Aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device 1 includes a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, a housing 11 accommodating the heating unit and including a top surface 15 provided with an opening or a delivery port for insertion of the aerosol source through which the heated aerosol source is delivered to the outside, a right side surface 14 provided in a direction intersecting the top surface 15, and a right upper curved surface 19 provided between the top surface 15 and the right side surface 14, a contact sensor 100 for detecting a motion on the right upper curved surface 19, and a control unit for performing a process in response to the motion detected by the contact sensor 100.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, the apparatus disclosed in PTL 1 includes: a heating assembly configured to heat an aerosol-generating material; an input interface configured to accept input to select an operating mode from several operating modes; and a control device. The control device is configured to detect an action on the input interface and, in response to the detected action on the input interface, cause the heating assembly to begin heating the aerosol-generating material. Citation List

[0003] Patent documents

[0004] [PTL 1] JP 2022-524198 A Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0006] In order to enable users to perform input actions, such as input actions to start heating of the heating unit, while gripping the aerosol generating device, it is desirable to place the component that enables users to perform input actions (the input interface in PTL 1) in a place that is easy to operate even while gripping the aerosol generating device.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that allows users to easily perform input actions.

[0008] Solution to the problem

[0009] This disclosure, made for this purpose, relates to an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol source; a housing housing the heating unit and including: a first surface having an opening or delivery port for inserting the aerosol source, through which the heated aerosol source is delivered to the outside; a second surface disposed in a direction intersecting the first surface; and a third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface; a contact sensor for detecting movement on the third surface; and a control unit for performing processing in response to the movement detected by the contact sensor.

[0010] Here, the opening can be located on one end of the first surface, and the second surface can be located on the other end of the first surface.

[0011] Furthermore, the opening can be located at the center of the first side, and the second side can be located around the first side.

[0012] Furthermore, the control unit can perform processing in response to a movement action on the contact sensor in the direction from the first side to the second side.

[0013] Furthermore, once the aforementioned movement has been performed, the control unit can begin heating the heating unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit can perform processing in response to a movement action on the contact sensor in the direction from the second side to the first side.

[0015] Furthermore, once the movement has been accepted, the control unit can stop the heating unit from heating.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to perform processing without responding to actions on the contact sensor while heating of the heating unit is in progress.

[0017] Furthermore, when a predetermined event has been detected, the control unit can perform processing in response to the action on the contact sensor, even if the heating unit is heating.

[0018] Furthermore, the control unit can perform processing in response to an action performed on the contact sensor only within a predetermined time after the predetermined event is detected.

[0019] In addition, the control unit can perform processing based on whether the opening is open or closed, in response to actions on the contact sensor.

[0020] Furthermore, the control unit can start heating when the opening is open and a predetermined action to start heating of the heating unit has been performed on the contact sensor, and can be configured not to start heating when the opening is closed, even if the predetermined action has been performed.

[0021] Advantages of the present invention

[0022] This disclosure enables the provision of an aerosol generating device that allows users to easily perform input actions. Attached Figure Description

[0023] [ Figure 1 [This is an exemplary diagram of an aerosol generating device viewed diagonally from above the front.]

[0024] [ Figure 2 [This is an exemplary diagram of an aerosol generating device viewed diagonally from above the rear.]

[0025] [ Figure 3 [This is an exemplary diagram of the main body with the cover removed, viewed from the front.]

[0026] [ Figure 4[Illustrated diagram] is an exemplary diagram schematically showing an example configuration of an aerosol generating device.

[0027] [ Figure 5 This illustrates an example of a gliding motion performed by a user on a contact sensor.

[0028] [ Figure 6 This illustrates an example of the relationship between the gliding motion on the contact sensor and the state switching of the generating device.

[0029] [ Figure 7 The image shows an example of the generating device being held in the right hand.

[0030] [ Figure 8 The image shows an example of the generating device being held in the left hand.

[0031] [ Figure 9 [This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a heating stop process performed by a control unit.]

[0032] [ Figure 10 An example of a schematic configuration of the generating apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is shown.

[0033] [ Figure 11 An example of a gliding motion performed by a user on a contact sensor according to a fifth embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exemplary diagram of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from the top front.

[0035] Figure 2 This is an exemplary diagram of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from above the rear.

[0036] Figure 3 This is an exemplary diagram of the body 10 with the cover 9 removed, viewed from the front.

[0037] Figure 4 This is an exemplary diagram schematically showing an example configuration of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0038] The aerosol generating device (hereinafter also referred to as the "generating device") 1 includes: a body 10 having a heating unit 80 for heating a matrix 1000 containing an aerosol source; and a cover 9 that is removable from the body 10.

[0039] (Main Body 10)

[0040] The main body 10 includes a shell 11, which forms a generally cubic internal space for accommodating a heating unit 80, etc. A cover 9 covers one side of the shell 11. Of the six sides of the shell 11, the side to which the cover 9 is attached will be referred to as the front side 12, the left side viewed from the front side 12 will be referred to as the left side 13, the right side will be referred to as the right side 14, the upper side will be referred to as the top side 15, and the lower side will be referred to as the bottom side 16. Furthermore, of the six sides of the shell 11, the side connected to the left side 13, right side 14, top side 15, and bottom side 16, excluding the front side 12, will be referred to as the back side 17. The cover 9 covers the front side 12 of the shell 11, while the left side 13, right side 14, top side 15, bottom side 16, and back side 17 are exposed to the outside when the cover 9 is attached.

