Suction device, method, and program

Abstract

To provide a suction device with improved usability, capable of improving a user's satisfaction and safety for the suction device.SOLUTION: A suction device 100B in which a panel 10 can be attached to / detached from a housing 20 of a body includes: a heating part for heating a suction component source for generating a suction component; a power source part for supplying electric power to the heating part; a sensor part for detecting attaching of the panel to the housing, and measuring data associated with the panel; a storage part for storing a plurality of operation profiles; and a control part for specifying the operation profile associated with the data measured by the sensor part, and operating the suction device according to the operation profile.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a suction device, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as one type of electronic device, an inhalation device that generates an inhalation component such as a flavored aerosol is known. In such an inhalation device, a flavored inhalation article is usually attached, and a user performs an inhalation action.

[0003] Among such suction devices, there are known ones that allow the user to customize the suction device according to the user's preferences. Specifically, there are some that allow the user to set the operation mode of the suction device in order to provide operability and experience that match the user's preferences. In addition, there are also some that allow the user to select a panel member of their choice to be attached and detached to the main body in order to give the suction device an appearance that matches the user's preferences. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-513750 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2019-084161 Brochure [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2016-194882 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Usually, in order for a user to be able to set the operation mode of the suction device, it is necessary to perform the setting through manual input operation such as button operation. More specifically, every time the user turns on the power of the suction device, the user needs to perform button input and / or command input according to the operation content. For example, the user can switch the light emission mode of an LED (light emitting diode) by pressing a predetermined number of buttons in a predetermined order. However, the user needs to understand the operation content corresponding to the desired setting in advance by referring to a manual or the like.

[0006] However, since the suction device heats the suction component source to generate the suction component, safety against heat generation by the suction device should be taken into consideration. For example, when the suction device is miniaturized to a size that can be held in one hand of a user, measures such as attaching a panel to the outside of the main body of the suction device to enhance insulation are required to prevent the user from being burned by heat leaking from the suction device.

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide a suction device that can improve usability and improve the satisfaction and safety of users with the suction device. More specifically, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a suction device that can be operated with settings that match the user's preferences through simple and intuitive operations without requiring the user to perform cumbersome manual input operations. It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide a suction device that takes into consideration safety against heat generation by attaching a panel to the main body of the suction device and can detect whether the panel is properly attached. It is also an object of the present disclosure to provide a suction device that can change settings depending on the panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, in a first aspect, there is provided a suction device. The suction device has a panel that is detachably attached to a housing of a main body, a heating unit that heats a suction component source to generate a suction component, a power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit, and a power supply that detects the attachment of the panel to the housing. The suction device includes a sensor unit that measures data associated with the panel, a memory unit that stores a plurality of operation profiles, and a control unit that identifies the operation profile associated with the data measured by the sensor unit and operates the suction device in accordance with the operation profile.

[0009] According to the suction device, by using a set of panels and a main body housing, when a user attaches a panel of his / her choice, the suction device can be automatically set accordingly, improving the suction experience of the user. In addition, various burdens associated with changing the settings of the suction device by the user can be reduced, improving the user's satisfaction with the suction device. Note that the suction experience here is, for example, an experience provided to the user by inhaling an aerosol, and includes stimulating at least one of the user's five senses.

[0010] A suction device according to a second aspect is the suction device according to the first aspect, wherein the panel is configured so that the data measured by the sensor unit differs depending on the type of the panel.

[0011] The suction device of a third aspect is the suction device of the first or second aspect, wherein the sensor unit includes a magnetic sensor, the panel includes a magnetic field application unit that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor, and the data measured by the sensor unit includes information based on the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor.

[0012] The suction device of a fourth aspect is the suction device of the third aspect, wherein the magnetic field application unit includes a magnet, and the panel is configured such that the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnet of the magnetic field application unit, which is detected by the magnetic sensor, differs depending on the type of panel.

[0013] A suction device of a fifth aspect is the suction device of the fourth aspect, wherein the panel is configured such that, in a state where the panel is attached to the housing, the distance between the magnet of the magnetic field application unit and the magnetic sensor varies depending on the type of the panel.

[0014] An attraction device of a sixth aspect is the attraction device of the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the panels are configured such that the type of magnet of the magnetic field application unit differs depending on the type of the panel.

[0015] The suction device of the seventh aspect is an suction device of any one of the third to sixth aspects, wherein the main body is provided with a magnet on the surface of a housing to which a panel is attached, the magnetic field application unit is provided with a magnetic body, the panel is configured such that when attached to the housing, the magnetic body of the magnetic field application unit is magnetized by the action of the magnet of the main body, and the panel is configured such that the magnitude of the magnetic force related to the magnetized magnetic body detected by a magnetic sensor differs depending on the type of panel.

[0016] The suction device of the eighth aspect is the suction device of the seventh aspect, wherein the magnetic body has a base and legs, and is positioned so that when the panel is attached to the housing, the base of the magnetic body is aligned with the magnet of the main body and the legs of the magnetic body are aligned with the magnetic sensor.

[0017] A ninth aspect of the suction device is the suction device of the eighth aspect, wherein the panel is configured such that, in a state where the panel is attached to the housing, the distance between the legs of the magnetic body and the magnetic sensor varies depending on the type of panel.

[0018] The suction device of the tenth aspect is a suction device of any of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a notification unit, and the control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to notify the operating mode of the suction device in accordance with the identified operation profile.

[0019] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the suction device of the tenth aspect, the notification unit includes one or more LEDs, and the control unit notifies the user that the suction component is being generated according to the specified operation profile. The device is configured to determine one or more of a light emission color, a light emission cycle, and a light emission pattern of the LED during at least one of the period during which the absorbed component is not generated and the period during which the absorbed component is not generated.

[0020] The suction device of a twelfth aspect is an suction device of any of the first to eleventh aspects, in which the operating profile includes a heating profile that defines the temperature transition of the heating section, and specifying the operating profile includes selecting the heating profile.

[0021] The suction device of a thirteenth aspect is a suction device of any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the control unit is configured not to start the suction device when the sensor unit does not detect attachment of the panel to the housing.

[0022] A suction device of a fourteenth aspect is the suction device of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the main body is provided with an operation button on the surface of the housing to which the panel is attached, and the control unit is configured to permit the supply of power from the power supply unit to the heating unit when data measured by the sensor unit is a value within a predetermined range and the operation button is pressed via the panel.

