Cover member and program

Abstract

In the present invention, a cover member detachable from an aerosol generation device that has a first battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source is provided with: a second battery that is charged using power supplied from the aerosol generation device; and a control unit that operates using power supplied from the second battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cover member and a program.

Background Art

[0002] An aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source containing a fragrance or the like, and a secondary battery built into the main body is used as its power source. By the way, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery of the aerosol generating device starts to heat the aerosol source even though it is not sufficient to use up one unused aerosol source, the heating cannot be continued even before using up the aerosol source. The control of heating the aerosol source is premised on the attachment of one unused aerosol source. Therefore, when the heating of the aerosol source ends due to the shortage of the remaining amount of the secondary battery, the used aerosol source may need to be discarded. Therefore, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery is not sufficient to use up one unused aerosol source, a mechanism that does not start power supply to the heating unit is described in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, even when the remaining amount of the secondary battery is less than the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, if it is possible to replenish the insufficient capacity, it becomes possible to use up one unused aerosol source.

[0005] The present disclosure 、 provides a cover member that enables an operation considering not only the remaining battery amount of the main body but also the remaining battery amount outside the main body.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] As one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cover member that is detachable from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, the cover member including a second battery that is charged by power supply from the aerosol generating device, and a control unit that operates by power supply from the second battery.

[0007] The control unit may, when the remaining charge of the first battery meets predetermined conditions, supply power from the second battery to the aerosol generator to charge the first battery.

[0008] The control unit may determine that a predetermined condition is met if it is predicted that the remaining charge of the first battery may fall below the capacity required to completely use up one unused aerosol source.

[0009] The control unit may determine that a predetermined condition is met when the remaining charge of the first battery falls below the capacity required to completely use up one unused aerosol source.

[0010] The control unit may supply power from the second battery to the aerosol generator even if the remaining charge of the first battery falls below the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, provided that the combined remaining charge of the first battery and the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source.

[0011] The control unit may supply power from the second battery directly to the heating unit if it is possible to do so directly.

[0012] The control unit may charge the first battery with the power from the second battery.

[0013] The control unit may change the remaining charge of the second battery used to calculate the sum, depending on the difference in the power supply path from the second battery to the aerosol generator.

[0014] The main body attached to the aerosol generator may cover a portion of the surface of the aerosol generator.

[0015] Attaching the main unit to the aerosol generating device may be one of the conditions that enable heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit.

[0016] The main unit may allow the user to operate the switch on the aerosol generator by pressing it while it is attached to the aerosol generator.

[0017] The main body attached to the aerosol generator may form an integrated appearance with the part of the aerosol generator that is not covered by the main body when it is in a state where aerosol generation is possible.

[0018] The cover member may also be provided with an operating section that receives user input and notifies the aerosol generating device.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer is provided on a cover member that is detachable from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the cover member is provided with a second battery that is charged by power supplied from the aerosol generating device, and the computer is provided with a function to supply power from the second battery to the aerosol generating device to charge the first battery when the remaining charge of the first battery meets predetermined conditions. We provide the program.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a cover member that enables an operation considering not only the remaining battery level of the main body but also the remaining battery level of components other than the main body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a view observing the front side of the aerosol generating device obliquely from above. [Figure 2] It is a view observing the front side of the aerosol generating device obliquely from below. [Figure 3] It is a view observing the aerosol generating device with the shutter removed from above. [Figure 4] It is a view observing the main body device with the front panel removed from the front. [Figure 5] It is a view observing the back surface of the front panel removed from the main body device. [Figure 6] It is a view schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generating device. [Figure 7] It is a view schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit in the front panel and the main body device. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart explaining an example of the attachment detection operation of the front panel executed by the control unit of the main body device. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit of the main body device. [Figure 10] It is a view explaining the USB charging operation. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart explaining the operation of charging the secondary battery of the main body device with the secondary battery of the front panel. [Figure 12] It is a view explaining the auxiliary charging using the secondary battery of the front panel as an external power source. [Figure 13] It is a view explaining the available power amount of the entire aerosol generating device. [Figure 14] It is a chart explaining the relationship between the remaining amount of the secondary battery of the front panel used as an auxiliary power source and the available remaining amount in the main body device. [Figure 15]This diagram illustrates the power loss associated with auxiliary charging. [Figure 16] This is a diagram illustrating auxiliary charging in Embodiment 2. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operation in Embodiment 3. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of auxiliary charging in Embodiment 4. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of auxiliary charging in Embodiment 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0023] <Terminology> Each embodiment of the aerosol generating device is a form of e-cigarette. In the following explanation, the substance produced by an aerosol generator is referred to as an aerosol. An aerosol is a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas and air or other gas. Each embodiment describes an aerosol generating apparatus that generates aerosols without combustion. In the following explanation, the act of a user inhaling aerosols generated by an aerosol generator is referred to as "inhalation" or "puffing." Each embodiment describes an aerosol generating device capable of attaching a solid aerosol source. The container for housing the solid aerosol source is referred to as either a "capsule" or a "stick-type substrate" depending on the product form. Capsules and stick-type substrates are consumables. Therefore, guidelines for replacement are established for capsules and stick-type substrates.

[0024] <Embodiment 1> <Example of exterior> First, an example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device used in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 1 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generator 1, observed from an oblique angle above. Figure 2 shows the front side of the aerosol generator 1, viewed from a diagonal downward angle. Figure 3 shows the aerosol generator 1 with the shutter 30 removed, viewed from above. Figure 4 shows the main unit 20 viewed from the front with the front panel 10 removed. Figure 5 shows the back surface of the front panel 10 after it has been removed from the main unit 20.

[0025] The aerosol generator 1 used in this embodiment is sized to be held in one hand by the user. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a main unit 20, a front panel 10 mounted on the front of the main unit 20, and a shutter 30 positioned on the top surface of the main unit 20 and capable of sliding along the top surface. The front panel 10 is a component that can be attached to and detached from the main unit 20. The user is responsible for attaching and detaching the front panel 10.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 covers the front portion of the main unit 20. In other words, even after the front panel 10 is attached, the parts of the main unit 20 other than the front portion can still be observed from the outside. For example, the sides, back, top, and bottom of the main unit 20 can still be observed from the outside even after the front panel 10 is attached. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 is seamlessly connected to the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the main unit 20, forming a unified appearance. Thus, one of the roles of the front panel 10 is decorative. The sides, top, and bottom of the main unit 20 are examples of parts that are not covered by the front panel 10.