[0041] An opening 92 is formed in a portion of the left side 13 of the top surface 15 (described later).

[0042] The housing 11 also has curved surfaces disposed opposite each other among the front 12, left side 13, right side 14, top 15, bottom 16, and back 17. For example, the upper left curved surface 18 is disposed between the left side 13 and the top surface 15. In addition, the upper right curved surface 19 is disposed between the right side 14 and the top surface 15.

[0043] According to the above configuration, opening 92 is provided on the left side 13 of the top surface 15 (an example of one end side), and the upper left curved surface 18 is provided on the left side 13 of the opening 92. The upper right curved surface 19 is then provided on the right side 14 of the top surface 15 (an example of the other end side). Figure 3 As shown, viewed from the front side 12, the upper right curved surface 19 has a smaller curvature than the upper left curved surface 18. In other words, the radius of curvature of the upper right curved surface 19 is greater than that of the upper left curved surface 18, and the upper right curved surface 19 changes more gently than the upper left curved surface 18.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the main body 10 includes: a power supply unit 20, a sensor unit 30, a notification unit 40, a memory unit 50, a communication unit 60, a control unit 70, a heating unit 80, a heat insulation portion 85, and a retaining portion 90. The power supply unit 20, sensor unit 30, notification unit 40, memory unit 50, communication unit 60, control unit 70, heating unit 80, and heat insulation portion 85 are housed inside the housing 11. Furthermore, the main body 10 includes a cover 94 (see...). Figure 1 The cover is set on the top surface 15 and can be slidably moved along the top surface 15.

[0045] These components will be described in order below.

[0046] (Power supply unit 20)

[0047] The power supply unit 20 includes a battery for storing electrical energy. A rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery) can be given as an example. The battery can be charged by connecting to an external power source via a cable connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal (not depicted). Furthermore, the battery can also be charged via wireless power transfer technology without being connected to a power transfer device. Additionally, the battery can be removed from the main body 10 and replaced with a new battery.

[0048] (Sensor unit 30)

[0049] Sensor unit 30 detects various types of information related to body 10. Then, sensor unit 30 outputs the detected information to control unit 70. As an example, sensor unit 30 is configured with a pressure sensor (e.g., a capacitive microphone, flow sensor, or temperature sensor). When sensor unit 30 has detected a value associated with the user's inhalation, sensor unit 30 then outputs information to control unit 70 indicating that the user has inhaled. Furthermore, sensor unit 30 detects the temperature of heating unit 80 and outputs the detected temperature to control unit 70.

[0050] Furthermore, the sensor unit 30 includes a contact sensor 100 for detecting that a user is touching the body 10. The contact sensor 100 serves as an input device for accepting information input from the user. The contact sensor 100 then outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 70. The contact sensor 100 will be described in detail later.

[0051] (Notification Unit 40)

[0052] The notification unit 40 notifies the user of information. As an example, the notification unit 40 is configured with a light-emitting device (e.g., an LED (light-emitting diode)). In this case, the notification unit 40 emits light in different light-emitting modes when the battery in the power supply unit 20 needs to be charged, when the battery is charging, and when there is an abnormality in the main body 10. The light emission modes mentioned herein typically include color and the timing of illumination / extinguishing. Instead of or attached to the light-emitting device, the notification unit 40 may also be configured with a display device for displaying images, a sound output device for outputting sound, or a vibration device for vibration, etc.

[0053] A display window 98 is formed in the front side 12 of the housing 11 for transmitting light emitted by a light-emitting device (such as an LED, as an example of the notification unit 40), and the light-emitting device is disposed behind the display window 98.

[0054] (Memory unit 50)

[0055] Memory unit 50 stores various types of information for the operation of generating device 1. For example, memory unit 50 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium (such as flash memory). Information related to the operating system (OS) of generating device 1 (such as the control contents of control unit 70 for various types of components) is an example of information stored in memory unit 50. Another example of information stored in memory unit 50 is information related to the user's inhalation, such as the number of inhalations, the number of inhalations, and the cumulative inhalation time. Furthermore, another example of information stored in memory unit 50 is information related to control sequences that define the time variation of the target temperature of heating unit 80 during heating by heating unit 80. Memory unit 50 may store information related to several types of control sequences (which have different time variations of the target temperature of heating unit 80).

[0056] (Communication Unit 60)

[0057] Communication unit 60 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between generating device 1 and another device. Communication unit 60 performs communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of usable communication standards include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, communication unit 60 receives new OS information from a server to update the OS information stored in memory unit 50.

[0058] (Control Unit 70)

[0059] The control unit 70 serves as an arithmetic processing and control device, thereby controlling the overall operation within the generating device 1 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 70 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and electronic circuitry (such as a microprocessor). The control unit 70 may also include ROM (Read-Only Memory) for storing the programs used and calculation parameters, and RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change appropriately. The generating device 1 implements various types of processing based on the control executed by the control unit 70. Examples of processing controlled by the control unit 70 include: supplying power from the power supply unit 20 to other components; charging the power supply unit 20; detection via the sensor unit 30; notification by the notification unit 40; storing and retrieving information by the memory unit 50; and sending / receiving information by the communication unit 60. Other processing implemented by the generating device 1 (such as processing based on information input to and output from each component) is also controlled by the control unit 70.

