Cover member and program

Abstract

A cover member that can be attached to and detached from an aerosol-generating device having a first battery and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source is provided with: a second battery that is charged by power supplied from the aerosol-generating device; and a control unit that operates by power supplied from the second battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cover components and procedures. 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 a cover member capable of operating in consideration of not only the remaining battery level of a 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, a cover component is provided, which is removable relative to an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating portion that heats an aerosol source, and comprises: a second battery that is charged by power from the aerosol generating device; and a control portion that is operated by power from the second battery.

[0013] When the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit may supply power of the second battery to the aerosol generating device to charge the first battery.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 supplies power from the second battery to the aerosol generating device.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The control unit may charge the first battery using power from the second battery.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The main body portion attached to the aerosol generating device may cover a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0021] Attachment of the main body to the aerosol generating device may be one of the conditions for enabling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit.

[0022] The main body may be capable of operating a switch on the aerosol generating device side by being pressed by a user in a state where the main body is mounted on the aerosol generating device.

[0023] The main body portion mounted on the aerosol generating device and a portion of the aerosol generating device that is not covered by the main body portion and is in a state capable of generating aerosol may form an integrated appearance.

[0024] The cover member may further include an operation unit that receives an operation by a user and notifies the aerosol generating device.

[0025] As another embodiment of the present disclosure, a program is provided, in which a computer is arranged on a cover member, and the cover member can be loaded and unloaded relative to an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating portion that heats an aerosol source. When a second battery that is charged by power from the aerosol generating device is arranged on the cover member, the program enables the computer to implement the following function: when the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition, power of the second battery is supplied to the aerosol generating device to charge the first battery.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cover member 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

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from above.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from below.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device with a shutter removed, as viewed from above.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a front view of the main device with the front panel removed.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel removed from the main device.

[0033] Figure 6 It is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of an aerosol generating device.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the front panel and the power system circuit in the main device.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit of the main device.

[0037] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0038] Fig.11 This is a flow chart of the operation of charging the secondary battery of the main device through the secondary battery of the front panel.

[0039] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the secondary battery of the front panel as an external power source.

[0040] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the amount of electricity (power) that can be used by the entire aerosol generating device.

[0041] Fig.14 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.

[0042] Fig.15 It is a diagram for explaining the loss of electric power accompanying auxiliary charging.

[0043] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging in the second embodiment.

[0044] Fig.17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operations in Implementation Example 3.

[0045] Fig.18 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of auxiliary charging in the fourth embodiment.

[0046] Fig.19 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of auxiliary charging in the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] 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.

[0048] <Terms>

[0049] The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is one form of an electronic cigarette.

[0050] 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.

[0051] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion is described.

[0052] 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”.

[0053] 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.

[0054] <Implementation method 1>

[0055] <External appearance>

[0056] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from above.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from below.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device 1 with the shield plate 30 removed, as seen from above.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the main device 20 from the front, with the front panel 10 removed.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel 10 removed from the main device 20.

[0062] The aerosol generating device 1 used in the present embodiment has a size that can be held by a user with one hand.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 ).

[0069] 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.

[0070] In addition to its 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] The inner side of the front panel 10 used in the present embodiment is installed with: a power supply unit 101 capable of charging and discharging electricity; a charging circuit 102 for charging the power supply unit 101 by the power supplied from the main device 20; a power supply circuit 103 for supplying the power stored in the power supply unit 101 to the main device 20; a communication unit 104 capable of at least communicating with the main device 20; a remaining meter 105 for measuring the remaining power stored in the power supply unit 101; and a control unit 106 that operates by the power supply from the power supply unit 101.

[0074] In the present embodiment, for example, a thin-film lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor is used in the power supply unit 101 .

[0075] The control unit 106 controls the supply of power from the power supply unit 101 of the front panel 10 to the main device 20, etc., by communicating with the control unit 206 of the main device 20. In the case of this embodiment, the supply of power from the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is performed for the purpose of supplementing the power shortage on the side of the main device 20. A specific control example performed by the control unit 106 will be described later.

