Cover member

Abstract

A cover member detachable from an electronic device operated by a first battery, the cover member being provided with: a first communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal; the second communication unit is used for acquiring information related to the electronic device from the electronic device; and a control unit for controlling communication of the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the information relating to the electronic device acquired through the second communication unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Many portable electronic devices operate on batteries built into the main body. In addition to electronic components that consume a small amount of power, the electronic device may also include electronic components that consume a large amount of power.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] [PTL 1] JP 2006-129262 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] When an electronic component that consumes a large amount of power is operating, the battery may approach the maximum power value that can be supplied thereby. In this case, the electronic component that consumes a large amount of power is given priority in operation, while the operation of other electronic components is restricted. For example, communication with an external terminal is restricted.

[0008] In view of this problem, this disclosure provides a technique for enabling continuous external communication even when the communication function of the electronic device is restricted.

[0009] Solution to the Problem

[0010] An embodiment of this disclosure provides a cover member that can be detached from an electronic device operated by a first battery, the cover member including: a first communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal; a second communication unit for obtaining information related to the electronic device from the electronic device; and a control unit for controlling the communication of the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the information related to the electronic device obtained through the second communication unit.

[0011] During a period in which communication between the electronic device and the external terminal is restricted, the first communication unit may transmit the information obtained from the electronic device to the external terminal.

[0012] The period of restricted communication may be a period in which the power supplied by the first battery approaches the upper limit value.

[0013] The first communication unit may transmit information indicating the operation state of the electronic device to the external terminal.

[0014] The cover member may include a second battery that is charged by power supply from the electronic device during its charging process.

[0015] When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, when heating the aerosol source through the heating unit, the first communication unit may send information previously obtained from the aerosol generating device to the external terminal.

[0016] When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, the main body portion may cover a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0017] When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, the attachment of the main body portion to the aerosol generating device may constitute a condition enabling the aerosol source to be heated through the heating unit.

[0018] When the main body portion is attached to the electronic device, a switch on the electronic device side may be operable due to being pressed by the user.

[0019] The cover member may be provided with an operation unit for receiving user operations and notifying these user operations to the electronic device.

[0020] The main body portion attached to the electronic device may form an integrated appearance with the portion of the electronic device not covered by the main body portion.

[0021] Advantageous Effects of the Present Invention

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure enable continuous external communication to be achieved even when the communication function of the electronic device is restricted. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device observed obliquely from above.

[0024] Figure 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device observed obliquely from below.

[0025] Figure 3 is a view of the aerosol generating device from which the shield has been removed, observed from above.

[0026] Figure 4 is a view of the main body device with the front panel removed, observed from the front.

[0027] Figure 5 is a view of the back of the front panel removed from the main body device.

[0028] Figure 6 is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 1.

[0029] Figure 7 ​​​​​​​is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationships in the power supply system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 1.

[0030] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a front panel attachment detection operation implemented by a control unit in a main body device.

[0031] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of a front panel serving as an upload agent in a main body device.

[0032] Figure 10 is a diagram showing a front panel agent receiving a push from a server to a main body device.

[0033] Figure 11 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 2.

[0034] Figure 12 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationships in the power supply system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 2.

[0035] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a USB charging operation implemented by the control unit of Embodiment 2.

[0036] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a USB charging operation. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0037] Embodiments related to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0038] <Terminology>

[0039] The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is in the form of an electronic cigarette.

[0040] In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device will be referred to as an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas with air or another gas.

[0041] The embodiments describe aerosol generating devices that generate an aerosol without associated combustion.

[0042] In the following description, the action of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device will be referred to as "inhaling" or "drawing".

[0043] ​​​​​​​The embodiments describe an aerosol generating device in which a solid aerosol source can be assembled. It should be noted that the container for accommodating the solid aerosol source will be referred to as both a "cartridge" and a "rod substrate", depending on the form of the product. The cartridge and the rod substrate are consumables. Therefore, the cartridge and the rod substrate have fixed replacement criteria.

[0044] <Example 1>

[0045] <Example of appearance>

[0046] First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device 1 used in Example 1 will be described.

[0047] Figure 1 It is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 observed obliquely from above.

[0048] Figure 2 It is a view of the front side of the aerosol generating device 1 observed obliquely from below.

[0049] Figure 3 It is a view of the aerosol generating device 1 from which the shield 30 has been removed, observed from above.

[0050] Figure 4 It is a view of the main body device 20 from which the front panel 10 has been removed, observed from the front.

[0051] Figure 5 It is a view of the back side of the front panel 10 removed from the main body device 20.

[0052] The size of the aerosol generating device 1 used in this embodiment is such that a user can hold the aerosol generating device with one hand.

[0053] The aerosol generating device 1 includes: a main body device 20; a front panel 10 attached to the front of the main body device 20; and a shield 30 provided on the upper surface of the main body device 20 and slidably operable along the upper surface. The main body device 20 mentioned here is an example of the device main body.

[0054] The front panel 10 is a detachable member from the main body device 20. The front panel 10 mentioned here is an example of a cover member. It should be noted that the front panel 10 is attached / detached by the user.

[0055] The front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 covers the front portion of the main body device 20, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown. In other words, after the front panel 10 has been attached, parts of the main body device 20 other than the front portion can still be seen from the outside. For example, after the front panel 10 has been attached, the side, back, upper, and bottom surfaces of the main body device 20 can still be seen from the outside.

[0056] The front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 is continuously and seamlessly joined to the sides, top, and bottom of the main body device 20, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, thus forming an integral appearance.

[0057] Therefore, one function of the front panel 10 is a decorative function. In addition, the sides, top, and bottom of the main body device 20 are examples of components not covered by the front panel 10.

[0058] The front panel 10 is provided with a window 10B. The window 10B is provided at a position on the upper side of the main body device 20 facing the light-emitting element. An LED (= light-emitting diode) 20A (see Figure 4 ) is used as the light-emitting element in Embodiment 1.

[0059] The window 10B of Embodiment 1 is formed of a light-transmitting material. The window 10B can also be a slit penetrating from the front surface to the back surface. In addition, the illumination and flashing of the light-emitting element indicate the operating state of the aerosol generating device 1, etc. The operating state also includes errors. The illumination and flashing of the light-emitting element are controlled by a control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ), which will be described later.

