Electronic device and aerosol generating device

Abstract

An electronic device includes: a simple display unit that performs a simple display; and a control unit that performs control such that display is provided through the simple display unit when the cover is not attached; wherein when the cover is attached, the control unit determines whether the display should be performed by the simple display unit according to the type of the cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 discloses an aerosol generating device that outputs light and / or sound, for example, based on an error signal generated by a control unit in response to data indicating a failure of a power supply unit when a notification unit receives the error signal. Then it is specified that the notification unit may be a light-emitting device, such as an LED for example.

[0003] PTL 2 discloses an aerosol generating device in which a control unit generates an error signal based on the content and cause of an abnormal state, and a notification unit provides a notification corresponding to the error signal. Then it is specified that the notification unit is, for example, a light-emitting diode.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] [PTL 1] JP 2020-68762 A

[0007] [PTL 2] JP 2020-68690 A Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical Problem

[0009] For the purpose of protecting an electronic device, etc., a cover member may be attached to an electronic device having a simple display unit for providing a simple display. In this case, depending on the type of the cover member, it may not be necessary for such a simple display unit to provide a display, and if a display is provided by the simple display unit in this case, it will waste electric power.

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce power waste caused by display through a simple display unit when a cover member is attached, regardless of the type of the cover member.

[0011] Solution to the Problem

[0012] Based on this object, the present disclosure provides an electronic device including: a simple display unit configured to provide a simple display; and a control unit configured to perform control such that when no cover member is attached, a display is provided through the simple display unit; wherein when a cover member is attached, the control unit determines whether a display should be provided through the simple display unit based on the type of the cover member.

[0013] The types of the cover member may include: a first cover member having a detailed display unit for providing a detailed display; and a second cover member without the detailed display unit; and the control unit may perform control such that when the first cover member is attached, the display is not provided through the simple display unit, and when the second cover member is attached, the display is provided through the simple display unit.

[0014] In this case, the first cover member may be a cover member whose attachment causes the simple display unit to be blocked; or may be a cover member that does not block the simple display unit even when attached.

[0015] In this case, when the first cover member is attached, the control unit may set the simple display unit to a display disabled state.

[0016] In this case, the first cover member may include: a third cover member whose attachment causes the cover member to block the simple display unit; and a fourth cover member that does not block the simple display unit even when attached; and the control unit may perform control such that when the third cover member is attached, the display is not provided through the simple display unit, and when the fourth cover member is attached, the display is provided through the simple display unit. Further, in this case, when the third cover member is attached, the control unit may set the simple display unit to a display disabled state.

[0017] In addition, the present disclosure also provides an aerosol generating device, which includes: a heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source by power supply from a power source; a simple display unit for providing a simple display; and a control unit for performing control such that when no cover member is attached, the display is provided through the simple display unit; wherein when a cover member is attached, the control unit determines whether the display should be provided through the simple display unit according to the type of the cover member.

[0018] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0019] The present disclosure enables reduction of power waste caused by display through the simple display unit when a cover member is attached, regardless of the type of the cover member. Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1A is an overall perspective view observed obliquely from above of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 1B is an overall perspective view observed obliquely from below of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2A ​​​is an overall perspective view observed obliquely from above of another example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2B is an overall perspective view observed obliquely from below of another example of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3A is an external view of the inner surface of the front cover of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3B is an external view of the outer surface of the main body housing of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a display example of the aerosol generating device when the front cover is not attached.

[0028] Figure 6 shows a display example of the aerosol generating device when the front cover with a liquid crystal display is attached.

[0029] Figure 7 shows a display example of the aerosol generating device when the front cover that blocks the LED when attached is attached.

[0030] Figure 8 shows a first display example of the aerosol generating device when the front cover that does not block the LED even when attached is attached.

[0031] Figure 9 shows a second display example of the aerosol generating device when the front cover that does not block the LED even when attached is attached.

[0032] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the control unit of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the control unit of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] [Example of the External Configuration of the Aerosol Generating Device]

[0036] Figure 1A and​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 1B is an overall perspective view of an aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1A shows an overall perspective view observed from obliquely above, and Figure 1B shows an overall perspective view observed from obliquely below. As shown, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a front cover 10, a main body housing 20, and a baffle 50. The front cover 10 can be attached to / detached from the main body housing. The front cover 10 and the main body housing 20 are configured as separate components. The front cover 10 includes a display window 60 and a display device 70 on the surface of the front cover. It should be noted that each type of front cover 10 can be constructed using designs with different patterns and colors on its outer surface and using different materials, etc. The user can appropriately select a front cover of a type that matches their preferred type. The main body housing 20 houses the main body 30 of the aerosol generating device 1. In addition, the main body housing 20 includes an external connection terminal 80, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) type-C connector.