[0076] The control unit 106 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (central processing unit), an MPU (micro processing unit), a GPU (graphic processing unit), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or a DSP (digital signal processor).

[0077] The control unit 106 may include a ROM (=Read Only Memory) for storing programs, operation parameters, etc., and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that are changed as needed.

[0078] The control unit 106 performs various processes and controls by executing programs.

[0079] The processing and control here include, for example, power supply from the power supply unit 101 to the electronic components in the front panel 10, power supply from the secondary battery 101A (see Figure 7 ) to the secondary battery 201A (reference Figure 7 ) and sending and receiving of information based on the communication unit 104. In addition, the communication based on the communication unit 104 also includes communication with the main device 20.

[0080] Figure 5 The arrangement of the power supply unit 101 , the charging circuit 102 , the power supply circuit 103 , the communication unit 104 , the remaining meter 105 , and the control unit 106 is an example.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In this embodiment, BLE (=Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] <Internal structure>

[0096] 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 components provided on the front panel 10 and the main device 20 and their positional relationship. Figure 6 The appearance of the components shown in the figure may not necessarily be the same as the appearance described above. Figure 1 To.

[0097] 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.

[0098] like Figure 6As shown, the front panel 10 is provided with: a power supply unit 101 for storing electricity; a charging circuit 102 for charging the power supply unit 101 by means of electric power supplied from the main device 20 side; a power supply circuit 103 for supplying power from the power supply unit 101 to the main device 20, etc.; a communication unit 104 for communicating with at least the communication unit 205 of the main device 20; a remaining meter 105 for measuring the remaining amount of the battery of the power supply unit 101; and a control unit 106.

[0099] exist Figure 7 , it is shown that the battery of the power supply unit 101 is a secondary battery 101A. The secondary battery 101A here is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. The secondary battery 101A is an example of a second battery. The secondary battery 101A is charged from the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side and the USB power supply. The secondary battery 101A functions as a sub-battery or auxiliary battery for the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0100] The charging circuit 102 is constituted by, for example, a step-up DC / DC circuit. The charging circuit 102 in this embodiment is a circuit that supplies, for example, 4.2V to the secondary battery 101A when powered from the main device 20. The charging circuit 102 is provided with a circuit that prevents reverse current flow.

[0101] The power supply circuit 103 is constituted by, for example, a step-up DC / DC circuit and supplies a constant voltage (eg, 5V) to the main device 20 regardless of the output voltage of the power supply unit 101. The power supply circuit 103 is provided with a circuit to prevent reverse current flow.

[0102] Furthermore, the power supply from the main device 20 to the charging circuit 102 and the power supply from the power supply circuit 103 to the main device 20 may be either contact power supply or contactless power supply.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The communication unit 104 is a communication interface for realizing communication with the main device 20. The communication unit 104 in this embodiment receives the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side from the communication unit 205.

[0106] The communication unit 104 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).

[0107] 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 104 of the front panel 10 .

[0108] The remaining amount meter 105 is a circuit for calculating the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A based on the power supply current IBAT and the power supply voltage VBAT appearing in the power supply line of the secondary battery 101A. The remaining amount calculation by the remaining amount meter 105 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 notified via the communication unit 106.

[0109] The control unit 106 functions as a calculation processing device or a control device that executes various programs.

[0110] The control unit 106 in this embodiment controls the supply of power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 by communicating with the control unit 206 of the main device 20. In addition, for example, the control unit 106 controls the charging of the secondary battery 101A by the power supply from the main device 20.

[0111] The secondary battery 101A is charged by the USB cable, but the secondary battery 201A can also be charged by the main device 20 .

[0112] In addition, the system power Vsys required for the operation of the communication unit 104 , the remaining meter 105 , and the control unit 106 is supplied from the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B.

