Additional member attachable to and detachable from aerosol-generating device

Abstract

A storage unit for storing a control sequence in which heating by a heating unit is defined is provided in an additional component that can be attached to and detached from an aerosol-generating device having a control unit, a battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an additional component that can be attached to and detached from an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] The aerosol generating device is a device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol source including a fragrance, etc., and uses a secondary battery built into the main body as its power source. In some cases, a cover member is attached to the aerosol generating device from the viewpoint of design, etc.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019-084161

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-73135 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] Currently, the configuration for heating the aerosol source (hereinafter referred to as “heating configuration”) is predetermined. In addition, although there are aerosol generating devices having two heating modes with different aerosol generation amounts, the user can only select any one of the predetermined multiple modes.

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a technology that enables selection of a mode other than the modes prepared in advance in an aerosol generating device.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] As one aspect of the present disclosure, an additional component is provided that is attachable to and detachable from an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device including a control unit, a battery, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, the additional component including a storage unit that stores a control sequence that specifies heating by the heating unit.

[0012] The storage unit may store a second control sequence different from the control sequence stored in the aerosol generating device.

[0013] When the storage unit is rewritable, the second control sequence downloaded from the external terminal or the aerosol generating device may be written into the storage unit.

[0014] The device may further include a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal or the aerosol generating device to acquire the second control sequence.

[0015] The attached main body may cover a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0016] Attachment of the main body to the aerosol generating device may be one of the conditions for enabling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit.

[0017] The switch provided in the aerosol generating device may be operated by being pressed by the user.

[0018] The main body portion mounted on the aerosol generating device and the portion of the aerosol generating device that is not covered by the main body portion when the device is capable of generating aerosol may have an integrated appearance.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a mode other than the modes prepared in advance in the aerosol generating device can be selected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from above.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from below.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device with a shutter removed, as seen from above.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main device from the front, with the front panel removed.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel removed from the main device.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of an aerosol generating device.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the front panel installation detection operation executed by the control unit of the main device.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the updating process of the heating arrangement executed by the control unit of the main device in the first embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the update of the heating configuration by replacing the front panel.

[0030] Fig.10This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a heating arrangement saving process executed by the control unit of the main device in the second embodiment.

[0031] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the addition of a heating arrangement based on replacement of the front panel.

[0032] Fig.12 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a heating arrangement changing process executed by the control unit of the main device in the third embodiment.

[0033] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the change of the heating arrangement by replacing the front panel.

[0034] Fig.14 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a heating arrangement changing process executed by the control unit of the main device in the fourth embodiment.

[0035] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining switching of the heating arrangement by replacing the front panel.

[0036] Fig.16 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a heating arrangement replacement process executed by the control unit of the main device in the fifth embodiment.

[0037] Fig.17 This is a diagram for explaining the change of the heating arrangement by replacing the front panel.

[0038] Fig.18 This is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 6.

[0039] Fig.19 This is a diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of a front panel used in Embodiment 6.

[0040] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining an example of use of the front panel in the sixth embodiment.

[0041] Fig.21 This is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of an aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 7.

[0042] Fig. 22 This is a diagram schematically showing the electrical connection relationship between the front panel and the main device used in Embodiment 7.

[0043] Fig.23 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit.

[0044] Fig.24This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to represent the same parts.

[0046] <Terms>

[0047] The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is one form of an electronic cigarette.

[0048] In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as an aerosol. Aerosol refers to a mixture of fine liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas, air, or other gases.

[0049] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion is described.

[0050] In the following description, the case where a user inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as “inhalation” or “puff”.

[0051] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device capable of installing a solid aerosol source is described. In addition, depending on the product form, the container for accommodating the solid aerosol source is also called a "capsule" or a "rod-type substrate". The capsule and the rod-type substrate are consumables. Therefore, the capsule and the rod-type substrate are determined to be replaced.

[0052] <Implementation method 1>

[0053] <External appearance>

[0054] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 used in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from above.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from below.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device 1 with the shield plate 30 removed, as seen from above.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main device 20 from the front, with the front panel 10 removed.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel 10 removed from the main device 20.

[0060] The aerosol generating device 1 used in the present embodiment has a size that can be held by a user with one hand.

[0061] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a main body device 20 , a front panel 10 attached to the front surface of the main body device 20 , and a shutter 30 disposed on the upper surface of the main body device 20 and capable of sliding along the upper surface.

[0062] The front panel 10 is a member that can be attached to and detached from the main device 20. The front panel 10 is attached and detached by the user.

[0063] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the front panel 10 installed on the main device 20 covers the front part of the main device 20. In other words, after the front panel 10 is installed, the main device 20 other than the front part can also be observed from the outside. For example, the side, back, top and bottom of the main device 20 can also be observed from the outside after the front panel 10 is installed.

[0064] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the front panel 10 installed on the main body device 20 is continuously connected to the side surface, top surface and bottom surface of the main body device 20 without any step difference, forming an integrated appearance.

[0065] Thus, one of the functions of the front panel 10 is decoration. In addition, the side surface, the upper surface, and the bottom surface of the main body device 20 are examples of portions that are not covered by the front panel 10.

[0066] The front panel 10 is provided with a window 10B. The window 10B is provided at a position facing the light emitting element on the main device 20 side. In the case of the first embodiment, the light emitting element is an LED (=Light Emitting Diode) 20A (see Figure 4 ).

[0067] The window 10B in the first embodiment is made of a material that allows light to pass through. However, the window 10B may also be a slit that passes through from the front surface to the back surface. In addition, the lighting and flashing of the light emitting element indicate the state of the operation of the aerosol generating device 1, etc. The state of the operation also includes errors. The lighting and flashing of the light emitting element are controlled by the control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ) and be controlled.

[0068] In addition to the decorative function, the front panel 10 also has the function of buffering the transfer of heat released from the main device 20. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the generation of aerosol is allowed only when the front panel 10 is installed in the main device 20. In other words, the front panel 10 installed in the main device 20 forms an integrated appearance with the main device 20 in a state where aerosol can be generated.

[0069] In addition, the front panel 10 has a function of protecting the main device 20 from stains, damages, and the like.

[0070] The front panel 10 used in the present embodiment is deformed when a user presses a position below the window 10B with a fingertip, and returns to its original shape when the pressing stops.

[0071] A storage unit 101 for storing a heating profile is mounted inside the front panel 10 used in the present embodiment. The heating profile here is an example of a control sequence that specifies heating.

[0072] The storage unit 101 is composed of, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory here is, for example, a ROM (=Read Only Memory) or a flash memory. In addition, a terminal is provided on the inner side of the front panel 10 so that when the front panel 10 is mounted on the main device 20, the control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ) for accessing the storage unit 101. Hereinafter, the storage unit 101 is also referred to as an external memory.

[0073] However, similarly to a non-contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card, the heating configuration stored in the storage unit 101 can be read out by the main device 20 through non-contact power supply such as electromagnetic induction.

[0074] The front panel 10 in this embodiment is an example of an additional component. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The main body panel 10A of the outer appearance of the front panel 10 shown is an example of the main body portion.