[0037] The front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20 to configure the outermost housing 40 of the aerosol generating device 1. By attaching a front cover 10 having a design that matches the user's preferred design, the aerosol generating device 1 can be made more stylish. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 includes the front cover 10 so that even if the main body 30 generates heat, heat dissipation to the outside can be reduced. That is, the function of the front cover 10 is to isolate the heat generated by the heating unit of the main body 30. The front cover 10 is also formed such that its surface is generally a curved surface. When the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the front cover 10 then defines an internal space together with the surface of the main body housing 20.

[0038] The size of the housing 40 should be suitable for the user's hand. The user holds the aerosol generating device 1 with one hand, and the fingertips touch the surface of the front cover 10. In addition, by pressing with the fingertips on the surface of the front cover 10, the user can deform the front cover 10 to be recessed toward the main body housing 20. Due to this deformation of the front cover 10, a protrusion provided on the front cover 10 comes into contact with an operation button provided on the surface of the main body housing 20, and thereby presses down the operation button. That is, the portion of the surface of the front cover 10 that is indented by the fingertips forms a button area 15.

[0039] It should be noted that, for example, it is necessary to use several fingers to press the button area 15 simultaneously so that the user can deform the front cover 10. For example, a greater pressure is required compared to when the user presses a single button provided to protrude from the surface of the housing with a single finger. That is to say, the aerosol generating device 1 according to this embodiment has the advantage that accidental misoperations by the user can be prevented, including accidentally pressing the operation button when the aerosol generating device 1 is in a pocket. Moreover, since children who are not suitable as users of the aerosol generating device 1 cannot easily press the button area 15 of the front cover 10 with their pressing force, the aerosol generating device 1 is also advantageous in terms of preventing unauthorized activation (child-proof).

[0040] The main body housing 20 includes an opening through which a rod-shaped substrate is inserted, but in Figure 1A and Figure 1B this opening is closed by a baffle 50 in these drawings. The baffle 50 has a sliding mechanism that can move along the surface of the outer shell between a first position for closing the opening and a second position for opening the opening. In addition, the opening / closing of the opening can be detected by setting sensors (not depicted) near the first position and / or the second position. For example, a magnet is provided on the baffle 50, and the opening / closing of the opening is detected by a magnetic sensor.

[0041] The user opens the opening by sliding the baffle 50 along the side with a finger. With the opening opened, the user can thus insert the rod-shaped substrate. After inserting the rod-shaped substrate, the user can turn on the power of the aerosol generating device 1 by pressing the surface of the front cover 10 with a finger to press down the operation button.

[0042] The display window 60 is formed of a transparent material that transmits light from one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes) arranged inside the main body 30, as will be described later.

[0043] The display device 70 is an organic EL (electroluminescent) display or the like provided at a position that does not overlap with the display window 60. The display device 70 displays status information of the main body 30 and the like in the form of text or images. The display device 70 can be an opaque display or can be a transparent display.

[0044] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are an overall perspective view of another example of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2A Shows an overall perspective view observed from obliquely above, and Figure 2B shows an overall perspective view observed from obliquely below. In Figure 1A and Figure 1B the display device 70 is provided at a position on the front cover 10 that does not overlap with the display window 60, but in Figure 2Aand Figure 2B In [case], the display device 70 is disposed at a position overlapping the display window 60 on the front cover 10. Here, the display device 70 is an opaque display. In this case, since the user cannot see the light from the LED even if it passes through the display window 60, there is no need to provide the display window 60. On the other hand, if the display device 70 is a transparent display, the display window 60 can be provided because the user will be able to see the light from the LED that has passed through the display window 60.

[0045] [Example of the Appearance Configuration of the Front Cover and the Main Body Housing]

[0046] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are external views of the front cover 10 and the main body housing 20 of the aerosol generating device 1. Figure 3A shows an external view of the inner surface of the front cover 10, and Figure 3B shows an external view of the outer surface of the main body housing 20. When the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the inner surface of the front cover 10 and the outer surface of the main body housing 20 face each other.

[0047] As Figure 3A shown, magnets 11, protrusions 12, magnet 13, and magnet 14 are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the front cover 10. When the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, magnets 11 and 14 are attracted to the main body housing 20 by the magnetic force (magnetic adsorption) of the main body housing. In this way, the front cover 10 is held on the main body housing 20. The protrusion 12 presses down the operation button 22 provided on the surface of the main body housing 20. The magnet 13 is configured as a magnetic field applying unit for applying a magnetic field to the sensor unit of the main body 30. That is, the magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 detects the magnetic force of the magnetic field applied by the magnet 13, thereby detecting the front cover 10.

