Cover member

Abstract

To enable a user to easily grasp the amount of electric power that can be used by an entire electronic apparatus to which a cover member is attached.SOLUTION: In the aerosol generation device 1, the cover member 10 that can be attached to and detached from the main body device 20 operated by the built-in first battery 201A includes the second battery 101A, the power supply circuit 102 that supplies power from the second battery to the main body device, the communication unit 104 that performs communication according to a predetermined communication standard, and the notifying unit 103 that notifies the terminals different from the main body device of the total value of the remaining amount of the first battery 201A and the remaining amount of the second battery by using the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Many portable electronic devices run on batteries built into the device itself. The batteries used may be primary or secondary. Electronic devices that run on primary batteries are equipped with a lid or other cover that can be attached or removed by the user. Electronic devices that run on secondary batteries are equipped with a USB terminal or other power supply terminal for externally charging the secondary battery. Recently, some electronic devices have been developed that do not have a power supply terminal and can wirelessly charge the secondary battery. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-512245 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Today's portable electronic devices consume a lot of power, but are also required to last for long periods of time. To address these conflicting demands, portable batteries (hereinafter referred to as "mobile batteries") are available to supply power to electronic devices. However, current specifications display the remaining power of the battery built into the electronic device and the remaining power of the mobile battery separately.

[0005] In view of the above-described problems, the present disclosure provides a technique that makes it easier for a user to grasp the amount of power that can be used by the entire electronic device to which a cover member is attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As one form of the present disclosure, there is provided a cover member that can be attached and detached to an electronic device that operates using a built-in first battery, the cover member having a second battery, a power supply circuit that supplies power from the second battery to the electronic device, a communication unit that communicates using a predetermined communication standard, and a notification unit that uses the communication unit to notify a terminal other than the electronic device of the total remaining charge of the first battery and the second battery.

[0007] The notification unit may notify the total value calculated using the remaining capacity of the second battery corrected according to the efficiency of power supply from the second battery to the electronic device.

[0008] The cover member may further include a charging circuit that receives power from the electronic device and charges the second battery.

[0009] The notification unit may notify the user of the remaining charge of the first battery and the remaining charge of the second battery separately in response to a user operation.

[0010] The cover member may further include a control unit that calculates the total value and displays it on the notification unit.

[0011] The notification unit may display the total value obtained through communication with the electronic device.

[0012] The main body attached to the electronic device may cover a part of the surface of the electronic device.

[0013] When the main body is attached to the electronic device, the user may press the main body to operate a switch on the electronic device that is provided in a position facing the main body.

[0014] The electronic device may further include an operation unit that receives a user operation and notifies the electronic device of the operation.

[0015] The body attached to the electronic device may form an integrated appearance with the parts of the electronic device not covered by the body.

[0016] The electronic device may be an aerosol generation device having a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, and attachment of the main body to the aerosol generation device may be one of the conditions that enable the heating unit to heat the aerosol source.

[0017] If the remaining charge of the first battery is less than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, but the sum of the remaining charge of the first battery and the remaining charge of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit may notify that it is possible to use up one unused aerosol source by utilizing the remaining charge of the second battery.

[0018] If the remaining charge of the first battery is less than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, but the remaining charge of the second battery is more than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit may notify that it is possible to use up one unused aerosol source by utilizing the remaining charge of the second battery. The notification unit may operate in a state where the cover member is detached from the electronic device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can easily grasp the amount of power that can be used by the entire electronic device to which the cover member is attached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device observed from diagonally above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device observed from diagonally below. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a notification unit provided on a front panel. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the aerosol generating device with the shutter removed, observed from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the main unit with the front panel removed. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a view of the rear surface of the front panel removed from the main unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the front panel and the power supply circuit in the main unit. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a front panel attachment detection operation executed by a control unit. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of processing operations related to a function for displaying the total remaining amount of charge of a primary battery on the front panel and a secondary battery in the main device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the remaining battery capacity that can be used in the entire aerosol generating device. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of charging the secondary battery of the main unit using the primary battery on the front panel. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating auxiliary charging using a primary battery on the front panel as an external power source. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation executed by a control unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a USB charging operation. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the amount of power available in the entire aerosol generation device 1. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the remaining charge of the primary battery on the front panel used as an auxiliary power source and the remaining charge available for use in the main unit. [Figure 18] 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the processing operation related to the function of displaying the total remaining amount of charge of the primary battery on the front panel and the secondary battery of the main device. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the remaining battery capacity that can be used in the entire aerosol generating device. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating auxiliary charging using a primary battery on the front panel as an external power source. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of the configuration of the notification unit provided on the front panel. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of the configuration of the notification unit provided on the front panel. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of display when the entire notification unit is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection relationship between the front panel and the power supply circuit in the main unit. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation executed by a control unit. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a USB charging operation. [Figure 28] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device used in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the front panel used in the fifth embodiment and the power supply circuit in the main unit. [Figure 30] 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 31] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of information displayed by a notification unit. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating auxiliary charging using a battery on the front panel as an external power source. [Figure 33] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 34] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 35] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation according to the ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0022] <Terminology> The aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following description, the substance generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of air or other gases and tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in the gas. In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol without combustion will be described. In the following description, the act of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as "inhaling" or "puffing." In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device to which a solid aerosol source can be attached will be described. Note that the container that stores the solid aerosol source is called a "capsule" or a "stick-type substrate" depending on the product form. Capsules and stick-type substrates are consumables. For this reason, a replacement guideline is set for capsules and stick-type substrates.

[0023] <First Embodiment> <Appearance example> First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generation device used in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device 1 observed from diagonally above. FIG. 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device 1 observed from diagonally below. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the notification unit 103 provided on the front panel 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the aerosol generation device 1 from which the shutter 30 is removed, observed from above. FIG. 5 is a view of the main device 20 observed from the front with the front panel 10 removed. FIG. 6 is a view of the rear surface of the front panel 10 removed from the main device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0024] The aerosol generation device 1 used in this embodiment has a size that allows the user to hold it in one hand. The aerosol generating device 1 has a main body device 20, a front panel 10 attached to the front of the main body device 20, and a shutter 30 arranged on the top surface of the main body device 20 and capable of sliding along the top surface. The front panel 10 is a member that can be attached to and detached from the main body device 20. The front panel 10 is attached and detached by the user.

[0025] 1 and 2, the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 covers the front portion of the main device 20. In other words, even after the front panel 10 is attached, the main device 20 can be observed from the outside except for the front portion. For example, the side, back, top, and bottom surfaces of the main device 20 can be observed from the outside even after the front panel 10 is attached. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 is continuously connected to the side, top and bottom surfaces of the main unit 20 without any steps, forming an integrated appearance. Thus, decoration is one of the roles of front panel 10. The sides, top, and bottom of main device 20 are examples of parts that are not covered by front panel 10.

[0026] The front panel 10 is provided with a notification unit 103. In this embodiment, the notification unit 103 is a segment display that indicates the remaining charge of a battery built into the front panel 10 or the main device 20. In this embodiment, the notification unit 103 is made up of 10 segments. Each segment is made up of an LED (=Light Emitting Diode), and the turning on and off of each LED is controlled by a switch SW connected in series to the LED. The switch SW may be, for example, a transistor. The lighting and blinking of the LED indicates the operating state of the main device 20. The operating state includes errors. The lighting and blinking of the LED is controlled by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 7), which will be described later.

[0027] In addition to its decorative role, the front panel 10 also serves to buffer the propagation of heat emitted from the main unit 20. For this reason, in the present embodiment, aerosol generation is permitted only when the front panel 10 is attached to the main unit 20. In other words, the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 forms an integrated appearance with the main unit 20 in a state where aerosol generation is possible.

[0028] Furthermore, the front panel 10 serves to protect the main body device 20 from dirt, scratches, etc. The battery-equipped front panel 10 serves to increase the amount of power available to the aerosol generation device 1 as a whole. The front panel 10 used in this embodiment is deformed when the user presses a position below the notification unit 103 with the fingertip, and returns to its original shape when the user stops pressing.

