Cover member

Abstract

A cover member that can be attached to and detached from an electronic device that operates by a built-in first battery is provided with: a second battery; a power supply circuit for supplying power from the second battery to the electronic device; and a notification unit that notifies the sum of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover member. Background Art

[0002] Most portable electronic devices operate using batteries built into the main body. The batteries used may be primary batteries or secondary batteries. In electronic devices that operate using primary batteries, covers or other cover components that can be loaded and unloaded by users are installed. In addition, in electronic devices that operate using secondary batteries, USB terminals and other power supply terminals for charging the secondary batteries from the outside are provided. Recently, there are also electronic devices that do not provide power supply terminals and can charge secondary batteries wirelessly.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-512245 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] Recent portable electronic devices consume a lot of power, but are also required to be used for a long time. As a countermeasure to this reverse requirement, portable batteries (hereinafter referred to as "mobile batteries") are prepared to supply power to electronic devices. However, in current specifications, the remaining power of the battery built into the electronic device and the remaining power of the mobile battery are displayed separately.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a technology that allows a user to easily understand the amount of power that can be used by the entire electronic device equipped with a cover member.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] As one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cover member is provided that can be loaded and unloaded relative to an electronic device that operates by a built-in first battery, and comprises: a second battery; a power supply circuit for supplying power from the second battery to the electronic device; and a notification unit for notifying the total value of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery.

[0011] The notification unit may notify the total value calculated using the remaining amount of the second battery corrected based on the efficiency of supply of electric power from the second battery to the electronic device.

[0012] The device may further include a charging circuit that receives power from the electronic device and charges the second battery.

[0013] The notification unit may separately notify the user of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery in response to a user operation.

[0014] The device may further include a control unit that calculates the total value and causes the notification unit to display the total value.

[0015] The notification unit may display the total value acquired through communication with the electronic device.

[0016] The main body portion mounted on the electronic device may cover a portion of the surface of the electronic device.

[0017] The main body may be mounted on the electronic device and pressed by a user, so that a switch on the electronic device side provided at a position facing the main body can be operated.

[0018] The device may further include an operation unit that receives an operation by a user and notifies the electronic device of the operation.

[0019] Alternatively, the main body portion mounted on the electronic device and the portion of the electronic device not covered by the main body portion may form an integrated appearance.

[0020] The electronic device may be an aerosol generating device having a heating unit for heating the aerosol source, and 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.

[0021] Alternatively, when the remaining power of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, and the total value of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that the unused aerosol source can be used up by utilizing the remaining power of the second battery.

[0022] Alternatively, when the remaining power of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source and the remaining power of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit may notify that the unused aerosol source can be used up by utilizing the remaining power of the second battery.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible for a user to easily understand the amount of power available for use in the entire electronic device to which the cover member is attached. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from above.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device as viewed diagonally from below.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a notification unit provided on the front panel.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device with a shutter removed, as viewed from above.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a front view of the main device with the front panel removed.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel removed from the main device.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of an aerosol generating device.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the front panel and the power system circuit in the main device.

[0033] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the front panel attachment detection operation executed by the control unit.

[0034] Fig.10 This is a diagram for explaining an example of processing operation related to the function of displaying the total value of the remaining amount of the primary battery of the front panel and the remaining amount of the secondary battery of the main device.

[0035] Fig.11 It is a diagram for explaining an example of display of the remaining amount of batteries that can be used in the aerosol generating device as a whole.

[0036] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of charging the secondary battery of the main device via the primary battery of the front panel.

[0037] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the primary battery of the front panel as an external power source.

[0038] Fig.14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit.

[0039] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0040] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining the amount of electricity that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0041] Fig.17This is a graph for explaining the relationship between the remaining power of the primary battery of the front panel used as an auxiliary power source and the remaining power available in the main device.

[0042] Fig.18 This is a diagram for explaining another example of the processing operation related to the function of displaying the total value of the remaining amount of the primary battery of the front panel and the remaining amount of the secondary battery of the main device.

[0043] Fig.19 It is a diagram for explaining an example of display of the remaining amount of batteries that can be used in the aerosol generating device as a whole.

[0044] Fig. 20 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the primary battery of the front panel as an external power source.

[0045] Fig.21 This is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the notification unit provided on the front panel.

[0046] Fig. 22 This is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the notification unit provided on the front panel.

[0047] Fig.23 This is a diagram for explaining a display example when the entire notification unit is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0048] Fig.24 It is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of an aerosol generating device.

[0049] Fig.25 This is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the front panel and the power system circuit in the main device.

[0050] Fig.26 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit.

[0051] Fig. 27 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0052] Fig.28 This is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 5.

[0053] Fig.29 This is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the front panel used in Embodiment 5 and the power system circuit in the main device.

[0054] Fig.30 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in the sixth embodiment.

[0055] Fig.31 It is a diagram for explaining an example of display of information by the notification unit.

[0056] Fig.32 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the battery of the front panel as an external power source.

[0057] Fig.33 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 7.

[0058] Fig.34 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 8.

[0059] Fig.35 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] 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.

[0061] <Terms>

[0062] The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is one form of an electronic cigarette.

[0063] 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.

[0064] In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion is described.

[0065] 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”.

[0066] 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.

[0067] <Implementation method 1>

[0068] <External appearance>

[0069] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from above.

[0071] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 as viewed diagonally from below.

[0072] Figure 3 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the notification unit 103 provided on the front panel 10 .

[0073] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the aerosol generating device 1 with the shield plate 30 removed, as seen from above.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the main device 20 from the front, with the front panel 10 removed.

[0075] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the back side of the front panel 10 removed from the main device 20.

[0076] The aerosol generating device 1 used in the present embodiment has a size that can be held by a user with one hand.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the front panel 10 installed on the main body device 20 is continuously connected to the side surface, top surface and bottom surface of the main body device 20 without any step difference, forming an integrated appearance.

[0081] 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.

[0082] The front panel 10 is provided with a notification unit 103. The notification unit 103 in this embodiment is a segment type display indicating the remaining amount of the battery built into the front panel 10 and the main device 20. In the case of this embodiment, the notification unit 103 is composed of 10 segments. Each segment is composed of an LED (=Light Emitting Diode), and the lighting and extinguishing of each LED are controlled by a switch SW connected in series with the LED. For example, a transistor is used for the switch SW.

[0083] The lighting and flashing of the LED indicate the operating state of the main device 20. The operating state also includes errors. The lighting and flashing of the LED are controlled by the control unit 206 (see Figure 7 ) and be controlled.

[0084] In addition to the decorative function, the front panel 10 also has the function of buffering the transfer of heat released from the main device 20. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the generation of aerosol is allowed only when the front panel 10 is installed in the main device 20. In other words, the front panel 10 installed in the main device 20 forms an integrated appearance with the main device 20 in a state where aerosol can be generated.

[0085] The front panel 10 has a function of protecting the main device 20 from dirt, damage, etc. The battery-mounted front panel 10 described later has a function of increasing the amount of electricity that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0086] The front panel 10 used in the present embodiment is deformed when the user presses a position below the notification portion 103 with a fingertip, and returns to its original shape when the pressing stops.

