WO2024127648A1 - 吸引装置、制御方法、及びプログラム - Google Patents

吸引装置、制御方法、及びプログラム Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024127648A1
WO2024127648A1 PCT/JP2022/046466 JP2022046466W WO2024127648A1 WO 2024127648 A1 WO2024127648 A1 WO 2024127648A1 JP 2022046466 W JP2022046466 W JP 2022046466W WO 2024127648 A1 WO2024127648 A1 WO 2024127648A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heating
unit
substrate
suction device
stick
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/JP2022/046466
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
貴司 藤木
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority to JP2024564123A priority Critical patent/JPWO2024127648A1/ja
Priority to CN202280102513.6A priority patent/CN120282722A/zh
Priority to KR1020257018936A priority patent/KR20250105658A/ko
Priority to PCT/JP2022/046466 priority patent/WO2024127648A1/ja
Priority to EP22968557.3A priority patent/EP4635341A1/en
Publication of WO2024127648A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024127648A1/ja
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • A24F40/85—Maintenance, e.g. cleaning
    • 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
    • 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
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
    • 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
    • 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
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • 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
    • 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
    • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F47/00—Smokers' requisites not otherwise provided for

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an aspiration device, a control method, and a program that generate an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source.
  • inhalation devices that generate an aerosol containing, for example, a flavor component and allow a user to inhale the generated aerosol.
  • inhalation devices deliver the generated aerosol to a user by heating a substrate containing an aerosol source with a heating section (also called a "heating element") that is an electrical resistance or induction heater.
  • the storage section into which the substrate is inserted may become dirty as the suction device is used.
  • part of the aerosol source may spill from the substrate into the storage section and adhere to the storage section due to the liquid (e.g., water) present in the storage section.
  • part of the aerosol generated by heating the substrate may become liquid and adhere to the storage section.
  • Patent Document 1 discloses cleaning the cavity by inserting a cleaning item (e.g., a brush) into the cavity or adding a cleaning component.
  • the present disclosure provides a suction device, a control method, and a program that improve the convenience of cleaning the suction device.
  • An aspiration device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source comprising: A storage section in which the base material is stored; A heating unit that heats the storage unit; A control unit that controls the heating unit, The control unit is When the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation section, the heating section is operated, The heating section is operated in response to the substrate being removed from the storage section after the operation of heating the substrate is completed.
  • a computer-implemented method for controlling operation of an aspirator for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source comprising:
  • the suction device is A storage section in which the base material is stored;
  • the computer includes: When the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation section, the heating section is operated, The heating section is operated in response to the substrate being removed from the storage section after the operation of heating the substrate is completed.
  • one aspect of the present disclosure is A program for causing a computer to execute a predetermined process to control an operation of a suction device for generating an aerosol from a substrate having an aerosol source
  • the suction device is A storage section in which the base material is stored; A heating unit that heats the storage unit,
  • the computer includes: When the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation section, the heating section is operated, operating the heating unit in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after completion of the operation of heating the substrate; Execute the process.
  • This disclosure makes it possible to improve the convenience of cleaning the suction device.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device (suction device 100A).
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example (suction device 100B) of the suction device.
  • FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as viewed from the front right side.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 as viewed from the front left side.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of heater assembly 30.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing how light emitted from the stick detection sensor 12 travels when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is in a housed state and in an unhoused state.
  • FIG. 10 is a graph showing the detection or non-detection of the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on brightness.
  • FIG. 11 is a graph showing a stick heating profile and a cleaning heating profile.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the MCU 1.
  • FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining how the MCU 1 determines whether or not to operate the heating unit 121C based on the heating profile for cleaning, based on the remaining capacity (SOC) of the power supply unit 111C.
  • FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating the regions (first to third regions) of the brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12.
  • FIG. 15 is a graph showing the stick heating profile (high and low temperature) and the cleaning heating profile.
  • the inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user.
  • the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol.
  • the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device.
  • an inhalation device 100A includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130.
  • the power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A.
  • the cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123.
  • the flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124.
  • An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.
  • the power supply unit 111A stores power.
  • the power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A.
  • the power supply unit 111A may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.
  • the sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A.
  • the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with suction by the user.
  • the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or switch that accepts information input from the user.
  • the notification unit 113A notifies the user of information.
  • the information that the notification unit 113A notifies the user includes various information such as the SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the charging state of the power supply unit 111A, the pre-heating time for inhalation, and the period during which inhalation is possible.
  • the notification unit 113A is composed of, for example, a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.
  • the storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A.
  • the storage unit 114A is configured, for example, with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.
  • the communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard.
  • Such communication standards may include, for example, standards using Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).
  • the control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs.
  • the control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.
  • the liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source.
  • the aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol.
  • the aerosol source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or water.
  • the aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicine.
  • the liquid guide section 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123, from the liquid storage section 123.
  • the liquid guide section 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.
  • the heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source.
  • the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122.
  • the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated.
  • the heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A.
  • the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and/or that specific information has been input, power may be supplied to the heating unit 121A.
  • the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and/or that specific information has been input, power supply to the heating unit 121A may be stopped.
  • the inhalation action of the user on the inhalation device 100A can be detected, for example, based on the pressure (internal pressure) inside the inhalation device 100A detected by a puff sensor exceeding a specific threshold.
  • 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 for air inhaled by the user.
  • the air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet hole 181, which is an entrance of air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet hole 182, which is an exit of air from the air flow path 180, at both ends.
  • the liquid guide section 122 is arranged on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is arranged on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet hole 182).
  • the air flowing in from the air inlet hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A, and as shown by the arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet hole 182.
  • the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.
  • the mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held by the user when inhaling.
  • An air outlet hole 182 is arranged in the mouthpiece 124.
  • the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those shown below are possible.
  • the inhalation device 100A may not include a flavoring cartridge 130.
  • the cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.
  • the suction device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate further types of aerosols.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121A.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device.
  • the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.
  • the power supply unit 110 that stores the power supply unit 111A and the heating unit 121A are separate, but in the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example, the power supply unit 111B and the heating unit 121B are integrated. That is, the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example can also be said to be a power supply unit with a built-in heating unit.
  • Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the memory unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.
  • the storage section 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while storing a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141.
  • the storage section 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and stores the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142.
  • the storage section 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141.
  • An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage section 140.
  • An air inlet hole which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on the side of the suction device 100.