[0060] In addition to its decorative function, the front panel 10 also has the function of reducing the propagation of heat released from the main body device 20, etc. Therefore, in this embodiment, aerosol generation is only allowed when the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20. In other words, the front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 forms an integral appearance with the main body device 20 in a state where aerosol can be generated.

[0061] In addition, the front panel 10 has the function of protecting the main body device 20 from contamination and scratches, etc.

[0062] In addition, when the user presses the position below the window 10B with a fingertip, the front panel 10 deforms, and when the pressing stops, the front panel 10 returns to its original shape.

[0063] A primary battery 101 is assembled inside the front panel 10 used in this embodiment. When the front panel 10 equipped with the primary battery 101 is attached to the main body device 20, the amount of power that the aerosol generating device 1 can use as a whole can be increased compared to when the front panel 10 not equipped with the primary battery 101 is attached to the main body device 20. The primary battery 101 assembled into the front panel 10 is an example of a secondary battery. It should be noted that the battery assembled into the front panel 10 will be referred to as a "sub-battery" hereinafter.

[0064] The primary battery 101 assembled to the front panel 10 serves as an auxiliary power source for supplying the power required to operate the electronic components (e.g., the first communication unit 102, the second communication unit 103, the memory unit 104, and the control unit 105) provided on the front panel 10.

[0065] The primary battery 101 is detachable from the rear side of the front panel 10. In other words, if the primary battery 101 has no remaining capacity or the remaining capacity decreases, it can be replaced with a new primary battery 101.

[0066] In addition, the main body panel 10A forming Figure 1 and Figure 2 the appearance of the front panel 10 shown is an example of the main body part.

[0067] For example, thin-film type, coin type, and chip type batteries are feasible as the primary battery 101. The primary battery 101 needs to be thin in all cases so as not to hinder the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main body device 20.

[0068] In this embodiment, the power system on the front panel 10 side is separate from the power system on the main body device 20 side. That is, the power of the primary battery 101 provided on the front panel 10 is consumed to operate the electronic components provided on the front panel 10, and the power of the secondary battery 201A (see Figure 7 ) provided in the main body device 20 is consumed to operate the electronic components provided in the main body device 20.

[0069] A type-C USB (= Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 is provided on the bottom surface side of the main body device 20. The shape and type of the USB connector 21 are given by way of example. In other words, the USB connector 21 can be a USB different from type-C. In Embodiment 1, the USB connector 21 is used to charge the power supply unit 201 (see Figure 6 ) built in the main body device 20.

[0070] In the upper part of the main body device 20, a hole 22 for inserting and accommodating a rod-shaped substrate 210 (see Figure 6 ) for accommodating an aerosol source is provided.

[0071] The rod-shaped substrate 210 used in this embodiment accommodates a solid aerosol source in a paper tube generally formed in a cylindrical shape. The hole 22 is exposed by sliding the shutter 30 to the open position and hidden by sliding the shutter 30 to the closed position.

[0072] The hole 22 has substantially the same cylindrical shape as the rod-shaped substrate 210 in the case of Embodiment 1. The diameter of the opening part of the hole 22 constitutes the size of the rod-shaped substrate 210 that can be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is the size that can be inserted into the hole 22.

[0073] For example, a magnet is attached to the rear of the shutter 30. At the same time, a Hall IC is attached to the main body device 20 within the movable range of the shutter 30.

[0074] The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor formed by a Hall element, an operational amplifier, etc., and outputs a voltage corresponding to the intensity of the magnetic field passing through the Hall element.

[0075] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter 30 are detected based on the change in the voltage output from the Hall IC as the shutter 30 slides. That is, it is detected whether the shutter 30 is in the closed position or the open position.

[0076] The button 20B is generally provided at the center of the front of the main body device 20. As described above, the button 20B is operable when the front panel 10 is in the attached state.

[0077] The button 20B is used, for example, to turn on and off the power supply of the main body device, to turn on and off the power supply to the heating unit 207 (see Figure 6 ) for heating the aerosol source, and for Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing commands, etc.

[0078] In addition, when the front panel 10 is removed from the main body device 20, a reset function is executed by pressing the button 20B for a long time (for example, pressing for 5 seconds or longer).

[0079] In this embodiment, BLE (= Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0080] Magnets 20C for attaching the front panel 10 are provided on the upper and lower parts of the front of the main body device 20. The magnets 20C are provided at positions facing the magnets 10C provided on the inner side of the front panel 10. For example, the magnet 10C on the front panel 10 is an N pole, and the magnet 20C on the main body device 20 side is an S pole. The front panel 10 is detachably attached to the main body device 20 by the attractive force of the magnets.

[0081] It should be noted that the magnet 10C or the magnet 20C can be a metal piece made of iron or another magnetic metal. Incidentally, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main body device 20 is detected by the Hall IC provided on the main body device 20 side.

[0082] Various other types of electronic components required for generating the 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 generating the aerosol. In addition, in a narrow sense, the main body device 20 is called an aerosol generating device.

[0083] <Internal Configuration>

[0084] <Configuration of Functional Unit>

[0085] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 used in Embodiment 1.

[0086] It should be noted that Figure 6 shows the state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 is assembled to the main body device 20. When the rod-shaped substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0087] In addition, Figure 6 the internal configuration shown is intended to show the electronic components provided in the main body device 20 and their positional relationships. Therefore, Figure 6 the appearance of the electronic components and the like shown does not always match the above appearance diagrams.

[0088] The primary battery 101, the first communication unit 102, the second communication unit 103, the memory unit 104, and the control unit 105 are provided on the front panel 10.

[0089] The first communication unit 102 is an electronic component for realizing communication with a terminal other than the main body device 20 (hereinafter referred to as an "external terminal").

[0090] Examples of external terminals feasible in this embodiment include: a smart phone or tablet-type terminal, or other information terminals carried by the user; a server of a company involved in the sale of the front panel 10 and / or the main body device 20; and a server of a company involved in the sale of the rod-shaped substrate 210 (see Figure 6 ).

[0091] In this embodiment, the first communication unit 102 uses, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a mobile communication system (4G, 5G), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0092] The second communication unit 103 is an electronic component for realizing communication with the main body device 20.

