Cover member

Abstract

This cover member that can be attached / detached to / from an electronic apparatus that operates by means of a first battery, is provided with: a first communication unit that can communicate with an external terminal; a second communication unit that acquires information about the electronic apparatus from the electronic apparatus; and a control unit that controls the communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit on the basis of the information about the electronic apparatus acquired through the second communication unit.

Description

Cover material

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

[0002] Many portable electronic devices are powered by built-in batteries. Electronic devices may contain electronic components with high power consumption in addition to electronic components with low power consumption.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-129262

[0004] When electronic components that consume a lot of power are operating, the battery may approach the maximum power it can supply. In this case, the operation of the electronic components that consume a lot of power is prioritized, and the operation of other electronic components is restricted. For example, communication with external devices may be restricted.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a technology that enables continuation of communication with the outside world even in situations where the communication function of an electronic device is restricted.

[0006] As one form of the present disclosure, there is provided a cover member that can be attached and detached to an electronic device powered by a first battery, the cover member having a first communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal, a second communication unit that acquires information about the electronic device from the electronic device, and a control unit that controls communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the information about the electronic device acquired through the second communication unit.

[0007] The first communication unit may transmit information acquired from the electronic device to the external terminal during a period in which communication between the electronic device and the external terminal is restricted.

[0008] The period during which communication is restricted may be a period during which the power supplied by the first battery is close to its upper limit.

[0009] The first communication unit may transmit information indicating an operational state of the electronic device to the external terminal.

[0010] The cover member may have a second battery that is charged by power supplied from the electronic device being charged.

[0011] If the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, the first communication unit may transmit information previously obtained from the aerosol generating device to an external terminal while the aerosol source is being heated by the heating unit.

[0012] When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating section that heats the aerosol source, the main body section may cover a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device.

[0013] When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, attaching the main body unit to the aerosol generating device may be one of the conditions that enables the heating unit to heat the aerosol source.

[0014] The main body may be configured so that 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.

[0015] The cover member may be provided with an operation unit that receives user operations and notifies the electronic device of the operations.

[0016] The body attached to the electronic device may form an integrated appearance with the parts of the electronic device not covered by the body.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to continue communication with the outside even in a situation where the communication function of an electronic device is restricted.

[0018] 1 is a diagram of the front side of the aerosol generation device observed from diagonally above. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the front side of the aerosol generation device observed from diagonally below. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the aerosol generation device observed from above with the shutter removed. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the main body device observed from the front with the front panel removed. FIG. 5 is a diagram of the back side of the front panel removed from the main body device. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart explaining an example of the front panel attachment detection operation performed by the control unit of the main body device. FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining an example in which the front panel acts as a proxy for uploading to the main body device. FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining the proxy reception by the front panel of push distribution from the server to the main body device. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 2. FIG. 13 is a flowchart explaining an example of the USB charging operation performed by the control unit of embodiment 2. FIG. 14 is a diagram explaining the USB charging operation.

[0019] 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.

[0020] <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 aerosol. Aerosol refers to a mixture of tiny liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas and air or other gases. In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device that generates aerosol without combustion is described. In the following description, the user's inhalation of the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device is referred to as "inhalation" or "puffing." In each embodiment, an aerosol generating device to which a solid aerosol source can be attached is described. Note that the container that stores 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. For this reason, guidelines for replacement are set for capsules and stick-type substrates.

[0021] <First Embodiment> <External Appearance Example> First, an external appearance example of the aerosol generation device 1 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 view of the aerosol generation device 1 observed from above with the shutter 30 removed. Fig. 4 is a view of the main device 20 observed from the front with the front panel 10 removed. Fig. 5 is a view of the back side of the front panel 10 removed from the main device 20.

[0022] The aerosol generation device 1 used in this embodiment has a size that allows the user to hold it in one hand. The aerosol generation 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 that is arranged on the top surface of the main body device 20 and can be slid along the top surface. The main body device 20 here is an example of an equipment main body. The front panel 10 is a member that can be attached and detached to and from the main body device 20. The front panel 10 here is an example of a cover member. The front panel 10 is attached and detached by the user.

[0023] The front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 covers the front portion of the main unit 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, even after the front panel 10 is attached, the main unit 20 can be observed from the outside except for the front portion. For example, the side, back, top, and bottom surfaces of the main unit 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 a unified appearance. Thus, one of the roles of the front panel 10 is decoration. Note that the side, top, and bottom surfaces of the main unit 20 are examples of parts not covered by the front panel 10.