[0087] The inner side of the front panel 10 used in the present embodiment is installed with: a power supply unit 101 capable of discharging electricity; a power supply circuit 102 that supplies 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; and a remaining meter 105 for measuring the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply unit 101.

[0088] In the present embodiment, for example, a film-type primary battery, a button-type primary battery, or a chip-type primary battery is assumed to be used in the power supply unit 101 . These batteries are attachable to and detachable from the front panel 10 .

[0089] in addition, Figure 6 The arrangement of the power supply unit 101 , the charging circuit 102 , the communication unit 104 , and the remaining capacity meter 105 is an example. In addition, a plurality of power supply units 101 may be mounted on the front panel 10 .

[0090] 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 of the outer appearance of the front panel 10 shown is an example of the main body portion.

[0091] 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 7 ) for charging.

[0092] 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 7 ) 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 7)'s power supply on / off, Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing instructions, etc.

[0099] 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.

[0100] In this embodiment, BLE (=Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] In addition, LED 20A is arranged on the front surface of the main device 20. The LED 20A is used to display the operating state of the main device 20.

[0105] <Internal structure>

[0106] Figure 7 Schematically shows the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1. Figure 7 2 shows a state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is installed in the main device 20. Figure 7 The purpose of the internal structure shown in the figure is to explain the components provided in the front panel 10 and the main device 20 and their positional relationship. Figure 7 The appearance of the components shown in the figure may not necessarily be the same as the appearance described above. Figure 1 To.

[0107] Figure 8 1 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the front panel 10 and the power system circuit in the main device 20.

[0108] like Figure 7As shown, the front panel 10 is provided with: a power supply unit 101 for storing electric power; a power supply circuit 102 for supplying power from the power supply unit 101 to the main device 20, etc.; a notification unit 103 for notifying the remaining battery level of the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole, etc.; a communication unit 104 for notifying the main device 20 of the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 101; and a remaining meter 105 for measuring the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 101.

[0109] exist Figure 8 1 shows a case where the battery of the power supply unit 101 is a primary battery 101A. The primary battery 101A here is, for example, a lithium battery or an alkaline battery. The primary battery 101A is an example of a second battery. In addition, the primary battery 101A functions as a sub-battery or auxiliary battery for the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0110] The power supply circuit 102 is constituted by, for example, a step-up DC / DC circuit and supplies a fixed voltage (for example, 5V) to the main device 20 regardless of the output voltage of the power supply unit 101. The power supply circuit 102 is provided with a circuit for preventing a reverse flow of current.

[0111] Incidentally, the power supply from the power supply circuit 102 to the main device 20 may be either contact power supply or contactless power supply.

[0112] 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), and a method using connection of connectors are used.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The communication unit 104 is a communication interface for realizing communication with the main device 20. The communication unit 104 in this embodiment notifies the main device 20 of the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A. In addition, the communication unit 104 receives control data of the notification unit 103 from the main device 20. The control data includes, for example, the number or position of the segments to be lit in the notification unit 103, and the number or position of the segments to be extinguished. In addition, the control data also includes instructions for flashing and light color of the LED.

[0115] The communication unit 104 communicates with the main device 20 in a wired or wireless manner based on any communication standard. Examples of the communication standard include wireless LAN (=Local Area Network), serial signal line, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0116] 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 .

[0117] The remaining amount meter 105 is a circuit for calculating the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A based on the power supply current IBAT and the power supply voltage VBAT appearing in the power supply line of the primary battery 101A. The remaining amount calculation based on the remaining amount meter 105 may be performed at a predetermined cycle or timing, or may be performed only when there is an instruction from the control unit 206 of the main device 20. The calculated remaining amount is transmitted to the main device 20 via the communication unit 104.

[0118] In addition, the system power Vsys required for the operations of the notification unit 103 , the communication unit 104 , and the remaining quantity meter 105 is supplied from the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B.

[0119] 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 primary battery 101A and supplies it to the notification unit 103, the communication unit 104, and the remaining meter 105. Therefore, the power required for the operation of the notification unit 103 and the like is all supplied from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10. In other words, the power required for the operation of the notification unit 103 and the like provided on the front panel 10 need not be supplied from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20.

[0120] 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 .

[0121] As mentioned above, Figure 7 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.

[0122] 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 8 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.

[0123] The secondary battery 201A can be charged from an external power source. In the present embodiment, as the external power source, for example, a commercial power source, a mobile storage battery, or the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is assumed.

[0124] In addition, a power supply unit 201B is provided in the power supply section 201 .

[0125] The power supply unit 201B switches the power supply path and converts the voltage level according to the operation mode.

[0126] 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 .

[0127] 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 .

[0128] 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.

[0129] The external power source here includes the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 in addition to the commercial power source and the mobile storage battery.

[0130] When using a USB cable to power a commercial power source or a mobile battery, Figure 8 VUSB is used to represent the power supply terminals corresponding to them.

[0131] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component that detects various information related to the main device 20 .

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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 5 ).

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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 .

[0138] 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 .

[0139] The sensor unit 202 also includes a biometric sensor for measuring the user's heart rate, etc., a fingerprint sensor for unlocking, and the like.

[0140] Furthermore, the sensor unit 202 includes an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like that detect the motion of the user.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The modes here include different colors, different lighting / extinguishing timings, etc.

[0143] However, in Figure 1 When the front panel 10 with the notification unit shown is mounted on the main device 20, the LED 20A is controlled to be in the off state. This is because the function of the LED 20A can be replaced by the notification unit 103. In addition, the power consumption is reduced.

[0144] However, when the front panel 10 having a window or a slit for transmitting light provided at a position facing the LED 20A is attached to the main device 20 , the LED 20A is controlled to be lit.

[0145] 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 20, etc., together with the aforementioned light-emitting device or in place of the light-emitting device. The light-emitting device, the display device, the sound output device, the vibration device, etc. are also examples of the notification unit for notifying information.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] The information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, OS (=Operating System), FW (=Firm Ware), and other programs.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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).

[0151] For example, the communication unit 205 transmits information related to the user's suction to the smartphone. In addition, the communication unit 205 downloads an update program and a heating profile for specifying the temperature change of the heating unit 207 in the heating mode from the server. In addition, the communication unit 205 transmits the start and stop of power supply to the power supply circuit 102.

[0152] The control unit 206 functions as a processing unit and a control unit, and controls the operation of the main device 20 according to various programs. The control unit 206 may also control the operation of the power supply circuit 102 provided in the front panel 10.

[0153] The control signal is sent through a signal line different from the power line. For example, in the communication within the main device 20, a serial communication method such as I2C (=Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication method, SPI (=Serial Peripheral Interface) communication method, UART (=Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication method is used. In the communication with the power supply circuit 102 of the front panel 10, the SPI communication method and the UART communication method are used. In addition, BLE, for example, is used in the communication line.

[0154] The control unit 206 is implemented by electronic circuits such as CPU (=Central Processing Unit), MPU (=Micro Processing Unit), GPU (=Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (=application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (=Digital Signal Processor), etc.

[0155] 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.

[0156] The control unit 206 performs various processes and controls by executing programs.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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 .

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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 .

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] In addition, the aerosol source may include a substance not derived from tobacco, such as mint, vanilla, etc. For example, the aerosol source may include a flavoring component such as menthol.

