Aerosol-generating device and program

Abstract

An aerosol-generating device is provided with a control unit, a first battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, and when a second battery is provided on a cover member attached to a device body, the control unit controls the supply of power from the second battery to the device body.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The aerosol generating device is a device that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol source containing a fragrance or the like, and uses a secondary battery (storage battery) built into the main body as its power source.

[0003] However, when the heating of the aerosol source is started in a state where the remaining amount of the secondary battery of the aerosol generating device is insufficient to use up the unused aerosol source, the heating cannot be continued even before the aerosol source is used up. The control of the heating of the aerosol source is based on the installation of the unused aerosol source. Therefore, when the heating of the aerosol source is terminated due to insufficient remaining amount of the secondary battery, it is sometimes necessary to discard the used aerosol source.

[0004] Therefore, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which power supply to the heating unit is not started when the remaining power of the secondary battery is insufficient to use up one unused aerosol source.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 084757 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, even when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery is lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, if the insufficient capacity can be supplemented, one unused aerosol source can be used up.

[0010] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure provides an aerosol generating device capable of operating in consideration of not only the remaining battery level of the main body but also the remaining battery level outside the main body.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] As one embodiment of the present disclosure, an aerosol generating device is provided, which includes a control unit, a first battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source. When a second battery is provided on a cover member assembled with respect to a device body, the control unit controls power supply from the second battery to the device body.

[0013] The control unit may instruct the second battery to supply power to the device body when the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0014] The control unit may charge the first battery using the electric power of the second battery when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0015] The control unit may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when it is predicted that there is a possibility that the remaining amount of the first battery is less than a capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source.

[0016] The control unit may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the remaining capacity of the first battery is lower than a capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source.

[0017] Alternatively, even when the remaining power of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up an unused aerosol source, when the total value of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery is higher than the capacity required to use up the unused aerosol source, the control unit instructs power to be supplied from the second battery to the device body.

[0018] When the electric power of the second battery can be directly supplied to the heating unit, the control unit may directly supply the electric power of the second battery to the heating unit.

[0019] The control unit may charge the first battery using power from the second battery.

[0020] The control unit may change the remaining amount of the second battery used for calculating the total value according to a difference in a supply path of electric power from the second battery to the aerosol generating device.

[0021] The control unit may supply the power of the second battery to components other than the heating unit in the device body.

[0022] The control unit may charge the second battery using power supplied from the device body side to the cover member side.

[0023] As another embodiment of the present disclosure, a program is provided, wherein a computer is set in an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating part for heating an aerosol source, and the program is used to enable the computer to implement the following function: when a second battery is set on a cover part assembled on the device body, controlling the power supply from the second battery to the device body.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device capable of operating in consideration of not only the remaining battery level of the main body but also the remaining battery level outside the main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from above.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from below.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device with a shutter removed, as viewed from above.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a front view of the main device with the front panel removed.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel removed from the main device.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of an aerosol generating device.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the front panel and the power system circuit in the main device.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the front panel attachment detection operation executed by the control unit of the main device.

[0034] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit of the main device.

[0035] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0036] Fig.11 This is a flow chart of the operation of charging the secondary battery of the main device through the primary battery of the front panel.

[0037] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the primary battery of the front panel as an external power source.

[0038] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the amount of electricity (power) that can be used by the entire aerosol generating device.

[0039] Fig.14 This is a flowchart for explaining another example of the processing operation when the front panel is used as an auxiliary power supply.

[0040] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining an example of connection between a power cord and various parts in the main device.

[0041] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining power supply to a main device using a primary battery of a front panel as an external power source.

[0042] Fig.17 This is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the aerosol generating device according to the third embodiment.

[0043] Fig.18 This is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the front panel and the power system circuit in the main device in the third embodiment.

[0044] Fig.19 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit of the main device.

[0045] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0046] Fig.21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 4.

[0047] Fig. 22 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the battery of the front panel as an external power source.

[0048] Fig.23 This is a graph for explaining the relationship between the remaining amount of the secondary battery of the front panel used as an auxiliary power source and the remaining amount that can be used in the main device.

[0049] Fig.24 It is a diagram for explaining the loss of electric power accompanying auxiliary charging.

[0050] Fig.25 It is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging in the fifth embodiment.

[0051] Fig.26 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in the sixth embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 27 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of auxiliary charging in the seventh embodiment.

[0053] Fig.28 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of auxiliary charging in the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0055] <Terms>

[0056] The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is one form of an electronic cigarette.

[0057] In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as an aerosol. Aerosol refers to a mixture of fine liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas, air, or other gases.

[0058] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion is described.

[0059] In the following description, the process in which a user inhales the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as “inhalation” or “puff”.

[0060] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device capable of installing a solid aerosol source is described. In addition, depending on the product form, the container for accommodating the solid aerosol source is also called a "capsule" or a "rod-type substrate". The capsule and the rod-type substrate are consumables. Therefore, the capsule and the rod-type substrate are determined to be replaced.

[0061] <Implementation method 1>

[0062] <External appearance>

[0063] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0064] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from above.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from below.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device 1 with the shield plate 30 removed, as seen from above.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main device 20 from the front, with the front panel 10 removed.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel 10 removed from the main device 20.

[0069] The aerosol generating device 1 used in the present embodiment has a size that can be held by a user with one hand.

[0070] The aerosol generating device 1 includes a main body device 20 , a front panel 10 attached to the front surface of the main body device 20 , and a shutter 30 disposed on the upper surface of the main body device 20 and capable of sliding along the upper surface.

[0071] The front panel 10 is a member that can be attached to and detached from the main device 20. The front panel 10 is attached and detached by the user.

[0072] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the front panel 10 installed on the main device 20 covers the front part of the main device 20. In other words, after the front panel 10 is installed, the main device 20 other than the front part can also be observed from the outside. For example, the side, back, top and bottom of the main device 20 can also be observed from the outside after the front panel 10 is installed.

[0073] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the front panel 10 installed on the main body device 20 is continuously connected to the side surface, top surface and bottom surface of the main body device 20 without any step difference, forming an integrated appearance.

[0074] Thus, one of the functions of the front panel 10 is decoration. In addition, the side surface, the upper surface, and the bottom surface of the main body device 20 are examples of portions that are not covered by the front panel 10.

[0075] The front panel 10 is provided with a window 10B. The window 10B is provided at a position facing the light emitting element on the main device 20 side. In the case of the first embodiment, an LED (=Light Emitting Diode) 20A (see Figure 4 ).

[0076] The window 10B in the first embodiment is made of a material that allows light to pass through. However, the window 10B may also be a slit that passes through from the front to the back. In addition, the lighting and flashing of the light emitting element indicate the state of the operation of the aerosol generating device 1, etc. The state of the operation also includes errors. The lighting and flashing of the light emitting element are controlled by the control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ) and be controlled.

[0077] In addition to the decorative function, the front panel 10 also has the function of buffering the transfer of heat released from the main device 20. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the generation of aerosol is allowed only when the front panel 10 is installed in the main device 20. In other words, the front panel 10 installed in the main device 20 forms an integrated appearance with the main device 20 in a state where aerosol can be generated.

[0078] The front panel 10 also has a function of protecting the main device 20 from dirt, damage, etc. The battery-mounted front panel 10 also has a function of increasing the amount of electricity that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0079] The front panel 10 used in the present embodiment is deformed when a user presses a position below the window 10B with a fingertip, and returns to its original shape when the pressing stops.