[0029] On the inside of the front panel 10 used in this embodiment, there are attached 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 unit 20, a communication unit 104 that can communicate with at least the main unit 20, and a remaining amount of power meter 105 that measures the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply unit 101. In this embodiment, for example, a film-type primary battery, a coin-type primary battery, or a chip-type primary battery is assumed for the power supply unit 101. These batteries are detachable from the front panel 10.

[0030] 6 is an example of the arrangement of the power supply unit 101, power supply circuit 102, communication unit 104, and fuel gauge 105. Furthermore, a plurality of power supply units 101 may be attached to the front panel 10. The front panel 10 in this embodiment is an example of a cover member. Note that the main body panel 10A that forms the exterior of the front panel 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of a main body portion.

[0031] A Type C USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 is provided on the bottom side of main device 20. The shape and type of USB connector 21 are merely examples. In other words, USB connector 21 may be a USB other than Type C. In the case of the first embodiment, USB connector 21 is used, for example, to charge power supply unit 201 (see FIG. 7) built into main device 20.

[0032] The top surface of main device 20 is provided with hole 22 for inserting stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 7) containing an aerosol source. Stick-shaped substrate 210 used in this embodiment contains a solid aerosol source in a paper tube formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. Hole 22 is exposed by sliding shutter 30 to the open position and is concealed by sliding shutter 30 to the closed position. In the case of the first embodiment, the hole 22 has a cylindrical shape that is approximately the same as the shape of the stick-shaped substrate 210. The diameter of the opening of the hole 22 is a dimension that allows the stick-shaped substrate 210 to be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is a dimension that allows it to be inserted into the hole 22.

[0033] For example, a magnet is attached to the back surface of the shutter 30. Meanwhile, a Hall IC is attached to the main device 20 within the movable range of the shutter 30. A Hall IC is a magnetic sensor consisting of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, and outputs a voltage according to the strength of the magnetic field that crosses the Hall element. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter 30 is detected from a 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 open position or the closed position.

[0034] Button 20B is located approximately in the center of the front of main device 20. As described above, button 20B can be operated even with front panel 10 attached. Button 20B is used, for example, to turn on and off the power of the main device, to turn on and off the power supply to heating unit 207 (see FIG. 7) that heats the aerosol source, and to instruct Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing. When the front panel 10 is detached from the main device 20, if the button 20B is pressed for a long time (for example, for 5 seconds or more), the reset function is activated. In this embodiment, BLE (=Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0035] Magnets 20C used to attach the front panel 10 are disposed at the top and bottom of the front of the main device 20. The magnets 20C are disposed in positions facing the magnets 10C disposed inside the front panel 10. For example, if the magnet 10C on the front panel 10 has a north pole, the magnet 20C on the main device 20 side has a south pole. The front panel 10 is detachably attached to the main device 20 by the attractive force between the magnets. Either magnet 10C or 20C may be a piece of iron or other magnetic metal. Attachment of front panel 10 to main device 20 is detected by a Hall IC provided on main device 20. In addition, various electronic components necessary for generating aerosol are built into the main device 20. In this sense, the main device 20 is an example of an electronic device specialized for generating aerosol. In a narrow sense, the main device 20 is called an aerosol generating device. In addition, an LED 20A is disposed on the front surface of the main unit 20. The LED 20A is used to display the operating status of the main unit 20.

[0036] <Internal structure> Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1. Fig. 7 shows a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is attached to the main device 20. The internal configuration shown in Fig. 7 is intended to explain the components provided on the front panel 10 and the main device 20 and their positional relationship. For this reason, the appearance of the components, etc. shown in Fig. 7 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the front panel 10 and the power supply circuits in the main unit 20. As shown in FIG.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7, the front panel 10 is provided with a power supply unit 101 that stores electricity, a power supply circuit 102 that supplies power from the power supply unit 101 to the main unit 20, etc., a notification unit 103 that notifies the remaining battery charge of the entire aerosol generating device 1, a communication unit 104 that notifies the main unit 20 of the remaining battery charge of the power supply unit 101, and a battery level meter 105 that measures the remaining battery charge of the power supply unit 101. 8 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. The primary battery 101A functions as a secondary battery or auxiliary battery for the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side.

[0038] The power supply circuit 102 is configured, for example, by a step-up DC / DC circuit. The power supply circuit 102 is a circuit that supplies a constant voltage (for example, 5 V) 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 that prevents backflow of current. Incidentally, power supply from the power supply circuit 102 to the main device 20 may be contact power supply or contactless power supply. For contact power supply, for example, a method using mechanical contact of electrodes, a method using mechanical contact with spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins), or a method using connector coupling is used. For contactless power supply, for example, power supply by electromagnetic induction such as the Qi standard or NFC (=Near field communication) standard, or power supply by electric field induction is used.

[0039] The communication unit 104 is a communication interface for realizing communication with the main device 20. In this embodiment, the communication unit 104 notifies the main device 20 of the remaining charge of the primary battery 101A. The communication unit 104 also receives control data for the notification unit 103 from the main device 20. The control data includes, for example, the number and positions of segments to be lit by the notification unit 103 and the number and positions of segments to be extinguished. The control data also includes instructions for blinking the LED and the color of light emitted. The communication unit 104 communicates with the main device 20 in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as wireless LAN (=Local Area Network), serial signal line, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this embodiment, communication with the user's smartphone or server is performed by the communication unit 205 of the main device 20, but it is also possible to provide the communication unit 104 of the front panel 10 with a function for communicating with devices other than the main device 20.

[0040] Fuel gauge 105 is a circuit that calculates the remaining capacity of primary battery 101A based on the power supply current IBAT and power supply voltage VBAT that appear on the power line of primary battery 101A. Note that the calculation of the remaining capacity by fuel gauge 105 may be performed, for example, at a predetermined cycle or timing, or may be performed only when instructed by control unit 206 of main device 20. The calculated remaining capacity is transmitted to main device 20 via communication unit 104. The system power supply Vsys required for the operations of the notification unit 103, the communication unit 104, and the fuel gauge 105 is supplied from the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B.

[0041] 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 fuel gauge 105. Therefore, all of the power required for the operation of the notification unit 103 and the like is 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 does not need to be supplied from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20.

[0042] On the other hand, the main device 20 has 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 insulating unit 208 , and a holding unit 209 . 7 shows a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is held by the holder 209. In this state, the user inhales the aerosol.

[0043] Power supply unit 201 of this embodiment is a unit that supplies power to main device 20. Power supply unit 201 stores power using, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a capacitor. FIG. 8 shows an example in which power is stored in secondary battery 201A. Secondary battery 201A is an example of a first battery. The secondary battery 201A can be charged from an external power source. In this embodiment, the external power source is assumed to be, for example, a commercial power source, a mobile battery, or the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10.

[0044] In addition, the power supply section 201 is provided with a power supply unit 201B. The power supply unit 201B switches the power supply path and converts the voltage level depending on the operation mode. The power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 3.3V (that is, "system power") to a power supply line to which 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 are connected. The power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 5V to the power supply line to which the LED 20A is connected, and outputs, for example, 4.2V to the power supply line to which the heating unit 207 is connected.

[0045] Furthermore, when the secondary battery 201A is charged by an external power supply, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line to which the secondary battery 201A is connected. The external power source here includes a commercial power source, a mobile battery, and also the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10. A USB cable is used to supply power from a commercial power source or mobile battery, so in Figure 8 the power supply terminal corresponding to these is represented as VUSB.

[0046] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component that detects various types of information related to the main device 20 . The sensor unit 202 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor and a flow rate sensor. The sensor unit 202 as a sensor outputs detected information to the control unit 206. For example, when detecting a change in air pressure or air flow due to inhalation, the sensor unit 202 outputs a numerical value indicating the user's inhalation to the control unit 206.

[0047] The sensor unit 202 includes, for example, an input device that accepts input from a user. The input device includes, for example, a button and a switch. In this embodiment, a button 20B (see FIG. 5) is used as the input device. Button 20B is used to switch the main power supply on and off, and to start and stop the supply of power to heating unit 207 (that is, to start and stop the generation of aerosol), etc. The content of the user's instruction is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. Note that the button 20B is not only an example of a button, but also an example of a switch.