[0024] The front panel 10 is provided with a window 10B. The window 10B is provided in a position facing the light-emitting element on the main device 20 side. In the case of embodiment 1, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 20A (see Figure 4) is used as the light-emitting element. The window 10B in embodiment 1 is made of a light-transmitting material. However, the window 10B may also be a slit that penetrates from the front to the back. The lighting and blinking of the light-emitting element represent the operating status of the aerosol generation device 1, etc. The operating status also includes errors. The lighting and blinking of the light-emitting element is controlled by the control unit 206 (see Figure 6), which will be described later.

[0025] In addition to its decorative role, the front panel 10 also serves to buffer the propagation 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 in which aerosol generation is possible. The front panel 10 also serves to protect the main unit 20 from dirt, scratches, and the like. Furthermore, the front panel 10 deforms when the user presses a position below the window 10B with their fingertip, and restores its original shape when the user stops pressing.

[0026] A primary battery 101 is attached to the inside of the front panel 10 used in this embodiment. When the front panel 10 with the primary battery 101 attached is attached to the main body device 20, the amount of power available for the entire aerosol generation device 1 can be increased compared to when a front panel 10 without the primary battery 101 is attached to the main body device 20. The primary battery 101 attached to the front panel 10 is an example of a second battery. Note that, hereinafter, the battery attached to the front panel 10 is referred to as a "sub-battery."

[0027] The primary battery 101 attached to the front panel 10 is used as an auxiliary power source that supplies the power necessary to operate the electronic components (e.g., first communication unit 102, second communication unit 103, memory unit 104, and control unit 105) provided on the front panel 10. The primary battery 101 can be attached to and detached from the back surface of the front panel 10. In other words, a primary battery 101 that has run out of remaining capacity or has a low remaining capacity can be replaced with a new primary battery 101. 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.

[0028] The primary battery 101 may be, for example, a film-type, coin-type, or chip-type battery. In any case, the primary battery 101 is required to be thin so as not to interfere with the attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20. In this embodiment, the power system on the front panel 10 side and the power system on the main device 20 side are separated. That is, the power of the primary battery 101 provided in the front panel 10 is consumed for the operation of the electronic components provided in the front panel 10, and the power of the secondary battery 201A (see FIG. 7 ) provided in the main device 20 is consumed for the operation of the electronic components provided in the main device 20.

[0029] A Type C USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 is provided on the bottom side of the main device 20. The shape and type of the USB connector 21 are merely examples. In other words, the USB connector 21 may be a USB other than Type C. In the case of the first embodiment, the USB connector 21 is used, for example, to charge a power supply unit 201 (see FIG. 6 ) built into the main device 20. A hole 22 is provided on the top surface of the main device 20 for inserting a stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 6 ) that contains an aerosol source.

[0030] The stick-shaped substrate 210 used in this embodiment has a solid aerosol source housed in a paper tube formed into a substantially cylindrical shape. The hole 22 is exposed by sliding the shutter 30 to the open position, and is concealed by sliding the shutter 30 to the closed position. In the case of embodiment 1, the hole 22 has substantially the same cylindrical shape as 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.

[0031] A magnet, for example, 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. The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor comprised of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc., 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 the change in voltage output from the Hall IC as the shutter 30 slides. In other words, it is detected whether the shutter 30 is in the open or closed position.

[0032] A button 20B is located approximately in the center of the front of the main device 20. As described above, the button 20B can be operated with the front panel 10 attached. The button 20B is used, for example, to turn the power of the main device on and off, turn on and off the power supply to the heating unit 207 (see FIG. 6 ) that heats the aerosol source, and issue a Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing command. Note that if the button 20B is pressed and held (for example, pressed for 5 seconds or more) with the front panel 10 detached from the main device 20, a reset function is activated. In this embodiment, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth.

[0033] Magnets 20C used to attach the front panel 10 are located at the top and bottom of the front of the main unit 20. The magnets 20C are located opposite magnets 10C located 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 unit 20 side has a south pole. The front panel 10 is detachably attached to the main unit 20 by the attractive force between the magnets.

[0034] Either one of the magnets 10C and 20C may be a piece of iron or other magnetic metal. The attachment of the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is detected by a Hall IC provided on the main device 20. The main device 20 also incorporates various electronic components necessary for generating aerosol. In this sense, the main device 20 is an example of an electronic device specialized for generating aerosol. In a narrower sense, the main device 20 is referred to as an aerosol generating device.

