Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is provided with: a main body having a heating unit and a control unit for controlling the heating of the heating unit; and a cover attached to the main body, the cover having a biological information sensor for detecting biological information, the control unit of the main body allowing heating by the heating unit when the cover is attached and the biological information detected by the biological information sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, and the biological information sensor being closed when the heating unit heats.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to aerosol generating devices. Background Art

[0002] For example, the aerosol generating system described in Patent Document 1 has a biosensor configured to detect biological characteristics of a user. A controller provides health data based on at least one biological characteristic detected by the biosensor. The health data is provided to the user and used to modify the aerosol delivery profile of the aerosol atomizer.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-516540 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] Patent Document 1 does not take into account the timing of turning on or off the sensor, and therefore has room for improvement from the viewpoint of energy saving.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an aerosol generating device that can achieve energy saving.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The present disclosure completed based on this purpose is an aerosol generating device, comprising: a main body, which has a heating part and a control part that controls the heating of the heating part; and a cover, which is installed on the main body, the cover has a biological information sensor that detects biological information, the control part of the main body allows the heating of the heating part when the cover is installed and the biological information detected by the biological information sensor meets predetermined conditions, and the biological information sensor is turned off when the heating part is heating.

[0011] Here, the cover may also have a touch sensor for sensing a user's contact with the cover, and the biometric information sensor may be turned on when the touch sensor senses that the user has contacted the cover and the heating part is not heating, and may be turned off when the touch sensor does not sense contact with the cover.

[0012] Furthermore, the touch sensor may be turned off when the heating unit is heating, and turned on when the heating unit is not heating.

[0013] Furthermore, the biological information sensor may detect body temperature, and the predetermined condition may be that the body temperature detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0014] Furthermore, the biological information sensor may detect a heart rate, and the predetermined condition may be that the heart rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0015] Furthermore, the biological information sensor may detect a pulse rate, and the predetermined condition may be that the pulse rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0016] Furthermore, the biological information sensor may detect blood oxygen saturation, and the predetermined condition may be that the blood oxygen saturation detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0017] Furthermore, the biological information sensor may detect a blood flow rate, and the predetermined condition may be that the blood flow rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0018] Furthermore, the biological information sensor may detect an alcohol concentration in breath, and the predetermined condition may be that the alcohol concentration detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0019] In addition, the control unit of the main body may not allow the heating of the heating unit and report to the user when the biological information detected by the biological information sensor does not satisfy the specified condition, and the biological information sensor is turned on when the heating unit is not heating.

[0020] In addition, from another point of view, the present disclosure is an aerosol generating device, comprising: a main body, which has a heating part and a control part that controls the heating of the heating part; and a cover, which is installed on the main body, the cover has a first sensor for detecting biological information and a second sensor for sensing a user's contact with the cover, the control part of the main body allows the heating of the heating part when the cover is installed and the biological information detected by the first sensor meets predetermined conditions, the first sensor is turned on when the second sensor senses that the user is contacting the cover, and is turned off when the second sensor does not sense contact with the cover.

[0021] Here, the second sensor may be turned off when the heating unit is heating, and turned on when the heating unit is not heating.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device capable of achieving energy saving can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is an example of a diagram showing the aerosol generating device as viewed from the front and obliquely above.

[0025] Figure 2 This is an example of a view of the aerosol generating device as viewed obliquely from the front and below.

[0026] Figure 3 This is an example of a diagram of the main body with the cover removed, as viewed from the front.

[0027] Figure 4 This is an example of a diagram of the cover viewed from the rear side.

[0028] Figure 5 This is an example of a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a main body.

[0029] Figure 6 This is an example of a diagram schematically showing the structure of a cover.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the generating device is held with the right hand.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the generating device is held with the left hand.

[0032] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit.

[0033] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of information outputted by the output unit to the mobile terminal.

[0034] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing an example of information outputted by the output unit to the mobile terminal.

[0035] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing an example of the heating control process performed by the control unit.

[0036] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing an example of the opening and closing control processing performed by the control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Figure 1 This is an example of a view of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed from the front and obliquely above.

[0038] Figure 2 This is an example of a view of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed obliquely from the front and below.

[0039] Figure 3 This is an example of a diagram of the main body 100 with the cover 10 removed, as viewed from the front.

[0040] Figure 4 This is an example of a diagram in which the cover 10 is viewed from the rear side.

[0041] Figure 5 This is an example of a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the main body 100 .

[0042] Figure 6 This is an example of a diagram schematically showing the structure of the cover 10.

[0043] The aerosol generating device 1 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “generating device 1”) includes: a main body 100, a heating unit 170 for heating a substrate 500 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “substrate 500”) including an aerosol source; and a cover 10 that can be attached to and detached from the main body 100.

[0044] The main body 100 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 101 that accommodates a heating unit 170 and the like. The cover 10 covers one surface of the housing 101. Hereinafter, the surface on which the cover 10 is mounted among the six surfaces of the housing 101 is referred to as the front surface 102, the side surface on the left side when viewed from the front surface 102 is referred to as the left side surface 103, the side surface on the right side is referred to as the right side surface 104, the surface on the upper side is referred to as the upper surface 105, and the surface on the lower side is referred to as the bottom surface 106. In addition, among the six surfaces of the housing 101, the surface connected to the left side surface 103, the right side surface 104, the upper surface 105, and the bottom surface 106 and different from the front surface 102 is referred to as the back surface 107. The cover 10 covers the front surface 102 of the housing 101, and the left side surface 103, the right side surface 104, the upper surface 105, the bottom surface 106, and the back surface 107 are exposed to the outside in a state where the cover 10 is mounted.

[0045] (Main body 100)

[0046] Main body 100 Figure 5 As shown, the main body 100 includes a power supply unit 110, a sensor unit 120, a notification unit 130, a storage unit 140, a communication unit 150, a control unit 160, a heating unit 170, a heat insulating unit 180, and a holding unit 190. The power supply unit 110, the sensor unit 120, the notification unit 130, the storage unit 140, the communication unit 150, the control unit 160, the heating unit 170, and the heat insulating unit 180 are accommodated in the housing 101. In addition, the main body 100 has a switch 194 (see FIG. 1 ) which is arranged on the upper surface 105 and can be slidably operated along the upper surface 105. Figure 1 ).

[0047] Hereinafter, each component will be described in sequence.

[0048] ((Power supply unit 110))

[0049] The power supply unit 110 includes a battery 111 that stores electric power and a power supply unit 112 that supplies electric power.