[0048] In addition, the sensor unit 202 has a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 207. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on, for example, the electrical resistance value of the conductive track of the heating unit 207. The detected electrical resistance value is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. The control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 207 based on the electrical resistance value. In other words, the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 held by the holding unit 209.

[0049] In addition, the sensor section 202 includes a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. that detect the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 into the holder section 209. The sensor unit 202 also includes an optical color sensor for identifying the individual stick-shaped substrate 210, an RFID (=Radio Frequency Identification) reader, and the like. The sensor unit 202 also includes a biosensor that measures the user's heart rate and the like, a fingerprint sensor used for unlocking, and the like. The sensor unit 202 also includes an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, and the like that detect the movement of the user.

[0050] Notification unit 203 is an electronic component that notifies the user of various types of information related to main device 20. Notification unit 203 includes LED 20A and other light-emitting devices. For example, LED 20A emits light in different patterns when power supply unit 201 needs to be charged, when power supply unit 201 is being charged, and when an abnormality has occurred in main device 20. The patterns here include different colors, different timings for turning on and off the lights, etc. However, when the front panel 10 with the notification unit shown in Fig. 1 is attached to the main body device 20, the LED 20A is controlled to be in the off state. This is because the notification unit 103 can take over the function of the LED 20A. This is also to reduce power consumption. However, when the main body device 20 is fitted with a front panel 10 having a window or slit that transmits light at a position facing the LED 20A, the LED 20A is controlled to be turned on or off.

[0051] Notification unit 203 may be configured with a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates main unit 20, or the like, together with or instead of the light-emitting device described above. The light-emitting device, display device, sound output device, vibration device, etc. are also examples of a notification unit that notifies information. Additionally, the notification unit 203 may notify the user that it is now possible to inhale the aerosol. This notification is given when the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0052] The storage unit 204 stores various information related to the operation of the main device 20. The storage unit 204 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. The information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, an OS (=Operating System), FW (=Firmware), and other programs. The information stored in the storage unit 204 also includes, for example, information relating to the control of electronic components. The information relating to control includes information relating to the user's suction, such as the number of suctions, the suction time, and the cumulative suction time.

[0053] 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 accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards include wireless LAN (=Local Area Network), wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the communication unit 205 transmits information about the user's inhalation to a smartphone. The communication unit 205 also downloads update programs and profiles that define the temperature change of the heating unit 207 in the heating mode from a server. The communication unit 205 also transmits a signal to the power supply circuit 102 to start or stop power supply.

[0054] The control unit 206 functions as a processing unit or a control device, and controls the operation of the main unit 20 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 206 may also control the operation of the power supply circuit 102 provided on the front panel 10. The control signal is transmitted via a signal line different from the power line. For example, serial communication methods such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication, SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication, and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication are used for communication within the main unit 20. The SPI or UART communication method is used for communication with the power supply circuit 102 of the front panel 10. Note that BLE, for example, is used as the communication line.

[0055] The control unit 206 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The control unit 206 may include a ROM (=Read Only Memory) for storing programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters, etc., which change as appropriate.

[0056] The control unit 206 executes various processes and controls through the execution of programs. 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 memory unit 204, and transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 205. Note that communication by the communication unit 205 also includes communication with the front panel 10. In addition, the control unit 206 also controls input of information to the electronic components and processing based on information output from the electronic components.

[0057] The holding portion 209 is a generally cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the space inside the holding portion 209 defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface is referred to as an internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is generally columnar. The holder 209 is provided with an opening 209B that connects the internal space 209A to the outside. The stick-shaped substrate 210 is inserted into the internal space 209A through this opening 209B. The stick-shaped substrate 210 is inserted until its tip hits the bottom 209C. Only a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A. When the stick-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A, it is said that the stick-shaped substrate 210 is held in the internal space 209A.

[0058] The holding portion 209 is formed so that the inner diameter of at least a portion of the holding portion 209 in the axial direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 210 . Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped substrate 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is pressed by the inner wall of the holding part 209. Due to this pressure, the stick-shaped substrate 210 is held in the internal space 209A. The holder 209 also has the function of defining an air flow path that passes through the stick-shaped substrate 210. An air inlet, which is the entrance of air to the flow path, is located, for example, in the bottom 209C. The opening 209B corresponds to an air outlet, which is the air exit.

[0059] In the present embodiment, only a portion of stick-shaped substrate 210 is held by holding portion 209, and the remainder protrudes from the housing. Hereinafter, the portion held by holding portion 209 will be referred to as substrate portion 210A, and the portion protruding from the housing will be referred to as mouthpiece portion 210B. At least the base material portion 210A contains an aerosol source, which is a substance that is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. Aerosol sources include tobacco cuts, processed tobacco materials formed into granules, sheets, or powder, and other tobacco-derived substances.

[0060] Additionally, the aerosol source may include non-tobacco derived substances made from plants other than tobacco, such as mints, herbs, etc. For example, the aerosol source may include flavoring ingredients such as menthol. When main device 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain a medicine for the patient to inhale. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to a solid, and may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0061] At least a part of the suction mouth portion 210B is held in the user's mouth when sucking. When a user holds suction mouth portion 210B in their mouth and sucks, air flows into internal space 209A through the air inlet hole. The air that flows in passes through internal space 209A and base portion 210A and reaches the user's mouth. The air that reaches the user's mouth contains aerosol generated in base portion 210A.

[0062] The heating unit 207 is composed of a heater or other heat generating element. The heating unit 207 is made of any material such as metal, polyimide, etc. The heating unit 207 is formed, for example, in the shape of a film, and is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the holding unit 209. The aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 207. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or the like to generate an aerosol. In the case of FIG. 7, the area near the periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heated area gradually moves toward the center.

[0063] Therefore, atomization of the aerosol source begins near the periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 210 and gradually moves toward the center. The heating unit 207 generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 201. For example, when a predetermined user input is detected through the sensor unit 202, power supply to the heating unit 207 is permitted. The user input here includes operations on the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) and the button 20B (see FIG. 5). However, power can be supplied to the heating unit 207 only if the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the main device 20. By attaching the front panel 10, it is possible to reduce the temperature transmitted to the user's hands compared to when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0064] When the temperature of the stick-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 a flow rate sensor or the like of the sensor unit 202 and stored in the memory unit 204. Thereafter, when a predetermined user input is detected by sensor unit 202, power supply to heating unit 207 is stopped. Note that a method may be employed in which power is supplied to heating unit 207 while sensor unit 202 detects inhalation by the user, and power supply to heating unit 207 is stopped when sensor unit 202 no longer detects inhalation by the user.

[0065] 7, the heating unit 207 is disposed outside the stick-shaped substrate 210, but the heating unit 207 may be a blade-shaped metal piece that is inserted into the stick-shaped substrate 210, or a metal piece built into the stick-shaped substrate 210. When a metal piece that functions as the heating unit 207 is built into the stick-shaped substrate 210, a coil for induction heating may be disposed around the holding unit 209.

[0066] The heat insulating section 208 is a member that reduces the propagation of heat generated in the heating section 207 to the surroundings. For this reason, the heat insulating section 208 is disposed so as to cover at least the outer peripheral surface of the heating section 207. The heat insulating section 208 is made of, for example, a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, etc. A vacuum heat insulating material is a heat insulating material in which, for example, glass wool and silica (silicon powder) are wrapped in a resin film and placed in a high vacuum state, thereby reducing the heat conduction of gas to as close to zero as possible.

[0067] <Processing operation example> An example of the processing operation executed by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 7) will be described below. <Wear detection operation> 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the front panel attachment detection operation executed by the control unit 206. This operation is executed not only before heating by the heating unit 207 (see FIG. 7) starts but also after heating starts, and is always executed in the background. Note that the symbol S in the figure indicates a step. First, the control unit 206 determines whether the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the main device 20 (see FIG. 1) (step 1).

[0068] If the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, a positive result is obtained in step 1. On the other hand, if the front panel 10 is detached from the front of the main device 20, a negative result is obtained in step 1. The attachment or detachment of the front panel 10 is determined based on the output signal of the Hall IC. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, control unit 206 cancels the inhibited state of heating of the aerosol source by heating unit 207 (step 2).