[0080] The inner side of the front panel 10 used in the present embodiment is installed with: a power supply unit 101 capable of discharging electricity; a power supply circuit 102 for supplying the power stored in the power supply unit 101 to the main device 20; a communication unit 103 capable of at least communicating with the main device 20; and a remaining meter 104 for measuring the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply unit 101.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the power source unit 101 is assumed to be, for example, a film-type primary battery, a button-type primary battery, or a chip-type primary battery. These batteries are attachable to and detachable from the front panel 10.

[0082] in addition, Figure 5 The arrangement of the power supply unit 101 , the power supply circuit 102 , the communication unit 103 , and the remaining meter 104 is an example. In addition, a plurality of power supply units 101 may be mounted on the front panel 10 .

[0083] The front panel 10 in this embodiment is an example of a cover member. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The main body panel 10A forming the outer appearance of the front panel 10 shown is an example of the main body portion.

[0084] A USB (=Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 of type C is provided on the bottom surface of the main device 20. The shape and type of the USB connector 21 are examples. In other words, the USB connector 21 may be a USB other than type C. In the case of the first embodiment, the USB connector 21 may be used, for example, in the power supply unit 201 (see Figure 6 ) for charging.

[0085] A rod-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 2 ) containing an aerosol source is provided on the upper surface of the main body device 20. Figure 6 ) hole 22. The rod-shaped substrate 210 used in this embodiment contains a solid aerosol source in a paper tube formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. The hole 22 is exposed by sliding the shield 30 to the open position and is hidden by sliding the shield 30 to the closed position.

[0086] In the case of Embodiment 1, the hole 22 is a cylindrical shape substantially the same as the rod-shaped substrate 210. The diameter of the opening of the hole 22 is a size that allows the rod-shaped substrate 210 to be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is a size that allows the rod-shaped substrate 210 to be inserted into the hole 22.

[0087] For example, a magnet is mounted on the back surface of the shutter 30. On the other hand, a Hall IC is mounted on the main device 20 within the movable range of the shutter 30.

[0088] A Hall IC is a magnetic sensor composed of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, and outputs a voltage corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field that crosses the Hall element.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter 30 is detected (detected) based on the change in voltage output from the Hall IC accompanying the sliding of the shutter 30. In other words, whether the shutter 30 is in the open position or the closed position is detected.

[0090] The button 20B is arranged substantially at the center of the front surface of the main body device 20. As described above, the button 20B can be operated while the front panel 10 is attached.

[0091] The button 20B is used, for example, to turn on (ON) and off (OFF) the power of the main device, to turn on the heating unit 207 (see Figure 6 )'s power supply on / off, Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing instructions, etc.

[0092] Furthermore, if the button 20B is pressed for a long time (for example, for 5 seconds or more) in a state where the front panel 10 is detached from the main device 20 , the reset function is activated.

[0093] In this embodiment, BLE (=Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0094] Magnets 20C used for mounting the front panel 10 are arranged at the upper and lower parts of the front surface of the main device 20. The magnets 20C are arranged at positions opposite to the magnets 10C arranged on the inner side of the front panel 10. For example, if the magnet 10C of the front panel 10 is an N pole, the magnet 20C on the main device 20 side is an S pole. The front panel 10 is assembled to the main device 20 in a detachable manner by the attraction between the magnets.

[0095] At least one of the magnets 10C and 20C may be iron or other magnetic metal pieces. Incidentally, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is detected by the Hall IC provided on the main device 20 side.

[0096] In addition, various electronic components required for the generation of aerosol are built into the main body device 20. In this sense, the main body device 20 is an example of an electronic device dedicated to the generation of aerosol. In a narrow sense, the main body device 20 is called an aerosol generating device.

[0097] <Internal structure>

[0098] Figure 6 Schematically shows the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1. Figure 6 2 shows a state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is installed in the main device 20. Figure 6 The purpose of the internal structure shown is to explain the electronic components provided in the front panel 10 and the main device 20 and their positional relationship. Figure 6 The appearance of the electronic components shown in the figure may not necessarily be the same as the appearance described above. Figure 1 To.

[0099] Figure 7 1 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the front panel 10 and the power system circuit in the main device 20.

[0100] like Figure 6 As shown, the front panel 10 is provided with: a power supply unit 101 for storing electricity; a power supply circuit 102 for supplying power from the power supply unit 101 to the main device 20, etc.; a communication unit 103 for notifying the main device 20 of the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 101; and a remaining meter 104 for measuring the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 101.

[0101] exist Figure 7 , the battery of the power supply unit 101 is a primary battery 101A. The primary battery 101A here is, for example, a lithium battery or an alkaline battery. The primary battery 101A is an example of a second battery. The primary battery 101A functions as a sub-battery or auxiliary battery for the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0102] The power supply circuit 102 is constituted by, for example, a step-up DC / DC circuit and supplies a constant voltage (for example, 5V) to the main device 20 regardless of the output voltage of the power supply unit 101. The power supply circuit 102 is provided with a circuit to prevent reverse current flow.

[0103] Furthermore, the power supply from the power supply circuit 102 to the main device 20 may be either contact power supply or contactless power supply.

[0104] In the contact-point power supply, for example, a method using mechanical contact of electrodes, a method using mechanical contact of electrode pins with springs (pogo pins), or a method using connection of connectors is used.

[0105] For contactless power supply, for example, power supply based on an electromagnetic induction method or power supply based on an electric field induction method such as the Qi standard or the NFC (Near field communication) standard is used.

[0106] The communication unit 103 is a communication interface for realizing communication with the main device 20. The communication unit 103 in this embodiment notifies the main device 20 of the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A.

[0107] The communication unit 103 communicates with the main device 20 in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of the communication standard include wireless LAN (Local Area Network), serial signal line, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0108] In the present embodiment, communication with the user's smartphone or server is performed by the communication unit 205 of the main device 20 , but a function for communicating with devices other than the main device 20 may be provided in the communication unit 103 of the front panel 10 .

[0109] The remaining amount meter 104 is a circuit for calculating the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A based on the power supply current IBAT and the power supply voltage VBAT appearing in the power supply line of the primary battery 101A. The remaining amount calculation by the remaining amount meter 104 may be performed at a predetermined cycle or timing, or may be performed only when an instruction is issued from the control unit 206 of the main device 20. The calculated remaining amount is transmitted to the main device 20 via the communication unit 103.

[0110] In addition, the system power Vsys required for the operation of the communication unit 103 and the remaining meter 104 is supplied from the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B.

[0111] The buck-boost DC / DC circuit 101B is a voltage conversion circuit that generates a 3.3V system power supply Vsys from the output voltage of the primary battery 101A and supplies it to the communication unit 103 and the remaining meter 104. Therefore, the power required for the operation of the communication unit 103 and the like is all supplied by the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10. In other words, the power required for the operation of the communication unit 103 and the like provided in the front panel 10 need not be supplied from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20.

[0112] On the other hand, the main device 20 includes a power supply unit 201 , a sensor unit 202 , a notification unit 203 , a storage unit 204 , a communication unit 205 , a control unit 206 , a heating unit 207 , a heat insulating unit 208 , and a holding unit 209 .

[0113] As mentioned above, Figure 6 The figure shows a state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is held by the holding portion 209. In this state, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0114] The power supply unit 201 of the present embodiment is a unit that supplies power to the main device 20. The power supply unit 201 stores power using, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a capacitor. Figure 7 An example of storing electric power in the secondary battery 201A is shown in FIG. The secondary battery 201A is an example of a first battery.