[0093] The second communication unit 103 uses a wireless communication module or a wired communication module.

[0094] The wireless communication module includes, for example, a module compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (= Near Field Communication). In addition, the second communication unit 103 may adopt a module compatible with optical communication (photodiode and photodetector).

[0095] The wired communication module includes a module compatible with serial communication on a communication line.

[0096] The memory unit 104 is an electronic component for storing information obtained from the main device 20 and information obtained from an external terminal (e.g., a server). Specifically, the memory unit 104 is a semiconductor memory. The memory unit 104 can be a volatile semiconductor memory or a non-volatile semiconductor memory.

[0097] The information mentioned herein includes, for example, inhalation logs, biosensor measurement logs (e.g., heart rate, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow rate), remaining power in the secondary battery 201A (see Figure 7 ), error information (overheating, overcurrent, overcharging, overdischarging, etc. of the secondary battery 201A), and location information detected by GPS (= Global Positioning System). It should be noted that these are examples of information, and not all of the information shown needs to be stored in the memory unit 104. In addition, the information mentioned herein can be other information.

[0098] For example, other information that can be stored in the memory unit 104 includes an operating system (= OS) and firmware (= FW), as well as other programs.

[0099] The control unit 105 is an electronic component for controlling the communication of the first communication unit 102 and the second communication unit 103 by executing a program. For example, the control unit 105 is implemented by an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (= CPU), a microprocessing unit (= MPU), a graphics processing unit (= GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (= ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (= FPGA), or a digital signal processor (= DSP).

[0100] The control unit 206 may also include a read-only memory (= ROM) for storing programs and calculation parameters, etc., and a random access memory (= RAM) for temporarily storing appropriately varying parameters, etc.

[0101] In addition to obtaining the above information from the main device 20, the control unit 105 also detects the operating state of the main device 20 by communicating with the main device 20 via the second communication unit 103.

[0102] Regarding the information obtained from the main device 20, information on whether uploading to the external terminal is completed is also obtained from the main device 20. In this embodiment, the control unit 105 stores the information that has not been uploaded to the external terminal in the memory unit 104. That is, the control unit 105 deletes the uploaded information from the memory unit 104.

[0103] In addition, the control unit 105 detects whether power is currently being supplied to the heating unit 207 (i.e., whether the boost DC / DC circuit 201B (see Figure 7 ) is currently operating), as the operating state of the main device 20.

[0104] In the main device 20 of this embodiment, while supplying power to the heating unit 207, communication with an external terminal through the communication unit 205 is stopped so that the maximum supply power of the secondary battery 201A is not exceeded. Therefore, in this embodiment, the state in which the communication function is restricted is detected as the operating state of the main device 20.

[0105] In addition, the control unit 105 communicates with an external terminal through the first communication unit 102. The communication mentioned here not only includes uploading information to the external terminal, but also includes receiving information pushed from the external terminal.

[0106] In this embodiment, communication between the control unit 105 provided on the front panel 10 and the external terminal can be implemented regardless of the operating state of the main device 20.

[0107] The main device 20 is provided with: a power supply unit 201, a sensor unit 202, a notification unit 203, a memory unit 204, a communication unit 205, a control unit 206, a heating unit 207, a heat insulation part 208, and a holding part 209.

[0108] The power supply unit 201 is a unit for supplying power to the main device 20.

[0109] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component for detecting various types of information related to the main device 20.

[0110] For example, the sensor unit 202 has a pressure sensor (such as a microphone capacitor) or 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 inhalation has been detected, the sensor unit 202 outputs a value indicating the user's inhalation to the control unit 206.

[0111] The sensor unit 202 has an input device for receiving user input, for example. The input device is a button or a switch, for example. In this embodiment, the button 20B (see Figure 4 ) is used as the input device.

[0112] The button 20B is used to turn on and off the main power supply, and to switch the start and stop of the power supply to the heating unit 207 (that is, start and stop aerosol generation), etc.

[0113] The content of the user command is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. It should be noted that the button 20B is not only an example of a button, but also an example of a switch.

[0114] The sensor unit 202 further has a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 207. For example, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on 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. It should be noted that 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 in the holding portion 209.

[0115] The sensor unit 202 further has a sensor for detecting whether a sub-battery is assembled to the front panel 10 attached to the front of the main device 20 (that is, whether the front panel 10 equipped with the sub-battery is attached).

[0116] For example, when a predetermined structural feature is detected from the attached front panel 10 via the sensor unit 202, the attached front panel 10 is considered to be the front panel 10 equipped with the sub-battery. In addition, when a current or voltage is detected in the power supply line for power supply from the front panel 10, the attached front panel 10 is considered to be the front panel 10 equipped with the sub-battery.

[0117] The sensor unit 202 further has a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. for detecting the insertion of the rod-shaped substrate 210 into the holding portion 209 and the distance of an object, etc. by changes in capacitance.

[0118] The sensor unit 202 also has an optical color sensor, a radio frequency identification (=RFID) reader, an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader, etc. for distinguishing each rod-shaped substrate 210.

[0119] The sensor unit 202 also has a biosensor for measuring the user's heart rate, etc., and a fingerprint sensor for unlocking, etc.

[0120] The sensor unit 202 also has an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. for detecting the movement of the user.

[0121] The notification unit 203 is an electronic component for notifying the user of various types of information related to the main device 20. The notification unit 203 includes an LED 20A (see Figure 4 ) or another light-emitting device. For example, when it is necessary to charge the power supply unit 201, when the power supply unit 201 is in the charging process, or when there is an abnormality in the main device 20, the LED 20A emits light with different patterns for each case.

[0122] The patterns mentioned here include different colors, different lighting / extinguishing times, etc.

[0123] Instead of or in addition to the above light-emitting device, the notification unit 203 may also be configured by a display device for displaying images, a sound output device for outputting sounds, a vibration device for vibrating the main body device 20, etc. 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.

[0124] The notification unit 203 may additionally notify the user of the state in which the aerosol can be inhaled. Such a notification is issued when the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 has reached a predetermined temperature.

[0125] The memory unit 204 is an electronic component for storing various types of information related to the operation of the main body device 20. The memory unit 204 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory (such as a flash memory), for example.

