Power supply unit for suction device

Abstract

To provide a power supply unit for a suction device advantageous for achieving both safety and convenience for a user.SOLUTION: Provided is a power supply unit for a suction device that supplies power from a power supply to a heater for heating an aerosol source. The power supply unit includes: a control part that controls operation of the power supply unit; a housing that stores the power supply and the control part; a panel removably mounted to a surface of the housing; and a detection part that detects mounting or removal of the panel to and from the housing. The control part is configured to perform function restriction with respect to a plurality of functions controlled by the control part when the detection part detects removal of the panel. The control part has a plurality of operation modes, and a content of the function restriction is different depending on each operation mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] An inhaler for a heated tobacco product or the like may include a substrate containing an aerosol source and a flavor source, and a power supply unit that houses the substrate and supplies power from a power source to a heater to heat the substrate. The power supply unit is a part that a user holds during use, and may also include an operation unit and a display unit. Patent Document 1 discloses an aerosol supply system in which a removable member (panel) is attached to the surface of an assembly corresponding to the power supply unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2021-500032 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is common practice to restrict the functionality of an apparatus from the viewpoint of safety when a specific part such as an exterior member is removed.

[0005] However, unless the function restrictions are controlled in accordance with the contents of the functions of the device, there is a risk that user convenience will be impaired.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides, for example, a power supply unit for an inhaler that is advantageous in terms of achieving both safety and user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply unit for an inhaler that supplies power from a power source to a heater for heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit comprising: a control unit that controls the operation of the power supply unit; a housing that accommodates the power supply and the control unit; a panel that is removably attached to the surface of the housing; and a detection unit that detects the attachment or removal of the panel from the housing, wherein the control unit is configured to impose functional restrictions on multiple functions controlled by the control unit when the detection unit detects the removal of the panel, and the control unit has multiple operating modes, and the content of the functional restrictions differ depending on each operating mode.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the device further includes an operation button arranged on the housing, and the control unit disables operation of the operation button as the function restriction when the panel is detached in any of the multiple operating modes.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the device further includes a display unit, and the multiple operating modes include a standby mode in which the display unit displays information and waits for detection of an unlocking operation using the operation button, and an aerosol generation mode in which power is supplied to the heater to generate aerosol, and when the unlocking operation is detected with the panel removed in the standby mode, the control unit does not transition to the aerosol generation mode as a functional restriction.

[0010] According to one embodiment, when the detection unit detects removal of the panel in the aerosol generation mode, the control unit prohibits the supply of power to the heater as the function restriction.

[0011] According to one embodiment, after prohibiting the supply of power to the heater, if the detection unit detects the installation of the panel within a predetermined time, the control unit lifts the prohibition of the supply of power to the heater.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the multiple operating modes further include a sleep mode in which the display unit stops displaying and waits in a power-saving state when a predetermined period of time has passed since there was no user operation performed on the power supply unit in the standby mode, and a pairing mode in which pairing can be performed to associate the power supply unit with an external communication device, and when a pairing operation using the operation button is detected with the panel detached in the sleep mode, the control unit does not transition to the pairing mode as a function restriction.

[0013] According to one embodiment, when the detection unit detects removal of the panel in the pairing mode, the control unit prohibits execution of the pairing as the function restriction.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the multiple operating modes further include an unlock setting mode in which setting of the unlock operation can be executed in response to an unlock setting operation being performed using the operation button, and when an unlock setting operation using the operation button is detected while the panel is detached, the control unit does not transition to the unlock setting mode as a function restriction.

[0015] According to one embodiment, when the detection unit detects removal of the panel in the unlock setting mode, the control unit prohibits execution of setting of the unlock operation as the function restriction.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the multiple operating modes further include a charging mode in which the power source is charged using an external power source, and the control unit continues charging the power source even if the detection unit detects removal of the panel in the charging mode.

[0017] According to one embodiment, in an operating mode other than a sleep mode in which the display unit stops displaying and waits in a power-saving state, the control unit continues displaying on the display unit even if the detection unit detects that the panel has been removed.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the information processing device further includes a setting unit for setting the content of functional restrictions on the plurality of functions. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a power supply unit for an inhaler that is advantageous in terms of achieving both safety and user convenience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for mounting an outer panel. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for mounting an outer panel. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a power supply unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of state transition of a power supply unit. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a power supply unit in a sleep mode. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a power supply unit in an active mode. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply unit in an aerosol generation mode. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply unit in a pairing mode. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply unit in a charging mode. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply unit in an unlock setting mode. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen on which the operation of each function when the outer panel is detached can be selected. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features among the multiple features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar configurations, and duplicated descriptions are omitted.

[0022] <Configuration of the aspirator> 1 shows an example of the appearance of an inhaler 100 according to an embodiment. In response to an action requesting an aerosol, such as an inhalation action by a user (hereinafter also referred to as an "aerosol generation request"), the inhaler 100 provides a flavored aerosol, or a gas containing an aerosol and a flavoring substance, or an aerosol, or an aerosol containing a flavoring substance, to the user through the stick 110. Therefore, the inhaler 100 may be understood as an aerosol generating device.

[0023] The inhaler 100 may be composed of a power supply unit 101 and a stick 110. The stick 110 is, for example, a substrate containing an aerosol source and a flavor source. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol. Alternatively, the aerosol source may contain a drug. The aerosol source may be a liquid, a solid, or a mixture of a liquid and a solid. Instead of the aerosol source, a steam source such as water may be used. The flavor source may be, for example, a molded body formed from tobacco material. Alternatively, the flavor source may be composed of a plant other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, Chinese medicine, coffee beans, etc.). The flavor source may be imparted with a flavor such as menthol. The flavor source may be added to the aerosol source.

[0024] The power supply unit 101 may have, for example, a rounded, approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction of the paper surface of FIG. 1 and may be configured in a size that allows a user to hold it in one hand. The power supply unit 101 may include an outer panel (panel) 102, an action button B, and a slider 105.

[0025] The outer panel 102 is a flexible panel member that covers at least a part of the front surface of the power supply unit 101. The outer panel 102 is an exterior member of the power supply unit 101 that is removable for replacement, and may be understood as a decorative panel. For example, a plurality of outer panels with different colors and patterns are provided, and the user can replace the outer panel with the one of their choice. The outer panel 102 may also be understood as a heat insulating panel that blocks heat generated inside the power supply unit 101, and may further be understood as a protective panel that protects the inside of the power supply unit 101 from impact, pressure, and the like when dropped.