[0060] (Heating unit 80)

[0061] Heating unit 80 heats the aerosol source, thereby atomizing the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. Heating unit 80 is formed of any material, such as metal or polyimide. For example, heating unit 80 is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of the holding portion 90. When heating unit 80 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in substrate 1000 is then heated and atomized from the outer circumference of substrate 1000, thereby generating an aerosol. Heating unit 80 generates heat when powered by power supply unit 20, thereby heating substrate 1000. When the temperature of substrate 1000 heated by heating unit 80 reaches a predetermined temperature, user inhalation is possible. Thereafter, when sensor unit 30 has detected predetermined user input, power supply can be stopped.

[0062] ((Insulated part 85))

[0063] The heat insulation portion 85 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 80 to other components of the generating device 1. The heat insulation portion 85 is configured to at least cover the outer circumference of the heating unit 80. For example, the heat insulation portion 85 is configured with a vacuum insulation material or an aerogel insulation material. It should be noted that the vacuum insulation material is an insulation material in which a high vacuum state is created, for example, by wrapping glass wool and silica (silica powder) in a resin film, so that the thermal conductivity of the gas is as close to zero as possible.

[0064] (90% of the fixed portion)

[0065] The retaining portion 90 includes: a cylindrical internal space 91 disposed inside the housing 11; and an opening 92 formed on the top surface 15 of the housing 11 to allow communication between the internal space 91 and the outside. The internal space 91 is a cylindrical body having a bottom portion 93 serving as a bottom surface. The retaining portion 90 is configured such that the inner diameter of at least a portion of the cylindrical body in the height direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the substrate 1000, and is capable of retaining the substrate 1000 inserted into the internal space 91 through the opening 92 to press the substrate from the outer circumference of the substrate 1000. The retaining portion 90 also functions to define a flow path for air to pass through the substrate 1000. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 93, which is an inlet for air to enter the flow path. Meanwhile, the opening 92 forms an air outlet hole, which is an outlet for air from the flow path. The opening 92 is exposed by sliding a cover 94 to an open position and concealed by sliding the cover 94 to a closed position.

[0066] ((Blinding 94))

[0067] The cover 94 has a magnet on its back side. Meanwhile, the magnetic sensor (not shown) of the sensor unit 30 is attached to the top surface 15 of the housing 11 within the movable range of the cover 94. The magnetic sensor is a Hall IC formed by a Hall element and an operational amplifier, and outputs a voltage commensurate with the strength of the magnetic field passing through the Hall element. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 detects the opening and closing of the cover 94 based on the change in voltage output from the magnetic sensor accompanying the sliding of the cover 94.

[0068] (Example of the appearance configuration of the main body 10)

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 10 includes an upper magnet 95 and a lower magnet 96, which are two magnets arranged to be exposed from the front 12 of the housing 11 and for connection with the cover 9. The upper magnet 95 and the lower magnet 96 have a cylindrical shape, which appears circular when viewed from the front. The centers of the circles of the upper magnet 95 and the lower magnet 96 are aligned in the vertical direction, with the upper magnet 95 located on the upper portion of the main body 10 and the lower magnet 96 located on the lower portion of the main body 10.

[0070] The main body 10 includes a display window 98 between an upper magnet 95 and a lower magnet 96, which transmits light from multiple LEDs into a display window 9a (described later) within a cover 9. The display window 98 is positioned corresponding to the location of multiple LEDs disposed inside the housing 11 of the main body 10, and transmits light from the multiple LEDs into the display window 9a within the cover 9. This allows the user to see the light from the outer surface of the cover 9.

[0071] (Cover 9)

[0072] The cover 9 is a plate-shaped light-transmitting member, its shape defined to cover the front 12 of the housing 11 of the main body 10, and does not form steps with the left side 13, right side 14, top surface 15, and bottom surface 16 of the housing 11. Therefore, the cover 9 has a decorative function, thus forming an integrated appearance with the left side 13, right side 14, top surface 15, and bottom surface 16 of the housing 11. Furthermore, the cover 9 also functions to suppress the transmission of heat released from the main body 10. The cover 9 includes a display window 9a that transmits light from a plurality of LEDs disposed in the main body 10.

[0073] (Matrix 1000)

[0074] The substrate 1000 is a rod-shaped component. The substrate 1000 includes a substrate portion 1001 and a suction nozzle portion 1002.

[0075] The matrix portion 1001 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source can be, for example, a tobacco derivative (such as shredded tobacco), or a processed product obtained by shaping tobacco raw materials into granular, flake, or powder form. Furthermore, the aerosol source can also contain non-tobacco derivatives produced from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint or herbs). As an example, the aerosol source can contain flavoring components, such as menthol. When the generating device 1 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source can contain a drug to be inhaled by a patient. It should be noted that, for example, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and can also be a polyol (such as glycerol or propylene glycol), and a liquid (such as water). With the matrix 1000 held in the holding portion 90, at least a portion of the matrix portion 1001 is contained within the internal space 91 of the holding portion 90.

[0076] The mouthpiece portion 1002 is a component that is held in the user's mouth during inhalation. With the matrix 1000 held in the holding portion 90, at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 1002 protrudes from the opening 92. When the user inhales using the mouthpiece portion 1002 protruding from the opening 92 and held in the mouth, air flows into the holding portion 90 through the undescribed air inlet. The inflowing air passes through the internal space 91 of the holding portion 90 (i.e., through the matrix portion 1001) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the matrix portion 1001.