[0023] The suction device of the 15th aspect is the suction device of the 13th or 14th aspect, wherein the main body is provided with a communication unit, and the control unit is configured to enable or disable the operation of the communication unit depending on data measured by the sensor unit.

[0024] The suction device of the 16th aspect is an suction device of any of the 13th to 15th aspects, wherein the control unit is configured to stop the supply of power when data is no longer measured by the sensor unit while power is being supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit.

[0025] The suction device of a 17th aspect is an suction device of any of the 13th to 16th aspects, wherein the main body further comprises a holding section for holding a source of suction components and a shutter capable of opening and closing an opening provided in the holding section, the sensor section is further configured to detect that the opening has been opened, and the control section is configured to allow the supply of power from the power supply section to the heating section when the sensor section detects that the panel has been attached to the housing and that the opening has been opened by the shutter.

[0026] In an eighteenth aspect, there is provided a panel that is detachably attached to the suction device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects.

[0027] Furthermore, in a nineteenth aspect, there is provided a method for operating a suction device, the method including the steps of: making a panel detachable from a housing of a main body, detecting that the panel has been attached to the suction device, measuring data associated with the panel in response to the detection, identifying an operation profile associated with the measured data, and operating the suction device in accordance with the operation profile.

[0028] According to this method, by using a set of a panel and a main body housing, when a user attaches a panel of his / her choice, the suction device can be automatically set accordingly, improving the suction experience of the user. Also, various burdens associated with changing the settings of the suction device by the user can be reduced, improving the user's satisfaction with the suction device.

[0029] Additionally, in aspect 20, there is provided a program for causing an aspiration device to carry out the method according to aspect 19. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an example of a suction device according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of another example of a suction device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1C is an overall perspective view of the suction device of FIG. 1B. [Figure 3A] 1C is a schematic external view of an example of a panel included in the suction device of FIG. 1B. [Figure 3B] 1C is a schematic external view of an example of a main body housing included in the suction device of FIG. 1B. [Figure 4A] 1C is a schematic external view of another example of the panel included in the suction device of FIG. 1B. [Figure 4B]1C is a schematic external view of another example of a main body housing included in the suction device of FIG. 1B. FIG. [Figure 5A] 2 is a schematic flow diagram of the operation of a suction device according to one embodiment; [Figure 5B] 2 is a schematic flow diagram of the operation of a suction device according to one embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a graph showing temperature transitions based on an example heating profile. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, a suction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar elements are given identical or similar reference symbols, and duplicate descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. In addition, features shown in each embodiment may be applied to other embodiments as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic and do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensions, ratios, etc. The drawings may also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user, and includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette and a nebulizer. In particular, it may include various inhalation devices for generating aerosols or flavored aerosols to be inhaled by a user. In addition, the inhaled components generated may include gases such as invisible vapors in addition to aerosols.

[0033] <<1. Example of suction device configuration>> 1A and 1B, an inhalation device 100 (100A, 100B) according to one embodiment will be described. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device 100 is an aerosol, and the source of the heated inhalation component is an aerosol source, but the description is not limited thereto.

[0034] (1) First configuration example FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1A, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0035] Power supply unit 111A accumulates power. Power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of suction device 100A under the control of control unit 116A. Power supply unit 111A may be configured with, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0036] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0037] In one embodiment, the sensor unit 112A detects the attachment of a panel to the main body housing and measures data associated with the panel (described below). For example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor using a Hall element that detects magnetism using the Hall effect). The sensor unit 112A detects that a panel having a magnetic field application unit (e.g., a magnet and / or a magnetic material) that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor is in the vicinity of the sensor unit 112A, detects the magnetic force from the magnetic field application unit, and measures the magnitude of the magnetic force. In other words, the measured data includes information based on the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor.

[0038] Notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. Notification unit 113A is configured by, for example, a light emitting device (for example, an LED) that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0039] The storage unit 114A stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A is configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The storage unit 114A also stores programs such as firmware in addition to computer-executable instructions for operating the suction device 100A.

[0040] In one embodiment, the memory unit 114A stores a plurality of operation profiles. The operation profiles include a notification profile related to a control method of the notification unit 113A and a heating profile of the heating unit 121A. More specifically, the notification profile includes an emission color, an emission cycle, and an emission pattern of the LED during at least one of a period during which the inhaled component is generated and a period during which the inhaled component is not generated. Furthermore, the heating profile specifies a temperature transition of the heating unit 121A in order to heat the heating unit 121A.

[0041] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. In the case of wireless communication, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be adopted as such a communication standard. In addition, in the case of wired communication, for example, a data communication cable is connected through an external connection terminal such as a micro USB. This allows input / output of data related to the operation of the suction device 100A to / from an external device.

[0042] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

[0043] In one embodiment, the controller 116A identifies an operational profile associated with the data measured by the sensor unit 112A, and the controller 116A operates the aspiration device 100A according to the identified operational profile.

[0044] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate the aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicine.

[0045] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0046] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling, that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, the supply of power may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling, that a predetermined user input operation has been received, and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0047] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0048] The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet hole 181, which is an inlet for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet hole 182, which is an outlet for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet hole 182). The air that flows in from the air inlet hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A, and is transported to the air outlet hole 182 through the flavor source 131 as shown by the arrow 190A. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0049] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth of a user when inhaling. Air outlet hole 182 is arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0050] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0051] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0052] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate yet another type of aerosol.

[0053] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0054] (2) Second configuration example 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of an inhalation device. In the inhalation device 100B, for example, a stick-type substrate 150 having an aerosol source, which is a source of inhaled components, and a flavor-generating substrate such as a filling containing a flavor source is inserted. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. The inserted stick-type substrate 150 generates an aerosol containing a flavor by being heated from its outer periphery.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1B, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a retaining portion 140, and a heat insulating portion 144.

[0056] Each of power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0057] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-type substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-type substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-type substrate 150 inserted from the opening 142 into the internal space 141. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom part 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. Note that in this specification, the direction in which the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the substrate part 151 is defined as the longitudinal direction of the suction device 100B.

[0058] The holding unit 140 includes a shutter (not shown) that opens and closes the opening 142. More specifically, the shutter has a slide mechanism and is movable along the surface of the outer shell between a first position where the opening 142 is closed and a second position where the opening 142 is opened. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted into the substrate unit 151 through the opening 142 in a state where the opening 142 is opened, and is received in the internal space 141. Note that the opening and closing of the opening 142 can be detected by the sensor unit 112B by providing a sensor (not shown) near the first position and / or the second position. For example, a magnet is arranged in the shutter, and the opening and closing of the opening 142 is detected by a magnetic sensor.