[0115] The secondary battery 201A can be charged from an external power source. In the present embodiment, as the external power source, for example, a commercial power source, a mobile storage battery, or the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is assumed.

[0116] In addition, a power supply unit 201B is provided in the power supply section 201 .

[0117] The power supply unit 201B switches the power supply path and converts the voltage level according to the operation mode.

[0118] The power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 3.3 V (ie, “system power”) to power supply lines connected to the sensor unit 202 , the notification unit 203 (excluding the LED 20A), the storage unit 204 , the communication unit 205 , and the control unit 206 .

[0119] The power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 5 V to the power supply line connected to the LED 20A, and outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line connected to the heating unit 207 .

[0120] When charging the secondary battery 201A with the external power source, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 4.2 V to a power supply line connected to the secondary battery 201A.

[0121] The external power source here includes the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 in addition to the commercial power source and the mobile storage battery.

[0122] When using a USB cable to power a commercial power source or a mobile battery, Figure 7 VUSB is used to represent the power supply terminals corresponding to them.

[0123] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component that detects various information related to the main device 20 .

[0124] The sensor unit 202 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor and a flow sensor. The sensor unit 202 as a sensor outputs the detected information to the control unit 206. For example, when a change in air pressure or air flow accompanying suction is detected, the sensor unit 202 outputs a numerical value indicating the user's suction to the control unit 206.

[0125] The sensor unit 202 includes an input device for receiving input from a user. The input device includes, for example, a button or a switch. In this embodiment, a button 20B (see Figure 4 ).

[0126] The button 20B is used for switching the main power supply on and off, switching the start and stop of power supply to the heating unit 207 (that is, the start and stop of aerosol generation), and the like.

[0127] The contents of the user's instruction are output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. In addition, the button 20B is not only an example of a button but also an example of a switch.

[0128] In addition, the sensor unit 202 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 207. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on, for example, the resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 207. The detected resistance value is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. In addition, the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on the resistance value. In other words, the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 held by the holding unit 209.

[0129] The sensor section 202 also includes a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, and the like for detecting the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 210 into the holding section 209 .

[0130] The sensor unit 202 includes an optical color sensor, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, and the like for individually identifying the rod-shaped substrates 210 .

[0131] Furthermore, the sensor unit 202 includes a biometric sensor for measuring the user's heart rate, etc., a fingerprint sensor for unlocking, and the like.

[0132] Furthermore, the sensor unit 202 includes an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like that detect the motion of the user.

[0133] The notification unit 203 is an electronic component that notifies the user of various information related to the main device 20. The notification unit 203 includes an LED 20A and other light-emitting devices. For example, the LED 20A emits light in different patterns when the power supply unit 201 needs to be charged, when the power supply unit 201 is charging, or when an abnormality occurs in the main device 20.

[0134] The modes here include different colors, different lighting / extinguishing timings, etc.

[0135] The notification unit 203 may also be composed of a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates the main device, etc., together with the aforementioned light-emitting device or in place of the light-emitting device. The light-emitting device, display device, sound output device, vibration device, etc. are also examples of a notification unit for notifying information.

[0136] The notification unit 203 may also notify the user that the aerosol can be sucked when the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0137] The storage unit 204 stores various information related to the operation of the main device 20. The storage unit 204 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0138] The information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, OS (=Operating System), FW (=FirmWare), and other programs.

[0139] In addition, the information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, information related to the control of the electronic components. The information related to the control includes information related to the user's suction, such as the number of suctions, suction times, and suction time accumulation.

[0140] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for realizing communication between the main device 20 and other devices. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices in a manner based on any communication standard, whether wired or wireless. Examples of the communication standards include wireless LAN (local area network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0141] For example, the communication unit 205 transmits information related to the user's attraction to the smartphone.

[0142] Furthermore, the communication unit 205 downloads an update program and a profile for defining the temperature change of the heating unit 207 in the heating mode from the server.

[0143] The control unit 206 functions as a processing unit and a control unit, and controls the operation of the main device 20 according to various programs. The control unit 206 may also control the operation of the power supply circuit 102 provided in the front panel 10.

[0144] The control signal is sent through a signal line different from the power line. For example, in the communication within the main device 20, a serial communication method such as I2C (=Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication method, SPI (=Serial Peripheral Interface) communication method, UART (=Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication method is used. In the communication with the power supply circuit 102 of the front panel 10, the SPI communication method and the UART communication method are used. In addition, BLE, for example, is used in the communication line.

[0145] The control unit 206 is implemented by electronic circuits such as CPU (=Central Processing Unit), MPU (=Micro Processing Unit), GPU (=Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (=application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (=Digital Signal Processor), etc.

[0146] The control unit 206 may include a ROM (=Read Only Memory) for storing programs, operation parameters, etc., and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate.

[0147] The control unit 206 performs various processes and controls by executing programs.

[0148] The processing and control here include, for example, power supply from the power supply unit 201 to other electronic components, charging of the power supply unit 201, detection of information by the sensor unit 202, notification of information by the notification unit 203, storage and reading of information by the storage unit 204, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 205. In addition, the communication by the communication unit 205 also includes communication with the front panel 10.

[0149] In addition, input of information to the electronic components, processing based on information output from the electronic components, and the like are also controlled by the control unit 206 .

[0150] The holding part 209 is a substantially cylindrical container. In the present embodiment, the space inside the holding part 209 defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface is referred to as an internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is substantially columnar.

[0151] The holding portion 209 is provided with an opening 209B that connects the internal space 209A to the outside. The rod-shaped substrate 210 is inserted into the internal space 209A from the opening 209B. The rod-shaped substrate 210 is inserted until its front end abuts against the bottom 209C.

[0152] Only a part of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A. The state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A is referred to as holding the rod-shaped substrate 210 in the internal space 209A.

[0153] The inner diameter of at least a portion of the holding portion 209 in the axial direction is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped base material 210 .

[0154] Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped base material 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is pressed by the inner wall of the holding portion 209. The rod-shaped base material 210 is held in the internal space 209A by this pressure.

[0155] The holding portion 209 also has a function of defining a flow path of air passing through the rod-shaped substrate 210. The air inlet to the flow path, i.e., the air inlet hole, is arranged at the bottom 209C, for example. The opening 209B corresponds to the air outlet, i.e., the air outlet hole.

[0156] In the present embodiment, only a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, and the rest protrudes outward from the frame. Hereinafter, the portion held in the holding portion 209 is referred to as the substrate portion 210A, and the portion protruding from the frame is referred to as the mouthpiece portion 210B.

[0157] An aerosol source is accommodated at least in the base portion 210A. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating and generates an aerosol.

[0158] The aerosol source includes, in addition to shredded tobacco, processed products obtained by shaping tobacco raw materials into granular, flake, or powder forms, and other tobacco-derived substances.

[0159] Furthermore, the aerosol source may include a substance not derived from tobacco, such as mint, vanilla, or the like. For example, the aerosol source may include a flavoring component such as menthol.

[0160] When the main device 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may also include a medicine for the patient to inhale. In addition, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be, for example, a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0161] At least a portion of the mouthpiece 210B is held by the user during suction.

[0162] When the user holds the mouthpiece 210B in his mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 209A from the air inlet hole. The inflowing air passes through the internal space 209A and the base material 210A and reaches the user's mouth. The air reaching the user's mouth contains aerosol generated in the base material 210A.