[0077] {Contact Sensor 100}

[0078] The contact sensor 100 will be described in detail below.

[0079] Contact sensor 100 detects the position of a user's finger F touching the upper right curved surface 19. Examples of detection methods used by contact sensor 100 include capacitance, resistive film, surface acoustic wave, infrared, electromagnetic induction, and load sensing. For example, when contact sensor 100 uses a capacitive detection method, contact sensor 100 has the capability to detect both the direction from the top surface 15 toward the right side surface 14 and the front-back direction (as opposed to the top surface 15). Figure 3 The contact sensor 100 is a matrix of multiple electrodes arranged in an orthogonal direction on the page, and its surface is always slightly covered with static electricity. When finger F touches the upper right curved surface 19, finger F attracts the static electricity covering the surface of the contact sensor 100. The contact sensor 100 determines the position coordinates of the position touched by finger F by identifying the location where static electricity is attracted, and sends the position coordinates to the control unit 70 via an internal bus.

[0080] A contact sensor 100 is disposed on the lower side of the upper right wall 191 of the housing 11, which forms an upper right curved surface 19 (in other words, on the inner side of the housing 11). When viewed in a direction orthogonal to the upper right curved surface 19, the contact sensor 100 has a rectangular shape and is arranged such that its surface is parallel to the upper right curved surface 19. The contact sensor 100 can be disposed inside the housing 11 because it uses the aforementioned detection method. The contact sensor 100 thus allows the user to perform an input action by touching the upper right curved surface 19 with their finger F. Furthermore, the positions on the upper right curved surface 19 on the inner side of the generating device 1 where the contact sensor 100 is disposed and where the contact sensor 100 is not disposed have the same shape. That is, the positions on the upper right curved surface 19 on the inner side where the contact sensor 100 is disposed and where the contact sensor 100 is not disposed are formed to be visually and tactilely indistinguishable on the surface.

[0081] The control unit 70 determines what action has been performed on the contact sensor 100 based on the information sent from the contact sensor 100.

[0082] When the contact position of finger F is detected to have moved on the upper right curved surface 19 (in other words, moved along the upper right curved surface 19), the control unit 70 determines that a gliding action has been performed. Furthermore, when there is a contact between finger F and the upper right curved surface 19, and finger F moves away from the upper right curved surface 19 within a reference time (e.g., 2 seconds) without performing a gliding action, the control unit 70 determines that a tapping action has been performed.

[0083] The following will describe the skid motion in detail.

[0084] Figure 5 An example of a gliding motion performed by a user on contact sensor 100 is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 5 In the diagram, the position of finger F before it moves to perform the input action is represented by a dashed line, and the position of finger F after it moves is represented by a solid line.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), when the contact sensor 100 has sent information instructing the finger F to move in the direction from the top surface 15 side toward the right side surface 14 side (which may be referred to below as the "first direction"), the control unit 70 determines that a first movement sweep action has been performed. Figure 5 As shown in (b), when the contact sensor 100 has sent information indicating that the finger F moves in the direction from the right side 14 toward the top side 15 (which may be referred to as the “second direction” below), the control unit 70 determines that the second movement sweep action has been performed.

[0086] Figure 6An example of the relationship between the gliding motion on the contact sensor 100 and the state switching of the generating device 1 is shown.

[0087] The control unit 70 controls the operation of the generating device 1 based on the action on the contact sensor 100.

[0088] For example, if the generating device 1 is in sleep mode, it is activated and switches to operating mode when the control unit 70 determines that the first moving sweep action has been performed. Furthermore, if the generating device 1 is in operating mode, it switches back to sleep mode when the control unit 70 determines that the second moving sweep action has been performed. Additionally, in a possible example, if the generating device 1 is in sleep mode, it is in a state where most functions are unavailable, for example, except for the function of determining the action on the contact sensor 100. Furthermore, in a possible example, if the generating device 1 is in operating mode, it is in a state where most functions are available, except for the heating function of the heating unit 80.

[0089] Furthermore, if the generating device 1 is in operating mode, heating of the heating unit 80 begins when the control unit 70 has determined that the first moving sweep action has been performed. Then, after the heating unit 80 has performed heating according to a control sequence stored in the memory unit 50 and defining the time variation of the target temperature of the heating unit 80 during heating, the control unit 70 stops heating. Note that the control unit 70 can start heating of the heating unit 80 with the cover 9 attached to the body 10.

[0090] Furthermore, when the heating unit 80 is heating, the heating unit 80 stops heating when the control unit 70 has determined that the second moving sweep action has been performed.

[0091] Furthermore, when an instruction based on a sweeping motion for controlling the mode switching of the generating device 1 or the operation of the heating unit 80 has been received, the control unit 70 can notify the user via the notification unit 40 that the instruction has been accepted. For example, if the generating device 1 is in operating mode, heating of the heating unit 80 begins and vibration of the vibrating device is also initiated when the control unit 70 has determined that the first sweeping motion has been performed. Alternatively, the control unit 70 can output sound from a sound output device or emit light from a light-emitting device, in lieu of or simultaneously with vibration of the vibrating device.

[0092] As described above, the generating device 1 includes: a heating unit 80 for heating an aerosol source; and a housing 11 that houses the heating unit 80 and includes a top surface 15 (an example of a first surface) having an opening 92 for inserting the aerosol source, a right side surface 14 (an example of a second surface) disposed in a direction intersecting the top surface 15, and an upper right curved surface 19 (an example of a third surface) disposed between the top surface 15 and the right side surface 14. The generating device 1 also includes: a contact sensor 100 for detecting movement on the upper right curved surface 19; and a control unit 70 for performing processing in response to the movement detected by the contact sensor 100.