[0069] However, lifting the heating prohibition state and starting heating are separate events. Heating of stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 7), which is the aerosol source, starts when button 20B (see FIG. 5) is pressed and held from above front panel 10 for one second or more. If a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 controls the heating unit 207 to prohibit heating of the aerosol source (step 3). When step 2 or step 3 is executed, the control unit 206 returns to step 1 and repeats the determination of whether the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 or not. This operation before the attachment detection prevents the user from directly touching the main device 20 during the heating operation.

[0070] <Displaying the total remaining amount> FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing operations related to a function for displaying the total remaining capacity of primary battery 101A (see FIG. 8) in front panel 10 and secondary battery 201A (see FIG. 8) in main unit 20. In this embodiment, the display of the total value by the notification unit 103 (see FIG. 8) of the front panel 10 is realized through processing by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 8) of the main device 20. First, the control unit 206 determines whether or not an operation to display the remaining battery power has been detected (step 11). The operation here includes, for example, an operation to open the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1), a double press of the button 20B, or an instruction from the smartphone.

[0071] If 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. If the operation to be detected is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 11. In this case, control unit 206 acquires the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A of main body device 20 (step 12). The remaining charge here can be acquired from a fuel gauge (not shown) provided in main body device 20. The configuration of the fuel gauge may be the same as fuel gauge 105 provided on front panel 10.

[0072] Next, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining charge of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 (step 13). Specifically, the control unit 206 acquires information on the remaining charge calculated by the remaining charge gauge 105 provided in the front panel 10 through communication. Next, the control unit 206 calculates the total remaining battery power available in the entire device (step 14). The remaining power of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 is converted into the unit of the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20. In this embodiment, for simplicity, it is assumed that the amount of power of the primary battery 101A and the amount of power of the secondary battery 201A when fully charged are the same. In this case, the total remaining battery power can be calculated by adding the two remaining powers.

[0073] Once the total value is calculated, control unit 206 notifies front panel 10 of the total remaining battery power (step 15). In this embodiment, the total remaining battery power is notified to notification unit 103 (see FIG. 7) in the form of the number and position of lit segments. Also, control unit 206 starts measuring the elapsed time simultaneously with the notification in step 15. Upon receiving the notification, the front panel 10 displays the total remaining battery power (step 16). This display is realized by lighting up the segments that make up the notification section 103. Thereafter, the control unit 206 determines whether a certain period of time has elapsed (step 17). The certain period of time here is predetermined as the period of time for which the total remaining battery power is displayed.

[0074] If the certain time has not elapsed, a negative result is obtained in step 17. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 17. On the other hand, if the passage of the certain time has been detected, a positive result is obtained in step 17. In this case, the control unit 206 instructs the front panel 10 to turn off the light (step 18). Upon receiving this instruction, the front panel 10 ends the display of the total value (step 19). FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display of the remaining battery capacity that can be used in the entire aerosol generation device 1. In the case of Figure 11, five segments are lit. When a user sees this display, they can tell that the remaining battery power is half of what it would be when fully charged.

[0075] In this embodiment, the remaining battery power indicated by notification unit 103 is the total value of the remaining power of secondary battery 201A in main unit 20 and the remaining power of primary battery 101A in front panel . 11, the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A in main unit 20 is equivalent to one segment, and the remaining charge of primary battery 101A in front panel 10 is equivalent to four segments. Therefore, five segments are lit. In the case of FIG. 11, the breakdown of the remaining charge of each battery is not displayed.

[0076] <Auxiliary charging operation> 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation (i.e., supplementary charging) of charging the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10. The supplementary charging operation is also always performed in the background. The control unit 206 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 is less than a threshold value V1 (step 21). The threshold value V1 here is an example of a predetermined standard. If the remaining amount is equal to or greater than the threshold value V1, a negative result is obtained in step 21. If a negative result is obtained in step 21, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 21. On the other hand, if the remaining charge is less than the threshold V1, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 starts supplying power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 22).

[0077] In this embodiment, control unit 206 instructs power supply circuit 102 of front panel 10 to start power supply. As a result, a voltage boosted to, for example, 5V is supplied from the output terminal of power supply circuit 102 to power supply unit 201B (see FIG. 8) of main unit 20. Furthermore, power supply unit 201B performs DC / DC conversion of the 5V voltage supplied from primary battery 101A as an external power supply to 4.2V, and supplies the voltage to a power supply line to which secondary battery 201A is connected. As a result, charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 begins. Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is greater than a threshold value V2 (>V1) (step 23). If the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A is equal to or less than the threshold V2, a negative result is obtained in step 23. On the other hand, if the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A is greater than the threshold V2, a positive result is obtained in step 23.

[0078] If a negative result is obtained in step 23, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining charge of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10 is less than a threshold V3 (step 24). The threshold V3 here defines the timing for stopping power supply from the front panel 10 to the main device 20. If the remaining charge of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is equal to or greater than the threshold V3, a negative result is obtained in step 24. On the other hand, if the remaining charge of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is less than the threshold V3, a positive result is obtained in step 24. If a negative result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 206 returns to step 23 and repeats the determination in step 23. If a positive result is obtained in step 23 or if a positive result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 206 stops supplying power from the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 25).

[0079] When a positive result is obtained in step 23, it means that the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 has been restored to the target level. On the other hand, when a positive result is obtained in step 24, it means that the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 has decreased. After that, the control unit 206 ends the charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source. The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A in the front panel 10.

[0080] In the case of FIG. 13, both the primary battery 101A and the secondary battery 201A in the initial state T11 are fully charged. The time point T12 in FIG. 13 represents a state where the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 has dropped below the threshold value V1. Note that 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 also have decreased. Auxiliary charging starts from this time point T12. By executing the auxiliary charging, the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 decreases, and conversely, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 increases. In the case of FIG. 13, although the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 has not reached the threshold value V2, the charging has stopped because the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source has become smaller than the threshold value V3.

[0081] <USB Charging Operation> By the way, the charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20 is also possible by connecting a USB cable. FIG. 14 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. First, the control unit 206 determines whether a USB connection has been detected (step 31). If a 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 repeats the determination in step 31.

[0082] On the other hand, if a USB cable is connected to USB connector 21 (see FIG. 2), a positive result is obtained in step 31. In this case, control unit 206 starts charging secondary battery 201A of main device 20 (step 32). Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the secondary battery 201A of the main device is at a full charge voltage (step 33).

[0083] If the secondary battery 201A has not reached the full charge voltage, a negative result is obtained in step 33. On the other hand, if the secondary battery 201A has reached the full charge voltage, a positive result is obtained in step 33. If a negative result is obtained in step 33, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been removed (step 34). If the USB cable remains attached, step 34 will return a negative result. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, step 34 will return a positive result. If a negative result is obtained in step 34, the control unit 206 returns to step 33 and repeats the determination in step 33.

[0084] If a positive result is obtained in step 33 or if a positive result is obtained in step 34, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 35). Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the USB charging operation. The horizontal axis in the figure represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A in main unit 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of primary battery 101A in front panel .

[0085] 15, in the initial state T21, neither the primary battery 101A nor the secondary battery 201A is fully charged. In particular, the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is nearly empty. Time point T22 represents a state in which the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A of main device 20 is low. Secondary battery 201A is almost empty. When the USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging will begin. As a result, at the end of USB charging time T23, secondary battery 201A is fully charged again. In this embodiment, since the battery in front panel 10 is primary battery 101A, power recovery by USB charging is not performed. To restore power to front panel 10, primary battery 101A must be replaced.

[0086] <Summary> As described above, the main device 20 (see FIG. 1) described in this embodiment can be fitted with a front panel 10 incorporating a primary battery 101A. Furthermore, when the front panel 10 incorporating a primary battery 101A is fitted to the main device 20, it becomes possible to charge the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 using the primary battery 101A as an external power source. As a result, the operating time of the main device 20 becomes longer than when a front panel 10 not incorporating a primary battery 101A is fitted.

[0087] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the amount of power available in the entire aerosol generation device 1. The vertical axis in the figure represents the amount of power available for use by the aerosol generation device 1 as a whole. As shown in FIG. 16, it can be seen that the amount of available power increases when the front panel 10 incorporating the primary battery 101A is attached to the main device 20 compared to when the main device 20 is only powered by the secondary battery 201A.