[0126] For example, the information stored in the memory unit 204 includes an operating system (=OS) and firmware (=FW) as well as other programs. The memory unit 204 also stores a heating curve for heating the rod-shaped substrate 210 constituting the aerosol source. The heating curve is a data file that specifies the change in the target temperature over time after the start of heating.

[0127] In this embodiment, the memory unit 204 stores one heating curve.

[0128] It should be noted that the heating curve will be referred to as both a "control curve" and a "control sequence".

[0129] For example, the information stored in the memory unit 204 additionally includes information related to the control of the electronic components. The information related to the control includes information related to the user's inhalation, such as the number of inhalations, the inhalation time, and the cumulative inhalation time. In other words, the memory unit 204 stores the user's inhalation behavior history and operation history. These are examples of the information constituting the inhalation log.

[0130] The communication unit 205 is an electronic component for enabling communication with an external terminal (including the front panel 10). The communication unit 205 uses a wireless communication module or a wired communication module.

[0131] For example, the communication unit 205 in this embodiment employs a module compatible with Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a mobile communication system (4G, 5G), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or NFC as the wireless communication module.

[0132] In addition, the communication unit 205 may employ an optical communication module. Additionally, the communication unit 205 employs a communication module compatible with serial communication, for example, as the wired communication module.

[0133] The communication unit 205 of this embodiment is not only used to upload inhalation logs and other information to an external terminal, but also used to receive various types of information pushed from the external terminal.

[0134] The control unit 206 is an electronic component that serves as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the operation of the main body device 20 according to various programs.

[0135] The control signal is sent through a signal line different from the power line. For example, the communication in the main body device 20 adopts a serial communication method, such as the inter-integrated circuit (=I2C) communication method, the serial peripheral interface (=SPI) communication method, or the universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (=UART).

[0136] The control unit 206 is implemented by an electronic circuit, such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, or DSP.

[0137] The control unit 206 may further include a ROM for storing programs and calculation parameters, and a RAM for temporarily storing appropriately changed parameters.

[0138] The control unit 206 performs various types of processing and control by executing programs.

[0139] The processing and control mentioned here include, for example: rewriting the heating curve; supplying power from the power supply unit 201 to other electronic components; charging the power supply unit 201; detecting information by the sensor unit 202; notifying information by the notification unit 203; storing and reading information by the memory unit 204; and sending / receiving information by the communication unit 205.

[0140] The control unit 206 also controls the switching of power to electronic components, etc.

[0141] In addition, the control unit 206 also has a function of determining whether the front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 is a front panel 10 equipped with a sub-battery, etc., and performing corresponding processing and control according to the determination result.

[0142] The holding part 209 is a generally cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the space inside the holding part 209 defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface will be referred to as the internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is generally columnar.

[0143] An opening 209B is provided in the holding part 209, which allows the internal space 209A to communicate with the outside. The rod-shaped matrix 210 is inserted into the internal space 209A from the opening 209B. The rod-shaped matrix 210 is inserted until its end contacts the bottom part 209C.

[0144] The rod-shaped substrate 210 is only partially received in the internal space 209A. The state in which the rod-shaped substrate 210 is received in the internal space 209A will be referred to as the rod-shaped substrate 210 being held in the internal space 209A.

[0145] At least a part of the holding portion 209 is formed such that the inner diameter in its axial direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the rod-shaped substrate 210.

[0146] Therefore, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped substrate 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding portion 209. The rod-shaped substrate 210 is held in the internal space 209A by means of this pressure.

[0147] The holding portion 209 also has a function of defining a flow path for air to pass through the rod-shaped substrate 210. For example, an air inflow hole serving as an inlet of the air inlet flow path is provided in the bottom portion 209C. In addition, the opening 209B serves as an air outflow hole serving as an outlet of the air.

[0148] In this embodiment, only a part of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, and the remaining part protrudes from the housing to the outside. The part held in the holding portion 209 will hereinafter be referred to as the substrate portion 210A, and the part protruding from the housing will hereinafter be referred to as the mouthpiece portion 210B.

[0149] The aerosol source is accommodated in at least the substrate portion 210A. The aerosol source is a substance that is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol.

[0150] In addition to shredded tobacco, the aerosol source also contains a processed product obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into a granular form, a flake form, or a powder form, or another tobacco-derived substance.

[0151] Furthermore, the aerosol source may also contain a non-tobacco-derived substance produced by a plant other than tobacco (such as mint or herbs). For example, the aerosol source may contain a flavoring component such as menthol.

[0152] When the main body device 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a drug to be inhaled by a patient. It should be noted that, for example, the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may equally be a polyol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or may be a liquid such as water.

[0153] At least a part of the mouthpiece portion 210B is held in the user's mouth during inhalation.

[0154] When the user inhales with the mouthpiece portion 210B held in the mouth, air flows from the air inlet holes into the internal space 209A. The air that has flowed in reaches the user's mouth after passing through the internal space 209A and the substrate portion 210A. The air reaching the user's mouth contains the aerosol generated by the substrate portion 210A.

[0155] The heating unit 207 is an electronic component formed of a heater or other heating element. The heating unit 207 is formed of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 207 is configured in the form of, for example, a thin film and is assembled to the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 209.

[0156] The aerosol source contained in the rod-shaped substrate 210 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 207. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like, and an aerosol is generated.

[0157] In Figure 6 , the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped substrate 210 is initially heated, and the heating range steadily moves toward the center.

[0158] Therefore, the atomization of the aerosol source starts from the outer circumferential region of the rod-shaped substrate 210 and steadily moves toward the center.

[0159] The heating unit 207 generates heat by means of the power supply from the power supply unit 201. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected via the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is permitted. The user input mentioned herein includes the operation of the shutter 30 (see Figure 1 ) and / or the button 20B (see Figure 4 ). However, it is assumed that the front panel 10 (see Figure 1 ) is attached to the main body device 20, then power is supplied to the heating unit 207. By attaching the front panel 10, the temperature transmitted to the user's hand can be reduced compared to when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0160] In addition, when the temperature of the rod-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user's inhalation becomes possible. The user's inhalation of the aerosol is detected by a flow sensor or the like in the sensor unit 202 and is stored in the memory unit 204.