[0027] The front panel 10 is provided with a window 10B. The window 10B is positioned to face the light-emitting element on the main unit 20. In the first embodiment, an LED (=Light Emitting Diode) 20A (see Figure 4) is used as the light-emitting element. In Embodiment 1, the window 10B is made of a light-transmitting material. However, the window 10B may also be a slit that penetrates from the front surface to the back surface. The illumination and blinking of the light-emitting element represent the operating status of the aerosol generator 1, etc. The operating status includes errors. The illumination and blinking of the light-emitting element are controlled by the control unit 206 (see Figure 6), which will be described later.

[0028] In addition to its decorative role, the front panel 10 also serves to buffer the transfer of heat emitted from the main unit 20. Therefore, in this 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.

[0029] Furthermore, the front panel 10 serves to protect the main unit 20 from dirt, scratches, and other damage. The battery-equipped front panel 10 also serves to increase the total amount of power available to the aerosol generator 1. In this embodiment, the front panel 10 can be deformed by the user pressing a position below the window 10B with their fingertip, and returns to its original shape when the user stops pressing.

[0030] The front panel 10 used in this embodiment includes, on its interior, a power supply unit 101 capable of charging and discharging electricity, a charging circuit 102 that charges the power supply unit 101 with power supplied from the main unit 20, a power supply circuit 103 that supplies the power stored in the power supply unit 101 to the main unit 20, a communication unit 104 capable of communicating with at least the main unit 20, a power level indicator 105 that measures the remaining amount of power stored in the power supply unit 101, and a control unit 106 that operates using power supplied from the power supply unit 101. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 101 uses, for example, a film-type lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor.

[0031] The control unit 106 controls the power supply from the power supply unit 101 of the front panel 10 to the main unit 20 through communication with the control unit 206 of the main unit 20. In this embodiment, the power supply from the front panel 10 to the main unit 20 is performed to compensate for any power shortage on the main unit 20 side. Specific control examples by the control unit 106 will be described later. The control unit 106 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), MPU (=Micro Processing Unit), GPU (=Graphical Processing Unit), ASIC (=application specific integrated circuit), FPGA (=Field Programmable Gate Array), and DSP (=Digital Signal Processor).

[0032] The control unit 106 may include a ROM (=Read Only Memory) for storing programs and calculation parameters, and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed. The control unit 106 performs various processes and controls through the execution of a program. The processing and control here include, for example, supplying power from the power supply unit 101 to the electronic components in the front panel 10, charging the secondary battery 201A (see Figure 7) of the main unit 20 from the secondary battery 101A (see Figure 7), and sending and receiving information by the communication unit 104. Note that communication by the communication unit 104 also includes communication with the main unit 20.

[0033] The arrangement of the power supply unit 101, charging circuit 102, power supply circuit 103, communication unit 104, battery level indicator 105, and control unit 106 in Figure 5 is an example. Furthermore, multiple power supply units 101 may be mounted on the front panel 10. In this embodiment, the front panel 10 is an example of a cover member. The main body panel 10A that forms the appearance of the front panel 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of the main body.

[0034] A Type-C USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 is provided on the bottom side of the main unit 20. The shape and type of the USB connector 21 are just examples. In other words, the USB connector 21 may be a USB other than Type-C. In the first embodiment, the USB connector 21 is used, for example, to charge the power supply unit 201 (see Figure 6) built into the main unit 20.

[0035] The top surface of the main unit 20 is provided with a hole 22 for inserting a stick-type substrate 210 (see Figure 6) containing an aerosol source. In this embodiment, the stick-type substrate 210 contains a solid aerosol source housed in a roughly cylindrical paper tube. The hole 22 is exposed when the shutter 30 is slid to the open position and concealed when the shutter 30 is slid to the closed position. In Embodiment 1, the hole 22 is cylindrical in shape, almost identical to that of the stick-type base material 210. The diameter of the opening of the hole 22 is such that the stick-type base material 210 can be inserted into it. In other words, the diameter of the stick-type base material 210 is such that it can be inserted into the hole 22.

[0036] A magnet, for example, is attached to the back of the shutter 30. Meanwhile, a Hall IC is mounted on the main unit 20 within the movable range of the shutter 30. A Hall IC is a magnetic sensor composed of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, and it outputs a voltage corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field passing through the Hall element. In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the shutter 30 is detected by the change in 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.

[0037] Button 20B is located approximately in the center of the front of the main unit 20. As mentioned above, button 20B can be operated even with the front panel 10 attached. Button 20B is used, for example, to turn the main unit's power on and off, to turn the power supply to the heating unit 207 (see Figure 6) that heats the aerosol source on and off, and to give Bluetooth® pairing instructions. Furthermore, if the front panel 10 is detached from the main unit 20, pressing and holding button 20B (for example, for 5 seconds or more) will activate the reset function. In this embodiment, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as the Bluetooth technology.

[0038] Magnets 20C, used for attaching the front panel 10, are positioned at the top and bottom of the front of the main unit 20. The magnets 20C are positioned opposite the magnets 10C located inside the front panel 10. For example, if the magnets 10C on the front panel 10 are north poles, the magnets 20C on the main unit 20 are south poles. The front panel 10 is detachably attached to the main unit 20 by the attractive force between the magnets. Note that either magnet 10C or 20C may be a piece of iron or other magnetic metal. Incidentally, the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main unit 20 is detected by a Hall IC provided on the main unit 20. In addition, the main unit 20 incorporates various electronic components necessary for aerosol generation. In this sense, the main unit 20 is an example of electronic equipment specifically designed for aerosol generation. More precisely, the main unit 20 is referred to as an aerosol generator.

[0039] <Internal structure> Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generator 1. Figure 6 shows the stick-type substrate 210 attached to the main unit 20. The internal configuration shown in Figure 6 is intended to explain the components on the front panel 10 and the main unit 20, and their positional relationships. Therefore, the appearance of the components shown in Figure 6 does not necessarily match the external view described above. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit between the front panel 10 and the main unit 20.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the front panel 10 is provided with a power supply unit 101 for storing electricity, a charging circuit 102 for charging the power supply unit 101 with power supplied from the main unit 20, a power supply circuit 103 for supplying power from the power supply unit 101 to the main unit 20, a communication unit 104 for communicating with at least the communication unit 205 of the main unit 20, a battery level meter 105 for measuring the remaining battery level of the power supply unit 101, and a control unit 106. Figure 7 shows the case where the power supply unit 101's battery is a secondary battery 101A. Here, the secondary battery 101A is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. The secondary battery 101A is an example of a second battery. The secondary battery 101A is charged from the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20 or from a USB power supply. The secondary battery 101A functions as a secondary battery or auxiliary battery for the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20.