[0059] The communication unit 113B may activate a communication function when the shutter opening 142 is opened, and start communication with an external terminal using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like. Also, the communication with the external terminal that is currently communicating may be terminated when the shutter opening 142 is closed. The Bluetooth (registered trademark) connection between the communication unit 113B and the external terminal is preferably a connection using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0060] The holding part 140 has a pressing part and a non-pressing part (neither shown) formed along the longitudinal direction on the inner wall of the internal space 141. When the internal space 141 receives the stick-shaped substrate 150, the pressing part presses the stick-shaped substrate 150 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The stick-shaped substrate 150 is then clamped by the holding part 140 while being pressed and deformed by the pressing part. As a result, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery by the heating part 121B while being pressed.

[0061] Meanwhile, a gap (not shown) is formed between the non-pressed portion and the stick-shaped substrate 150. As a result, the opening 142 and the bottom portion 143 communicate with each other through the gap.

[0062] The holding part 140 also has the function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet hole 191, which is an entrance of air to this flow path, is the opening 142. More precisely, the air inlet hole 191 is a gap between the non-pressure part and the stick-shaped substrate 150. Air that flows in from the air inlet hole 191 as the user inhales is transported along the dotted arrow through the stick-shaped substrate 150 to an air outlet hole 192, which is an exit for air from the flow path.

[0063] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held by the holder 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 is accommodated in the internal space 141. A part of the suction mouth part 152 protruding from the opening 142 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth part 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his / her mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 from the air inflow hole 191, and is transported along the dotted arrow to the air outflow hole 192 of the suction mouth part 152 via the bottom part 143, and reaches the user's oral cavity together with the aerosol generated from the base part 151.

[0064] The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in Fig. 1B, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0065] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0066] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0067] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0068] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0069] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0070] <<2. Example of external configuration of suction device>> The appearance of the suction device 100 according to one embodiment will be described. In the following, the suction device 100B according to the second configuration example shown in Fig. 1B will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the same applies to the suction device 100A in Fig. 1A.

[0071] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100B. The suction device 100B includes a panel 10, a main body housing 20 to which the panel 10 can be attached and detached, and a shutter 50. The panel 10 and the main body housing 20 are made of separate members. The panel 10 includes a display unit 18 made of a transparent material on its surface. The outer surface of the panel 10 may be made of different patterns and colors and different materials for each type of panel. For example, the panel a may have a camouflage design for the type of "men's panel a," and the panel b may have a pink design for the type of "women's panel b." Users may appropriately select a panel type that suits their taste. The main body housing 20 houses the main body 30 of the suction device 100B. The main body 30 houses each element of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B.

[0072] The panel 10 is attached to the main housing 20, thereby forming a suction device 100. The panel 10 constitutes the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 100B. By attaching a panel 10 with a design that matches the user's taste, the fashionability of the suction device 100B can be improved. Furthermore, by providing the panel 10, the suction device 100B can buffer heat released to the outside even when the main body 30 generates heat. In other words, the panel 10 functions to insulate the heat generated by the heating unit 121B. Furthermore, the panel 10 is formed so that the surface is approximately curved. Then, when attached to the main body housing 20, the panel 10 defines an internal space together with the surface of the main body housing 20.

[0073] The housing 40 is preferably sized to fit in the user's hand. The user holds the suction device 100B in one hand while touching the surface of the panel 10 with the fingertip. When the user presses the surface of the panel 10 with the fingertip, the panel 10 deforms to form a recess toward the main housing 20. As a result of such deformation of the panel 10, a protrusion on the panel 10 comes into contact with an operation button provided on the surface of the main housing 20, and the operation button is pressed down (described later).

[0074] In order for the user to deform the panel 10, for example, the user needs to simultaneously press the surface using multiple fingers. For example, a larger pressing force is required compared to a case where the user presses a single button protruding from the surface of the housing with a single finger. That is, the suction device 100B according to one embodiment is advantageous in that it can prevent unintended erroneous operations by the user, including the operation button being pressed accidentally in a bag. In addition, the pressing force of a child that is not appropriate for the user of the suction device 100B cannot easily press the surface of the panel 10, so it is also advantageous in terms of preventing tampering (child resistance).

[0075] 2, the shutter 50 is shown closing the opening 142. The user places a finger on the shutter 50 and slides it along the side surface, thereby opening the opening 142. As a result of the opening 142 being opened, the user can insert the stick-type base material 150. After inserting the stick-type base material 150, the user can press the surface of the panel 10 with their finger and press the operation button to power on the suction device 100B.

[0076] <<3. Examples of the exterior configuration of the panel and main body housing>> 3A to 4B, the external appearance of a pair of panels 10 and a main body housing 20 of a suction device 100 (100A, 100B) according to one embodiment will be described. Note that in the following description, the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B will be used as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the same applies to the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A.

[0077] (1) First Configuration Example of Panel and Body Housing 3A and 3B show a pair of a panel 10A and a main housing 20A according to a first configuration example of the suction device 100B. Fig. 3A is an external view of the inner surface of the panel 10A, and Fig. 3B is an external view of the outer surface of the main housing 20A. When the panel 10A is attached to the main housing 20A, the inner surface of the panel 10A and the outer surface of the main housing 20A face each other.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 3A, magnet 11A, protrusion 12A, magnet 13A, and magnet 14A are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of panel 10A. When panel 10A is attached to main housing 20A, magnet 11A and magnet 14A attract panel 10A to main housing 20A by their magnetic forces (magnetic attractive forces). This holds panel 10A to main housing 20A. Protrusion 12A presses operation button 22A provided on the surface of main housing 20A. Magnet 13A is configured as a magnetic field application unit for sensor unit 112B of main body 30. That is, the panel 10A is detected by detecting the magnetic force of the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13A by the magnetic sensor 23A of the main housing 20A.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3B, the magnet 21A, the display window 25A, the operation button 22A, and the magnet 24A are arranged on the outer surface of the main housing 20A along the longitudinal direction from the shutter 50 side. In addition, the magnetic sensor 23A is arranged on the inner surface of the main housing 20A (more precisely, on a substrate that is approximately zero distance from the inner surface) at a position between the operation button 22A and the magnet 24A along the longitudinal direction. The magnetic sensor 23A forms a magnetic force detection area (dotted line area) 26A on the outer surface of the main housing 20A. The magnet 21A, the operation button 22A, the magnetic sensor 23A, and the magnet 24A of the main housing 20A correspond to the magnet 11A, the protrusion 12A, the magnet 13A, and the magnet 14A of the panel 10A, respectively. That is, when the panel 10A is attached to the main housing 20A, they are aligned with each other and face each other.