[0026] A display window 103 is formed in the outer panel 102. The display window 103 may be a strip-shaped window extending along the longitudinal direction (the up-down direction in the plane of the drawing) at approximately the center of the outer panel 102. The power supply unit 101 has a display D (display unit) (see FIG. 2). The display D may include, for example, one or more LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes). Light emitted by the LEDs passes through the display window 103. The display D may display, for example, the remaining battery power in the form of a bar graph.

[0027] The action button B is an operation button configured as a physical push button. Although the action button B is covered by the outer panel 102, the outer panel 102 is flexible, so that the user can operate the action button B through the outer panel 102. When the user presses the action button B through the outer panel 102, a corresponding signal is transmitted to a control unit described later. Note that in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the action button B configured as a physical button is covered by the outer panel 102, but other configurations may be used as long as they are capable of accepting user operations. For example, instead of the action button B, any other type of input device, such as a touch-sensitive surface or a switch exposed from the outer panel 102, may be provided.

[0028] The outer panel 102 may be provided with such rigidity that the user must use multiple fingers to press the outer panel 102 in order to operate the action button B through the outer panel 102. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, the action button B from being pressed accidentally in a bag or an unintentional erroneous operation by the user. This is also advantageous in terms of preventing tampering by children (child resistance).

[0029] The slider 105 is a cover member (shutter) disposed on the top surface of the power supply unit 101 so as to be slidable along a direction 105a indicated by an arrow. The slider 105 is configured to open and close an opening into which the stick 110 is inserted. FIG. 1(a) shows a state in which the slider 105 covers the opening 106. Hereinafter, this state will also be referred to as "shutter closed." FIG. 1(b) shows a state in which the slider 105 has been slid forward to expose the opening 106. Hereinafter, this state will also be referred to as "shutter open."

[0030] When the user inhales aerosol using the inhaler 100, the user operates the slider 105 to open the shutter. After that, the user inserts the stick 110 into the opening 106. The inserted stick 110 is held by a tubular holding part 107 that communicates with the opening 106. The cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding part 107 may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal, and the cross-sectional area may be configured to gradually decrease as it approaches the bottom surface. By configuring in this way, the outer surface of the stick 110 inserted into the holding part 107 is pressed from the inner surface of the holding part 107, and the stick 110 can be prevented from falling off by frictional force. The user can then perform an unlocking operation using the action button B. When the unlocking operation is performed, the power supply unit 101 is unlocked, heating of the stick 110 begins, and the stick 110 can be inhaled. When the stick 110 is thus in an inhalable state, the user can inhale the flavored aerosol by holding the mouthpiece formed at the tip of the stick 110 in the mouth. When the user has finished inhaling the aerosol, he or she pulls out the stick 110 from the holding portion 107 and closes the slider 105 (shutter close).

[0031] FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration diagram of the inhaler 100. Note that the outer panel 102 is omitted in FIG. 2. As described above, the power supply unit 101 has a holding part 107 that communicates with the opening 106 and holds the stick 110. The power supply unit 101 may also include a heater H, an electric component E, and a user interface 116. The user interface 116 may be understood to be included in the electric component E. The heater H constitutes a heating part that heats the stick 110. The heater H may include, for example, a resistive heat generating part that heats the aerosol source in the stick 110 to generate aerosol. As the resistive heat generating material of the resistive heat generating part, for example, a mixture of one or more of copper, nickel alloy, chromium alloy, stainless steel, and platinum-rhodium may be used. The heater H is arranged so as to cover the periphery of the holding part 107, and generates heat by the power supplied from the electric component E. The heat of the heater H is transferred to the stick 110 via the holding part 107, and the stick 110 is heated. By heating the stick 110, an aerosol can be generated from the stick 110. The user interface 116 can include an action button B, a display D, and a vibration generating unit V. The vibration generating unit V can be configured with a vibration motor (vibrator) for vibrating the housing of the power supply unit 101. By vibrating the housing with the vibration motor, the user holding the power supply unit 101 can be notified of the status.

[0032] When a user holds the mouthpiece at the tip of the stick 110 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the stick through an opening (not shown), as illustrated by the dashed arrow A, and the aerosol source vaporized and / or aerosolized by the heater H heating the stick 110 is transported by the air toward the mouthpiece. In the process of transporting the aerosol source toward the mouthpiece, the vaporized and / or aerosolized aerosol source is cooled to form minute droplets, which can promote aerosolization. In a configuration in which the stick 110 also includes a flavor source, a flavor substance generated from the flavor source is added to the aerosol, and the aerosol having the flavor is transported to the mouthpiece and inhaled into the user's mouth.

[0033] In the above example, the heater H is built into the power supply unit 101, but instead of the stick 110, the heater (atomizer), aerosol source, and flavor source may be provided in the form of a cartridge.

[0034] An example of a configuration for attaching the outer panel 102 to the power supply unit 101 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0035] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing the inner surface of the outer panel 102. FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing a portion exposed at the front of the power supply unit 101 when the outer panel 102 is removed. The power supply unit 101 has a housing 101a that houses a power supply and electrical components (including a control unit, which will be described later), and an inner panel 202. In FIG. 3(b), the inner panel 202 is disposed around the action button B so that the action button B is exposed, and is disposed so as to cover the front of the housing 101a. When the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101, the inner surface of the outer panel 102 faces the outer surface of the inner panel 202.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3(a), on the inner surface of the outer panel 102, a magnet 11 is arranged above a display window 103, a protrusion 12 is arranged below the display window 103, and magnets 13A and 14 are arranged further below the magnets 11 and 12. When the outer panel 102 is brought close to the inner panel 202 to be attached to it, the outer panel 102 is attracted to the inner panel 202 by the magnetic force (magnetic attraction) of the magnets 11 and 14. This holds the outer panel 102 to the inner panel 202. When the outer panel 102 is held by the inner panel 202, the protrusion 12 is located at a position facing the action button B so that the action button B can be pressed. A magnetic sensor 23A is arranged on the back side of the inner panel 202. The magnet 13A is configured as a magnetic field application unit for the magnetic sensor 23A. The magnetic sensor 23A detects the magnetic force due to the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13A, thereby making it possible to detect the attachment of the outer panel 102.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3(b), a display window 25 is formed above the action button B on the outer surface of the inner panel 202, a magnet 21A is disposed above the display window 25, and a magnet 24 is disposed below the action button B. A magnetic sensor 23A is disposed at a position between the action button B and the magnet 24 on the inner surface of the inner panel 202 (more precisely, on a substrate that is substantially zero distance from the inner surface). A magnetic force detection area 26A indicated by a broken line is formed on the outer surface of the inner panel 202 by the magnetic sensor 23A. The magnet 21A, display window 25, action button B, magnetic sensor 23A, and magnet 24 on the inner panel 202 side correspond to the magnet 11, display window 103, protrusion 12, magnet 13A, and magnet 14 on the outer panel 102 side, respectively. That is, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, they are aligned with each other and face each other.