[0048] As Figure 3B shown, magnets 21, through holes 25, operation button 22, and magnet 24 are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the outer surface of the main body housing 20 starting from the baffle 50 side. In addition, the magnetic sensor 23 is provided on the inner surface of the main body housing 20 at a position between the operation button 22 and the magnet 24 along the longitudinal direction (more precisely, provided on the board at a distance substantially zero from the inner surface). The magnets 21, operation button 22, magnetic sensor 23, and magnet 24 of the main body housing 20 respectively correspond to the magnets 11, protrusions 12, magnet 13, and magnet 14 of the front cover 10. That is, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the magnets 21, operation button 22, magnetic sensor 23, and magnet 24 respectively align with and face the magnets 11, protrusions 12, magnet 13, and magnet 14.

[0049] By the magnetic force of the magnets (magnetic adsorption), the magnets 21 and 24 of the main body housing 20 are correspondingly adsorbed to the magnets 11 and 14 of the front cover. That is, the magnet 11 and the magnet 21, and the magnet 14 and the magnet 24 are adsorbed to each other, so that the front cover 10 can be detachably held on the main body housing 20. It should be noted that the magnets 11 and 14 of the front cover 10, and the magnets 21 and 24 of the main body housing 20 should be formed of permanent magnets.

[0050] The operation button 22 is provided on the surface to which the front cover 10 is attached. That is, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the operation button 22 is covered by the front cover 10 and is pressed by the protrusion 12 of the front cover 10. This enables, for example, turning on and off the power supply of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0051] The magnetic sensor 23 detects the magnetic force based on the magnetic field applied by the magnet 13 on the front cover 10. For example, the magnetic sensor 23 should be a Hall sensor configured using a Hall element. This enables detecting that the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20.

[0052] The magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 is arranged to face the magnet 13 of the front cover 10 in a state where the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, with the inner surface of the main body housing 20 in between. That is, when the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the distance between the magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 and the magnet 13 of the front cover 10 is minimized.

[0053] In addition, the magnetic sensor 23 of the main body housing 20 is configured not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21 and 24 of the main body housing 20 respectively. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 23 should be arranged at a position on the inner surface of the main body housing 20 far from the two magnets 21 and 24 on the outer surface of the main body housing 20. Therefore, the magnetic fields from the two magnets 21 and 24 can have a substantially zero effect on the magnetic sensor 23.

[0054] The main body housing 20 should also be configured such that, in a state where the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the spacing distance between the magnetic sensor 23 and the magnet 24 (or the magnet 21) is greater than the distance between the magnet 13 and the magnetic sensor 23. Therefore, when it is detected that the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20, the magnetic sensor 23 can appropriately consider only the influence of the magnetic field applied by the magnet 13 and not the influence of the magnetic field of the magnet 24.

[0055] The through hole 25 is an opening aligned with one or more LEDs provided inside the main body 30 and allows the light from the LEDs to pass through to reach the display window 60 of the front cover 10. This allows the user to see the light from the outer surface of the front cover 10.

[0056] [Example of internal configuration of aerosol generating device]

[0057] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic view showing an example of the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1. For example, a rod-shaped substrate 90 including a flavor generating substrate (such as a filling material containing an aerosol source) and a flavor source (constituting a source of components for inhalation) is inserted into the aerosol generating device 1. It should be noted that the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and can equally be a solid. The inserted rod-shaped substrate 90 generates an aerosol containing a flavor due to being heated from its outer periphery.

[0058] As Figure 4 shown, the front cover 10 includes a notification unit 101, a memory unit 102, and a communication unit 103.

[0059] The notification unit 101 notifies a user of information. In this embodiment, for example, the notification unit 101 is configured as a display device 70 such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL, but the notification unit can equally be a sound output device for outputting sound or a vibration device that vibrates, etc. If the notification unit 101 notifies information in more detail than the notification unit 303 of the main body 30, the notification unit 101 can use a notification method different from that of the notification unit 303 of the main body 30 to notify information. When the notification unit 303 of the main body 30 is, for example, an LED, the notification unit 101 can notify information in more detail than the LED by using a variety of vibration modes. The notification unit 101 is an example of a detailed display unit for providing a detailed display.