[0080] The magnets 21A and 24A of the main housing 20A are attracted to the magnets 11A and 14A of the panel 10A, respectively, by their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). In other words, the magnets 11A and 21A, and the magnets 14A and 24A attract each other, thereby holding the panel 10A in a mountable state to the main housing 20A. The magnets 11A and 14A of the panel 10A, and the magnets 21A and 24A of the main housing 20A are preferably made of permanent magnets.

[0081] The operation button 22A is provided on the surface on which the panel 10A is attached. In other words, the operation button 22A is covered by the panel 10A when the panel 10A is attached to the main body housing 20A. The operation button 22A is pressed by a protrusion 12A of the panel 10A. This allows, for example, the suction device 100B to be switched on and off.

[0082] The magnetic sensor 23A detects a magnetic force based on a magnetic field applied from the magnet 13A in the panel 10A. For example, the magnetic sensor 23A may be a Hall sensor configured using a Hall element. This makes it possible to detect the attachment of the panel 10A to the main body housing 20A. The display window 25A is an opening aligned with one or more LEDs arranged in the main body 30, and allows light from the LEDs to pass through to the display unit 18 of the panel 10A. This allows the user to view the light from the outer surface of the panel 10A.

[0083] The LED is configured as the notification unit 113B and performs a predetermined notification according to the specified operation profile. For example, the LED notifies the user of operation information of the suction device 100B by a predetermined light emitting mode. Specifically, the LED emits light to notify the user of the state of whether the suction device 100B is powered on, the progress of preheating, the suction status (remaining time available for suction, etc.), and the current operation mode of the suction device 100B (for example, suction mode and / or communication mode, etc.).

[0084] The magnetic sensor 23A of the main housing 20A is disposed to face the magnet 13A of the panel 10A via the inner surface of the main housing 20A when the panel 10A is attached to the main housing 20A. In other words, when the panel 10A is attached to the main housing 20A, the distance between the magnetic sensor 23A of the main housing 20A and the magnet 13A of the panel 10A is minimized.

[0085] The magnetic sensor 23A of the main housing 20A is configured not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21A and 24A of the main housing 20A. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 23A is preferably disposed on the inner surface of the main housing 20A at a position spaced apart from the two magnets 21A and 24A on the outer surface of the main housing 20A. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of the magnetic fields from the two magnets, 21A and 24A, on the magnetic sensor 23A to substantially zero.

[0086] Furthermore, it is preferable to configure the distance between the magnetic sensor 23A and the magnet 24A (or magnet 21A) in the main housing 20A to be greater than the distance between the magnet 13A and the magnetic sensor 23A when the panel 10A is attached to the main housing 20A. This allows the magnetic sensor 23A to appropriately take into account only the effect of the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13A, without taking into account the effect of the magnetic field of the magnet 24A, when detecting the attachment of the panel 10A to the main housing 20A.

[0087] In one embodiment, the panel 10A is configured such that when the panel 10A is attached to the main housing 20A, data measured by the magnetic sensor 23A differs depending on the type of the panel 10A. More specifically, the panel 10A 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 main housing 20A, differs depending on the type of the panel.

[0088] For example, it is preferable to configure the panel 10A so that the distance between the magnet 13A of the magnetic field application unit and the opposing magnetic sensor 23A differs depending on the type of panel 10A when the panel 10A is attached to the main body housing 20A. In other words, it is preferable to adjust the shape of the curved surface for each type of panel so that the height of the inner surface of the panel 10A differs depending on the type. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the magnitude of the magnetic force generally differs 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 panel 10A, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0089] In another example, the magnet 13A may be arranged along the inner surface of the facing panel 10A so that the position of the magnet 13A is shifted differently depending on the type of panel. For example, the magnet 13A may be arranged shifted on the inner surface of the panel 10A so that the magnet 13A is in a different position between the panel types "panel a for men" and "panel b for women". This allows the distance between the magnet 13A and the magnetic sensor 23A to be different depending on the type of 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.

[0090] In yet another example, the panel 10A may be configured such that the type of magnet 13A of the magnetic field application unit differs depending on the type of panel. The magnet 13A may be a permanent magnet. More specifically, a ferrite magnet, an alnico magnet, a cobalt magnet, a neodymium magnet, or the like may be adopted depending on the type of panel. For example, if the type of panel is a "panel a for men," a ferrite magnet may be adopted as the magnet 13A, and if the type of panel is a "panel b for women," an alnico magnet may be adopted, so that the type of magnet 13A differs depending on the type of panel. This allows the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 23A to differ depending on the type of panel.

[0091] In addition, the type of magnet 13A according to the type of panel should be appropriately selected based on the specifications of the main body 30 of the suction device 100B and / or the panel 10A. For example, if the magnetic force of the magnet may adversely affect the behavior of the main body 30 of the suction device 100B, it is preferable to use a ferrite magnet with weak magnetic force. Also, if the panel 10A is made of a material that is prone to heating up, it is preferable to use an alnico magnet with high high-temperature stability. This allows the panel 10A to be provided with a magnet that has appropriate characteristics according to the specifications of the main body 30 of the suction device 100B, thereby improving the stability of the operation of the suction device 100B.

[0092] (2) Second Configuration Example of Panel and Body Housing 4A and 4B show a pair of a panel 10B and a main housing 20B according to a second configuration example of the suction device 100B. Fig. 4A is an external view of the inner surface of the panel 10B, and Fig. 4B is an external view of the outer surface of the main housing 20B. When the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B, the inner surface of the panel 10B and the outer surface of the main housing 20B face each other.

[0093] 4A, a magnetic body 13B, a protrusion 14B, and a magnet 15B are arranged along the longitudinal direction on the inner surface of the panel 10B. The magnetic body 13B includes a circular base 11B and a leg 12B extending linearly from the base 11B in the approximately longitudinal direction.