[0041] The charging circuit 102 is composed of, for example, a boost-type DC / DC circuit. In this embodiment, the charging circuit 102 is a circuit that supplies a voltage of, for example, 4.2V to the secondary battery 101A when power is supplied from the main unit 20. The charging circuit 102 is also provided with a circuit to prevent reverse current flow. The power supply circuit 103 is composed of, for example, a boost-type DC / DC circuit. The power supply circuit 103 is a circuit that supplies a constant voltage (for example, 5V) to the main unit 20 regardless of the output voltage of the power supply unit 101. The power supply circuit 103 is also provided with a circuit to prevent reverse current flow.

[0042] Incidentally, the power supply from the main unit 20 to the charging circuit 102 and the power supply from the power supply circuit 103 to the main unit 20 can be either contact-based or contactless power supply. Contact-type power supply can be achieved using methods such as mechanical contact between electrodes, mechanical contact using spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins), or coupling with a connector. For contactless power supply, electromagnetic induction methods such as the Qi standard and NFC (Near Field Communication) standard, or electric field induction methods are used.

[0043] The communication unit 104 is a communication interface for enabling communication with the main unit 20. In this embodiment, the communication unit 104 receives the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20 side from the communication unit 205. The communication unit 104 communicates with the main unit 20 using a method compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include wireless LAN (=Local Area Network), serial signal lines, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In this embodiment, communication with the user's smartphone or server is performed by the communication unit 205 of the main unit 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 unit 20.

[0044] The remaining charge meter 105 is a circuit that calculates the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A based on the power supply current IBAT and power supply voltage VBAT that appear on the power line of the secondary battery 101A. The remaining charge calculation by the remaining charge meter 105 may be performed, for example, at predetermined intervals or timings, or only when instructed by the control unit 206 of the main unit 20. The calculated remaining charge is notified to the control unit 106. The control unit 106 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit that execute various programs.

[0045] In this embodiment, the control unit 106 controls, for example, the supply of power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the main unit 20 through communication with the control unit 206 of the main unit 20. Also, for example, the control unit 106 controls the charging of the secondary battery 101A by power supply from the main unit 20. Charging of the secondary battery 101A is assumed to be via a USB cable. However, it is also possible to charge it from the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20. The system power supply Vsys required for the operation of the communication unit 104, the battery level indicator 105, and the control unit 106 is supplied from the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B.

[0046] The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 101B is a voltage conversion circuit that generates a 3.3V system power supply Vsys from the output voltage of the secondary battery 101A and supplies it to the communication unit 104, the battery level indicator 105, and the control unit 106. Therefore, all the power required for the operation of the control unit 106 and other components is supplied from the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10. In other words, the power required for the operation of the control unit 106 and other components located on the front panel 10 does not need to be supplied from the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20.

[0047] On the other hand, the main unit 20 includes a power supply unit 201, a sensor unit 202, a notification unit 203, a storage unit 204, a communication unit 205, a control unit 206, a heating unit 207, a heat insulation unit 208, and a holding unit 209. As mentioned above, Figure 6 shows the stick-type substrate 210 being held by the holding part 209. In this state, the user can inhale the aerosol.

[0048] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 201 is a unit that supplies power to the main unit 20. The power supply unit 201 stores power using, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor. Figure 7 shows an example of storing power in a secondary battery 201A. The 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 supply, a mobile battery, or the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10.

[0049] In addition, the power supply unit 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 operating mode. The power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 3.3V (i.e., "system power") to the power lines to which the sensor unit 202, notification unit 203 (excluding LED 20A), memory unit 204, communication unit 205, and control unit 206 are connected. Furthermore, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 5V to the power line to which the LED 20A is connected, and for example, 4.2V to the power line to which the heating unit 207 is connected.

[0050] Furthermore, when the secondary battery 201A is being charged by an external power source, the power supply unit 201B outputs, for example, 4.2V to the power line to which the secondary battery 201A is connected. External power sources here include commercial power supplies, mobile batteries, and the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10. Since USB cables are used for power supply from commercial power sources and mobile batteries, the corresponding power supply terminals are represented as VUSB in Figure 7.

[0051] The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component that detects various types of information related to the main unit 20. The sensor unit 202 includes, for example, a pressure sensor such as a microphone condenser and a flow sensor. As a sensor, the sensor unit 202 outputs the detected information to the control unit 206. For example, if it detects a change in air pressure or airflow associated with suction, the sensor unit 202 outputs a numerical value representing the user's suction to the control unit 206.

[0052] The sensor unit 202 includes, for example, an input device that receives input from the user. The input device may be, for example, a button or a switch. In this embodiment, a button 20B (see Figure 4) is used as the input device. Button 20B is used to switch the main power on and off, and to switch the start and stop of power supply to the heating unit 207 (i.e., the start and stop of aerosol generation), etc. The user's instructions are output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. Note that button 20B is not only an example of a button, but also an example of a switch.

[0053] In addition, the sensor unit 202 contains a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 207. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 207 based, for example, on 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 then 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 in the holding unit 209.

[0054] In addition, the sensor unit 202 includes a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, etc., for detecting the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 into the holding unit 209. The sensor unit 202 also includes an optical color sensor for individual identification of the stick-shaped substrate 210, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, and the like. The sensor unit 202 also includes a biosensor for measuring the user's heart rate, a fingerprint sensor used for unlocking, and the like. The sensor unit 202 also includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and other sensors to detect user movements.

[0055] The notification unit 203 is an electronic component that notifies the user of various information regarding the main unit 20. The notification unit 203 includes an LED 20A and other light-emitting devices. For example, the LED 20A lights up in different patterns when the power supply unit 201 needs charging, when the power supply unit 201 is charging, and when an abnormality occurs in the main unit 20. The patterns here include differences in color, differences in the timing of turning on / off, etc.

[0056] The notification unit 203 may be configured together with or in place of the aforementioned light-emitting device with a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates the main unit, etc. The light-emitting device, display device, sound output device, vibration device, etc. are also examples of notification units that notify information. In addition, the notification unit 203 may notify the user when it becomes possible to inhale the aerosol. This notification is given when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0057] The memory unit 204 stores various information related to the operation of the main unit 20. The memory unit 204 is composed of a non-volatile storage medium, such as flash memory. The information stored in the memory unit 204 includes, for example, the OS (Operating System), FW (Firmware), and other programs. Furthermore, the information stored in the memory unit 204 includes, for example, information related to the control of electronic components. This control information includes information related to the user's suction, such as the number of suctions, suction times, and cumulative suction time.

[0058] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for enabling communication between the main unit 20 and other devices. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices using a method compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of such communication standards include wireless LAN, wired LAN, Wi-Fi®, and Bluetooth®. For example, the communication unit 205 transmits information about the user's suction to the smartphone.

[0059] Furthermore, the communication unit 205 downloads updates and profiles that define the temperature changes of the heating unit 207 in heating mode from the server. Furthermore, the communication unit 205 transmits to the control unit 106 the start and stop of power supply from the main unit 20. The communication unit 205 also receives the start and stop of power supply to the main unit 20 from the front panel 10 and forwards it to the control unit 206.