[0169] 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.

[0170] At least a portion of the mouthpiece 210B is held by the user during suction.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] exist Figure 7 In the case of , the periphery of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heated range gradually moves toward the center.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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 5 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] In addition, Figure 7 In the example of the embodiment, 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 for use, 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] <Processing Action Example>

[0183] Next, the control unit 206 (see Figure 7 ) is an example of a processing action performed.

[0184] <Assembly detection operation>

[0185] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the front panel assembly detection operation performed by the control unit 206. This operation is performed not only in the heating unit 207 (see Figure 7 ) 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.

[0186] 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).

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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).

[0189] However, releasing the prohibited state of heating is different from starting heating. Figure 5 ) from the top of the front panel 10 for more than 1 second, thereby starting the rod-shaped substrate 210 (refer to Figure 7 ) heating.

[0190] 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).

[0191] 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.

[0192] Through this pre-assembly detection action, the user will not directly contact the main device 20 during the heating action.

[0193] <Display of the total value of the remaining quantity>

[0194] Fig.10 The primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is described and shown (see Figure 8 ) and the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (refer to Figure 8 ) is a diagram of an example of a processing action related to the function of calculating the total value of the remainder.

[0195] In the case of this embodiment, the notification unit 103 (see Figure 8 ) is displayed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (refer to Figure 8 ) processing and is implemented.

[0196] First, the control unit 206 determines whether an operation to display the remaining battery level is detected (step 11). The operation here includes, for example, opening the shutter 30 (see Figure 1 ) operation, pressing button 20B twice, instructions from a smartphone.

[0197] When the operation to be detected is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 11. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 11.

[0198] When the operation as the detection object is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 11. In this case, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 12). The remaining amount here can be obtained from a remaining amount meter (not shown) provided in the main device 20. The structure of the remaining amount meter can also be the same as the remaining amount meter 105 provided on the front panel 10.

[0199] Next, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 (step 13). Specifically, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount information calculated by the remaining amount meter 105 provided in the front panel 10 through communication.

[0200] Next, the control unit 206 calculates the total value of the remaining power of the batteries that can be used in the entire device (step 14). In addition, a process is performed to convert the remaining power of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 into the unit of the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. In this embodiment, in order to simplify the description, the power of the primary battery 101A and the power of the secondary battery 201A when fully charged are assumed to be the same. In this case, the total value of the remaining power of the battery can be calculated using the sum of the two remaining powers.

[0201] When the total value is calculated, the control unit 206 notifies the front panel 10 of the total value of the remaining battery (step 15). In the case of this embodiment, the total value of the remaining battery is notified to the notification unit 103 in the form of the number and position of the illuminated segments (see Figure 7 ) In addition, the control unit 206 starts measuring the elapsed time simultaneously with the notification of step 15.

[0202] The front panel 10 that has received the notification displays the total value of the remaining battery level (step 16 ). This display is achieved by lighting up the segments constituting the notification unit 103 .

[0203] Thereafter, the control unit 206 determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed (step 17).

[0204] The certain period of time here is predetermined as a period of time for displaying the total value of the remaining battery level.

[0205] If the certain time has not passed, a negative result is obtained in step 17. In this case, the control unit 206 repeatedly performs the determination in step 17. On the other hand, if the passage of the certain time is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 17. In this case, the control unit 206 instructs the front panel 10 to turn off (step 18). The front panel 10 that receives the instruction ends the display of the total value (step 19).

[0206] Fig.11 It is a diagram for explaining a display example of the remaining amount of batteries that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0207] exist Fig.11 In the case of , 5 segments light up. The user observing this display can recognize that the remaining battery level is half of the full charge level.

[0208] In the case of the present embodiment, the remaining battery level displayed by the notification unit 103 is the total value of the remaining battery level of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the remaining battery level of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 .

[0209] By the way, in Fig.11 In the case of , the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is the amount of one segment (segment), and the remaining power of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is the amount of four segments. Therefore, five segments are lit. Fig.11 In the case of , the details of the remaining amount of each battery are not displayed.

[0210] <Assisted charging operation>

[0211] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 via the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 (ie, supplementary charging). The supplementary charging operation is also always performed in the background.

[0212] The control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is less than a threshold value V1 (step 21). The threshold value V1 here is an example of a predetermined reference.

[0213] When the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value V1, a negative result is obtained in step 21. When a negative result is obtained in step 21, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 21.

[0214] On the other hand, when the remaining amount is less than the threshold value V1, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 starts to supply power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 22).

[0215] In the present embodiment, the control unit 206 instructs the power supply circuit 102 of the front panel 10 to start power supply. As a result, the output terminal of the power supply circuit 102 supplies power to the power supply unit 201B (see FIG. 1 ) of the main device 20. Figure 8 ) supplies a voltage stepped up to, for example, 5 V. In addition, the power supply unit 201B performs DC / DC conversion on a 5 V voltage supplied from the primary battery 101A as an external power supply to 4.2 V, and supplies the voltage to a power supply line connected to the secondary battery 201A.

[0216] Thus, charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 starts.

[0217] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is larger than the threshold value V2 (> V1) (step 23).

[0218] When the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A is less than or equal to the threshold value V2, a negative result is obtained in step 23. On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A is greater than the threshold value V2, a positive result is obtained in step 23.

[0219] If a negative result is obtained in step 23, control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 is less than threshold value V3 (step 24). Threshold value V3 here specifies the timing of stopping the power supply from front panel 10 to main device 20.

[0220] If the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 is greater than threshold value V3, a negative result is obtained in step 24. On the other hand, if the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 is less than threshold value V3, a positive result is obtained in step 24.

[0221] When a negative result is obtained in step 24 , the control unit 206 returns to step 23 and repeats the determination in step 23 .

[0222] If a positive result is obtained in step 23 or a positive result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 25).

[0223] A positive result in step 23 means that the remaining amount of secondary battery 201A of main device 20 has returned to the target level. On the other hand, a positive result in step 24 means that the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 has decreased.

[0224] Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source.

[0225] Fig.13 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using primary battery 101A of front panel 10 as an external power source.

[0226] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 , and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 .

[0227] exist Fig.13In the case of , both the primary battery 101A and the secondary battery 201A in the initial state T11 are fully charged.

[0228] Fig.13 The time point T12 indicates a state where the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is lower than the threshold value V1. In addition, the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 remains fully charged. However, the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 may decrease.

[0229] The auxiliary charging starts at this time point T12. As the auxiliary charging is executed, the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 decreases, while the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 increases.

[0230] exist Fig.13 In this case, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 does not reach the threshold value V2, but the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as the external power source becomes less than the threshold value V3, so charging stops.

[0231] <USB charging operation>

[0232] Therefore, the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 can also be charged by connecting the USB cable.

[0233] Fig.14 2 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206. The USB charging operation is also always executed in the background.

[0234] First, the control unit 206 determines whether a USB connection is detected (step 31 ).

[0235] When the USB cable is not connected to the USB connector 21, a negative result is obtained in step 31. In this case, the control unit 206 repeatedly executes the determination of step 31.

[0236] On the other hand, in the USB connector 21 (refer to Figure 2 ) is connected to the main device 20 via a USB cable, a positive result is obtained in step 31. In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 32).