[0163] The heating unit 207 is composed of a heater or other heat radiator. The heating unit 207 is composed of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 207 is, for example, configured in a film shape and attached to the outer peripheral surface of the holding unit 209.

[0164] The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 207. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like to generate an aerosol.

[0165] exist Figure 6 In the case of , the periphery of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heated range gradually moves toward the center.

[0166] Therefore, the aerosol source is atomized starting from the vicinity of the outer periphery of the rod-shaped substrate 210 and gradually moves toward the vicinity of the center.

[0167] The heating unit 207 generates heat due to the power supplied from the power supply unit 201. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is permitted. The user input here includes a request for the shutter 30 (see Figure 1 )、Button 20B (refer to Figure 4 However, regarding the power supply to the heating unit 207, the front panel 10 (see Figure 1 ) is installed on the main device 20. By installing the front panel 10, the temperature transmitted to the user's hand can be reduced compared to the case where the front panel 10 is not installed.

[0168] When the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can inhale the aerosol. The inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected by the flow sensor of the sensor unit 202 and stored in the storage unit 204.

[0169] Thereafter, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped. Alternatively, when the suction by the user is detected by the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped while the suction by the user is detected by the sensor unit 202.

[0170] In addition, Figure 6 In the example, the heating unit 207 is arranged outside the rod-shaped substrate 210, but the heating unit 207 may be a blade-shaped metal sheet inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 210, or may be a metal sheet built into the rod-shaped substrate 210. When the metal sheet functioning as the heating unit 207 is built into the rod-shaped substrate 210, a coil for induction heating may be arranged around the holding unit 209.

[0171] The heat insulating part 208 is a member for reducing the transfer of heat generated in the heating part 207 to the surroundings. Therefore, the heat insulating part 208 is arranged so as to cover at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating part 207.

[0172] The heat insulating part 208 is composed of, for example, vacuum insulation material, aerogel insulation material, etc. Vacuum insulation material refers to insulation material that wraps glass wool and silica (silicon powder) with a resin film to form a high vacuum state, thereby making the heat conduction based on gas infinitely close to zero.

[0173] <Processing Action Example>

[0174] Next, the control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ) is an example of a processing action performed.

[0175] <Assembly detection operation>

[0176] Figure 8 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the installation detection operation of the front panel 10 executed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. This operation is not only performed by the heating unit 207 (see Figure 6 ) before the heating starts, and also after the heating starts, and this action is always executed in the background. In addition, the label S shown in the figure means a step.

[0177] First, the control unit 206 determines the front panel 10 (refer to Figure 1 ) is mounted on the main device 20 (refer to Figure 1 )(Step 1).

[0178] When the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, a positive result is obtained in step 1. On the other hand, when the front panel 10 is removed from the front of the main device 20, a negative result is obtained in step 1. Whether the front panel 10 is attached or detached is determined based on the output signal of the Hall IC.

[0179] When a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 cancels the prohibition state of heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (step 2).

[0180] However, releasing the prohibited state of heating is different from starting heating. Figure 4 ) from the top of the front panel 10 for more than 1 second, thereby starting the rod-shaped substrate 210 (refer to Figure 6 ) heating.

[0181] When a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 controls the heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 to be prohibited (step 3).

[0182] When step 2 or step 3 is executed, the control unit 206 returns to step 1 and repeatedly determines whether the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20.

[0183] Through this assembly detection action, the user will not directly contact the main device 20 during the heating action.

[0184] <USB charging operation>

[0185] Fig. 9 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. The USB charging operation is also always executed in the background.

[0186] First, the control unit 206 determines whether a USB connection is detected (step 11).

[0187] When the USB connector 21 (refer to Figure 2 ) is connected to the USB cable, a positive result is obtained in step 11. On the other hand, when the USB connector 21 is not connected to the USB cable, a negative result is obtained in step 11.

[0188] When a negative result is obtained in step 11 , the control unit 206 repeatedly executes the determination in step 11 .

[0189] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 12).

[0190] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is at a full charge voltage (step 13).

[0191] If the battery is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 13. On the other hand, if the battery is fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 13.

[0192] When a negative result is obtained in step 13, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable is disconnected (step 14).

[0193] If the USB cable remains attached, a negative result is obtained in step 14. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 14.

[0194] When a negative result is obtained in step 14 , the control unit 206 returns to step 13 and repeats the determination in step 13 .

[0195] When a positive result is obtained in step 13 or a positive result is obtained in step 14, the control unit 206 stops charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 15).

[0196] After that, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0197] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0198] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 , and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 .

[0199] exist Fig.10 In the initial state T1, the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are both fully charged.

[0200] At time T2, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 decreases from full charge. If the USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging starts. Fig.10 In the case of , the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 is fully charged, but is not limited to fully charged.

[0201] At the end of USB charging T3, the secondary battery 201A returns to full charge. Of course, only the secondary battery 201A has recovered its remaining charge.

[0202] <Assisted charging operation>

[0203] Fig.11It is explained that the front panel 10 (reference Figure 1 ) of the primary battery 101A (reference Figure 7 ) to the main device 20 (reference Figure 1 ) of the secondary battery 201A ( Figure 7 Refer to the flowchart of the charging action (i.e. auxiliary charging) performed.

[0204] In this embodiment, auxiliary charging is performed by the control unit 206 (refer to Figure 6 ) and be controlled.

[0205] First, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 22).

[0206] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is less than a threshold value V1 (step 23). The threshold value V1 here is an example of a predetermined condition.

[0207] When the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value V1, a negative result is obtained in step 23. When a negative result is obtained in step 23, the control unit 206 returns to step 22.

[0208] On the other hand, when the remaining power is less than the threshold value V1 (i.e., when the predetermined condition is satisfied), a positive result is obtained in step 23. In this case, the control unit 206 starts to supply power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 24).

[0209] In the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 206 instructs the power supply circuit 102 of the front panel 10 to start power supply.

[0210] As a result, the output terminal of the power supply circuit 102 is supplied to the power supply unit 201B (refer to Figure 7 ) is supplied with a voltage stepped up to 5 V, for example. In addition, the power supply unit 201B DC / DC converts the 5 V voltage supplied from the primary battery 101A as an external power supply into 4.2 V, and supplies it to the power supply line connected to the secondary battery 201A.

[0211] Thus, charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is started.

[0212] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is larger than a threshold value V2 (> V1) (step 25).

[0213] When the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A is less than or equal to the threshold value V2, a negative result is obtained in step 25. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A is greater than the threshold value V2, a positive result is obtained in step 25.

[0214] If a negative result is obtained in step 25, control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 is less than threshold value V3 (step 26). Threshold value V3 here specifies the timing of stopping the power supply from front panel 10 to main device 20.

[0215] If the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 is greater than threshold value V3, a negative result is obtained in step 26. In this case, control unit 206 returns to step 25. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 is less than threshold value V3, a positive result is obtained in step 26.

[0216] If a positive result is obtained in step 25 or a positive result is obtained in step 26, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 27). In the present embodiment, the control unit 206 instructs the power supply circuit 102 of the front panel 10 to stop the power supply.

[0217] Here, a positive result in step 25 means that the remaining amount of secondary battery 201A of main device 20 has returned to the target level. On the other hand, a positive result in step 26 means that the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 has decreased.

[0218] Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source.

[0219] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using primary battery 101A of front panel 10 as an external power source.

[0220] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 , and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 .

[0221] exist Fig.12 In the case of , both the primary battery 101A and the secondary battery 201A in the initial state T11 are fully charged.