[0161] When a predetermined user input is subsequently detected by the sensor unit 202, the power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped. It should be noted that the following method can also be adopted: power is supplied to the heating unit 207 during the period when the sensor unit 202 detects the user's inhalation, and power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped when the sensor unit 202 no longer detects the user's inhalation.

[0162] In addition, in Figure 6In the example, the heating unit 207 is provided outside the rod-shaped substrate 210. However, the heating unit 207 can also be a blade-shaped metal piece inserted into the rod-shaped substrate 210 for use, or the heating unit 207 can be a metal piece built into the rod-shaped substrate 210. When the metal piece serving as the heating unit 207 is built into the rod-shaped substrate 210, an induction heating coil should be arranged around the holding portion 209. The induction heating coil is an example of an electronic component.

[0163] The heat insulation portion 208 is a member for reducing the propagation of heat generated by the heating unit 207 to the surrounding area. Therefore, the heat insulation portion 208 is arranged to cover at least the outer circumferential surface of the heating unit 207.

[0164] For example, the heat insulation portion 208 is configured by a vacuum heat insulation material or an aerogel heat insulation material, etc. A vacuum heat insulation material is a heat insulation material in which a high vacuum state is created by wrapping glass wool and silica (silicon powder), etc. in a resin film so that the heat conduction of the gas is as close to zero as possible.

[0165] <Power system circuit of the main body device>

[0166] Figure 7 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship in the power system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in Embodiment 1. It should be noted that Figure 7 shows the state where the primary battery 101 is assembled to the main body portion of the front panel 10.

[0167] Figure 7 The front panel 10 shown is provided with a boost / buck DC / DC circuit 106. The boost / buck DC / DC circuit 106 is an electronic component for changing the output voltage of the primary battery 101 to, for example, 3.3 V (i.e., "system power supply Vsys"). For example, the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 106 is configured by a switching regulator.

[0168] The system power supply Vsys generated by the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 106 is supplied to the first communication unit 102, the second communication unit 103, the memory unit 104, and the control unit 105 provided on the front panel 10.

[0169] For Figure 7 the main body device 20 shown, an example of the internal configuration of the power supply unit 201 is shown. Note that the sensor unit 202, the notification unit 203, and the memory unit 204 have been omitted from Figure 7 Here, the sensor unit 202, etc. are connected to the power supply line supplied with the system power supply Vsys in the same manner as the communication unit 205 and the control unit 206.

[0170] Figure 7The power supply unit 201 shown in the figure is provided with a secondary battery 201A, a boost DC / DC circuit 201B, a power supply unit 201C, a boost / buck DC / DC circuit 201D, and a power switch 201E.

[0171] For example, a lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor is used for the secondary battery 201A. The secondary battery 201A is a battery for storing electric energy required for the operation of the main device 20. The secondary battery 201A is an example of the first battery.

[0172] The secondary battery 201A will also be referred to as the "main battery" hereinafter. The secondary battery 201A can be charged from an external power source. For example, in this embodiment, a commercial power supply or a mobile battery is feasible as the external power source.

[0173] The boost DC / DC circuit 201B is a circuit for supplying a constant voltage (e.g., 5 V) to the power line connected to the heating unit 207 regardless of the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A. For example, the boost DC / DC circuit 201B is configured by a switching regulator.

[0174] The power supply unit 201C is a circuit responsible for distributing power to the power line supplying the system power supply Vsys and for voltage conversion of the power supplied from an external power source (e.g., a commercial power supply).

[0175] When no external power source is connected, the power supply unit 201C outputs the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A to the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 201D. At the same time, when an external power source is connected, the power supply unit 201C steps down the external power source to 4.2 V and outputs this voltage to the secondary battery 201A and the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 201D.

[0176] It should be noted that the power supply unit 201C outputs, for example, a 5 V power supply Vcc5 to a power line (not depicted) connected to the LED 20A (see Figure 4 )

[0177] A USB cable is used to supply power from a commercial power supply or a mobile battery, so the corresponding power supply terminal is represented by VUSB in Figure 7

[0178] The boost / buck DC / DC circuit 201D is a circuit for converting the voltage supplied from the power supply unit 201C into the 3.3 V system power supply Vsys. For example, when the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A is supplied from the power supply unit 201C, the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 201D generates the 3.3 V system power supply Vsys by boosting or bucking the output voltage. The output voltage of the secondary battery 201A fluctuates according to the remaining capacity and the degree of degradation as is well known, but is converted into 3.3 V by the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 201D.

[0179] Meanwhile, when the output voltage of an external power supply is supplied from the power supply unit 201C, the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 201D generates the 3.3 V system power supply Vsys by bucking the output voltage. For example, the boost / buck DC / DC circuit 201D is configured by a switching regulator.

[0180] The power switch 201E is a circuit for turning on / off the power supply of the system power supply Vsys to the communication unit 205. The control unit 206 commands the switching of the power switch 201E.

[0181] Not provided Figure 7 The configuration of the power switch 201E shown in is also possible. In that case, the system power supply Vsys is then also always supplied to the communication unit 205. If the communication unit 205 is not used for communication, the communication unit 205 is in a controlled communication state, and the power consumed by the communication unit 205 can be ignored.

[0182] <Example of processing operation>

[0183] An example of the processing operation implemented by the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 (see Figure 6 ), the control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ) will be described below.

[0184] <Attaching detection operation>

[0185] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation implemented by the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 for detecting the attachment of the front panel 10. This operation is implemented not only before the heating unit 207 starts heating (see Figure 6 ), but also after the heating has started, and is continuously implemented in the background. It should be noted that the symbol "S" in the drawings means "step".

[0186] The control unit 206 first determines whether the front panel 10 (see Figure 1 ) is attached to the main body device 20 (see Figure 1 ) (step 1).

[0187] When the current front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20, a positive result is obtained in step 1. On the other hand, when the current front panel 10 is removed from the front of the main body device 20, a negative result is obtained in step 1. The attachment / detachment of the front panel 10 is determined based on the output signal from the Hall IC.

[0188] When a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 cancels the state of prohibiting the heating unit 207 from heating the aerosol source (step 2).

[0189] However, canceling the prohibited heating state is different from starting heating. Heating of the rod-shaped substrate 210 constituting the aerosol source is started by pressing the button 20B (see Figure 4 ) above the front panel 10 for 1 second or longer (see Figure 6 ).