[0088] Furthermore, the user who attaches the battery-equipped front panel 10 to the main device 20 is concerned with the current battery consumption and current remaining charge of the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole, and the breakdown of the remaining charge for each battery is secondary. In order to meet the interests of this user, the front panel 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a notification unit 103 (see FIG. 1) that expresses the total value of the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A (see FIG. 8) of the main body device 20 and the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A (see FIG. 8) of the front panel 10 in terms of the number of segments. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the total value of the remaining amount of the batteries available for the entire aerosol generating device 1.

[0089] <Embodiment 2> In the present embodiment, the available power amount, that is, the correction function of the remaining battery amount, due to the difference in the power supply path from the front panel 10 to the main body device 20 will be described. Note that the internal configuration and external configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 are the same as those in Embodiment 1. FIG. 17 is a chart 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 body device 20.

[0090] The chart shown in FIG. 17 shows the cases of wired connection and wireless connection for the power supply path. However, only one of wired connection or wireless connection is used for power supply between the front panel 10 and the main body device 20. Therefore, the storage unit 204 and the control unit 206 of the main body device 20 only need to store the relationship according to the power supply path used. Basically, the power supply efficiency of wired connection is higher than that of wireless connection, and the loss on the power supply path can be almost ignored.

[0091] Therefore, in the example of FIG. 17, when the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is A [Wh], the converted value of the power available in the main body device 20 is A0 (<A) [Wh]. For example, A0 is approximately 90% of A. On the other hand, in the case of wireless connection, even if the remaining amount of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is A [Wh], the converted value of the power available in the main body device 20 is B (<A0) [Wh]. The conversion value B here depends on the power supply efficiency. For example, in the case of the electromagnetic induction method or the electric field coupling method, the power supply efficiency is approximately 90% or less, and in the case of the magnetic field resonance method, the power supply efficiency is approximately 60% or less.

[0092] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example of the processing operation related to the function of displaying the total remaining charge of the primary battery 101A (see Fig. 8) in the front panel 10 and the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A (see Fig. 8) in the main unit 20. In Fig. 18, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 10 are assigned the same reference numerals. 18 is required only when, for example, a wireless connection is used to supply power from the front panel 10 to the main unit 20. However, even with a wired connection, the processing operation shown in FIG. 18 may be performed to accurately calculate the remaining charge.

[0093] In the processing operation shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 206 corrects the remaining charge of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 between step 13 and step 14 (step 13A). In step 14 and after, the corrected remaining amount is used to calculate the total remaining amount of the battery, and is displayed on the notification unit 103. Fig. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying the remaining battery capacity that can be used in the entire aerosol generation device 1. In Fig. 19, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 11 are assigned the same reference numerals. 19, the corrected remaining charge is used as the remaining charge of primary battery 101A in front panel 10. Specifically, the corrected remaining charge is three segments. Therefore, notification unit 103 lights up a total of four segments, including one segment representing the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A in main device 20.

[0094] 20 is a diagram for explaining auxiliary charging using the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source. In FIG. 20, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 13 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the case of FIG. 20, the remaining charge of the primary battery 101A of the front panel 10 at time T12 when auxiliary charging is performed is equivalent to four segments. However, when auxiliary charging is performed, a loss of one segment occurs in the power supply path from front panel 10 to main unit 20. Therefore, the increase in the remaining charge at time T13 when auxiliary charging is completed is limited to three segments.

[0095] In this embodiment, the remaining battery capacity available for the entire aerosol generation device 1 is displayed by correcting the remaining capacity of the primary battery 101A on the front panel 10 to the amount of power available after power is supplied to the main device 20, so that the remaining battery capacity available for the entire aerosol generation device 1 is not displayed as being overstated. As a result, the user who checks the remaining capacity display is not led to make an erroneous judgment. In other words, it is possible to display the net remaining capacity available.

[0096] <Third Embodiment> In this embodiment, another example of the notification unit 103 will be described. The internal and external configurations of the aerosol generation device 1 are the same as those in the first embodiment. 21 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of notification unit 103 provided on front panel 10. Notification unit 103 in this embodiment differs from the configurations assumed in embodiments 1 and 2 in that it has a display field 103B for the remaining battery charge, as well as an explanation 103A for the remaining battery charge. The notification unit 103 shown in Figure 21 has a configuration in which a display unit for explanation 103A that displays standard phrases such as "Total remaining battery power of the main unit battery and the front panel battery" has been added to the notification unit 103 configured as shown in Figure 3.

[0097] However, 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, and may display an image notified from main device 20. If the entire notification unit 103 is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, it is possible to display information other than the remaining battery power.

[0098] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of notification unit 103 provided on front panel 10. Notification unit 103 shown in Fig. 22 is configured with a liquid crystal display 103C and a display 103D consisting of 10 segments. The configuration of display 103D is the same as the configuration shown in Fig. 3. Figure 22 shows an example of utilizing the ability to change the display of explanatory text to alternate between a display mode that displays the "remaining battery charge on the front panel" as a number of segments, a display mode that displays the "remaining battery charge on the main unit" as a number of segments, and a display mode that displays the "total remaining battery charge on the main unit and the front panel."

[0099] The display mode may be switched in units of, for example, opening and closing the shutter 30. Alternatively, double pressing of button 20B may be considered as one unit of execution, or execution may be performed in response to an instruction from a smartphone. 22, after the three remaining amounts are displayed in order, the display switches to the second remaining amount display. That is, after the total value is displayed, the remaining amount of the front panel 10 is displayed. When a specific remaining amount to be displayed is specified from a smartphone or the like, the specified remaining amount may be displayed regardless of the immediately preceding display. Incidentally, when the notification unit 103 is entirely configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, the remaining amount is changed as the image notified by the control unit 206 is changed.

[0100] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the entire notification unit 103 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like. In the case of Figure 23, the "remaining battery charge of the front panel," "remaining battery charge of the main unit," and "total remaining charge of the two batteries" are displayed on one screen. 23, the user can simultaneously grasp the breakdown of the remaining charge of the two batteries as well as the total remaining charge of the batteries available for the entire aerosol generation device 1. In the example of Fig. 23, the user can see that the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is low and that USB charging will be required in the near future. Also, if the remaining charge of primary battery 101A in front panel 10 is low, it can be known that primary battery 101A will soon need to be replaced. However, the notification unit 103 shown in FIG. 23 may be realized by combining the structures shown in FIG.

[0101] <Fourth Embodiment> In this embodiment, a case where a rechargeable secondary battery is provided on the front panel 10 will be described. The external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Fig. 24 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1. In Fig. 24, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals. 24, a charging circuit 106 is added to the front panel 10. The other configurations are the same as those of the front panel 10 shown in FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the front panel 10 and the power supply circuits in the main unit 20. In FIG. 25, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 8 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0102] 25, the power supply unit 101 is provided with a secondary battery 101C. The secondary battery 101C here is, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery. The secondary battery 101C is an example of a second battery. This secondary battery 101C also functions as a secondary battery or auxiliary battery for the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side. The charging circuit 106 is a circuit for charging the secondary battery 101C of the power supply unit 101 with power supplied from the main device 20 side. In this embodiment, charging circuit 106 is configured with, for example, a step-up DC / DC circuit. When power is supplied from main device 20, charging circuit 106 supplies a voltage of, for example, 4.2 V to secondary battery 101C. Note that charging circuit 106 is provided with a circuit for preventing reverse current flow.

[0103] The power supply from the main device 20 to the charging circuit 106 is performed using the same method as the power supply from the power supply circuit 102 to the main device 20. That is, the power supply may be contact power supply or contactless power supply. The operation of the charging circuit 106 is controlled by a control unit 206 of the main device 20. The control signal is transmitted using an SPI communication method or a UART communication method. For example, BLE is used as the communication line.

[0104] In this embodiment, the same processing operations as those in the first embodiment are executed, but there is a difference in the USB charging operation. Fig. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206. In Fig. 26, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 14 are assigned the same reference numerals. First, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a USB connection has been detected (step 31). If a negative result is obtained in step 31, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 31.