[0222] Fig.12The time T12 indicates that the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than the threshold value V1. In addition, the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 remains fully charged. However, the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 may sometimes decrease.

[0223] Subsidiary charging starts at this time T12. By executing the supplementary charging, the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 decreases, and conversely, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 increases.

[0224] exist Fig.12 In this case, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has not reached the threshold value V2, but the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as the external power source has become less than the threshold value V3, thereby stopping the charging.

[0225] Summary

[0226] As described above, the main device 20 (refer to Figure 1 ), the front panel 10 with the built-in primary battery 101A can be mounted. In addition, when the front panel 10 with the built-in primary battery 101A is mounted on the main device 20, the primary battery 101A can be used as an external power source to charge the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. As a result, the main device 20 can be used for a longer time than when the front panel 10 without the built-in primary battery 101A is mounted.

[0227] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the amount of electricity that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0228] The vertical axis in the figure represents the amount of electricity that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0229] like Fig.13 As shown, it can be seen that when the front panel 10 with the built-in primary battery 101A is mounted on the main device 20, the amount of power that can be used increases compared to the case where the main device 20 has only the secondary battery 201A.

[0230] <Implementation method 2>

[0231] In the present embodiment, a case where the electric power supplied from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is used for purposes other than charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 will be described.

[0232] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0233] Fig.14 FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the processing operation using the front panel 10 as an auxiliary power source. Fig.14 In, with Fig.11 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0234] like Fig.14 The processing operation shown is as the control unit 206 (refer to Figure 6 ) is executed by background processing.

[0235] In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 regardless of whether there is a request for the generation of aerosol (step 22), and determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is less than the threshold value V1 (step 23). In addition, the acquisition of the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A in step 22 is performed, for example, at a predetermined timing. For example, it is performed at the timing when the power of the main device 20 is turned on, at the timing when a predetermined time has passed since the previous acquisition, or at the timing when a request for the generation of aerosol is detected.

[0236] When the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value V1, a negative result is obtained in step 23. When a negative result is obtained in step 23, the control unit 206 returns to step 22.

[0237] On the other hand, when the remaining amount is less than the threshold value V1 (i.e., when the predetermined condition is satisfied), a positive result is obtained in step 23. In this case, the control unit 206 starts to supply power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 (step 24A). In the case of this embodiment as well, the control unit 206 instructs the power supply circuit 102 of the front panel 10 to start power supply. The power supplied from the front panel 10 is converted into a prescribed voltage by the power supply unit 201B of the main device 20 and is distributed within the device.

[0238] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining an example of connection between a power line and various parts in the main device 20.

[0239] exist Fig.15 In, with Fig.11 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0240] The power supply unit 201B in this embodiment supplies the 3.3V system power Vsys generated by the power supply from the front panel 10 to the sensor unit 202, the notification unit 203, the storage unit 204, the communication unit 205, and the control unit 206. The sensor unit 202 and the like here are examples of components other than the heating unit. In addition, in the power supply unit 201B, a circuit for switching the generation of the system power Vsys using the secondary battery 201A as a power source and the system power Vsys using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as a power source may also be provided. In addition, dedicated load switches may be connected to the two system power sources Vsys, respectively, so that the power source can be switched.

[0241] Furthermore, the power supply unit 201B in the present embodiment supplies, for example, 4.2 V power generated by power supply from the front panel 10 to the load switch 211 .

[0242] The load switch 211 in the present embodiment operates as a switch that connects either the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A or the output voltage of the front panel 10 to the step-up DC / DC circuit 212 .

[0243] The load switch 211 is, for example, a MOS FET, and one is prepared for each power source. For example, when power is supplied from the secondary battery 201A to the heating unit 207, the MOS FET connected to the output voltage of the front panel 10 is controlled to be turned off, and the MOS FET connected to the secondary battery 201A is controlled to be turned on. Conversely, when power is supplied from the front panel 10 to the heating unit 207, the MOS FET connected to the output voltage of the front panel 10 is controlled to be turned on, and the MOS FET connected to the secondary battery 201A is controlled to be turned off.

[0244] When power is supplied to the heating unit 207 from both the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 , the output voltages of the two batteries are combined while being matched and supplied to the step-up DC / DC circuit 212 .

[0245] Here, in order to make the output voltages of the batteries consistent, a buck-boost DC / DC circuit for the primary battery 101A and a buck-boost DC / DC circuit for the secondary battery 201A are prepared.

[0246] Furthermore, to synthesize the two output voltages, for example, an IC for current balance control is used.

[0247] In addition, the boost DC / DC circuit 212 boosts the input voltage to, for example, 4.97V.

[0248] return Fig.14 Description.

[0249] The control unit 206 , which has instructed the supply of power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 , determines whether the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is less than the threshold value V3 (step 26 ).

[0250] While a negative result is obtained in step 26 , the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 26 .

[0251] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 26, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 (step 27A).

[0252] Fig.16 This is a diagram for explaining power supply to the main device 20 using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source.

[0253] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 , and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 .

[0254] exist Fig.16 In the case of , both the primary battery 101A and the secondary battery 201A in the initial state T11 are fully charged.

[0255] Fig.16 The time T12 indicates that the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than the threshold value V1. In addition, the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is kept fully charged. However, the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 may sometimes decrease.

[0256] At this time T12, power supply to each part of the main device 20 starts. With the start of power supply, the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 decreases.

[0257] On the other hand, the remaining amount in the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 only needs to be reduced slightly. For example, when the power supply to the heating unit 207 with large power consumption is switched to the power supply from the front panel 10, the secondary battery 201A is used as a power supply for the system power supply Vsys. As a result, the secondary battery 201A can be made durable. In addition, when the power supply to the operating components through the system power supply Vsys is switched to the power supply from the front panel 10, the power consumption of these components can also be shared by the front panel 10 side. As a result, the secondary battery 201A can be made durable.

[0258] Summary

[0259] As described above, in this embodiment, the power supplied from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is used for the main device 20 (see Figure 1 ) of the secondary battery 201A (reference Fig.15 Therefore, compared with the case where the front panel 10 is not powered, the power supply time of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 can be extended.

[0260] <Implementation method 3>

[0261] In this embodiment, a case where a secondary battery is used as a battery of front panel 10 will be described.

[0262] In addition, the external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0263] Fig.17 1 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 6 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0264] Fig.18 Schematically shows the connection relationship between the front panel 10 and the power system circuit in the main device 20 in Embodiment 3. Fig.18 In, with Figure 7 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0265] In the case of the aerosol generating device 1 of this embodiment, the secondary battery 101C is used as the battery of the front panel 10. In addition, a charging circuit 105 is added to the front panel 10 to charge the power supply unit 101 with power supplied from the main device 20. The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0266] The charging circuit 105 is constituted by, for example, a step-up DC / DC circuit. The charging circuit 105 in this embodiment is a circuit that supplies, for example, 4.2V to the secondary battery 101C when powered from the main device 20. The charging circuit 105 is provided with a circuit that prevents reverse flow of current.

[0267] Furthermore, the power supply from the main device 20 to the charging circuit 105 may be either contact power supply or contactless power supply.

[0268] An example of processing operation unique to this embodiment is described below.

[0269] Fig.19 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. Fig.19 In, with Fig. 9 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0270] First, the control unit 206 determines whether a USB connection is detected (step 11).

[0271] When a negative result is obtained in step 11 , the control unit 206 repeatedly executes the determination in step 11 .