[0060] The control unit 206 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control unit, and controls the operation of the main unit 20 according to various programs. The control unit 206 may also control the operation of the charging circuit 102 provided on the front panel 10. The transmission of control signals is performed via signal lines separate from the power lines. For example, serial communication methods such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit), SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface), and UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) are used for communication within the main unit 20. SPI or UART communication methods are used for communication with the charging circuit 102 on the front panel 10. For example, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used for the communication line.

[0061] The control unit 206 is implemented by electronic circuits such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, or DSP. The control unit 206 may include a ROM (=Read Only Memory) for storing programs and calculation parameters, and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing parameters that change as needed.

[0062] The control unit 206 performs various processes and controls through the execution of a program. The processing and control here include, for example, supplying power from the power supply unit 201 to other electronic components, charging the power supply unit 201, detecting information by the sensor unit 202, notifying information by the notification unit 203, storing and reading information by the storage unit 204, and transmitting and receiving 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 the input of information to electronic components and the processing based on the information output from the electronic components.

[0063] 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 bottom surface, is called the internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is generally columnar. The holding portion 209 is provided with an opening 209B that connects the internal space 209A to the outside. The stick-shaped base material 210 is inserted into the internal space 209A through this opening 209B. The stick-shaped base material 210 is inserted until its tip touches the bottom portion 209C. Only a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is housed in the internal space 209A. The state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is housed in the internal space 209A is referred to as the stick-shaped substrate 210 being held in the internal space 209A.

[0064] The holding portion 209 is formed such that its inner diameter in at least a portion of its axial direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped base material 210. Therefore, the outer surface of the stick-shaped base material 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding portion 209. This pressure holds the stick-shaped base material 210 in the internal space 209A. The holding portion 209 also has the function of defining the airflow path through the stick-shaped substrate 210. The air inlet, which is the air entrance to the flow path, is located, for example, at the bottom portion 209C. The opening 209B is the air outlet, which is the air exit.

[0065] In this embodiment, only a portion of the stick-shaped base material 210 is held by the holding portion 209, while the rest protrudes outward from the housing. Hereinafter, the portion held by the holding portion 209 will be referred to as the base material portion 210A, and the portion protruding from the housing will be referred to as the suction nozzle portion 210B. At least the base material 210A houses an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized when heated, generating an aerosol. Aerosol sources include not only shredded tobacco, but also processed products made by molding tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powders, and other tobacco-derived substances.

[0066] Furthermore, the aerosol source may also contain non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco, such as mint or herbs. For example, the aerosol source may contain flavoring components such as menthol. If the main unit 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may contain medication for the patient to inhale. The aerosol source is not limited to a solid; for example, it may be a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0067] At least a portion of the suction port 210B is held in the user's mouth during suction. When a user places the mouthpiece 210B in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 209A through the air inlet. The incoming air passes through the internal space 209A and the base material 210A and reaches the user's mouth. The air that reaches the user's mouth contains aerosols generated in the base material 210A.

[0068] The heating section 207 is composed of a heater or other heat-generating element. The heating section 207 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating section 207 is, for example, made in the form of a film and attached to the outer circumferential surface of the holding section 209. The heat generated by the heating unit 207 heats and atomizes the aerosol source contained in the stick-shaped substrate 210. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air or other substances to generate an aerosol. In the case of Figure 6, the outer periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heated area gradually moves towards the center.

[0069] Therefore, atomization of the aerosol source begins near the outer edge of the stick-type substrate 210 and gradually moves towards the center. The heating unit 207 generates heat through power supply 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. User input here includes operations on the shutter 30 (see Figure 1) or button 20B (see Figure 4). However, power supply to the heating unit 207 is contingent on the front panel 10 (see Figure 1) being attached to the main unit 20. By attaching the front panel 10, it is possible to lower the temperature transmitted to the user's hand compared to when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0070] When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210, heated by the heating unit 207, reaches a predetermined temperature, the user can begin suctioning. The user's suction of the aerosol is detected by the flow sensor in the sensor unit 202 and stored in the memory unit 204. Subsequently, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 202, power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped. Alternatively, a system may be adopted in which power is supplied to the heating unit 207 while user suction is detected by the sensor unit 202, and power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped when user suction is no longer detected by the sensor unit 202.

[0071] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the heating element 207 is located outside the stick-shaped base material 210, but the heating element 207 may be a blade-shaped metal piece inserted into the stick-shaped base material 210, or a metal piece built into the stick-shaped base material 210. If the metal piece acting as the heating element 207 is built into the stick-shaped base material 210, then induction heating coils should be arranged around the holding element 209.

[0072] The heat insulating portion 208 is a component that reduces the propagation of heat generated in the heating portion 207 to the surroundings. For this reason, the heat insulating portion 208 is arranged to cover at least the outer surface of the heating portion 207. The insulation section 208 is composed of, for example, vacuum insulation material, aerogel insulation material, etc. Vacuum insulation material is an insulation material in which heat conduction by gas is brought as close to zero as possible by wrapping, for example, glass wool and silica (silicon powder) in a resin film and creating a high vacuum state.

[0073] <Example of processing operation> The following describes examples of processing operations performed by the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 (see Figure 6) and the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 (see Figure 6). <Wear detection operation> FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the mounting detection operation of the front panel 10 executed by the control unit 206 of the main body device 20. This operation is executed not only before the heating of the heating unit 207 (see FIG. 6) starts but also after the start of heating, and is always executed in the background. Note that the symbol S shown in the figure means a step. First, the control unit 206 determines whether the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) is mounted on the main body device 20 (see FIG. 1) (step 1).

[0074] When the front panel 10 is mounted on the main body device 20, an affirmative result is obtained in step 1. On the other hand, when the front panel 10 is removed from the front of the main body device 20, a negative result is obtained in step 1. The attachment and detachment of the front panel 10 are determined based on the output signal of the Hall IC. When an affirmative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 releases the prohibition state of heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (step 2).

[0075] However, the release of the heating prohibition state and the start of heating are different. The heating of the stick-shaped base material 210 (see FIG. 6), which is the aerosol source, is started when the button 20B (see FIG. 4) is long-pressed for 1 second or more from above the front panel 10. When a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 controls the heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 to a prohibited state (step 3). 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 mounted on the main body device 20. With this mounting detection operation, the user does not need to directly touch the main body device 20 during the heating operation.

[0076] <USB charging operation> FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206 of the main body device 20. The USB charging operation is also always executed in the background. First, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a USB connection has been detected (step 11). If a USB cable is connected to USB connector 21 (see Figure 2), a positive result is obtained in step 11. On the other hand, if a USB cable is not connected to USB connector 21, a negative result is obtained in step 11.