[0060] The memory unit 102 stores information related to the front cover 10. Information related to the front cover 10 includes information indicating whether the front cover 10 includes the display device 70. In addition, when the front cover 10 includes the display device 70, the information related to the front cover 10 includes: information indicating the position on the front cover 10 where the display device 70 is provided; and information indicating whether the display device 70 is a transparent display or an opaque display. When the communication unit 103 uses NFC (Near Field Communication) as a short-range wireless communication standard, the memory unit 102 is implemented by a memory function such as an NFC tag. An NFC tag is a tag including an antenna for communicating using NFC and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip for performing processing for communicating using NFC. Alternatively, the memory unit 102 can be implemented by a ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0061] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any short-range wireless communication standard. As the short-range wireless communication standard, NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like may be adopted. When NFC is used as the short-range wireless communication standard, the communication unit 103 is implemented by the communication function of the NFC tag. Alternatively, the communication unit 103 may perform communication by mechanical contact of electrodes, mechanical contact provided by a spring-loaded electrode pin (pogo pin), or connector connection.

[0062] In addition, the main body 30 includes: a control unit 300, a power supply unit 301, a sensor unit 302, a notification unit 303, a memory unit 304, a communication unit 305, a holding portion 310, a heating unit 311, and a heat insulation portion 312.

[0063] The control unit 300 serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, thereby controlling all operations within the aerosol generating device 1 according to various programs. For example, the control unit 300 is implemented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor.

[0064] The power supply unit 301 stores electric power. The power supply unit 301 then supplies electric power to each component of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the control executed by the control unit 300. The power supply unit 301 may be configured by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, for example.

[0065] The sensor unit 302 acquires various types of information related to the aerosol generating device 1. As an example, the sensor unit 302 is configured by a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values associated with user inhalation. As another example, the sensor unit 302 is configured by an input device (such as a button or a switch) for receiving information input from the user.

[0066] In addition, the sensor unit 302 detects that the front cover 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. The sensor unit 302 is configured by a magnetic sensor 23, for example. The sensor unit 302 then detects that the front cover 10 including a magnetic field applying portion (e.g., a magnet and / or a magnetic body) for applying a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor 23 is in the vicinity of the sensor unit 302.

[0067] The notification unit 303 notifies a user of information. In this embodiment, for example, the notification unit 303 is configured to include a display unit including a light-emitting element such as an LED, but the notification unit may also be a sound output device for outputting sound or a vibration device that vibrates, etc. If the notification unit 303 notifies information more simply than the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10, the notification unit 303 may use a notification method different from the notification method of the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10 to notify information. When the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, the notification unit 303 may notify information more simply than the liquid crystal display by using a small number of vibration modes. The notification unit 303 is an example of a simple display unit for providing a simple display.

[0068] In addition, for example, the LED uses a predetermined light-emitting mode to notify the operation information of the aerosol generating device 1. Specifically, the LED emits light to present information to the user including the following: whether the aerosol generating device 1 is powered on, the progress state of preheating, the inhalation state (such as the remaining time that can still be inhaled, etc.), and the current operation mode of the aerosol generating device 1 (for example, the inhalation mode and / or the communication mode, etc.).

[0069] The memory unit 304 stores various types of information for the operation of the aerosol generating device 1. The memory unit 304 is configured, for example, by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. In addition, in addition to computer-executable instructions for operating the aerosol generating device 1, the memory unit 304 also stores programs such as firmware.

[0070] The communication unit 305 is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, in the case of wireless communication, standards such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be adopted as the communication standard. In addition, in the case of wired communication, a data communication cable is connected through an external connection terminal 80. In this way, data related to the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 is input to / output from an external device.

[0071] In addition, the communication function of the communication unit 305 can be activated when the baffle 50 opens the opening 314, and the communication unit 305 can start communicating with an external terminal by using Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. In addition, during communication, the communication with the external terminal can be terminated when the baffle 50 closes the opening 314. The Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection between the communication unit 305 and the external terminal can especially be a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) connection.

[0072] In addition, the communication unit 10 is a communication interface capable of performing communication with the front cover 10 according to any short-range wireless communication standard. As the short-range wireless communication standard, NFC or Bluetooth (registered trademark) etc. can be adopted. Alternatively, the communication unit 305 can perform communication by mechanical contact of electrodes, mechanical contact provided by spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins), or connector connection.

[0073] The holding part 310 has an internal space 313 and holds the rod-shaped substrate 90 while accommodating a part of the rod-shaped substrate 90 in the internal space 313. The holding part 310 has an opening 314 allowing the internal space 313 to communicate with the outside, and holds the rod-shaped substrate 90 inserted into the internal space 313 from the opening 314. For example, the holding part 310 is a cylindrical body including the opening 314 and a bottom part 315 serving as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 313. It should be noted that in this specification, the direction in which the rod-shaped substrate 90 is inserted into the internal space 313 is the longitudinal direction of the aerosol generating device 1.