[0113] The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B is a voltage conversion circuit that generates a 3.3V system power supply Vsys from the output voltage of the secondary battery 101A and supplies it to the communication unit 104, the remaining meter 105, and the control unit 106. Therefore, all the power required for the operation of the control unit 106 and the like is supplied through the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10. In other words, the power required for the operation of the control unit 106 and the like provided in the front panel 10 need not be supplied from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20.

[0114] 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 .

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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 portable storage battery, or the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is assumed.

[0118] In addition, a power supply unit 201B is provided in the power supply section 201 .

[0119] The power supply unit 201B switches the power supply path and converts the voltage level according to the operation mode.

[0120] 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 .

[0121] 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 .

[0122] 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.

[0123] The external power source here includes the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 in addition to the commercial power source and the mobile storage battery.

[0124] 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.

[0125] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component that detects various information related to the main device 20 .

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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 ).

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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 .

[0132] 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 .

[0133] 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.

[0134] The sensor unit 202 also includes an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like that detect the user's motion.

[0135] 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.

[0136] The modes here include different colors, different lighting / extinguishing timings, etc.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] The information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, OS (=Operating System), FW (=FirmWare), and other programs.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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).

[0143] For example, the communication unit 205 transmits information related to the user's attraction to the smartphone.

[0144] 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.

[0145] The communication unit 205 also transmits the start and stop of the power supply from the main device 20 to the control unit 106. The communication unit 205 also receives the start and stop of the power supply to the main device 20 from the front panel 10 and forwards it to the control unit 206.

[0146] 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 charging circuit 102 provided in the front panel 10.

[0147] The control signal is sent through a signal line different from the power line. For example, in the communication within the main device 20, serial communication methods such as I2C (=Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication method, SPI (=Serial Peripheral Interface) communication method, and UART (=Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication method are used. In the communication with the charging 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.

[0148] The control unit 206 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a CPU, an MPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a DSP.

[0149] 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.

[0150] The control unit 206 performs various processes and controls by executing programs.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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 .

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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 .

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] At least a portion of the mouthpiece 210B is held by the user during suction.

[0165] 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 portion 210A and reaches the user's mouth. The air reaching the user's mouth contains aerosol generated in the base portion 210A.

[0166] 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.

[0167] The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated and atomized by heat generated by the heating unit 207. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like to generate an aerosol.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] <Processing Action Example>

[0177] Next, the control unit 106 (see Figure 6 ) and the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (refer to Figure 6 ) is an example of a processing action performed.

[0178] <Assembly detection operation>

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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).

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] 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.

[0184] 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).

[0185] 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.

[0186] Through this assembly detection action, the user will not directly contact the main device 20 during the heating action.

[0187] <USB charging operation>

[0188] 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.

[0189] First, the control unit 206 determines whether a USB connection is detected (step 11).

[0190] 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.

[0191] When a negative result is obtained in step 11 , the control unit 206 repeatedly executes the determination in step 11 .

[0192] 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 101A of the front panel 10 (step 12). In addition, the actual charging can also be performed by the following method: first, either the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 or the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is charged to full capacity, and then the other is charged to full capacity. However, the charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 can also be performed in parallel.

[0193] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the two secondary batteries 101A and 201A are both at full charge voltage (step 13).

[0194] If either one of the batteries has not been fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 13. On the other hand, if both of the batteries have been fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 13.

[0195] When a negative result is obtained in step 13, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable is disconnected (step 14).

[0196] 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.

[0197] When a negative result is obtained in step 14 , the control unit 206 returns to step 13 and repeats the determination in step 13 .

[0198] If a positive result is obtained in step 13 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 101A of the front panel 10 (step 15).

[0199] After that, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0200] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0201] 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 101A in the front panel 10 .

[0202] exist Fig.10 In the case of , both the secondary batteries 101A and 201A in the initial state T1 are fully charged.

[0203] At time T2, the remaining levels of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 are both reduced from fully charged.

[0204] If the USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging will start.