  • An air outlet hole which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.
  • the stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152.
  • the substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source.
  • the aerosol source includes a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.
  • the aerosol source may include a medicine.
  • the aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water, which includes a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco, or may be a solid containing a flavor component derived from tobacco or non-tobacco.
  • the stick-type substrate 150 When the stick-type substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is stored in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142.
  • the heating section 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage section 140.
  • the heating section 121B generates heat, the substrate section 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.
  • the insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components.
  • the insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum insulating material or an aerogel insulating material.
  • the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those shown below are possible.
  • the heating section 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage section 140 into the internal space 141. In that case, the blade-shaped heating section 121B is inserted into the substrate section 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate section 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating section 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage section 140. Furthermore, the heating section 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating section that covers the outer periphery of the storage section 140, a blade-shaped second heating section, and a third heating section that covers the bottom 143 of the storage section 140.
  • the storage unit 140 may include an opening/closing mechanism, such as a hinge, that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it.
  • the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the storage unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B.
  • the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.
  • the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B.
  • a susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141.
  • the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.
  • suction device 100 an embodiment of a suction device (hereinafter, referred to as suction device 100) in which the configuration of the suction device disclosed herein is applied to the suction device 100B of the second configuration example described above will be described. Note that, although a specific description will be omitted, a part of the configuration of the suction device 100 described in detail below can also be applied to the suction device 100A of the first configuration example.
  • [Overall configuration of the suction device] 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100.
  • the direction in which the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into and removed from the suction device 100 is defined as the up-down direction
  • the direction in which the shutter 23, which will be described later, slides and moves is defined as the front-rear direction
  • the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction is defined as the left-right direction.
  • the front is defined as Fr
  • the rear is defined as Rr
  • the left side is defined as L
  • the right side is defined as R
  • the top is defined as U
  • the bottom is defined as D.
  • the suction device 100 is preferably sized to fit in the hand, and has, for example, a rod shape.
  • a user holds the suction device 100 in one hand with the fingertips in contact with the surface of the suction device 100.
  • the shape of the suction device 100 is not limited to a rod shape, and can be any shape (for example, a rounded, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape or an egg shape).
  • the suction device 100 comprises an internal unit 10 (see Figures 4 to 6) and a case 20 that constitutes the exterior of the suction device 100.
  • the case 20 has a lower case 21 and an upper case 22. A portion of the internal unit 10 is housed in the lower case 21, and the entire internal unit 10 is housed in the case 20 by placing the upper case 22 over the lower case 21 from above.
  • the top surface of the suction device 100 is provided with an opening 27 (see Figures 4 to 6) through which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted and removed, and a shutter 23 that can slide back and forth.
  • the opening 27 is located at the rear side of the top surface of the suction device 100.
  • the shutter 23 selectively takes an open state (front position) that opens the opening 27 to allow the stick-shaped substrate 150 to be inserted and removed, and a closed state (rear position) that positions the shutter 23 above the opening 27 to close the opening 27.
  • the user opens the shutter 23.
  • a shutter detection sensor 11 (see FIG. 4) is provided near the shutter 23.
  • the shutter detection sensor 11 detects whether the shutter 23 is open or not.
  • the shutter detection sensor 11 is an example of the sensor unit 112B of the suction device 100B in FIG. 2.
  • a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 26 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the top surface of the suction device 100, adjacent to the opening 27.
  • the shutter 23 blocks the USB port 26.
  • the USB port 26 is open.
  • the USB port 26 is configured to be electrically connectable to an external power source (not shown) capable of supplying power for charging the power supply unit 111C (see FIG. 4).
  • the USB port 26 is, for example, a receptacle into which a mating plug can be inserted.
  • the USB port 26 is a USB Type-C shaped receptacle.
  • the suction device 100 has an operation unit 24 and a light-emitting unit 25 on the front side.
  • the operation unit 24 is disposed below the light-emitting unit 25. More specifically, the operation unit 24 and the light-emitting unit 25 are components of the internal unit 10 housed in the case 20, and are configured such that a portion of the operation unit 24 and the light-emitting unit 25 are exposed from an opening formed on the front side of the case 20.
  • the light-emitting unit 25 is an example of the notification unit 113B of the suction device 100B in FIG. 2.
  • the operation unit 24 is a button-type switch that can be operated by the user, and is an input device that accepts information input from the user.
  • the operation unit 24 is connected to the main board 50 (see Figures 4 to 6) described below.
  • the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 1 (see Figures 4 to 6) or the heating unit 121C (see Figure 7) is started.
  • the MCU 1 functions as the control unit 116B in the suction device 100B.
  • the MCU 1 may also have an integrated function as the communication unit 115B in addition to the function as the control unit 116B in the suction device 100B.
  • the MCU 1 may be composed of one IC or two or more ICs.
  • the discharge control to the heating unit 121C and the charge control to the power supply unit 111C may be performed by one IC or by separate ICs.
  • the light-emitting unit 25 is composed of light-emitting elements such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).
  • the light-emitting unit 25 has a plurality of LEDs 251 (see FIG. 6) provided on the main board 50, and a transparent cover 250 that covers the plurality of LEDs 251 and transmits light from the LEDs 251. A portion of the transparent cover 250 is exposed from an opening formed on the front surface of the case 20.
  • the plurality of LEDs 251 are configured to be capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors including blue, yellow, and red.
  • the number of light-emitting elements can be set arbitrarily, and for example, the light-emitting unit 25 may have only one light-emitting element.
  • the light emitting unit 25 emits light in a predetermined light emission manner in response to a command from the MCU 1, and notifies the user of predetermined information.
  • the light emission manner can be, for example, the light emission color, but is not limited to this, and can be, for example, the strength of the lighting intensity (in other words, brightness), or the lighting pattern (for example, blinking at a predetermined time interval), etc.
  • the predetermined information is, for example, operational information indicating whether the power of the suction device 100 is on or not.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 seen from the front right side
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 10 seen from the front left side
  • Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 10. Note that the internal unit 10 is the suction device 100 with the case 20 and shutter 23 removed.
  • the internal unit 10 includes a chassis 40, a main board 50, a vibration device 60, a heater assembly 30, a power supply unit 111C, a power supply board 71, a peripheral FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits) 72, a sensor FPC 73, and various sensors.