[0074] The holding part 310 has a pressing part and a non-pressing part on the inner wall of the internal space 313 along the longitudinal direction. When the internal space 313 receives the rod-shaped substrate 90, the pressing part presses the rod-shaped substrate 90 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The rod-shaped substrate 90 is thus clamped by the holding part 310 while being pressed and deformed by the pressing part. Thereby, the rod-shaped substrate 90 is heated from its outer periphery by the heating unit 311 while being pressed.

[0075] Meanwhile, a gap (not depicted) is formed between the non-pressing part and the rod-shaped substrate 90. In this way, the opening 314 and the bottom part 315 are connected in communication through the gap.

[0076] The holding part 310 also has a function of defining a flow path of the air supplied to the rod-shaped substrate 90. The opening 314 constitutes an air inlet hole 316 which is an inlet for air to enter the flow path. More precisely, the gap between the non-pressing part and the rod-shaped substrate 90 constitutes the air inlet hole 316. As the user inhales, the air that has flowed in from the air inlet hole 316 passes through (shown by a dotted line) the rod-shaped substrate 90 along the arrow and is carried to an air outlet hole 317 which is an outlet for the air from the flow path.

[0077] The rod-shaped substrate 90 includes a substrate portion 91 and a mouthpiece portion 92. The substrate portion 91 contains an aerosol source. In a state where the rod-shaped substrate 90 is held in the holding portion 310, at least a part of the substrate portion 91 is accommodated in the internal space 313, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion 92 protrudes from the opening 314. Then, when a user holds the mouthpiece portion 92 protruding from the opening 314 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 313 from the air inlet hole 316, is entrained along the arrow via the bottom portion 315 to the air outlet hole 317 (shown by a dashed line) in the mouthpiece portion 92, and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 91. The rod-shaped substrate 90 is an example of a substrate containing an aerosol source.

[0078] The heating unit 311 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating an aerosol. The heating unit 311 is configured in a film shape and is provided to cover the outer periphery of the holding portion 310. Then, when the heating unit 311 generates heat, the substrate portion 91 of the rod-shaped substrate 90 is heated from the outer periphery and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 311 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 301. For example, power supply can be performed when the sensor unit 302 detects that the user has started inhaling, detects that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or detects that a predetermined piece of information has been input. Then, when the sensor unit 302 detects that the user has completed inhaling, detects that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or detects that a predetermined piece of information has been input, the power supply can be stopped. The heating unit 311 is an example of a heating unit for heating a substrate by power supply from a power source.

[0079] The heat insulation portion 312 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 311 to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 312 is configured of a vacuum heat insulation material or an aerogel heat insulation material, etc.

[0080] The configuration example of the aerosol generating device 1 has been described above. The aerosol generating device 1 is of course not limited to the above configuration, but can have various configurations shown below.

[0081] As an example, the heating unit 311 may have a blade-like form and may be arranged to project from the bottom portion 315 of the holding portion 310 into the internal space 313. In this case, the blade-like heating unit 311 is inserted into the substrate portion 91 of the rod-shaped substrate 90 and heats the substrate portion 91 of the rod-shaped substrate 90 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 311 may be arranged to cover the bottom portion 315 of the holding portion 310. In addition, the heating unit 311 may be configured by a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding portion 310, a blade-like second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 315 of the holding portion 310.

[0082] In addition, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to the heating provided by the heating unit 311. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0083] [Overview of Display Control in Aerosol Generating Devices]

[0084] In the embodiment of the aerosol generating device 1 as described above, the control unit 300 performs the following first display control to third display control. It should be noted that hereinafter, the liquid crystal display will be described as an example of the notification unit 101 of the front cover 10, and the LED will be described as an example of the notification unit 303 of the main body 30.

[0085] As the first display control, the control unit 300 performs display control such that when the front cover 10 is not attached, display is provided by the LED, and when the front cover 10 is attached, the control unit 300 determines whether display should be provided by the LED based on the type of the front cover 10.

[0086] In addition, when the type of the front cover 10 includes a first front cover having a liquid crystal display and a second front cover without a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 performs second display control. Specifically, as the second display control, the control unit 300 performs display control such that when the attached front cover is the first front cover, display is not provided by the LED, and when the attached front cover is the second front cover, display is provided by the LED.