[0050] The battery 111 can be exemplified by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. The battery 111 can also be charged by connecting to an external power source using a cable connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 113. In addition, the battery 111 can also be charged by wireless power transmission technology without being connected to a device on the power transmission side. In addition, the battery 111 can be simply removed from the main body 100, or it can be replaced with a new battery 111.

[0051] The power supply unit 112 supplies power to each component of the main body 100 based on the control of the control unit 160. In addition, the power supply unit 112 supplies power to the cover 10.

[0052] The power supply unit 112 supplies power to the cover 10 by, for example, non-contact power transmission. An example of non-contact power transmission is power transmission based on short-distance wireless communication. Thus, power can be supplied to the cover 10 with a simple configuration.

[0053] ((Sensor unit 120))

[0054] The sensor unit 120 detects various information related to the main body 100. Then, the sensor unit 120 outputs the detected information to the control unit 160. As an example, the sensor unit 120 is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor. Moreover, when the sensor unit 120 detects a numerical value accompanying the user's inhalation, it outputs information indicating that the user has inhaled to the control unit 160. As another example, the sensor unit 120 is composed of an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts input of information from the user. In particular, the sensor unit 120 may include a button that indicates the start / stop of aerosol generation. Moreover, the sensor unit 120 outputs the information input by the user to the control unit 160.

[0055] As a button, the sensor unit 120 has an operation button 121 for instructing the start of aerosol generation. Figure 3 As shown, the operation button 121 is provided to be exposed from the front surface 102 of the housing 101 .

[0056] (Notification unit 130)

[0057] The notification unit 130 notifies the user of information. As an example, the notification unit 130 is composed of a light emitting device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). In this case, the notification unit 130 emits light in different light emission modes when the battery 111 of the power supply unit 110 needs to be charged, when the battery 111 is being charged, and when an abnormality occurs in the main body 100. The light emission mode here is a concept that includes color and timing of lighting / extinguishing. The notification unit 130 can also be composed of a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, and a vibration device that vibrates, together with or instead of the light emitting device.

[0058] A display window 108 is formed on the front surface 102 of the housing 101 , through which light emitted by a light emitting device such as an LED as an example of the notification unit 130 is transmitted. The light emitting device is provided behind the display window 108 .

[0059] ((Storage unit 140))

[0060] The storage unit 140 stores various information used for the operation of the generation device 1. The storage unit 140 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 140 is information related to the OS (Operating System) of the generation device 1, such as the control content of the control unit 160 on various components. Another example of the information stored in the storage unit 140 is information related to the user's absorption, such as the number of absorptions, absorption time, and absorption time accumulation.

[0061] ((Department of Communications 150))

[0062] The communication unit 150 is a communication interface for sending and receiving information between the generating device 1 and other devices. The communication unit 150 performs communication in accordance with any communication standard, whether wired or wireless. As the communication standard, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used. As an example, the communication unit 150 sends information related to the user's absorption to other devices (such as the portable terminal 600 described later) in order to display the information related to the user's absorption on other devices. As another example, the communication unit 150 receives new OS information from a server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 140.

[0063] ((Control unit 160))

[0064] The control unit 160 functions as a calculation processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation in the generation device 1 according to various programs. The control unit 160 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 160 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the used programs and calculation parameters, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores appropriately changing parameters. The generation device 1 performs various processes based on the control of the control unit 160. Power supply from the power supply unit 110 to other components, charging of the power supply unit 110, detection by the sensor unit 120, notification of information by the notification unit 130, storage and reading of information by the storage unit 140, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 150 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 160. Other processes performed by the generation device 1, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 160.

[0065] ((Heating unit 170))

[0066] The heating unit 170 generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source. The heating unit 170 is made of any raw material such as metal or polyimide. For example, the heating unit 170 is formed in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 190. Moreover, if the heating unit 170 generates heat, the aerosol source contained in the substrate 500 is heated from the outer periphery of the substrate 500 and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 170 generates heat when it is powered by the power supply unit 110, and heats the substrate 500. When the temperature of the substrate 500 heated by the heating unit 170 reaches a specified temperature, it can be inhaled by the user. Thereafter, when the sensor unit 120 detects that a specified user input has been made, the power supply may be stopped.

[0067] ((Thermal insulation part 180))

[0068] The heat insulating part 180 prevents heat conduction from the heating part 170 to other components of the generating device 1. The heat insulating part 180 is configured to cover at least the outer periphery of the heating part 170. For example, the heat insulating part 180 is composed of a vacuum heat insulating material and an aerogel heat insulating material. In addition, the vacuum heat insulating material refers to a heat insulating material that forms a high vacuum state by wrapping glass wool and silicon dioxide (silicon powder) with a resin film, so that the heat conduction of the gas is infinitely close to zero.

[0069] ((Holding unit 190))

[0070] The holding portion 190 has a columnar internal space 191 provided inside the housing 101 and an opening 192 formed on the upper surface 105 of the housing 101 in order to communicate the internal space 191 with the outside. The internal space 191 is a cylindrical body with a bottom 193 as the bottom surface. The holding portion 190 is configured such that, in at least a portion of the height direction of the cylindrical body, the inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the substrate 500, and the substrate 500 inserted into the internal space 191 from the opening 192 can be pressed from the periphery to hold the substrate 500. The holding portion 190 also has a function of dividing a flow path through which air passes through the substrate 500. An air inlet hole serving as an entrance for air to enter the flow path is, for example, arranged at the bottom 193. On the other hand, an air outlet hole serving as an outlet for air from the flow path is the opening 192. The opening 192 is exposed by sliding the shutter 194 to the open position and is hidden by sliding the shutter 194 to the closed position.

[0071] ((Opener 194))

[0072] The switch 194 has a magnet on the back. On the other hand, a magnetic sensor (not shown) provided by the sensor unit 120 is installed on the upper surface 105 of the housing 101 within the movable range of the switch 194. The magnetic sensor is a Hall IC composed of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc., and outputs a voltage corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field across the Hall element. In this embodiment, the control unit 160 senses the opening and closing of the switch 194 based on the change in the voltage output from the magnetic sensor as the switch 194 slides.

[0073] ((Substrate 500))

[0074] The base material 500 is a rod-shaped member and includes a base material portion 501 and a mouthpiece portion 502 .