[0077] If a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 repeatedly performs the determination in step 11. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 and the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 (step 12). In actual charging, a method may be adopted in which either the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 or the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is charged to full capacity first, and then the other is charged to full capacity. However, charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 and the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 may be performed in parallel. Next, the control unit 206 determines whether both secondary batteries 101A and 201A are at full charge voltage (step 13).

[0078] If either battery is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 13. On the other hand, if both batteries are fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 13. If a negative result is obtained in step 13, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the USB cable has been removed (step 14). If the USB cable remains connected, a negative result is obtained in step 14. On the other hand, if the USB cable is disconnected during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 14. If a negative result is obtained in step 14, the control unit 206 returns to step 13 and repeats the determination in step 13.

[0079] If a positive result is obtained in step 13, or if a positive result is obtained in step 14, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 and the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 (step 15). Subsequently, the control unit 206 terminates the USB charging operation. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the USB charging operation. In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10.

[0080] In Figure 10, both secondary batteries 101A and 201A are fully charged in the initial state T1. At time T2, the remaining charge levels of both the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 and the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 have decreased from full charge. When a USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging will begin. As a result, at the end of USB charging (T3), both the 101A and 201A secondary batteries will be fully charged.

[0081] <Auxiliary charging operation> Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation (i.e., auxiliary charging) of charging the secondary battery 201A (see Figure 6) of the main unit 20 with the secondary battery 101A (see Figure 6) of the front panel 10 (see Figure 6). In this embodiment, auxiliary charging is achieved through the cooperation of the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 (see Figure 6) and the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 (see Figure 6) (see Figure 6).

[0082] First, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 determines whether or not it has detected a request for aerosol generation (step 21). A generation request is detected, for example, when the front panel 10 is attached to the main unit 20 and the shutter 30 is open, and the button 20B is pressed for more than one second. Pressing and holding the button 20B requires an operation in which the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 is pressed and deformed with a finger.

[0083] If no aerosol generation request is detected, a negative result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 21. On the other hand, if a request for aerosol generation is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 22). In this embodiment, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 notifies the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 of the detection of an aerosol generation request and the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A (step 23). Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 takes over processing from the control unit 206 of the main unit 20.

[0084] Upon receiving notification of the aerosol generation request and the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 falls below a capacity sufficient to use up the unused stick-type substrate 210 (hereinafter also referred to as the "reference capacity") (step 24). Here, "sufficient capacity to use up the unused stick-type substrate 210" means, for example, that there is enough remaining power to generate the expected amount of aerosol from the unused stick-type substrate 210. The assumed quantities here may be defined, for example, based on the amount of aerosol source contained in the unused stick-type substrate 210, or based on the control profile of the heating unit 207, or depending on the version and component configuration of the main unit 20. The control profile defines the timing of heating and the change in target temperature after heating has started.

[0085] Furthermore, if the main unit 20 is equipped with multiple control profiles and the user can select which control profile to use to generate the aerosol, the expected quantity will be defined according to the control profile or heating mode selected by the user. For example, if there are two heating modes available, one that increases aerosol generation but also increases power consumption (hereinafter referred to as "high mode"), and another that generates a standard amount of aerosol but consumes less power (hereinafter referred to as "normal mode"), the assumed amount is defined by the currently selected heating mode.

[0086] In addition, if the battery level is insufficient to generate the expected amount in high mode, but sufficient in normal mode, the heating mode of the main unit 20 may be forcibly switched to normal mode. In this embodiment, this switch is notified to the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 by the control unit 106 of the front panel 10. If the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 exceeds the standard capacity, a negative result is obtained in step 24. In this case, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 that heating by the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is possible (step 25). Upon this notification, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 takes over processing from the control unit 106 of the front panel 10.

[0087] The control unit 206 of the main unit 20, which has taken over the processing, supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 32). In other words, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is started. In contrast, if the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A falls below the standard capacity, a positive result is obtained in step 24. A positive result in step 24 is an example of a case where the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A meets predetermined conditions. In this case, the control unit 106 obtains the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 (step 26).

[0088] Next, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 determines whether the sum of the remaining charge values ​​of the two secondary batteries 101A and 201A exceeds the capacity determined in step 24 (step 27). If the combined remaining charge of the two batteries falls below the capacity in step 24, a negative result is obtained in step 27. In this case, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 that the capacity in step 24 will not be restored (step 28). Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 terminates the process without starting heating of the heating unit 207. In this case, no aerosol is generated. Therefore, the user cannot inhale the aerosol.

[0089] On the other hand, if the sum of the remaining charge values ​​of the two secondary batteries 101A and 201A exceeds the capacity in step 24, a positive result is obtained in step 27. In this case, the control unit 106 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20, and notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 of this (step 29). From this stage, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 takes over the processing. Upon receiving the notification in step 29, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 has recovered to the capacity determined in step 24 (step 30). If capacity recovery is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 repeats the determination in step 30.

[0090] On the other hand, if capacity recovery is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 stops supplying power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 31). This instruction to stop power is notified to the power supply circuit 103 via the control unit 106. Figure 12 illustrates auxiliary charging using the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 as an external power source. In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time, the upper half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20, and the lower half of the vertical axis represents the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10. At time T11, both the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 are fully charged.

[0091] Time point T12 in Figure 12 represents the state where the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 has fallen below the capacity required to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210. Note that the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 remains fully charged. However, the remaining charge of the battery in the front panel 10 may also be low. In any case, by utilizing the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10, it is possible to restore the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20.

[0092] At this point, T12, auxiliary charging begins. Due to the execution of auxiliary charging, the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 decreases, while the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 increases. At time T13, charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 stops when the remaining charge has recovered to the capacity necessary to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210. After this, the control unit 206 supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 32).

[0093] That's all. As explained, the main unit 20 (see Figure 1) described in this embodiment can be fitted with a front panel 10 that incorporates a secondary battery 101A. Furthermore, when the front panel 10 with the built-in secondary battery 101A is fitted to the main unit 20, it becomes possible to charge the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 using the secondary battery 101A as an external power source. As a result, the operating time of the main unit 20 is longer compared to when a front panel 10 without the built-in secondary battery 101A is fitted. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the total amount of power available for use in the aerosol generator 1. The vertical axis in the figure represents the total amount of electricity available for use in the aerosol generator 1. As shown in Figure 13, it can be seen that the amount of usable power increases when the front panel 10, which has a built-in secondary battery 101A, is attached to the main unit 20, compared to when only the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is used.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 falls below the capacity required to use up the unused stick-type substrate 210, the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 is used to restore the capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20. Therefore, even after heating is started, the unused stick-type substrate 210 can be used up. Furthermore, if the capacity of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 cannot be restored even by utilizing the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10, the heating unit 207 will not start heating. This will prevent the heating from ending before the unused stick-type substrate 210 is used up, thus avoiding the situation where the stick-type substrate 210 would have to be discarded.