[0094] The magnetic body 13B is made of a material that becomes magnetized and applies a magnetic field when a magnetic field is applied from the outside. The magnetic body 13B is configured as a magnetic field applying unit for the sensor unit 112B of the main body 30. The magnetic body 13B is preferably made of a metal.

[0095] More specifically, the magnetic body 13B is preferably made of a ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material that is a non-permanent magnet. Here, ferromagnetic refers to a property in which, when an external magnetic field is applied, a material has a strong magnetism in the same direction as the magnetic field, and the strong magnetism remains even when the external magnetic field is removed to zero. Examples of ferromagnetic materials are iron, cobalt, and nickel. Also, paramagnetic refers to a property in which, when an external magnetic field is applied, a material has a weak magnetism in the same direction as the magnetic field, and the material loses magnetism when the external magnetic field is removed to zero. An example of paramagnetic material is aluminum.

[0096] The magnetic body 13B is configured as an acted part that changes state (i.e., is magnetized) in response to the action of an externally applied magnetic field. In addition, the magnetic body 13B is configured as a magnetic field applying part that applies a magnetic field to the main housing 20B.

[0097] Specifically, when the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B, the magnetic body 13B functions as an acted upon part that receives the action of the magnet 21B of the main housing 20B. As a result, the magnetic body 13B is magnetized, and this time, the magnetic body 13B functions as a magnetic field applying part to the magnet 21B and the magnetic sensor 22B of the main housing 20B.

[0098] More specifically, the panel 10B can be attracted to and held by the main housing 20B by the magnetic force based on the magnetic field generated and applied by the magnetic body 13B (particularly the base 11B). Also, the magnetic sensor 22B of the main housing 20B can detect the state of the leg 12B (i.e., the magnetic force based on the magnetic field from the leg 12B) in response to the magnetic field generated and applied by the magnetic body 13B (particularly the leg 12B). This allows the main housing 20B to detect the attachment of the panel 10B.

[0099] 4B, magnet 21B, display window 23B, operation button 24B, and magnet 25B are arranged on the outer surface of main housing 20B along the longitudinal direction from the shutter 50 side. Also, on the inner surface of main housing 20B (more precisely, on a substrate that is substantially zero distance from the inner surface), magnetic sensor 22B is arranged along the longitudinal direction at a position between magnet 21B and operation button 24B and aligned with display window 23B. Magnetic sensor 22B forms magnetic force detection area (dotted line area) 26B on the outer surface of main housing 20A.

[0100] The magnet 21B, magnetic sensor 22B, operation button 24B, and magnet 25B of the main housing 20B correspond to the base 11B of the magnetic body 13B, the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B, the protrusion 14B, and the magnet 15B of the panel 10B, respectively. In other words, when the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B, they are aligned and face each other.

[0101] Specifically, when the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B, the magnetic body 13B of the panel 10B is positioned to be aligned with both the magnet 21B and the magnetic sensor 22B of the main housing 20B. More specifically, the base 11B of the magnetic body 13B of the panel 10B is positioned to be aligned with the magnet 21B of the main housing 20B, and the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B of the panel 10B is positioned to be aligned with the magnetic sensor 22B of the main housing 20B. In particular, when the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B, the magnetic sensor 22B faces the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B via the inner surface of the main housing 20B, so that the distance between the magnetic sensor 22B and the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B is minimized.

[0102] The magnet 21B of the main housing 20B is configured as an acting part that generates a magnetic field. Then, the magnetic force based on the magnetic field acts to magnetize the magnetic body 13B in the panel 10B, 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, thereby holding the panel 10B so that it can be attached to the main housing 20B.

[0103] Also, the magnetic sensor 22B detects the magnetic force of the leg 12B of the magnetized magnetic body 13B in the panel 10B. For example, the magnetic sensor 22B 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 panel 10B to the main housing 20B.

[0104] The magnetic sensor 22B of the main housing 20B is preferably configured not to detect the magnetic fields generated by the two magnets 21B and 25B of the main housing 20B. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 22B is preferably disposed on the inner surface of the main housing 20B at a position spaced apart from the two magnets 21B and 25B on the outer surface of the main housing 20B. This allows the influence of the magnetic fields from the two magnets 21B and 25B on the magnetic sensor 22B to be substantially zero.

[0105] In one embodiment, the distance between the magnetic sensor 22B and the magnet 21B (or the magnet 25B) of the main housing 20B may be greater than the distance between the magnetic body 13B and the magnetic sensor 22B when the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B. More specifically, the distance between the magnetic sensor 22B and the magnet 21B of the main housing 20B may be greater than the distance between the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B of the panel 10B and the magnetic sensor 22B of the main housing 20B. This allows the magnetic sensor 22B to appropriately consider only the magnetic field applied from the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B when detecting the attachment of the panel 10B to the main housing 20B, without considering the influence of the magnetic fields of the two magnets 21B and the magnet 25B.

[0106] The configurations of the projection 14B and magnet 15B of panel 10B, and the display window 23B, operation button 24B, and magnet 25B of main housing 20B are similar to those of the projection 12A and magnet 14A of panel 10A, and the display window 25A, operation button 22A, and magnet 24A of main housing 20A. In particular, the magnet 15B of panel 10B and the magnet 25B of main housing 20B mutually attract each other by magnetic attraction, thereby enabling the panel 10B to be attached to the main housing 20B.

[0107] In one embodiment, the panel 10B is configured such that, when the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B, data measured by the magnetic sensor 22B differs depending on the type of the panel 10B. More specifically, the panel 10B is configured to measure data related to the magnetized magnetic body 13B detected by the magnetic sensor 22B of the main housing 20B (i.e., data related to the magnetized magnetic body 13B detected by the magnetic sensor 22B). The magnitude of the force applied varies depending on the type of panel.

[0108] For example, if the type of panel is a "men's panel a," iron, which is a ferromagnetic material, is used as the magnetic material 13B, and if the type of panel is a "women's panel b," aluminum, which is a paramagnetic material, is used, so that the type of magnetic material 13B is different depending on the type of panel. In this way, by configuring the type of metal used for the magnetic material 13B to be different depending on the type of panel, the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 22B can be made different depending on the type of panel.

