suction heating condition is satisfied, and then performs suction heating when the suction heating condition is satisfied. .
- the suction device 1 configured in this way, by performing suction heating after performing preheating, the amount of aerosol at the initial stage of suction becomes larger than when suction heating is performed without preheating.
- the second temperature has been exemplified as 40 degrees, it is not particularly limited to 40 degrees.
- the purpose of the preheating is to raise the temperature of the aerosol source liquid in advance before performing suction heating, so the second temperature should be higher than the temperature of the location where the suction device 1 is used. For example, if the area where the suction device 1 is used is Japan, the second temperature should be higher than the air temperature in Japan. Since the temperature changes according to the season, the second temperature may be changed according to the season.
- the preheating target temperature is illustrated as being 50 degrees, it is not particularly limited to 50 degrees. The preheating target temperature may be changed in the same manner as the second temperature, such as by setting the second temperature +10 degrees.
- the predetermined power value may be changed in the same manner as the change in the second temperature. good. That is, the predetermined power value and preheating target temperature may be changed according to the region or season where the suction device 1 is used.
- preheating is performed when an event in which the suction heating condition is expected to be satisfied is detected before the suction heating condition is satisfied. Wasteful power consumption associated with preheating can be suppressed as compared with the case where preheating is started immediately. That is, for example, even if the power of the suction device 1 is turned on, the user does not necessarily perform the suction operation immediately. If the suction operation is not performed after the preheating is started when the power of the suction device 1 is turned on, the electric power required for the preheating is wasted.
- the suction device 1 when an event expected to satisfy the suction heating condition is detected after the power source of the suction device 1 is turned on, for example, a predetermined operation is performed on the operation unit 117. Preheating is started when (for example, one press) is performed. Preheating is performed when an event that is expected to satisfy the suction heating condition leads to the user's suction operation with higher accuracy than other matters (for example, turning on the power of the suction device 1). Since suction heating is performed with high accuracy after heating, the power required for preheating is less likely to be wasted.
- the suction device 1 when compared with a configuration in which preheating is performed during the entire period between the n-th suction operation and the (n+1)th suction operation performed next to the n-th suction operation, wasteful power consumption associated with preheating can be suppressed. That is, the time interval between the nth suction operation and the (n+1)th suction operation is about 10 to 20 seconds. If the time interval until heating is about 3 seconds, the preheating period can be shortened by 7 to 17 seconds. Then, when the preheating target temperature is reached within 3 seconds after the start of preheating, the electric power required for preheating can be reduced by the period during which preheating can be shortened.
- the control unit 116 makes the power value for preheating smaller than the power value for suction heating.
- the control unit 116 sets the duty ratio for suction heating to 90% and the duty ratio for preheating to 30%. As a result, even if the suction operation is not performed after performing the preheating, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption associated with the preheating.
- control unit 116 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so as not to exceed the target temperature. As a result, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heating unit 121 from increasing more than necessary, so that wasteful power consumption associated with preheating can be suppressed.
- the preheating target temperature Power consumption for maintaining the preheating target temperature after reaching the temperature can be suppressed.
- the minimum heating time depends on the specifications of the heating unit 121 and the preheating target temperature, it can be exemplified to be 2 seconds or less. When the minimum heating time is 2 seconds, if preheating is started 2 seconds before the suction operation is performed, the preheating target temperature can be sufficiently reached when the suction operation is performed. From the above, it is desirable to start preheating before the minimum heating time during which the suction operation can be performed with high accuracy.
- the following event can be considered as a preliminary event.
- the suction device 1 has been moved to the mouth. This is because the user moves the suction device 1 to the mouth before performing the suction operation. In particular, it is considered that the suction device 1 is moved to the mouth during the first suction operation.
- the suction device 1 is located near the mouth. This is because the suction device 1 is near the mouth when the user performs a suction operation. In particular, before the second and subsequent suction operations, it is considered that the suction device 1 is kept near the mouth continuously after the previous suction operation.
- the suction device 1 touches the lips. This is because the user holds the mouthpiece 124 when performing a suction operation.
- FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of schematic configurations of the sensor unit 112 and the control unit 116 according to the modification.
- the control unit 116 can detect a preliminary event as follows. It is conceivable that the user picks up and lifts the suction device 1 placed on a desk or table, for example, before performing the suction operation. Therefore, the sensor unit 112 has a gyro sensor 112j, and the control unit 116 detects a preliminary event when the output value of the gyro sensor 112j indicates that the orientation of the suction device 1 has been changed from horizontal to vertical. can be exemplified. It can be exemplified that the gyro sensor 112 j is provided inside the power supply unit case 11 .
- the control unit 116 determines that the output value of the gyro sensor 112j is closer to the altitude of the mouthpiece 124 than the altitude of the power supply unit 111, based on the value indicating that the altitude of the power supply unit 111 and the altitude of the mouthpiece 124 are the same.
- Detecting a preliminary event can be exemplified when C changes to a value indicative of a large condition.
- the state in which the power supply unit 111 and the mouthpiece 124 are at the same altitude is not limited to the case where the power supply unit 111 and the mouthpiece 124 are at the same altitude. may be 1 cm or less. This is because, when the height difference between the power supply unit 111 and the mouthpiece 124 is 1 cm or less, it can be considered that the suction device 1 is oriented sideways.
- the sensor unit 112 since the user touches the suction device 1 with a hand before performing a suction operation, the sensor unit 112 has a tactile sensor 112s, and the control unit 116 controls the output value of the tactile sensor 112s so that the hand touches the suction device 1. A preliminary event may be detected when it indicates that the is being touched.
- the tactile sensor 112s may be attached to the power supply unit case 11 while being exposed from the surface of the power supply unit case 11 that houses the power supply unit 110, for example.
- the sensor unit 112 may include the acceleration sensor 112a, and the control unit 116 may detect the preliminary event when the output value of the acceleration sensor 112a exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
- the suction device 1 is moved from bottom to top, a downward inertial force acts, and the acceleration sensor 112a indicates positive acceleration.