[0035] <Internal Configuration> <Configuration of Functional Units> Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 1. Fig. 6 illustrates a state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is attached to the main device 20. With the stick-shaped substrate 210 held in the holding portion 209, the user inhales the aerosol. The internal configuration illustrated in Fig. 6 is intended to explain the electronic components provided in the main device 20 and their positional relationships. For this reason, the appearance of the electronic components, etc., illustrated in Fig. 6 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above.

[0036] The front panel 10 is provided with a primary battery 101, a first communication unit 102, a second communication unit 103, a storage unit 104, and a control unit 105. The first communication unit 102 is an electronic component for realizing communication with a terminal other than the main device 20 (hereinafter referred to as an "external terminal"). In this embodiment, the external terminal may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, or other information terminal carried by a user, a server of a business involved in the sale of the front panel 10 and the main device 20, or a server of a business involved in the sale of the stick-shaped base material 210 (see FIG. 6). In this embodiment, the first communication unit 102 uses, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a mobile communication system (4G, 5G), or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0037] The second communication unit 103 is an electronic component for realizing communication with the main device 20. The second communication unit 103 uses a wireless communication module or a wired communication module. The wireless communication module includes, for example, a module compatible with Bluetooth (registered trademark) or NFC (Near Field Communication). The second communication unit 103 may also use a module compatible with optical communication (a photodiode and a photodetector). The wired communication module includes a module compatible with serial communication over a communication line.

[0038] The storage unit 104 is an electronic component used to store information acquired from the main device 20 and information acquired from an external terminal (e.g., a server). Specifically, the storage unit 104 is a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 104 may be a volatile or nonvolatile semiconductor memory. This information includes, for example, a suction log, a biosensor measurement log (e.g., heart rate, pulse, blood oxygen saturation, blood flow), the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A (see FIG. 7 ), error information (e.g., overheating, overcurrent, overcharging, overdischarging of the secondary battery 201A), and location information detected by a GPS (Global Positioning System). Note that these pieces of information are merely examples, and it is not necessary to store all of the illustrated information in the storage unit 104. Furthermore, other information may also be used. In addition, the storage unit 104 may store, for example, an operating system (OS), firmware (FW), and other programs.

[0039] The control unit 105 is an electronic component that controls communication between the first communication unit 102 and the second communication unit 103 through the execution of a program. The control unit 105 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), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The control unit 206 may include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate.

[0040] Control unit 105 acquires the above-mentioned information from main unit 20 through communication with main unit 20 via second communication unit 103, and also detects the operating state of main unit 20. Regarding the information acquired from main unit 20, control unit 105 also acquires information indicating whether or not the information has been uploaded from main unit 20 to an external terminal. In this embodiment, control unit 105 stores information that has not been uploaded to the external terminal in storage unit 104. That is, control unit 105 deletes uploaded information from storage unit 104.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit 105 detects whether or not power is being supplied to the heating unit 207 (i.e., whether or not the step-up DC / DC circuit 201B (see FIG. 7) is operating) as the operating state of the main unit 20. In the main unit 20 of this embodiment, communication with the external terminal via the communication unit 205 is stopped while power is being supplied to the heating unit 207 so as not to exceed the maximum supply power of the secondary battery 201A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operating state of the main unit 20 is detected as a state in which the communication function is limited. In addition, the control unit 105 communicates with the external terminal via the first communication unit 102. This communication includes not only uploading information to the external terminal but also receiving information pushed from the external terminal. In this embodiment, communication between the control unit 105 provided on the front panel 10 and the external terminal can be performed regardless of the operating state of the main unit 20.

[0042] The main device 20 is provided with a power supply unit 201, a sensor unit 202, a notification unit 203, a memory unit 204, a communication unit 205, a control unit 206, a heating unit 207, a heat insulating unit 208, and a holding unit 209. The power supply unit 201 is a unit that supplies power to the main device 20. 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 the detected information to the control unit 206. For example, when a change in air pressure or air flow due to inhalation is detected, the sensor unit 202 outputs a numerical value representing the user's inhalation to the control unit 206.

[0043] The sensor unit 202 has an input device that accepts input from, for example, a user. The input device may be, for example, a button or a switch. In this embodiment, a button 20B (see FIG. 4) is used as the input device. The button 20B is used to switch the main power supply on and off, and to start and stop the supply of power to the heating unit 207 (i.e., 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In addition, the sensor unit 202 includes a sensor that detects whether a sub-battery is attached to the front panel 10 attached to the front of the main unit 20 (i.e., whether the front panel 10 is equipped with a sub-battery). For example, if a predetermined structural feature is detected from the attached front panel 10 through the sensor unit 202, the attached front panel 10 is determined to be a front panel 10 equipped with a sub-battery. Also, if a current or voltage is detected in the power supply line used to supply power from the front panel 10, the attached front panel 10 is determined to be a front panel 10 equipped with a sub-battery.