[0272] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 (step 12A). In addition, the actual charging may also be performed by first charging one of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to full capacity, and then charging the other to full capacity. However, the charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 may also be performed in parallel.

[0273] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether both of the two secondary batteries are at the full charge voltage (step 13A).

[0274] When a negative result is obtained in step 13A, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable is disconnected (step 14).

[0275] When a negative result is obtained in step 14, the control unit 206 returns to step 13A and repeats the determination in step 13A.

[0276] If a positive result is obtained in step 13A or a positive result is obtained in step 14, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 (step 15A).

[0277] After that, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0278] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0279] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 , and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 101C in the front panel 10 .

[0280] exist Fig. 20 In the initial state T1, the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are both fully charged.

[0281] At time T2, the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are both reduced from full charge. If the USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging starts.

[0282] At the end T3 of USB charging, both the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are returned to full charge.

[0283] Summary

[0284] As described above, in this embodiment, the secondary battery 101C is used as the battery built into the front panel 10. Therefore, when the USB cable is connected to the main device 20 (refer to Figure 1 ), not only the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 but also the secondary battery 101C in the front panel 10 can be charged.

[0285] Therefore, the amount of power available in the aerosol generating device 1 after USB charging is greater than when the front panel 10 without a built-in battery or the front panel 10 with the built-in primary battery 101A is mounted on the main device 20 .

[0286] As a result, the use time of the aerosol generating device 1 can be extended. In addition, as in the case of the second embodiment, the power supplied from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 may be used for purposes other than charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 .

[0287] <Implementation method 4>

[0288] In this embodiment, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 is insufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 (see Figure 6 ) in the case where aerosol can be generated by receiving power supply from the front panel 10.

[0289] Here, the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 refers to a rod-shaped substrate 210 that has not been heated once. Therefore, even if it is inserted into the hole 22 of the main device 20, if it is not heated, it is an unused rod-shaped substrate 210. In other words, the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 refers to a new rod-shaped substrate 210.

[0290] Furthermore, “the remaining amount of the battery is sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 ” means, for example, that the remaining amount of electricity is sufficient to generate an assumed amount of aerosol from the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 .

[0291] The assumed amount here can be determined based on, for example, the amount of aerosol source contained in the unused rod-shaped substrate 210, based on the control curve of the heating unit 207, or based on the version or component structure of the main device 20. The control curve determines the timing of heating and the change in the target temperature after the start of heating.

[0292] In addition, when a plurality of control curves are prepared in the main device 20 and the user can select and use any control curve to generate aerosol, the assumed amount is defined according to the control curve or heating mode selected by the user.

[0293] For example, in the case of a heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated and the power consumption are increased (hereinafter referred to as the "high mode") and a heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated is a standard amount and the power consumption is less (hereinafter referred to as the "normal mode"), the assumed amount is specified by the currently selected heating mode.

[0294] Alternatively, when the remaining battery level is insufficient to generate the assumed amount in the high mode and sufficient to generate the assumed amount in the normal mode, the notification unit 203 may be used to present the information.

[0295] Fig.21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 4. Fig.21 In, with Fig.11 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0296] like Fig.21 The processing actions shown are also performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (refer to Figure 6 ) and was executed.

[0297] First, the control unit 206 determines whether a request to generate aerosol is detected (step 21 ).

[0298] When a negative result is obtained in step 21 , the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 21 .

[0299] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 21, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 22).

[0300] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than a capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 (step 31).

[0301] If the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A is higher than the reference capacity, a negative result is obtained in step 31. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 37). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 starts.

[0302] On the other hand, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A is lower than the reference capacity, a positive result is obtained in step 31. In this case, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 (step 32). The remaining capacity here is obtained from the remaining capacity meter 104 (reference Figure 7 ) is obtained.

[0303] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the total value of the remaining power of the two batteries is larger than the capacity of step 31 (step 33).

[0304] When the total value of the remaining charge of the two batteries is lower than the capacity in step 31, a negative result is obtained in step 33. In this case, the control unit 206 ends the process without starting heating.

[0305] On the other hand, when the total value of the remaining capacities of the two batteries is larger than the capacity in step 31 , a positive result is obtained in step 33 .

[0306] In this case, the control unit 206 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 34).

[0307] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has been restored to the capacity in step 31 (step 35).

[0308] When the recovery of the capacity is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 35. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 35.

[0309] On the other hand, when the recovery of the capacity is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 35. In this case, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 36).

[0310] Fig. 22 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the battery of the front panel 10 as an external power source.

[0311] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 , and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 101C in the front panel 10 .

[0312] At time T21, both the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are fully charged.

[0313] Fig. 22 The time T22 indicates that the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than the capacity required to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210. In addition, the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 remains fully charged. However, the remaining capacity of the battery of the front panel 10 may sometimes decrease.

[0314] In short, by utilizing the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 , the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 can be restored.

[0315] Subsidiary charging starts at this time T22. By executing the supplementary charging, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 decreases, and conversely, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 increases.

[0316] At time T23, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is restored to a capacity required to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210, charging is stopped.

[0317] Thereafter, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 37 ).

[0318] Summary

[0319] As described above, in the case of this embodiment, even when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than the capacity required to use up the unused rod-type substrate 210, the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is utilized to restore the capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20, so that even if heating starts, the unused rod-type substrate 210 can be used up.

[0320] In addition, in the case where the capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 cannot be restored even if the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is utilized, the heating of the heating unit 207 is not started and the heating is terminated before the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 is used up, thereby avoiding the situation where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is discarded.

[0321] <Implementation method 5>

[0322] In this embodiment, a correction function of the available electric power, that is, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 , based on the difference in the supply path of electric power from the front panel 10 to the main device 20 will be described.

[0323] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are common to those of the third embodiment.

[0324] Fig.23 1 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 used as an auxiliary power source and the remaining amount available in the main device 20 .

[0325] exist Fig.23 The diagram shows the power supply path in the case of wired connection and the case of wireless connection. However, in the power supply between the front panel 10 and the main device 20, only one of the wired connection and the wireless connection is used. Therefore, in the control unit 206, it is sufficient to store the relationship corresponding to the power supply path used.

[0326] Basically, the power supply efficiency of wired connection is higher than that of wireless connection, and the loss in the power supply path can be almost ignored.

[0327] Therefore, in Fig.23 In the example, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is A [Wh], the converted value of the electric power available in the main device 20 is A0 (<A) [Wh]. For example, A0 is approximately 90% of A.

[0328] On the other hand, in the case of wireless connection, even if the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is A [Wh], the converted value of the power available in the main device 20 is B (<A0) [Wh]. The converted value B here depends on the power supply efficiency.

[0329] For example, in the case of electromagnetic induction method and electric field coupling method, the power supply efficiency is generally 90% or less, and in the case of magnetic field resonance method, the power supply efficiency is generally 60% or less.

[0330] Fig.24 2 is a diagram illustrating the power loss associated with auxiliary charging. Fig.24 In, with Fig. 22 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0331] exist Fig.24 In this case, the electric power consumed by auxiliary charging at time T22 is A1 [Wh].

[0332] However, if the power loss in the power supply path from the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is taken into account, the amount of electricity that contributes to the recovery of the power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is B1 [Wh]. That is, the difference Δ (= A1-B1) does not contribute to the recovery of the power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. Therefore, in step 33 (refer to Fig.21), it is necessary to consider the loss in the power supply path.