[0087] When the first front cover includes the following: a third front cover that blocks the LED when the third front cover is attached; and a fourth cover member that does not block the LED even when the fourth front cover is attached, the control unit 300 further performs third display control. Specifically, as the third display control, the aerosol generating device 1 performs display control such that when the attached front cover is the third front cover, display is not provided by the LED, and when the attached front cover is the fourth front cover, display is provided by the LED.

[0088] [Specific Examples of Displays of Aerosol Generating Devices]

[0089] The display example of the aerosol generating device 1 when the front cover 10 is not attached will be first described in terms of the first display control.

[0090] Figure 5 The display example of the aerosol generating device 1 in the above case is shown. Figure 5 In the same manner as Figure 3B An external view of the outer surface of the main body housing 20 is shown. A through hole 25 is provided on the outer surface of the main body housing 20. The through hole 25 transmits light from the LED provided in the main body 30. The aerosol generating device 1 provides a display through the LED, as indicated by the dotted hatching in the through hole 25 in the drawing. Here, providing a display through the LED includes setting the LED to a display-enabled state such that when there is no information to be displayed, if information to be displayed is generated, a display is provided through the LED. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 may turn on the LED when the front cover 10 is not attached.

[0091] Next, the display example of the aerosol generating device 1 when the front cover 10 with a liquid crystal display attached is attached will be described in terms of the second display control.

[0092] Figure 6 The display example of the aerosol generating device 1 in the above case is shown. Figure 6 is an overall perspective view observed from obliquely above the aerosol generating device 1, similar to Figure 1A . A display window 60 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10. The display window 60 transmits light from the LED provided in the main body 30. The aerosol generating device 1 provides a display through the LED, as indicated by the dotted hatching in the display window 60 in the drawing. Here, providing a display through the LED includes setting the LED to a display-enabled state such that when there is no information to be displayed, if information to be displayed is generated, a display is provided through the LED. For example, when the front cover 10 without a liquid crystal display is attached, the aerosol generating device 1 may also keep the LED on.

[0093] Next, the display example of the aerosol generating device 1 when the front cover 10 that blocks the LED when attached is attached will be described in terms of the third display control.

[0094] Figure 7 The display example of the aerosol generating device 1 in the above case is shown. Figure 7 is also an overall perspective view observed from obliquely above the aerosol generating device 1, similar to Figure 1A。The display device 70 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10 at a position overlapping with the display window 60. Here, the display device 70 is an opaque liquid crystal display. That is, the display device 70 blocks the display window 60 and also blocks the through hole 25. The aerosol generating device 1 provides a display through the liquid crystal display, as shown by the diagonal hatching in the display device 70 in the drawings. At the same time, since the through hole 25 is blocked and the light from the LED cannot be seen from the outside, the aerosol generating device 1 does not provide a display through the LED. Here, not providing a display through the LED includes setting the LED in a display-disabled state so that when there is no information to be displayed, even if information to be displayed is generated, a display is not provided through the LED. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can turn off the LED when a front cover 10 that blocks the LED when attached is attached.

[0095] It should be noted here that it is considered that the front cover 10 blocks the LED because the display device 70 is provided at a position on the front cover 10 that overlaps with the display window 60, but this is not a limitation. Even if the display device 70 is not provided at a position on the front cover 10 that overlaps with the display window 60, if the display window 60 is not provided in the front cover 10, the front cover 10 will still block the LED.

[0096] Next, a display example of the aerosol generating device 1 when a front cover 10 that does not block the LED even when attached is attached will be described with respect to the third display control.

[0097] Figure 8 A first display example of the aerosol generating device 1 in the above case is shown. Figure 8 It is also an overall perspective view observed obliquely from above the aerosol generating device 1, similar to Figure 1A 。The display window 60 is provided on the outer surface of the front cover 10, and the display device 70 is provided at a position not overlapping with the display window 60. The display window 60 transmits the light from the LED provided in the main body 30, and in this case, the display device 70 is an opaque liquid crystal display. The aerosol generating device 1 provides a display through the liquid crystal display, as shown by the diagonal hatching in the display device 70 in the drawings. In addition, the aerosol generating device 1 also provides a display through the LED, as shown by the dotted hatching in the display window 60 in the drawings. Here, providing a display through the LED includes setting the LED in a display-enabled state so that when there is no information to be displayed, if information to be displayed is generated, a display is provided through the LED. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can also keep the LED on when a front cover 10 that does not block the LED even when attached is attached.

[0098] In addition, the second display example can also be considered a variant example of the first display example.