[0237] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the secondary battery 201A of the main device has a full charge voltage (step 33).

[0238] When the secondary battery 201A has not reached the full charge voltage, a negative result is obtained in step 33. On the other hand, when the secondary battery 201A has reached the full charge voltage, a positive result is obtained in step 33.

[0239] When a negative result is obtained in step 33 , the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable is removed (step 34 ).

[0240] If the USB cable remains attached, a negative result is obtained in step 34. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 34.

[0241] When a negative result is obtained in step 34 , the control unit 206 returns to step 33 and repeats the determination in step 33 .

[0242] When a positive result is obtained in step 33 or a positive result is obtained in step 34, the control unit 206 stops charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 35).

[0243] After that, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0244] Fig.15 This is a diagram for explaining the USB charging operation.

[0245] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 , and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 .

[0246] exist Fig.15 In the case of the initial state T21, both the primary battery 101A and the secondary battery 201A are not fully charged. In particular, the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is in a nearly empty state.

[0247] The time point T22 indicates a state where the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has decreased. The remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A is almost empty.

[0248] If a USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging starts.

[0249] As a result, at the end of USB charging T23, the secondary battery 201A returns to full charge. In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the battery of the front panel 10 is the primary battery 101A, so the power recovery based on USB charging is not performed. In order to recover the power of the front panel 10, the primary battery 101A needs to be replaced.

[0250] Summary

[0251] As described above, the main device 20 (see Figure 1), the front panel 10 with the built-in primary battery 101A can be assembled. In addition, when the front panel 10 with the built-in primary battery 101A is assembled to the main device 20, the primary battery 101A can be used as an external power source to charge the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. As a result, the usage time of the main device 20 becomes longer than when the front panel 10 without the built-in primary battery 101A is assembled.

[0252] Fig.16 It is a diagram for explaining the amount of electricity that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0253] The vertical axis in the figure represents the amount of electricity that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0254] like Fig.16 As shown, it can be seen that when the front panel 10 with the built-in primary battery 101A is attached to the main device 20, the amount of power that can be used increases compared to the case where only the secondary battery 201A is attached to the main device 20.

[0255] Furthermore, the user who mounts the front panel 10 with batteries on the main device 20 is concerned with the battery consumption to date and the current remaining battery level of the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole, and the details of the remaining battery level of each battery are secondary.

[0256] In order to meet the user's concerns, the front panel 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a secondary battery 201A (see Figure 8 ) and the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 (see Figure 8 ) is expressed as the total value of the remaining amount, and the notification unit 103 (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0257] Therefore, the user can easily grasp the total value of the remaining battery power that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole.

[0258] <Implementation method 2>

[0259] In this embodiment, a correction function of the available electric power, that is, the remaining battery power, based on the difference in the power supply path from the front panel 10 to the main device 20 will be described.

[0260] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0261] Fig.17 1 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 used as an auxiliary power source and the remaining amount available in the main device 20 .

[0262] exist Fig.17The diagrams shown show the case where the power supply path is a wired connection and the case where the power supply path is a 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, the relationship corresponding to the power supply path used can be stored in the storage unit 204 and the control unit 206 of the main device 20.

[0263] Basically, compared with the power supply efficiency of wireless connection, the power supply efficiency of wired connection is higher, and the loss in the power supply circuit can be almost ignored.

[0264] therefore, Fig.17 In the example, when the remaining power of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is A [Wh], the converted value of the power available in the main device 20 is A0 (<A) [Wh]. For example, A0 is approximately 90% of A.

[0265] On the other hand, in the case of wireless connection, even if the remaining power of the primary 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.

[0266] For example, in the case of electromagnetic induction method or electric field coupling method, the power supply efficiency is about 90% or less, and in the case of magnetic field resonance method, the power supply efficiency is about 60% or less.

[0267] Fig.18 The primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is described and shown (see Figure 8 ) and the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (refer to Figure 8 ) is another example of a processing operation related to the function of calculating the total value of the remainder. Fig.18 In the Fig.10 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0268] in addition, Fig.18 The execution of the processing operation shown needs to be limited to the case where a wireless connection is used, for example, in the power supply from the front panel 10 to the main device 20. However, in some cases, when the remaining amount is accurately calculated even when a wired connection is used, the execution Fig.18 The processing actions shown.

[0269] exist Fig.18 In the case of the processing operation shown, between step 13 and step 14, control unit 206 corrects the remaining amount of primary battery 101A of front panel 10 (step 13A).

[0270] In step 14 and thereafter, the total value of the remaining battery level is calculated using the corrected remaining battery level and is displayed on the notification unit 103 .

[0271] Fig.19 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of displaying the remaining amount of batteries that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole. Fig.19 In the Fig.11 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0272] exist Fig.19 In the case of , the corrected remaining amount is used as the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10. Specifically, the corrected remaining amount is 3 segments. Therefore, in the notification unit 103, a total of 4 segments including 1 segment as the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are lit.

[0273] Fig. 20 1 is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source. Fig. 20 In the Fig.13 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0274] exist Fig. 20 In this case, the remaining charge of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 at the time point T12 when the auxiliary charging is performed is also the amount of four segments.

[0275] However, when auxiliary charging is performed, a loss of one segment of power occurs in the power supply path from the front panel 10 to the main device 20. Therefore, the increase in the remaining power at the time point T13 when the auxiliary charging is completed is limited to three segments of power.

[0276] In the case of this embodiment, the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 is corrected to the amount of electricity that can be used after power is supplied to the main device 20, and the remaining amount of the battery that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole is displayed. Therefore, the remaining amount of the battery that can actually be used does not need to be displayed too large. As a result, the user who confirms the display of the remaining amount does not need to make a wrong judgment. In other words, the net remaining amount that can be used can be displayed.

[0277] <Implementation method 3>

[0278] In this embodiment, another example of the notification unit 103 will be described.

[0279] In addition, the internal structure and external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0280] Fig.21This is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the notification unit 103 provided in the front panel 10. The notification unit 103 in this embodiment is different from the configurations assumed in the first and second embodiments in that, in addition to the display field 103B for displaying the remaining battery level, a description 103A thereof is provided.

[0281] like Fig.21 The notification unit 103 shown has the following structure: Figure 3 The notification unit 103 of the structure shown is additionally provided with a display unit for displaying a description 103A of a fixed-form sentence such as "the total value of the remaining power of the battery of the main unit and the battery of the front panel".

[0282] However, the notification unit 103 may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (=Electro Luminescence) display, a micro LED (=Light Emitting Diode) display, or other display device to display an image notified from the main device 20 .

[0283] When the entire notification unit 103 is constituted by a liquid crystal display or the like, information other than the remaining battery level can also be displayed.

[0284] Fig. 22 1 is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the notification unit 103 provided on the front panel 10. Fig. 22 The notification unit 103 shown in FIG. 1 is composed of a liquid crystal display 103C and a display 103D composed of 10 segments. The structure of the display 103D is similar to that of the Figure 3 The structures shown are the same.