[0333] Fig.25 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging in Embodiment 5. Fig.25 In, with Fig.21 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0334] like Fig.25 The auxiliary charging and Fig.21 The difference between the auxiliary charging shown is that step 32A is performed instead of step 32. Other processing actions are the same as Fig.21 The auxiliary charging shown is public.

[0335] In step 32A, the control unit 206 in this embodiment obtains the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and converts it into an actually usable power value. The conversion process here uses a relational expression corresponding to the characteristics of the power supply path.

[0336] Summary

[0337] In the case of this embodiment, the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is calculated taking into account the power loss in the power supply path, so that when power supply from the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is started, it is possible to reliably restore enough power to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210.

[0338] <Implementation method 6>

[0339] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is determined to be insufficient regardless of the request for generating aerosol, and when the remaining amount is expected to be insufficient, charging of the secondary battery 201A is started in preparation for future suction.

[0340] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0341] Fig.26 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 6. Fig.26 In, with Fig.25 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0342] like Fig.26 The processing operations shown are executed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20.

[0343] In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 determines whether it is a predetermined timing (step 21A).

[0344] The predetermined timing includes, for example, when the number of rod-shaped substrates 210 attracted after the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is fully charged reaches a reference value (e.g., 10), when a predetermined number of heating start operations are detected, at a time set by a timer (e.g., 6 a.m. every day), and a user's non-attraction time determined by machine learning. In addition, as other conditions of the predetermined timing, the difference ΔC (= FC1 - FC2) between the full charge capacity FC1 of the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side and the full charge capacity FC2 of the secondary battery 101C on the front panel 10 side may also be required to satisfy a condition that is greater than the current capacity C of the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0345] If the timing is not predetermined in the determination of step 21A, the control unit 206 on the main device 20 side obtains a negative result in step 21A. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination of step 21A.

[0346] On the other hand, in the determination of step 21A, if it is the predetermined timing, the control unit 206 on the main device 20 side obtains an affirmative result in step 21A.

[0347] In this case, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 regardless of the generation request from the user (step 22).

[0348] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than a capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 (step 31).

[0349] If a negative result is obtained in step 31, it is not necessary to charge the secondary battery 201A. Therefore, the control unit 206 ends the process without executing the predicted auxiliary charging.

[0350] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 31 , the control unit 206 obtains the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and converts it into an actually usable power value (step 32A).

[0351] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the total value of the remaining power of the two secondary batteries is larger than the capacity of step 31 (step 33 ).

[0352] If a negative result is obtained in step 33, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 will not be restored to the required capacity even if auxiliary charging is performed. Therefore, the control unit 206 does not perform auxiliary charging based on the previous expectation and ends the process. Alternatively, the user may be notified of the necessity of USB charging.

[0353] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 33, the control unit 206 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 34).

[0354] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has been restored to the capacity in step 31 (step 35).

[0355] When the recovery of the capacity is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 35. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 35.

[0356] On the other hand, if the capacity recovery is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 35. In this case, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 36). The control unit 206 notifies the power supply circuit 102 of the stop instruction.

[0357] Summary

[0358] In this embodiment, the insufficient remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is resolved before the user requests the generation of aerosol. As a result, the user can start the inhalation of aerosol at a desired time.

[0359] <Implementation method 7>

[0360] In the present embodiment, an example is described in which auxiliary charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is started regardless of whether the total remaining amount of the two secondary batteries is sufficient or not.

[0361] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0362] Fig. 27 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of auxiliary charging in the seventh embodiment. Fig. 27 In, with Fig.25 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0363] First, the control unit 206 determines whether an aerosol generation request is detected (step 21 ). If a negative result is obtained in step 21 , the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 21 .

[0364] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 21, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 22).

[0365] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than a capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 (step 31).

[0366] When a negative result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 37). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 starts.

[0367] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 31 , the control unit 206 obtains the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and converts it into an actually usable power value (step 32A).

[0368] Next, the control unit 206 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 34).

[0369] As described above, in the present embodiment, auxiliary charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is started without determining whether the total value of the remaining charge of the two secondary batteries has a capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 .

[0370] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has been restored to the capacity in step 31 (step 35).

[0371] When a negative result is obtained in step 35 , control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of secondary battery 101C of front panel 10 is less than a lower limit value (step 41 ).

[0372] The lower limit value used in step 41 is the minimum power for ensuring the operation of the electronic components on the front panel 10 side.

[0373] When the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is equal to or greater than the lower limit value, a negative result is obtained in step 41 . In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 35 .

[0374] When a positive result is obtained in step 35, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 36).

[0375] Thereafter, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 37). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 starts.

[0376] When a positive result is obtained in step 41 , control unit 206 proceeds to step 36 to stop auxiliary charging, and then executes step 37 .

[0377] The start of heating in this case is insufficient to use up the power of the unused rod-type substrates 210 .

[0378] However, even before the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is fully charged, the user's need to inhale aerosol to the extent possible can be satisfied.

[0379] Summary

[0380] As described above, in this embodiment, before confirming whether the total value of the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 exceeds the capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210, charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 by utilizing the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is started.

[0381] As a result, if the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is restored to a capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped base material 210 , the unused rod-shaped base material 210 can be used without waste.

[0382] Furthermore, even when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A is not recovered enough to use up the capacity of the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 , it is possible to generate aerosol by utilizing the remaining capacity of the two secondary batteries to the maximum extent.

[0383] <Implementation method 8>

[0384] In the present embodiment, a case where electric power is directly supplied from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to the heating unit 207 to generate aerosol will be described.

[0385] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are common to those of the third embodiment.

[0386] Fig.28 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of auxiliary charging in the eighth embodiment. Fig.28 In, with Fig.25 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0387] In the present embodiment, the steps 21 - 22 - 31 are executed in this order. If a negative result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 37).

[0388] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 31 , the control unit 206 obtains the remaining power of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 and converts it into an actually usable power value (step 32A).

[0389] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is higher than the capacity of step 31 (step 51). This determination is performed based on the remaining amount after the conversion performed in step 32A.

[0390] If a negative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 206 terminates the process without executing auxiliary charging or generating aerosol. Alternatively, the user may be notified of the necessity of USB charging.

[0391] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 51, control unit 206 starts supplying power from secondary battery 101C of front panel 10 to heating unit 207 (step 52).

[0392] Summary

[0393] In the case of the present embodiment, even when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 is insufficient for completely using up the capacity of the unused rod-type substrate 210, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is higher than the capacity sufficient to completely use up the unused rod-type substrate 210, the heating of the rod-type substrate 210 is started by utilizing the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10.

[0394] In this case, aerosol can be generated without further reducing the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 .

[0395] <Other embodiments>

[0396] (1) The embodiments of the present disclosure are described above, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the aforementioned embodiments. Various changes or improvements to the aforementioned embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure, which is clear from the description of the claims.

[0397] (2) In the aforementioned embodiment, the connection portion between the front panel 10 and the main unit 20 is described as being continuously connected without a step difference to form an integrated appearance. However, if the connection portion has an appearance of being integrated with the main unit 20, a step difference, a cutout, etc. may also be provided in the connection portion.

[0398] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the aerosol source is described as a solid state, but the aerosol source may also be a liquid. When the aerosol source is a liquid, the following method is adopted: the aerosol source is guided to a thin tube called a core by utilizing the capillary phenomenon, and the coil wound on the core is heated, thereby evaporating the aerosol source.