  • the power supply board 71 may be a flexible circuit board, a rigid board (described below), or a combination of a flexible board and a rigid board, but a flexible circuit board will be used as an example here.
  • the chassis 40 has a power supply holding portion 41 that holds the power supply unit 111C, a board holding portion 42 that holds the main board 50, and a heater holding portion 43 that holds the heater assembly 30.
  • the power supply holding portion 41 is located in the lower part of the chassis 40, and the board holding portion 42 and the heater holding portion 43 are located in the upper part of the chassis 40.
  • the power supply holding section 41 has a cylindrical shape with a portion of the side cut out, in other words, a roughly semi-cylindrical shape.
  • the power supply holding section 41 has a bottom wall section 401, a side wall section 402 having an arc shape and standing upward from the bottom wall section 401, and an upper wall section 403 provided at the upper end section of the side wall section 402.
  • the power supply section 111C is disposed in a space surrounded by the bottom wall section 401, the side wall section 402, and the upper wall section 403.
  • the board holding portion 42 is provided on a vertical wall portion 404 that stands upward from the upper wall portion 403 of the power supply holding portion 41.
  • the board holding portion 42 is provided on one side (here, the front side) of the vertical wall portion 404 in the front-to-rear direction, and holds the main board 50.
  • the heater holding portion 43 is provided on the opposite side (here, the rear side) of the vertical wall portion 404 from the substrate holding portion 42 in the front-rear direction.
  • the heater holding portion 43 has a space surrounded by the vertical wall portion 404, a pair of left and right wall portions 405 extending in the front-rear direction from the vertical wall portion 404, and the upper surface of the upper wall portion 403 of the power supply holding portion 41, and the heater assembly 30 is disposed in this space.
  • the main board 50 is a rigid board on which a plurality of electronic components (elements) are mounted on both sides.
  • An MCU 1, an LED 251, a charging IC (Integrated Circuit), a step-up DC/DC converter, etc. are mounted on the main board 50.
  • the main board 50 is held by the board holder 42 of the chassis 40 so that the element mounting surface faces the front-rear direction.
  • FIG. 6 only the front surface 501 (here, the front surface) of the main board 50 is shown. Therefore, the charging IC and the step-up DC/DC converter mounted on the back surface 502 (here, the rear surface) are not shown.
  • a power supply connection section 51 that is electrically connected to the power supply section 111C is provided in the lower region of the surface 501 of the main board 50.
  • the power supply connection section 51 is electrically connected to the power supply section 111C via the power supply board 71.
  • the power supply section 111C is a cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery, and is an example of the power supply section 111B of the suction device 100B in FIG. 2.
  • the power supply unit 111C is provided with a positive electrode tab 111a and a negative electrode tab 111b.
  • the power supply unit 111C is arranged in the power supply holding portion 41 of the chassis 40 with the positive electrode tab 111a and the negative electrode tab 111b arranged in front.
  • the power supply board 71 is arranged in front of the power supply unit 111C and the main board 50 and extends in the vertical direction.
  • the power supply board 71 is connected to the positive electrode tab 111a and the negative electrode tab 111b of the power supply unit 111C, and is also connected to the power supply connection portion 51 of the main board 50.
  • the power of the power supply unit 111C is transmitted to the main board 50 through the conductive track formed on the power supply board 71 and supplied to each electronic component.
  • the power supply board 71 is also provided with a power supply temperature sensor 16.
  • the power supply temperature sensor 16 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the power supply unit 111C.
  • the power supply temperature sensor 16 is, for example, a thermistor.
  • the power supply temperature sensor 16 is an example of the sensor portion 112B of the suction device 100B in FIG. 2.
  • a USB port 26 is provided in the upper region of the back surface 502 of the main board 50.
  • the USB port 26 is electrically connected to a charging IC (not shown) by wiring formed on the main board 50.
  • the rear surface 502 of the main board 50 is provided with a heater connection section in addition to a charging IC and a boost DC/DC converter (not shown).
  • the charging IC performs charging control to supply (charge) the power input from the USB port 26 to the power supply section 111C.
  • the boost DC/DC converter boosts the power supplied from the power supply section 111C to generate power to be supplied to the heating section 121C (see FIG. 7).
  • the heater connection portion is connected to the board connection portion 121a extending from below the heater assembly 30, and supplies power to the heating portion 121C of the heater assembly 30. As a result, power is supplied from the power supply portion 111C via the main board 50 to the heating portion 121C of the heater assembly 30.
  • the vibration device 60 is composed of a vibration element such as a vibration motor. As shown in FIG. 6, the vibration device 60 is disposed between the upper surface of the power supply unit 111C and the upper wall unit 403 in the power supply holding unit 41 of the chassis 40. The lead wire 61 of the vibration device 60 is connected to the peripheral FPC 72.
  • the vibration device 60 vibrates in a predetermined vibration mode in response to a command from the MCU 1 to notify the user of predetermined information. For example, when the heating of the stick-type substrate 150 starts or ends, the vibration device 60 vibrates in a predetermined vibration mode to notify the user of the start or end of heating.
  • the vibration device 60 is an example of the notification unit 113B of the suction device 100B in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of heater assembly 30.
  • the heater assembly 30 includes a heating section 121C, a housing section 140C, and a heat insulating section 144C.
  • the heating section 121C is, for example, a film heater, and is wound around the outer periphery of the housing section 140C.
  • the heating section 121C and the board connection section 121a may be formed of a single heater FPC.
  • the heater assembly 30 is also provided with a stick guide 31.
  • the stick guide 31 is provided on the upper part of the heater assembly 30 and guides the insertion and removal of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the storage section 140C.
  • the stick guide 31 is a cylindrical member that has an opening 27 and constitutes part of the storage section 140C.
  • the heater assembly 30 is also provided with a heater temperature sensor 15 capable of detecting the temperature of the heating section 121C. More specifically, the heater temperature sensor 15 is provided between the heating section 121C and the insulating section 144C, in contact with or in close proximity to the heating section 121C.
  • the heater temperature sensor 15 is, for example, a thermistor.
  • the sensor FPC 73 is disposed between the standing wall portion 404 of the heater holding portion 43 and the heater assembly 30.
  • the sensor FPC 73 is equipped with a stick detection sensor 12, a suction sensor 13, and a case temperature sensor 14.