[0038] Magnets 21A and 24 of inner panel 202 can be attracted to magnets 11 and 14 of outer panel 102, respectively, due to their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). In other words, magnets 11 and 21A, and magnets 14 and 24 attract each other, allowing inner panel 202 to hold outer panel 102. Note that magnets 11 and 14 of outer panel 102 and magnets 21A and 24 of inner panel 202 can be composed of permanent magnets.

[0039] The action button B disposed in the center of the inner panel 202 is covered by the outer panel 102 when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202. A user can press the vicinity of the center of the outer panel 102 to press the action button B via the protrusion 12 of the outer panel 102. This allows, for example, the power of the inhaler 100 to be switched on / off.

[0040] The magnetic sensor 23A detects a magnetic force based on a magnetic field applied from the magnet 13A in the outer panel 102. For example, the magnetic sensor 23A can be a Hall sensor configured using a Hall element. This makes it possible to detect attachment of the outer panel 102 to the inner panel 202. When the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, light from the display D passes through the display window 25 of the inner panel 202 and the display window 103 of the outer panel 102.

[0041] The magnetic sensor 23A of the inner panel 202 is disposed so as to face the magnet 13A of the outer panel 102 via the inner surface of the inner panel 202 when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202. In other words, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, the distance between the magnetic sensor 23A of the inner panel 202 and the magnet 13A of the outer panel 102 is minimized.

[0042] Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 23A of the inner panel 202 is configured not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21A and the magnet 24 of the inner panel 202. For example, the magnetic sensor 23A is disposed on the inner surface of the inner panel 202 at a position spaced apart from the two magnets 21A and the magnet 24 on the outer surface of the inner panel 202. This allows the influence of the magnetic fields from the two magnets 21A and the magnet 24 on the magnetic sensor 23A to be substantially zero.

[0043] The distance between magnetic sensor 23A and magnet 24 (or magnet 21A) in inner panel 202 can be configured to be greater than the distance between magnet 13A and magnetic sensor 23A in a state in which outer panel 102 is attached to inner panel 202. This allows magnetic sensor 23A to appropriately take into account only the influence of the magnetic field applied from magnet 13A, without taking into account the influence of the magnetic field of magnet 24, when detecting attachment of outer panel 102 to inner panel 202.

[0044] In one example, the outer panel 102 can be configured such that, when attached to the inner panel 202, data measured by the magnetic sensor 23A differs depending on the type of the outer panel 102. More specifically, the outer panel 102 is configured such that the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnet 13A of the magnetic field application unit, detected by the magnetic sensor 23A of the inner panel 202, differs depending on the type of the panel.

[0045] For example, the outer panel 102 may be configured such that, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, the distance between the magnet 13A, which is the magnetic field application unit, and the opposing magnetic sensor 23A varies depending on the type of outer panel. In other words, the shape of the curved surface may be adjusted for each type of outer panel so that the height of the inner surface of the outer panel 102 varies depending on the type. Note that, in general, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the magnitude of the magnetic force varies depending on the distance from the magnet (specifically, it is inversely proportional to the square of the distance). This allows a common magnet 13A to be used in any type of outer panel 102, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0046] In another example, the position of the magnet 13A may be shifted differently along the inner surface of the facing outer panel 102 depending on the type of the outer panel. This allows the distance between the magnet 13A and the magnetic sensor 23A to be different depending on the type of the outer panel. That is, the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 23A can be made different depending on the type of panel.

[0047] In yet another example, the outer panel 102 may be configured such that the type of magnet 13A, which is the magnetic field application unit, differs depending on the type of the outer panel. The magnet 13A is, for example, a permanent magnet. More specifically, one of ferrite magnets, alnico magnets, cobalt magnets, neodymium magnets, etc. is selected depending on the type of the outer panel. This allows the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 23A to differ depending on the type of the outer panel.

[0048] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show a configuration example different from that shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b). Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing the inner surface of the outer panel 102. Figure 4(b) is a diagram showing a portion exposed at the front of the power supply unit 101 when the outer panel 102 is removed. Figure 4(b) is an external view of the outer surface of the inner panel 202. When the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101, the inner surface of the outer panel 102 and the outer surface of the inner panel 202 face each other.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4(a), on the inner surface of the outer panel 102, a magnetic body 13B is arranged above a display window 103, a protrusion 12 is arranged below the display window 103, and a magnet 15 is arranged below the protrusion 12. The magnetic body 13B includes a circular base 11B and a leg 12B extending linearly from the base 11B in a substantially longitudinal direction. The magnetic body 13B is made of a material that becomes magnetized by the action of a magnetic field when a magnetic field is applied from the outside and applies a magnetic field. The magnetic body 13B is configured as a magnetic field application unit for a magnetic sensor 23B (described later) of the inner panel 202. The magnetic body 13B may be made of, for example, a metal. More specifically, the magnetic body 13B may be made of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material that is a non-permanent magnet. Here, ferromagnetism refers to a property in which, when a magnetic field is applied from the outside, a strong magnetism is generated in the same direction as the magnetic field, and the strong magnetism remains even when the magnetic field from the outside is reduced to zero. Examples of ferromagnetic materials are iron, cobalt, and nickel. Paramagnetic materials are materials that, when an external magnetic field is applied, have a weak magnetism in the same direction as the magnetic field, and lose magnetism when the external magnetic field is zero. An example of paramagnetic materials is aluminum.