- An upward inertial force acts, and the acceleration sensor 112a indicates negative acceleration. Therefore, when the output value of the acceleration sensor 112a exceeds a predetermined threshold, it can be considered that the user has moved the suction device 1 from the vicinity of the waist to the mouth in order to perform a suction operation.
- the acceleration sensor 112 a can be exemplified by being provided inside the power supply unit case 11 .
- the sensor unit 112 may include an altitude sensor 112h, and the control unit 116 may detect a preliminary event when the amount of change in the output value of the altitude sensor 112h exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- the altitude sensor 112 h can be exemplified by being provided inside the power supply unit case 11 .
- control unit 116 controls the suction device 1 to move from the vicinity of the waist to the mouth when the amount of change in the output value of the pressure sensor 112p exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Assuming that it has been moved, a preliminary event may be detected.
- the suction device 1 has a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) 112l that measures the distance between the suction device 1 and the mouth, and the control unit 116 controls the output value of the LiDAR 112l to measure the distance between the suction device 1 and the mouth.
- a preliminary event may be detected when it indicates that the distance of has fallen below a predetermined threshold.
- the LiDAR 112l normally measures the distance to the lower lip because it is moved upward from the position below the mouth to the mouth.
- the unit 116 can exemplify detecting a preliminary event when the distance measured by the LiDAR 112l falls below a predetermined threshold.
- the control unit 116 compares the distance measured by the LiDAR 112l with the portion of contact between the upper and lower lips stored in the storage unit 114 or ROM in advance and the nose. Using the distance, the distance between the part where the upper lip and the lower lip contact and the suction device 1 is estimated, and when the estimated distance is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, a preliminary event is detected. Also good.
- the LiDAR 112l can be exemplified by being attached to the end cap 20, for example. Alternatively, LiDAR 112 l may be attached to mouthpiece 124 .
- the infrared sensor 112i can measure the user's body temperature. A preliminary event may be detected when the value exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- the infrared sensor 112i can be exemplified by being attached to the end cap 20, for example. Alternatively, infrared sensor 112i may be attached to mouthpiece 124 .
- the suction device 1 has a camera 112c
- the control unit 116 may detect a preliminary event when the camera 112c captures an image of the suction device 1 approaching the user's mouth.
- the image captured by the camera 112c may be a still image or a moving image. In the case of a still image, the camera 112c should take an image, for example, every 1 millisecond.
- the camera 112c can be exemplified by being attached to the end cap 20, for example. Alternatively, camera 112 c may be attached to mouthpiece 124 .
- the control unit 116 can exemplify detecting a preliminary event as follows.
- the odor sensor 112n can measure volatile sulfur compounds generated in the user's mouth.
- a preliminary event may be detected when the output value of sensor 112n is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
- the odor sensor 112n a sensor capable of measuring the flavor component contained in the aerosol that can be inhaled by the suction device 1 is used, and the control unit 116 detects when the output value of the odor sensor 112n is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Also, a preliminary event may be detected.
- the control unit 116 may detect a preliminary event when the output value of the humidity sensor 112k exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
- the control unit 116 may detect a preliminary event when the output value of the CO 2 sensor 112o exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- the odor sensor 112n, the humidity sensor 112k, and the CO2 sensor 112o can be exemplified by being attached to the end cap 20, for example.
- the odor sensor 112n, the humidity sensor 112k, and the CO2 sensor 112o may be attached to the mouthpiece 124.
- the control unit 116 determines that the suction device 1 is near the mouth when the output value of the infrared sensor 112i is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. , a preliminary event may be detected. Also, the control unit 116 may detect a preliminary event when the output value of the LiDAR 112l indicates that the distance between the suction device 1 and the mouth is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. Further, the control unit 116 may detect a preliminary event when the camera 112c captures an image that the suction device 1 is near the user's mouth.
- the tactile sensor 112m is attached while being exposed from the surface of the mouthpiece 124, and the control unit 116 detects that the output value of the tactile sensor 112m indicates that the mouth is touching the mouthpiece 124. Detecting a preliminary event can be exemplified when indicating that.
- the suction device 1 includes the above-described gyro sensor 112j, tactile sensor 112s, acceleration sensor 112a, altitude sensor 112h, LiDAR 112l, infrared sensor 112i, camera 112c, odor sensor 112n, tactile sensor 112m, humidity sensor 112k, and CO Having at least two of the two sensors 112o, the controller 116 may detect a preliminary event based on output values from the two or more sensors. For example, during the first suction operation, the control unit 116 determines that the output value of the gyro sensor 112j indicates that the suction device 1 is oriented vertically, and that the suction device 1 has moved from bottom to top.
- a preliminary event may be detected when the output value of the acceleration sensor 112a indicates that. Further, in the second and subsequent suction operations, the controller 116 determines that the output value of the gyro sensor 112j indicates that the suction device 1 is oriented vertically, and that the output value of the infrared sensor 112i is predetermined. A preliminary event may be detected if it is greater than or equal to a set threshold. This makes it possible to detect preliminary events with higher accuracy.
- the suction device 1 includes the above-described gyro sensor 112j, tactile sensor 112s, acceleration sensor 112a, altitude sensor 112h, LiDAR 112l, infrared sensor 112i, camera 112c, odor sensor 112n, tactile sensor 112m, humidity sensor 112k, and CO
- the control unit 116 may detect a preliminary event based on output values from the three or more sensors. For example, during the first suction operation, the control unit 116 determines that the output value of the gyro sensor 112j indicates that the suction device 1 is oriented vertically, and that the suction device 1 has moved from bottom to top.
- the preliminary event may be detected when the output value of the acceleration sensor 112a indicates that and the output value of the infrared sensor 112i exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Further, in the second and subsequent suction operations, the controller 116 determines that the output value of the gyro sensor 112j indicates that the suction device 1 is oriented vertically, and that the output value of the infrared sensor 112i is predetermined.
- a preliminary event may be detected when the output value of the odor sensor 112n is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and the output value of the odor sensor 112n is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to detect preliminary events with higher accuracy.