[0075] The substrate portion 501 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source may be, for example, a tobacco-derived product such as a processed product formed of shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into a granular, flaky, or powdered form. In addition, the aerosol source may also include a non-tobacco-derived product made from plants other than tobacco (such as mint and vanilla, etc.). As an example, the aerosol source may also include flavoring ingredients such as menthol. In the case where the generating device 1 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may also include a medicament for inhalation by the patient. In addition, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be, for example, a polyol such as glycerin and propylene glycol and a liquid such as water. At least a portion of the substrate portion 501 is accommodated in the internal space 191 of the retaining portion 190 when the substrate 500 is retained in the retaining portion 190.

[0076] The mouthpiece 502 is a part that is held by the user during inhalation. At least a portion of the mouthpiece 502 protrudes from the opening 192 when the substrate 500 is held in the holding portion 190. When the user holds the mouthpiece 502 protruding from the opening 192 and inhales, air flows into the inside of the holding portion 190 from the air inflow hole (not shown). The inflowing air passes through the internal space 191 of the holding portion 190, that is, through the substrate portion 501, and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 501.

[0077] (Example of the external appearance of the main body 100)

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body 100 has two magnets, namely, an upper magnet 195 and a lower magnet 196, which are exposed from the front 102 of the shell 101 and are used to connect with the cover 10. The upper magnet 195 and the lower magnet 196 are cylindrical in shape when viewed from the front. Moreover, the centers of the circles of the upper magnet 195 and the lower magnet 196 are arranged along the center line direction of the substrate 500 held by the holding portion 190 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "center line direction"), and the upper magnet 195 is provided at the upper part of the main body 100, and the lower magnet 196 is provided at the lower part of the main body 100.

[0079] The main body 100 has an operation button 121 provided at the center portion in the center line direction so as to be exposed from the front surface 102 of the housing 101. In other words, the operation button 121 is arranged between the upper magnet 195 and the lower magnet 196.

[0080] The main body 100 has a display window 108 above the operation button 121 and between the upper magnet 195 and the operation button 121, which allows light from a light-emitting device such as an LED to pass through to a display window 74 of the cover 10 described later. The display window 108 is a window provided at a position corresponding to the position of the light-emitting device disposed in the housing 101 of the main body 100, and allows light from the light-emitting device to pass through to the display window 74 of the cover 10. Thus, the user can visually confirm the light from the outer surface of the cover 10.

[0081] The main body 100 has a magnetic sensor 122. The magnetic sensor 122 detects a magnetic force based on a magnetic field applied from a magnet 75 described later of the cover 10. For example, the magnetic sensor 122 may be a Hall sensor formed using a Hall element. Thus, attachment of the cover 10 to the main body 100 can be detected.

[0082] (Hood 10)

[0083] Hereinafter, the cover 10 will be described in detail.

[0084] like Figure 6As shown, the cover 10 includes a cover body 11 , a power supply unit 20 , a sensor unit 30 , a storage unit 40 , a communication unit 50 , and a control unit 60 .

[0085] ((Hood body 11))

[0086] The cover body 11 is formed into a plate shape by a light-transmitting component, covers the front face 102 of the housing 101 of the main body 100, and is formed so as not to form a step with the left side 103, the right side 104, the upper surface 105, and the bottom surface 106 of the housing 101. Thus, the cover 10 forms an integrated appearance with the left side 103, the right side 104, the upper surface 105, and the bottom surface 106 of the housing 101, and has a decorative function. In addition, the cover 10 has a function of suppressing the transmission of heat released from the main body 100. The power supply unit 20, the sensor unit 30, the storage unit 40, the communication unit 50, and the control unit 60 are installed on the cover body 11.

[0087] ((Power supply unit 20))

[0088] The power supply unit 20 includes a battery 21 storing power, a power supply unit 22 supplying power to each component of the cover 10 , and a power receiving unit 23 receiving power from a power supply unit 112 of a power supply unit 110 of the main body 100 .

[0089] The battery 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery formed in a film shape. The battery 21 is charged by power supplied from the power supply unit 112 of the power supply unit 110 of the main body 100 to the cover 10 .

[0090] The power supply unit 22 supplies the power of the battery 21 to each component of the cover 10. In addition, the power supply unit 22 supplies the power received by the power receiving unit 23 to each component of the cover 10. Thus, the power supplied from the main body 100 to the cover 10 can operate each component of the cover 10 including the sensor unit 30.

[0091] When the power supply unit 112 of the main body 100 supplies power to the cover 10 by non-contact power transmission such as near field wireless communication, the power receiving unit 23 includes an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader / writer module and an NFC antenna.

[0092] ((Sensor unit 30))

[0093] The sensor unit 30 includes an ambient air sensor that detects information about the air around the generating device 1. The air information may be exemplified by temperature and humidity. That is, the sensor unit 30 includes, as an example of an ambient air sensor, a temperature sensor that can detect the temperature (e.g., room temperature) around the generating device 1 and a humidity sensor that can detect the humidity around the generating device 1. In addition, the air information may be air pressure, and the sensor unit 30 may include, as an example of an ambient air sensor, an air pressure sensor that can detect the air pressure around the generating device 1.

[0094] In addition, the sensor unit 30 may also have a vital sign sensor for detecting biological information of the user. The vital sign sensor can be exemplified as a sensor capable of detecting one of the user's body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow, and COHb (carbon monoxide hemoglobin). The sensor for detecting the user's body temperature can be exemplified as a sensor that converts infrared rays emitted from the forehead, etc. into body temperature. The sensor for detecting at least one of the heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow, and COHb can be exemplified as a light sensor that has a light-emitting element that irradiates light to the human body and a light-receiving element that receives the light irradiated by the light-emitting element through the user's human body, and outputs information related to the light received by the light-receiving element. In addition, the light-emitting element is a light source, such as an LED. In addition, the light-receiving element is, for example, a photodiode. The light received by the light-receiving element is, for example, reflected light from the human body. The reflected light includes light scattered and reflected in the human body (i.e., scattered light).

[0095] The vital sign sensor may be a sensor capable of detecting the alcohol concentration in the user's breath. In addition, the sensor unit 30 may include a distance sensor capable of detecting the distance between the generating device 1 and the object, or a color sensor capable of detecting the color of the object.

[0096] In addition, the sensor unit 30 has a touch sensor 35 for sensing a user's contact with the cover 10. The user can start suction by contacting the touch sensor 35, so that Figure 1 The example in which the touch sensor 35 is arranged in the center of the center line direction in the generating device 1 is shown in FIG. However, the position of the touch sensor 35 is not limited to Figure 1 etc. as shown.