[0109] In addition, it is preferable to configure the panel 10B so that the distance between the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B and the opposing magnetic sensor 22B differs depending on the type of panel 10B when the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B. In other words, it is preferable to adjust the shape of the curved surface for each type of panel so that the height of the inner surface of the panel 10B differs depending on the type. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the magnitude of the magnetic force generally differs depending on the distance from the magnet (specifically, it is inversely proportional to the square of the distance). This allows a common magnetic body 13B to be used for any type of panel 10B, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

[0110] In another example, the magnetic body 13B may be arranged along the inner surface of the facing panel 10B so that the position of the magnetic body 13B is shifted differently depending on the type of the panel. For example, the magnetic body 13B may be arranged on the inner surface of the panel 10A so that the magnetic body 13B is in a different position between the panel types "panel a for men" and "panel b for women". In particular, the magnetic body 13B may be arranged so that the leg portion 12B is in a different position. This allows the distance between the magnetic body 13B and the magnetic sensor 22B to be different depending on the type of panel. That is, the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 22B can be different depending on the type of panel.

[0111] <<4. Example of suction device operation>> An example of the general operation of the suction device 100 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5A and 5B. Figure 5A is a schematic flow diagram relating to the operation of the suction device 100, in particular, the operation of determining whether or not the panel 10 is attached to the main body housing 20. Figure 5B is a schematic flow diagram relating to the overall operation of the suction device 100.

[0112] In the following, the operation performed by the control unit 116B with respect to the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B is shown, but the operation of the suction device 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the same can be applied to the suction device 100A shown in FIG. 1A. In addition, an example in which the panel 10B and the main body housing 20B shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are used as the suction device 100B is shown, but the operation of the suction device 100 is not limited thereto. For example, the same can be applied to the panel 10A and the main body housing 10A of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. Furthermore, each step shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B is merely an example, and any other steps may be included, and the operation order of each step is not limited thereto, unless otherwise noted.

[0113] First, in relation to the user attaching the panel 10B to the main housing 20B, the control unit 116B determines whether the sensor unit 112B detects the attachment (S10). As described above, when the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B, the magnet 21B of the main housing 20B acts on the magnetic body 13B provided on the panel 10B, and a magnetic field is applied to the main housing 20B.

[0114] Specifically, the control unit 116B causes the magnetic sensor 22B provided in the main body housing 20B to detect a magnetic force based on the applied magnetic field (S12). When the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B, a magnetic force based on the magnetic field applied to the main housing 20B is detected (Yes). On the other hand, when the panel 10B is not attached, such a magnetic field is not detected (No). In other words, when a magnetic force is detected, the control unit 116B determines that the panel 10B is attached to the main housing 20B (S14).

[0115] When the sensor unit 112B detects that the panel 10B is attached (S10: Yes), the suction device 100B transitions to a state in which the user can turn on the power. Specifically, the suction device 100B transitions to a state in which the suction device 100B can accept a pressing operation of the operation button (24B). That is, as a result of S10, the suction device 100B becomes in a state in which power can be supplied from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B, and the suction device 100B can become in a state in which a heating operation by the heating unit 121B can be performed.

[0116] In addition, in a state where the heating operation by the heating unit 121B is possible, when the control unit 116B receives a request for power supply, it can permit the supply of power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B. Such requests include, for example, a request by the user pressing the operation button 24B, a request in response to the opening 142 being opened as a result of the user operating the shutter 50, and a request from an external device via the communication unit 115B.

[0117] Next, the control unit 116B causes the sensor unit 112B to measure data associated with the panel 10B attached to the main body housing 20B (S20). Specifically, the magnitude of the magnetic force detected in S10 may be measured.

[0118] On the other hand, if the attachment of the panel 10B is not detected in S10 (S10: No), the control unit 116B should not proceed to the next step and should not start the suction device 100B. In other words, the suction device 100B should be maintained in a state in which the user cannot turn on the power. This is because pressing the operation button 24B when the panel 10B is not attached to the main body housing 20B is not a normal operation and is highly likely to be an erroneous operation. Since such an operation is expected to be inappropriate in terms of safety, pressing the operation button 24B should not be permitted. This makes it possible to prohibit the supply of power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B.

[0119] Using the data measured in S20, it is preferable to determine whether the attachment of the panel 10B to the main housing 20B is proper (not shown). For example, if the magnitude of the magnetic force detected in S10 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold or is within a predetermined range, it is preferable to determine that the attachment is proper. On the other hand, if the magnitude of the magnetic force is less than a predetermined threshold or is not within the predetermined range, it is preferable to determine that the attachment is improper. Then, if the attachment of the panel 10B to the main housing 20B is improper, it is also preferable to prohibit the supply of power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B from the perspective of safety. In this way, the safety of the suction device 100B can be improved.

[0120] Next, the control unit 116B identifies an operation profile associated with the data measured in S20 (S30). A plurality of operation profiles are pre-stored in the storage unit 114B, and each operation profile is pre-associated with the magnitude of the magnetic force to be detected. For example, if a magnetic force in the range of values ​​from 3.5 kG to 3.7 kG is detected in S20, a first operation profile is identified, and so on. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the magnetic force is configured to differ depending on the type of panel 10B. The identified operation profile also includes a heating profile of the heating unit 121B (described later).

[0121] Thereafter, the control unit 116B detects whether the opening 142 is opened by the shutter 50 using a sensor. When the shutter 50 opens the opening 142, the user can insert the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the substrate portion 151 through the opening 142 and have the substrate 150 held by the holding portion 140.

[0122] After the stick-shaped substrate 150 is inserted, the user presses the operation buttons (22A and 24B) through the panel 10B by pressing the panel 10B with a finger, and in response, the control unit 116B causes the sensor unit 112B to detect the pressing of the operation button 24B (S50). This starts up the suction device 100B and transitions to a power-on state in which the power is turned on. As described above, if the panel 10B is not attached to the main body housing 20B, even if the operation button 24B is pressed, such an operation is not accepted from the viewpoint of preventing erroneous operation. In other words, the operation of supplying power from the power source unit 111B to the heating unit 121B remains prohibited and is not permitted.

[0123] In response to the inhalation device 100B transitioning to the power-on state, the control unit 116B causes the power supply unit 111B to start supplying power to the heating unit 121B (S60). S60 may be executed using the user's pressing of the operation button 24B in step S50 as a trigger. Alternatively, S60 may be executed using the sensor unit 112B detecting the user's first inhalation operation (puffing operation).

[0124] Subsequently, the control unit 116B operates the suction device 100B based on the operation profile already specified in S30 (S70). In one embodiment, the operation of the suction device 100B is controlled based on a specific heating profile, which will be described next.