[0093] With the aid of the generating device 1 configured as described above, the contact sensor 100 can be arranged inside the housing 11, and thus water droplets can be better suppressed from flowing into the housing 11 compared to a configuration where, for example, a push-button switch has a gap between it and the housing.

[0094] Figure 7 An example of generating device 1 being held in the right hand is shown.

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, when a user grips the generating device 1 with the above configuration in their right hand, the user can perform a gliding motion on the upper right curved surface 19 of the generating device 1 with their right thumb. With the help of the generating device 1, the user can therefore perform the gliding motion more easily than by performing the gliding motion on the surface of the housing 11 other than the upper right curved surface 19.

[0096] Figure 8 An example of generating device 1 being held in the left hand is shown.

[0097] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, when a user grips the generating device 1 with the above configuration in their left hand, the user can perform a gliding motion on the upper right curved surface 19 of the generating device 1 with their left thumb. With the help of the generating device 1, the user can therefore perform the gliding motion more easily than by performing the gliding motion on the surface of the housing 11 other than the upper right curved surface 19.

[0098] Here, opening 92 is located on one end side of the top surface 15 ( Figure 7 The middle is on the left side), and the right side 14 is located on the other end side of the top surface 15. Figure 7 (Centered on the right side). Therefore, compared to a configuration where, for example, the opening 92 is located in the center of the top surface 15 in the lateral direction, the space for placing the contact sensor 100 can be increased, while also making the housing 11 more compact.

[0099] The control unit 70 performs processing in response to a movement action on the contact sensor 100 in the direction from the top surface 15 side to the right side surface 14 side. The control unit 70 then starts heating the heating unit 80 once this movement action has been performed. In other words, when it has been determined that a first moving sweep action has been performed on the upper right curved surface 19, the control unit 70 starts heating the heating unit 80 according to the processing stored in association with the first moving sweep action. For example, the first moving sweep action performed with the thumb on the upper right curved surface 19 is similar to the action of spinning a flint wheel to light a lighter. Therefore, the user will easily remember that the first moving sweep action is the action that starts heating the heating unit 80, so the user can start heating the heating unit 80 with high precision.

[0100] Furthermore, the control unit 70 performs processing in response to a movement action on the contact sensor 100 in the direction from the right side 14 to the top side 15. The control unit 70 then stops heating of the heating unit 80 once this movement action has been performed. In other words, when it has been determined that a second movement sweep action has been performed on the upper right curved surface 19, the control unit 70 stops heating of the heating unit 80 according to the processing stored in association with the second movement sweep action. For example, the second movement sweep action performed with the thumb on the upper right curved surface 19 is the opposite of the action of rotating the flint wheel to ignite a lighter. Therefore, the user will easily remember that the second movement sweep action is the action that stops heating of the heating unit 80, so the user can stop heating of the heating unit 80 with high precision.

[0101] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, when a first sweeping motion has been determined to have been performed during sleep mode, the control unit 70 switches the generating device 1 to operating mode, and when a second sweeping motion has been determined to have been performed during operating mode, the control unit 70 switches the generating device 1 back to sleep mode. However, the mode switching between sleep mode and operating mode does not require determining whether the first or second sweeping motion was performed. For example, if the generating device 1 is in sleep mode, the control unit 70 can switch to operating mode when a tapping motion has been determined to have been performed.

[0102] <Second Embodiment>

[0103] The control unit 70 of the generating apparatus according to the second embodiment (not depicted) performs a process different from that of the generating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Components having the same function in the first and second embodiments are referred to by the same reference numerals, and those components will not be described in detail again.

[0104] The control unit 70 is configured to not perform processing in response to action on the contact sensor 100 while the heating unit 80 is heating. That is, after the heating unit 80 has started heating, heating is stopped according to a control sequence stored in the memory unit 50, which defines the time variation of the target temperature of the heating unit 80 during heating. However, even if a second moving sweep action has been determined to have been performed while the heating unit 80 is heating, the control unit 70 does not stop the heating unit 80. Alternatively, the control unit 70 is configured not to accept information from the contact sensor 100 related to the position coordinates of the location being touched by the finger F. This allows the heating unit 80 to be prevented from stopping heating due to unexpected user actions.

[0105] Furthermore, when a predetermined event has been detected, the control unit 70 can perform processing in response to an action on the contact sensor 100.

[0106] An example of a predetermined event could be that a double-click action (in other words, two consecutive taps) has been performed on the contact sensor 100. That is, when the heating unit 80 is heating, and after determining that a second moving sweep action has been performed after a double-click action on the contact sensor 100 has been performed, the control unit 70 stops heating the heating unit 80.

[0107] Another example of a predetermined event that can be given is the execution of a double-click action on the generating device according to the second embodiment (not limited to the execution of a double-click action on the upper right curved surface 19). That is, when the heating unit 80 is heating, after determining that a second moving sweep action has been performed after determining that a double-click action has been performed on the generating device, the control unit 70 stops heating the heating unit 80. Furthermore, in an example that can be given, the control unit 70 determines whether a double-click action has been performed on the generating device based on the output of the accelerometer from the sensor unit 30.