[0095] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, we will explain the correction function for the amount of available power, i.e., the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A, due to differences in the power supply path from the front panel 10 to the main unit 20. The internal and external configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of Embodiment 1. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10, which is used as an auxiliary power source, and the remaining charge available for use in the main unit 20.

[0096] The diagram in Figure 14 shows the cases where the power supply path is wired and when it is wireless. However, only one of either a wired or wireless connection is used for power supply between the front panel 10 and the main unit 20. Therefore, the control unit 106 only needs to store the relationship according to the power supply path being used. Generally, wired connections offer higher power efficiency than wireless connections, and power loss along the power supply path is virtually negligible.

[0097] Therefore, in the example of FIG. 14, when the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 is A [Wh], the converted value of the power available in the main unit 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 secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 is A [Wh], the converted value of the power available in the main unit 20 is B (<A0) [Wh]. The conversion value B here depends on the power feeding efficiency. For example, in the case of the electromagnetic induction method or the electric field coupling method, the power feeding efficiency is approximately 90% or less. Also, in the case of the magnetic field resonance method, the power feeding efficiency is approximately 60% or less.

[0098] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the power loss associated with auxiliary charging. In FIG. 15, the corresponding parts to those in FIG. 12 are indicated with corresponding reference numerals. In the case of FIG. 15, the power consumed for the auxiliary charging at time T12 is A1 [Wh]. However, considering the power loss on the power supply path from the front panel 10 to the main unit 20, the power contributing to the recovery of the power of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 is B1 [Wh]. That is, the difference Δ (= A1 - B1) does not contribute to the recovery of the power of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20. Therefore, in the determination of step 27 in FIG. 11, it is necessary to consider the loss on the power supply path.

[0099] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the auxiliary charging in Embodiment 2. In FIG. 16, the corresponding parts to those in FIG. 11 are indicated with corresponding reference numerals. The difference between the auxiliary charging shown in FIG. 16 and the auxiliary charging shown in FIG. 11 is that step 26A is executed instead of step 26. Other processing operations are common to the auxiliary charging shown in FIG. 11. The control unit 106 in the present embodiment, as step 26A, after obtaining the remaining amount of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10, converts it into the actually available power value. Here, the conversion processing uses a relational expression according to the characteristics of the power supply path.

[0100] This implementationIn this configuration, the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 is calculated taking into account power loss along the power supply path. Therefore, when power supply from the front panel 10 to the main unit 20 is started, sufficient power can be reliably restored to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210.

[0101] <Embodiment 3> In this embodiment, we will describe an example in which the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is determined regardless of the aerosol generation requirement, and if a charge shortage is expected, charging of the secondary battery 201A is started in preparation for future inhalation. The internal and external configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

[0102] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing operation in Embodiment 3. Figure 17 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to the parts that correspond to those in Figures 11 and 16. The processing operation shown in Figure 17 is performed by the control unit 106 (see Figure 6) of the front panel 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 determines whether or not it is a predetermined timing (step 21A).

[0103] The predetermined timings include, for example, when the number of stick-type substrates 210 sucked up after the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 reaches a standard value (e.g., 10), when a predetermined number of heating start operations are detected, at a time set by the timer (e.g., 6:00 every morning), and the user's non-suction time identified by machine learning. In addition, other conditions for the predetermined timings may include the requirement that the difference ΔC (=FC1-FC2) between the full charge capacity FC1 of the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20 and the full charge capacity FC2 of the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is greater than the current capacity C of the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20.

[0104] If the timing in step 21A is not predetermined, the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 obtains a negative result in step 21A. In this case, the control unit 106 repeats the determination in step 21A. On the other hand, in the determination in step 21A, if the timing is predetermined, the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 obtains a positive result in step 21A. In this case, the control unit 106 obtains the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20, regardless of the generation request from the user (step 22). The acquisition of the remaining charge is performed through communication with the control unit 206 of the main unit 20.

[0105] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is less than the capacity needed to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210 (step 24). If a negative result is obtained in step 24, there is no need to charge the secondary battery 201A. Therefore, the control unit 106 terminates without performing predictive auxiliary charging. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 106 obtains the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and then converts it into an actually usable power value (step 26A).

[0106] Next, the control unit 106 determines whether the sum of the remaining charge values ​​of the two secondary batteries exceeds the capacity determined in step 24 (step 27). If a negative result is obtained in step 27, the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 will not be restored to the required level even if auxiliary charging is performed. Therefore, the control unit 106 terminates the process without performing auxiliary charging based on the prior prediction. The user may be notified of the need for USB charging. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 27, the control unit 106 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 and notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 of this (step 29).

[0107] Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 takes over processing. Upon receiving the notification in step 29, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 has recovered to the capacity determined in step 24 (step 30). If capacity recovery is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 30. On the other hand, if capacity recovery is confirmed, a positive result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 stops supplying power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 31). This instruction to stop power is notified to the power supply circuit 103 via the control unit 106.

[0108] This implementation In this configuration, the low charge level of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 is resolved before the user requests aerosol generation. As a result, the user can start inhaling the aerosol at their desired time.

[0109] <Embodiment 4> In this embodiment, we will describe an example in which auxiliary charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is started regardless of whether the total remaining charge of the two secondary batteries is excessive or insufficient. The internal and external configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of Embodiment 1. Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of auxiliary charging in Embodiment 4. Figure 18 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to parts in Figures 11 and 16.

[0110] The auxiliary charging shown in Figure 18 is also controlled by the control unit 106 (see Figure 6) on the front panel 10 in cooperation with the control unit 206 (see Figure 6) on the main unit 20 (see Figure 6). First, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 determines whether or not it has detected a request for aerosol generation (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 a positive result is obtained in step 21, the control unit 206 obtains the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 22).

[0111] Next, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 notifies the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 of the detection of the aerosol generation request and the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A (step 23). Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 takes over processing from the control unit 206 of the main unit 20. The control unit 106 of the front panel 10, which has taken over the processing, determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is below a capacity sufficient to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210 (step 24).

[0112] If a negative result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 is notified that heating by the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is possible (step 25). In other words, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 takes over processing from the control unit 106 of the front panel 10. The control unit 206 of the main unit 20, which has taken over the processing, supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 32). In other words, the generation of aerosol using the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is started.

[0113] In contrast, if the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A falls below the standard capacity, a positive result is obtained in step 24. If a positive result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 106 obtains the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A from the front panel 10 and then converts it to the actually usable power value (step 26A). Next, the control unit 106 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20, and notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 of this (step 29).