[0097] Hereinafter, in order to distinguish from the touch sensor 35, a sensor that detects external information other than information related to the state of the main body 100 and external information other than information related to the state of the cover 10, in other words, external information other than information related to the state of the generating device 1, is sometimes referred to as an "external sensor 31". The external sensor 31 is a general term for sensors that detect external environmental information of the generating device 1, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an air pressure sensor, and a vital sign sensor that detects biological information of the user, a distance sensor, and a color sensor. The external information is biological information such as body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow, COHb, and alcohol concentration, and external environmental information such as temperature and humidity.

[0098] ((Storage unit 40))

[0099] The storage unit 40 stores various information used for the operation of the cover 10. The storage unit 40 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. An example of the information stored in the storage unit 40 is information related to the OS (Operating System) of the cover 10, such as the control content of the control unit 60 on various components. In addition, the storage unit 40 stores information obtained from the sensor unit 30. In addition, the storage unit 40 stores a specified temperature range and a specified humidity range described later.

[0100] ((Communication Department 50))

[0101] The communication unit 50 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the cover 10 and an external device outside the cover 10. The communication unit 50 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. As the communication standard, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used.

[0102] The external device is a device other than the main body 100 and the generating device 1. As a device other than the generating device 1, a portable terminal 600 such as a multifunctional portable phone (so-called "smartphone". Hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "portable phone") owned by a user, and a server (not shown) can be exemplified. The portable terminal 600 may be a tablet terminal, a tablet PC, a portable information terminal (PDA), or a notebook PC. For example, the communication unit 50 sends information detected by the sensor unit 30 to the portable phone. In addition, the communication unit 50 receives new OS information from the server in order to update the OS information stored in the storage unit 40.

[0103] In addition, the communication unit 50 may also communicate with the main body 100, for example, through short-range wireless communication. As described above, power is supplied from the main body 100 to the cover 10 through short-range wireless communication, and the communication unit 50 communicates with the main body 100 through short-range wireless communication, thereby enabling efficient communication and power transmission between the main body 100 and the cover 10, and simplifying the configuration of the main body 100 and the cover 10. In addition, when power is supplied from the main body 100 to the cover 10 through short-range wireless communication and the communication unit 50 communicates with the main body 100 through short-range wireless communication, the communication unit 50 may be implemented by an NFC reader / writer module and an NFC antenna, etc., which are the same as those of the power receiving unit 23.

[0104] In addition, when the main body 100 and the cover 10 are connected via a physical power supply interface, the communication unit 50 may communicate with the main body 100 via the power supply interface.

[0105] ((Control unit 60))

[0106] The control unit 60 functions as a calculation processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation in the cover 10 according to various programs. The control unit 60 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU and a microprocessor. In addition, the control unit 60 may also include a ROM that stores the programs and calculation parameters used, and a RAM that temporarily stores appropriately changed parameters. The cover 10 performs various processes based on the control of the control unit 60. Power supply from the power supply unit 20 to other components, charging of the power supply unit 20, detection by the sensor unit 30, storage and reading of information by the storage unit 40, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 50 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 60. Other processes performed by the cover 10, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 60.

[0107] In addition, the control unit 60 transmits and receives data with the control unit 160 of the main body 100 via the communication unit 50. For example, the control unit 60 transmits the detection value of the sensor unit 30 to the control unit 160 of the main body 100. In addition, the control unit 60 receives, for example, the start or stop of heating of the heating unit 170 from the control unit 160 of the main body 100.

[0108] ((magnet))

[0109] like Figure 4As shown, the cover 10 has an upper magnet 71 and a lower magnet 72 on the back surface 13 of the cover body 11, which is the surface on the side of the body 100. The upper magnet 71 and the lower magnet 72 are cylindrical in shape when viewed from the rear side, and are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the upper magnet 195 and the lower magnet 196 provided on the body 100. That is, the upper magnet 71 and the lower magnet 72 are arranged in the center line direction, the upper magnet 71 is provided at the upper part of the cover 10, and the lower magnet 72 is provided at the lower part of the cover 10.

[0110] For example, if the upper magnet 71 and the lower magnet 72 of the cover 10 are N poles, the upper magnet 195 and the lower magnet 196 of the main body 100 are S poles. The cover 10 is attached to the main body 100 by the attraction between the magnets.

[0111] In addition, any one of the magnets (upper magnet 71 and lower magnet 72 ) provided in cover 10 and the magnets (upper magnet 195 and lower magnet 196 ) provided in main body 100 may be a metal piece having magnetism such as iron.

[0112] In addition, the cover 10 is not limited to being mounted on the main body 100 by the attraction force between the magnets. For example, the cover 10 and the main body 100 may also be physically engaged. As an example of a physically engaged structure, a structure in which an engagement claw provided on one of the cover 10 or the main body 100 (for example, the cover 10) is embedded in a hole or a recess formed on the other part (for example, the main body 100) can be exemplified.

[0113] The touch sensor 35 is as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the touch sensor 35 is disposed between the upper magnet 71 and the lower magnet 72, in other words, in the center of the cover 10 in the direction of the center line. However, the position of the touch sensor 35 is not limited. In addition, the touch sensor 35 may be disposed at a plurality of locations.

[0114] A display window 74 is formed on the cover body 11 between the upper magnet 71 and the lower magnet 72 and on the upper side of the touch sensor 35. The display window 74 is provided at a position corresponding to the display window 108 provided on the main body 100. In addition, the cover body 11 is made of a material that transmits light. Thus, the cover 10 transmits light emitted from the light emitting element provided on the main body 100 to the front face 12 of the cover body 11.

[0115] The cover 10 is closer to the line connecting the upper magnet 71 and the lower magnet 72. Figure 4 The left side of the cover 10 has a magnet 75 . The magnet 75 is provided at a position corresponding to the magnetic sensor 122 provided on the main body 100 , and the installation of the cover 10 to the main body 100 is sensed by the magnetic sensor 122 provided on the main body 100 .

[0116] ((Configuration of external sensor 31))

[0117] The external sensors 31 of the sensor unit 30 are preferably provided at both ends of the cover 10 in the direction of the center line. Figure 4 The illustrated region is either a first region R1 located above the upper magnet 71 or a second region R2 located below the lower magnet 72 .

[0118] For example, when the external sensor 31 is a light sensor, it is constructed to have a light-emitting element that irradiates light from a finger or the like that is located on the front side of the cover body 11 more in front of the front face 12 and a light-receiving element that receives light irradiated by the light-emitting element through the finger or the like. Therefore, if there is dirt attached to the part through which the light is transmitted, it is difficult to detect with high precision.

[0119] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the generating device 1 is held with the right hand. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the generating device 1 is held with the left hand.

