JP7592852B2 - Power supply unit for suction machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aspirator.

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 the 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.

Special Publication No. 2021-500032

It is common practice to restrict functionality from the perspective of equipment safety when certain parts, such as exterior components, are removed.

However, if functional restrictions are not controlled according to the content of the device's functions, it may reduce user convenience.

Therefore, the present invention provides, for example, a power supply unit for an inhaler that is advantageous in achieving both safety and user convenience.

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 houses the power supply and the control unit; a panel that is removably attached to a 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 a plurality of functions controlled by the control unit when the detection unit detects the removal of the panel, the control unit having a plurality of operating modes, and the content of the functional restrictions differing depending on each operating mode.

According to one embodiment, the device further includes an operation button disposed 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 plurality of operating modes.

According to one embodiment, the device further includes a display unit, and the multiple operation 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 panel is removed and an unlocking operation is detected in the standby mode, the control unit does not transition to the aerosol generation mode as a function restriction.

According to one embodiment, 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.

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 on the supply of power to the heater.

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 no user operation on the power supply unit continues 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 while the panel is detached in the sleep mode, the control unit does not transition to the pairing mode as a function restriction.

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.

According to one embodiment, the plurality of operation modes further includes an unlock setting mode capable of executing the setting of the unlock operation 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 the function restriction.

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

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.

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.

According to one embodiment, the device further includes a setting unit for setting the content of functional restrictions for the plurality of functions.

According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to provide a power supply unit for an inhaler that is advantageous in achieving both safety and user convenience.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for mounting an outer panel. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for mounting an outer panel. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for mounting an outer panel. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for mounting an outer panel. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a power supply unit. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of state transition of a power supply unit. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a power supply unit in a sleep mode. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a power supply unit in an active mode. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply unit in an aerosol generation mode. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply unit in a pairing mode. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply unit in a charging mode. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the power supply unit in an unlock setting mode. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen on which the operation of each function when the outer panel is removed can be selected. FIG.

The embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the attached 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 necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined in any desired manner. In addition, the same reference numbers are used for identical or similar configurations, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

<Configuration of the aspirator>
1A-B show 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.

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.

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 Figures 1A-B, 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.

The outer panel 102 is a flexible panel member that covers at least a portion 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, multiple outer panels with different colors and patterns are provided, and the user can replace the outer panel 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 impacts, pressure, etc., when dropped.

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 (up and down 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 section) (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 level in the form of a bar graph.

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

The outer panel 102 may be made rigid enough 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 can prevent, for example, the action button B from being pressed accidentally while in a bag, or from being operated unintentionally by the user. It is also advantageous in terms of preventing tampering by children (child resistance).

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

When a user inhales an aerosol using the inhaler 100, the user operates the slider 105 to open the shutter. The user then inserts the stick 110 into the opening 106. The inserted stick 110 is held by a tubular holding portion 107 that communicates with the opening 106. The cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holding portion 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 portion 107 is pressed from the inner surface of the holding portion 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 his/her mouth. When the user has finished inhaling the aerosol, he/she pulls the stick 110 out of the holding portion 107 and closes the slider 105 (shutter close).

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 portion 107 that communicates with the opening 106 and holds the stick 110. The power supply unit 101 may also include a heater H, an electrical component E, and a user interface 116. The user interface 116 may be understood to be included in the electrical component E. The heater H constitutes a heating portion that heats the stick 110. The heater H may include, for example, a resistive heat generating component that heats the aerosol source in the stick 110 to generate aerosol. As the resistive heat generating material of the resistive heat generating component, 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 to cover the periphery of the holding portion 107, and generates heat by the power supplied from the electrical component E. The heat of the heater H is transmitted to the stick 110 via the holding portion 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.

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 flavored aerosol is transported to the mouthpiece and inhaled into the user's mouth.

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.

Referring to Figures 3A-B and 4A-B, an example configuration for attaching the outer panel 102 to the power supply unit 101 is described.

Figure 3A is a diagram showing the inner surface of the outer panel 102. Figure 3B is a diagram showing the 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, described below), and an inner panel 202. In Figure 3B, the inner panel 202 is arranged around the action button B so that the action button B is exposed, and is arranged 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.

3A, on the inner surface of the outer panel 102, a magnet 11 is arranged above the display window 103, a protrusion 12 is arranged below the display window 103, and magnets 13A and 14 are arranged further below that. 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 in a position that faces the action button B and allows the action button B to 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.