[0075] A USB (=Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 of type C is provided on the bottom surface of the main device 20. The shape and type of the USB connector 21 are examples. In other words, the USB connector 21 may be a USB other than type C. In the case of the first embodiment, the USB connector 21 may also be used for, for example, a power supply unit 201 (see Figure 6 ) for charging.

[0076] A rod-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 2 ) containing an aerosol source is provided on the upper surface of the main body device 20 for inserting. Figure 6 ) hole 22. The rod-shaped substrate 210 used in this embodiment contains a solid aerosol source in a paper tube formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. The hole 22 is exposed by sliding the shutter 30 to the open position and is hidden by sliding the shutter 30 to the closed position.

[0077] In the case of Embodiment 1, the hole 22 is a cylindrical shape substantially the same as the rod-shaped substrate 210. The diameter of the opening of the hole 22 is a size that allows the rod-shaped substrate 210 to be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is a size that allows the rod-shaped substrate 210 to be inserted into the hole 22.

[0078] For example, a magnet is mounted on the back surface of the shutter 30. On the other hand, a Hall IC is mounted on the main device 20 within the movable range of the shutter 30.

[0079] A Hall IC is a magnetic sensor composed of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, and outputs a voltage corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field that crosses the Hall element.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter 30 is detected (detected) based on the change in voltage output from the Hall IC accompanying the sliding of the shutter 30. In other words, whether the shutter 30 is in the open position or the closed position is detected.

[0081] The button 20B is arranged substantially at the center of the front surface of the main body device 20. As described above, the button 20B can be operated while the front panel 10 is attached.

[0082] The button 20B is used, for example, to turn on (ON) and off (OFF) the power of the main device, to turn on the heating unit 207 (see Figure 6 ) power supply ON and OFF, Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing instructions, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, if the button 20B is pressed for a long time (for example, for 5 seconds or more) in a state where the front panel 10 is detached from the main device 20 , the reset function is activated.

[0084] In the present embodiment, BLE (=Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0085] Magnets 20C used for mounting the front panel 10 are arranged at the upper and lower parts of the front surface of the main device 20. The magnets 20C are arranged at positions opposite to the magnets 10C arranged on the inner side of the front panel 10. For example, if the magnet 10C of the front panel 10 is an N pole, the magnet 20C on the main device 20 side is an S pole. The front panel 10 is assembled to the main device 20 in a detachable manner by the attraction between the magnets.

[0086] In addition, at least one of the magnets 10C and 20C may be iron or other magnetic metal pieces. Incidentally, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is detected by the Hall IC provided on the main device 20 side.

[0087] In addition, various electronic components required for the generation of aerosol are built into the main body device 20. In this sense, the main body device 20 is an example of an electronic device dedicated to the generation of aerosol. In a narrow sense, the main body device 20 is called an aerosol generating device.

[0088] <Internal structure>

[0089] Figure 6 Schematically shows the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1. Figure 6 2 shows a state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is installed in the main device 20. Figure 6 The purpose of the internal structure shown is to explain the electronic components provided on the front panel 10 and the main device 20 and their positional relationship. Figure 6 The appearance of the electronic components shown in the figure may not necessarily be the same as the appearance described above. Figure 1 To.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, a storage unit 101 for storing the heating configuration is provided on the front panel 10. In addition, the power required for reading the heating configuration is supplied from the main device 20 in the form of contactless power supply.

[0091] In the case of power supply with a contact point, for example, a method using mechanical contact based on an electrode, a method using mechanical contact based on an electrode pin with a spring (pogo pin), or a method using connection based on a connector is used.

[0092] Contactless power supply uses, for example, power supply based on electromagnetic induction or power supply based on electric field induction such as the Qi standard or the NFC (near field communication) standard.

[0093] In addition, in order to reduce consumption of the battery constituting the power supply unit 201, the power supply from the main device 20 side may be provided only when the heating configuration is read from the front panel 10.

[0094] The main device 20 has a power supply unit 201 , a sensor unit 202 , a notification unit 203 , a storage unit 204 , a communication unit 205 , a control unit 206 , a heating unit 207 , a heat insulating unit 208 , and a holding unit 209 .

[0095] As mentioned above, Figure 6 The figure shows a state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is held by the holding portion 209. In this state, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0096] The power supply unit 201 of the present embodiment is a unit that supplies power to the main device 20. The power supply unit 201 stores power using, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a capacitor.

[0097] For the secondary battery 201A (refer to Fig. 20 ), can be charged from an external power source. In the case of this embodiment, for example, a commercial power source or a mobile battery is assumed as the external power source.

[0098] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component that detects various information related to the main device 20 .

[0099] The sensor unit 202 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor and a flow sensor. The sensor unit 202 as a sensor outputs the detected information to the control unit 206. For example, when a change in air pressure or air flow accompanying suction is detected, the sensor unit 202 outputs a numerical value indicating the user's suction to the control unit 206.

[0100] The sensor unit 202 includes an input device for receiving input from a user. The input device includes, for example, a button or a switch. In this embodiment, a button 20B (see Figure 4 ).

[0101] The button 20B is used for switching the main power supply on and off, switching the start and stop of power supply to the heating unit 207 (that is, the start and stop of aerosol generation), and the like.

[0102] The contents of the user's instruction are output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. In addition, the button 20B is not only an example of a button but also an example of a switch.

[0103] In addition, the sensor unit 202 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 207. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on, for example, the resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 207. The detected resistance value is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. In addition, the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on the resistance value. In other words, the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 held in the holding unit 209.

[0104] The sensor section 202 also includes a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, and the like for detecting the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 210 into the holding section 209 .

[0105] Furthermore, the sensor unit 202 includes an optical color sensor, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, and the like for individually identifying the rod-shaped substrates 210 .

[0106] Furthermore, the sensor unit 202 includes a biometric sensor for measuring the user's heart rate, etc., a fingerprint sensor for unlocking, and the like.

[0107] The sensor unit 202 also includes an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like that detect the user's motion.

[0108] The notification unit 203 is an electronic component that notifies the user of various information related to the main device 20. The notification unit 203 includes an LED 20A and other light-emitting devices. For example, the LED 20A emits light in different patterns when the power supply unit 201 needs to be charged, when the power supply unit 201 is charging, or when an abnormality occurs in the main device 20.

[0109] The modes here include different colors, different lighting / extinguishing timings, etc.

[0110] The notification unit 203 may also be composed of a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates the main device, etc., together with the aforementioned light-emitting device or in place of the light-emitting device. The light-emitting device, display device, sound output device, vibration device, etc. are also examples of a notification unit for notifying information.

[0111] The notification unit 203 may also notify the user that the aerosol can be sucked when the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0112] The storage unit 204 stores various information related to the operation of the main device 20. The storage unit 204 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0113] The information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, an OS (=Operating System), a FW (=FirmWare), and other programs. In addition, a heating configuration for heating the rod-shaped substrate 210 as an aerosol source is stored in the storage unit 204. The heating configuration is a data file that specifies the time change of the target temperature after the start of heating. In the case of the first embodiment, one heating configuration is stored in the storage unit 204.