[0125] 6 is a graph showing temperature transition of the heating unit 121B of the suction device 100B based on a plurality of heating profiles stored in the memory unit 114B. On the graph, the vertical axis indicates temperature (Celsius degrees Celsius) and the horizontal axis indicates time (seconds). Here, two examples of heating profiles #1 and #2 are shown on the graph, and one of the heating profiles is selected based on data measured for the panel 10B. Heating profiles #1 and #2 are merely examples and are not limited to these.

[0126] Both heating profiles #1 and #2 are defined as having a temperature rise stage, a high-temperature heating stage, a temperature drop stage, and a low-temperature heating stage. Heating profile #1 is defined so that the temperature of the heating section 121B is higher overall than heating profile #2 in all stages. In particular, the temperature (maximum temperature) in the high-temperature heating stage is high, and the operation of the inhalation device 100B provides a satisfying inhalation experience for the user. On the other hand, heating profile #2 is defined to have a lower temperature than heating profile #1, and in particular, the temperature (minimum temperature) in the low-temperature heating stage is low, but the duration is longer than heating profile #1, and the user can inhale for a long time with a lighter inhalation experience.

[0127] In one embodiment, the heating profile is configured to be different depending on the type of the attached panel 10B. For example, it is preferable to associate the type of panel with the heating profile so that if the type of panel is "panel a for men", the heating profile #1 is used, and if the type of panel is "panel b for women", the heating profile #2 is used.

[0128] That is, in one embodiment, when the user operates the suction device 100B, the heating profile according to the type of panel is automatically set simply by attaching the panel 10B. In other words, the user does not need to know in advance the predetermined setting operations for setting the operation of the suction device 100B and perform the setting operations each time the power is turned on. This improves the usability of the suction device 100B and makes it easier for the user to use the suction device 100B. This can improve the satisfaction of using the product.

[0129] In addition, it is generally assumed that the settings preferred by a user who uses an inhalation device are almost uniquely determined. This is because it is considered that the user's smoking taste preferences do not change much over the period in which the user owns the inhalation device. That is, according to the configuration of the inhalation device 100 according to one embodiment, as long as the panel 10B having settings according to the user's preferences is attached to the main body housing 20B, the settings can be maintained as defaults for the inhalation device 100B during that period. This can reduce the user's various burdens associated with the setting operation of the inhalation device 100B, and can improve the user's satisfaction with the inhalation device 100B. It is preferable that the settings of the inhalation device 100B associated with the attached panel 10B can be further changed through a predetermined input operation by the user thereafter.

[0130] <<5. Change Examples>> (1) Example 1 of changes to the configuration of the suction device In the above description of the suction device, magnetic sensors (23A and 22B) are provided in the main housing 20 to detect a magnetic field from a magnetic field application unit (magnet 13A and magnetic body 13B) provided in the panel 10. In this modified example, the magnetic sensors are not limited to such magnetic sensors, and for example, a reflective photosensor having a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element may be used. Specifically, a reflective photosensor may be provided in the main housing 20B, and light from the light emitting element may be reflected by a reflector provided in the panel 10, and the reflected light may be detected by the light receiving element.

[0131] (2) Example 2 of changes to the operation of the suction device In the above description of the operation of the suction device, if the attachment of the panel 10B is not detected in S10 (No), the control unit 116B does not proceed to the next step and does not start the suction device 100B. In other words, the suction device 100B is maintained in a state in which the user cannot turn on the power.

[0132] In this modification, in addition to or instead of this, the operation mode of the suction device 100B may not be changed. The operation modes of the suction device 100B include an error mode when an operation abnormality occurs, a sleep mode to which the device is automatically switched when no operation is performed for a certain period of time, and a normal operation mode in which normal operations such as starting heating (S60) and wireless communication can be performed. In other words, if attachment of the panel 10B is not detected in S10, the change between these operation modes is prohibited.

[0133] The suction device 100B is configured in this manner mainly from the viewpoint of safety. The suction device 100B must prevent the heat generated by the heating unit 121B from leaking out of the suction device 100B. Even in the suction device 100B according to one embodiment, maximum consideration must be given to safety, at least to prevent heat from leaking out of the panel 10B and causing burns to the user.

[0134] (3) Example 3-1 of changes to the operation of the suction device Also in relation to the above-mentioned modified example 1 regarding the operation of the suction device 100B, in the above description regarding the operation of the suction device 100B, it is assumed that the panel 10B is detected in S10, and in response to the suction device 100B transitioning to a power-on state in S60, the control unit 116B causes the power supply unit 111B to start supplying power to the heating unit 121B in S70. In other words, unless the panel 10B is detected, the suction device 100B does not transition to a power-on state, and the supply of power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B is not permitted (i.e., is prohibited).

[0135] In this modification, the condition for the power supply unit 111B to supply power to the heating unit 121B is not limited to this. Specifically, the control unit 116B may be configured to permit the supply of power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B when the value of the data measured by the sensor unit 112B is within a predetermined range and the operation buttons (22A and 24B) are pressed by pressing the panel 10B. For example, when the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensors (23A and 22B) is within a range of 3.5 kG to 5.0 kG, and the operation buttons (22A and 24B) are pressed through the panel 10B, it is preferable to permit the supply of power. On the other hand, when the magnitude of the detected magnetic force is not within the range of the value of 3.5 kG to 5.0 kG, the supply of power is still not permitted.

[0136] This makes it possible to prevent the use of panels that have been copied by a third party. Also, it is possible to appropriately restrict the use of panels equipped with deteriorated magnets, thereby improving the safety of the suction device. Furthermore, even if an object having magnetic force happens to be located near the main body housing in a user's bag or the like, by predefining a predetermined range, it is possible to prevent the suction device from malfunctioning, which is also advantageous in terms of power saving.

[0137] (4) Example 3-2 of changes to the operation of the suction device Alternatively, the control unit 116B may be configured to permit the supply of power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B when the sensor unit 112B detects both the attachment of the panel 10B to the main housing 20B in S20 and the opening of the opening 142 by the shutter 50 in S40. This can improve the safety of the suction device.

[0138] (5) Example 4 of changes to the operation of the suction device In the above description of the operation of the suction device 100B, an operation profile (particularly, a heating profile of the suction device 100B) is specified in S30 based on data measured by the sensor unit 112B in S20. In this modification, in addition to this, the control unit 116B may control the operation of the communication unit 115B so as to enable or disable the operation of the communication unit 115B according to data measured by the sensor unit 112B in S20.