[0108] Furthermore, when the control unit 70 performs processing in response to an action on the contact sensor 100 after detecting a predetermined event, the control unit 70 can be configured to perform processing only in response to an action performed on the contact sensor 100 within a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) after the predetermined event is detected. That is, when the heating unit 80 is heating, if the control unit 70 has detected the predetermined event and determined that a second moving sweep action has been performed within the predetermined time, it stops the heating of the heating unit 80. Simultaneously, if it is determined that a second moving sweep action has been performed after a predetermined time has elapsed while the heating unit 80 is heating, the control unit 70 does not stop the heating of the heating unit 80 even though the predetermined event has been detected. Alternatively, the control unit 70 is configured not to accept information sent from the contact sensor 100 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0109] The following flowchart will be used to describe an example of the heating stop process performed by the control unit 70.

[0110] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a heating stop process performed by the control unit 70. While heating of the heating unit 80 is in progress, the control unit 70 repeatedly performs the heating stop process at preset fixed time intervals (e.g., 1 mmsec).

[0111] Control unit 70 determines whether a predetermined event has been detected (S901). If a predetermined event has been detected (Yes in S901), control unit 70 determines whether a second moving sweep action has been performed (S902). If the second moving sweep action has been performed (Yes in S902), control unit 70 then stops heating of heating unit 80 (S903).

[0112] Meanwhile, if the second moving sweep action is not performed (No in S902), the control unit 70 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed (S904). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (No in S904), the control unit 70 executes S902 and subsequent processing. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in S904), the control unit 70 terminates the heating stop process.

[0113] If no predetermined event is detected during the processing in S901 (No in S901), the control unit 70 determines whether the timing for stopping heating has been reached according to the control sequence (S905). If the timing for stopping heating has been reached (Yes in S905), the control unit 70 stops the heating of the heating unit 80 (S903). On the other hand, if the timing for stopping heating has not been reached (No in S905), the control unit 70 terminates the heating stop process.

[0114] As described above, in the generating apparatus according to the second embodiment, the control unit 70 does not perform processing in response to an action on the contact sensor 100 while heating of the heating unit 80 is in progress. This makes it possible to prevent the heating unit 80 from stopping heating due to unexpected user actions.

[0115] When a predetermined event has been detected, the control unit 70 can perform processing in response to an action on the contact sensor 100, even while heating of the heating unit 80 is in progress. Processing in response to an action on the contact sensor 100 is performed after an intentional user action, thus providing greater convenience. Similarly, in this case, the control unit 70 performs processing only in response to an action performed on the contact sensor 100 within a predetermined time after the predetermined event is detected. This allows the cessation of heating of the heating unit 80 to be suppressed when the predetermined event does not occur intentionally by the user.

[0116] <Third Embodiment>

[0117] The control unit 70 of the generating apparatus according to the third embodiment (not depicted) performs a process different from that of the generating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Components having the same function in both the first and third embodiments are referred to by the same reference numerals, and those components will not be described in detail again.

[0118] The control unit 70 switches between accepting input actions that can be performed by contacting the sensor 100, depending on whether the cover 94 (an example of an opening / closing component) is open or closed.

[0119] More specifically, when the generating apparatus according to the third embodiment is in operating mode, the control unit 70 performs processing in response to the heating action of the start heating unit 80 on the contact sensor 100 (in other words, the first moving sweep action) when the cover 94 is open, and the control unit 70 does not perform processing in response to the heating action of the start heating unit 80 on the contact sensor 100 when the cover 94 is closed.

[0120] In other words, when the generating device is in operating mode and the cover 94 is open, and it has been determined that the first moving sweep action has been performed, the control unit 70 starts heating the heating unit 80. Conversely, when the cover 94 is closed, even if the first moving sweep action has been determined, the control unit 70 does not start heating the heating unit 80. Alternatively, the control unit 70 is configured not to accept information from the contact sensor 100 related to the position coordinates of the location being touched by the finger F when the cover 94 is closed. This allows the heating unit 80 to be prevented from starting to heat due to accidental user actions.

[0121] Furthermore, when heating of the heating unit 80 is in progress, whether the cover 94 is open or closed, the control unit 70 can perform processing in response to the action of stopping the heating of the heating unit 80 on the contact sensor 100 (in other words, the second moving sweep action).

[0122] Furthermore, the functions of the control unit 70 according to the third embodiment can also be applied to the generating apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0123] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0124] The control unit 70 of the generating apparatus according to the fourth embodiment (not depicted) performs a process different from that of the generating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Components having the same function in both the first and fourth embodiments are referred to by the same reference numerals, and those components will not be described in detail again.

[0125] The control unit 70 switches between accepting input actions that can be performed by contacting the sensor 100, depending on whether the cover 94 (an example of an opening / closing component) is open or closed.

[0126] More specifically, when the generating device according to the fourth embodiment is in sleep mode, the control unit 70 performs processing in response to the action of switching to working mode on the contact sensor 100 (in other words, the first moving sweep action) when the cover 94 is open, and the control unit 70 does not perform processing in response to the action of switching to working mode on the contact sensor 100 when the cover 94 is closed.

[0127] In other words, when the generating device is in sleep mode and the cover 94 is open, and a first moving sweep action has been determined to have been performed, the control unit 70 switches to operating mode. Conversely, when the cover 94 is closed, even if a first moving sweep action has been determined to have been performed, the control unit 70 does not switch to operating mode. Alternatively, the control unit 70 is configured not to accept information from the contact sensor 100 related to the position coordinates of the location being touched by the finger F when the cover 94 is closed. This allows the generating device to be prevented from switching from sleep mode to operating mode due to unexpected user actions.