[0099] Figure 9 shows a second display example of the aerosol generating device 1. The aerosol generating device 1 provides a display through a liquid crystal display, as indicated by the diagonal hatching within the display device 70 in the attached drawings, similar to Figure 8 . At the same time, this display control is different from the third display control, and the aerosol generating device 1 does not provide a display through an LED, as indicated by the absence of dot hatching within the display window 60 in the attached drawings. Here, not providing a display through an LED includes setting the LED in a display-disabled state such that when there is no information to be displayed, even if information to be displayed is generated, the display is not provided through the LED. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 can turn off the LED when a front cover 10 that does not block the LED even when attached is attached.

[0100] It should be noted here that it is considered that the front cover 10 does not block the LED because the display device 70 is provided at a position that does not overlap with the display window 60 of the front cover 10, but this is not a limitation. Even if the display device 70 is provided at a position that overlaps with the display window 60 of the front cover 10, if the display device 70 is configured as a transparent display, it can still be considered that the front cover 10 does not block the LED.

[0101] [Operating details of the aerosol generating device]

[0102] The first operation example and the second operation example will be considered as operation examples of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0103] The first operation example is an operation example of providing Figure 8 display when a front cover 10 that does not block the LED even when attached is attached. In other words, the first operation example is an operation example for when performing all display controls among the first display control, the second display control, and the third display control.

[0104] The second operation example is an operation example of providing Figure 9 display when a front cover 10 that does not block the LED even when attached is attached. The second operation example can be understood as an operation example of having no LED display when a front cover 10 with a liquid crystal display is attached, regardless of whether the liquid crystal display blocks the LED. In other words, the second operation example is an operation example for when performing the first display control and the second display control without performing the third display control.

[0105] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the first operation example of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0106] As depicted, the control unit 300 first determines whether the front cover 10 is attached (step 351). For example, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 is attached based on whether the magnetic sensor 23 has detected the magnetic force from the magnet 13 of the front cover 10. If it is determined here that the front cover 10 is not attached, the control unit 300 performs control to provide an LED display (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED to enable the LED display.

[0107] If it is determined in step 351 that the front cover 10 is attached, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display (step 352). For example, the control unit 300 receives, via the communication unit 305, from the communication unit 103 of the front cover 10, the information stored in the memory unit 102 of the front cover 10, which indicates whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display. Then, the control unit 300 determines whether the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display based on the received information. If it is determined here that the front cover 10 does not have a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 performs control to provide an LED display (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED to enable the LED display.

[0108] If it is determined in step 352 that the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 determines whether the liquid crystal display blocks the LED (step 353). For example, the control unit 300 receives, via the communication unit 305, from the communication unit 103 of the front cover 10, the information stored in the memory unit 102 of the front cover 10, which includes information indicating the position of the liquid crystal display and information indicating whether the liquid crystal display is transparent or opaque. Then, the control unit 300 determines whether the liquid crystal display blocks the LED based on the received information. If it is determined here that the liquid crystal display does not block the LED, the control unit 300 performs control to provide an LED display (step 354). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED to enable the LED display.

[0109] If it is determined in step 353 that the liquid crystal display blocks the LED, the control unit 300 performs control to not provide an LED display (step 355). For example, the control unit 300 turns off the LED to disable the LED display. In this case, the control unit 300 performs control to provide a display via the liquid crystal display.

[0110] It should be noted that in this operation example, when it is determined in step 353 that the liquid crystal display does not block the LED, the control unit 300 performs control to provide LED display, but this is not a limitation. Even if it is determined in step 353 that the liquid crystal display does not block the LED, if it is determined that the front cover 10 will block the LED because, for example, the display window 60 is not provided, the control unit 300 can still perform control so as not to provide LED display.

[0111] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the control unit 300 of the aerosol generating device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 11 The flowchart of consists of the removal of step 353 Figure 10 However, Figure 10 Steps 351, 352, 354, and 355 of are respectively represented by Figure 11 steps 371, 372, 373, and 374 in.

[0112] The content of the determination process of step 371 and the process according to the result thereof is the same as Figure 10 the content of the determination process of step 351 and the process according to the result thereof in.

[0113] The content of the determination process of step 372 is the same as Figure 10 the content of the determination process of step 352 in.

[0114] If it is determined in step 372 that the front cover 10 does not have a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 performs control to provide LED display (step 373). For example, the control unit 300 turns on the LED to enable LED display.

[0115] If it is determined in step 372 that the front cover 10 has a liquid crystal display, the control unit 300 performs control so as not to provide LED display (step 374). For example, the control unit 300 turns off the LED to disable LED display. In this case, the control unit 300 performs control to provide display through the liquid crystal display.