[0205] As a result, at the end of USB charging T3, both the secondary batteries 101A and 201A are fully charged.

[0206] <Assisted charging operation>

[0207] Fig.11 It is explained that the front panel 10 (reference Figure 6 ) of the secondary battery 101A (reference Figure 6 ) to the secondary battery 201A (reference Figure 6 ) is a flowchart of the charging action (i.e. auxiliary charging).

[0208] In this embodiment, auxiliary charging is performed by the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 (see Figure 6 ) and the main device 20 (reference Figure 6 ) control unit 206 (reference Figure 6 ) is achieved through the collaboration of

[0209] First, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 determines whether an aerosol generation request is detected (step 21). The generation request here is, for example, a case where a long press of the button 20B for more than 1 second is detected in a state where the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 and the shutter 30 is open. The long press of the button 20B requires an operation of pressing the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 with a finger to deform it.

[0210] When the request to generate aerosol is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 21.

[0211] On the other hand, when the request to generate aerosol is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 22).

[0212] In this embodiment, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 notifies the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 of the detection of the aerosol generation request and the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A (step 23). Based on this notification, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 continues the process through the control unit 206 of the main device 20.

[0213] The control unit 106 of the front panel 10, which receives the request for aerosol generation and the notification of the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A, determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than the capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 (hereinafter also referred to as "the reference capacity") (step 24).

[0214] Here, “capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-type substrate 210 ” refers to, for example, the amount of electricity required to generate an assumed amount of aerosol from the remaining unused rod-type substrate 210 .

[0215] 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.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] In addition, even if the remaining battery level is insufficient to generate the assumed amount in the high mode, if the remaining battery level is sufficient to generate the assumed amount in the normal mode, the heating mode in the main unit 20 can be forcibly switched to the normal mode. In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 of the switching.

[0219] When the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is higher than the reference capacity, a negative result is obtained in step 24 .

[0220] In this case, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 that the secondary battery 201A can be heated (step 25). Based on this notification, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 continues the process.

[0221] The control unit 206 of the main body device 20 that continues the process supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 (step 32). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 starts.

[0222] On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A is lower than the reference capacity, a positive result is obtained in step 24. The case where a positive result is obtained in step 24 is an example of a case where the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0223] In this case, the control unit 106 acquires the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 (step 26 ).

[0224] Next, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 determines whether the total value of the remaining capacity of the two secondary batteries 101A and 201A is larger than the capacity of step 24 (step 27 ).

[0225] When the total remaining capacity of the two batteries is lower than the capacity in step 24, a negative result is obtained in step 27. In this case, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 that the capacity in step 24 has not been restored (step 28). The control unit 206 of the main device 20 that has received the notification does not start heating by the heating unit 207 and ends the process. In this case, aerosol is not generated. Therefore, the user cannot inhale the aerosol.

[0226] On the other hand, when the total value of the remaining capacities of the two secondary batteries 101A and 201A is larger than the capacity in step 24 , a positive result is obtained in step 27 .

[0227] In this case, the control unit 106 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20, and notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 of this fact (step 29).

[0228] From this stage, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 continues the processing.

[0229] The control unit 206 of the main device 20 that has received the notification of step 29 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has been restored to the capacity of step 24 (step 30).

[0230] If the capacity recovery is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 repeats the determination in step 30.

[0231] On the other hand, when the capacity recovery is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 stops the supply of power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 31). The instruction of the stop is notified to the power supply circuit 103 via the control unit 106.

[0232] Fig.12 The diagram is for explaining auxiliary charging using the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source.

[0233] 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 101A in the front panel 10 .

[0234] At time T11, both the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are fully charged.

[0235] Fig.12 The time T12 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 101A of the front panel 10 remains fully charged. However, the remaining capacity of the battery of the front panel 10 may sometimes decrease.

[0236] In short, by utilizing the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 , the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 can be restored.