  • the stick detection sensor 12, the suction sensor 13, and the case temperature sensor 14 are an example of the sensor unit 112B of the suction device 100B in FIG.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 is a sensor capable of detecting the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing section 140C.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor capable of detecting the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the amount of reflected light of light irradiated onto the housing section 140C.
  • the amount of light is a concept that includes luminous flux, illuminance, luminous flux emittance, luminous intensity, brightness, etc.
  • the optical sensor is, for example, an IR (Infrared Rays) sensor.
  • the suction sensor 13 is a sensor that detects the user's puffing action (inhalation action).
  • the suction sensor 13 is composed of, for example, a condenser microphone or a pressure sensor.
  • the suction sensor 13 is provided near the stick guide 31 on the sensor FPC 73.
  • the case temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the case 20.
  • the case temperature sensor 14 is, for example, a thermistor.
  • the case temperature sensor 14 is arranged adjacent to the inner surface of the case 20 on the sensor FPC 73.
  • the sensor FPC 73 is also provided with a heater temperature sensor connection 731 that connects to the heater temperature sensor 15 of the heater assembly 30.
  • the heater temperature sensor connection 731 is provided on the lower part of the sensor FPC 73. More specifically, a lead wire 15a is connected to the heater temperature sensor 15, and the heater temperature sensor connection 731 connects to the lead wire 15a extending from below the heater assembly 30.
  • the stick detection sensor 12, suction sensor 13, case temperature sensor 14, and heater temperature sensor connection part 731 are connected to the board connection part 730 via conductive tracks formed on the sensor FPC 73.
  • the board connection part 730 is connected to the sensor FPC connection part 55 provided in the central region of the surface 501 of the main board 50. This allows the detection results of each sensor to be output to the MCU 1 mounted on the main board 50, etc.
  • the MCU1 starts heating the heating unit 121C.
  • aerosol is supplied into the user's mouth from the aerosol source of the stick-shaped substrate 150 heated by the heating unit 121C.
  • the suction sensor 13 detects the number of suctions, and the MCU1 stops heating after a predetermined number of suctions or after a predetermined time has elapsed.
  • the suction device 100 While the suction device 100 is heating, the case temperature sensor 14, heater temperature sensor 15, and power supply temperature sensor 16 detect the respective temperatures, and if abnormal heating is determined, the MCU1 stops or suppresses heating of the heating unit 121C.
  • the user can operate the operation unit 24 to, for example, check the SOC of the power supply unit 111C.
  • the light-emitting unit 25 (LED 251) and the vibration device 60 notify the user of various information such as the SOC of the power supply unit 111C, error indications, etc. If the SOC of the power supply unit 111C decreases, the user can connect an external power source to the USB port 26 to charge the power supply unit 111C.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 is an optical sensor that irradiates light to the storage section 140C and detects the amount of light reflected from the storage section 140C.
  • the MCU 1 is configured to be able to detect whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 is stored in the storage section 140C based on the amount of reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12.
  • the light that the stick detection sensor 12 irradiates and receives is, for example, near-infrared light, and in this case, the stick detection sensor 12 is an IR sensor.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 is assumed to detect "brightness" as an example of the amount of light.
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 5, and shows the structure around the sensor FPC 73, the stick detection sensor 12, and the stick guide 31 (housing section 140C).
  • the sensor FPC 73 is a flexible member, and is arranged around the housing section 140C.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 is provided on the sensor FPC 73. This makes it easier to arrange the stick detection sensor 12 around the housing section 140C, compared to when the stick detection sensor 12 is provided on the rigid main board 50. This allows greater freedom in terms of arrangement, and thus makes it possible to miniaturize the suction device 100.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the stick guide 31 to reduce the effect of heat from the stick guide 31 (housing section 140C).
  • a light-transmitting filter 311 is provided on a portion of the wall section that divides the housing section 140C in the stick guide 31, and the sensor FPC 73 is positioned around the housing section 140C so that the stick detection sensor 12 faces the light-transmitting filter 311 at a predetermined distance.
  • the portions of the stick guide 31 where the light-transmitting filter 311 is not provided are configured to be non-light-transmitting.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 irradiates light to the storage section 140C through the transmission filter 311 and receives the reflected light.
  • the storage section 140C hereinafter also referred to as the storage state
  • the light irradiated from the stick detection sensor 12 is reflected by the surface of the stick-shaped substrate 150 immediately after passing through the transmission filter 311.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 receives the reflected light reflected by the surface of the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the light irradiated from the stick detection sensor 12 passes through the transmission filter 311, travels inside the storage section 140C, and is reflected by the inner wall of the storage section 140C.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 receives the reflected light reflected by the inner wall of the storage section 140C.
  • the MCU 1 Based on this difference in brightness between the housed state and the unhoused state, the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 when the brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value L1. On the other hand, the MCU 1 does not detect the stick-shaped substrate 150 when the brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12 is less than the predetermined value L1.
  • two stick detection sensors 12 and two transmission filters 311 are provided.
  • the MCU 1 can be configured not to detect the stick-shaped substrate 150 unless the detection results of both stick detection sensors 12 indicate that the stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed.
  • the suction device 100 is activated, for example, when the shutter 23 is opened.
  • the MCU 1 is activated when the shutter detection sensor 11 detects that the shutter 23 is opened.
  • the operation of the heating unit 121C and the like become possible.
  • the shutter detection sensor 11 is composed of, for example, a magnet provided on the shutter 23 and a Hall IC (Integrated Circuit) provided on the upper end of the main board 50.
  • the MCU 1 may be activated in response to pressing the operation unit 24.
  • the automatic heating mode is a mode in which the operation of the heating section 121C is automatically started in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being accommodated in the accommodation section 140C.
  • the automatic heating mode for example, in response to the shutter 23 being opened, the stick detection sensor 12 starts emitting and receiving light, and detects the amount of reflected light.
  • the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the detection result of the stick detection sensor 12, and then starts heating the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the manual heating mode is a mode in which the operation of the heating unit 121C is started in response to a heating request from the user.
  • the MCU 1 does not automatically start heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 even if it detects the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the MCU 1 starts heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 in response to a heating request from the user.
  • a heating request from the user is, for example, pressing the operation unit 24 or a suction operation on the suction device 100.
  • the user selects either the automatic heating mode or the manual heating mode.
  • the mode selection is performed, for example, on a user terminal (such as a smartphone), and the MCU1 receives instruction information from the user terminal via the communication unit 115B and sets the mode selected by the user.