[0105] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 31, control unit 206 starts charging secondary battery 201A of main device 20 and secondary battery 101C of front panel 10 (step 32A). Note that the actual charging may be performed by first charging one of secondary battery 201A of main device 20 or secondary battery 101C of front panel 10 to full capacity, and then charging the other to full capacity. However, charging secondary battery 201A of main device 20 and secondary battery 101C of front panel 10 may also be performed in parallel. Next, the control unit 206 determines whether or not both of the two secondary batteries 101C and 201A are at full charge voltage (step 33A).

[0106] If either one of them has not 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. If a negative result is obtained in step 33A, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been removed (step 34). If the USB cable remains attached, step 34 will return a negative result. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, step 34 will return a positive result. If a negative result is obtained in step 34, the control unit 206 returns to step 33A and repeats the determination in step 33A.

[0107] If a positive result is obtained in step 33A or if a positive result is obtained in step 34, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 and the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 (step 35A). Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation. Fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating the USB charging operation. In Fig. 27, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 15 are assigned the same reference numerals. The remaining battery power at time points T21 and T22 in Fig. 27 is the same as in the example of Fig. 15. However, in the present embodiment, the battery on the front panel is secondary battery 101C, so at time point T23 after USB charging, not only secondary battery 201A in main device 20 but also secondary battery 101C in front panel 10 has recovered to a fully charged state.

[0108] <Fifth Embodiment> In this embodiment, a front panel 10 with a control unit will be described. Fig. 28 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 5. In Fig. 28, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 24 are assigned the same reference numerals. 28 has a control unit 107 added thereto. The other configuration is the same as that of the front panel 10 shown in FIG.

[0109] Here, the control unit 107 can communicate with the communication unit 205 of the main body device 20, a smartphone, etc., via the communication unit 104. For example, control unit 107 of front panel 10 acquires the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A provided in main device 20 through communication with control unit 206 of main device 20. In this case, control unit 107 calculates the total remaining charge of secondary battery 101C provided in front panel 10 and secondary battery 201A provided in main device 20, and displays the calculated total remaining charge.

[0110] 29 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship between the power supply circuits in the front panel 10 and the main unit 20 used in the fifth embodiment. In Fig. 29, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 25 are assigned the same reference numerals. 29, the system power supply Vsys is supplied to the control unit 107 from the secondary battery 101C of the front panel 10 through the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B. Therefore, even when 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. Front panel 10 in this embodiment has secondary battery 101C, communication unit 104, and control unit 107, and is therefore capable of autonomous operation even when detached from main device 20. Control unit 107 is provided with a semiconductor memory required for executing its functions.

[0111] <Sixth Embodiment> In this embodiment, a function of determining whether the remaining battery charge available in the aerosol generation device 1 is sufficient to use up an unused stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 7) and notifying the user will be described. An unused stick-shaped substrate 210 here refers to a stick-shaped substrate 210 that has never been heated. Therefore, even if it has been inserted into the hole 22 of the main device 20, it is an unused stick-shaped substrate 210 that has never been heated. In other words, an unused stick-shaped substrate 210 refers to a brand new stick-shaped substrate 210.

[0112] Furthermore, "the remaining charge in the battery is sufficient to use up an unused stick-shaped substrate 210" means that, for example, the amount of power remaining is sufficient to generate an expected amount of aerosol from an unused stick-shaped substrate 210. The estimated amount here may be determined based on, for example, the amount of aerosol source contained in an unused stick-shaped substrate 210, or based on the control profile of the heating unit 207, or may be determined according to the version or component configuration of the main device 20. The control profile determines the timing of heating and the change in the target temperature after heating begins.

[0113] In addition, if multiple control profiles are prepared in the main device 20 and the user can select which control profile to use to generate the aerosol, the estimated amount is determined according to the control profile or heating mode selected by the user. For example, if a heating mode (hereinafter referred to as "high mode") that generates more aerosol but consumes more power, and a heating mode (hereinafter referred to as "normal mode") that generates a standard amount of aerosol but consumes less power, are available, the expected amount is determined by the currently selected heating mode. In addition, in the case of high mode, if the remaining battery charge is insufficient to generate the estimated amount, but in the case of normal mode, if the remaining battery charge is sufficient to generate the estimated amount, this may be displayed on the notification unit 103.

[0114] FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation according to the sixth embodiment. 30 is executed by control unit 206 of main device 20 (see FIG. 7) or control unit 107 of front panel 10 (see FIG. 29). The processing operation of control unit 206 will be described below. First, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a request for generating an aerosol has been detected (step 41). The request for generation here is detected, for example, when the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20 and the button 20B is pressed and held for one second or longer with the shutter 30 open. Pressing and holding the button 20B requires an operation of pressing and deforming the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 with a finger.

[0115] If a request for aerosol generation is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 41. On the other hand, if a request for aerosol generation is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 41. In this case, control unit 206 acquires the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A of main device 20 (step 42). Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 falls below a capacity sufficient to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210 (step 43).

[0116] If the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A exceeds the reference capacity, a negative result is obtained in step 43. In this case, control unit 206 supplies power from secondary battery 201A of main body device 20 to heating unit 207 (step 52). That is, generation of aerosol using secondary battery 201A of main body device 20 is started. On the other hand, if the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A is below the reference capacity, a positive result is obtained in step 43. In this case, control unit 206 acquires the remaining charge of the battery in front panel 10 (step 44). The battery here may be primary battery 101A or secondary battery 101C, depending on the type of attached front panel 10. It is desirable that the remaining charge here be converted into the remaining charge that can actually be used by main device 20, as explained in the second embodiment.

[0117] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the total remaining capacity of the two batteries exceeds the capacity determined in step 43 (step 45). If the sum of the remaining power levels of the two batteries is less 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. On the other hand, if the sum of the remaining capacities 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 sum of the remaining capacities of the two batteries (step 46). Next, the control unit 206 displays a message that the unused stick-shaped substrate can be used up by utilizing the secondary battery of the front panel 10 (step 47).

[0118] Fig. 31 is a diagram for explaining an example of information displayed by notification unit 103. In Fig. 31, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 21 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The notification section 103 shown in Figure 31 displays an explanation 103A that the display shows the total value of the two batteries, a display field 103B showing the total remaining value of the two batteries, as well as an explanation 103E indicating that the remaining battery power of the front panel can be utilized, a "Utilize" button 103F, and a "Do not utilize" button 103G.

[0119] In the example of Figure 31, explanation 103E reads, "The battery level in the main unit is quite low, but by utilizing the remaining battery power in the front panel, it is possible to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate." The display of this explanation 103E allows the user to determine how to utilize the battery provided in the front panel 10. Next, the control unit 206 determines whether or not to utilize the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 (step 48). Because heating of the stick-shaped substrate 210 does not start while the secondary battery 201A is being charged, the user is prompted to make a selection. If an instruction not to utilize the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 is received, a negative result is obtained in step 48. In this case, the control unit 206 ends the process without starting heating by the heating unit 207.

[0120] If an instruction to utilize the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 is received, a positive result is obtained in step 48. In this case, the control unit 206 starts supplying power from the battery of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 49). Note that in FIG. 30, the process switches between charging and not charging the secondary battery 201A after receiving confirmation from the user, but the process may proceed directly to step 49 after executing step 47. Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has recovered to the capacity in step 43 (step 50). If the recovery of the capacity is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 50. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 50.

[0121] On the other hand, if the recovery of the capacity is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 50. In this case, the control unit 206 stops the power supply from the battery in the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 (step 51). FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating auxiliary charging using the battery of the front panel 10 as an external power source. The horizontal axis in the diagram represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A in main device 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of the battery in front panel 10. As mentioned above, the battery in front panel 10 may be primary battery 101A or secondary battery 101C. At time T31, both the battery in front panel 10 and secondary battery 201A in main unit 20 are fully charged.

[0122] 32, time T32 represents a state in which the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A of main device 20 has fallen below the capacity required to use up unused stick-shaped substrate 210. Note that the battery of front panel 10 remains fully charged. However, the remaining charge of the battery of front panel 10 may also be low. In any case, by utilizing the remaining battery power of the front panel 10, it is possible to recover the remaining power of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20.

[0123] Auxiliary charging begins at time T32. As auxiliary charging is performed, the remaining charge of the battery in front panel 10 decreases, while the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A in main device 20 increases. At time T33, the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has recovered to the capacity required to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210, and charging is stopped. Thereafter, the control unit 206 supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 52).