- the suction device 1 learns the time interval between successive suction operations, and the control unit 116 calculates the minimum heating time for the expected start of the (n+1)-th suction operation after the n-th suction operation. It is also possible to use the fact that the hour has come before as a preliminary event. For example, the control unit 116 calculates the average value of the time intervals between successive suction operations, and stores this average value in the storage unit 114 as the average time interval. Then, the control unit 116 may set the elapse of (average time interval ⁇ minimum heating time) after the n-th suction operation as a preliminary event. For example, if the average time interval is 15 seconds and the minimum heating time is 2 seconds, the controller 116 may detect, as a preliminary event, that 13 seconds have passed after the nth suction operation.
- control unit 116 stops preheating when the preheating end condition is satisfied after performing preheating. For example, control unit 116 stops preheating when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed after starting preheating. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which preheating is continued until the suction operation is performed after preheating is started, the period for performing preheating can be shortened, so power consumption for preheating can be suppressed. can.
- a predetermined time for example, 10 seconds
- the preheating end condition may be the following condition other than the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) after the preheating is started as described above.
- the control unit 116 sets the preheating end condition to that the output value of the gyro sensor 112j indicates that the orientation of the suction device 1 has been changed from vertical to horizontal.
- the control unit 116 determines that the altitude of the power supply unit 111 and the altitude of the mouthpiece 124 are the same, based on the value indicating that the altitude of the mouthpiece 124 is higher than the altitude of the power supply unit 111, based on the output value of the gyro sensor 112j.
- a change to a value indicating a state is set as the preheating end condition. This is because, if the suction device 1 is placed on, for example, a desk or a table, it is considered unlikely that the suction operation will be performed within the minimum heating time.
- control unit 116 may set the fact that the output value of the tactile sensor 112s no longer indicates that the hand is touching the suction device 1 as the preheating end condition. This is because it is considered unlikely that the suction operation will be performed within the minimum heating time when the user releases the suction device 1 .
- control unit 116 determines that the output value of the acceleration sensor 112a, which becomes negative acceleration when the suction device 1 is moved from top to bottom, has become equal to or less than a predetermined negative threshold. It can be used as a condition. This is because, for example, when the user moves the suction device 1 from the mouth to the vicinity of the waist, it is considered unlikely that the suction operation will be performed within the minimum heating time.
- the control unit 116 sets the amount of change in the output value of the altitude sensor 112h to a predetermined value.
- the preheating end condition may be set to be equal to or less than a negative threshold. This is because, for example, when the user moves the suction device 1 from the mouth to the vicinity of the waist, it is considered unlikely that the suction operation will be performed within the minimum heating time.
- control unit 116 controls the suction device 1 to move from the mouth to the vicinity of the waist when the amount of change in the output value of the pressure sensor 112p is equal to or less than a predetermined negative threshold value. It may be assumed that the preheating end condition is established by estimating that the robot has been moved to .
- the control unit 116 may set the following items as the preheating end condition. .
- the preheating end condition may be satisfied when the distance from the user's mouth exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- the control unit 116 may set the preheating termination condition that the output value of the LiDAR 112l indicates that the distance between the suction device 1 and the mouth exceeds a predetermined threshold.
- the control unit 116 may set the fact that the output value of the infrared sensor 112i is less than a predetermined threshold value as the preheating end condition.
- control unit 116 may set the fact that the camera 112c has imaged that the suction device 1 is not near the user's mouth as the preheating end condition. Further, the control unit 116 may set the condition that the output value of the odor sensor 112n is less than a predetermined threshold value as the preheating end condition. Further, the control unit 116 may set the condition that the output value of the humidity sensor 112k is less than a predetermined threshold value as the preheating end condition. Further, the control unit 116 may set the condition that the output value of the CO 2 sensor 112o is less than a predetermined threshold value as the preheating termination condition.
- the suction device 1 includes the above-described gyro sensor 112j, tactile sensor 112s, acceleration sensor 112a, altitude sensor 112h, LiDAR 112l, infrared sensor 112i, camera 112c, odor sensor 112n, tactile sensor 112m, humidity sensor 112k, and CO At least two or more of the two sensors 112o may be provided, and the control section 116 may determine whether or not the preheating end condition is satisfied based on the output values from the two or more sensors.
- the controller 116 determines that the output value of the acceleration sensor 112a indicates that the suction device 1 has moved from top to bottom, and that the output value of the gyro sensor 112j indicates that the suction device 1 is oriented sideways. In this case, it may be determined that the preheating end condition is satisfied. Further, the control unit 116 controls the preheating when the output value of the acceleration sensor 112a indicates that the suction device 1 has moved from top to bottom and the output value of the infrared sensor 112i is less than a predetermined threshold. It may be determined that the end condition is satisfied. This makes it possible to more accurately determine that the suction operation is not performed within the minimum heating time.
- control unit 116 can determine with high accuracy that the possibility of the suction operation being performed within the minimum heating time is low and stop the preheating. Wasteful power consumption associated with heating can be suppressed.
- the timing of starting preheating should be the event that is expected to satisfy the suction heating condition. is not limited to the case of detecting
- the control unit 116 may start preheating when the suction device 1 is powered on and started, and then stop preheating when the preheating end condition is satisfied. Further, the control unit 116 may change from suction heating to preheating at the timing when the n-th suction operation is finished, and then stop preheating when the preheating end condition is satisfied.
- FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the schematic configuration of the suction device 2 according to the second embodiment.
- a suction device 2 according to the second embodiment differs from the suction device 1 according to the first embodiment in that a flavor imparting cartridge 130 is provided. Further, the suction device 2 differs from the suction device 1 in that it has a case 210 instead of the case 10 . Differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same items in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
- the flavoring cartridge 130 has a flavor source 131 .
- Flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol.
- the flavor source 131 may be derived from tobacco, such as a processed product obtained by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. Flavor sources 131 may also include non-tobacco sources made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mints and herbs). As an example, flavor source 131 may include a flavoring ingredient such as menthol. Note that the flavor source 131 may be placed inside a container such as a capsule.
- the flavor source 131 is arranged downstream of the liquid guide section 122 (closer to the air outflow hole 182).
- the aerosol generated by the heating part 121 is mixed with the air introduced from the air inlet 181 .