  • the MCU1 operates the heating portion 121C based on a stick heating profile for heating the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the stick heating profile is information that specifies the time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value for the temperature of the heating portion 121C, and is information for heating the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the stick heating profile is stored in advance in, for example, a ROM.
  • the MCU1 generates an aerosol from the stick-shaped substrate 150 by controlling the temperature of the heating portion 121C based on the stick heating profile.
  • the solid line in FIG. 11 shows an example of a heating profile for a stick.
  • the temperature of the heating unit 121C is raised to a maximum temperature T1 when heating control starts, then lowered to T2, and then raised again to T3.
  • T1 a maximum temperature
  • T2 a temperature of the heating unit 121C
  • the MCU 1 controls the temperature of the heating section 121C based on the deviation between a target temperature corresponding to the time elapsed since the start of heating control and the actual temperature of the heating section 121C (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature"). More specifically, at this time, the MCU 1 controls the temperature of the heating section 121C so that the time series progression of the actual temperature of the heating section 121C becomes similar to the time series progression of the target temperature defined in the heating profile for sticks. Note that the heating control of the storage section 140C based on the heating profile for cleaning, which will be described later, is also performed in a similar manner.
  • the stick heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when the user inhales the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150. Therefore, by controlling the temperature of the heating section 121C based on the stick heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized, providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.
  • dirt may adhere to the storage section 140C as the inhalation device 100 is used.
  • part of the aerosol source of the stick-type substrate 150 e.g., tobacco leaves
  • the liquid e.g., water
  • part of the aerosol generated by heating the stick-type substrate 150 may become liquid and adhere to the storage section 140C.
  • dirt adheres to the storage section 140C the quality of the flavor experienced by the user will decrease, so it is advisable for the user to clean the storage section 140C regularly.
  • the storage section 140C is cleaned, for example, by inserting a cleaning tool (e.g., a cotton swab) coated with a cleaning agent (e.g., a liquid substance such as alcohol or water) into the storage section 140C.
  • a cleaning tool e.g., a cotton swab
  • a cleaning agent e.g., a liquid substance such as alcohol or water
  • the MCU1 in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage section 140C after the operation of the heating section 121C based on the stick heating profile is completed, the MCU1 operates the heating section 121C based on the cleaning heating profile for heating the storage section 140C in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not stored. Specifically, when the brightness of the reflected light becomes less than a predetermined value L1 after the operation of the heating section 121C based on the stick heating profile is completed, the MCU1 determines that the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the storage section 140C. In response to this determination result, the MCU1 operates the heating section 121C based on the cleaning heating profile.
  • the cleaning heating profile is information that specifies the time series transition of the target temperature, which is the target value of the temperature of the heating section 121C, and is information for cleaning the inside of the storage section 140C.
  • the cleaning heating profile is stored in advance in, for example, a ROM.
  • the cleaning heating profile is a different heating profile from the stick heating profile, and has different information such as target temperature and operating time, as described below.
  • the storage section 140C is heated after the stick-type substrate 150 is removed from the storage section 140C, so that the liquid (e.g., water) present in the storage section 140C evaporates.
  • the liquid e.g., water
  • a part of the aerosol source that was attached to the storage section 140C by the liquid present in the storage section 140C no longer adheres to the storage section 140C. Therefore, the user can easily remove a part of the aerosol source from the storage section 140C by, for example, pointing the opening 27 downward.
  • a part of the aerosol that became liquid and adhered to the storage section 140C is also evaporated by heating and removed from the storage section 140C.
  • the heating control for removing such dirt is performed immediately after the stick-type substrate 150 is removed (i.e., immediately after smoking), dirt is less likely to accumulate in the storage section 140C, and the frequency of cleaning using cleaning tools or detergents can be reduced. Therefore, the convenience of cleaning the inhalation device 100 can be improved.
  • the timing for operating the heating unit 121C in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage unit 140C includes the time when the MCU 1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the detection result of the stick detection sensor 12, and the time when a predetermined time (however, a relatively short time) has elapsed since the stick-shaped substrate 150 was detected.
  • the cleaning heating profile (dashed line in FIG. 11) will be described in comparison with the stick heating profile.
  • the temperature of the heating unit 121C is raised to a maximum temperature T4 when heating control is started, and then maintained at the temperature T4.
  • the heating control is ended.
  • the stick heating profile and the cleaning heating profile include information on the operation time for operating the heating unit 121C, and the operation time t2 of the cleaning heating profile is set shorter than the operation time t1 of the stick heating profile.
  • the operation time t2 of the cleaning heating profile may be long enough to evaporate the moisture in the storage unit 140C. Since the operation time t2 of the cleaning heating profile is short, excessive heating of the storage unit 140C in which the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not stored is suppressed. In addition, power consumption can be reduced.
  • the MCU1 may end the heating control based on the cleaning heating profile when the shutter 23 is closed before the operation time t2 has elapsed, or may continue the heating control until the operation time t2 has elapsed even if the shutter 23 is closed before the operation time t2 has elapsed.
  • the target temperature of the heating section 121C in the cleaning heating profile is set higher than the target temperature of the heating section 121C in the stick heating profile.
  • the maximum target temperature T1 in the stick heating profile is set to approximately 300°C
  • the maximum target temperature T4 in the cleaning heating profile is set higher than 300°C.
  • the MCU1 operates the heating unit 121C in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage unit 140C after the operation of heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 has ended.
  • the predetermined period of time may be, for example, a period until the operation of heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 20 times), or may be a period of time (e.g., 3 days) that is preset in the MCU1 by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, for example.
  • the predetermined period of time is, for example, counted or timed by the MCU1.
  • the MCU1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile in response to the removal of the 20th stick-type substrate 150 from the storage unit 140C.
  • the MCU1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile in response to the removal of the stick-type substrate 150 from the storage unit 140C after the end of the operation of heating the stick-type substrate 150. In this way, since heating control is not performed continuously, power consumption can be reduced compared to the case where heating control based on the cleaning heating profile is performed every time one stick-type substrate 150 is used.
  • the MCU1 can selectively switch between a first mode in which the heating unit 121C is operated in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage unit 140C, and a second mode in which the heating unit 121C is not operated.
  • the first mode is a mode in which the heating unit 121C is operated based on the cleaning heating profile in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile has ended.