[0050] The magnetic body 13B is configured as an acted part whose state changes (i.e., is magnetized) in response to the action of a magnetic field applied from the outside. In addition, the magnetic body 13B is configured as a magnetic field applying part that applies a magnetic field to the inner panel 202. Specifically, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, the magnetic body 13B functions as an acted part that receives the action of the magnet 21B of the inner panel 202. As a result, the magnetic body 13B is magnetized, and in turn functions as a magnetic field applying part for the magnet 21B and the magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202. More specifically, the outer panel 102 can be attracted to and held by the inner panel 202 by a magnetic force based on the magnetic field generated and applied by the magnetic body 13B (particularly the base part 11B). Also, the magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202 can detect the state of the leg 12B (i.e., the magnetic force based on the magnetic field from the leg 12B) with respect to the magnetic field generated and applied by the magnetic body 13B (particularly the leg 12B). This allows the power supply unit 101 to detect the attachment of the outer panel 102.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4(b), a display window 25 is formed above the action button B on the outer surface of the inner panel 202, a magnet 21B is arranged above the display window 25, and a magnet 27 is arranged below the action button B. A magnetic sensor 23B is arranged on the inner surface of the inner panel 202 (more precisely, on a substrate that is approximately zero distance from the inner surface) to the side of the display window 25. A magnetic force detection area 26B indicated by a broken line is formed on the outer surface of the inner panel 202 by the magnetic sensor 23B. The magnet 21B, the magnetic sensor 23B, the display window 25, the action button B, and the magnet 27 on the inner panel 202 side correspond to the base 11B of the magnetic body 13B, the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B, the display window 103, the protrusion 12, and the magnet 15 on the outer panel 102 side, respectively. That is, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, they are aligned with each other and face each other. When the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, the magnetic body 13B of the outer panel 102 is positioned to be aligned with both the magnet 21B and the magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202. More specifically, the base 11B of the magnetic body 13B of the outer panel 102 is positioned to be aligned with the magnet 21B of the inner panel 202, and the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B of the outer panel 102 is positioned to be aligned with the magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202. In particular, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, the magnetic sensor 23B faces the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B via the inner surface of the inner panel 202, so that the distance between the magnetic sensor 23B and the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B is minimized.

[0052] The magnet 21B of the inner panel 202 is configured as an acting portion that generates a magnetic field. Then, the magnetic force based on the magnetic field acts to magnetize the magnetic body 13B in the outer panel 102, and attracts the base 11B of the magnetic body. In other words, the base 11B of the magnetic body 13B and the magnet 21B attract each other by magnetic attraction, so that the inner panel 202 can hold the outer panel 102.

[0053] The magnetic sensor 23B detects the magnetic force of the leg 12B of the magnetized magnetic body 13B in the outer panel 102. For example, the magnetic sensor 23B may be a Hall sensor configured using a Hall element, similar to the magnetic sensor 23A. This makes it possible to detect the attachment of the outer panel 102 to the inner panel 202.

[0054] The magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202 is configured not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21B and the magnet 27 of the inner panel 202. For example, the magnetic sensor 23B is disposed on the inner surface of the inner panel 202 at a position spaced apart from the two magnets 21B and the magnet 27 on the outer surface of the inner panel 202. This allows the influence of the magnetic fields from the two magnets 21B and the magnet 27 on the magnetic sensor 23B to be substantially zero.

[0055] The distance between magnetic sensor 23B and magnet 21B (or magnet 27) in inner panel 202 can be configured to be greater than the distance between magnetic body 13B and magnetic sensor 23B in a state in which outer panel 102 is attached to inner panel 202. This allows magnetic sensor 23B to appropriately take into account only the magnetic field applied from leg 12B of magnetic body 13B, without taking into account the influence of the magnetic fields of two magnets 21B and magnet 27, when detecting attachment of outer panel 102 to inner panel 202.

[0056] In one example, the outer panel 102 can be configured such that, when attached to the inner panel 202, data measured by the magnetic sensor 23B differs depending on the type of the outer panel 102. More specifically, the outer panel 102 is configured such that data related to the magnetized magnetic body 13B detected by the magnetic sensor 23B of the inner panel 202 (i.e., the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 23B) differs depending on the type of panel.

[0057] For example, the outer panel 102 is configured so that the distance between the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B and the opposing magnetic sensor 23B when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202 varies depending on the type of the outer panel 102. In other words, the shape of the curved surface may be adjusted for each type of panel so that the height of the inner surface of the outer panel 102 varies depending on the type. This allows a common magnetic body 13B to be used for any type of outer panel 102, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0058] In another example, the position of the magnetic body 13B may be shifted differently depending on the type of panel along the inner surface of the facing outer panel 102. This allows the distance between the magnetic body 13B and the magnetic sensor 23B to be different depending on the type of panel. That is, the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 23B can be made different depending on the type of panel.

[0059] Although an example of a configuration for mounting the outer panel 102 to the inner panel 202 using magnets has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this. Other configurations may be adopted as long as the outer panel 102 can be removably mounted to the inner panel 202 and the removal / attachment state can be detected.

[0060] Next, a functional configuration example of the power supply unit 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Each of the functional blocks described may be integrated or separated, and the functions described may be realized by different blocks. Also, what is described as hardware may be realized by software, or vice versa.

[0061] The control unit 120 controls the operation of the power supply unit 101. The control unit 120 includes one or more processors and a volatile memory, and the processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microcontroller. The control unit 120 controls the overall function of the inhaler 100 by loading a computer program (also called software or firmware) stored in the storage unit 121 into the memory and executing it. The storage unit 121 may be, for example, a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 121 stores one or more computer programs, data describing a control sequence (heating profile) for controlling the heating unit 130, and the like. The heating unit 130 is a functional unit that heats the stick 110, and is constituted by the heater H described above.

[0062] The control unit 120 can control communication (pairing and normal connection) with an external communication device. The control unit 120 can also control state transition of the inhaler 100, which will be described later, in response to a user operation on the action button B or the slider 105. The control unit 120 controls the supply of power from the battery 132 to the heating unit 130. In response to an aerosol generation request, the control unit 120 can start the supply of power from the battery 132, which is a power source, to the heating unit 130. For example, the control unit 120 adjusts the duty ratio of a control pulse to control the temperature of the heating unit 130 by pulse width modulation (PWM). Note that the control unit 120 may use pulse frequency modulation (PFM) instead of PWM.

[0063] The input detection unit 122 detects, for example, an operation input to the action button B. The input detection unit 122 detects, for example, a user operation through pressing the outer panel 102, and outputs an input signal indicating the user operation to the control unit 120. Note that the inhaler 100 may detect the pressing of the outer panel 102 itself, instead of detecting the pressing of the action button B.