- the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through flavor source 131 and is transported to air outflow hole 182 as indicated by arrow 192 .
- the flavor component contained in the flavor source 131 is added to the aerosol.
- the case 210 has a cylindrical flavor imparting cartridge case 13 that accommodates the flavor imparting cartridge 130 in addition to the power supply unit case 11 and the cartridge case 12 .
- the flavor imparting cartridge 130 and the cartridge 120 are configured to be detachable from each other.
- An end cap 20 is attached to the opening of the flavor imparting cartridge case 13 on the side opposite to the cartridge case 12 .
- the suction by the user is performed with the cartridge 120, the flavor imparting cartridge 130, and the power supply unit 110 attached to each other, the end cap 20 attached to the flavor imparting cartridge case 13, and the mouthpiece 124 attached to the end cap 20. , is done.
- control unit 116 performs preheating in the same manner as described in the first embodiment, so that the amount of aerosol at the initial stage of suction is can be increased, and wasteful power consumption associated with preheating can be suppressed.
- FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the schematic configuration of the suction device 3 according to the third embodiment.
- a suction device 3 according to the third embodiment differs from the suction device 1 according to the first embodiment in that a susceptor 161 and an electromagnetic induction source 162 are provided instead of the heating unit 121 . Differences from the first embodiment will be described below. The same reference numerals are used for the same items in the first embodiment and the third embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
- the susceptor 161 generates heat by electromagnetic induction.
- the susceptor 161 is made of a conductive material such as metal.
- the susceptor 161 is arranged close to the liquid guide portion 122 .
- the susceptor 161 is composed of a metal lead wire and wound around the liquid guide portion 122 .
- 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 wire.
- 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 susceptor 161 overlaps the generated magnetic field. Therefore, when a magnetic field is generated, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor 161 and Joule heat is generated. Then, the Joule heat heat heats the aerosol source held in the liquid guide section 122 and atomizes it to generate an aerosol.
- the control unit 116 controls power supply to the electromagnetic induction source 162 in the same manner as the control unit 116 controls power supply to the heating unit 121 according to the first embodiment. Power supply control is performed, and heat treatment of the susceptor 161 is performed. Then, in the heat treatment of the susceptor 161, the control unit 116 preheats the susceptor 161 by the same method as described in the first embodiment. It is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption associated with
- FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the suction device 4 according to the fourth embodiment.
- the suction device 4 according to the fourth embodiment heats an aerosol source as a liquid and heats a base material including the aerosol source to generate an aerosol.
- the point of generation is different.
- the suction device 4 differs from the suction device 1 in that it has a case 410 instead of the case 10 . Differences from the first embodiment will be described below.
- the same reference numerals are used for the same items in the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
- the suction device 4 includes a power supply unit 110, a heating section 121, a liquid guide section 122, a liquid storage section 123, a substrate heating section 171, a holding section 140, and a heat insulating section. 144. Then, in the suction device 4 , the user performs suction while the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding portion 140 .
- 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 .
- the holding portion 140 is a cylindrical 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 .
- 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 has a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152 .
- Substrate 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, processed pieces 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 4 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 a portion of the base material portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140 while the stick-shaped base material 150 is held by the holding portion 140 .
- the mouthpiece part 152 is a part that is 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 .
- air flows into the holder 140 through the air inlet 187 .
- 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 .
- the base material heating unit 171 heats the base material unit 151 to atomize the aerosol source and generate aerosol.
- the substrate heating part 171 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide.
- the substrate heating part 171 is configured in a film shape and arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding part 140 . Then, when the substrate heating part 171 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and atomized to generate an aerosol.
- the substrate heating unit 171 generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111 .
- the air outlet hole 188 of the air flow path 186 is arranged in the bottom part 143 of the holding part 140 .
- the internal space 141 of the holding portion 140 and the air flow path 186 communicate with each other through the air outlet hole 188 .
- the air flow path 186 is a flow path of air sucked by the user.
- the air flow path 186 has a tubular structure having an air inflow hole 187 that is an inlet of air into the air flow path 186 and an air outflow hole 188 that is an outlet of air from the air flow path 186 at both ends.
- air inlet hole 187 is arranged at an arbitrary position of the suction device 4 .
- the air outflow holes 188 are arranged in the bottom 143 of the holding part 140 .
- a liquid guide portion 122 is arranged in the middle of the air flow path 186 .
- the aerosol generated by the heating part 121 is mixed with the air that has flowed through the air inlet 187 .
- the mixed fluid of aerosol and air is transported to the internal space 141 of the holding section 140 via the air outflow holes 188 as indicated by the arrow 194 .
- the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air transported to the internal space 141 of the holding section 140 reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated by the substrate heating section 171 .
- the case 410 includes the power supply unit case 11, and a tubular heating portion case 412 that houses the heating portion 121, the liquid guiding portion 122, the liquid storing portion 123, the holding portion 140, the substrate heating portion 171, the heat insulating portion 144, and the like. have.
- the power supply unit case 11 and the heating unit case 412 are separate bodies and configured to be detachable from each other.
- the power supply unit case 11 and the heating unit case 412 may be integrated.
- FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the suction device 4.
- the control unit 116 causes the operation unit 117 to operate the substrate heating unit at time t10. 171 to start heating (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “base material heating unit heating operation”), power supply to the base material heating unit 171 is started and the base material heating unit is started. Start heating 171 .
- the heating operation of the substrate heating unit can be exemplified by, for example, pressing the operation unit 117 for two seconds or longer.
- control unit 116 supplies the target temperature to the substrate heating unit 171 via the DC/DC converter 118 so as to realize the time series transition of the target temperature specified in the heating profile stored in the storage unit 114 in advance.
- Control power For example, the control unit 116 controls the substrate heating unit 171 based on the deviation between the target temperature specified in the heating profile and the actual temperature of the substrate heating unit 171 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “actual temperature”). Controls the power supplied.
- the temperature control of the base material heating section 171 can be realized by, for example, known feedback control.
- a period from the start of heating of the base material heating unit 171 to the start of a period in which the user can perform a suction operation is referred to as a "preheating period".
- a period during which an amount of aerosol can be generated may be referred to as an "inhalable period.”