[0114] Thus, in this embodiment, auxiliary charging of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is started without determining whether the sum of the remaining charge values ​​of the two secondary batteries is sufficient to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210. Upon receiving the notification in step 29, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 has recovered to the capacity determined in step 24 (step 30). If capacity recovery is not confirmed, a negative result is obtained in step 30. In this case, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 determines whether the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is less than the lower limit (step 41).

[0115] The remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 is notified from the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 to the control unit 206 of the main unit 20. The lower limit used in step 41 is the minimum power required for the operation of the control unit 106 and other components of the front panel 10. Alternatively, the determination in step 41 may be performed by the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, and the result of the determination may be notified to the control unit 206 of the main unit 20. If the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is above the lower limit, a negative result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 30.

[0116] If a positive result is obtained in step 30, the control unit 206 stops supplying power from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 to the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 31). This instruction to stop power is notified to the power supply circuit 103 via the control unit 106. Subsequently, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 32). That is, aerosol generation using the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is started.

[0117] If a positive result is obtained in step 41, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 31 to stop auxiliary charging, and then executes step 32. In this case, the power required to start heating is insufficient to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210. However, it can meet the needs of users who want to inhale aerosols to the extent possible even before the 201A rechargeable battery is fully charged.

[0118] As mentioned above As described above, in this embodiment, before checking whether the sum of the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 and the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 exceeds a capacity sufficient to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210, charging of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 is started using the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10. As a result, if the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 recovers to a capacity sufficient to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210, the unused stick-type substrate 210 can be used without waste. Furthermore, even if the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 201A does not recover enough to completely use up the unused stick-type substrate 210, the aerosol can be generated by making maximum use of the remaining capacity of both secondary batteries.

[0119] <Embodiment 5> In this embodiment, we will describe a case in which aerosols are generated by directly supplying power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10. The internal and external configurations of the aerosol generator 1 are the same as those of Embodiment 1. Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of auxiliary charging in Embodiment 5. Figure 19 is denoted with reference numerals corresponding to parts in Figures 11 and 16. The auxiliary charging shown in Figure 19 is also realized through the cooperation of the control unit 106 on the front panel 10 (see Figure 6) and the control unit 206 on the main unit 20 (see Figure 6) (see Figure 6).

[0120] In this embodiment as well, steps 21 to 24 are executed in order. If a negative result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 that heating by the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is possible (step 25). Then, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20, which has taken over processing from the control unit 106 of the front panel 10, supplies power to the heating unit 207 from the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 (step 32). In response to this, if a positive result is obtained in step 24, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 obtains the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 and then converts it into an actually usable power value (step 26A).

[0121] Next, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 determines whether the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 exceeds the capacity determined in step 24 (step 51). This determination is made based on the remaining capacity after conversion in step 26A. If a negative result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 106 of the front panel 10 notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 that the battery level is low (step 52). In this case, not only is auxiliary charging of the main unit 20 not performed from the front panel 10, but aerosol generation is also not performed and the process ends. The user may also be notified of the need for USB charging.

[0122] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 51, the control unit 106 starts supplying power from the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 to the heating unit 207 and notifies the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 of this (step 53). Furthermore, when supplying power to the heating unit 207 simultaneously from the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20, each secondary battery should be connected to a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit, and after the voltages of the two secondary batteries are matched, they should be connected to the power line.

[0123] This implementationIn this configuration, even if the secondary battery 201A of the main unit 20 is low in charge, if the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is sufficient to use up the unused stick-type substrate 210, the heating of the stick-type substrate 210 will be started by utilizing the remaining charge of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10. In this case, aerosols can be generated without further depleting the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20.

[0124] <Other Embodiments> (1) Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is clear from the claims that various modifications or improvements to the embodiments described above are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0125] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the joint between the front panel 10 and the main unit 20 is continuously connected without any steps and forms an integrated appearance was explained. However, as long as there is an appearance of integration with the main unit 20, there may be steps or notches at the joint.

[0126] (3) In the embodiments described above, the case in which the aerosol source is solid was explained, but the aerosol source may also be liquid. When the aerosol source is liquid, a method is employed 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 the coil wrapped around the wick.

[0127] (4) In the embodiments described above, an aerosol generating apparatus was described in which a solid aerosol source is heated to generate an aerosol. However, an aerosol generating apparatus may also be described in which a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source are heated separately to generate an aerosol. This type of aerosol generating apparatus is also called a hybrid aerosol generating apparatus.

[0128] (5) In the above-described embodiment, at step 23 (see Figure 11), the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 hands over the processing to the control unit 106 of the front panel 10. However, the control unit 206 of the main unit 20 may be responsible for the determination at step 24, and if an affirmative result is obtained at step 24, it may hand over the processing to the control unit 106 of the front panel 10.

[0129] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the case in which a rechargeable secondary battery 101A is provided on the front panel 10 was explained, but the battery provided on the front panel 10 may also be a primary battery. Since it is a primary battery, when the remaining charge of the battery becomes low it is removed from the front panel 10 and replaced with a new battery. Even if the battery in the front panel 10 is a primary battery, the processing operations in each of the embodiments described above are still possible.

[0130] (7) In the above-described embodiment, a charging circuit 102 is provided on the front panel 10, but a configuration without a charging circuit 102 may also be adopted. In that case, the power supply unit 201B of the main unit 20 functions as the charging circuit 102 and charges the secondary battery 101A. Similarly, the power supply circuit 103 may be removed from the front panel 10. In that case, the power supply unit 201B of the main unit 20 will function as the power supply circuit 103.

[0131] (8) In the above-described embodiment, a film-type lithium battery or a capacitor was assumed to be provided on the front panel 10, but a coin-shaped or chip-shaped battery may also be used.

[0132] (9) In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which aerosol generation is permitted when the front panel 10 is attached to the main unit 20. However, the main unit 20 may also be capable of generating aerosols even when the front panel 10 is not attached. In this case, attaching the front panel 10 to the main unit 20 is used to expand the functions that can be performed by the main unit 20. For example, the main unit 20 with the front panel 10 removed operates only on the built-in secondary battery 201A (see Figure 7), while the main unit 20 with the front panel 10 with a secondary battery attached enables the function of using power from the secondary battery 101A (see Figure 7) of the front panel 10.

[0133] (10) In the above-described embodiment, the state in which aerosol generation is possible was described as an example of an aerosol generator 1 (main unit 20) in an operational state, but it is not limited to this. For example, even if aerosol generation is not possible due to insufficient power, if other functions are operating, the aerosol generator 1 (main unit 20) is in an operational state. Other functions here include, for example, a function to check and display the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A, a function to acquire and display the inhalation history, and a function to communicate with an external terminal.