[0064] The state detection unit 123 detects the open / closed state of the slider 105. The state detection unit 123 may be configured, for example, by a Hall sensor including a Hall element. The state detection unit 123 outputs a state detection signal indicating whether the slider 105 is open or closed to the control unit 120. Furthermore, the state detection unit 123 may also detect the attached / detached state of the outer panel 102. Therefore, the state detection unit 123 may include, for example, the magnetic sensor 23A or 23B described above. The state detection unit 123 may output a state detection signal indicating the attached / detached state of the outer panel 102 to the control unit 120.

[0065] The suction detection unit 124 (puff sensor) may detect the user's inhalation (puffing) of the stick 110. For example, the suction detection unit 124 may include a thermistor disposed near the opening 106. In this case, the suction detection unit 124 may detect suction based on a change in resistance value of the thermistor caused by a temperature change resulting from the user's inhalation. As another example, the suction detection unit 124 may include a pressure sensor disposed at the bottom of the holding unit 107. In this case, the suction detection unit 124 may detect suction based on a decrease in air pressure caused by an airflow caused by suction. The suction detection unit 124 outputs, for example, a suction detection signal indicating whether or not suction is being performed to the control unit 120.

[0066] The light emitting unit 125 includes one or more LEDs and a driver for driving the LEDs, and constitutes the display D. The light emitting unit 125 causes each of the LEDs to emit light in accordance with an instruction signal input from the control unit 120. The vibration unit 126 constitutes the vibration generating unit V described above. The vibration unit 126 may include a vibrator (e.g., an eccentric motor) and a driver for driving the vibrator. The vibration unit 126 vibrates the vibrator in accordance with an instruction signal input from the control unit 120. The control unit 120 may control at least one of the light emitting unit 125 and the vibration unit 126 in an arbitrary pattern, for example, to notify the user of some status of the inhaler 100 (e.g., the pairing status or removal of the outer panel 102). For example, the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 125 may be distinguished by elements such as the light emission state (always emitting / flashing / non-emitting) of each LED, the flashing cycle, and the light emission color. The vibration pattern of the vibration unit 126 can be distinguished by factors such as the vibration state (vibration / stop) of the vibrator and the strength of the vibration.

[0067] The communication I / F 127 includes, for example, a communication circuit and an antenna, and is a communication interface for the inhaler 100 to wirelessly communicate with an external communication device (for example, a smartphone, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, etc. owned by a user). The communication I / F 127 may be an interface conforming to any wireless communication protocol, for example, short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), close-proximity wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), or wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0068] The connection I / F 128 is a wired interface having a terminal for connecting the inhaler 100 to another external device. The connection I / F 128 may be a chargeable interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The connection I / F 128 may be used to charge the battery 132 from an external power source (charger) (via a power supply line not shown).

[0069] The battery 132 is a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) such as a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the battery 132 may be configured as an electric double layer capacitor such as a lithium ion capacitor. The fuel gauge 133 may include an IC chip for monitoring the remaining power and other statuses of the battery 132. The fuel gauge 133 may periodically measure status values ​​of the battery 132, such as the state of charge (SOC), the degree of deterioration (SOH), the relative state of charge (RSOC), and the power supply voltage, and output the measurement results to the control unit 120.

[0070] <About operation modes> An example of state transition of the power supply unit 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The control unit 120 has a plurality of operation modes. The plurality of operation modes may include, for example, a sleep mode 61, an active mode 62, an aerosol generation mode 63, a charging mode 64, an unlock setting mode 65, and a pairing mode 66.

[0071] The sleep mode 61 is a state in which the operation by the control unit 120 is temporarily stopped and the inhaler 100 is put on standby in a power-saving state with reduced power consumption. In the sleep mode, the inhaler 100 is in a state in which the main operation is suspended, and power is not supplied to the heater H. No display is performed by the display D. In other words, in the sleep mode 61, the power supply unit 101 is locked and the user cannot inhale the aerosol. In the sleep mode 61, the control unit 120 can receive a predetermined user input, and when the control unit 120 receives the corresponding user input, the control unit 120 can transition to another mode according to the user input. In the following description, the sleep mode may also be referred to as a standby state. In this embodiment, the sleep mode 61 may be entered by a method of "suspend" or "standby" in which the contents of the memory of the control unit 120 are maintained and the inhaler 100 is put on standby, or by a method of "hibernation" in which the contents of the memory of the control unit 120 are copied to the storage unit 121 and the inhaler 100 is put on standby. In the sleep mode 61, functions other than the function of detecting a user operation on the slider 105 or the action button B, and the function of monitoring the remaining battery level may be inactive.

[0072] In the sleep mode 61, for example, when an operation to open the slider 105 (operation to open the shutter) is performed, the control unit 120 can transition to the active mode 62. The active mode 62 can be a standby mode in which at least a display is performed on the display D and the control unit 120 waits for detection of an unlocking operation using the action button B. In the active mode 62, when an operation to close the slider 105 (operation to close the shutter) is performed or when a no-operation state with no user operation on the power supply unit 101 continues for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 120 can stop displaying on the display D and return to the sleep mode 61 in which the control unit 120 waits in a power-saving state.

[0073] In the active mode 62, when an unlocking operation is detected, the control unit 120 can transition to an aerosol generation mode 63 in which the locked state of the power supply unit 101 is released and aerosol is generated. The unlocking operation can be, for example, a single press of the action button B. However, as described later, the unlocking operation can be changed by settings. For example, the unlocking operation can be an operation of repeatedly pressing the action button B a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) within a predetermined time, an operation of pressing and holding the action button B for a specified time (for example, three seconds), or a combination of these. In the aerosol generation mode 63, heating is performed by the heating unit 130 (i.e., power is supplied to the heater H), and the user can inhale the aerosol. Alternatively, the setting of the unlocking operation can be disabled, and the aerosol generation mode 63 can be transitioned to in response to the detection of inhalation (puffing) by the user by the suction detection unit 124 (puff sensor). When the suction is completed or when the suction time reaches a specified upper limit time (MaxLoadingTime), the control unit 120 can return to the active mode 62.