- the preheating period ends after the temperature of the substrate heating section 171 reaches a predetermined maximum temperature (for example, 295 degrees).
- a predetermined time for example, 10 seconds
- a predetermined maximum temperature for example, 295 degrees
- the preheating period can be exemplified to end when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the heating of the base material heating unit 171 is started.
- a predetermined time for example, 30 seconds
- the control unit 116 notifies the user of the suction-enabled period via the notification unit 113 .
- the temperature of the substrate heating unit 171 is maintained within a predetermined temperature range (for example, 230 degrees to 295 degrees).
- the control unit 116 controls the heating unit 121 to be heated in the same manner as described in the first embodiment. By heating, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol at the initial stage of suction, and to suppress wasteful power consumption associated with preheating. Then, the controller 116 of the suction device 4 may set the end of the preheating period and the start of the suckable period as a preliminary event. That is, the control unit 116 may start preheating the heating unit 121 when the preheating period ends and the suction-enabled period starts. As a result, the accuracy is high, and wasteful power consumption associated with preheating can be suppressed.
- the suction device 4 includes a gyro sensor 112j, a tactile sensor 112s, an acceleration sensor 112a, an altitude sensor 112h, a LiDAR 112l, an infrared sensor 112i, a camera 112c, an odor sensor 112n, a tactile sensor 112m, and a humidity sensor 112k. , and at least one CO 2 sensor 112o, and the control unit 116 detects a preliminary event based on an output value from one sensor or the like, or determines that a preheating end condition is satisfied.
- LiDAR 112 l, infrared sensor 112 i, camera 112 c, odor sensor 112 n, humidity sensor 112 k, and CO 2 sensor 112 o can be exemplified as being mounted on heating unit case 412 .
- the heating unit case 412 By attaching to the heating unit case 412 , the size of the distance between the suction device 4 and the mouth can be grasped with higher accuracy than when attaching to the power supply unit case 11 .
- CO2 sensor 112p...pressure sensor, 112q Flow rate sensor 112s Tactile sensor 112t Temperature sensor 116 Control unit 117 Operation unit 118 DC/DC converter 120 Cartridge 121 Heating unit 122 Liquid guide unit 123 Liquid reservoir, 124... mouthpiece
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Abstract
Description
例えば、特許文献1に記載された装置は、エアロゾル源を加熱することによってエアロゾルを生成するヒータと、エアロゾルを生成するための加熱温度よりも低い予熱温度でエアロゾル源を加熱するために、ヒータに供給する電力の量を変更可能なコントローラとを備える。
本発明は、エアロゾルを生成する温度よりも低い温度にするための加熱に伴う無駄な電力消費を抑制することができる吸引装置を提供することを目的とする。
第2の特徴は、前記終了条件は、前記第2加熱を開始した後、予め定められた時間が経過した場合に成立することである。
第3の特徴は、ジャイロセンサを備え、前記終了条件は、前記ジャイロセンサの出力値が、前記電源部の高度よりも前記エアロゾルの吸引の際に咥えられる吸口部の高度の方が大きい状態を示す値から、前記電源部と当該吸口部との高度が同じである状態を示す値に変わった場合に成立することである。
第4の特徴は、加速度センサを備え、前記終了条件は、前記加速度センサの出力値が予め定められた負の閾値以下になった場合に成立することである。
第5の特徴は、触覚センサを備え、前記終了条件は、前記触覚センサの出力値がユーザの手の感触を示す値を示さなくなった場合に成立することである。