[0046] The sensor unit 202 also includes a capacitance sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. that detect the insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 into the holding unit 209 or the approach of an object through a change in capacitance. The sensor unit 202 also includes an optical color sensor for identifying the stick-shaped substrate 210 individually by color, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader, etc. The sensor unit 202 also includes a biosensor that measures the user's heart rate, etc., a fingerprint sensor used for unlocking, etc. The sensor unit 202 also includes an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. that detect the user's movement.

[0047] The notification unit 203 is an electronic component that notifies the user of various types of information related to the main device 20. The notification unit 203 includes an LED 20A (see FIG. 4) and other light-emitting devices. For example, the LED 20A emits light in different patterns when the power supply unit 201 needs to be charged, when the power supply unit 201 is being charged, and when an abnormality has occurred in the main device 20. The patterns here include different colors, different timings for turning the light on and off, etc.

[0048] The notification unit 203 may be configured with a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibration device that vibrates the main body device 20, or the like, in addition to 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. In addition, 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.

[0049] The storage unit 204 is an electronic component that stores various information related to the operation of the main device 20. The storage unit 204 is configured, for example, with a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory. Information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, an OS (Operating System), FW (Firmware), and other programs. The storage unit 204 also stores a heating profile used to heat the stick-shaped substrate 210, which is the aerosol source. The heating profile is a data file that specifies the change in target temperature over time after heating begins.

[0050] In this embodiment, one heating profile is stored in the storage unit 204. The heating profile is also called a "control profile" or a "control sequence." Other information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, information related to the control of electronic components. The control information includes information related to the user's suction, such as the number of suctions, the suction time, and the cumulative suction time. In other words, the storage unit 204 records the user's suction behavior history and operation history. These are examples of information that constitute a suction log.

[0051] The communication unit 205 is an electronic component for realizing communication with an external terminal (including the front panel 10). A wireless communication module or a wired communication module is used for the communication unit 205. In this embodiment, the communication unit 205 uses, as a wireless communication module, a module compatible with, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), a mobile communication system (4G, 5G), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or NFC.

[0052] An optical communication module may also be used for the communication unit 205. Alternatively, a wired communication module, for example, a communication module compatible with serial communication, may be used for the communication unit 205. The communication unit 205 in this embodiment is used not only for uploading the suction log and other information to an external terminal, but also for receiving various types of information that are push-distributed from the external terminal.

[0053] The control unit 206 is an electronic component that functions as an arithmetic processing unit or control device and controls the operation of the main unit 20 according to various programs. Control signals are transmitted via a signal line that is different from the power supply line. For example, communication within the main unit 20 uses a serial communication method such as the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication method, the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication method, or the UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) communication method.

[0054] The control unit 206 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, a DSP, etc. The control unit 206 may include a ROM for storing programs, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM for temporarily storing parameters that change as appropriate.

[0055] The control unit 206 executes various processes and controls through the execution of programs. These processes and controls include, for example, rewriting the heating profile, supplying power from the power supply unit 201 to other electronic components, charging the power supply unit 201, detecting information using the sensor unit 202, notifying information using the notification unit 203, storing and reading information using the memory unit 204, and sending and receiving information using the communication unit 205. The control unit 206 also controls switching of the power source for the electronic components. The control unit 206 also has a function of determining whether the front panel 10 attached to the main unit 20 is a front panel 10 with a sub-battery, and executing processes and controls according to the determination result.

[0056] The holding part 209 is a roughly cylindrical container. In this embodiment, the space inside the holding part 209, which is defined by the inner wall and the bottom surface, is referred to as the internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is roughly columnar. The holding part 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 from 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. A state in which the stick-shaped substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A is referred to as the stick-shaped substrate 210 being held in the internal space 209A.

[0057] The holding part 209 is formed so that the inner diameter of at least a portion of its axial direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-shaped substrate 210. For this reason, the outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped substrate 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding part 209. This pressure holds the stick-shaped substrate 210 in the internal space 209A. The holding part 209 also has the function of defining the flow path of air passing 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 part 209C. Note that the opening 209B corresponds to an air outlet, which is the air outlet.