[0128] Furthermore, when the generating apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is in operating mode, the control unit 70 can perform processing in response to the action of switching to sleep mode (in other words, the second movement sweep action) on the contact sensor 100 in both cases where the cover 94 is open and when the cover 94 is closed. That is, during operating mode, when the second movement sweep action is performed in both cases where the cover 94 is open and when the cover 94 is closed, the control unit 70 can switch to sleep mode.

[0129] Furthermore, the functions of the control unit 70 according to the fourth embodiment can also be applied to the generating apparatus according to the second and third embodiments.

[0130] <Fifth Embodiment>

[0131] Figure 10 An example of a schematic configuration of the generating apparatus 5 according to the fifth embodiment is shown.

[0132] The generating apparatus 5 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the generating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that the generating apparatus 5 has a different body 510 corresponding to the body 10, and also does not have a cover 9. The same reference numerals are used for components having the same function in the first and fifth embodiments, and those components will not be described in detail again.

[0133] The main body 510 differs from the main body 10 in that the main body 510 includes: a different housing 511 corresponding to the housing 11; a different contact sensor 500 corresponding to the contact sensor 100; and a different control unit 570 corresponding to the control unit 70.

[0134] The housing 511 forms a generally cylindrical internal space for accommodating the heating unit 80, etc. The housing 511 has cylindrical side surfaces 514, a top surface 515, and a bottom surface 516 covering the lower opening of the side surfaces 514. An opening 592 is formed at the center of the top surface 515, allowing the substrate 1000 to be inserted. A curved surface 519 is then provided around the entire circumference of the top surface 515 between the side surfaces 514 and the surface surrounding the opening 592.

[0135] A contact sensor 500 is disposed on the inner side of the curved surface 519 of the housing 511 and detects the position where a user's finger F contacts the curved surface 519. For example, when the contact sensor 100 uses a capacitive detection method, the contact sensor 500 has a matrix of multiple electrodes arranged in the direction from the top surface 515 toward the side surface 514 and in the circumferential direction, and its surface is always slightly covered with static electricity. When finger F contacts the curved surface 519, finger F attracts the static electricity covering the surface of the contact sensor 500. The contact sensor 500 determines the position coordinates of the position touched by finger F by identifying the location where static electricity is attracted, and sends the position coordinates to the control unit 570 via an internal bus.

[0136] Figure 11 An example of a gliding motion performed by a user on a contact sensor 500 according to a fifth embodiment is shown.

[0137] like Figure 11As shown in (a), when information instructing finger F to move in the direction from the top surface 515 side toward the side surface 514 side (which may be referred to below as the "first direction") has been sent from the contact sensor 500, the control unit 570 determines that a first movement sweep action has been performed. Figure 11 As shown in (b), when the contact sensor 500 has sent information indicating that the finger F moves in the direction from the side 514 toward the top surface 515 (which may be referred to as the “second direction” below), the control unit 570 determines that the second movement sweep action has been performed.

[0138] The control unit 570 controls the operation of the generating device 5 based on the action on the contact sensor 500.

[0139] For example, if the generating device 5 is in sleep mode, it is activated and switches to operating mode when the control unit 570 has determined that the first moving sweep action has been performed. Furthermore, if the generating device 5 is in operating mode, it switches to sleep mode when the control unit 570 has determined that the second moving sweep action has been performed.

[0140] Furthermore, if the generating device 5 is in operating mode, heating of the heating unit 80 begins when the control unit 570 has determined that the first moving sweep action has been performed. Conversely, when the heating unit 80 is heating, heating of the heating unit 80 stops when the control unit 570 has determined that the second moving sweep action has been performed.

[0141] As described above, the generating device 5 includes: a heating unit 80 for heating an aerosol source; and a housing 511 that houses the heating unit 80 and includes a top surface 515 (an example of a first surface) having an opening 592 for inserting the aerosol source, a side surface 514 (an example of a second surface) disposed in a direction intersecting the top surface 515, and a curved surface 519 (an example of a third surface) disposed between the top surface 515 and the right side surface 514. The generating device 5 also includes: a contact sensor 500 for detecting movement on the curved surface 519; and a control unit 570 for performing processing in response to the movement detected by the contact sensor 500.

[0142] With the aid of the generating device 5 configured as described above, the contact sensor 500 can be arranged inside the housing 511, and thus water droplets can be better suppressed from flowing into the housing 511 compared to a configuration where, for example, a push-button switch has a gap between it and the housing.

[0143] Furthermore, in the generating device 5, an opening 592 is provided at the center of the top surface 515, and a side surface 514 is provided around the top surface 515. Therefore, regardless of which circumferential position on the housing 511 is gripped, the input action to the contact sensor 500 can be performed with the thumb.

[0144] Note that the functions of the control unit 70 according to the second to fourth embodiments can also be applied to the control unit 570 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0145] Note that there are no particular restrictions on the configuration of the aerosol source or heating unit 80 in any of the generating devices 1 to 5 according to the first to fifth embodiments.