第6の特徴は、前記終了条件は、ユーザの口との間の距離が予め定められた閾値を超えた場合に成立することである。
第7の特徴は、前記距離を計測するLiDAR、ユーザの体温を計測する赤外線センサ、カメラ、臭気センサ、触覚センサ、湿度センサ及びCO2センサの少なくともいずれかの機器を備え、前記制御部は、前記機器の出力値を用いて前記距離が前記閾値を超えたことを把握することである。
第8特徴は、前記制御部は、前記第1加熱を行う際の電力値よりも、前記第2加熱を行う際の電力値を小さくすることである。
第9の特徴は、前記制御部は、前記加熱部の温度が目標温度を超えないように制御することである。
第2の特徴によれば、より確度高く第2加熱を停止することができるので、第2加熱に伴う無駄な電力消費をより確度高く抑制することができる。
第3の特徴によれば、第2加熱を行う必要がなくなったことをより確度高く検知することができる。
第4の特徴によれば、第2加熱を行う必要がなくなったことをより確度高く検知することができる。
第5の特徴によれば、第2加熱を行う必要がなくなったことをより確度高く検知することができる。
第6の特徴によれば、第2加熱を行う必要がないことをより確度高く検知することができる。
第7の特徴によれば、ユーザの口との間の距離が閾値を超えたことをより精度高く把握することができる。
第8の特徴によれば、仮に第2加熱を行った後に吸引動作が行われなかったとしても、無駄となる電力消費を抑制することができる。
第9の特徴によれば、必要以上に電力を供給することがないので、第2加熱を行う際の電力消費を抑制することができる。
<第1実施形態>
図1は、吸引装置1の概略構成を示す斜視図の一例である。
図2は、吸引装置1の概略構成を示す断面図の一例である。
図3は、吸引装置1の概略構成の一例を模式的に示す図である。
第1実施形態に係る吸引装置1は、ユーザにより吸引される物質を生成する装置である。以下では、吸引装置1により生成される物質が、エアロゾルであるものとして説明する。他に、吸引装置1により生成される物質は、気体であってもよい。
電源部111は、電力を蓄積する。そして、電源部111は、吸引装置1の各構成要素に、電力を供給する。電源部111は、例えば、リチウムイオン二次電池等の充電式バッテリにより構成され得る。電源部111は、USB(Universal Serial Bus)ケーブル等により外部電源に接続されることで、充電されてもよい。また、電源部111は、ワイヤレス電力伝送技術により送電側のデバイスに非接続な状態で充電されてもよい。他にも、電源部111のみを吸引装置1から取り外すことができてもよく、新しい電源部111と交換することができてもよい。
DC/DCコンバータ118は、入力電圧を昇圧可能な昇圧回路であり、入力電圧を昇圧した電圧又は入力電圧を加熱部121に供給可能に構成されている。DC/DCコンバータ118によれば加熱部121に供給される電力を調整できる。DC/DCコンバータ118としては、例えば、出力電圧を監視しながらスイッチング素子のオン/オフ時間を制御することで、入力電圧を希望する出力電圧に変換するスイッチングレギュレータを用いることができる。DC/DCコンバータ118としてスイッチングレギュレータを用いる場合には、スイッチング素子を制御することで、入力電圧を昇圧せずに、そのまま出力させることもできる。
また、温度センサ112tは、加熱部121の近傍に配置される、例えばサーミスタであっても良い。
液貯蔵部123は、エアロゾル源を貯蔵する。エアロゾル源は、加熱されることで霧化され、エアロゾルが生成される。エアロゾル源は、例えば、グリセリン及びプロピレングリコール等の多価アルコール、並びに水等の液体である。エアロゾル源は、加熱されることによって香味成分を放出する、たばこ原料又はたばこ原料由来の抽出物をさらに含んでいてもよい。エアロゾル源は、ニコチンをさらに含んでいてもよい。吸引装置1がネブライザなどの医療用吸入器である場合、エアロゾル源は、患者が吸入するための薬剤を含んでもよい。
空気流路180は、ユーザに吸引される空気の流路である。空気流路180は、空気流路180内への空気の入り口である空気流入孔181と、空気流路180からの空気の出口である空気流出孔182とを両端とする。ユーザによる吸引に伴い、空気流入孔181から空気流路180内に空気が流入し、空気流出孔182から空気流路180外に空気が流出する。空気流入孔181は、操作部117の周囲に形成されていることを例示することができる。空気流出孔182は、マウスピース124に形成される。
ケース10は、電源ユニット110を収容する円筒状の電源ユニットケース11と、カートリッジ120を収容する円筒状のカートリッジケース12とを有する。
電源ユニットケース11には、ユーザが操作可能な操作部117が、電源ユニットケース11の表面から露出した状態で設けられている。電源ユニットケース11には、内部に外気を取り込む空気流入孔181が形成されている。空気流入孔181は、操作部117の周囲に形成されていることを例示することができる。操作部117の近傍には、圧力センサ112pが設けられている。圧力センサ112pは、マウスピース124を介したユーザの吸引により生じた電源ユニット110内の圧力変化の値を出力するよう構成されている。圧力センサ112pは、例えば、空気流入孔181からマウスピース124に向けて吸引される空気の流量、言い換えれば、ユーザの吸引に応じて変化する圧力に応じた出力値を出力する。
エンドキャップ20は、カートリッジケース12における電源ユニットケース11とは反対側の開口部の内側に嵌め込まれる円筒状の第1円筒状部21と、カートリッジケース12の外側に設けられた円筒状の第2円筒状部22とを有する。第1円筒状部21は、カートリッジケース12側の一部がカートリッジケース12に嵌め込まれるとともに、カートリッジケース12の端面に突き当たるフランジ部を有する。第2円筒状部22は、外周面の径が第1円筒状部21の外周面の径よりも小さく、内周面の径が第1円筒状部21の内周面の径と同じである。
マウスピース124は、円筒状の部材であり、カートリッジケース12側の一部がエンドキャップ20の内側に嵌め込まれるとともに、エンドキャップ20の端面に突き当たるフランジ部を有する。
マウスピース124は、吸引の際にユーザに咥えられる吸口部の一例である。マウスピース124には、空気流路180の空気流出孔182が形成されている。ユーザは、マウスピース124を咥えて吸引することで、空気流路180により輸送された、エアロゾルと空気との混合流体を口腔内へ取り込むことができる。
制御部116は、吸引装置1の電源がONにされると起動する。例えば、吸引装置1は、操作部117が連続で素早く3回押された場合に電源がONとなる。