[0114] In addition, the information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, information related to the control of the electronic components. The information related to the control includes information related to the user's suction, such as the number of suctions, suction times, and suction time accumulation.

[0115] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for realizing communication between the main device 20 and other devices. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices in a manner based on any communication standard, whether wired or wireless. Examples of the communication standards include wireless LAN (local area network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0116] For example, the communication unit 205 transmits information related to the user's attraction to the smartphone.

[0117] Furthermore, the communication unit 205 downloads an update program and a heating profile for defining a temperature change of the heating unit 207 in a heating mode from a server.

[0118] Furthermore, the communication section 205 reads out the heating configuration from the storage section 101 of the front panel 10 .

[0119] The control unit 206 functions as a processing unit and a control unit, and controls the operation of the main unit 20 according to various programs. The control unit 206 in this embodiment also controls the reading operation of the heating configuration from the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10.

[0120] The control signal is transmitted via a signal line different from the power line. For example, in the communication within the main device 20, a serial communication method such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication method, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication method, and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication method is used.

[0121] The control unit 206 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), an MPU (=Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (=Graphical Processing Unit), an ASIC (=application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), and a DSP (=Digital Signal Processor).

[0122] The control unit 206 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs, calculation parameters, and the like, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate.

[0123] The control unit 206 performs various processes and controls by executing programs.

[0124] The processing and control here include, for example, rewriting of the heating configuration, supply of power from the power supply unit 201 to other electronic components, charging of the power supply unit 201, detection of information by the sensor unit 202, notification of information by the notification unit 203, storage and reading of information by the storage unit 204, and sending and receiving of information by the communication unit 205.

[0125] In addition, input of information to the electronic components, processing based on information output from the electronic components, and the like are also controlled by the control unit 206 .

[0126] The holding part 209 is a substantially cylindrical container. In the present embodiment, the space inside the holding part 209 defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface is referred to as an internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is substantially columnar.

[0127] The holding portion 209 is provided with an opening 209B that connects the internal space 209A to the outside. The rod-shaped substrate 210 is inserted into the internal space 209A from the opening 209B. The rod-shaped substrate 210 is inserted until its front end abuts against the bottom 209C.

[0128] Only a part of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A. The state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A is referred to as holding the rod-shaped substrate 210 in the internal space 209A.

[0129] The inner diameter of at least a portion of the holding portion 209 in the axial direction is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped base material 210 .

[0130] Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped base material 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is pressed by the inner wall of the holding portion 209. The rod-shaped base material 210 is held in the internal space 209A by this pressure.

[0131] The holding portion 209 also has a function of defining a flow path of air passing through the rod-shaped substrate 210. The air inlet to the flow path, i.e., the air inlet hole, is arranged at the bottom 209C, for example. The opening 209B corresponds to the air outlet, i.e., the air outlet hole.

[0132] In the present embodiment, only a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, and the rest protrudes outward from the frame. Hereinafter, the portion held in the holding portion 209 is referred to as the substrate portion 210A, and the portion protruding from the frame is referred to as the mouthpiece portion 210B.

[0133] An aerosol source is accommodated at least in the base portion 210A. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating and generates an aerosol.

[0134] The aerosol source includes, in addition to shredded tobacco, processed products obtained by shaping tobacco raw materials into granular, flake, or powder forms, and other tobacco-derived substances.

[0135] Furthermore, the aerosol source may include a substance not derived from tobacco, such as mint, vanilla, or the like. For example, the aerosol source may include a flavoring component such as menthol.

[0136] When the main device 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may also include a medicine for the patient to inhale. In addition, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be, for example, a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0137] At least a portion of the mouthpiece 210B is held by the user during suction.

[0138] When the user holds the mouthpiece 210B in his mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 209A from the air inlet hole. The inflowing air passes through the internal space 209A and the base material 210A and reaches the user's mouth. The air reaching the user's mouth contains aerosol generated in the base material 210A.

[0139] The heating unit 207 is composed of a heater or other heat radiator. The heating unit 207 is composed of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 207 is, for example, configured in a film shape and attached to the outer peripheral surface of the holding unit 209.

[0140] The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 207. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like to generate an aerosol.

[0141] exist Figure 6 In the case of , the periphery of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heated range gradually moves toward the center.

[0142] Therefore, the aerosol source is atomized starting from the vicinity of the outer periphery of the rod-shaped substrate 210 and gradually moves toward the vicinity of the center.

[0143] The heating unit 207 generates heat due to the power supplied from the power supply unit 201. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is permitted. The user input here includes a request for the shutter 30 (see Figure 1 )、Button 20B(Refer to Figure 4 However, regarding the power supply to the heating unit 207, the front panel 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) is installed on the main device 20. By installing the front panel 10, the temperature transmitted to the user's hand can be reduced compared to the case where the front panel 10 is not installed.

[0144] When the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can inhale the aerosol. The inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected by the flow sensor of the sensor unit 202 and stored in the storage unit 204.

[0145] Thereafter, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped. Alternatively, when the suction by the user is detected by the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped while the suction by the user is detected by the sensor unit 202.

[0146] In addition, Figure 6In the example, the heating unit 207 is arranged outside the rod-shaped substrate 210, but the heating unit 207 may be a blade-shaped metal sheet inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 210, or may be a metal sheet built into the rod-shaped substrate 210. When the metal sheet functioning as the heating unit 207 is built into the rod-shaped substrate 210, a coil for induction heating may be arranged around the holding unit 209.

[0147] The heat insulating part 208 is a member for reducing the transfer of heat generated in the heating part 207 to the surroundings. Therefore, the heat insulating part 208 is arranged so as to cover at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating part 207.

[0148] The heat insulating part 208 is composed of, for example, vacuum insulation material, aerogel insulation material, etc. Vacuum insulation material refers to insulation material that wraps, for example, glass wool and silica (silicon powder) with a resin film to form a high vacuum state, thereby making the heat conduction based on the gas infinitely close to zero.

[0149] <Processing Action Example>

[0150] Next, the main device 20 (see Figure 6 ) control unit 206 (refer to Figure 6 ) processing actions example.

[0151] <Assembly detection operation>

[0152] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the installation detection operation of the front panel 10 executed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. This operation is not only performed by the heating unit 207 (refer to Figure 6 ) is performed before the heating starts, and is also performed after the heating starts, and this action is always performed in the background. In addition, the label S shown in the figure means a step.

[0153] First, the control unit 206 determines that the front panel 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) is mounted on the main device 20 (refer to Figure 1 ) (Step 1).

[0154] When the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, a positive result is obtained in step 1. On the other hand, when the front panel 10 is removed from the front of the main device 20, a negative result is obtained in step 1. Whether the front panel 10 is attached or detached is determined based on the output signal of the Hall IC.

[0155] When a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 cancels the prohibition state of heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (step 2).

[0156] However, releasing the prohibited state of heating is different from starting heating. Figure 4 ) from the top of the front panel 10 for more than 1 second, thereby starting the rod-shaped substrate 210 (refer to Figure 6 ) for heating.