[0120] For example Figure 4 FIG. 4 shows an example in which the external sensor 31 is disposed in the first region R1. By disposing the external sensor 31 in the first region R1, it is difficult for the user to touch the external sensor 31. Figure 7 or Figure 8 As shown, when using the generating device 1 for suction, even if the generating device 1 is held with the right hand or the left hand, it is difficult to cover the opening 192 side (upper side) of the holding portion 190 closer to the upper magnet 71 with the hand, so the area where the external sensor 31 is configured is difficult to be touched by the hand.

[0121] In the cover 10 of the present embodiment, since the exterior sensor 31 is disposed in a region that is difficult to be touched by a user, dirt is unlikely to adhere to the front surface 12 of the cover 10 , and thus high-precision detection is possible.

[0122] In addition, by providing the external sensor 31 in the first region R1, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to apply a load to the external sensor 31. Furthermore, the external sensor 31 may be provided in the second region R2 below the lower magnet 72. This is because even in the second region R2, when the generating device 1 is sucked, even if the generating device 1 is held with the right hand or the left hand, the position corresponds to the little finger, and it is difficult for the user to apply a load.

[0123] Even if the external sensor 31 is a sensor other than an optical sensor (eg, a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor), by being disposed in the first region R1 or the second region R2 , it is difficult for a user to apply a load, thereby making it difficult for the external sensor 31 to malfunction.

[0124] ((Output of external sensor 31))

[0125] The control unit 60 includes an output unit 61 (see FIG. 1 ) that outputs information detected by the external sensor 31 of the sensor unit 30 to an external device via the communication unit 50. Figure 6 ).

[0126] The output unit 61 outputs, for example, the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, which are examples of the external sensor 31, to the portable terminal 600. Thus, the user can check the information of the surrounding air through the portable terminal 600.

[0127] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 40 .

[0128] Fig.10 , Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing an example of information output by the output unit 61 to the mobile terminal 600 .

[0129] The output unit 61 outputs to the portable terminal 600 that the temperature or humidity detected by the temperature sensor or the humidity sensor is the temperature or humidity suitable for the storage of the substrate 500 .

[0130] For example Fig. 9 As shown, the storage unit 40 stores a predetermined temperature range (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "predetermined temperature range") as a temperature range suitable for storage of the substrate 500. Furthermore, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is within the predetermined temperature range, the output unit 61 outputs the temperature suitable for storage to the portable terminal 600 together with the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Fig.10 As shown, the fact that the temperature is suitable for storage is displayed on the display unit 601 of the portable terminal 600. The predetermined temperature range can be 10°C to 28°C, preferably 17°C to 21°C.

[0131] In addition, if Fig. 9 As shown, the storage unit 40 stores a predetermined humidity range (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "predetermined humidity range") as a humidity range suitable for storage of the substrate 500. Furthermore, when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is within the predetermined humidity range, the output unit 61 outputs the humidity suitable for storage to the portable terminal 600 together with the humidity detected by the humidity sensor. Fig.10 As shown, the fact that the humidity is suitable for storage is displayed on the display unit 601 of the portable terminal 600. The predetermined humidity range can be 66% to 74%, preferably 68% to 72%.

[0132] In addition, the storage unit 40 stores a predetermined temperature range as a temperature range suitable for storage of the substrate 500, and stores a predetermined humidity range as a humidity range suitable for storage. Furthermore, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is within the predetermined temperature range and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is within the predetermined humidity range, the output unit 61 can output the temperature and humidity suitable for storage to the portable terminal 600 together with the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor.

[0133] In addition, the output unit 61 outputs information detected by the vital sign sensor of the sensor unit 30 to the portable terminal 600. For example, when the vital sign sensor detects at least one of the user's body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow, COHb, and alcohol concentration, the output unit 61 outputs at least one of the user's body temperature, heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow, COHb, and alcohol concentration detected by the vital sign sensor to the portable terminal 600. Fig.11 6 shows the following manner: the sensor unit 30 has a vital sign sensor for detecting the body temperature and heart rate of the user, the output unit 61 outputs the body temperature and heart rate detected by the vital sign sensor to the portable terminal 600, and the body temperature and heart rate are displayed on the display unit 601 of the portable terminal 600. By displaying in this way, the user can confirm information related to his or her own body through the portable terminal 600.

[0134] (Heating control)

[0135] The control unit 160 of the main body 100 allows the generation of aerosol when the cover 10 is installed. That is, the control unit 160 allows the heating of the heating unit 170 when the cover 10 is installed on the main body 100. In other words, the cover 10 is installed on the main body 100, thereby allowing the heating of the heating unit 170 under the main body 100. As described above, the control unit 160 can grasp the situation that the cover 10 is installed on the main body 100 using the output value of the Hall sensor.

[0136] Furthermore, the control unit 160 of the main body 100 may control the heating of the heating unit 170 based on the output of the sensor unit 30 of the cover 10. Thus, the generating device 1 can be operated appropriately according to the state of the user.

[0137] Here, the quality of the inhalation experience (e.g., smoking experience) that the user can experience by using the generating device 1 may be affected by the user's own physical condition. Therefore, sometimes, even if the aerosol source and the fragrance source meet the user's preferences, if the user's physical condition is not good, the user cannot obtain a high-quality inhalation experience. In this way, even though the user cannot obtain a high-quality inhalation experience, the aerosol is generated in the generating device 1, which will lead to a waste of the aerosol source and the fragrance source, and is therefore not preferred.

[0138] In view of the above, the generating device 1 may be configured such that, even if the cover 10 is mounted on the main body 100, when the value detected by the vital sign sensor of the sensor unit 30 is outside a predetermined range, the heating of the heating unit 170 is not permitted. Hereinafter, the predetermined range of the detection value of the vital sign sensor in which the heating of the heating unit 170 is permitted is sometimes referred to as a "prescribed permitted range".

[0139] For example, when the vital sign sensor is a sensor capable of detecting the user's body temperature, the prescribed permissible range can be exemplified as 38°C or less. In addition, when the vital sign sensor is a sensor capable of detecting the user's heart rate, the prescribed permissible range can be exemplified as 65 to 85 bpm (times / minute). In addition, when the vital sign sensor is a sensor capable of detecting the user's pulse rate, the prescribed permissible range can be exemplified as 65 to 100 bpm (times / minute). In addition, when the vital sign sensor is a sensor capable of detecting blood oxygen saturation, the prescribed permissible range can be exemplified as 96% or more. In addition, when the vital sign sensor is a sensor capable of detecting blood flow, the prescribed permissible range can be exemplified as 20 to 60 ml / min / 100 g. In addition, when the vital sign sensor is a sensor capable of detecting COHb, the prescribed permissible range can be exemplified as less than 2%. In addition, when the vital sign sensor is an alcohol sensor capable of detecting the alcohol concentration in the breath, the prescribed permissible range can be exemplified as 0.20 mg or less.