[0074] When an external power source (charger) is connected to the connection I / F 128 in the sleep mode 61 or active mode 62 (or the aerosol generation mode 63), the control unit 120 transitions to the charging mode 64, and charges the battery 132. When the external power source is removed from the connection I / F 128, or when the battery 132 is fully charged, the control unit 120 transitions to the sleep mode 61.

[0075] In the charging mode 64, when a predetermined operation is performed on the action button B, for example, the control unit 120 can transition to the unlock setting mode 65. In the unlock setting mode 65, an unlock operation is set. For example, the unlock operation in the default state can be, for example, a single press of the action button B. In the unlock setting mode 65, the user can change this unlock operation to another operation. For example, the unlock operation can be set to any pattern, such as an operation of repeatedly pressing the action button B a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time, an operation of pressing the action button B for a long time for a specified time, or a combination of these. This makes it possible to improve the security performance of the power supply unit 101. When the setting is completed, the control unit 120 returns to the charging mode 64. In this embodiment, the transition to the unlock setting mode 65 is performed from the charging mode 64, but the configuration may be such that the transition to the unlock setting mode 65 can be made from an operation mode other than the charging mode 64.

[0076] When a predetermined pairing operation is performed in the sleep mode 61, the control unit 120 may transition to a pairing mode 66 for executing pairing with an external communication device. Pairing is a process for associating the power supply unit 101 with the external communication device, and may be performed, for example, in accordance with Bluetooth (registered trademark) between the power supply unit 101 and the external communication device. The pairing operation may be, for example, an operation of pressing the action button B with the slider 105 closed. In the pairing mode 66, when pairing with the external communication device is successful, the control unit 120 registers identification information of the paired device in a whitelist stored in the storage unit 121. When registration in the whitelist is successful or when pairing fails, the control unit 120 may transition from the pairing mode 66 to the sleep mode 61.

[0077] <Power supply unit operation in each operating mode> 7 to 12, an example of the operation of the power supply unit 101 will be described.

[0078] 7 shows a control flow in the sleep mode 61. In the sleep mode 61, the power supply unit 101 is in a standby state. In step S101, the control unit 120 determines whether an external power supply (charger) is connected to the connection I / F 128 and charging of the battery 132 is started. If charging is detected here, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S104, leaves the sleep mode 61, and transitions to the active mode 62.

[0079] In step S102, the control unit 120 determines whether the slider 105 is open or closed based on a state detection signal from the state detection unit 123. If the shutter open is detected here, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S103, where it leaves the sleep mode 61 and transitions to the active mode 62.

[0080] In step S105, the control unit 120 judges whether or not a pairing operation of pressing the action button B has been performed in the shutter closed state (NO in S102). If the pairing operation is not detected here, the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the pairing operation is detected here, the control unit 120 transitions to the pairing mode (step S107). However, in this embodiment, after confirming that the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101 based on the output signal of the state detection unit 123 in step S106, the process proceeds to step S107 and transitions to the pairing mode. If the outer panel 102 is removed from the power supply unit 101 in step S106, the transition to the pairing mode is not performed as a function restriction, and the process returns to step S101. The pairing operation at this time may be invalidated.

[0081] 8 shows a control flow in active mode 62. When entering active mode 62, control unit 120 acquires the remaining battery level in step S201. For example, control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the output voltage of battery 132. Alternatively, control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the number of puffs after charging is completed, which is acquired from suction detection unit 124. Alternatively, in the case where power supply unit 101 includes a management circuit that manages battery 132, control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the output from the management circuit.

[0082] In step S202, the control unit 120 determines whether the remaining battery level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is a threshold for determining whether operation in the active mode 62 is permitted with respect to the remaining battery level. More specifically, the predetermined threshold can be set as a lower limit of the remaining battery level that is determined in advance as a level at which it is impossible to generate aerosol corresponding to N puff operations (e.g., N=1). If the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, it is impossible to operate in the active mode 62. Therefore, in step S203, the control unit 120 notifies the display D and / or the vibration generating unit V, and then returns to the sleep mode 61 in step S204.

[0083] If the remaining battery power exceeds the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, the control unit 120 causes the display D to display the remaining battery power. Then, in step S206, the control unit 120 determines whether or not a condition for returning to the sleep mode 61 is met. The condition for returning to the sleep mode 61 may be, for example, that the slider 105 is operated to close the shutter, or that a period of no operation exceeds a predetermined time. If this condition is met, the control unit 120 transitions to the sleep mode 61 in step S204.

[0084] If the conditions for returning to the sleep mode 61 are not met in step S206, the control unit 120 determines in step S207 whether or not an unlocking operation has been performed. If an unlocking operation is detected here, the control unit 120 determines in step S208 whether or not the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101. If the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101, the control unit 120 transitions to the aerosol generation mode 63 in step S209.

[0085] On the other hand, if it is determined that the outer panel 102 is detached from the power supply unit 101, in step S210, the control unit 120 notifies the user through the display D and / or the vibration generating unit V, and the process returns to step S201. That is, even if an unlocking operation is detected in a state in which the outer panel 102 is detached, the mode does not transition to the aerosol generation mode 63 as a function restriction. The unlocking operation at this time may be invalidated. In this case, the mode may transition to the sleep mode 61 instead of returning to step S201.

[0086] The above is an overview of the operation in the active mode 62. According to the control flow in Fig. 8, if the outer panel 102 is removed, even if an unlocking operation is input, transition to the aerosol generation mode 63 is not possible. The unlocking operation at this time may be invalidated. However, even if removal of the outer panel 102 is detected in step S208, the active mode 62 is maintained, and the display of the remaining battery level in step S205 may continue.

[0087] 8, the transition to the charging mode 64 is omitted. As described above, even in the active mode 62, the connection of an external power source (charger) to the connection I / F 128 is monitored. When an external power source (charger) is connected to the connection I / F 128 in the active mode 62, charging of the battery 132 may also be performed.

[0088] 9 shows a control flow in the aerosol generation mode 63. When transitioning to the aerosol generation mode 63, the control unit 120 first checks in step S301 that the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101 (attached to the inner panel 202). If the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101, in step S302, the control unit 120 starts supplying power to the heater H by the heating unit 130. The power supply to the heater H can be controlled according to a predetermined control sequence (heating profile). After a pre-heating period in the heating profile, the inhalator 100 becomes inhalation-enabled.