[0237] Subsidiary charging starts at this time T12. By executing the supplementary charging, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 decreases, and conversely, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 increases.

[0238] At time T13, 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.

[0239] Thereafter, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 32).

[0240] Summary

[0241] As described above, the main device 20 (refer to Figure 1 ), the front panel 10 with the built-in secondary battery 101A can be mounted. In addition, when the front panel 10 with the built-in secondary battery 101A is mounted on the main device 20, the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 can be charged using the secondary battery 101A as an external power source. As a result, the usage time of the main device 20 is longer than when the front panel 10 without the built-in secondary battery 101A is mounted.

[0242] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining the amount of electric power that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0243] The vertical axis in the figure represents the amount of electric power that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0244] like Fig.13 As shown, it can be seen that when the front panel 10 with the built-in secondary battery 101A is attached to the main body device 20, the amount of power that can be used increases compared to the case where the main body device 20 has only the secondary battery 201A.

[0245] In addition, 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 101A 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.

[0246] 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 101A of the front panel 10 is utilized, the heating of the heating unit 207 is not started and the heating is ended before the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 is used up, thereby avoiding the situation where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is discarded.

[0247] <Implementation method 2>

[0248] In this embodiment, a correction function of the available electric power, that is, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A, based on the difference in the supply path of electric power from the front panel 10 to the main device 20 will be described.

[0249] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0250] Fig.14 1 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 used as an auxiliary power source and the remaining amount available in the main device 20 .

[0251] exist Fig.14 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 106, it is sufficient to store the relationship corresponding to the power supply path used.

[0252] 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.

[0253] Therefore, in Fig.14In the example, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A 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.

[0254] On the other hand, in the case of wireless connection, even if the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A 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.

[0255] 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.

[0256] Fig.15 2 is a diagram illustrating the power loss associated with auxiliary charging. Fig.15 In, with Fig.12 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0257] exist Fig.15 In this case, the electric power consumed by auxiliary charging at time T12 is A1 [Wh].

[0258] 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. Fig.11 In the determination of step 27, it is necessary to consider the loss on the power supply path.

[0259] Fig.16 2 is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging in the second embodiment. Fig.16 In, with Fig.11 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0260] like Fig.16 The auxiliary charging and Fig.11 The difference between the auxiliary charging shown is that step 26A is performed instead of step 26. Other processing actions are the same as Fig.11 The auxiliary charging shown is public.

[0261] In step 26A, the control unit 106 in this embodiment obtains the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A 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.

[0262] Summary

[0263] In the case of this embodiment, the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is calculated by taking into account the power loss in the power supply path. Therefore, 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.

[0264] <Implementation method 3>

[0265] 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.

[0266] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0267] Fig.17 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 3. Fig.17 In, with Fig.11 and Fig.16 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0268] like Fig.17 The processing operation shown is performed by the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 (see Figure 6 ) and was executed.

[0269] In the case of the present embodiment, control unit 106 of front panel 10 determines whether it is a predetermined timing (step 21A).

[0270] 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 101A on the front panel 10 side may also be required to satisfy a condition that it is greater than the current capacity C of the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0271] If the timing is not predetermined in the determination of step 21A, the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 side obtains a negative result in step 21A. In this case, the control unit 106 repeats the determination of step 21A.

[0272] On the other hand, in the determination of step 21A, if it is the predetermined timing, the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 side obtains a positive result in step 21A. In this case, the control unit 106 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 regardless of the generation request from the user (step 22). The acquisition of the remaining amount is performed by communicating with the control unit 206 of the main device 20.

[0273] Next, the control unit 106 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 24).

[0274] If a negative result is obtained in step 24, it is not necessary to charge the secondary battery 201A. Therefore, the control unit 106 ends the process without executing the predicted auxiliary charging.

[0275] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 24 , the control unit 106 obtains the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 and converts it into an actually usable power value (step 26A).

[0276] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the total value of the remaining power of the two secondary batteries is larger than the capacity of step 24 (step 27 ).