  • the second mode is a mode in which the heating unit 121C is not operated even if the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed from the storage unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile has ended.
  • the first mode corresponds to the automatic heating mode
  • the second mode corresponds to the manual heating mode.
  • this correspondence is not limited to this, and even when the automatic heating mode is selected, a separate mode may be provided in which the heating unit 121C does not operate even when the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed from the storage unit 140C. Also, even when the manual heating mode is selected, a separate mode may be provided in which the heating unit 121C automatically operates based on a cleaning heating profile in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage unit 140C.
  • the MCU1 selectively selects between the first mode and the second mode, it is possible to reflect the user's wishes of not wanting to control the heating for cleaning after removing the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the light-emitting unit 25 notifies the user that the heating unit 121C is operating. Specifically, when the heating unit 121C is operating based on the stick heating profile with the stick-shaped substrate 150 housed in the housing unit 140C, and when the heating unit 121C is operating based on the cleaning heating profile after the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the housing unit 140C, the light-emitting unit 25 emits light in a predetermined light-emitting manner. This notification allows the user to easily visually understand that the heating unit 121C is operating. In particular, when the heating unit 121C is operating without the stick-shaped substrate 150 being housed, the user can check the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 25 and be careful not to bring their fingers close to the opening 27, for example.
  • the light-emitting unit 25 may emit light in different light emission modes when the heating unit 121C is operating based on the heating profile for sticks while the stick-shaped substrate 150 is housed in the housing unit 140C, and when the heating unit 121C is operating based on the heating profile for cleaning after the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed from the housing unit 140C.
  • the light emission color of the LED 251 is changed depending on the light emission mode during heating control based on the heating profile for sticks and the light emission mode during heating control based on the heating profile for cleaning.
  • the light emission modes may also be differentiated by changing the number of LEDs 251 that emit light among the multiple LEDs 251.
  • the notification by the notification unit 113B is not limited to light emission by the light emitting unit 25, and may be, for example, vibration by the vibration device 60.
  • the vibration device 60 may vibrate while the heating unit 121C is operating to notify the user that the heating unit 121C is operating.
  • the vibration device 60 may vibrate in a different manner when the heating unit 121C is operating in a housed state than when the heating unit 121C is operating in an unhoused state.
  • the MCU 1 determines whether the shutter 23 is open (step S101). If the shutter 23 is not open (step S101: NO), the MCU 1 repeatedly monitors step S101 until the shutter 23 is open.
  • step S101 When the shutter 23 is open (step S101: YES), the MCU 1 determines whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is contained in the storage section 140C (step S102). Specifically, when the shutter 23 is open, the stick detection sensor 12 starts operating, and the MCU 1 acquires the detection result from the stick detection sensor 12 and determines whether the stick-shaped substrate 150 is contained in the storage section 140C. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is not contained in the storage section 140C (step S102: NO), the MCU 1 repeatedly monitors step S102 until the stick-shaped substrate 150 is contained in the storage section 140C.
  • step S102 When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is contained in the container 140C (step S102: YES), the MCU1 operates the heater 121C based on the stick heating profile (step S103). This starts heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 and generates an aerosol. The heating of the stick-shaped substrate 150 ends when the operating time included in the stick heating profile has elapsed or when a predetermined number of puffs has been taken since the start of heating the stick-shaped substrate 150 (step S104).
  • the MCU1 determines whether or not the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the storage unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile has ended (step S105). If the stick-shaped substrate 150 has not been removed from the storage unit 140C (step S105: NO), the MCU1 repeatedly monitors step S105 until the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed from the storage unit 140C.
  • step S105 If the stick-shaped substrate 150 is removed from the storage section 140C (step S105: YES), the MCU1 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous operation of the heating section 121C based on the cleaning heating profile (step S106).
  • step S106 If a predetermined period of time has passed since the previous operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile (step S106: YES), the MCU1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile in response to the removal of the stick-shaped substrate 150 (step S107). On the other hand, if a predetermined period of time has not passed since the previous operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile (step S106: NO), the MCU1 does not operate the heating unit 121C and ends this flow.
  • the MCU1 may determine whether or not to operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile based on the SOC of the power supply unit 111C. In detail, the MCU1 determines whether the SOC of the power supply unit 111C is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile in response to the determination that the stick-type substrate 150 has been removed from the storage unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile is completed and that the SOC is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
  • the predetermined value of the SOC is, for example, the sum of the power required to execute the current operation of the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile and the power required to execute the next operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile.
  • Modification 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13.
  • the SOC also referred to as the current SOC
  • the MCU1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile in response to the determination that the stick-type substrate 150 has been removed from the housing unit 140C and that the SOC is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.
  • the SOC also referred to as the current SOC
  • ⁇ Variation 2>> if the luminance of the reflected light becomes less than the predetermined value L1 after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile is completed, the MCU1 does not detect the stick-type substrate 150 and operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile. Modification 2 differs from the embodiment described above in that the MCU1 may not operate the heating unit 121C even if the luminance of the reflected light is less than the predetermined value L1.
  • the brightness of the reflected light may be lower than when there is little cleaning agent or dirt. This is thought to be because when the light emitted from the stick detection sensor 12 reflects off the inner wall of the storage section 140C, it is scattered by the cleaning agent or dirt, reducing the amount of light that returns to the stick detection sensor 12.
  • the MCU 1 when it is determined that there is little cleaning agent or dirt in the storage section 140C based on the brightness of the reflected light, the MCU 1 does not operate the heating section 121C.
  • the second modification will be described in detail.
  • the region of the brightness of the reflected light detected by the stick detection sensor 12 will be described.
  • the MCU1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the MCU1 does not detect the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • L2 is a value smaller than L1.
  • the MCU1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 and operates the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile as in the embodiment described above.
  • the MCU1 does not detect the stick-shaped substrate 150, and does not operate the heating unit 121C in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage unit 140C. As a result, when it is determined that there is little cleaning agent or dirt in the storage unit 140C, the MCU1 does not operate the heating unit 121C, thereby reducing power consumption.
  • the MCU1 when the brightness is included in the third region, the MCU1 does not detect the stick-shaped substrate 150 and operates the heating unit 121C in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage unit 140C. As a result, when it is determined that there is a large amount of cleaning agent or dirt in the storage unit 140C, the MCU1 operates the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile, and can evaporate and remove the liquid substance in the storage unit 140C.