[0140] In the generator 1 , the storage unit 140 stores the predetermined permissible range for each biological information. The control unit 160 of the main body 100 may obtain the detection value of the vital sign sensor from the cover 10 and may not allow heating by the heating unit 170 if the detection value is outside the predetermined permissible range.

[0141] Hereinafter, a flowchart is used to describe an example of the heating control process performed by the control unit 160 of the main body 100 , in which heating by the heating unit 170 is permitted when the detection value of the vital sign sensor is within a predetermined permissible range.

[0142] Fig.122 is a flowchart showing an example of the heating control process performed by the control unit 160. The control unit 160 repeatedly executes this process at every predetermined time period (for example, 1 millisecond).

[0143] The control unit 160 determines whether there is a heating instruction (S1201). The heating instruction can be exemplified by the case where the touch sensor 35 is continuously touched for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds). Then, if there is a heating instruction (YES in S1201), the control unit 160 determines whether the cover 10 is installed (S1202). This process is a process for determining whether the magnetic sensor 122 detects magnetic force.

[0144] When the cover 10 is installed (YES in S1202), the control unit 160 determines whether the value detected by the vital sign sensor is within the prescribed allowable range (S1203). Then, when it is within the prescribed allowable range (YES in S1203), the control unit 160 starts heating the heating unit 170 (S1204). In addition, the control unit 160 sends the fact that the heating of the heating unit 170 has been started to the control unit 60 of the cover 10. Then, after heating the heating unit 170 according to the control sequence stored in the storage unit 140 of the main body 100, which specifies the time change of the target temperature of the heating unit 170 when the heating unit 170 is heated, the control unit 160 stops the heating. After stopping the heating of the heating unit 170, the control unit 160 sends the fact that the heating of the heating unit 170 has been stopped to the control unit 60 of the cover 10.

[0145] On the other hand, when there is no heating instruction (NO in S1201), when the cover 10 is not installed (NO in S1202), and when the value detected by the vital sign sensor is not within the prescribed allowable range (NO in S1203), the control unit 160 does not start heating the heating unit 170 (S1205).

[0146] The control unit 160 of the main body 100 allows the heating unit 170 to heat when the detection value of the vital sign sensor is within a predetermined allowable range, thereby enabling the user to obtain a high-quality inhalation experience without causing waste of aerosol sources and the like.

[0147] However, the control unit 160 may allow the heating of the heating unit 170 not based on the detection value of the vital sign sensor. As an example of the heating control process not based on the detection value of the vital sign sensor, the control unit 160 does not perform Fig.12 Instead of making the determination in S1203 , when the cover 10 is mounted (YES in S1202 ), the heating of the heating unit 170 may be started.

[0148] In addition, the control unit 160 may allow the heating of the heating unit 170 even if the cover 10 is not installed. As an example of the heating control process that allows the heating of the heating unit 170 even if the cover 10 is not installed, the control unit 160 does not perform Fig.12 Instead of making the determination in S1202, when the detection value of the vital sign sensor is within the prescribed allowable range (YES in S1203), the heating of the heating unit 170 may be started.

[0149] (On / Off Control of Sensor of Sensor Unit 30)

[0150] Next, the timing when the switch of the sensor of the sensor unit 30 is turned on and the timing when it is turned off are described. Hereinafter, the case where the switch of the sensor is turned on may be referred to as sensor on, and the case where the switch of the sensor is turned off may be referred to as sensor off.

[0151] The switch of the touch sensor 35 is always on, and when the user touches the cover 10, an on signal is output to the control unit 60. The external sensor 31 is turned on when the on signal is output from the touch sensor 35, in other words, when the user touches the cover 10. Then, the external sensor 31 performs detection every certain time (for example, 1 second) when it is on.

[0152] However, the switch of the touch sensor 35 may be turned off when the heating unit 170 of the main body 100 is heating. Furthermore, the touch sensor 35 may be turned off when the heating unit 170 of the main body 100 is heating, and no on signal is output from the touch sensor 35, so that the external sensor 31 is turned off. In this way, the touch sensor 35 and the external sensor 31 are turned off when the heating unit 170 of the main body 100 is heating, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0153] Hereinafter, an example of the on / off control process of the sensor of the sensor unit 30 performed by the control unit 60 of the cover 10 will be described using a flowchart.

[0154] Fig.13 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the opening and closing control process performed by the control unit 60. The control unit 60 is activated when the touch sensor 35 senses that the user has touched the cover 10, and repeatedly executes the process every predetermined time (for example, 1 millisecond). Fig.13 The processing illustrated in .

[0155] The control unit 60 first sends a message to the control unit 160 of the main body 100 that the control unit 60 has started (S1301). Then, the control unit 60 turns on the switch of the external sensor 31 (S1302) and sends the detection value of the external sensor 31 to the control unit 160 of the main body 100 (S1303). After that, the control unit 60 determines whether the heating unit 170 of the main body 100 has started heating (S1304). This is a process in which the control unit 60 determines whether a notification that the heating unit 170 has started heating has been received from the control unit 160 of the main body 100.

[0156] If heating has started (YES in S1304), the control unit 60 turns off the switch of the touch sensor 35 (S1305). If the touch sensor 35 is turned off, the touch sensor 35 does not output an on signal, so the control unit 60 turns off the external sensor 31 (S1306). Thereafter, the control unit 60 determines whether the heating unit 170 of the main body 100 has stopped heating (S1307). If heating has not stopped (NO in S1307), the control unit 60 waits until heating stops.

[0157] When heating is stopped (YES in S1307), the control unit 60 turns on the switch of the touch sensor 35 (S1308). Thereafter, the control unit 60 determines whether the touch sensor 35 senses that the user has touched the cover 10 (S1309). When the touch sensor 35 senses (YES in S1309), the control unit 60 performs the processing after S1302. On the other hand, when the touch sensor 35 does not sense (NO in S1309), the control unit 60 sends a message to the control unit 160 of the main body 100 that the control unit 60 has turned off the power (S1310), and turns off the power (S1311).

[0158] On the other hand, when heating has not started (NO in S1304 ), the control unit 60 performs the processes in S1309 and thereafter.