[0058] In the present embodiment, only a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, with the remainder protruding from the housing. Hereinafter, the portion held in the holding portion 209 will be referred to as the substrate portion 210A, and the portion protruding from the housing will be referred to as the mouthpiece portion 210B. At least the substrate portion 210A houses an aerosol source. The aerosol source is a substance that is atomized by heating to generate an aerosol. Aerosol sources include shredded tobacco, as well as processed products in which tobacco raw materials are formed into granules, sheets, or powder, and other tobacco-derived substances.

[0059] Furthermore, the aerosol source may include non-tobacco-derived substances made from plants other than tobacco, such as mint or herbs. For example, the aerosol source may include a flavoring component such as menthol. If the main device 20 is a medical inhaler, the aerosol source may include a medication for inhalation by the patient. Note that the aerosol source is not limited to solids and may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water.

[0060] At least a portion of suction mouth portion 210B is held in the user's mouth when inhaling. When the user holds suction mouth portion 210B in their mouth and inhales, air flows into internal space 209A through the air inlet hole. The inflowing air 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.

[0061] The heating unit 207 is an electronic component made of a heater or other heat generating element. The heating unit 207 is made of any material, such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 207 is, for example, in the form 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. 6 , the area near the periphery of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated first, and the heated range gradually moves toward the center.

[0062] 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 via the sensor unit 202, power supply to the heating unit 207 is permitted. The user input here includes operation of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) or button 20B (see FIG. 4). However, power supply to the heating unit 207 is premised on the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) being attached to the main device 20. By attaching the front panel 10, it is possible to reduce the temperature transmitted to the user's hand compared to when the front panel 10 is not attached.

[0063] When the temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 heated by the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature, the user becomes able to inhale. 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 storage unit 204. Thereafter, when a predetermined user input is detected by the sensor unit 202, power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped. It is also possible to employ a system in which power is supplied to the heating unit 207 while the sensor unit 202 detects inhalation by the user, and power supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped when inhalation by the user is no longer detected by the sensor unit 202.

[0064] 6, 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 that is built into the stick-shaped substrate 210. When the metal piece that functions as the heating unit 207 is built into the stick-shaped substrate 210, an induction heating coil may be disposed around the holding unit 209. The induction heating coil is an example of an electronic component.

[0065] The heat insulating section 208 is a member that reduces the propagation of heat generated in the heating section 207 to the surrounding area. For this reason, the heat insulating section 208 is arranged 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 insulation material, an aerogel insulation material, or the like. A vacuum insulation material is an insulation 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 thermal conduction of gases to as close to zero as possible.

[0066] <Power Supply Circuit of Main Device> FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 1. Note that FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which a primary battery 101 is attached to the main body portion of the front panel 10. The front panel 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 is provided with a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 106. The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 106 is an electronic component that converts the output voltage of the primary battery 101 to, for example, 3.3 V (i.e., "system power supply Vsys"). The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 106 is configured, for example, with a switching regulator. The system power supply Vsys generated by the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 106 is provided to a first communication unit 102, a second communication unit 103, a memory unit 104, and a control unit 105 provided in the front panel 10.

[0067] An example of the internal configuration of the power supply unit 201 is shown in the main unit 20 illustrated in Fig. 7. Note that the sensor unit 202, notification unit 203, and storage unit 204 are omitted from Fig. 7. The sensor unit 202 and the like are connected to a power supply line through which the system power supply Vsys is supplied, as are the communication unit 205 and control unit 206. The power supply unit 201 illustrated in Fig. 7 includes a secondary battery 201A, a step-up DC / DC circuit 201B, a power supply unit 201C, a step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 201D, and a power switch 201E.

[0068] The secondary battery 201A may be, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a capacitor. The secondary battery 201A is a battery that stores the power required for the operation of the main device 20. The secondary battery 201A is an example of a first battery. Hereinafter, the secondary battery 201A will also be referred to as the "main battery." The secondary battery 201A can be charged from an external power source. In the present embodiment, the external power source may be, for example, a commercial power source or a mobile battery.

[0069] The step-up DC / DC circuit 201B is a circuit that supplies a constant voltage (for example, 5 V) regardless of the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A to a power supply line to which the heating unit 207 is connected. The step-up DC / DC circuit 201B is configured by, for example, a switching regulator.