  • the control method of the suction device 100 described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples 1 and 2 can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer (processor).
  • This program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and is executed by reading it from the storage medium.
  • this program may be provided in a form stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet.
  • the computer that executes this program may be, for example, one included in the suction device 100 (e.g., MCU 1), but is not limited to this, and may also be one included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100 (e.g., a smartphone or a server device).
  • the MCU 1 operates the heating unit 121C based on a stick heating profile and a cleaning heating profile, but this is not limited to this.
  • the MCU 1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on information that is not a time series progression (for example, information that does not include time information and specifies only the target temperature of the heating unit 121C) rather than a heating profile, which is information that specifies the time series progression of the target temperature.
  • the target temperature of the heating element 121C in the reference cleaning heating profile may be set lower than the target temperature of the heating element 121C in the stick heating profile.
  • the maximum temperature T5 of the cleaning heating profile is set to, for example, about 100°C to 200°C, which is above the boiling point of water, so that the moisture in the storage unit 140C can be evaporated.
  • the operation time t3 included in the cleaning heating profile in this case is longer than the operation time t2 in the above-mentioned embodiment, but can be set shorter than the operation time t1 of the stick heating profile, since it is sufficient as long as it is an operation time that is long enough to evaporate the moisture in the storage unit 140C.
  • the MCU 1 may also operate the heating section 121C based on the cleaning heating profile during the period from when the shutter 23 is opened until the stick detection sensor 12 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150. This allows the moisture in the storage section 140C to evaporate before the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated.
  • the MCU1 may not automatically operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile in response to the stick-shaped substrate 150 being removed from the storage unit 140C after the operation of the heating unit 121C based on the stick heating profile has ended. Specifically, the MCU1 may operate the heating unit 121C based on the cleaning heating profile in response to a heating request from the user (e.g., pressing the operation unit 24) after the stick-shaped substrate 150 has been removed from the storage unit 140C.
  • a heating request from the user e.g., pressing the operation unit 24
  • an optical sensor is shown as an example of the stick detection sensor 12, but this is not limited thereto.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 may be a pressure sensor that detects pressure fluctuations in the storage section 140C accompanying the insertion and removal of the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the MCU1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the pressure fluctuations detected by the pressure sensor.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 may be an identification information reader capable of reading the identification information of the stick-shaped substrate 150. In this case, the MCU1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on the reading result by the identification information reader.
  • the stick detection sensor 12 may be a mechanical switch provided near the storage section 140C (for example, the bottom surface of the storage section 140C) and pressed by the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • the MCU1 detects the stick-shaped substrate 150 when the switch is pressed.
  • the MCU 1 may detect the stick-shaped substrate 150 based on a change in the characteristics of the circuit of the suction device 100 (e.g., a change in inductance) caused by the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150.
  • An inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source, A storage section (storage section 140, 140C) in which the base material is stored; A heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) for heating the storage unit; A control unit (control units 116A, 116B, MCU1) that controls the heating unit, The control unit is When the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation section, the heating section is operated, operating the heating unit in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after the operation of heating the substrate is completed; Suction device.
  • Dirt that occurs in the storage unit during use of the suction device includes parts of the aerosol source that have fallen off the substrate and adhere to it together with the liquid, and part of the aerosol generated by heating the substrate adheres to it as a liquid.
  • the control unit operates the heating unit in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after the operation of heating the substrate is completed. This causes the liquid present in the storage unit to evaporate and be removed, thereby removing dirt within the storage unit or making it easier to remove the dirt. This can improve the convenience of cleaning the suction device.
  • the control unit controls the heating unit based on heating information that specifies a time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value of the temperature of the heating unit;
  • the heating information includes at least first heating information (a stick heating profile) for heating the substrate, and second heating information (a cleaning heating profile) different from the first heating information;
  • the control unit is When the base material is accommodated in the accommodation unit, operating the heating unit based on the first heating information; operating the heating unit based on the second heating information in response to the base material being removed from the storage unit after the operation of the heating unit based on the first heating information has ended; Suction device.
  • the heating unit is operated based on appropriate heating information depending on the situation, so more appropriate heating control can be performed.
  • the suction device each include an operation time for operating the heating unit,
  • the operation time (operation time t2) of the second heating information is shorter than the operation time (operation time t1) of the first heating information.
  • the suction device according to (3) The target temperature of the second heating information is higher than the target temperature of the first heating information. Suction device.
  • the operating time of the second heating information can be shortened.
  • power consumption can be reduced because heating control is not performed continuously compared to when heating control is performed each time a substrate is removed.
  • the suction device according to any one of (1) to (5), Further comprising a power supply unit (power supply units 111A to 111C) capable of supplying power to the heating unit,
  • the control unit is determining whether or not the remaining capacity of the power supply unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; operating the heating unit in response to a determination that the substrate is removed from the storage unit after the operation of heating the substrate is completed and that the remaining capacity is equal to or greater than the predetermined value; Suction device.
  • the suction device according to any one of (1) to (6),
  • the control unit is capable of selectively switching between a first mode in which the heating unit is operated in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after the operation of heating the substrate is completed, and a second mode in which the heating unit is not operated even when the substrate is removed from the storage unit after the operation of heating the substrate is completed. Suction device.
  • control unit selectively selects between the first mode and the second mode, so that it is possible to reflect the intention of the user who does not want heating control after removing the substrate.
  • the suction device according to any one of (1) to (7), An optical sensor (stick detection sensor 12) that irradiates light onto the storage section and detects the amount of light reflected from the storage section,
  • the control unit is configured to detect the base material accommodated in the accommodation unit based on the amount of reflected light. Suction device.
  • the substrate contained in the container can be detected based on the amount of reflected light detected by the optical sensor.
  • the suction device (9) The suction device according to (8), The control unit is When the amount of light is within a first region, detecting the substrate and operating the heating unit; When the amount of light is included in a second region different from the first region, the substrate is not detected, and the heating unit is not operated in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit; when the amount of light is included in a third region different from the first region and the second region, the substrate is not detected, and the heating unit is operated in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit. Suction device.
  • the heating section is not operated if heating is not required, thereby reducing power consumption.
  • a flexible member (sensor FPC 73) is disposed around the housing portion and is electrically connected to the control portion.
  • the optical sensor is provided on the flexible member. Suction device.