[0277] If a negative result is obtained in step 27, 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 106 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.

[0278] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 27, control unit 106 starts supplying power from secondary battery 101A of front panel 10 to secondary battery 201A of main device 20, and notifies control unit 206 of main device 20 of the fact (step 29).

[0279] Based on this notification, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 continues the processing.

[0280] The control unit 206 of the main device 20 that has received the notification of step 29 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has been restored to the capacity of step 24 (step 30).

[0281] When the recovery of the capacity is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 30.

[0282] On the other hand, if the capacity recovery is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 31). The control unit 106 notifies the power supply circuit 103 of the stop instruction.

[0283] Summary

[0284] 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.

[0285] <Implementation method 4>

[0286] 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.

[0287] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0288] Fig.18 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of auxiliary charging in the fourth embodiment. Fig.18 In, with Fig.11 and Fig.16 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0289] like Fig.18 The auxiliary charging shown is also performed by the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 (refer to Figure 6 ) and the main device 20 (reference Figure 6 ) control unit 206 (reference Figure 6 ) collaboration to control.

[0290] First, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 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 of step 21 .

[0291] 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).

[0292] Next, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 notifies the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 of the detection of the aerosol generation request and the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A (step 23). With this notification, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 continues the process through the control unit 206 of the main device 20.

[0293] The control unit 106 of the front panel 10 that continues the process determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than the capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 (step 24).

[0294] If a negative result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 is notified that the secondary battery 201A can be heated by the main device 20 (step 25). That is, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 continues the process through the control unit 106 of the front panel 10.

[0295] The control unit 206 of the main body device 20 that continues the process supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 (step 32). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 starts.

[0296] 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 24. When a positive result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 106 obtains the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 and converts it into an actually usable power value (step 26A).

[0297] Next, the control unit 106 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20, and notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 of this fact (step 29).

[0298] 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 .

[0299] The control unit 206 of the main device 20 that has received the notification of step 29 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has been restored to the capacity of step 24 (step 30).

[0300] If the recovery of capacity is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 30 .

[0301] In this case, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is less than the lower limit value (step 41).

[0302] Here, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is notified from the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 to the control unit 206 of the main device 20 .

[0303] The lower limit value used in step 41 is the minimum power for ensuring the operation of the control unit 106 and the like of the front panel 10 .

[0304] Alternatively, the determination in step 41 may be performed by the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, and the result of the determination may be notified to the control unit 206 of the main device 20. If the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is greater than the lower limit value, a negative result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 30.

[0305] When a positive result is obtained in step 30 , the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 31 ). The instruction of the stop is notified to the power supply circuit 103 via the control unit 106 .

[0306] Thereafter, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 32). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 starts.

[0307] If a positive result is obtained in step 41 , control unit 206 proceeds to step 31 to stop auxiliary charging, and then executes step 32 .

[0308] The start of heating in this case is insufficient for the electric power capable of using up the unused rod-type substrates 210 .

[0309] However, even before the secondary battery 201A is fully charged, the user's need to inhale aerosol to the greatest extent possible can be satisfied.

[0310] Summary

[0311] As described above, in this embodiment, before confirming whether the total value of the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A 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 is started by utilizing the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10.

[0312] 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.

[0313] 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.

[0314] <Implementation method 5>

[0315] In the present embodiment, a case where electric power is directly supplied from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the heating unit 207 to generate aerosol will be described.

[0316] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0317] Fig.19 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of auxiliary charging in the fifth embodiment. Fig.19 In, with Fig.11 and Fig.16 The corresponding parts are indicated by adding corresponding symbols.

[0318] like Fig.19 The auxiliary charging shown is also performed by the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 (refer to Figure 6 ) and the main device 20 (reference Figure 6 ) control unit 206 (reference Figure 6 ) is achieved through the collaboration of

[0319] In the case of this embodiment, steps 21 to 24 are also performed in order. In addition, when a negative result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 that heating by the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 can be performed (step 25). Then, the control unit 206 of the main device 20, which continues the processing from the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 32).