[0146] For example, the device can be one in which the heating unit is configured with a metal coil wound around a liquid guiding portion for guiding and holding a liquid aerosol source from a liquid storage portion, and the heat generated by the heating unit then heats and atomizes the aerosol source held by the liquid guiding portion, thereby generating an aerosol. Alternatively, the device can be one in which a sensor configured with a metal wire wound around the liquid guiding portion generates heat by means of electromagnetic induction, thereby heating and atomizing the aerosol source held by the liquid guiding portion and generating an aerosol. In the case of a device that generates an aerosol by heating and atomizing the aerosol source held by the liquid guiding portion, a delivery port through which the generated aerosol is delivered should be formed on the top surface (e.g., housing 11) of the device housing (e.g., housing 11). Furthermore, a nozzle can be attached to the delivery port. In addition, regarding the configuration of the heating unit 80 and the aerosol source, the device can be one that generates an aerosol by heating a liquid aerosol source or by heating a matrix containing the aerosol source. Furthermore, the device can be one in which an electromagnetic induction source generates a magnetic field, the electromagnetic induction source being formed by coiled wire wound around the outer periphery of the holding portion, while a rod-shaped matrix including a sensor is held in the holding portion, and an aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped matrix is ​​heated and atomized by Joule heat generated by the sensor, thereby generating an aerosol. Furthermore, regarding the configuration of the heating unit 80 and the aerosol source, the device can be one in which vapor generated by heating a polyol (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) and a liquid (such as water) is passed through a capsule containing an aerosol source including tobacco particles or the like, thereby extracting flavor and aroma, and the resulting vapor is delivered to the aforementioned delivery port.

[0147] Summary

[0148] It should be noted that this disclosure includes the following characteristics.

[0149] (1) An aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a heating unit for heating an aerosol source; a housing housing the heating unit and comprising: a first surface having an opening or delivery port for inserting the aerosol source, wherein the heated aerosol source is delivered to the outside through the delivery port; a second surface disposed in a direction intersecting the first surface; and a third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface; a contact sensor for detecting movement on the third surface; and a control unit for performing processing in response to the movement detected by the contact sensor.

[0150] (2) The aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in (1), wherein the opening is provided on one end side of the first surface and the second surface is provided on the other end side of the first surface.

[0151] (3) The aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in (1), wherein the opening is disposed at the center of the first surface and the second surface is disposed around the first surface.

[0152] (4) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit performs processing in response to a movement of the contact sensor in the direction from the first surface to the second surface.

[0153] (5) The aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in (4), wherein the control unit starts heating the heating unit when the above-mentioned moving action has been performed.

[0154] (6) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit performs processing in response to a movement action on the contact sensor in the direction from the second surface to the first surface.

[0155] (7) The aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in (6) wherein, when the moving action has been received, the control unit stops the heating of the heating unit.

[0156] (8) An aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit does not perform processing in response to an action on the contact sensor while heating of the heating unit is in progress.

[0157] (9) The aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in (8) wherein, when a predetermined event has been detected, the control unit performs processing in response to an action on the contact sensor, even though heating of the heating unit is in progress.

[0158] (10) The aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in (9) wherein the control unit performs processing in response to an action performed on the contact sensor only within a predetermined time after the predetermined event is detected.

[0159] (11) An aerosol generating device as disclosed in any of (1) to (3), wherein the control unit performs processing in response to an action on the contact sensor, depending on whether the opening is open or closed.

[0160] (12) The aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in (11) wherein the control unit starts heating the heating unit when the opening is open and a predetermined action to start heating the heating unit has been performed on the contact sensor, and the control unit does not start heating when the opening is closed, even if the predetermined action has been performed.

[0161] List of reference numerals

[0162] 1, 5… Aerosol generating device, 9… Cover, 10, 510… Main body, 11, 511… Housing, 12… Front, 14… Right side, 15, 515… Top, 17… Back, 19… Upper right curved surface, 30… Sensor unit, 70, 570… Control unit, 80… Heating unit, 92, 592… Opening, 100, 500… Contact sensor, 514… Side, 519… Curved surface.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: A heating unit for heating the aerosol source; A housing that houses the heating unit and includes: a first surface having an opening or delivery port for inserting the aerosol source, through which the heated aerosol source is delivered to the outside; a second surface disposed in a direction intersecting the first surface; and a third surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface. Contact sensors are used to detect movement on the third surface; and A control unit is used to perform processing in response to an action detected by the contact sensor.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The opening is located on one end side of the first surface, and The second surface is located on the other side of the first surface.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The opening is located at the center of the first surface, and The second surface is arranged around the first surface.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit performs processing in response to a movement action on the contact sensor in the direction from the first surface to the second surface.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein, Once the aforementioned movement action has been performed, the control unit begins heating the heating unit.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The control unit performs processing in response to a movement of the contact sensor in the direction from the second side to the first side.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein, Once the movement has been accepted, the control unit stops the heating unit from heating.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When the heating unit is heating, the control unit does not perform processing in response to the action on the contact sensor.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein, When a predetermined event has been detected, the control unit responds to the action on the contact sensor to perform processing, even if heating of the heating unit is in progress.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The control unit performs processing in response to an action performed on the contact sensor only within a predetermined time after the predetermined event is detected.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The control unit performs processing based on whether the opening is open or closed, in response to the action on the contact sensor.

12. The aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The control unit starts heating when the opening is open and the predetermined action to start heating of the heating unit has been performed on the contact sensor; when the opening is closed, the control unit does not start heating even if the predetermined action has been performed.

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