[0124] In this embodiment, even if the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 falls below the capacity required to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210, the capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is restored by utilizing the battery of the front panel 10, so that the unused stick-shaped substrate 210 can be used up even when heating is started. Furthermore, if the capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 cannot be restored even by utilizing the battery of the front panel 10, by not starting heating of the heating section 207, heating ends before the unused stick-shaped substrate 210 is used up, thereby preventing the stick-shaped substrate 210 from having to be discarded.

[0125] <Seventh Embodiment> In this embodiment, an example is described in which the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A of main device 20 is determined regardless of a request for aerosol generation, and if a remaining charge is predicted, charging of secondary battery 201A is started in preparation for future inhalation. Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation according to the seventh embodiment. In Fig. 33, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 30 are assigned the same reference numerals. 33 is also executed by control unit 206 of main device 20 (see FIG. 7) or control unit 107 of front panel 10 (see FIG. 29). The processing operation of control unit 206 will be described below. The control unit 206 of the main device 20 determines whether or not it is a predetermined timing (step 41A).

[0126] Examples of the predetermined timing include when the number of stick-shaped substrates 210 sucked in 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, a time set by a timer (e.g., 6:00 a.m. every morning), and a non-sucking time of the user identified by machine learning. Note that another condition for the predetermined timing may be 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.

[0127] If it is determined in step 41A that the timing is not the predetermined timing, 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 in step 41A. On the other hand, if the determination in step 41A is that it is the predetermined timing, the control unit 206 on the main device 20 side obtains a positive result in step 41A. In this case, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 regardless of the generation request from the user (step 42).

[0128] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 falls below a capacity sufficient to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210 (step 43). If a negative result is obtained in step 43, there is no need to charge the secondary battery 201A, and therefore the control unit 206 ends the process. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 43, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 (step 44).

[0129] Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the total remaining capacity of the two batteries exceeds the capacity determined in step 43 (step 45). If the sum of the remaining power levels of the two batteries is less than the capacity determined in step 43, a negative result is obtained in step 45. In this case, the necessary power for secondary battery 201A will not be restored even if charging is performed, so control unit 206 ends the process. Note that the user may be notified of the need for charging. On the other hand, if the sum of the remaining capacities 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 sum of the remaining capacities of the two batteries (step 46). Next, the control unit 206 displays a message that the unused stick-shaped substrate can be used up by utilizing the battery in the front panel 10 (step 47).

[0130] In this embodiment, step 49 is started without inquiring of the user about utilization 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 unit 20 (step 49). Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 has recovered to the capacity in step 43 (step 50). If the recovery of the capacity is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 50. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 50.

[0131] On the other hand, if the recovery of the capacity is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 50. In this case, the control unit 206 stops the power supply from the battery in the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 (step 51). In this manner, in this embodiment, the remaining charge shortage of secondary battery 201A of main device 20 is resolved before the user requests the generation of aerosol. As a result, the user can start inhaling aerosol at a desired time.

[0132] <Embodiment 8> In this embodiment, an example will be described in which charging of secondary battery 201A of main unit 20 is started regardless of whether the remaining battery charge of front panel 10 is excessive or insufficient. Fig. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation according to the eighth embodiment. In Fig. 34, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 30 are assigned the same reference numerals. 34 is also executed by control unit 206 of main device 20 (see FIG. 7) or control unit 107 of front panel 10 (see FIG. 29). The processing operation of control unit 206 will be described below.

[0133] First, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a request for generating an aerosol has been detected (step 41). If a negative result is obtained in step 41, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 41. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 41, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 42). Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 falls below a capacity sufficient to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210 (step 43).

[0134] If a negative result is obtained in step 43, control unit 206 supplies power from secondary battery 201A of main body device 20 to heating unit 207 (step 52). That is, generation of aerosol using secondary battery 201A of main body device 20 is started. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 43, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 (step 44). Next, the control unit 206 displays the total remaining power of the two batteries (step 46). In this embodiment, step 45 is not executed, so there is no guarantee that the unused stick-shaped substrate 210 will be used up to recover its capacity, but the control unit 206 starts supplying power from the battery in the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 (step 49).

[0135] Thereafter, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining charge 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 charge of the battery of the front panel 10 is less than a threshold value V3 (step 61). If the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 is equal to or greater than the threshold value V3, a negative result is obtained in step 61. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step .

[0136] If the remaining battery charge of the front panel 10 is less than the threshold V3, a positive result is obtained in step 61. In this case, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 52. However, in this case, the start of heating will not be enough power to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210. However, this can meet the user's needs to inhale aerosol to the extent possible even before the secondary battery 201A is fully charged. Return to the explanation of step 50. If a positive result is obtained in step 50, the control unit 206 stops the power supply from the battery in the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 (step 51). After this, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 52. In this case, it is possible to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210.

[0137] In this embodiment, before checking whether the total remaining charge of the battery in the front panel 10 and the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 is greater than or equal to the capacity required to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210, the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 is charged using the remaining charge of the battery in the front panel 10. As a result, if the remaining amount of the secondary battery 201A recovers the capacity required to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210, the unused stick-shaped substrate 210 can be used without waste. Furthermore, even if the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A does not recover the capacity necessary to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210, the remaining capacity of the two batteries can be utilized to the maximum to generate aerosol.

[0138] <Ninth Embodiment> In this embodiment, aerosol generation by the battery of the front panel 10 will be described. Fig. 35 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation according to the 9th embodiment. In Fig. 35, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 30 are assigned the same reference numerals. 35 is also executed by control unit 206 of main device 20 (see FIG. 7) or control unit 107 of front panel 10 (see FIG. 29). The processing operation of control unit 206 will be described below.

[0139] First, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a request for generating an aerosol has been detected (step 41). If a negative result is obtained in step 41, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 41. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 41, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 (step 42). Next, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 falls below a capacity sufficient to use up the stick-shaped substrate 210 (step 43).

[0140] If a negative result is obtained in step 43, control unit 206 supplies power from secondary battery 201A of main body device 20 to heating unit 207 (step 52). That is, generation of aerosol using secondary battery 201A of main body device 20 is started. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 43, the control unit 206 acquires the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 (step 44). Next, the control unit 206 displays the total remaining power of the two batteries (step 46).

[0141] Thereafter, the control unit 206 determines whether the remaining battery power of the front panel 10 exceeds the capacity in step 43 (step 71). If the remaining battery charge of the front panel 10 is below the capacity in step 43, the control unit 206 ends the process without heating the heating unit 207. On the other hand, if the remaining battery charge of the front panel 10 exceeds the capacity in step 43, the control unit 206 displays a message that the unused stick-shaped substrate 210 can be used up by utilizing the battery of the front panel (step 47), and supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the battery of the front panel 10 (step 72).

[0142] In this embodiment, even if the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20 is insufficient, if the remaining charge of the battery of the front panel 10 exceeds the capacity to use up the unused stick-shaped substrate 210, heating of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is started by utilizing the remaining charge of the battery of the front panel 10. In this case, aerosol can be generated without further reducing the remaining charge of secondary battery 201A of main device 20.

[0143] <Other embodiments> (1) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications or improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0144] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the joint between the front panel 10 and the main device 20 is continuously connected without any steps to form a unified appearance, but the joint may have steps or notches, etc., as long as the appearance is unified with the main device 20.

[0145] (3) In the above embodiment, the aerosol source is described as a solid, but the aerosol source may be a liquid. When the aerosol source is a liquid, a method is adopted in which the aerosol source is guided into a thin tube called a wick using capillary action, and the aerosol source is evaporated by heating a coil wrapped around the wick.

[0146] (4) In the above embodiment, the aerosol generating device has been described as generating an aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source. However, the aerosol generating device may generate an aerosol by separately heating a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source. This type of aerosol generating device is also called a hybrid aerosol generating device.

[0147] (5) In the above-described embodiments 1-3, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 controls the calculation and display of the total remaining battery capacity. However, a control unit that controls the calculation and display of the total remaining battery capacity 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 capacity here is performed as a hardware-defined operation. Note that if the front panel 10 is provided with a CPU, MPU, GPU, or the like, it is possible to calculate the total remaining battery capacity through the execution of a program.