[0157] When a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 controls the heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 to be prohibited (step 3).

[0158] When step 2 or step 3 is executed, the control unit 206 returns to step 1 and repeatedly determines whether the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20.

[0159] Through this assembly detection action, the user will not directly contact the main device 20 during the heating action.

[0160] <Update of heating profile>

[0161] Figure 8 This is in contrast to the main device 20 (see Figure 6 ) control unit 206 (refer to Figure 6 ) is a flowchart illustrating an example of updating processing of the heating configuration performed.

[0162] The updating process of the heating configuration is started, for example, by a specified operation performed by the user. The specified operation here includes, for example, restarting in a state where the front panel 10 is installed, restarting in a state where the front panel 10 is removed, multiple installation and removal of the front panel, and a specified number of operations of the button 20B in a state where the front panel 10 is installed.

[0163] In addition, the updating process of the heating configuration may be initiated when an instruction is received from a smartphone or other terminal paired with the main device 20, when a time scheduled in the program is detected or when a designated event is detected.

[0164] First, the control unit 206 determines whether the heating configuration is stored in the external memory (step 11). In other words, the control unit 206 determines whether the heating configuration exists in the external memory recognized by the device manager. The external memory here refers to a storage medium that is not built into the main device 20. In the case of this embodiment, the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10 is assumed to be the external memory.

[0165] When the storage unit 101 is not provided in the front panel 10 and the heating configuration is not stored in the storage unit 101, a negative result is obtained in step 11. In this case, the control unit 206 ends the started update process.

[0166] On the other hand, if the heating configuration is stored in the external memory, a positive result is obtained in step 11. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether there is a heating configuration in the external memory that is not stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 (step 12).

[0167] When the two heating configurations are the same, or when there is no heating configuration different from the heating configuration on the main device 20 side in the external memory, a negative result is obtained in step 12. In this case, the control unit 206 ends the started update processing.

[0168] On the other hand, if the external memory has a heating configuration different from that of the main device 20, a positive result is obtained in step 12. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether to update the currently used heating configuration to the heating configuration in the external memory (step 13).

[0169] The updating of the heating configuration follows, for example, instructions from the user.

[0170] Furthermore, before an instruction from the user is given, the user is notified of a state in which the heating arrangement can be updated.

[0171] When a display panel capable of displaying characters etc. is provided in the main device 20, for example, a query such as "The heating configuration currently in use is a standard configuration, but it can be updated to a heating configuration that generates a large amount of aerosol. Do you want to execute it?" is displayed on the display panel.

[0172] In addition, when the main device 20 is not provided with a display panel, the control unit 206 can use the LED 20A (see Figure 4 ) may light up or flash to notify the user that the status of the heating configuration can be updated; the heating configuration may also be updated by a buzzer or sound; or the heating configuration may be updated by vibration.

[0173] For example, by pressing button 20B (refer to Figure 4 ) etc., or, when an instruction to avoid updating is detected, a negative result is obtained in step 13.

[0174] Furthermore, if no instruction to update is detected from the notification within a predetermined time (eg, within 10 seconds), it can be regarded as an instruction to avoid updating. This is because updating of the heating configuration is a low-frequency process.

[0175] When a negative result is obtained in step 13, the control unit 206 ends the started update process.

[0176] On the other hand, if the user instructs execution of the update process, a positive result is obtained in step 13. In this case, the control unit 206 reads the heating configuration in the external memory and overwrites the storage unit 204 (see Figure 6 ) (step 14).

[0177] This covering completes the updating process of the heating arrangement. Thus, from the next aerosol suction, the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is performed according to the updated heating arrangement.

[0178] Furthermore, the installation of the front panel 10 storing the heating configuration in the storage unit 101 to the main device 20 may be regarded as an instruction to update the heating configuration by the user. In this case, if an affirmative result is obtained in step 12, step 14 is automatically started.

[0179] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the updating of the heating arrangement by replacing the front panel 10 .

[0180] The storage unit 101 is not installed in the front panel 10 before replacement. In addition, the "heating configuration 1" is stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20. Here, the "heating configuration 1" is, for example, a standard heating configuration prepared at the time of sale (hereinafter also referred to as the "standard configuration".). The heating mode based on the standard configuration is called the "standard mode".

[0181] In this state, the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 is removed and replaced with the front panel 10 in which the “heating configuration 2” is stored in the storage unit 101 .

[0182] "Heating configuration 2" is, for example, a heating configuration that generates more aerosol than the standard configuration. The heating mode based on this "heating configuration 2" is called "high mode". The high mode consumes more power than the standard mode, but can generate more aerosol in one suction than the standard mode.

[0183] If the heating configuration is updated after the new front panel 10 is installed, the heating configuration stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 is overwritten with "heating configuration 2".

[0184] This makes it possible to generate aerosol based on a high mode different from the standard mode.

[0185] However, when the heating configuration in use is the “heating configuration 2 ”, the heating mode can be returned from the high mode to the standard mode by attaching the front panel 10 storing the “heating configuration 1 ” (ie, the standard configuration).

[0186] Furthermore, if the front panel 10 storing heating configurations different from "heating configuration 1" and "heating configuration 2" is mounted on the main device 20, the user can select a heating configuration according to his / her preference by replacing the front panel 10. For example, a long-lasting mode in which one rod-shaped substrate 210 is sucked more times than in the standard mode, or an economical mode in which power consumption is reduced can be selected.

[0187] <Implementation method 2>

[0188] In this embodiment, a case where a plurality of heating configurations can be stored in the main body device 20 is described.

[0189] In addition, it is assumed that the hardware structure and functional structure of the main device 20 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0190] Fig.10 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the storage process of the heating configuration executed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 in the second embodiment. Fig.10 In, with Figure 8 The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0191] exist Fig.10 In the case where a positive result is obtained in step 11, it is determined whether there is a heating configuration in the external memory that is not in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 (step 12).

[0192] When the heating configuration stored in the external memory is stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20, a negative result is obtained in step 12. In this case, the control unit 206 ends the started update processing.

[0193] On the other hand, if the heating configuration stored in the external memory is not stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20, a positive result is obtained in step 12. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether to add the heating configuration in the external memory to the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 (step 21).

[0194] The addition of the heating configuration also follows instructions from the user, for example.

[0195] In this case, as a prerequisite for the instruction, it is also necessary to notify the user of the existence of the heating arrangement that can be added.

[0196] When a display panel capable of displaying characters and the like is provided in the main unit 20 , for example, a query such as “A new heating arrangement has been found in the front panel. Do you want to add it to the main unit?” is displayed on the display panel.

[0197] In addition, when the display panel is not provided in the main device 20, the control unit 206 can use the LED 20A (see Figure 4 ) may light up or flash to notify the user of the discovery of a new heating configuration, or may use a buzzer or sound to notify the user of the discovery of a new heating configuration.

[0198] For example, by pressing button 20B (refer to Figure 4 ) and other operations, when no additional instruction is detected or when an instruction to avoid additional is detected, a negative result is obtained in step 21.