[0285] exist Fig. 22 In the figure, the characteristics of the display that can be changed by utilizing the explanation statement are shown, and examples are shown of sequentially switching between a display mode showing "the remaining battery level of the front panel" as a segmented number, a display mode showing "the remaining battery level of the main device" as a segmented number, and a display mode showing "the total remaining battery level of the main device and the front panel".

[0286] The switching of the display mode here can be performed, for example, by opening and closing the shutter 30 as one unit.

[0287] Alternatively, the operation may be performed by pressing the button 20B twice as one unit. Alternatively, the operation may be performed by an instruction from a smartphone.

[0288] exist Fig. 22 In the case of , if three types of remaining amounts are displayed in order, the remaining amount is switched to the second remaining amount display. That is, after the total value is displayed, the remaining amount of the front panel 10 is displayed.

[0289] Furthermore, when a designated remaining amount to be displayed is instructed from a smartphone or the like, the designated remaining amount may be displayed regardless of the immediately preceding display.

[0290] Incidentally, when the entire notification unit 103 is constituted by a liquid crystal display or the like, the switching of the remaining amount is performed as the switching of the image notified from the control unit 206 .

[0291] Fig.23 This is a diagram for explaining a display example when the entire notification unit 103 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0292] exist Fig.23 , the "remaining battery level of the front panel", "remaining battery level of the main device", and "total remaining levels of the two batteries" are displayed on one screen.

[0293] Observed Fig.23 The user of the display shown can simultaneously grasp the details of the remaining power of two batteries in addition to the total value of the remaining power of the batteries that can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole. Fig.23 In the example of , the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is low, so it can be known that USB charging is required in the near future.

[0294] Furthermore, when the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is low, it can be known that the primary battery 101A needs to be replaced in the near future.

[0295] However, if Fig.23 The notification unit 103 shown may also be combined with Fig.21 This is achieved by the structure shown.

[0296] <Implementation method 4>

[0297] In this embodiment, a case where a rechargeable secondary battery is provided on front panel 10 will be described.

[0298] In addition, the external appearance structure of the aerosol generating device 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0299] Fig.24 Schematically shows the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1. Fig.24 In the Figure 7 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0300] exist Fig.24 In the case of, a charging circuit 106 is added to the front panel 10. Other structures and Figure 7 The front panels 10 shown are identical.

[0301] Fig.25Schematically shows the connection relationship between the front panel 10 and the power system circuit in the main device 20. Fig.25 In the Figure 8 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0302] exist Fig.25 In the case of , a secondary battery 101C is provided in the power supply unit 101. The secondary battery 101C here is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. The secondary battery 101C is an example of a second battery. The secondary battery 101C also functions as a sub-battery or auxiliary battery for the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0303] The charging circuit 106 is a circuit for charging the secondary battery 101C of the power supply section 101 with the electric power supplied from the main device 20 side.

[0304] In the present embodiment, the charging circuit 106 is constituted by, for example, a step-up DC / DC circuit. When powered from the main device 20, the charging circuit 106 supplies, for example, 4.2 V to the secondary battery 101C. The charging circuit 106 is provided with a circuit for preventing a reverse flow of current.

[0305] The power supply from the main device 20 to the charging circuit 106 is the same as the power supply from the power supply circuit 102 to the main device 20. That is, contact power supply or contactless power supply is used.

[0306] The operation of the charging circuit 106 is controlled by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. The SPI communication method or the UART communication method is used to transmit the control signal. In addition, for example, BLE is used as the communication line.

[0307] In the case of this embodiment, the same processing operation as that of the first embodiment is also performed, but there is a difference in the USB charging operation.

[0308] Fig.26 This is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206 . Fig.26 In the Fig.14 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0309] First, the control unit 206 determines whether a USB connection is detected (step 31 ).

[0310] When a negative result is obtained in step 31 , the control unit 206 repeatedly executes the determination in step 31 .

[0311] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 (step 32A). In addition, in actual charging, the following method can be adopted: first, one of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101C 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 101C of the front panel 10 can also be performed in parallel.

[0312] Then, the control unit 206 determines whether the two secondary batteries 101C and 201A are both at full charge voltage (step 33A).

[0313] If none of the two secondary batteries 101C and 201A has reached the full charge voltage, a negative result is obtained in step 33A. On the other hand, if both of the two secondary batteries 101C and 201A have reached the full charge voltage, a positive result is obtained in step 33A.

[0314] When a negative result is obtained in step 33A, the control unit 206 determines whether to remove the USB cable (step 34).

[0315] If the USB cable is attached, a negative result is obtained in step 34. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 34.

[0316] When a negative result is obtained in step 34, the control unit 206 returns to step 33A and repeats the determination in step 33A.

[0317] When a positive result is obtained in step 33A or a positive result is obtained in step 34, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 and the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 (step 35A).

[0318] After that, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0319] Fig. 27 This is a diagram that explains the USB charging operation. Fig. 27 In the Fig.15 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0320] Fig. 27 The remaining battery level at time point T21 and time point T22 is Fig.15However, in the case of this embodiment, the battery of the front panel is the secondary battery 101C, and at the time point T23 after USB charging, not only the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 but also the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 is restored to a fully charged state.

[0321] <Implementation method 5>

[0322] In this embodiment, the front panel 10 with a control unit will be described.

[0323] Fig.28 Schematically shows the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1 used in Embodiment 5. Fig.28 In the Fig.24 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0324] exist Fig.28 In the front panel 10 shown in FIG. 1 , a control unit 107 is added. Fig.24 The front panels 10 shown are identical.

[0325] The control unit 107 here can communicate with the communication unit 205 of the main device 20, a smartphone, etc. through the communication unit 104.

[0326] For example, the control unit 107 of the front panel 10 acquires the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A provided in the main device 20 by communicating with the control unit 206 of the main device 20. In this case, the control unit 107 calculates the total value of the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101C provided in the front panel 10 and the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A provided in the main device 20, and displays the calculated total value of the remaining amount.

[0327] Fig.29 Schematically shows the connection relationship between the front panel 10 and the power system circuit in the main device 20 used in Embodiment 5. Fig.29 In the Fig.25 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0328] exist Fig.29 In this case, the system power Vsys is supplied from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 to the control unit 107 through the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B. Therefore, even if the control unit 107 is provided on the front panel 10, the power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is not consumed.

[0329] The front panel 10 of this embodiment includes the secondary battery 101C, the communication unit 104, and the control unit 107, and can therefore operate autonomously even when removed from the main device 20. The control unit 107 is provided with a semiconductor memory necessary for executing functions.

[0330] <Implementation method 6>

[0331] In this embodiment, it is described whether the remaining amount of the battery that can be used in the aerosol generating device 1 is sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 (see Figure 7 ), and notify the user.

[0332] Here, the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 refers to a rod-shaped substrate 210 that has never been heated. Therefore, if it is inserted into the hole 22 of the main device 20 but not heated, it is an unused rod-shaped substrate 210. That is, the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 is called a new rod-shaped substrate 210.

[0333] Furthermore, “the remaining amount of the battery is sufficient to use up the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 ” means that, for example, the amount of electricity required to generate a presumed amount of aerosol from the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 remains.

[0334] The assumed amount here may be determined based on, for example, the amount of aerosol source contained in the unused rod-shaped substrate 210, or may be determined based on a control profile of the heating unit 207, or may be determined based on the version or component structure of the main device 20. The control profile specifies the timing of heating and the change in the target temperature after the start of heating.