[0089] In step S303, the control unit 120 determines whether or not an aerosol generation end condition is satisfied. The aerosol generation end condition may be, for example, that the number of puffs since the inhalation state has been attained reaches a predetermined number, that a predetermined time has elapsed since the mode transitioned to the aerosol generation mode 63, etc. If the aerosol generation end condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S304, and the control unit 120 stops supplying power to the heater H. Thereafter, in S305, the control unit 120 transitions to the active mode 62.

[0090] If it is determined in step S301 that the outer panel 102 is detached from the power supply unit 101, the control unit 120 notifies the display D and / or the vibration generating unit V in step S306, and prohibits the supply of power to the heater H as a functional restriction in step S307. Thereafter, in step S308, the control unit 120 may determine whether the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101. While the outer panel 102 is not attached to the power supply unit 101, the determination in step S308 may be repeated for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S310), the control unit 120 transitions to the active mode 62 in S311. If it is detected that the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101 within the predetermined time, the control unit 120 releases the prohibition of the supply of power to the heater H as a functional restriction in step S309. Thereafter, the process returns to step S301.

[0091] Although not shown in the drawings, in the aerosol generation mode 63, the remaining battery level can be obtained and displayed as needed, as in the active mode 62. Even when the outer panel 102 is detached, the display of the remaining battery level may be continued without being prohibited.

[0092] 10 shows a control flow in the pairing mode 66. When entering the pairing mode 66, the control unit 120 acquires the remaining battery level in step S401. For example, the control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the output voltage of the battery 132. Alternatively, the control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the number of puffs after charging is completed, which is acquired from the inhalation detection unit 124. Alternatively, in the case where the power supply unit 101 includes a management circuit that manages the battery 132, the control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the output from the management circuit.

[0093] In step S402, the control unit 120 determines whether the remaining battery level exceeds a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is a threshold for determining whether or not operation in the pairing mode 66 is permitted with respect to the remaining battery level. More specifically, the predetermined threshold can be set as a lower limit of the remaining battery level that is determined in advance so that there is no power shortage during the pairing process. If the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, operation in the pairing mode 66 is not possible. Therefore, in step S403, the control unit 120 notifies the user by the display D and / or the vibration generating unit V, and the process proceeds to step S413, where the control unit 120 returns to the sleep mode 61.

[0094] If the remaining battery level exceeds the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the control unit 120 causes the display D to display the remaining battery level. After that, in step S405, the control unit 120 determines whether the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101. If it is determined that the outer panel 102 is detached from the power supply unit 101, in step S406, the control unit 120 issues a notification using the display D and / or the vibration generating unit V, and proceeds to step S413, returning to the sleep mode 61. Thus, in this embodiment, when the detachment of the outer panel 102 is detected in the pairing mode 66, the control unit 120 prohibits the execution of pairing as a function restriction. In this case, the control unit 120 leaves the pairing mode 66 and transitions to the sleep mode 61. Also, when it is determined that the outer panel 102 is detached from the power supply unit 101 in the pairing mode 66, the pairing operation that has been performed up to that point may be canceled.

[0095] If it is determined in step S405 that the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101, in step S407 the control unit 120 executes pairing processing conforming to Bluetooth (registered trademark) with the external communication device. In step S408, the control unit 120 determines whether the pairing is successful or unsuccessful. For example, the control unit 120 may determine that the pairing has failed when a timeout occurs before the pairing is completed, when an error is notified from the external communication device, or when an operation to cancel the pairing is detected. Furthermore, when the control unit 120 detects that the outer panel 102 has been removed from the power supply unit 101 during the pairing processing, it may interrupt the pairing and determine that the pairing has failed.

[0096] If it is determined in step S408 that the pairing has been successful, in step S409, the control unit 120 notifies the success of the pairing by the display D and / or the vibration generating unit V. After that, in step S410, the control unit 120 determines whether or not a pairing cancellation condition is satisfied. The pairing cancellation condition may be, for example, that the slider 105 is operated to open the shutter, that the action button B is pressed, that a pairing cancellation request is received from an external communication device, or that a non-operation period exceeds a predetermined time. If the pairing cancellation condition is satisfied, in step S411, the control unit 120 performs a process of disconnecting the Bluetooth connection with the external communication device, and in step S413, transitions to the sleep mode 61.

[0097] If it is determined in step S408 that the pairing has failed, in step S412, the control unit 120 notifies the user that the pairing has failed by the display D and / or the vibration generating unit V. After that, in step S413, the control unit 120 transitions to the sleep mode 61.

[0098] 11 shows a control flow in the charging mode 64. When entering the charging mode 64, the control unit 120 acquires the remaining battery level in step S501. For example, the control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the output voltage of the battery 132. Alternatively, the control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the number of puffs after charging is completed, which is acquired from the suction detection unit 124. Alternatively, if the power supply unit 101 includes a management circuit that manages the battery 132, the control unit 120 can acquire the remaining battery level based on the output from the management circuit. Thereafter, in step S502, the control unit 120 causes the display D to display the remaining battery level.

[0099] In step S503, the control unit 120 determines whether or not an unlock setting operation has been performed. The unlock setting operation may be, for example, a combination of opening and closing the slider 105 and pressing the action button B a predetermined number of times in succession. If the unlock setting operation is not detected, the control unit 120 determines in step S504 whether or not charging has ended. For example, charging may be determined to have ended when the external power source (charger) is removed from the connection I / F 128 or when the battery 132 is fully charged. If it is determined here that charging has not ended, the process returns to step S501. If it is determined that charging has ended, the control unit 120 transitions to the sleep mode 61 in step S507.

[0100] If an unlock setting operation is detected in step S503, then in step S505, the control unit 120 determines whether the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101. If the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101, the control unit 120 transitions to the unlock setting mode 65 in step S506. If the outer panel 102 is not attached to the power supply unit 101, the control unit 120 does not transition to the unlock setting mode 65, and the process proceeds to step S504. That is, even if an unlock setting operation is detected in a state in which the outer panel 102 is detached, the control unit 120 does not transition to the unlock setting mode 65 as a function restriction. The unlock setting operation may be invalidated. If the outer panel 102 is not attached to the power supply unit 101, a notification to that effect may be given.

[0101] In this manner, in this embodiment, charging of the battery 132 continues even if removal of the outer panel 102 is detected in the charging mode 64. However, transition to the unlock setting mode 65 is not permitted when the outer panel 102 is removed. In other embodiments, charging processing may not be permitted when the outer panel 102 is removed.