[0199] Furthermore, when no instruction to add is detected from the notification within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 seconds), it may be regarded as an instruction to avoid adding.

[0200] When a negative result is obtained in step 21 , the control unit 206 ends the started update process.

[0201] On the other hand, if the user instructs execution of the additional processing, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 reads the heating configuration as the target in the external memory and adds it to the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 (see Figure 6 ) (step 22).

[0202] In addition, when a plurality of heating configurations not stored in the storage unit 204 of the main unit 20 are found in the front panel 10, and only a part of the found plurality of heating configurations can be added to the storage unit 204 of the main unit 20, a function is provided to inquire the user about the designation of the heating configuration to be added. For example, it is provided that the designation of the heating configuration to be added can be accepted through a display on the display. This function can prevent the addition of heating configurations not used by the user to the main unit 20.

[0203] This addition completes the process of adding the heating arrangement. Thus, in the main device 20, the heating arrangement can be selected from the next aerosol suction.

[0204] In addition, when a heating configuration that does not exist in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 is found in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10, the control unit 206 can also automatically add the new heating configuration to the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 without waiting for the judgment of step 21.

[0205] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining the addition of the heating arrangement based on the replacement of the front panel 10. Fig.11 In the embodiment, it is envisaged that a plurality of heating configurations can be stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20.

[0206] The storage unit 101 is not installed in the front panel 10 before replacement. In addition, only "heating configuration 1" is stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20.

[0207] In this state, the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 is removed and replaced with the front panel 10 in which the “heating configuration 2” is stored in the storage unit 101 .

[0208] The “heating profile 2 ” stored in the replaced front panel 10 is a heating profile that does not exist in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 .

[0209] exist Fig.11 In the above, the newly found "heating arrangement 2" is added to the storage unit 204 of the main device 20. As a result, the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 stores "heating arrangement 1" and "heating arrangement 2".

[0210] By storing a plurality of heating profiles in the main device 20 in this manner, the user can select a heating profile for generating aerosol from among a plurality of heating profiles including a standard profile, for example, each time the user inhales.

[0211] <Implementation method 3>

[0212] In the case of Embodiment 2, if a new heating configuration is found in the front panel 10, the found heating configuration is added to the storage unit 204 of the main device 20, but it is also considered that the number of heating configurations that can be stored in the storage unit 204 is limited.

[0213] Therefore, in this embodiment, a method of using a new heating arrangement is described even when there is a limit on the number of heating arrangements that can be stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20.

[0214] In addition, the hardware structure and functional structure of the main device 20 are the same as those of the first embodiment. However, the storage unit 101 in the front panel 10 is a rewritable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The semiconductor memory here uses, for example, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). In the case where the RAM of the control unit 206 provided in the main device 20 can be rewritten, a flash memory can also be used as the storage unit 101.

[0215] Fig.12 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a heating arrangement change process performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 in Embodiment 3. Fig.12 In, with Fig.10The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0216] exist Fig.12 In the case of , the processing actions until a positive result is obtained in step 21 are the same as those in Embodiment 2. Therefore, the following describes the different parts.

[0217] If a positive result is obtained in step 21 , the control unit 206 determines whether the number of heating arrangements stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 has reached the upper limit number (step 31 ).

[0218] If the number of stored heating configurations does not reach the upper limit, a negative result is obtained in step 31. In this case, for example, the number of heating configurations that can be stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 is sometimes two, but the number of heating configurations actually stored is one.

[0219] At this time, the control unit 206 reads the target heating configuration from the external memory, and adds it to the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 (step 22 ).

[0220] On the other hand, when the number of stored heating arrangements has reached the upper limit number, an affirmative result is obtained in step 31. In this case, an affirmative result is obtained in step 31.

[0221] In this case, the control unit 206 moves one of the heating configurations stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 to the external memory (step 32). The heating configuration to be moved is specified by the user, for example. The specification of the heating configuration to be moved is accepted, for example, through the display.

[0222] In addition, when the transfer of the standard configuration is prohibited, the heating configuration other than the standard configuration is moved to the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10. Thus, a space area for storing a new heating configuration is prepared in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20.

[0223] Furthermore, the heating configuration stored in the storage section 204 of the main device 20 is stored in the storage section 101 of the front panel 10, so the heating configuration in use is not lost.

[0224] Furthermore, a heating configuration with an older date and time stored in the storage unit 204 may be moved to the front panel 10 , or vice versa, a heating configuration with a newer date and time stored in the storage unit 204 may be moved to the front panel 10 .

[0225] Furthermore, when a new heating arrangement found in the front panel 10 is stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20, the heating arrangement to be replaced may be “copied” instead of “moved”.

[0226] Next, the control unit 206 stores a heating profile different from the moved heating profile in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 (step 33 ).

[0227] The heating arrangement change process is completed by executing step 22 or step 33. Thus, in the main device 20, a new heating arrangement can be selected from the next aerosol suction.

[0228] Furthermore, when there are a plurality of heating arrangements found in step 12 , as described above, a function is provided to inquire the user about the selection of a heating arrangement to be stored.

[0229] On the other hand, when a heating configuration that does not exist in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 is found in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10, the new heating configuration can be automatically replaced with the heating configuration stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 without waiting for the judgment of step 21.

[0230] However, in practice, when executing step 32, it may happen that the space area required for writing the new heating configuration in the external memory is insufficient.

[0231] Therefore, a process for determining whether the space area of ​​the external memory is excessive or insufficient may be provided before executing step 32 .

[0232] Furthermore, when the space area of ​​the external memory is insufficient, the addition of the heating arrangement from the front panel 10 to the main device 20 may be stopped. That is, step 32 and step 33 may not be executed.

[0233] In this case, the user may be notified that the heating configuration is not written to the main device 20. For example, a message such as "The updating of the heating configuration is stopped due to insufficient external memory capacity" may be displayed on the display.

[0234] However, if the space area of ​​the external memory is insufficient, step 32 may be skipped and, instead of step 33, the heating configuration of the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 may be overwritten with one of the heating configurations not stored in the main device 20. In this case, one of the heating configurations in use is lost, but the user can enjoy heating of the aerosol source based on the new heating configuration by installing the front panel 10.

[0235] In addition, the heating configuration moved from the main device 20 may overwrite the oldest version of the heating configuration stored in the external memory, the oldest storage date of the heating configuration, the least frequently used heating configuration, etc., except for the heating configuration stored in the main device 20. In this case, since the overwritten and saved heating configuration is lost, a structure may be adopted in which the user is asked to confirm in advance the heating configuration to be overwritten. For example, it may be possible to make it possible to select a list of the heating configurations stored in the front panel 10, the heating configurations moved to the main device 20, and the overwritten and saved heating configuration on the display.

[0236] Furthermore, the heating configuration in the external memory and the heating configuration in the main unit 20 may be replaced. Specifically, the heating configuration in the external memory may be saved in the storage unit 204 of the main unit 20 while the heating configuration moved to the external memory is temporarily saved in the RAM of the main unit 20, and then the heating configuration temporarily saved in the RAM of the main unit 20 overwrites the heating configuration in the external memory that has been moved to the main unit 20. Thus, even if the capacity of the external memory to write a new heating configuration is insufficient, the heating configuration in use will not be lost.