[0335] In addition, when a plurality of control curves are prepared in the main device 20 and the user can select which control curve to use to generate aerosol, the assumed amount is defined according to the control curve or heating mode selected by the user.

[0336] For example, when preparing a heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated increases and the power consumption increases (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 low (hereinafter referred to as the "normal mode"), the assumed amount is specified using the currently selected heating mode.

[0337] Alternatively, when the remaining battery level is insufficient to generate the assumed amount in the high mode and sufficient to generate the assumed amount in the normal mode, the notification unit 103 may be used to display the information.

[0338] Fig.30 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in the sixth embodiment.

[0339] like Fig.30 The processing operation shown is performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (see Figure 7 ) or the control unit 107 ( Fig.29 The following will be described as a processing operation of the control unit 206.

[0340] First, the control unit 206 determines whether an aerosol generation request is detected (step 41). The generation request here is detected when, for example, the front panel 10 is mounted on the main device 20 and the button 20B is pressed for more than 1 second with the shutter 30 open. In the long press of the button 20B, the front panel 10 mounted on the main device 20 needs to be pressed with a finger to deform it.

[0341] When the request to generate aerosol is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 41.

[0342] On the other hand, when the request to generate aerosol is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 42).

[0343] Next, the control unit 206 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 (step 43).

[0344] If the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A exceeds the reference capacity, a negative result is obtained in step 43. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 52). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 starts.

[0345] 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 43. In this case, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining capacity of the battery of the front panel 10 (step 44). The battery here may be the primary battery 101A or the secondary battery 101C, depending on the type of the front panel 10 installed. As described in Embodiment 2, it is desirable to convert the remaining capacity here into the remaining capacity that can actually be used in the main device 20.

[0346] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the total value of the remaining power of the two batteries exceeds the capacity of step 43 (step 45).

[0347] If the total value of the remaining charge of the two batteries is lower than the capacity in step 43, a negative result is obtained in step 45. In this case, the control unit 206 ends the process without starting heating.

[0348] On the other hand, when the total value of the remaining charges of the two batteries exceeds the capacity in step 43, a positive result is obtained in step 45. In this case, the control unit 206 displays the total value of the remaining charges of the two batteries (step 46).

[0349] Next, control unit 206 displays the fact that the unused rod-type substrates have been used up by utilizing the secondary battery of front panel 10 (step 47 ).

[0350] Fig.31 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of display of information by the notification unit 103. Fig.31 In the Fig.21 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0351] like Fig.31 In the notification section 103 shown, in addition to the description 103A indicating that the total value of the two batteries is displayed, and the display column 103B indicating the total value of the remaining power of the two batteries, there is also displayed a description 103E indicating that the remaining power of the batteries on the front panel can be utilized, a "Utilize" button 103F, and a "Do not Use" button 103G.

[0352] exist Fig.31 In the example, as description 103E, it is recorded that "the remaining battery power of the main device is quite small, but if the remaining battery power of the front panel is utilized, the unused rod-type substrate can be used up."

[0353] The display of the explanation 103E allows the user to determine the usage of the battery provided on the front panel 10 .

[0354] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether to utilize the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 (step 48). Since the heating of the rod-shaped substrate 210 does not start during the charging of the secondary battery 201A, the user is requested to make a selection.

[0355] When receiving an instruction not to use the remaining battery level of the front panel 10, a negative result is obtained in step 48. In this case, the control unit 206 does not start heating by the heating unit 207 and ends the process.

[0356] When receiving the instruction to use the remaining battery power of the front panel 10, a positive result is obtained in step 48. In this case, the control unit 206 starts to supply power from the battery of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 49). Fig.30In the example, the state in which the secondary battery 201A is charged or not charged after confirmation by the user is switched. However, after the execution of step 47, the process may directly proceed to step 49.

[0357] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has been restored to the capacity in step 43 (step 50).

[0358] If the capacity recovery is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 50. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 50.

[0359] On the other hand, when the recovery of the capacity is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 50. In this case, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the battery of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 51).

[0360] Fig.32 This is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the battery of the front panel 10 as an external power source.

[0361] The horizontal axis in the figure is time, the upper half of the vertical axis is the remaining battery level of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis is the remaining battery level in the front panel 10. As mentioned above, the battery in the front panel 10 may be the primary battery 101A or the secondary battery 101C.

[0362] At time point T31, the battery of the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are both fully charged.

[0363] Fig.32 The time point T32 shows a state where 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 battery of the front panel 10 remains fully charged. However, the remaining capacity of the battery of the front panel 10 may also decrease.

[0364] In any case, by utilizing the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 , the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 can be restored.

[0365] The auxiliary charging starts at this time point T32. As the auxiliary charging is executed, the remaining amount of the battery of the front panel 10 decreases, while the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 increases.

[0366] At time point T33, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is restored to the capacity required to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210, charging is stopped.

[0367] Thereafter, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 52).

[0368] In the case of this embodiment, 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 battery of the front panel 10 is also utilized to restore the capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. Therefore, even if heating starts, the unused rod-type substrate 210 can be used up.

[0369] In addition, when the capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 cannot be restored even if the battery 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 preventing the rod-shaped substrate 210 from being discarded.

[0370] <Implementation method 7>

[0371] In this embodiment, an example is described in which, regardless of a request to generate aerosol, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is insufficient and the remaining amount is expected to be insufficient, charging of the secondary battery 201A is started in preparation for future suction.

[0372] Fig.33 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 7. Fig.33 In the Fig.30 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0373] like Fig.33 The processing actions shown are also performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (see Figure 7 ) or the control unit 107 of the front panel 10 (see Fig.29 ) is executed. The following is an explanation of the processing operation of the control unit 206.

[0374] The control unit 206 of the main device 20 determines whether it is a predetermined timing (step 41A).

[0375] At a predetermined timing, 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, there is a non-attraction time of the user determined by machine learning at the time set by the timer (e.g., 6 a.m. every day). In addition, as another condition of the predetermined timing, it may be required to satisfy the condition that the difference ΔC (= FC1-FC2) between the full charge capacity FC1 of the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side and the full charge capacity FC2 of the secondary battery 101C on the front panel 10 side is greater than the current capacity C of the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0376] If the timing is not predetermined in the determination of step 41A, the control unit 206 on the main device 20 side obtains a negative result in step 41A. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination of step 41A.

[0377] On the other hand, if it is the predetermined timing in step 41A, the control unit 206 on the main device 20 side obtains a positive result in step 41A. In this case, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 regardless of the generation request from the user (step 42).

[0378] Next, the control unit 206 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 (step 43).

[0379] If a negative result is obtained in step 43, the secondary battery 201A does not need to be charged. Therefore, the control unit 206 ends the process.

[0380] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 43 , control unit 206 obtains the remaining battery level of front panel 10 (step 44 ).

[0381] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the total value of the remaining power of the two batteries exceeds the capacity of step 43 (step 45).

[0382] If the total remaining power of the two batteries is lower than the capacity in step 43, a negative result is obtained in step 45. In this case, the power required by the secondary battery 201A cannot be restored even if charging is performed, so the control unit 206 ends the process. Alternatively, the user may be notified of the need for charging.