[0320] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 24 , control unit 106 of front panel 10 obtains the remaining power of secondary battery 101A of front panel 10 and converts the remaining power into an actually usable power value (step 26A).

[0321] Next, control unit 106 of front panel 10 determines whether the remaining amount of secondary battery 101A of front panel 10 is higher than the capacity of step 24 (step 51). This determination is performed based on the remaining amount after conversion performed in step 26A.

[0322] When a negative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 of the insufficient remaining battery (step 52). In this case, not only the auxiliary charging of the main device 20 is not performed from the front panel 10, but also the generation of aerosol is not performed and the process ends. In addition, the user may be notified of the necessity of USB charging.

[0323] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 51, control unit 106 starts supplying power from secondary battery 101A of front panel 10 to heating unit 207, and notifies control unit 206 of main device 20 of the fact (step 53).

[0324] When the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 supply power to the heating unit 207 at the same time, each secondary battery is connected to a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit to make the voltages of the two secondary batteries consistent and then connected to the power line.

[0325] Summary

[0326] In the case of this embodiment, even when the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is insufficient, when the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is higher than the capacity sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210, the remaining power of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is utilized to start heating the rod-shaped substrate 210.

[0327] In this case, aerosol can be generated without further reducing the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 .

[0328] <Other embodiments>

[0329] (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.

[0330] (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.

[0331] (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.

[0332] (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.

[0333] (5) In the aforementioned embodiment, in step 23 (reference Fig.11 ) stage, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 hands over the processing to the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, but before the control unit 206 of the main device 20 is responsible for the judgment of step 24, if a positive result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 may also continue the processing.

[0334] (6) In the above embodiment, the rechargeable secondary battery 101A is provided on the front panel 10, but the battery provided on the front panel 10 may be a primary battery. Since it is a primary battery, the battery with low remaining power can be removed from the front panel 10 and replaced with a new one.

[0335] Even if the battery of front panel 10 is a primary battery, the processing operations in the above-mentioned embodiments can be performed.

[0336] (7) In the above embodiment, the charging circuit 102 is provided in the front panel 10, but a configuration may be adopted in which the charging circuit 102 is not provided. In this case, the power supply unit 201B of the main device 20 functions as the charging circuit 102 to charge the secondary battery 101A.

[0337] Likewise, the power supply circuit 103 may be removed from the front panel 10 . In this case, the power supply unit 201B of the main device 20 functions as the power supply circuit 103 .

[0338] (8) In the above-mentioned embodiment, a thin-film lithium battery, a capacitor, or the like is assumed as the battery provided on the front panel 10, but a coin-shaped or chip-shaped battery may also be used.

[0339] (9) 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.

[0340] 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 ) and operates, the main device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a secondary battery uses the secondary battery 101A from the front panel 10 (refer to Figure 7 )'s power function becomes effective.

[0341] (10) 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 thereto. 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 aerosol can be operated. The other functions here include, 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.

[0342] (11) In the aforementioned embodiment, an example is described in which the button 20B provided in 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.

[0343] For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10 to communicate with the front panel 104 (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 ).

[0344] In addition, for example, switches and buttons are arranged on the front panel 10, and the communication unit 104 (see Figure 6 ) notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 of the presence or absence of such operations (reference Figure 6 ). The touch panel, switch, etc. here are examples of the operating unit.

[0345] In addition, a heat insulating structure is adopted on the surface members and the inner side of the main body device 20 .

[0346] (12) In the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 4, etc., by executing step 24 (refer to Fig.11 ) as a prerequisite, the detection of the request for the generation of the aerosol is requested, in the third embodiment, to execute step 24 (reference Fig.17 ) 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.).

[0347] (13) In the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, 4, etc., an example is described in which, when a request for generating aerosol is received, the secondary battery 101A 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 the capacity to a capacity sufficient to use up the rod-shaped substrate 210 becomes longer.