[0237] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the change of the heating arrangement based on the replacement of the front panel 10. Fig.13 In, with Fig.11 The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0238] exist Fig.13 In the case of , "heating arrangement 1" and "heating arrangement 2" are stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 before the heating arrangement is changed. On the other hand, "heating arrangement 1" and "heating arrangement 5" are stored in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10.

[0239] In this case, "heating arrangement 5" and "heating arrangement 2" are the objects to be replaced.

[0240] The storage unit 204 of the replaced main body device 20 stores “heating arrangement 1” and “heating arrangement 5”.

[0241] On the other hand, “heating arrangement 1 ”, “heating arrangement 2 ”, and “heating arrangement 5 ” are stored in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10 .

[0242] As described above, due to the limitation on the number of heating configurations that can be stored, even when one of the heating configurations stored in the main unit 20 is replaced with a heating configuration stored in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10, the "heating configuration 2" deleted from the main unit 20 is also saved in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10.

[0243] Therefore, if the front panel 10 is removed from the main device 20 and reinstalled, the “heating arrangement 2” can be replaced with the “heating arrangement 5” of the main device 20 this time.

[0244] In the case of this embodiment, the front panel 10 can be used for storage of heating devices used by the user.

[0245] <Implementation method 4>

[0246] In the present embodiment, a case where the generation of aerosol is controlled using the heating arrangement stored in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10 will be described.

[0247] The hardware configuration and functional configuration of the main device 20 are assumed to be the same as those of Embodiment 1. The storage unit 101 of the front panel 10 may be non-rewritable as long as it is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory.

[0248] Fig.14 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the heating arrangement change process performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 in the fourth embodiment. Fig.14 In, with Figure 8 The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0249] exist Fig.14 In the case of , the processing actions until a positive result is obtained in step 12 are the same as those in embodiment 1. Therefore, the following describes the different parts.

[0250] When a positive result is obtained in step 12 , the control unit 206 inquires the user about the use of the heating configuration in the external memory for heating (step 41 ).

[0251] When a display panel capable of displaying characters, etc. is provided in the main unit 20, for example, an inquiry such as "The heating configuration currently in use is the standard configuration, but there is a heating configuration in the front panel that generates a large amount of aerosol. Do you want to switch the heating configuration?" is displayed on the display panel.

[0252] In addition, when a display panel is not provided in the main device 20, the control unit 206 may inquire about the switching of the heating configuration through sound.

[0253] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the heating configuration of the external memory is used for the generation of aerosol (step 42 ).

[0254] This decision follows the user's instructions.

[0255] For example, by pressing button 20B (refer to Figure 4) etc., when no indication of switching is detected or when an indication to avoid switching is detected, a negative result is obtained in step 42.

[0256] Furthermore, when no instruction for handover is detected from the notification within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 seconds), it may be regarded as an instruction to avoid handover.

[0257] When a negative result is obtained in step 42 , the control unit 206 ends the activated switching process.

[0258] On the other hand, when the user is instructed to execute the switching process, a positive result is obtained in step 42. In this case, the control unit 206 switches the heating configuration for generating aerosol to the external memory (step 43).

[0259] By this switching, the heating configuration stored in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10 is read and used in the next and subsequent generation of aerosol.

[0260] In addition, as in the case where the front panel 10 and the heating arrangement correspond one-to-one, when it is considered that the replacement of the front panel 10 is intended to replace the heating arrangement, if an affirmative result is obtained in step 12, step 43 may be automatically executed.

[0261] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the heating configuration is stored in the main device 20 is assumed, but it is also possible to imagine a case where the heating configuration is not stored in the main device 20. That is, only the heating configuration may be stored in the front panel 10, and when the front panel 10 is installed, the heating configuration stored in the front panel 10 may be read to the main device 20 for generating aerosol.

[0262] In this case, steps 41 to 43 may be skipped.

[0263] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining switching of the heating arrangement by replacing the front panel 10 .

[0264] The storage unit 101 is not installed in the front panel 10 before replacement. In addition, the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 stores "heating configuration 1".

[0265] In this state, the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 is removed and replaced with the front panel 10 in which the “heating configuration 2” is stored in the storage unit 101 .

[0266] Even if the switching of the heating configuration is performed by installing a new front panel 10, the heating configuration stored in the storage section 204 of the main device 20 remains as "heating configuration 1".

[0267] Furthermore, when the aerosol is sucked, the heating configuration of the front panel 10 is read to the main device 20 and used for heating control of the rod-shaped substrate 210 .

[0268] According to this embodiment, even when rewriting of the heating configurations in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 is prohibited or adding of new heating configurations is prohibited, the types of heating configurations selectable by the user can be increased using the front panel 10 .

[0269] <Implementation method 5>

[0270] In this embodiment, a case where the heating arrangement of the front panel 10 and the heating arrangement of the main unit 20 are replaced will be described.

[0271] In addition, it is assumed that the hardware structure and functional structure of the main device 20 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0272] Fig.16 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of a heating arrangement replacement process performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 in Embodiment 5. Fig.16 In, with Figure 8 The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0273] exist Fig.16 In the case of , the processing actions until a positive result is obtained in step 13 are the same as those in embodiment 1. Therefore, the following describes the different parts.

[0274] When a positive result is obtained in step 13, the control unit 206 copies the heating configuration stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 to the RAM (step 51). In the case of this embodiment, the RAM is a part of the control unit 206. However, the RAM may be provided in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 as an area different from the non-volatile storage area storing the heating configuration.

[0275] Next, the control unit 206 reads the heating configuration from the external memory and overwrites the configuration stored in the storage unit 204 (see Figure 6 ) (step 14).

[0276] Thereafter, the control unit 206 overwrites and stores the heating configuration stored in the RAM in the external memory (step 52 ).

[0277] The heating arrangement change process is completed by executing step 52. That is, the heating arrangement stored in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10 and the heating arrangement stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 are changed.

[0278] Thus, in the main body device 20, a new heating arrangement can be selected starting from the next aerosol suction.

[0279] Fig.17 This is a diagram for explaining the change of the heating arrangement based on the replacement of the front panel 10. Fig.17 In, with Fig. 9 The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0280] The storage unit 101 is not installed in the front panel 10 before replacement. In addition, only "heating configuration 1" is stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20.

[0281] In this state, the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 is removed and replaced with the front panel 10 in which the “heating configuration 2” is stored in the storage unit 101 .

[0282] The “heating configuration 2 ” stored in the replaced front panel 10 is a heating configuration that does not exist in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20 .

[0283] exist Fig.17 In the example, the newly discovered "heating configuration 2" is stored in the storage unit 204 of the main device 20, and the "heating configuration 1" of the main device 20 is stored in the storage unit 101 of the front panel 10. That is, between the front panel 10 and the main device 20, the "heating configuration 1" and the "heating configuration 2" are switched.