[0383] On the other hand, when the total value of the remaining charges of the two batteries exceeds the capacity in step 43, a positive result is obtained in step 45. In this case, the control unit 206 displays the total value of the remaining charges of the two batteries (step 46).

[0384] Next, the control unit 206 displays the fact that the unused rod-type substrates have been used up by utilizing the battery of the front panel 10 (step 47 ).

[0385] In this embodiment, step 49 is started without asking the user about the use of the remaining battery power of the front panel 10. That is, the control unit 206 starts supplying power from the battery of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 49).

[0386] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has been restored to the capacity in step 43 (step 50).

[0387] If the capacity recovery is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 50. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 50.

[0388] On the other hand, when the recovery of the capacity is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 50. In this case, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the battery of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 51).

[0389] As described above, in this embodiment, before the user requests the generation of aerosol, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is eliminated. As a result, the user can start the inhalation of aerosol at a desired time.

[0390] <Implementation method 8>

[0391] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is started regardless of whether the remaining battery level of the front panel 10 is excessive or insufficient.

[0392] Fig.34 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 8. Fig.34 In the Fig.30 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0393] like Fig.34 The processing actions shown are also performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (see Figure 7 ) or the control unit 107 of the front panel 10 (see Fig.29 ) is executed. The following is an explanation of the processing operation of the control unit 206.

[0394] First, the control unit 206 determines whether an aerosol generation request is detected (step 41 ). If a negative result is obtained in step 41 , the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 41 .

[0395] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 41, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 42).

[0396] Next, the control unit 206 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 (step 43).

[0397] When a negative result is obtained in step 43, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 52). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 starts.

[0398] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 43 , control unit 206 obtains the remaining battery level of front panel 10 (step 44 ).

[0399] Next, the control unit 206 displays the total value of the remaining charges of the two batteries (step 46 ).

[0400] In the present embodiment, step 45 is not executed, so there is no guarantee that the capacity of the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 will be restored to its full capacity, but the control unit 206 starts supplying power from the battery of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 49).

[0401] Then, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has recovered to the capacity of step 43 (step 50). If a negative result is obtained in step 50, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining capacity of the battery of the front panel 10 is less than the threshold value V3 (step 61).

[0402] When the remaining amount of the battery of front panel 10 is equal to or greater than threshold value V3, a negative result is obtained in step 61. In this case, control unit 206 returns to step 50.

[0403] When the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 is less than the threshold value V3, a positive result is obtained in step 61. In this case, the control unit 206 transfers to step 52. However, the start of heating in this case is insufficient to use up the power of the unused rod-shaped substrate 210. However, before the secondary battery 201A is fully charged, the user's need to inhale aerosol can be met within a possible range.

[0404] Return to the description of step 50.

[0405] If a positive result is obtained in step 50, the control unit 206 stops the supply of power from the battery of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 51). Thereafter, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 52. In this case, the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 can be used up.

[0406] In the case of this embodiment, before confirming the total value of the remaining battery level of the front panel 10 and the remaining battery level of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20, and the excess or shortage of the capacity required to use up the unused rod-type substrate 210, the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is charged by utilizing the remaining battery level of the front panel 10.

[0407] As a result, if the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A is restored to the capacity required to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 , the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 can be used without waste.

[0408] Furthermore, even if the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A does not recover the capacity required to use up the unused rod-shaped substrates 210 , it is possible to generate aerosol by utilizing the remaining capacity of the two batteries to the maximum extent.

[0409] <Implementation method 9>

[0410] In this embodiment, generation of aerosol by the battery of the front panel 10 is described.

[0411] Fig.35 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing actions in Implementation Example 9. Fig.35 In the Fig.30 The corresponding parts are indicated with corresponding symbols.

[0412] like Fig.35 The processing actions shown are also performed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (see Figure 7 ) or the control unit 107 of the front panel 10 (see Fig.29 ) is executed. The following is an explanation of the processing operation of the control unit 206.

[0413] First, the control unit 206 determines whether an aerosol generation request is detected (step 41 ). If a negative result is obtained in step 41 , the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 41 .

[0414] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 41, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 42).

[0415] Next, the control unit 206 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 (step 43).

[0416] When a negative result is obtained in step 43, the control unit 206 supplies power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 to the heating unit 207 (step 52). That is, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 starts.

[0417] On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 43, control unit 206 obtains the remaining battery level of front panel 10 (step 44).

[0418] Next, the control unit 206 displays the total value of the remaining charges of the two batteries (step 46 ).

[0419] Thereafter, control unit 206 determines whether the remaining amount of the battery of front panel 10 exceeds the capacity determined in step 43 (step 71 ).

[0420] When the remaining amount of the battery of front panel 10 is lower than the capacity in step 43 , control unit 206 ends the process without heating heating unit 207 .

[0421] In contrast, when the remaining battery level of the front panel 10 exceeds the capacity of step 43, the control unit 206 displays the content of the unused rod-shaped substrate 210 that has been used up by utilizing the battery of the front panel (step 47), and supplies power from the battery of the front panel 10 to the heating unit 207 (step 72).

[0422] 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 battery of the front panel 10 exceeds the capacity of the unused rod-shaped substrate 210, the remaining power of the battery of the front panel 10 can be utilized to start heating the rod-shaped substrate 210.

[0423] In this case, aerosol can be generated without further reducing the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 .

[0424] <Other embodiments>

[0425] (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.

[0426] (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.

[0427] (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.

[0428] (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.

[0429] (5) In the aforementioned embodiments 1-3, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 controls the calculation and display of the total value of the remaining battery amount. However, the control unit for controlling the calculation and display of the total value of the remaining battery amount may be provided in the front panel 10. The control unit here may be, for example, an ASIC, a DSP, or an FPGA. The calculation of the total value here is performed as an operation determined by hardware. In addition, when the front panel 10 is provided with a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc., the calculation of the total value of the remaining battery amount, etc., can be performed by executing a program.

[0430] (6) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the power from the battery of the front panel 10 and the power from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 are supplied through the power supply unit 201B (see Figure 8 ) and output to a common power line, but the power supplied from the battery of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 can also be supplied to various parts of the main device 20 through a dedicated power line.

[0431] When power is supplied through a dedicated power line, a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit for generating a voltage suitable for each power line is provided in the front panel 10 and the main device 20 .

[0432] Furthermore, when power is supplied from front panel 10 only to designated electronic components, a power supply line dedicated only to the designated electronic components may be provided.

[0433] (7) In the above-described Embodiments 4-5, the charging circuit 106 is provided on the front panel 10, but a configuration may be adopted in which the charging circuit 106 is not provided. In this case, the power supply unit 201B of the main device 20 functions as the charging circuit 106 and charges the secondary battery 101C.

[0434] (8) In the above-mentioned embodiment, a case where a battery is provided on the front panel 10 of the main device 20 for generating aerosol is described, but the electronic device using the panel with a battery is not limited to the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20). That is, the panel with a battery may be installed on a remote controller, a game console, a music player, a navigation system, a video camera, a digital camera, an electronic dictionary, a calculator, or other electronic devices. The panel with a battery here is an example of a cover member. In addition, the panel with a battery here is not limited to the front panel.