[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 a prohibited state (step 3). This prevents the aerosol source from being heated when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0191] When implementing step 2 or step 3, the control unit 206 repeatedly returns to step 1 to determine whether the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20.

[0192] This attachment detection operation ensures that the user does not directly touch the main body device 20 during the heating operation.

[0193] <Front Panel Used as Upload Agent>

[0194] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the front panel 10 being used as an upload agent in the main body device 20.

[0195] In Figure 9 the processing operations shown, the processing operations of the front panel 10 are implemented by the control unit 105 (see Figure 6 ), and the processing operations of the main body device 20 are implemented by the control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ).

[0196] In this embodiment, when the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 detects an action before the heating unit 207 starts heating (step 11), the control unit 206 warns the front panel 10 that the heating unit 207 is about to start heating (step 12).

[0197] The actions mentioned here before starting heating include, for example, detecting the operation of sliding the shutter 30 to the open position, and detecting the operation of the button 20B when the front panel 10 is in the attached state, etc.

[0198] Incidentally, when the shutter 30 slides to the open position, this creates a state where the rod-shaped substrate 210 can be inserted into the hole 22. When inhalation is not required, the shutter 30 slides to the closed position. Thus, the shutter 30 sliding to the open position corresponds to the operation before the heating unit 207 starts heating.

[0199] In addition, when the front panel 10 is in the attached state, the operation of the button 20B corresponds to the initialization operation before the heating unit 207 starts heating.

[0200] It should be noted that the control unit 105 on the front panel 10 that has received the warning that the heating unit 207 in the main body device 20 starts heating (see Figure 6 ) sets the proxy communication mode to ON (step 21).

[0201] The control unit 206 in the main body device 20 then sends the information to be sent to the server to the front panel 10 (step 13).

[0202] As mentioned herein, the "information to be sent" refers to at least the information that has not yet been sent to the server. In other words, the "information to be sent" refers to the unsent information. This is because there is no need to resend the information that has already been sent to the server. It should be noted that "sent" means that an acknowledgment (ACK) has been received from the server.

[0203] In this embodiment, the information to be sent includes, for example: inhalation logs, biosensor measurement logs, remaining power in the secondary battery 201A, error messages, and location information detected by GPS.

[0204] The front panel 10 that has received the information to be sent stores the received information in the memory unit 104 (see Figure 6 ) (step 22).

[0205] The "information to be sent" can be limited to the unsent information to be sent to the server within a few minutes from the current time. This is because if the scheduled sending time means that the information arrives after the aerosol inhalation ends, the relevant information can be sent from the main body device 20 to the server.

[0206] After step 13 has been implemented, the control unit 206 stops communicating through the communication unit 205 in the main body device 20 (step 14).

[0207] The time that can be allocated to the processing of steps 11 to 13 is limited. Therefore, if after the operation for the heating unit 207 to start heating has been detected, the transfer of the information to be sent to the front panel 10 is started, there is a possibility that the communication through the communication unit 205 in the main body device 20 stops before the information transfer ends.

[0208] As a measure against this, the following process may be adopted: The information to be transmitted generated by the main body device 20 is transmitted to the front panel 10 simultaneously with its generation or periodically, regardless of whether the operation of starting heating by the heating unit 207 is detected or not. However, when adopting this process, the information uploaded from the main body device 20 to the server is also held on the front panel 10 by the control unit 105, and the information is deleted from the memory unit 104, or repeated uploading is prohibited.

[0209] It should be noted that after step 14 has been implemented, the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 starts heating the rod-shaped substrate 210 by the heating unit 207 (step 15). The heating temperature of the heating unit 207 is controlled according to the heating curve.

[0210] After the heating time has passed, the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 terminates heating the rod-shaped substrate 210 by the heating unit 207 (step 16).

[0211] Thereafter, the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 resumes communication through the communication unit 205 in the main body device 20, and notifies the front panel 10 that the heating of the heating unit 207 has been terminated (step 17).

[0212] Meanwhile, after step 22 has been implemented, the control unit 105 on the front panel 10 transmits the information stored in the memory unit 104 to the server (step 23).

[0213] Thereafter, after receiving the notification in step 17, the control unit 105 on the front panel 10 sets the proxy communication mode to OFF (step 24). By completing the transmission of the information in step 23, setting the proxy communication mode to OFF can be similarly implemented.

[0214] It should be noted that when the server receives information from the front panel 10 (step 31), the server stores the received information in association with the user account (step 32).

[0215] It should be noted that the server performs the processing operation of step 32 on the information received from the communication unit 205 in the main body device 20 during the period when the heating unit 207 is not heating.

[0216] <Front panel proxy reception of push>

[0217] Figure 10 is a diagram showing proxy reception by the front panel 10 of a push from the server to the main body device 20. In Figure 10 are given the corresponding reference numerals of the components corresponding to Figure 9 those components.

[0218] Since the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 detects an operation before the heating unit 207 starts heating, Figure 10 the processing operation shown in

[0219] also starts. Next, when the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 warns that the front panel heating unit 207 starts heating (step 12), the control unit 105 on the front panel 10 sets the proxy communication mode to ON (step 21). Thereafter, the control unit 105 on the front panel 10 is in a state of acting as a proxy for communication between the server and the main body device 20.

[0220] Figure 10 The case where the proxy communication mode is set to ON is shown, and thereafter, the server sends data of the user account whose destination is the main body device 20 (step 33).

[0221] In Figure 10 this, the data can only be received by the front panel 10. This is because the communication unit 205 in the main body device 20 stops communicating with the external terminal.

[0222] Therefore, the control unit 105 on the front panel 10 stores the received data in the memory unit 104 (step 22).

[0223] During this period, the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 sequentially executes steps 14 - 17.

[0224] After receiving the notification in step 17, the control unit 105 on the front panel 10 sets the proxy communication mode to OFF (step 24), and sends the data received during the proxy communication mode to the main body device 20 (step 25).

[0225] At the same time, the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 stores the data received from the front panel 10 in the memory unit 204 (step 18).

[0226] Through this series of processing operations, the control unit 206 in the main body device 20 can still communicate with the server continuously via the front panel 10 during the period when the communication via the communication unit 205 is stopped.