3B, a display window 25 is formed above the action button B on the outer surface of the inner panel 202, a magnet 21A is arranged above the display window 25, and a magnet 24 is arranged below the action button B. A magnetic sensor 23A is also arranged on the inner surface of the inner panel 202 (more precisely, on a substrate that is approximately zero distance from the inner surface) at a position between the action button B and the magnet 24. A magnetic force detection area 26A indicated by a dashed 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. In other words, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, they are aligned with each other and face each other.

The magnets 21A and 24 of the inner panel 202 can be attracted to the magnets 11 and 14 of the outer panel 102, respectively, by their magnetic force (magnetic attraction). In other words, the magnets 11 and 21A, and the magnets 14 and 24 attract each other, allowing the inner panel 202 to hold the outer panel 102. The magnets 11 and 14 of the outer panel 102, and the magnets 21A and 24 of the inner panel 202 can be composed of permanent magnets.

The action button B, which is 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 action button B via the protrusion 12 of the outer panel 102 by pressing near the center of the outer panel 102. This allows, for example, the power of the inhaler 100 to be switched on and off.

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 the 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.

The magnetic sensor 23A of the inner panel 202 is arranged 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.

In addition, 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.

The distance between the magnetic sensor 23A and the magnet 24 (or magnet 21A) in the inner panel 202 can be configured to be greater than the distance between the magnet 13A and the magnetic sensor 23A when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202. This allows the magnetic sensor 23A to appropriately consider only the effect of the magnetic field applied from the magnet 13A, without considering the effect of the magnetic field of the magnet 24, when detecting the attachment of the outer panel 102 to the inner panel 202.

In one example, the outer panel 102 can be configured such that when attached to the inner panel 202, the 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 related to 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 panel.

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. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the magnitude of the magnetic force generally 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.

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 outer panel. This allows the distance between the magnet 13A and the magnetic sensor 23A to be different depending on the type of outer panel. In other words, the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 23A can be made different depending on the type of panel.

In yet another example, the outer panel 102 can 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.

Figures 4A and 4B show a different configuration example from Figures 3A and 3B. Figure 4A is a diagram showing the inner surface of outer panel 102. Figure 4B is a diagram showing the portion exposed at the front of power supply unit 101 when outer panel 102 is removed. It is an external view of the outer surface of inner panel 202. When outer panel 102 is attached to power supply unit 101, the inner surface of outer panel 102 and the outer surface of inner panel 202 face each other.

As shown in FIG. 4A, on the inner surface of the outer panel 102, a magnetic body 13B is arranged above the 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 the 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 the 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.

The magnetic body 13B is configured as an acted part whose state changes (i.e., 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 application 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 application 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 the magnetic force based on the magnetic field generated and applied by the magnetic body 13B (particularly the base 11B). In addition, 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) in response 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.

4B, 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 dashed line is formed on the outer surface of the inner panel 202 by the magnetic sensor 23B. The magnet 21B, magnetic sensor 23B, display window 25, action button B, and magnet 27 on the inner panel 202 side correspond to the base 11B of the magnetic body 13B on the outer panel 102 side, the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B, the display window 103, the protrusion 12, and the magnet 15, respectively. That is, when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, they are aligned 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 so as 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 so as 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 so as 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.

The magnet 21B of the inner panel 202 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 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.

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 can 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.

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.

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

In one example, the outer panel 102 can be configured such that when attached to the inner panel 202, the 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 the data regarding 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.

For example, the outer panel 102 is configured so that when the outer panel 102 is attached to the inner panel 202, the distance between the leg 12B of the magnetic body 13B and the opposing magnetic sensor 23B varies depending on the type of 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 all types of outer panels 102, which is advantageous in terms of manufacturing.

In another example, the magnetic body 13B may be positioned along the inner surface of the facing outer panel 102 with different offset positions depending on the type of panel. This allows the distance between the magnetic body 13B and the magnetic sensor 23B to vary depending on the type of panel. In other words, the magnitude of the magnetic force detected by the magnetic sensor 23B can be made to vary depending on the type of panel.

The above describes an example of a configuration for attaching the outer panel 102 to the inner panel 202 using magnets, but is not limited to this. Other configurations may be adopted as long as the outer panel 102 can be removably attached to the inner panel 202 and the removal/attachment state can be detected.

Next, an example of the functional configuration 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 a different block. Also, what is described as hardware may be realized by software, or vice versa.

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 composed of the heater H described above.

The control unit 120 may control communication (pairing and normal connection) with an external communication device. The control unit 120 may also control state transitions of the inhaler 100, which will be described later, in response to user operations 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.

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.