  • the degree of freedom in arranging the optical sensor around the housing portion is increased compared to, for example, providing the optical sensor on a rigid substrate.
  • a light transmitting member capable of transmitting light is provided on a part of a wall portion that divides the storage portion, The flexible member is disposed around the housing portion such that the optical sensor faces the transparent member at a predetermined distance. Suction device.
  • the optical sensor faces the transparent member at a predetermined distance, so that the effect of heat from the housing on the optical sensor can be reduced.
  • the suction device according to any one of (1) to (11),
  • the heating device further includes a notification unit (light-emitting unit 25, vibration device 60) that notifies a user that the heating unit is operating.
  • a notification unit light-emitting unit 25, vibration device 60
  • the notification unit notifies the user that the heating unit is in operation.
  • the user when the heating unit is in operation after the substrate is removed from the storage unit, the user can easily understand that heating control is being performed and can take care not to place, for example, fingers near the storage unit.
  • the suction device is when the heating unit is operating with the substrate accommodated in the accommodation unit, notifying the user in a first notification manner that the heating unit is operating;
  • the heating unit is operating based on the second heating information after the base material is removed from the storage unit, the user is notified that the heating unit is operating in a second notification manner different from the first notification manner.
  • the user can easily understand that the heating unit is operating when the substrate is not contained in the container, and can take care not to place, for example, fingers near the container.
  • a control method executed by a computer for controlling the operation of an inhalation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source, comprising:
  • the suction device is A storage section (storage section 140, 140C) in which the base material is stored;
  • a heating unit heating units 121A to 121C for heating the storage unit,
  • the computer includes: When the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation section, the heating section is operated, operating the heating unit in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after the operation of heating the substrate is completed; Control methods.
  • Dirt that occurs in the storage unit when the suction device is used includes parts of the aerosol source that have fallen off the substrate and adhere to the storage unit together with the liquid, and part of the aerosol generated by heating the substrate adheres to the storage unit as liquid.
  • the computer operates the heating unit in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after the operation of the heating unit to heat the substrate has ended. This causes the liquid present in the storage unit to evaporate and be removed, thereby removing dirt within the storage unit or making it easier to remove the dirt. This can improve the convenience of cleaning the suction device.
  • a program for causing a computer (control units 116A, 116B, MCU1) to execute a predetermined process for controlling an operation of an suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from a substrate (stick-type substrate 150) having an aerosol source
  • the suction device is A storage section (storage section 140, 140C) in which the base material is stored;
  • a heating unit (heating units 121A to 121C) for heating the storage unit,
  • the computer includes: When the substrate is accommodated in the accommodation section, the heating section is operated, operating the heating unit in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after the operation of heating the substrate is completed; A program that executes a process.
  • Dirt that occurs in the storage unit when the suction device is used includes parts of the aerosol source that have fallen off the substrate and adhere to the storage unit together with the liquid, and part of the aerosol generated by heating the substrate adheres to the storage unit as liquid.
  • the computer operates the heating unit in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after the operation of the heating unit to heat the substrate has ended. This causes the liquid present in the storage unit to evaporate and be removed, thereby removing dirt within the storage unit or making it easier to remove the dirt. This can improve the convenience of cleaning the suction device.
  • a substrate having an aerosol source (a stick-type substrate 150);
  • a suction system comprising a suction device (suction device 100, 100A, 100B) according to any one of (1) to (13).
  • Dirt that occurs in the storage unit when the suction device is used includes parts of the aerosol source that have fallen off the substrate and adhere to the storage unit together with the liquid, and part of the aerosol generated by heating the substrate adheres to the storage unit as liquid.
  • the control unit operates the heating unit in response to the substrate being removed from the storage unit after the operation of the heating unit to heat the substrate is completed. This causes the liquid present in the storage unit to evaporate and be removed, thereby removing dirt within the storage unit or making it easier to remove the dirt. This can improve the convenience of cleaning the suction device.
  • the suction device includes a light-emitting unit (light-emitting unit 25) that notifies the user by emitting light,
  • the first notification mode and the second notification mode have different light emission modes. Suction device.
  • the user can easily visually understand whether heating control is being performed to heat the substrate or heating control is being performed after the substrate is removed from the storage unit.
  • the suction device according to (17), The first notification mode and the second notification mode have different light emission colors of the light-emitting unit. Suction device.
  • the user can easily know by checking the emitted color whether heating control is being performed to heat the substrate or heating control that is executed after the substrate is removed from the storage unit is being performed.
  • the suction device has a plurality of light emitting elements (LEDs 251), The first notification mode and the second notification mode have different numbers of light-emitting elements that emit light. Suction device.
  • the user can easily determine whether heating control is being performed to heat the substrate or heating control is being performed after the substrate is removed from the storage unit by checking the number of light-emitting elements that emit light.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
PCT/JP2022/046466 2022-12-16 2022-12-16 吸引装置、制御方法、及びプログラム Ceased WO2024127648A1 (ja)

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JP2024564123A JPWO2024127648A1 (https=) 2022-12-16 2022-12-16
CN202280102513.6A CN120282722A (zh) 2022-12-16 2022-12-16 吸入装置、控制方法和程序
KR1020257018936A KR20250105658A (ko) 2022-12-16 2022-12-16 흡인 장치, 제어 방법, 및 프로그램
PCT/JP2022/046466 WO2024127648A1 (ja) 2022-12-16 2022-12-16 吸引装置、制御方法、及びプログラム
EP22968557.3A EP4635341A1 (en) 2022-12-16 2022-12-16 Inhalation device, control method, and program

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2015508287A (ja) * 2011-12-30 2015-03-19 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム エアロゾル発生装置の加熱要素を清掃する方法及び装置
JP2022524729A (ja) * 2019-03-22 2022-05-10 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム 残留物検出器を備えるエアロゾル発生装置およびシステム

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2201850A1 (en) 2008-12-24 2010-06-30 Philip Morris Products S.A. An article including identification information for use in an electrically heated smoking system

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2015508287A (ja) * 2011-12-30 2015-03-19 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム エアロゾル発生装置の加熱要素を清掃する方法及び装置
JP2022524729A (ja) * 2019-03-22 2022-05-10 フィリップ・モーリス・プロダクツ・ソシエテ・アノニム 残留物検出器を備えるエアロゾル発生装置およびシステム

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Title
See also references of EP4635341A1

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