[0116] [Variant example]

[0117] The above describes the case where the embodiment is applied to a heated cigarette, but this is not a limitation. The embodiment is suitable for various aerosol generating devices for inhaling aerosols, such as electronic cigarettes and atomizers. In addition, the inhalation components generated may include gases such as invisible vapors in addition to aerosols. In addition to aerosol generating devices, the embodiment can also be applied to general electronic devices.

[0118] [Advantageous effects of the embodiment]

[0119] In the aerosol generating device 1 according to the embodiment, when the front cover 10 is not attached, display is provided by the LED, and when the front cover 10 is attached, it is determined whether display should be provided by the LED according to the type of the front cover 10. In this way, the embodiment enables reduction of power waste caused by display by the LED regardless of the type of the front cover 10 when the front cover 10 is attached.

[0120] [Overview]

[0121] This disclosure includes the following features.

[0122] (1) An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a simple display unit configured to provide a simple display; and a control unit configured to perform control such that when a cover is not attached, display is provided by the simple display unit; wherein, when the cover is attached, the control unit determines whether display should be provided by the simple display unit according to the type of the cover.

[0123] (2) The electronic device as disclosed in (1), wherein the types of the cover include: a first cover having a detailed display unit configured to provide a detailed display; and a second cover without the detailed display unit; and the control unit performs control such that when the first cover is attached, display is not provided by the simple display unit, and when the second cover is attached, display is provided by the simple display unit.

[0124] (3) The electronic device as disclosed in (2), wherein the first cover is a cover that, when attached, causes the simple display unit to be blocked.

[0125] (4) The electronic device as disclosed in (2), wherein the first cover is a cover that does not block the simple display unit even when attached.

[0126] (5) The electronic device as disclosed in any one of (2) to (4), wherein when the first cover is attached, the control unit sets the simple display unit to a display disabled state.

[0127] (6) The electronic device as disclosed in any one of (2) to (5), wherein the first cover includes: a third cover that, when attached, causes the cover to block the simple display unit; and a fourth cover that does not block the simple display unit even when attached; and the control unit performs control such that when the third cover is attached, display is not provided by the simple display unit, and when the fourth cover is attached, display is provided by the simple display unit.

[0128] (7)The electronic device as disclosed in (6), wherein when the third cover member is attached, the control unit sets the simple display unit to a display-disabled state.

[0129] (8)An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: a heating unit configured to heat a substrate containing an aerosol source by power supply from a power source; a simple display unit configured to provide a simple display; and a control unit configured to perform control such that when a cover member is not attached, a display is provided through the simple display unit; wherein when the cover member is attached, the control unit determines whether a display should be made through the simple display unit based on the type of the cover member.

[0130] List of reference numerals

[0131] 1... aerosol generating device, 10... front cover, 20... main body housing, 30... main body, 40... housing, 50... baffle, 60... display window, 70... display device, 80... external connection terminal, 101... notification unit, 102... memory unit, 103... communication unit, 300... control unit, 301... power supply unit, 302... sensor unit, 303... notification unit, 304... memory unit, 305... communication unit, 310... holding portion, 311... heating unit, 312... heat insulation portion.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A simple display unit for providing a simple display; and A control unit for performing control such that when the cover is not attached, the simple display unit provides a display; wherein when the cover is attached, the control unit determines whether a display should be provided through the simple display unit based on the type of the cover.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The types of the cover include: a first cover having a detailed display unit for providing a detailed display; and a second cover without the detailed display unit; and the control unit performs control such that when the first cover is attached, a display is not provided through the simple display unit, and when the second cover is attached, a display is provided through the simple display unit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The first cover is a cover such that attaching the cover causes the simple display unit to be blocked.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The first cover is a cover such that even when the cover is attached, the simple display unit is not blocked.

5. The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, When the first cover is attached, the control unit sets the simple display unit to a display disabled state.

6. The electronic device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein The first cover includes: a third cover such that attaching the cover causes the simple display unit to be blocked; and a fourth cover such that even when the cover is attached, the simple display unit is not blocked; and the control unit performs control such that when the third cover is attached, a display is not provided through the simple display unit, and when the fourth cover is attached, a display is provided through the simple display unit.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein, When the third cover is attached, the control unit sets the simple display unit to a display disabled state.

8. An aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising: A heating unit for heating a substrate containing an aerosol source by power supply from a power source; A simple display unit for providing a simple display; and A control unit for performing control such that when the cover is not attached, the simple display unit provides a display; wherein when the cover is attached, the control unit determines whether a display should be provided through the simple display unit based on the type of the cover.

Images