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

The suction detection unit 124 (puff sensor) can detect the user's inhalation (puffing) of the stick 110. For example, the suction detection unit 124 can include a thermistor disposed near the opening 106. In this case, the suction detection unit 124 can detect suction based on a change in the resistance value of the thermistor caused by a temperature change resulting from the user's inhalation. As another example, the suction detection unit 124 can include a pressure sensor disposed at the bottom of the holding unit 107. In this case, the suction detection unit 124 can 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.

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-emitting pattern of the light-emitting unit 125 may be distinguished by elements such as the light-emitting state (always emitting/flashing/non-emitting) of each LED, the flashing cycle, and the light-emitting 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.

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).

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).

The battery 132 is a rechargeable battery (secondary battery) such as a lithium ion battery. Alternatively, the battery 132 may be composed of 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 status 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.

<Operation mode>
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.

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 "suspend" or "standby" method in which the contents of the memory of the control unit 120 are maintained and the device enters a standby state, or by a "hibernation" method in which the contents of the memory of the control unit 120 are copied to the storage unit 121 and the device enters a standby state. 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.

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

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 power supply unit 101 is unlocked and an 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 (e.g., three times) within a predetermined time, an operation of pressing and holding the action button B for a specified time (e.g., 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 .

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 the battery 132 is charged. 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.

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 specified time, or a combination thereof. 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.

When a predetermined pairing operation is performed in the sleep mode 61, the control unit 120 may transition to a pairing mode 66 for performing pairing with an external communication device. Pairing is a process for associating the power supply unit 101 with an external communication device, and may be performed, for example, in accordance with Bluetooth (registered trademark) with 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 the 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.

<Power supply unit operation in each operation mode>
7 to 12, an example of the operation of the power supply unit 101 will be described. This operation is controlled by the control unit 120.

Figure 7 shows the control flow in sleep mode 61. In 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 has started. If charging is detected here, the control unit 120 proceeds to step S104, where it leaves the sleep mode 61 and transitions to the active mode 62.

In step S102, the control unit 120 determines the open/closed state of the slider 105 based on the 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.

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

Figure 8 shows the control flow in active mode 62. When entering active mode 62, the control unit 120 acquires the remaining battery level in step S201. 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 is equipped with 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.

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 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 not possible to operate in active mode 62. Therefore, in step S203, the control unit 120 issues a notification using the display D and/or the vibration generating unit V, and then returns to the sleep mode 61 in step S204.

If the remaining battery charge 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 charge. Then, in step S206, the control unit 120 determines whether or not the conditions for returning to the sleep mode 61 are met. The conditions 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.

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.

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 issues a notification via 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 when the outer panel 102 is detached, the mode does not transition to the aerosol generation mode 63 as a functional restriction. The unlocking operation at this time may be invalidated. In this case, instead of returning to step S201, the process may transition to the sleep mode 61.

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

Note that in the flow of FIG. 8, the transition to charging mode 64 is omitted. As described above, even in active mode 62, monitoring is performed to check whether an external power source (charger) is connected to connection I/F 128. When an external power source (charger) is connected to connection I/F 128 in active mode 62, charging of battery 132 may also be performed.

Figure 9 shows the control flow in aerosol generation mode 63. When transitioning to 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 inhaler 100 becomes ready for inhalation.

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 became available has reached a predetermined number, which is obtained from the suction detection unit 124, or that a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the aerosol generation mode 63. 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. Then, in S305, the control unit 120 transitions to the active mode 62.

If it is determined in step S301 that the outer panel 102 is removed 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 power supply 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, in step S309, the control unit 120 releases the prohibition of power supply to the heater H as a functional restriction. Then, the process returns to step S301.

Although not shown in the figure, in the aerosol generation mode 63, the remaining battery level can be acquired and displayed at appropriate times, as in the active mode 62. The display of the remaining battery level may continue without being prohibited even when the outer panel 102 is removed.

Figure 10 shows the control flow in pairing mode 66. When entering 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 suction detection unit 124. Alternatively, if the power supply unit 101 is equipped with 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.

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 operation in 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 will be no power shortage during the pairing process. If the remaining battery level is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, operation in pairing mode 66 is not possible, so in step S403, the control unit 120 issues a notification using the display D and/or the vibration generating unit V, proceeds to step S413, and returns to the sleep mode 61.

If the remaining battery level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the control unit 120 displays the remaining battery level on the display D. Then, 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 removed 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 and returns to the sleep mode 61. Thus, in this embodiment, when removal 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 removed 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.