[0148] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the power from the battery in the front panel 10 and the power from the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 are output to a common power line via the power supply unit 201B (see FIG. 8). However, the power supplied from the battery in the front panel 10 to the main device 20 may also be supplied to each part of the main device 20 via a dedicated power line. When power is supplied through dedicated power lines, a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit for generating a voltage suitable for each power line is provided in the front panel 10 or the main unit 20. Furthermore, when power is to be supplied from the front panel 10 only to specific electronic components, a dedicated power supply line may be provided only for the specific electronic components.

[0149] (7) In the above-described embodiments 4-5, the charging circuit 106 is provided on the front panel 10, but a configuration without the charging circuit 106 may be adopted. In that case, the power supply unit 201B of the main device 20 functions as the charging circuit 106 and charges the secondary battery 101C.

[0150] (8) In the above embodiment, a battery is provided on the front panel 10 of the aerosol-generating main unit 20. However, the electronic device using the battery-equipped panel is not limited to the aerosol-generating device 1 (main unit 20). That is, the battery-equipped panel may be attached to a remote control, a game console, a music player, a car navigation system, a video camera, a digital camera, an electronic dictionary, a calculator, or other electronic device. The battery-equipped panel here is an example of a cover member. Furthermore, the battery-equipped panel here is not limited to a front panel.

[0151] (9) In the above-described embodiment, a film-type lithium battery or a capacitor was assumed as the battery provided in the front panel 10, but a coin-shaped or chip-shaped battery may also be used.

[0152] (10) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which aerosol generation is permitted when the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20, but the main device 20 may be capable of generating aerosol even when the front panel 10 is not attached. In this case, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is used to expand the functions that can be executed by the main device 20. For example, the main device 20 with the front panel 10 removed operates only on the built-in secondary battery 201A (see FIG. 8), and the main device 20 with the battery-equipped front panel 10 attached enables functions that use power from the batteries in the front panel 10 (primary battery 101A, secondary battery 101C).

[0153] (11) In the above-described embodiment, a state in which aerosol can be generated has been described as an example of an operable aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20). However, this is not limiting. For example, even if aerosol cannot be generated due to a power shortage, the aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20) is operable as long as other functions are operating. Examples of other functions include a function to check and display the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A, etc., a function to acquire and display the inhalation history, and a function to communicate with an external terminal.

[0154] (12) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 is pressed and deformed to operate the button 20B provided on the main unit 20. However, instructions may be input to the main unit 20 using methods other than deformation of the front panel 10. For example, a touch panel may be provided on front panel 10, and information indicating a user's operation on the touch panel may be notified to control unit 206 (see FIG. 7) of main device 20 via communication unit 104 (see FIG. 7). Also, for example, switches or buttons may be arranged on the front panel 10, and the presence or absence of operations on these may be notified to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 7) of the main device 20 via the communication unit 104 (see FIG. 7). The touch panel, switches, etc. here are examples of an operation unit. The surface members and the inside of the main body device 20 of this type employ a heat-shielding structure.

[0155] (13) In the sixth and eighth embodiments, step 43 (see FIG. 30) is executed based on the detection of a request for aerosol generation, and in the seventh embodiment, step 43 (see FIG. 33) is executed based on the detection of a predetermined timing. However, other events may also be detected. Examples of other events include the shutter 30 being slid to the open position and the display of the remaining battery power (including when instructed by the user).

[0156] (14) In the sixth and eighth embodiments described above, when an aerosol generation request is received, power supply from the battery on the front panel 10 side to the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side is started on the condition that certain conditions are further satisfied. However, there may be cases where it takes a long time for the capacity of the secondary battery 201A on the main device 20 side to recover to a capacity sufficient to use up the stick-shaped substrate 210. Therefore, the control unit 206 may be provided with a function to notify the user of the charging progress and current capacity of the battery 201A on the main device 20 side through an LED 20A (see Figure 5) or a notification unit provided on the front panel 10, or a function to notify a smartphone, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 206 may be provided with a function to notify the user that it is now possible to generate aerosol or heat the aerosol source, or a function to notify a smartphone, etc., when it is detected that the capacity of the stick-shaped substrate 210 has been restored to a level sufficient to use up the entire substrate. By incorporating these functions, it is possible to improve the user's predictability.

[0157] <Summary> The present disclosure includes the following configurations. (1) A cover member that can be attached and detached to an electronic device that operates using a built-in first battery, the cover member having a second battery, a power supply circuit that supplies power from the second battery to the electronic device, and a notification unit that notifies the total remaining charge of the first battery and the second battery. (2) The cover member described in (1), wherein the notification unit notifies the total value calculated using the remaining capacity of the second battery corrected according to the efficiency of power supply from the second battery to the electronic device. (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. (4) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the notification unit notifies the user of the remaining charge of the first battery and the remaining charge of the second battery individually in response to a user operation. (5) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a control unit that calculates the total value and displays it on the notification unit. (6) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the notification unit displays the total value obtained through communication with the electronic device. (7) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the main body attached to the electronic device covers a part of the surface of the electronic device. (8) A cover member described in any one of (1) to (7), wherein the main body portion, when attached to the electronic device, can be pressed by a user to operate a switch on the electronic device located in a position facing the main body portion. (9) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (7), further comprising an operation unit that receives a user's operation and notifies the electronic device of the operation. (10) A cover member according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the main body attached to the electronic device forms an integrated appearance with the parts of the electronic device that are not covered by the main body. (11) A cover member described in any one of (1) to (10), wherein the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, and attachment of the main body unit to the aerosol generating device is one of the conditions that enables the heating unit to heat the aerosol source. (12) A cover member as described in (11), in which, when the remaining charge of the first battery is less than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, but the sum of the remaining charge of the first battery and the remaining charge of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that it is possible to use up one unused aerosol source by utilizing the remaining charge of the second battery. (13) A cover member as described in (11), in which, when the remaining charge of the first battery is less than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source but the remaining charge of the second battery is more than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that it is possible to use up one unused aerosol source by utilizing the remaining charge of the second battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 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...fuel gauge, 106...charging circuit, 107...control unit, 202...sensor unit, 204...memory unit, 206...control unit, 207...heating unit, 208...insulation unit, 209...holding unit, 210...stick-shaped substrate

Claims

1. A cover member that can be attached to and detached from an electronic device that is powered by a built-in first battery, a second battery; and a power supply circuit that supplies power from the second battery to the electronic device; a communication unit that communicates according to a predetermined communication standard; a notification unit that notifies a terminal other than the electronic device of a total value of the remaining charge of the first battery and the remaining charge of the second battery using the communication unit; A cover member having:

2. the notification unit notifies the total value calculated using a remaining capacity of the second battery corrected according to efficiency of power supply from the second battery to the electronic device. The cover member according to claim 1 .

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

4. the notification unit notifies the user of the remaining charge of the first battery and the remaining charge of the second battery individually in response to a user operation. The cover member according to claim 1 .

5. Further, a control unit is provided to calculate the total value and display it on the notification unit. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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

7. The main body attached to the electronic device covers a part of the surface of the electronic device. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. When the main body is attached to the electronic device, the user can press the main body to operate a switch on the electronic device that is provided at a position facing the main body. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The electronic device further includes an operation unit that receives a user operation and notifies the electronic device of the operation. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. The main body attached to the electronic device forms an appearance that is integrated with the portion of the electronic device that is not covered by the main body. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

11. the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, Attaching the main body to the aerosol generation device is one of the conditions that enables the heating unit to heat the aerosol source. The cover member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

12. If the remaining capacity of the first battery is less than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, but the sum of the remaining capacity of the first battery and the remaining capacity of the second battery is greater than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that it is possible to use up one unused aerosol source by utilizing the remaining charge of the second battery; The cover member according to claim 11.

13. If the remaining capacity of the first battery is less than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, but the remaining capacity of the second battery is more than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the notification unit notifies that it is possible to use up one unused aerosol source by utilizing the remaining charge of the second battery; The cover member according to claim 11.

14. The notification unit operates in a state where the cover member is detached from the electronic device. The cover member according to claim 1 .

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