[0284] By this change, the existing heating configuration will not be lost when a new heating configuration is stored in the main device 20. In other words, the user can return to the heating configuration before the change at any time.

[0285] <Implementation method 6>

[0286] In this embodiment, a configuration that can operate in a state where the front panel 10 is removed from the main device 20 will be described.

[0287] Fig.18 Schematically shows the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 used in Embodiment 6. Fig.18 In, with Figure 6 The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0288] Fig.18 and Figure 6 The difference is that the front panel 10 is provided with a communication unit 102 and a power supply unit 103 in addition to the storage unit 101. Only the difference will be described below.

[0289] The communication unit 102 in this embodiment can communicate with other external terminals in addition to the communication with the main device 20.

[0290] The communication unit 102 in this embodiment has at least the following functions: a function of sending the heating configuration to the main device 20; a function of receiving the heating configuration from the main device 20; and a function of receiving the heating configuration from the external terminal.

[0291] For example, the communication unit 102 uses a wired or wireless communication method that complies with any communication standard for communication. Examples of the communication standard include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), serial signal line, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0292] The power supply unit 103 is a battery that supplies power to the storage unit 101 and the communication unit 102 of the front panel 10. The power supply unit 103 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery. Examples of primary batteries include lithium batteries and alkaline batteries. Examples of secondary batteries include lithium ion secondary batteries and capacitors.

[0293] Fig.19 1 is a diagram schematically showing a circuit configuration of front panel 10 used in Embodiment 6.

[0294] like Fig.19 As shown, the power supply unit 103 is composed of a battery 103A and a buck-boost DC / DC circuit 103B. The buck-boost DC / DC circuit 103B is a circuit that generates a 3.3V system power Vsys independently of the output voltage of the battery 103A and supplies it to the storage unit 101 and the communication unit 102. As described above, in the front panel 10 of this embodiment, even when the front panel 10 is removed from the main device 20, the storage unit 101 and the communication unit 102 can be operated by the supplied power.

[0295] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining an example of use of the front panel 10 in Embodiment 6. Fig. 20 In the figure, the main device 20 (see Figure 1 ) The removed front panel 10, the server 300 for distributing the heating configuration, the smartphone 310A used by the user A of the front panel 10, and the smartphone 310B used by the other user B.

[0296] In such Fig. 20 The server 300 shown stores six heating profiles. User A downloads “heating profile 6” from the server 300 to the smartphone 310A via the network N. Then, the downloaded “heating profile 6” is written to the front panel 10 .

[0297] According to this configuration, the user can download a preferred heating configuration from server 300 and write it to front panel 10 , thereby switching the heating configuration for heating rod-shaped substrate 210 by any of the methods in Embodiments 1 to 4 described above.

[0298] Furthermore, even in a business providing the rod-shaped substrate 210 , by utilizing this configuration, a heating configuration suitable for heating a new rod-shaped substrate 210 can be distributed from the server 300 to the smartphone 310A of the user A.

[0299] Furthermore, user A can write a “heating configuration 10 ” that he does not have from user B's smartphone 310B to his own front panel 10 .

[0300] As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the main unit 20 is not present, a new heating arrangement can be written to the front panel 10. As a result, the heating arrangement of the main unit 20 can be updated via the front panel 10.

[0301] <Implementation method 7>

[0302] In this embodiment, a secondary battery is used as the power supply unit 103 of the front panel 10 (see Fig.16 ) situation.

[0303] Fig.21 Schematically shows the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 used in Embodiment 7. Fig.21 In, with Fig.18 The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0304] Fig.21 and Fig.18 The difference between the EM2000 and the EM2000 is that a charging circuit 104 for charging the power supply unit 103 with power supplied from the main device 20 and a remaining meter 105 for measuring the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply unit 103 are provided on the front panel. Only the difference will be described below.

[0305] Fig. 22 Schematically shows the electrical connection relationship between the front panel 10 and the main device 20 used in Embodiment 7. Fig. 22 In, with Fig.19 The corresponding parts are represented by corresponding symbols.

[0306] exist Fig. 22 , a secondary battery 201A and a power supply unit 201B are shown as the structure of the power supply section 201 of the main device 20.

[0307] The power supply unit 201B is a circuit component that switches the power supply path and converts the voltage level according to the operation mode.

[0308] The power supply unit 201B provides power to the connected sensor unit 202 (see Fig.21 ), except LED20A (refer to Figure 4 ) other than the notification unit 203 (refer to Fig.21 )、Storage unit 204 (refer to Fig.21 ), Communications Department 205 (refer to Fig.21 )、control unit 206 (refer to Fig.21 ) outputs a system power supply of, for example, 3.3 V. In addition, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 5 V to the power supply line connected to the LED 20A, and outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line connected to the heating unit 207.

[0309] When the secondary battery 201A is charged by an external power source, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line to which the secondary battery 201A is connected.

[0310] As the external power source here, a commercial power source and a mobile battery are envisioned.

[0311] When using a USB cable to power a commercial power source or a mobile battery, Fig. 20 In the figure, VUSB is used to represent the power supply terminals corresponding to them.

[0312] On the other hand, the front panel 10 is provided with a storage unit 101 , a communication unit 102 , a power supply unit 103 , a charging circuit 104 , and a remaining capacity meter 105 .

[0313] The charging circuit 104 here is a circuit for charging the secondary battery 103C of the power supply unit 103 with the power supplied from the main device 20 side.

[0314] In the present embodiment, the charging circuit 104 is constituted by, for example, a step-up DC / DC circuit. When the main device 20 supplies power, the charging circuit 104 supplies, for example, 4.2 V to the secondary battery 103C. The charging circuit 104 is provided with a circuit for preventing reverse current flow.

[0315] Contact power supply or contactless power supply is used to supply power from the main device 20 to the charging circuit 104. For example, contact power supply uses a method using mechanical contact of electrodes, a method using mechanical contact of electrode pins with springs (pogo pins), or a method using connector connection.

[0316] Contactless power supply uses, for example, power supply based on electromagnetic induction or power supply based on electric field induction such as the Qi standard or the NFC (near field communication) standard.

[0317] The operation of the charging circuit 104 is controlled by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. The SPI communication method or the UART communication method is used to transmit the control signal. In addition, for example, BLE is used as the communication line.

[0318] The remaining amount meter 105 is a circuit that calculates the remaining amount of the secondary battery 103C based on the power supply current IBAT and the power supply voltage VBAT present in the power supply line of the secondary battery 103C. In addition, the calculation of the remaining amount based on the remaining amount meter 105 can be performed, for example, at a predetermined cycle or timing, or can be performed only when there is an instruction from the control unit 206 of the main device 20. The calculated remaining amount is transmitted to the main device 20 via the communication unit 102, for example.

[0319] In addition, the system power Vsys required for the operations of the storage unit 101 , the communication unit 102 , and the remaining meter 105 is supplied from the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 103B.

[0320] Next, a description will be given of a charging operation of secondary battery 103C of front panel 10 according to the present embodiment.

[0321] Fig.23 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206 .

[0322] First, the control unit 206 determines whether a USB connection is detected (step 61 ).