[0102] 12 shows a control flow in the unlock setting mode 65. When entering the unlock setting mode 65, the control unit 120 accepts input of an unlock operation pattern in step S601. As described above, the unlock operation is an operation for transitioning from the active mode 62 to the aerosol generation mode 63. In step S601, for example, an unlock operation pattern input within a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) after transitioning to the unlock setting mode 65 is accepted.

[0103] In step S602, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101. If the outer panel 102 is attached to the power supply unit 101, in step S603, the control unit 120 stores the unlocking operation pattern received in step S601 in the storage unit 121. Thereafter, the control unit 120 returns to the charging mode 64 in step S605.

[0104] If it is determined in step S602 that the outer panel 102 is not attached to the power supply unit 101, the control unit 120 discards in step S604 the data of the unlocking operation pattern input in step S601. After that, the control unit 120 returns to the charging mode 64 in step S605. In this manner, in this embodiment, if removal of the outer panel 102 is detected in the unlocking setting mode 65, the control unit 120 prohibits the execution of the unlocking operation setting as a function restriction, and the unlocking operation pattern input up to that point is canceled.

[0105] Although not shown in the drawings, in the unlock setting mode 65, the remaining battery level can be obtained and displayed as needed, as in the active mode 62. The display of the remaining battery level may be continued without being prohibited even when the outer panel 102 is removed. In this way, in an operation mode other than the sleep mode 61, the control unit 120 can continue displaying the remaining battery level on the display D even when removal of the outer panel 102 is detected.

[0106] The operation of the power supply unit 101 in each operation mode has been described above. In the above embodiment, in any of the operation modes, when the outer panel 102 is removed, the operation of the action button B may be disabled. However, in each operation mode, when removal of the outer panel 102 is detected, only the function related to that operation mode is restricted, and the operation of other functions may continue. For example, in the active mode 62 (FIG. 8), the remaining battery level display is not stopped even if the outer panel 102 is removed. Also, in the charging mode 64 (FIG. 11), charging is not stopped even if the outer panel 102 is removed.

[0107] For functions that may be left to the user's selection, a tool for allowing the user to select may be provided. In this case, the control unit 120 may function as a setting unit that sets the contents of the function restrictions for a plurality of functions. For example, in the pairing mode 66, a setting screen as shown in FIG. 13 may be displayed on the display unit of the paired external communication device, and the user may select whether or not to prohibit the operation of each of the plurality of functions when the outer panel 102 is removed. In FIG. 13, the hatched areas indicate the results of the selection by the user. The selection results of each function are stored in the storage unit 121. The control unit 120 may execute control when the outer panel 102 is removed according to the selection information stored in the storage unit 121.

[0108] According to the embodiment described above, the control unit 120 is configured to restrict the functions controlled by the control unit 120 when removal of the outer panel 102 is detected. The control unit 120 has a plurality of operation modes, and the contents of the function restrictions differ depending on each operation mode. This can ensure user convenience. Among these, when the outer panel 102 is removed, heating by supplying power to the heater H is prohibited, so safety is also guaranteed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a power supply unit for an inhaler that is advantageous in achieving both safety and user convenience is provided.

[0109] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 100: suction device, 101: power supply unit, 102: outer panel, 103: display window, 105: slider, 110: stick, B: action button

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an inhaler, which supplies power from a power source to a heater for heating an aerosol source, A control unit that controls an operation of the power supply unit; a housing that houses the power source and the control unit; a panel removably attached to a surface of the housing; a detection unit that detects attachment or detachment of the panel from the housing; having the control unit is configured to, when the detection unit detects the removal of the panel, restrict function of a plurality of functions controlled by the control unit; the control unit has a plurality of operation modes, and the content of the functional restriction varies depending on each operation mode; the plurality of operation modes includes a charging mode in which the power source is charged using an external power source; The control unit, when the panel is detached, does not transition to the charging mode as the function restriction, and when the detection unit detects the removal of the panel in the charging mode, prohibits charging of the power source as the function restriction. A power supply unit characterized by:

2. The plurality of operating modes further includes an aerosol generation mode in which power is supplied to the heater to generate an aerosol; The control unit does not transition to the aerosol generation mode when the panel is removed, and when the detection unit detects the removal of the panel in the aerosol generation mode, the control unit prohibits the supply of power to the heater, as the function restriction.

2. The power supply unit according to claim 1 .

3. Further comprising an operation button disposed on the housing, the control unit disables operation of the operation button as the function restriction in a state in which the panel is detached in any of the plurality of operation modes.

3. The power supply unit according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a display unit, the plurality of operation modes further includes a standby mode in which the display unit displays a message and waits for detection of an unlocking operation using the operation button; When the control unit detects the unlocking operation in a state in which the panel is detached in the standby mode, the control unit does not transition to the aerosol generation mode as the function restriction.

4. The power supply unit according to claim 3.

5. 5. The power supply unit according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, after prohibiting the supply of power to the heater, releases the prohibition on the supply of power to the heater if the detection unit detects the installation of the panel within a predetermined time.

6. the plurality of operation modes further include a sleep mode in which, when a no-operation state in which no user operation is performed on the power supply unit continues for a predetermined time in the standby mode, the display unit stops displaying and waits in a power-saving state; and a pairing mode in which pairing can be performed to associate the power supply unit with an external communication device; When a pairing operation using the operation button is detected in a state in which the panel is detached in the sleep mode, the control unit does not transition to the pairing mode as the function restriction.

5. The power supply unit according to claim 4.

7. 7. The power supply unit according to claim 6, wherein when the detection unit detects removal of the panel in the pairing mode, the control unit prohibits execution of the pairing as the function restriction.

8. the plurality of operation modes further include an unlock setting mode in which setting of the unlock operation can be executed in response to an unlock setting operation using the operation button; when an unlock setting operation using the operation button is detected while the panel is detached, the control unit does not transition to the unlock setting mode as the function restriction.

8. The power supply unit according to claim 4, 6 or 7.

9. 9. The power supply unit according to claim 8, wherein when the detection unit detects removal of the panel in the unlock setting mode, the control unit prohibits execution of the setting of the unlock operation as the function restriction.

10. 10. The power supply unit according to claim 4, wherein in an operating mode other than a sleep mode in which the display unit stops displaying and waits in a power-saving state, the control unit continues displaying on the display unit even when the detection unit detects removal of the panel.

11. 11. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that sets contents of functional restrictions on the plurality of functions.

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