[0159] As described above, the generating device 1 includes: a main body 100, a heating unit 170, and a control unit 160 for controlling the heating of the heating unit 170; and a cover 10 mounted on the main body 100. In addition, the cover 10 includes an external sensor 31 (an example of a biological information sensor) for detecting biological information. When the cover 10 is mounted and the biological information detected by the external sensor 31 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, when the detection value is within a predetermined allowable range), the control unit 160 of the main body 100 allows the heating of the heating unit 170, and the external sensor 31 is turned off when the heating unit 170 is heated. In this way, it is considered that the user has priority to inhale the aerosol when the heating unit 170 is heated, and therefore, energy saving can be achieved by turning off the external sensor 31 when the heating unit 170 is heated.

[0160] In addition, the cover 10 has a touch sensor 35 for sensing the user's contact with the cover 10, and the external sensor 31 may be turned on when the touch sensor 35 senses that the user has contacted the cover 10 and the heating unit 170 is not heating, and turned off when the touch sensor 35 does not sense contact with the cover 10. When biological information is detected, it is considered that the cover 10 is contacted, and when the touch sensor 35 does not sense contact with the cover 10, the external sensor 31 is turned off, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0161] In addition, the touch sensor 35 may be turned off when the heating unit 170 is heating, and turned on when the heating unit 170 is not heating. The sensing of the touch sensor 35 becomes a trigger for turning on the external sensor 31. Therefore, since it is uncertain when the biological information of the user is detected, it is desirable that the touch sensor 35 is always turned on. However, it is considered that the user has priority to inhale the aerosol when the heating unit 170 is heating, so the touch sensor 35 is turned off when the heating unit 170 is heating, so that energy saving can be achieved.

[0162] In addition, the control unit 160 of the main body 100 does not allow the heating of the heating unit 170 when the biological information detected by the external sensor 31 does not meet the prescribed conditions, and notifies the user that the external sensor 31 is turned on when the heating unit 170 is not heated. As a method of reporting to the user, it can be exemplified that the intention of not allowing heating is output to the portable terminal 600. In addition, as a method of reporting to the user, it can be exemplified that the light emitting device constituting the notification unit 130 emits light or generates sound or vibration. Moreover, by notifying the user that the heating of the heating unit 170 is not allowed, convenience can be improved.

[0163] In addition, the cover 10 has an external sensor 31 (an example of a first sensor) for detecting biological information and a touch sensor 35 (an example of a second sensor) for sensing a user's contact with the cover 10. The control unit 160 of the main body 100 allows the heating of the heating unit 170 when the cover 10 is mounted and the biological information detected by the external sensor 31 satisfies a predetermined condition. Furthermore, the external sensor 31 is turned on when the touch sensor 35 senses that the user has contacted the cover 10, and is turned off when the touch sensor 35 does not sense that the cover 10 has been contacted. When biological information is detected, it is considered that the cover 10 has been contacted, so when the touch sensor 35 does not sense that the cover 10 has been contacted, the external sensor 31 is turned off, thereby achieving energy saving.

[0164] Here, the external sensor 31 can be used as an example to detect body temperature, and the heating unit 170 is allowed to heat under the condition that the body temperature detected by the external sensor 31 is within a predetermined range (for example, below 38° C.). This is to enable the user to obtain a high-quality inhalation experience without causing waste of aerosol sources, etc.

[0165] In addition, the external sensor 31 can be used to detect the heart rate, and the heating condition for allowing the heating unit 170 to heat is that the heart rate detected by the external sensor 31 is within a predetermined range (for example, 65 to 85 bpm (beats / minute)). This is to enable the user to obtain a high-quality inhalation experience without causing waste of aerosol sources, etc.

[0166] In addition, the external sensor 31 can be used as an example to detect the pulse rate, and the predetermined condition for allowing the heating unit 170 to heat is that the pulse rate detected by the external sensor 31 is within a predetermined range (for example, 65 to 100 bpm (beats per minute)). This is to allow the user to obtain a high-quality inhalation experience without causing waste of aerosol sources, etc.

[0167] In addition, the external sensor 31 can be used to detect the blood oxygen saturation, and the heating unit 170 can be allowed to heat under the condition that the blood oxygen saturation detected by the external sensor 31 is within a predetermined range (for example, above 96%). This is to enable the user to obtain a high-quality inhalation experience without causing waste of aerosol sources, etc.

[0168] In addition, the external sensor 31 can be used to detect blood flow, and the heating unit 170 can be allowed to heat under the condition that the blood flow detected by the external sensor 31 is within a predetermined range (e.g., 20 to 60 ml / min / 100 g). This is to allow the user to obtain a high-quality suction experience without causing waste of aerosol sources, etc.

[0169] In addition, the external sensor 31 can be used to detect the alcohol concentration in the exhaled breath, and the heating condition for allowing the heating unit 170 to heat is that the alcohol concentration detected by the external sensor 31 is within a predetermined range (for example, less than 0.20 mg). This is to enable the user to obtain a high-quality inhalation experience without causing waste of aerosol sources, etc.

[0170] As described above, the cover 10 configured as described above has the battery 21, so even if the cover 10 is not attached to the main body 100, the external sensor 31 can detect temperature, humidity, biological information, etc., and output it to the portable terminal 600. Therefore, when the user searches for a place suitable for storing the substrate 500, there is no need to carry the main body 100.

[0171] Furthermore, by providing the battery 21 in the cover 10 , even if the power supply from the main body 100 to the cover 10 becomes unstable for some reason, the battery 21 can supply stable power to each component of the cover 10 , thereby stabilizing the operations thereof.

[0172] In addition, the amount of electric power per unit time that can be supplied from the power supply part 112 of the main body 100 to the cover 10 through non-contact power transmission such as short-range wireless communication is small. Therefore, the components that can be installed on the cover 10 (such as the external sensor 31) are limited by non-contact power transmission alone. However, by providing a battery 21, the freedom of the components that can be installed on the cover 10 can be increased.

[0173] However, the battery 21 may not be provided in the cover 10 , and the cover 10 may be operated only by power supplied from the main body 100 by non-contact power transmission when the cover 10 is attached to the main body 100 or exists near the main body 100 .

[0174] In addition, in the cover 10 configured as described above, the types of sensors included in the external sensor 31 may be different for each type of cover 10. For example, one cover 10 may only have a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an air pressure sensor, and the other cover 10 may only have a vital sign sensor. Thus, the user can change the function provided by the generating device 1 by replacing the cover 10. In addition, since the cover 10 can be replaced, the appearance of the generating device 1 can be changed by replacing the cover 10. Therefore, the user can customize the appearance and function of the generating device 1 according to his or her own preferences, etc. As a result, the commercial quality of the generating device 1 can be improved.