[0323] When a negative result is obtained in step 61 , the control unit 206 repeatedly executes the determination in step 61 .

[0324] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 61, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 103C of the front panel 10 (step 62). In addition, the actual charging may be performed by first charging one of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to full capacity, and then charging the other to full capacity. However, the charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 may be performed in parallel.

[0325] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the two secondary batteries 103C and 201A are both at full charge voltage (step 63 ).

[0326] If neither of the two secondary batteries 103C and 201A has reached the full charge voltage, a negative result is obtained in step 63. On the other hand, if both of the two secondary batteries 103C and 201A have reached the full charge voltage, a positive result is obtained in step 63.

[0327] When a negative result is obtained in step 63 , the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable is removed (step 64 ).

[0328] If the USB cable remains attached, a negative result is obtained in step 64. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 64.

[0329] When a negative result is obtained in step 64 , the control unit 206 returns to step 63 and repeats the determination in step 63 .

[0330] When a positive result is obtained in step 63 or a positive result is obtained in step 64 , the control unit 206 stops charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 103C of the front panel 10 (step 65 ).

[0331] Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0332] Fig.24 The horizontal axis of the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 , and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining amount of the secondary battery 103C in the front panel 10 .

[0333] exist Fig.24 In the case of , both the secondary battery 103C and the secondary battery 201A in the initial state T1 are fully charged.

[0334] Time T2 indicates a state where the remaining power of the secondary battery 103C of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is reduced.

[0335] In this state, USB charging starts by connecting the USB cable.

[0336] As a result, at the end of USB charging T3, not only the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 but also the secondary battery 103C of the front panel 10 is restored to a fully charged state.

[0337] As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the secondary battery 103C of the front panel 10 can be charged simultaneously with the charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 .

[0338] As a result, the user can download and write the heating configuration using the front panel 10 without being particularly aware of the replacement of the battery of the front panel 10 .

[0339] <Other embodiments>

[0340] (1) The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. According to the description of the claims, various changes or improvements added to the above embodiments are obviously also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0341] (2) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the connection portion between the front panel 10 and the main device 20 is continuously connected without steps to form an integrated appearance. However, if it has an appearance of integration with the main device 20, the connection portion may have a step, a cutout, etc.

[0342] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the case where the aerosol source is solid is described, but the aerosol source may also be liquid. When the aerosol source is liquid, the following method is adopted: using the capillary phenomenon, the aerosol source is induced in a thin tube called a wick, and the aerosol source is evaporated by heating the coil wound around the wick.

[0343] (4) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source is described, but an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source separately may also be used. Such an aerosol generating device is also called a hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0344] (5) In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the front panel 10 having the storage unit 101 is described. However, the additional component may be a USB memory that can be attached to the USB connector 21 of the main device 20 .

[0345] (6) In the above embodiment, an example is described in which aerosol generation is allowed when the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 . However, the main device 20 can generate aerosol even when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0346] In this case, the front panel 10 is mounted on the main device 20 to expand the functions that can be performed by the main device 20. For example, the main device 20 with the front panel 10 removed is powered only by the built-in secondary battery 201A (see Fig. 20 ) to operate, the function of the main device 20 to which the front panel 10 with a secondary battery is mounted using the power from the battery (primary battery, secondary battery 103C) of the front panel 10 becomes effective.

[0347] (7) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the state in which aerosol can be generated is described as an example of the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) in an operable state, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, even if aerosol cannot be generated due to insufficient power, as long as other functions are operated, the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) is in an operable state. The other functions here include, for example, a function of checking the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A and prompting, a function of obtaining a suction record and prompting, and a function of communicating with an external terminal.

[0348] (8) In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the button 20B provided on the main device 20 is operated by pressing the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 to deform it. However, instructions to the main device 20 may be input by methods other than deformation of the front panel 10 .

[0349] For example, a touch panel may be provided in the front panel 10, and the control unit 206 (see FIG. 1 ) of the main device 20 may be communicated to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 1 ) of the main device 20 via a communication unit (not shown). Figure 6 ) notifies information indicating user operations on the touch panel.

[0350] In addition, for example, switches and buttons may be arranged on the front panel 10 to communicate with the control unit 206 (see FIG. Figure 6 ) to notify them of the presence or absence of operations, etc. The touch panel, switch, etc. here are examples of the operating unit.

[0351] In addition, the surface parts and the inner side of the main body device 20 are heat-insulated.

[0352] Summary

[0353] In addition, the present disclosure includes the following structures.

[0354] (1) An additional component that is detachably attachable to an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a control unit, a battery, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, the additional component comprising a storage unit that stores a control sequence that specifies heating by the heating unit.

[0355] (2) The additional means as described in (1), wherein the storage unit stores a second control sequence different from the control sequence stored in the aerosol generating device.

[0356] (3) The additional means as described in (1) or (2), wherein, when the storage unit is rewritable, the second control sequence downloaded from the external terminal or the aerosol generating device is written into the storage unit.

[0357] (4) The additional component according to (3), further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal or the aerosol generating device to acquire the second control sequence.

[0358] (5) The additional component according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the attached main body covers a portion of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0359] (6) The additional component according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein mounting the main body to the aerosol generating device is one of the conditions for enabling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit.

[0360] (7) The additional component according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the switch provided in the aerosol generating device can be operated by being pressed by a user.

[0361] (8) The additional component according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the main body portion mounted on the aerosol generating device and the portion of the aerosol generating device that is not covered by the main body portion in a state capable of generating aerosol form an integrated appearance.

[0362] Description of Reference Numerals

[0363] 1 aerosol generating device; 10 front panel; 10A main body panel; 10B window; 10C, 20C magnet; 20 main body device; 20A LED; 20B button; 21 USB connector; 22 hole; 30 shield; 101, 204 storage unit; 102, 205 communication unit; 103, 201 power supply unit; 103A battery; 103B buck-boost DC / DC circuit; 103C, 201A secondary battery; 104 charging circuit; 105 remaining meter; 202 sensor unit; 203 notification unit; 206 control unit; 207 heating unit; 208 heat insulating unit; 209 holding unit; 210 rod-shaped substrate.

Claims

1. An additional component that can be attached to and detached from an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a control unit, a battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, The additional component includes a storage unit that stores a control sequence that specifies heating by the heating unit.

2. The additional component according to claim 1, wherein: The storage unit stores a second control sequence that is different from the control sequence stored in the aerosol generating device.

3. The additional component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the storage unit is rewritable, the second control sequence downloaded from the external terminal or the aerosol generating device is written into the storage unit.

4. The additional component according to claim 3, wherein: The device further includes a communication unit that communicates with the external terminal or the aerosol generating device to acquire the second control sequence.

5. The additional component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The assembled body portion covers a portion of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

6. The additional component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Attachment of the main body to the aerosol generating device is one of the conditions for enabling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit.

7. The additional component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The switch provided in the aerosol generating device can be operated by a user's pressing.

8. The additional component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The main body part mounted on the aerosol generating device and the part of the aerosol generating device that is not covered by the main body part and is in a state capable of generating aerosol form an integrated appearance.

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