[0435] (9) 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 button-shaped or chip-shaped battery may also be used.

[0436] (10) In the above embodiment, an example is described in which aerosol generation is allowed when the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, but the main device 20 can also generate aerosol when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0437] In this case, the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 to expand the functions that can be performed by the main device 20. For example, the main device 20 with the front panel 10 removed only uses the built-in secondary battery 201A (see Figure 8 ) is operated, and in the main device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a battery, the function of using the power from the battery (primary battery 101A, secondary battery 101C) of the front panel 10 becomes effective.

[0438] (11) In the above-mentioned embodiment, as an example of the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) in a state capable of operating, the state capable of generating aerosol is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if aerosol cannot be generated due to insufficient power, but other functions are operating, the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) is in a state capable of operating. The other functions here include, for example, a function of checking the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A and prompting, a function of obtaining aspiration history and prompting, and a function of communicating with an external terminal.

[0439] (12) In the aforementioned embodiment, an example is described in which the front panel 10 assembled on the main device 20 is pressed down and deformed to operate the button 20B provided on the main device 20. However, the input of instructions to the main device 20 may also be performed by methods other than deformation of the front panel 10.

[0440] For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10, and information indicating the operation of the touch panel by the user may be transmitted via the communication unit 104 (see Figure 7 ), notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (refer to Figure 7 ).

[0441] In addition, for example, switches and buttons may be arranged on the front panel 10, and the presence or absence of operation of these switches and buttons may be communicated via the communication unit 104 (see Figure 7 ) notifies the control unit 206 of the main device 20 (refer to Figure 7 ). The touch panel, switch, etc. here are examples of the operating unit.

[0442] In addition, a heat insulating structure is adopted for the surface member and the inner side of the main body device 20.

[0443] (13) In the aforementioned embodiments 6, 8, etc., as the execution step 43 (refer to Fig.30 ), the detection of the aerosol generation request is required. In the seventh embodiment, as the execution step 43 (refer to Fig.33 ), requires a predetermined timing detection, but may also include detection of other events. Other events include, for example, the shutter 30 sliding to the open position, and displaying the remaining battery level (including the case based on the user's instructions).

[0444] (14) In the above-mentioned embodiments 6 and 8, an example was described in which, when a request for generating aerosol is received and a further predetermined condition is satisfied, power supply from the battery on the front panel 10 side to the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side is started. However, it is also conceivable that the time required for the capacity of the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side to be restored to a capacity sufficient to use up the rod-shaped substrate 210 becomes longer.

[0445] Therefore, the control unit 206 may be configured to display the charging status and current capacity of the battery 201A on the main device 20 side through the LED 20A (see Figure 5 ), a notification unit provided on the front panel 10, a function to prompt the user, a function to notify a smartphone, etc.

[0446] Furthermore, the control unit 206 may be provided with a function of prompting the user that aerosol generation or heating of the aerosol source can be performed, or a function of notifying a smartphone, etc., when the capacity of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is detected to be restored enough to use up the capacity of the rod-shaped substrate 210. By installing these functions, the predictability of the user can be improved.

[0447] Summary

[0448] In addition, the present disclosure includes the following structures.

[0449] (1) A cover member that is attachable to and detachable from an electronic device that is operated by a built-in first battery, comprising: a second battery; a power supply circuit for supplying power from the second battery to the electronic device; and a notification unit for notifying a total value of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery.

[0450] (2) According to the cover member described in (1), the notification unit notifies the total value calculated using the remaining amount of the second battery corrected based on the supply efficiency of power from the second battery to the electronic device.

[0451] (3) The cover member according to (1) or (2), further comprising a charging circuit that receives power from the electronic device and charges the second battery.

[0452] (4) In the cover member according to any one of (1) to (3), the notification unit notifies the user of the remaining amount of the first battery and the remaining amount of the second battery, respectively, in response to a user operation.

[0453] (5) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a control unit that calculates the total value and causes the notification unit to display the total value.

[0454] (6) In the cover member according to any one of (1) to (4), the notification unit displays a total value acquired through communication with the electronic device.

[0455] (7) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (6), which is mounted on a main body of an electronic device to cover a portion of a surface of the electronic device.

[0456] (8) According to the cover member described in any one of (1) to (7), the main body can be pressed by the user when the main body is mounted on the electronic device, so that a switch on the electronic device side provided at a position opposite to the main body can be operated.

[0457] (9) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising an operation unit that receives an operation by a user and notifies the electronic device.

[0458] (10) According to any one of (1) to (9), the cover member is configured such that the main body portion mounted on the electronic device and the portion of the electronic device not covered by the main body portion form an integrated appearance.

[0459] (11) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit for heating an aerosol source,

[0460] 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.

[0461] (12) According to the cover member described in (11), when the remaining power of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, and the total value of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that the unused aerosol source can be used up by utilizing the remaining power of the second battery.

[0462] (13) According to the cover member described in (11), when the remaining capacity of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, and the remaining capacity of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that the unused aerosol source can be used up by utilizing the remaining capacity of the second battery.

[0463] Description of Reference Numerals

[0464] 1…aerosol generating device, 10…front panel, 10A…main body panel, 10C, 20C…magnet, 20…main body device, 20B…button, 20A…LED, 21…USB connector, 22…hole, 30…shutter, 101, 201…power supply unit, 101A…primary battery, 101B…step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit, 101C, 201A…secondary battery, 102…power supply circuit, 103, 203…notification unit, 104, 205…communication unit, 105…remaining meter, 106…charging circuit, 107…control unit, 202…sensor unit, 204…storage unit, 206…control 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 electronic device that is operated by a built-in first battery, comprising: Second battery; a power supply circuit, configured to supply power from the second battery to the electronic device; as well as The notification unit notifies a total value of the remaining amount of the first battery and the remaining amount of the second battery.

2. The cover member according to claim 1, wherein The notification unit notifies the total value calculated using the remaining amount of the second battery corrected based on the efficiency of supply of electric power from the second battery to the electronic device.

3. The cover member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The device further includes a charging circuit that receives power from the electronic device and charges the second battery.

4. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The notification unit notifies the user of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery respectively according to a user operation.

5. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The device further includes a control unit configured to calculate the total value and display the total value on the notification unit.

6. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The notification unit displays the total value acquired through communication with the electronic device.

7. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The main body part mounted on the electronic device covers a part of the surface of the electronic device.

8. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The main body can be pressed by a user when the main body is mounted on the electronic device, so that a switch on the electronic device side provided at a position facing the main body can be operated.

9. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The electronic device further includes an operation unit that receives an operation by a user and notifies the electronic device of the operation.

10. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The main body part assembled in the electronic device and the part of the electronic device not covered by the main body part form an integrated appearance.

11. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit for heating an aerosol source. 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.

12. The cover member according to claim 11, wherein When the remaining power of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, and the total value of the remaining power of the first battery and the remaining power of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that the unused aerosol source can be used up by utilizing the remaining power of the second battery.

13. The cover member according to claim 11, wherein When the remaining power of the first battery is lower than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source and the remaining power of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that the unused aerosol source can be used up by utilizing the remaining power of the second battery.

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