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 with the external communication device in accordance with Bluetooth (registered trademark). 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 if a timeout occurs before the pairing is completed, if an error is notified from the external communication device, or if an operation to cancel the pairing is detected. In addition, if the control unit 120 detects that the outer panel 102 has been removed from the power supply unit 101 during the pairing process, it may interrupt the pairing and determine that the pairing has failed.

If it is determined in step S408 that pairing has been successful, in step S409, the control unit 120 notifies the success of pairing by the display D and/or the vibration generating unit V. Thereafter, 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 period of no operation has exceeded a predetermined time. If the pairing cancellation condition is satisfied, in step S411, the control unit 120 performs processing to disconnect the Bluetooth connection with the external communication device, and in step S413, transitions to the sleep mode 61.

If it is determined in step S408 that pairing has failed, in step S412, the control unit 120 notifies the user of the failure of pairing via the display D and/or the vibration generating unit V. Then, in step S413, the control unit 120 transitions to the sleep mode 61.

Figure 11 shows the control flow in charging mode 64. When entering 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 is equipped with 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. Then, in step S502, the control unit 120 causes the display D to display the remaining battery level.

In step S503, the control unit 120 determines whether 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 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.

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 when the outer panel 102 is removed, 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 issued.

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.

Figure 12 shows the 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 (e.g., 20 seconds) after transitioning to the unlock setting mode 65 is accepted.

In step S602, 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, in step S603, the control unit 120 stores the unlocking operation pattern received in step S601 in the memory unit 121. Thereafter, in step S605, the control unit 120 returns to the charging mode 64.

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 the unlock operation pattern data input in step S601 in step S604. The control unit 120 then 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 unlock setting mode 65, the control unit 120 prohibits the execution of the unlock operation setting as a function restriction, and the unlock operation pattern input up to that point is canceled.

Although not shown in the figure, in the unlock setting mode 65, the remaining battery level can be obtained and displayed at the appropriate time, as in the active mode 62, etc. The display of the remaining battery level may continue without being prohibited even when the outer panel 102 is removed. In this way, in an operating mode other than the sleep mode 61, the control unit 120 can continue displaying the remaining battery level on the display D even if removal of the outer panel 102 is detected.

The above describes the operation of the power supply unit 101 in each operation mode. In the above embodiment, in any of the multiple 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 functions related to that operation mode are restricted, and the operation of other functions may continue. For example, in active mode 62 (Figure 8), the battery remaining capacity display is not stopped even if the outer panel 102 is removed. Also, in charging mode 64 (Figure 11), charging is not stopped even if the outer panel 102 is removed.

In addition, for functions that may be left to the user's choice, a tool may be provided to allow the user to make a selection. In this case, the control unit 120 may function as a setting unit that sets the content of functional restrictions for multiple 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 multiple functions when the outer panel 102 is removed. In FIG. 13, the shaded areas indicate the results of the user's selection. The selection results of each function are stored in the memory unit 121. The control unit 120 can execute control when the outer panel 102 is removed according to the selection information stored in the memory unit 121.

According to the embodiment described above, the control unit 120 is configured to impose functional restrictions on multiple functions controlled by the control unit 120 when removal of the outer panel 102 is detected. The control unit 120 has multiple operating modes, and the content of the functional restrictions varies depending on each operating mode. This allows the user's convenience to be maintained. 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 this embodiment, a power supply unit for an inhaler is provided that is advantageous in achieving both safety and user convenience.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2021-076014, filed on April 28, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims (12)

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 restrict functions of a plurality of functions controlled by the control unit when the detection unit detects the removal of the panel;
The control unit has a plurality of operation modes, and the content of the function restriction differs depending on each operation mode.
A power supply unit characterized by: 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.
2. The power supply unit according to claim 1 . Further comprising a display unit,
the plurality of operation 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 an aerosol,
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.
3. The power supply unit according to claim 2. The power supply unit of claim 3, characterized in that, 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. The power supply unit according to claim 4, characterized in that 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. 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.
6. The power supply unit according to claim 3, wherein the power supply unit is a power supply unit having a first end and a second end. The power supply unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, 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. 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. A power supply unit according to claim 3, wherein the power supply unit is a power supply unit having a first end and a second end. The power supply unit according to claim 8, characterized in that, 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. The plurality of operation modes further includes a charging mode in which the power source is charged using an external power source;
The control unit continues charging the power source even when the detection unit detects removal of the panel in the charging mode.
10. The power supply unit according to claim 3 . The power supply unit according to claim 10, characterized in that 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 removal of the panel. A power supply unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a setting unit for setting the content of functional restrictions for the plurality of functions.

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