[0139] The suction device 100B is capable of updating various setting information and / or firmware of the suction device 100B stored in the storage unit 114B through wireless communication with an external device by the communication unit 115B. In addition, the suction device 100B can transmit and receive user information and / or user suction information to and from the external device. In particular, the suction device 100B is preferably capable of rewriting information on, for example, the control mode (emission, sound, vibration, etc.) of the notification unit 113B and part of the heating profile during suction (temperature range permitted during heating, heating time, number of suctions, etc.) based on a command from an external device connected via the communication unit 115B.

[0140] The wireless communication operation of the communication unit 115B is preferably configured to be enabled or disabled by operating a button on the suction device 100B. For example, if the wireless communication operation is enabled by a user's mistake, there is a risk of unnecessary power consumption. In view of this, the control unit 116B is preferably configured to, for example, execute a heating operation with the corresponding heating profile #1 when the type of the attached panel is a "panel a for men," while invalidating the wireless communication operation of the communication unit 115B. On the other hand, if the type of the panel is a "panel b for women," in addition to executing a heating operation with the corresponding heating profile #2, it is preferably configured to enable the wireless communication operation of the communication unit 115B. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary power consumption due to a user's mistake in operating a button, etc.

[0141] (6) Example 5 of changes to the operation of the suction device In the above description of the operation of the suction device 100B, the operation profile is specified in S30. The operation profile is set, and the suction device 100B is operated based on the operation profile in S70. The operation profile here is related to the heating profile of the heating unit 121B. In this modification, in addition to this, or instead of this, the operation profile may be a light emission profile of the notification unit 113B including one or more LEDs.

[0142] Specifically, in S30, the control unit 116B may specify an emission profile associated with one or more of the LED emission color, emission cycle, and emission pattern (e.g., alternately emitting red and blue) as the operation profile. Then, in S70, the control unit 116B may be configured to operate the suction device 100B based on the specified emission profile for at least one of a period in which the suction component is generated by the suction device 100B and a period in which the suction component is not generated. This can reduce various burdens on the user associated with the setting operation of the suction device 100B, and can improve the user's satisfaction with the suction device 100B.

[0143] (7) Example 6-1 of changes to the operation of the suction device In the above description of the operation of suction device 100B, control unit 116B causes power supply unit 111B to start supplying power to heating unit 121B in S60, and then operates suction device 100B based on the operation profile in S70.

[0144] In addition, in this modification, the control unit 116B may be configured to stop the power supply operation when data is no longer measured by the sensor unit 112B during the supply of power from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B in S70. Specifically, the case where data is no longer measured by the sensor unit 112B is assumed to be a case where the panel 10B is removed from the main body housing 20B during heating. That is, from the viewpoint of safety, the power supply should be forcibly stopped. Also, when data is being communicated with an external device through the communication unit 115A, the control unit 116B may forcibly disable the communication function of the communication unit 115B. This can further improve the safety of the suction device 100B.

[0145] (8) Example 6-2 of changes to the operation of the suction device In addition, the control unit 116B may be configured to stop the power supply operation even if the sensor unit 112B detects that the opening 142 is blocked by the shutter 50 while power is being supplied from the power supply unit 111B to the heating unit 121B in S70. This is because it is generally difficult to imagine that the shutter 50 would be operated while power is being supplied. This can further improve the safety of the suction device 100B.

[0146] <Other embodiments> In the above description, a suction device and method according to some embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the present disclosure may also be embodied as a program, or a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon, that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform a method of operating a suction device.

[0147] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above together with their modifications and application modes, it should be understood that these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that modifications, additions, improvements, etc. of the embodiments can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 10, 10A, 10B... panel, 11A, 13A, 14A, 15B, 21A, 21B, 24A, 25B... magnet, 11B... base, 12B... legs, 12A, 14B... protrusions, 13B... magnetic body, 18... display unit, 20, 20A, 20B... main body housing, 22A, 24B... operation buttons, 22B, 23A... magnetic sensor, 25A, 23B... display window, 26A, 26B... magnetic force detection area, 30... main body, 40... housing, 50... shutter, 100 (100A, 100B)... suction device, 110... power supply unit, 111A, 111B... power supply unit, 12A, 112B...sensor section, 113A, 113B...notification section, 114A, 114B...storage section, 115A, 115B...communication section, 116A, 116B...control section, 120...cartridge, 121A, 121B...heating section, 122...liquid guide section, 123...liquid storage section, 124...mouthpiece, 130...flavoring cartridge, 131...flavor source, 140...holding section, 141...internal space, 142...opening, 143...bottom, 144...insulating section, 150...stick-shaped substrate, 151...substrate section, 152...suction mouth section, 180...air flow path, 181, 191...air inlet hole, 182, 192...air outlet hole

Claims

1. 1. A suction device comprising: a heating section for heating the suction component source according to a heating profile to generate the suction component; A power supply unit that supplies power to the heating unit; a first sensor unit that detects an operation of the suction device by a user and a second sensor unit that is different from the first sensor unit; A storage unit for storing the heating profile and a plurality of notification profiles; A control unit that operates the suction device; A notification unit; The control unit includes: When the first sensor unit detects an operation by the user, the first sensor unit starts heating by the heating unit; the second sensor unit detects an operation by the user while power is being supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit and controls an operation of the suction device; When the second sensor unit detects an operation by the user, Obtain relevant information, identifying one notification profile from the plurality of notification profiles based on the information, and causing the notification unit to notify operation information of the suction device, including a remaining time during which the user can suction, in accordance with the identified one notification profile; The suction device is configured as follows.

2. The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification by the notification unit includes vibrating the suction device using a vibration device.

3. The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the information relating to the control mode of the notification unit is rewritable based on a command from an external device.

4. An suction device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first sensor unit detects the user pressing an operation button.

5. The suction device comprises a housing and a panel that is detachable from the housing; The suction device according to claim 1 , wherein the second sensor unit detects attachment / detachment of the panel to the housing.

6. An suction device as described in claim 5, wherein when the second sensor unit detects that the panel has been removed from the housing while power is being supplied from the power supply unit to the heating unit, the supply of power to the heating unit is stopped.

7. The second sensor unit includes a magnetic sensor, the panel includes a magnetic field application unit that applies a magnetic field to the magnetic sensor, The suction device according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit identifies one of the notification profiles based on a magnitude of a magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor.

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