[0134] (11) In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the front panel 10, which is attached to the main unit 20, is pressed to deform it and the button 20B provided on the main unit 20 is operated. However, instructions to the main unit 20 may be input by methods other than deforming the front panel 10. For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10, and information indicating user operation on the touch panel may be sent to the control unit 206 (see Figure 6) of the main unit 20 via the communication unit 104 (see Figure 6). Alternatively, for example, switches and buttons may be placed on the front panel 10, and the presence or absence of operation of these may be notified to the control unit 206 (see Figure 6) of the main unit 20 via the communication unit 104 (see Figure 6). The touch panel and switches mentioned here are just examples of operation units. Furthermore, a heat-shielding structure is employed in the surface material and the interior of this type of main unit 20.

[0135] (12) In embodiments 1, 2, and 4 described above, the detection of an aerosol generation request is required as a prerequisite for step 24 (see Figure 11), and in embodiment 3, the detection of a predetermined timing is required as a prerequisite for step 24 (see Figure 17), but the detection of other events may also be included. Other events include, for example, the shutter 30 being slid to the open position, or the display of the remaining battery level (including when instructed by the user).

[0136] (13) In the embodiments described above, such as 1, 2, and 4, an example was described in which power supply from the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 side to the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20 side is started when an aerosol generation request is received and further predetermined conditions are met. However, it is possible that the time it takes for the capacity of the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20 side to recover to a capacity sufficient to use up the stick-type substrate 210 may be long. Therefore, the control unit 206 may be provided with a function to display the charging progress and current capacity of the secondary battery 201A on the main unit 20 to the user via the LED 20A (see Figure 4) or a notification unit on the front panel 10, or a function to notify a smartphone or the like. Furthermore, the control unit 206 may be equipped with a function to inform the user that aerosol generation is now possible or that heating of the aerosol source is now possible when sufficient capacity has been restored to use up the stick-type substrate 210, or a function to notify a smartphone or the like. By incorporating these functions, the user's predictability can be improved.

[0137] In addition This disclosure includes the following components: (1) A cover member that can be attached to and detached from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, the cover member having a second battery that is charged by power supplied from the aerosol generating device and a control unit that operates by power supplied from the second battery. (2) The cover member as described in (1), wherein the control unit supplies power from the second battery to the aerosol generator to charge the first battery when the remaining charge of the first battery meets predetermined conditions. (3) The cover member described in (2), wherein the control unit determines that a predetermined condition is met when it is predicted that the remaining charge of the first battery may fall below the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source. (4) The cover member described in (2), wherein the control unit determines that a predetermined condition is met when the remaining charge of the first battery falls below the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source. (5) The control unit supplies power from the second battery to the aerosol generator when the remaining charge of the first battery falls below the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, provided that the combined remaining charge of the first battery and the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, as described in any one of (1) to (4). (6) The cover member described in (5), wherein the control unit supplies power from the second battery directly to the heating unit when it is possible to supply power from the second battery directly to the heating unit. (7) The control unit charges the first battery with the power of the second battery, the cover member as described in (5). (8) The cover member as described in (5), wherein the control unit changes the remaining charge of the second battery used for calculating the sum value according to the difference in the power supply path from the second battery to the aerosol generator. (9) The main body attached to the aerosol generating device is a cover member according to any one of (1) to (8) that covers a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device. (10) The cover member described in (9), wherein the attachment of the main body to the aerosol generating device is one of the conditions for enabling heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit. (11) The main body is a cover member according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the user can press on the aerosol generator while the cover is attached to the aerosol generator to operate the switch on the aerosol generator. (12) A cover member according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the main body attached to the aerosol generating device forms an integrated appearance with the part of the aerosol generating device that is not covered by the main body when it is in a state where aerosol generation is possible. (13) A cover member according to any one of (1) to (11), further having an operating section that receives user input and notifies the aerosol generating device. (14) A computer provided on a cover member that is detachable from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the cover member is provided with a second battery that is charged by power supplied from the aerosol generating device, and the computer has a program for realizing a function that supplies power from the second battery to the aerosol generating device to charge the first battery when the remaining charge of the first battery meets predetermined conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1...Aerosol generator, 10...Front panel, 10A...Main panel, 10B...Window, 10C, 20C...Magnet, 20...Main unit, 20A...LED, 20B...Button, 21...USB connector, 22...Hole, 30...Shutter, 101, 201...Power supply unit, 101A, 201A...Secondary battery, 101B...Step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit, 102...Charging circuit, 103...Power supply circuit, 104, 205...Communication unit, 105...Battery level indicator, 106, 206...Control unit, 202...Sensor unit, 203...Notification unit, 204...Storage unit, 207...Heating unit, 208...Insulation unit, 209...Holding unit, 210...Stick-type substrate

Claims

1. A cover member that can be attached to and detached from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, A second battery, which is charged by power supplied from the aerosol generating device, A control unit that operates by power supplied from the second battery, It has, The control unit, when the remaining charge of the first battery falls below the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, supplies power from the second battery to the aerosol generator to charge the first battery. Cover component.

2. The control unit, Even if the remaining charge of the first battery falls below the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, if the combined remaining charge of the first battery and the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up that unused aerosol source, the power of the second battery is supplied to the aerosol generator. The cover member according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, If the remaining charge of the second battery exceeds the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, the power of the second battery is supplied directly to the heating unit. The cover member according to claim 2.

4. The control unit, The first battery is charged with the power from the second battery. The cover member according to claim 2.

5. The control unit, Depending on the difference in the power supply path from the second battery to the aerosol generator, the remaining charge of the second battery used in calculating the sum is changed. The cover member according to claim 2.

6. The main body attached to the aerosol generating device covers a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device. The cover member according to claim 1.

7. Attaching the main body to the aerosol generating device is one of the conditions under which the heating unit can heat the aerosol source. The cover member according to claim 6.

8. The main unit, when attached to the aerosol generating device, allows the user to press on it, thereby enabling operation of the switch on the aerosol generating device. The cover member according to claim 1.

9. The main body attached to the aerosol generating device forms an integrated appearance with the portion of the aerosol generating device that is not covered by the main body when the device is in a state where aerosol generation is possible. The cover member according to claim 1.

10. An operation unit that receives user input and notifies the aerosol generating device, The cover member according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

11. A computer is provided in a cover member that is detachable from an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, and the cover member is provided with a second battery that is charged by power supplied from the aerosol generating device, To the aforementioned computer, When the remaining charge of the first battery meets predetermined conditions, the power of the second battery is supplied to the aerosol generator to charge the first battery; The first battery has a function to charge the first battery by supplying power from the second battery to the aerosol generator when the remaining charge of the first battery falls below the capacity required to use up one unused aerosol source, A program to achieve this.

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