[0227] Therefore, even if there is an overlap between the heating period of the heating unit 207 (which occurs irregularly) and the timing of the push from the server, there is no need to wait for the push from the server to be resent after the heating period of the heating unit 207 ends.

[0228] In addition, it is also possible to suppress data reception failures when the push is not resent.

[0229] <Overview>

[0230] By attaching the front panel 10 described in this embodiment to the main device 20, the first communication unit 102 on the front panel 10 can maintain communication between the main device 20 and the server even if the communication function of the communication unit 205 in the main device 20 stops. For example, the information to be sent can be uploaded to the server by the front panel 10 at a predetermined timing. In addition, for example, the front panel 10 can receive information pushed from the server instead of the main device 20, and can reduce the failure to receive information from the server.

[0231] <Embodiment 2>

[0232] This embodiment describes the case where the sub-battery assembled to the front panel 10 is a secondary battery.

[0233] Therefore, the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration of this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1. However, the connection relationship in the power supply system circuit of this embodiment is different from that of Embodiment 1.

[0234] Figure 11 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 used in Embodiment 2. In Figure 11 gives the corresponding reference numerals of the components corresponding to Figure 6 those components.

[0235] Figure 11 Compared with Figure 6 the difference is that the sub-battery assembled to the front panel 10 is a secondary battery 101A.

[0236] Figure 12 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship in the power supply system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in Embodiment 2. In Figure 12 gives the corresponding reference numerals of the components corresponding to Figure 7 those components.

[0237] In Figure 12 a power supply line for charging the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is added to the power supply unit 201 and the anti-backflow circuit 201F. The charging of the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is performed by the power supply unit 201C. Other components are the same as those in the power supply unit 201 shown in Figure 7 The same.

[0238] The control unit 206 of this embodiment performs the same processing operations as those described in Embodiment 1.

[0239] The following will give a description of the processing operations specific to this embodiment, that is, the operation of charging the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10.

[0240] Figure 13It is a flowchart showing an example of the USB charging operation implemented by the control unit 206 of Embodiment 2.

[0241] The control unit 206 first determines whether a USB connection is detected (step 41).

[0242] When a USB connection is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 41.

[0243] Meanwhile, when a USB connection is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether a secondary battery is installed on the front panel 10 (step 42).

[0244] When a secondary battery is installed on the front panel 10, a positive result is obtained in step 42. In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery in the main body device 20 and the secondary battery on the front panel 10 (step 43A). It should be noted that the actual charging can be carried out as follows: either the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 or the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is first charged to full capacity, and then the other secondary battery is charged to full capacity. The charging of the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 and the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 can also be performed in parallel.

[0245] Then, the control unit 206 determines whether both of the two secondary batteries are fully charged (step 44A).

[0246] If any of the two secondary batteries is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 44A. Meanwhile, when both of the two secondary batteries are fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 44A.

[0247] If a negative result is obtained in step 44A, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been detached (step 45A).

[0248] If the USB cable is still attached, a negative result is obtained in step 45A. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 44A.

[0249] Meanwhile, if the USB cable has been detached during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 45A.

[0250] If a positive result is obtained in step 44A or if a positive result is obtained in step 45A, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery in the main body device 20 and the secondary battery on the front panel 10 (step 46A).

[0251] Thereafter, the control unit 206 terminates the USB charging operation.

[0252] The description will return to the determination in step 42.

[0253] When the secondary battery 101A is not installed on the front panel 10, a negative result is obtained in step 42 (including not only the case where the sub-battery is not installed, but also the case where the installed sub-battery is the primary battery 101). In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 (step 43B).

[0254] Then, the control unit 206 determines whether the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 is fully charged (step 44B).

[0255] If the secondary battery 201A is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 44B. At the same time, if the secondary battery 201A is fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 44B.

[0256] If a negative result is obtained in step 44B, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been disconnected (step 45B).

[0257] If the USB cable is still attached, a negative result is obtained in step 45B. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 44B.

[0258] At the same time, if the USB cable has been disconnected during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 45B.

[0259] If a positive result is obtained in step 44B or if a positive result is obtained in step 45B, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery in the main unit 20 (step 46B).

[0260] Thereafter, the control unit 206 terminates the USB charging operation.

[0261] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing the USB charging operation.

[0262] The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining power in the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining power in the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10.

[0263] In Figure 14 both the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 are fully charged in the initial state T1.

[0264] At time point T2, the remaining power in the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 has dropped below full charge in both cases. When the USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging starts.

[0265] At T3 when the USB charging ends, both the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 return to being fully charged.

[0266] <Overview>

[0267] When the secondary battery 101A is set on the front panel 10, the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is also charged during the charging of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20. Therefore, unlike when the original battery 101 is set on the front panel 10, there is no situation where the remaining power of the sub-battery is insufficient during the use of the main unit 20.

[0268] <Other Embodiments>

[0269] (1) The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope disclosed in the above embodiments. It will be apparent from the disclosure of the claims that the technical scope of the present disclosure also includes various modifications or improvements to the above embodiments.

[0270] (2) The above embodiments describe a situation where the joint between the front panel 10 and the main unit 20 forms a continuous and step-free connection with an overall appearance, but the joint may also include steps or cuts, etc., as long as it has an overall appearance with the main unit 20.

[0271] (3) The above embodiments describe a situation where the aerosol source is solid, but the aerosol source can equally be liquid. When the aerosol source is liquid, a system is adopted in which the aerosol source is guided to a narrow tube called a wicking member by using capillary action, and a coil wound around the wicking member is heated, thereby vaporizing the aerosol source.

[0272] (4) The above embodiments describe an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source, but the aerosol generating device can equally generate aerosol by separately heating each of the solid aerosol source and the liquid aerosol source. This type of aerosol generating device is also referred to as a hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0273] (5) The above embodiments adopt the following device configuration: The primary battery 101 or the secondary battery 101A is provided on the front panel 10. However, the system power supply Vsys required to operate the first communication unit 102, the second communication unit 103, the memory unit 104, and the control unit 105 provided on the front panel 10 can also be supplied from the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20.

[0274] The power supply mentioned herein can be a power supply by a contact method or a power supply by a non-contact method. The standards for non-contact power mentioned herein include standards based on electromagnetic induction systems (such as the Qi standard and the NFC (= Near Field Communication) standard) and standards based on electric field induction systems.