[0348] 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 secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0349] 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.

[0350] Summary

[0351] In addition, the present disclosure includes the following structures.

[0352] (1) A cover member that is attachable to and detachable from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, and comprises: a second battery that is charged by power supplied from the aerosol generating device; and a control unit that is operated by power supplied from the second battery.

[0353] (2) In the cover member of (1), when the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit supplies power of the second battery to the aerosol generating device to charge the first battery.

[0354] (3) In the cover member of (2), when it is predicted that the remaining capacity of the first battery is likely to be lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the control unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0355] (4) In the cover member according to (2), 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.

[0356] (5) In the cover part as in any one of (1) to (4), even when 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 supplies power from the second battery to the aerosol generating device.

[0357] (6) In the cover member according to (5), 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.

[0358] (7) In the cover member according to (5), the control unit charges the first battery using the power of the second battery.

[0359] (8) In the cover member according to (5), 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.

[0360] (9) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the main body portion mounted on the aerosol generating device covers a portion of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0361] (10) In the cover member according to (9), mounting the main body to the aerosol generating device is one of the conditions for enabling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit.

[0362] (11) In the cover member according to any one of (1) to (10), the main body can be pressed by a user in a state where the main body is mounted on the aerosol generating device, thereby enabling operation of a switch on the aerosol generating device side.

[0363] (12) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (11),

[0364] The main body part mounted on the aerosol generating device and the part of the aerosol generating device that is not covered by the main body part and is in a state capable of generating aerosol form an integrated appearance.

[0365] (13) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (11), further comprising an operation unit that receives an operation by a user and notifies the aerosol generating device.

[0366] (14) A program in which a computer is disposed on a cover member that is removable relative to an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating portion that heats an aerosol source, and in a case where a second battery that is charged by power supplied from the aerosol generating device is disposed on the cover member, the program causes the computer to implement the following function: when the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition, power from the second battery is supplied to the aerosol generating device to charge the first battery.

[0367] Description of Reference Numerals

[0368] 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, 201A…secondary battery, 101B…step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit, 102…charging circuit, 103…power supply circuit, 104, 205…communication unit, 105…remaining meter, 106, 206…control unit, 202…sensor unit, 203…notification unit, 204…storage unit, 207…heating unit, 208…insulating unit, 209…holding unit, 210…rod-type substrate.

Claims

1. A cover member that is attachable to and detachable from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, comprising: a second battery charged by power from the aerosol generating device; and The control unit operates by the power supplied from the second battery.

2. The cover member according to claim 1, wherein When the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit supplies power of the second battery to the aerosol generating device to charge the first battery.

3. The cover member according to claim 2, 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.

4. The cover member according to claim 2, 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.

5. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein Even in a 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 supplies power from the second battery to the aerosol generating device.

6. The cover member according to claim 5, 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.

7. The cover member according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit charges the first battery using power of the second battery.

8. The cover member according to claim 5, 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.

9. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The main body portion mounted on the aerosol generating device covers a portion of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

10. The cover member according to claim 9, wherein Attachment of the main body to the aerosol generating device is one of the conditions for enabling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit.

11. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The main body can be operated by a user's pressing when the main body is mounted on the aerosol generating device, thereby enabling operation of a switch on the aerosol generating device side.

12. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The main body part mounted on the aerosol generating device and the part of the aerosol generating device that is not covered by the main body part and is in a state capable of generating aerosol form an integrated appearance.

13. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The device further includes an operation unit that receives an operation by a user and notifies the aerosol generating device.

14. A program, wherein a computer is provided in a cover member that is attachable to and detachable from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, When a second battery that is charged by power from the aerosol generating device is provided on the cover part, the computer realizes the following function: when the remaining power of the first battery satisfies a predetermined condition, the power of the second battery is supplied to the aerosol generating device to charge the first battery.

Images