[0399] (4) In the above-mentioned embodiment, an aerosol generating device is described in which a solid aerosol source is heated to generate an aerosol, but an aerosol generating device may also be used in which a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source are heated separately to generate an aerosol. Such an aerosol generating device is also called a hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0400] (5) In the first embodiment described above, the determination of whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery of the main device 20 is less than the threshold value V1 is performed when the aerosol generation request is detected. However, the determination may be performed regardless of the aerosol generation request.

[0401] (6) In the above-mentioned Embodiments 3 to 8, the battery of the front panel 10 is described as the secondary battery 101C, but it may be the primary battery 101A.

[0402] (7) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the power supply circuit 102 is provided in the front panel 10, but a configuration without the power supply circuit 102 may be adopted. In this case, the power supply unit 201B of the main device 20 functions as the power supply circuit 102 to charge the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10.

[0403] Likewise, the charging circuit 105 may be removed from the front panel 10 . In this case, the power supply unit 201B of the main device 20 functions as the charging circuit 105 .

[0404] (8) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the generation of aerosol is permitted when the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 is described. However, the main device 20 can also generate aerosol when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0405] In this case, the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 to expand the functions that the main device 20 can perform. For example, the main device 20 with the front panel 10 removed is powered only by the built-in secondary battery 201A (see Figure 7 ) is operated, and the function of the main device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a secondary battery using the power from the battery (primary battery 101A, secondary battery 101C) of the front panel 10 becomes effective.

[0406] (9) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the state in which aerosol can be generated is described as an example of the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) in a state in which aerosol can be generated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if aerosol cannot be generated due to insufficient power, as long as other functions can be operated, the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) is in a state in which it can be operated. Among the other functions here, there are, for example, a function of confirming and prompting the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A, a function of acquiring and prompting the suction history, and a function of communicating with an external terminal.

[0407] (10) In the aforementioned embodiment, an example is described in which the button 20B provided on the main device 20 is operated by pressing the front panel 10 assembled on the main device 20 to deform it, but a method other than deformation of the front panel 10 may be used to input instructions to the main device 20.

[0408] For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10 to communicate with the front panel 103 (see Figure 6 ) to notify the control unit 206 of the main device 20 of information indicating the user's operation on the touch panel (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0409] In addition, for example, switches and buttons are arranged on the front panel 10, and the communication unit 103 (see Figure 6 ) notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 of the presence or absence of such operations (refer to Figure 6 ). The touch panel, switch, etc. here are examples of the operating unit.

[0410] In addition, a heat insulating structure is adopted on the surface members and the inner side of the main body device 20 .

[0411] (11) In the aforementioned embodiments 4, 5, 7, 8, etc., by executing step 31 (refer to Fig.21 ) as a prerequisite, the detection of the request for the generation of the aerosol is requested, in the sixth embodiment, to execute step 31 (reference Fig.26 ) as a premise, a predetermined timing detection is requested, but it may also include detection of other matters. Among other matters, for example, there is a case where the shutter 30 is slid to the open position and the remaining battery is displayed (including the case based on the user's instruction.).

[0412] (12) In the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 4, 6, etc., an example is described in which, when a request for generating aerosol is received, the battery on the front panel 10 side starts supplying power to the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side if a further predetermined condition is satisfied. However, it is also conceivable that the time required for the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side to recover to a capacity sufficient to use up the rod-shaped substrate 210 becomes longer.

[0413] Therefore, the control unit 206 may also be configured to: Figure 4 ), a function of providing a notification portion on the front panel 10 to prompt the user and notify a smartphone, etc., of the charging status and current capacity of the battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0414] Furthermore, the control unit 206 may be provided with a function of prompting the user and notifying the smartphone, etc. that aerosol can be generated or the aerosol source can be heated when the capacity of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is detected to be restored enough to use up the rod-shaped substrate 210. By installing these functions, the user's predictability can be improved.

[0415] Summary

[0416] In addition, the present disclosure includes the following structures.

[0417] (1) An aerosol generating device includes a control unit, a first battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein when a second battery is provided on a cover member attached to a device body, the control unit controls power supply from the second battery to the device body.

[0418] (2) In the aerosol generating device described in (1), when the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit instructs the second battery to supply power to the device body.

[0419] (3) In the aerosol generating device described in (2), when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit charges the first battery using the power of the second battery.

[0420] (4) In the aerosol generating device described in (3), when it is predicted that there is a possibility that the remaining capacity of the first battery is less than a capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0421] (5) In the aerosol generating device described in (3), when the remaining capacity of the first battery is lower than a capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0422] (6) In the aerosol generating device as described in any one of (1) to (5), even when the remaining power of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up an unused aerosol source, when the total value of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery is higher than the capacity required to use up the unused aerosol source, the control unit instructs power to be supplied to the device body from the second battery.

[0423] (7) In the aerosol generating device described in (6), when the electric power of the second battery can be directly supplied to the heating unit, the control unit directly supplies the electric power of the second battery to the heating unit.

[0424] (8) In the aerosol generating device described in (6), the control unit charges the first battery using the power of the second battery.

[0425] (9) In the aerosol generating device according to (6), the control unit changes the remaining amount of the second battery used for calculating the total value according to a difference in a supply path of electric power from the second battery to the aerosol generating device.

[0426] (10) In the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (9), the control unit supplies power from the second battery to components other than the heating unit in the device body.

[0427] (11) In the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (10), the control unit charges the second battery using power supplied from the device body side to the cover member side.

[0428] (12) A program in which a computer is installed in an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating portion for heating an aerosol source, the program being used to enable the computer to realize the following function: when a second battery is installed on a cover member mounted on the device body, controlling the power supply from the second battery to the device body.

[0429] Description of Reference Numerals

[0430] 1…aerosol generating device, 10…front panel, 10A…main body panel, 10B…window, 10C, 20C…magnet, 20…main body device, 20A…LED, 20B…button, 21…USB connector, 22…hole, 30…shutter, 101, 201…power supply unit, 101A…primary battery, 101B…step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit, 101C, 201A…secondary battery, 102…power supply circuit, 103, 205…communication unit, 104…remaining meter, 105…charging circuit, 202…sensor unit, 203…notification unit, 204…storage unit, 206…control unit, 207…heating unit, 208…insulating unit, 209…holding unit, 210…rod-type substrate.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit, a first battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, When a second battery is provided on the cover member attached to the device body, the control unit controls the supply of power from the second battery to the device body.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit instructs the second battery to supply power to the device body when the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein: When the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit charges the first battery using the power of the second battery.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when it is predicted that there is a possibility that the remaining amount of the first battery is less than a capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the remaining capacity of the first battery is lower than a capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source.

6. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Even in the case where the remaining power of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, when the total value of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery is higher than the capacity required to use up the unused aerosol source, the control unit instructs power supply from the second battery to the device body.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: When the electric power of the second battery can be directly supplied to the heating unit, the control unit directly supplies the electric power of the second battery to the heating unit.

8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit charges the first battery using power of the second battery.

9. The aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit changes the remaining amount of the second battery used for calculating the total value according to a difference in a supply path of electric power from the second battery to the aerosol generating device.

10. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The control unit supplies power of the second battery to components other than the heating unit in the device body.

11. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The control unit charges the second battery using power supplied from the device body side to the cover member side.

12. A program in which a computer is set in an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating part for heating an aerosol source, and the program is used to enable the computer to realize the following function: when a second battery is set on a cover part assembled on the device body, controlling the power supply from the second battery to the device body.

Images