[0275] (6) The above embodiments describe an example of the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) with the front panel 10 attached as an electronic device. However, the electronic device can also be an electronic device that can be used in a state where a cover member (including a main body cover or a protective cover) or a panel member is attached, and the cover member or the panel member can be detached from the device main body. Examples of such electronic devices include remote controllers, game devices, music players, cameras, digital cameras, electronic dictionaries, and electronic calculators.

[0276] When communication is restricted, for the purpose of reducing power consumption in the device main body, an economy mode or a power saving mode can be set, for example, by setting the communication of the device main body to the flight mode.

[0277] (7) In the above embodiments, the power from the primary battery 101 (see Figure 6 ) and the secondary battery 101A (see Figure 11 ) provided on the front panel 10 is only supplied to the electronic components provided on the front panel 10 in both cases. However, this power can also be supplied to the electronic components provided in the main device 20.

[0278] (8) The above embodiments describe an example where aerosol generation is permitted when the current front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20. However, it is also possible for the main device 20 to generate aerosol when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0279] In this case, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is used to expand the functions that can be implemented by the main device 20. For example, the main device 20 with the front panel 10 removed communicates directly with a server or other external terminals, but after the front panel 10 has been attached, the function of enabling proxy communication using the first communication unit 102 of the front panel 10 is enabled.

[0280] (9) The above-described embodiments describe a state in which aerosol generation may occur when the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is in an operable state, but this is not restrictive. For example, even if aerosol cannot be generated due to a lack of power as long as another function is running, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is in an operable state. Another function mentioned herein includes, for example, a function for checking and presenting the remaining power in the secondary battery 201A, a function for acquiring and presenting an inhalation history, and a function for communicating with an external terminal.

[0281] (10) The above-described embodiments describe an example in which the operation of the button 20B provided on the main body device 20 causes deformation by pressing the front panel 10 assembled to the main body device 20, but an input instruction to the main body device 20 may also employ a method different from deforming the front panel 10.

[0282] For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10, and information indicating a user operation on the touch panel may be notified to the control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ) in the main body device 20 through the communication unit 104 (see Figure 6 ).

[0283] As another example, a switch or a button may be arranged on the front panel 10, and the presence or absence of an operation on the switch or the button may be notified to the control unit 206 (see Figure 6 ) in the main body device 20 through the communication unit 104 (see Figure 5 ). The touch panel and the switch mentioned herein are examples of operation units.

[0284] In addition, a heat insulation structure is used on the surface member and inside this type of main body device 20.

[0285] <Overview>

[0286] It should be noted that the present disclosure includes the following features.

[0287] (1) A cover member that is detachable from an electronic device operated by a first battery, the cover member being provided with: a first communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal; a second communication unit for acquiring information related to the electronic device from the electronic device; and a control unit for controlling the communication of the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the information related to the electronic device acquired through the second communication unit.

[0288] (2) The cover member according to (1), wherein during a period in which communication between the electronic device and the external terminal is restricted, the first communication unit transmits the information acquired from the electronic device to the external terminal.

[0289] (3)The lid member according to (2), wherein the period during which communication is restricted is a period when the power supplied by the first battery approaches the upper limit value.

[0290] (4)The lid member according to (2), wherein the first communication unit transmits information indicating the operating state of the electronic device to the external terminal.

[0291] (5)The lid member according to any one of (1) to (4), comprising a second battery that is charged by power supply from the electronic device during its charging period.

[0292] (6)The lid member according to (2), wherein when the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, when the aerosol source is heated by the heating unit, the first communication unit transmits information previously obtained from the aerosol generating device to the external terminal.

[0293] (7)The lid member according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein when the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, the main body portion covers a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0294] (8)The lid member according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein when the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, the attachment of the main body portion to the aerosol generating device constitutes a condition that enables the aerosol source to be heated by the heating unit.

[0295] (9)The lid member according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein when the main body portion is attached to the electronic device, a switch on the electronic device side is operable by a user's pressing.

[0296] (10)The lid member according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising an operation unit for receiving user operations and notifying these user operations to the electronic device.

[0297] (11)The lid member according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the main body portion attached to the electronic device forms an integral appearance with the portion of the electronic device not covered by the main body portion.

[0298] List of reference numerals

[0299] 1…Aerosol generating device; 10…Front panel; 10A…Main body panel; 10B…Window; 10C, 20C…Magnets; 20…Main body device; 20A…LED; 20B…Button; 21…USB connector; 22…Hole; 30…Shield; 101…Primary battery; 101A, 201A…Secondary battery; 102…First communication unit; 103…Second communication unit; 104, 204…Memory unit; 201…Power supply unit; 202…Sensor unit; 203…Notification unit; 205…Communication unit; 206…Control unit; 207…Heating unit; 208…Heat insulation part; 209…Holding part; 210…Rod-shaped substrate.

Claims

1. A cover member that is detachable from an electronic device operated by a first battery, the cover member comprises: A first communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal; A second communication unit for obtaining information related to the electronic device from the electronic device; And A control unit for controlling the communication of the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the information related to the electronic device obtained through the second communication unit.

2. The cover member according to claim 1, wherein, During a period when communication between the electronic device and the external terminal is restricted, the first communication unit sends the information obtained from the electronic device to the external terminal.

3. The cover member according to claim 2, wherein, The period of restricted communication is a period when the power supplied by the first battery approaches the upper limit value.

4. The cover member according to claim 2, wherein, The first communication unit sends information indicating the operating state of the electronic device to the external terminal.

5. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a second battery that is charged by power supply from the electronic device during its charging process.

6. The cover member according to claim 2, wherein, When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, When the aerosol source is heated by the heating unit, the first communication unit sends the information previously obtained from the aerosol generating device to the external terminal.

7. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, The main body part covers a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

8. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device including a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, The attachment of the main body part to the aerosol generating device constitutes a condition that enables the aerosol source to be heated by the heating unit.

9. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, When the main body part is attached to the electronic device, a switch on the electronic device side is operable by a user's pressing.

10. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an operation unit for receiving user operations and notifying these user operations to the electronic device.

11. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The main body part attached to the electronic device forms an integrated appearance with the part of the electronic device not covered by the main body part.

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