そして、制御部116は、予め定められた条件が成立した場合に、液体であるエアロゾル源の温度を、霧化してエアロゾルを生成する第1温度以上とするべく加熱部121への給電を行う。予め定められた条件が成立した場合とは、センサ部112の圧力センサ112pの出力値が予め定められた閾値以上になった場合であることを例示することができる。圧力センサ112pの出力値が閾値以上になる場合とは、例えば、ユーザがマウスピース124を咥えて吸引をする場合であって、空気流入孔181からマウスピース124に向けて吸引される空気の流量と圧力が変化して圧力センサ112pの出力値が閾値を超える場合であることを例示することができる。以下、ユーザがマウスピース124を咥えて吸引をすることを、「吸引動作」と称する場合がある。第1温度は、エアロゾル源の沸点であることを例示することができる。
それゆえ、吸引装置1においては、上述したように制御部116が加熱部121への給電を制御することで吸引加熱に移行する過程として、予備加熱を行った後に吸引加熱に移行する場合と、予備加熱を行うことなく吸引加熱に移行する場合とがある。以下の説明において、予備加熱を行った後に吸引加熱に移行したときの吸引加熱を、「第1吸引加熱」、予備加熱を行うことなく吸引加熱に移行したときの吸引加熱を、「第2吸引加熱」と称する場合がある。
制御部116は、この処理を、例えば予め定めた制御周期にて(例えば1ミリ秒毎に)繰り返し実行する。
制御部116は、予備事象を検知したか否かを判定する(S401)。予備事象を検知した場合(S401でYES)、制御部116は、予備加熱を行う(S402)。その後、制御部116は、吸引加熱条件が成立したか否かを判定する(S403)。吸引加熱条件が成立した場合(S403でYES)、制御部116は、第1吸引加熱を行う(S404)。その後、吸引動作が終了したか否かを判定する(S405)。吸引動作が終了していないと判定した場合(S405でNO)、制御部116は、上限時間に達したか否かを判定する(S406)。上限時間に達していない場合(S406でNO)、制御部116は、S405以降の処理を行う。上限時間に達した場合(S406でYES)、又は、吸引動作が終了した場合(S405でYES)、制御部116は、電源部111から加熱部121への給電を停止させて加熱を停止させる(S407)。
図5(a)は、第1吸引加熱を行う場合のタイミングチャートであり、図5(b)は、第2吸引加熱を行う場合のタイミングチャートである。
それゆえ、吸引装置1においては、第1吸引加熱を行う場合(図5のケース1)の方が、第2吸引加熱を行う場合(図5のケース2)よりも、ユーザによる吸引初期に発生するエアロゾルの量は多くなる。これは、以下の理由による。
以下に、吸引加熱条件が成立すると予想される事象の検知、言い換えれば、吸引動作が行われると予想される事象の検知の変形例について説明する。以下、吸引加熱条件が成立すると予想される事象を「予備事象」と称する場合がある。
ここで、吸引動作が行われる前に予備加熱を行うことで、吸引初期から高霧化量を吸引可能とするが、予備加熱を行った後に吸引動作が行われなければ予備加熱のための電力が無駄となってしまう。また、予備加熱を開始した後、予備加熱目標温度に達するまでの時間を、「最小加熱時間」と称すると、吸引動作が行われる最小加熱時間前に予備加熱を開始すれば、予備加熱目標温度に達した後に予備加熱目標温度に維持するための電力消費を抑制することができる。最小加熱時間は、加熱部121の仕様や予備加熱目標温度にも依るが、2秒以下であることを例示することができる。最小加熱時間が2秒である場合、吸引動作が行われる2秒前に予備加熱を開始すれば、吸引動作が行われるときには十分に予備加熱目標温度にすることができる。
以上のことより、吸引動作が確度高く行われる最小加熱時間前に予備加熱を開始することが望ましい。
(1)吸引装置1が口元へ移動させられたことである。ユーザは、吸引動作を行う前に吸引装置1を口元へ移動させるからである。特に、1回目の吸引動作の際には、吸引装置1を口元へ移動させると考えられる。
(2)吸引装置1が口付近にあることである。ユーザが吸引動作を行うときには吸引装置1が口付近にあるからである。特に、2回目以降の吸引動作の前には、前回の吸引動作の後から継続して吸引装置1を口付近にとどめておくことがあると考えられる。
(3)吸引装置1が唇に触れたことである。ユーザが吸引動作を行うときにはマウスピース124を咥えるからである。
上記(1)の場合においては、制御部116は、以下のようにして予備事象を検知することを例示することができる。
ユーザが吸引動作を行う前に、例えば机やテーブルの上に置いてある吸引装置1を手に取って持ち上げることが考えられる。そこで、センサ部112がジャイロセンサ112jを有し、制御部116は、ジャイロセンサ112jの出力値が吸引装置1の向きが横から縦に変えられたことを示した場合に、予備事象を検知することを例示することができる。ジャイロセンサ112jは、電源ユニットケース11内に設けられていることを例示することができる。なお、吸引装置1は、机やテーブルの上に置かれている場合には、電源部111とマウスピース124との高度が同じである状態の横向きとなる。他方、ユーザが吸引動作を行っているときには、図1に示すように、マウスピース124が電源ユニット110よりも上方に位置する状態、言い換えれば、電源部111の高度よりもマウスピース124の高度の方が大きい状態である縦向きとなる。それゆえ、制御部116は、ジャイロセンサ112jの出力値が、電源部111とマウスピース124との高度が同じである状態を示す値から、電源部111の高度よりもマウスピース124の高度の方が大きい状態を示す値に変わった場合に、予備事象を検知することを例示することができる。なお、電源部111とマウスピース124との高度が同じである状態とは、電源部111とマウスピース124との高度が全く同じである場合に限定されず、例えば電源部111とマウスピース124との高度差が1cm以下である場合であっても良い。電源部111とマウスピース124との高度差が1cm以下である場合には、吸引装置1が横向きであるとみなすことができるからである。
吸引装置1がユーザの口付近にあると、臭気センサ112nがユーザの口内で発生する揮発性硫黄化合物を計測できることを利用し、吸引装置1が臭気センサ112nを有し、制御部116は、臭気センサ112nの出力値が予め定められた閾値以上である場合に、予備事象を検知しても良い。あるいは、臭気センサ112nとして、吸引装置1にて吸引可能なエアロゾルに含まれる香味成分を計測可能なセンサを用い、制御部116は、臭気センサ112nの出力値が予め定められた閾値以上である場合に、予備事象を検知しても良い。
なお、臭気センサ112n、湿度センサ112k、CO2センサ112oは、例えばエンドキャップ20に装着されていることを例示することができる。あるいは、臭気センサ112n、湿度センサ112k、CO2センサ112oは、マウスピース124に装着されていても良い。
以上説明したように、吸引装置1においては、制御部116は、予備加熱を行った後、予備加熱終了条件が成立した場合に、予備加熱を停止する。例えば、制御部116は、予備加熱を開始した後、予め定められた時間(例えば10秒)が経過した場合に予備加熱を停止する。それゆえ、予備加熱を開始した後に吸引動作が行われるまで予備加熱を継続する構成と比較すると、予備加熱を行う期間を短くすることができるので、予備加熱のための電力消費を抑制することができる。