[0175] Furthermore, since the cover 10 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the main body 100, for example, when the main body 100 fails, only the main body 100 can be replaced and the cover 10 can be used as it is. Furthermore, since the cover 10 has the storage unit 40, when only the main body 100 is replaced, the information stored in the storage unit 140 of the main body 100 can be moved to the storage unit 40 of the cover 10. Examples of the information stored in the storage unit 140 of the main body 100 include: Fig.12 The heating control process described above is a program that specifies a control sequence for changing the target temperature of the heating unit 170 over time when the heating unit 170 is heated. As a method of transferring information, non-contact power transmission such as short-range wireless communication may be used, or a USB terminal provided on the cover 10 may be provided and a cable may be connected between the USB terminal and the USB terminal 113 of the main body 100 to transfer the information.

[0176] In addition, in the cover 10, whether or not there is a heating instruction of the heating unit 170 is determined by touching the touch sensor 35 provided in the center, but the method is not particularly limited to this method. For example, a protrusion protruding from the back surface 13 toward the main body 100 side may be provided at a position between the upper magnet 71 and the lower magnet 72 corresponding to the operation button 121 of the main body 100, and the cover 10 may be elastically deformed so that the operation button 121 can be pressed by the protrusion, and when the operation button 121 is operated in a predetermined manner (for example, a method of continuously pressing for 3 seconds), it is determined whether or not there is a heating instruction. In this configuration, the touch sensor 35 may be provided on the cover 10 to sense the user's contact with the cover 10, and the switch of the external sensor 31 may be turned on when the user touches the cover 10.

[0177] Summary

[0178] In addition, the present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0179] (1) An aerosol generating device comprising: a main body having a heating unit and a control unit for controlling heating of the heating unit; and a cover mounted on the main body, the cover having a biological information sensor for detecting biological information, the control unit of the main body allowing heating of the heating unit when the cover is mounted and the biological information detected by the biological information sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, and the biological information sensor is turned off when the heating unit is heating.

[0180] (2) According to the aerosol generating device described in (1), the cover has a touch sensor for sensing a user's contact with the cover, and the biological information sensor is turned on when the touch sensor senses that the user is contacting the cover and the heating part is not heating, and is turned off when the touch sensor does not sense contact with the cover.

[0181] (3) In the aerosol generating device according to (2), the touch sensor is turned off when the heating unit is heating, and is turned on when the heating unit is not heating.

[0182] (4) In the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), the biological information sensor detects body temperature, and the predetermined condition is that the body temperature detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0183] (5) In the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), the biological information sensor detects a heart rate, and the predetermined condition is that the heart rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0184] (6) In the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), the biological information sensor detects a pulse rate, and the predetermined condition is that the pulse rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0185] (7) In the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), the biological information sensor detects blood oxygen saturation, and the predetermined condition is that the blood oxygen saturation detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0186] (8) In the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), the biological information sensor detects a blood flow rate, and the predetermined condition is that the blood flow rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0187] (9) In the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), the biological information sensor detects an alcohol concentration in breath, and the predetermined condition is that the alcohol concentration detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

[0188] (10) According to the aerosol generating device described in any one of (1) to (9), the control unit of the main body does not allow the heating of the heating unit and reports to the user when the biological information detected by the biological information sensor does not satisfy the specified condition, and the biological information sensor is turned on when the heating unit is not heated.

[0189] (11) An aerosol generating device comprises: a main body having a heating unit and a control unit for controlling the heating of the heating unit; and a cover mounted on the main body, the cover having a first sensor for detecting biological information and a second sensor for sensing a user's contact with the cover, the control unit of the main body allowing the heating of the heating unit when the cover is mounted and the biological information detected by the first sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, the first sensor turning on when the second sensor senses a user's contact with the cover, and turning off when the second sensor does not sense a user's contact with the cover.

[0190] (12) The aerosol generating device according to (11), wherein the second sensor is turned off when the heating unit is heating, and is turned on when the heating unit is not heating.

[0191] Description of Reference Numerals

[0192] 1 ... aerosol generating device, 10 ... cover, 30 ... sensor unit, 31 ... external sensor (an example of a biological information sensor), 35 ... touch sensor, 40 ... storage unit, 50 ... communication unit, 60 ... control unit, 61 ... output unit, 100 ... main body (an example of an external device), 160 ... control unit, 170 ... heating unit, 190 ... holding unit, 192 ... opening, 500 ... substrate, 600 ... portable terminal

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: have: a main body having a heating portion and a control portion for controlling heating of the heating portion; and a cover mounted on the main body, The cover has a biological information sensor for detecting biological information. The control unit of the main body allows heating by the heating unit when the cover is mounted and the biological information detected by the biological information sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, The biological information sensor is turned off when the heating unit performs heating.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover has a touch sensor for sensing a user's contact with the cover. The biological information sensor is turned on when the touch sensor senses that the user is touching the cover and the heating unit is not heating, and is turned off when the touch sensor does not sense that the user is touching the cover.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The touch sensor is turned off when the heating unit is heating, and turned on when the heating unit is not heating.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The biological information sensor detects body temperature, The predetermined condition is that the body temperature detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The biological information sensor detects the heart rate, The predetermined condition is that the heart rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The biological information sensor detects the pulse rate, The predetermined condition is that the pulse rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

7. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The biological information sensor detects blood oxygen saturation, The predetermined condition is that the blood oxygen saturation detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

8. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The biological information sensor detects blood flow, The predetermined condition is that the blood flow rate detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

9. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The biological information sensor detects the alcohol concentration in the breath, The prescribed condition is that the alcohol concentration detected by the biological information sensor is within a predetermined range.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: When the biological information detected by the biological information sensor does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the control unit of the main body does not allow heating by the heating unit and notifies the user. The biological information sensor is turned on when the heating portion is not heating.

11. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: have: a main body having a heating portion and a control portion for controlling heating of the heating portion; and a cover mounted on the main body, The cover has a first sensor for detecting biological information and a second sensor for sensing a user's contact with the cover. The control unit of the main body allows heating by the heating unit when the cover is mounted and the biological information detected by the first sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, The first sensor is turned on when the second sensor senses that the user is touching the cover, and is turned off when the second sensor does not sense that the user is touching the cover.

12. The aerosol generating device according to claim 11, characterized in that The second sensor is turned off when the heating unit is heating, and is turned on when the heating unit is not heating.

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