制御部116は、ジャイロセンサ112jの出力値が吸引装置1の向きが縦から横に変えられたことを示したことを、予備加熱終了条件とすることを例示することができる。言い換えれば、制御部116は、ジャイロセンサ112jの出力値が、電源部111の高度よりもマウスピース124の高度の方が大きい状態を示す値から、電源部111とマウスピース124との高度が同じである状態を示す値に変わったことを、予備加熱終了条件とすることを例示することができる。吸引装置1が、例えば机やテーブルに置かれた場合には、最小加熱時間以内に吸引動作が行われる可能性は低いと考えられるからである。
図7は、第2実施形態に係る吸引装置2の概略構成の一例を模式的に示す図である。
第2実施形態に係る吸引装置2は、第1実施形態に係る吸引装置1に対して、香味付与カートリッジ130を備える点が異なる。また、吸引装置2は、吸引装置1に対して、ケース10の代わりにケース210を有する点が異なる。以下、第1実施形態と異なる点について説明する。第1実施形態と第2実施形態とで、同じものについては同じ符号を用い、その詳細な説明は省略する。
香味源131は、エアロゾルに香味成分を付与するための構成要素である。香味源131は、刻みたばこ又はたばこ原料を、粒状、シート状、又は粉末状に成形した加工物などの、たばこ由来のものであってもよい。また、香味源131は、たばこ以外の植物(例えばミント及びハーブ等)から作られた、非たばこ由来のものを含んでいてもよい。一例として、香味源131は、メントール等の香料成分を含んでいてもよい。なお、香味源131は、カプセル等の容器の内部に配置されてもよい。
図8は、第3実施形態に係る吸引装置3の概略構成の一例を模式的に示す図である。
第3実施形態に係る吸引装置3は、第1実施形態に係る吸引装置1に対して、加熱部121の代わりに、サセプタ161及び電磁誘導源162を備える点が異なる。以下、第1実施形態と異なる点について説明する。第1実施形態と第3実施形態とで、同じものについては同じ符号を用い、その詳細な説明は省略する。
図9は、第4実施形態に係る吸引装置4の構成の一例を模式的に示す図である。
第4実施形態に係る吸引装置4は、第1実施形態に係る吸引装置1に対して、液体としてのエアロゾル源を加熱すること、及び、エアロゾル源を含む基材を加熱することにより、エアロゾルを生成する点が異なる。また、吸引装置4は、吸引装置1に対して、ケース10の代わりにケース410を有する点が異なる。以下、第1実施形態と異なる点について説明する。第1実施形態と第4実施形態とで、同じものについては同じ符号を用い、その詳細な説明は省略する。
基材部151は、エアロゾル源を含む。エアロゾル源は、加熱されることで霧化され、エアロゾルが生成される。エアロゾル源は、例えば、刻みたばこ又はたばこ原料を、粒状、シート状、又は粉末状に成形した加工物などの、たばこ由来のものであってもよい。また、エアロゾル源は、たばこ以外の植物(例えばミント及びハーブ等)から作られた、非たばこ由来のものを含んでいてもよい。一例として、エアロゾル源は、メントール等の香料成分を含んでいてもよい。吸引装置4が医療用吸入器である場合、エアロゾル源は、患者が吸入するための薬剤を含んでもよい。なお、エアロゾル源は固体に限られるものではなく、例えば、グリセリン及びプロピレングリコール等の多価アルコール、並びに水等の液体であってもよい。基材部151の少なくとも一部は、スティック型基材150が保持部140に保持された状態において、保持部140の内部空間141に収容される。
以上のように構成された第4実施形態に係る吸引装置4において、制御部116は、吸引装置4の電源がONにされて起動した後、時刻t10において操作部117に対して基材加熱部171の加熱を開始するための操作(以下、「基材加熱部加熱操作」と称する場合がある。)が行われた場合に、基材加熱部171への給電を開始して基材加熱部171の加熱を開始する。基材加熱部加熱操作は、例えば操作部117を2秒以上の長押しすることであることを例示することができる。そして、制御部116は、予め記憶部114に記憶された加熱プロファイルに規定された目標温度の時系列推移を実現するように、DC/DCコンバータ118を介して、基材加熱部171に供給する電力を制御する。例えば、制御部116は、加熱プロファイルにおいて規定された目標温度と基材加熱部171の実際の温度(以下「実温度」と称する場合がある。)との乖離に基づき、基材加熱部171に供給する電力を制御する。この基材加熱部171の温度制御は、例えば公知のフィードバック制御によって実現することができる。
そして、吸引装置4の制御部116は、予熱期間が終了して吸引可能期間になったことを予備事象としても良い。つまり、制御部116は、予熱期間が終了して吸引可能期間になったときに加熱部121の予備加熱を開始しても良い。これにより、確度高く、予備加熱に伴う無駄な電力消費を抑制することができる。
Claims (9)
- 加熱されることでエアロゾルを生成する液体を貯蔵する液貯蔵部と、
前記液体を加熱する加熱部と、
電力を蓄積する電源部と、
前記電源部から前記加熱部への給電を制御する制御部と、
を備え、
前記制御部は、予め定められた所定条件が成立した場合に、前記液体の温度を当該液体が気化する第1温度以上とする第1加熱を行うべく前記給電を制御し、当該所定条件が成立する前に、当該液体の温度を、第2温度以上であり、かつ、当該第1温度よりも低い温度となるように当該給電を行って第2加熱を行い、その後、予め定められた終了条件が成立した場合に、当該第2加熱を停止する
吸引装置。 - 前記終了条件は、前記第2加熱を開始した後、予め定められた時間が経過した場合に成立する
請求項1に記載の吸引装置。 - ジャイロセンサを備え、
前記終了条件は、前記ジャイロセンサの出力値が、前記電源部の高度よりも前記エアロゾルの吸引の際に咥えられる吸口部の高度の方が大きい状態を示す値から、前記電源部と当該吸口部との高度が同じである状態を示す値に変わった場合に成立する
請求項1に記載の吸引装置。 - 加速度センサを備え、
前記終了条件は、前記加速度センサの出力値が予め定められた負の閾値以下になった場合に成立する
請求項1に記載の吸引装置。 - 触覚センサを備え、
前記終了条件は、前記触覚センサの出力値がユーザの手の感触を示す値を示さなくなった場合に成立する
請求項1に記載の吸引装置。 - 前記終了条件は、ユーザの口との間の距離が予め定められた閾値を超えた場合に成立する
請求項1に記載の吸引装置。 - 前記距離を計測するLiDAR、ユーザの体温を計測する赤外線センサ、カメラ、臭気センサ、触覚センサ、湿度センサ及びCO2センサの少なくともいずれかの機器を備え、
前記制御部は、前記機器の出力値を用いて前記距離が前記閾値を超えたことを把握する
請求項6に記載の吸引装置。 - 前記制御部は、前記第1加熱を行う際の電力値よりも、前記第2加熱を行う際の電力値を小さくする
請求項1~7のいずれか1項に記載の吸引装置。 - 前記制御部は、前記加熱部の温度が目標温度を超えないように制御する
請求項1~8のいずれか1項に記載の吸引装置。
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