[0070] The power supply unit 201C is a circuit that distributes power to the power supply line that supplies the system power supply Vsys and performs voltage conversion of power supplied from an external power supply (e.g., a commercial power supply). When no external power supply is connected, the power supply unit 201C outputs the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A to the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 201D. On the other hand, when an external power supply is connected, the power supply unit 201C steps down the external power supply to 4.2 V and outputs it to the secondary battery 201A and the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 201D. The power supply unit 201C outputs, for example, a 5 V power supply Vcc5 to a power supply line (not shown) to which the LED 20A (see FIG. 4) is connected. Since a USB cable is used to supply power from a commercial power supply or a mobile battery, the power supply terminal corresponding to these is represented by VUSB in FIG. 7.

[0071] The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 201D converts the voltage provided by the power supply unit 201C into a 3.3V system power supply Vsys. For example, when the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A is provided from the power supply unit 201C, the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 201D steps up or down the output voltage to generate a 3.3V system power supply Vsys. As is well known, the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A fluctuates depending on the remaining capacity and degree of deterioration, but is converted to 3.3V by the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 201D. On the other hand, when the output voltage of an external power supply is provided from the power supply unit 201C, the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 201D steps down the output voltage to generate a 3.3V system power supply Vsys. The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 201D is configured, for example, by a switching regulator.

[0072] The power switch 201E is a circuit that turns on or off the supply of the system power Vsys to the communication unit 205. The control unit 206 instructs the power switch 201E to be switched. However, a configuration without the power switch 201E shown in FIG. 7 is also possible. In that case, the system power Vsys is always supplied to the communication unit 205. However, if the communication unit 205 is not used for communication, the communication unit 205 is in a state where communication is controlled, and the power consumed by the communication unit 205 can be ignored.

[0073] <Example of Processing Operation> An example of processing operation executed by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of the main body device 20 (see FIG. 6) will be described below.

[0074] <Attachment Detection Operation> Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the attachment detection operation for the front panel 10 executed by the control unit 206 of the main device 20. This operation is executed not only before heating by the heating unit 207 (see Figure 6) 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 Figure 1) is attached to the main device 20 (see Figure 1) (step 1).

[0075] 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. Attachment and 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, the control unit 206 cancels the prohibition on heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (step 2).

[0076] However, lifting the heating prohibition state and starting heating are separate events. Heating of the stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 6), which is the aerosol source, is started by pressing and holding the button 20B (see FIG. 4) from above the front panel 10 for at least one second. 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). This prevents heating of the aerosol source when the front panel 10 is not attached. After step 2 or step 3 is executed, the control unit 206 returns to step 1 and repeatedly determines whether the front panel 10 is attached to the main device 20. This attachment detection operation prevents the user from directly touching the main device 20 during the heating operation.

[0077] <Uploading by Front Panel> Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the front panel 10 performs uploading on behalf of the main device 20. Of the processing operations shown in Figure 9, the processing operations for the front panel 10 are executed by the control unit 105 (see Figure 6), and the processing operations for the main device 20 are executed by the control unit 206 (see Figure 6). In this embodiment, when the control unit 206 of the main device 20 detects a pre-heating operation by the heating unit 207 (step 11), it notifies the front panel 10 of the start of heating by the heating unit 207 (step 12). Examples of the pre-heating operation include detecting an operation of sliding the shutter 30 to the open position and detecting an operation of the button 20B while the front panel 10 is attached.

[0078] Incidentally, when the shutter 30 is slid to the open position, the stick-shaped substrate 210 can be inserted into the hole 22. If suction is not required, the shutter 30 is slid to the closed position, and therefore, sliding the shutter 30 to the open position corresponds to the operation before the heating unit 207 starts heating. Furthermore, operating the button 20B while the front panel 10 is attached corresponds to the initialization operation before the heating unit 207 starts heating. Note that the control unit 105 (see FIG. 6) of the front panel 10, which receives a notice from the main device 20 that heating will start by the heating unit 207, sets the proxy communication mode to ON (step 21).

[0079] Next, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 transmits the information to be transmitted to the server to the front panel 10 (step 13). Here, "information to be transmitted" refers to information that has not yet been transmitted to the server. In other words, "information to be transmitted" refers to information that has not yet been transmitted. This is because information that has already been transmitted does not need to be resent to the server. Note that "transmitted" refers to the receipt of an acknowledgement (ACK) from the server. In this embodiment, information to be transmitted includes, for example, an aspiration log, a measurement log of the biosensor, the remaining charge of the secondary battery 201A, error information, and location information detected by GPS. Upon receiving the information to be transmitted, the front panel 10 stores the received information in the memory unit 104 (see FIG. 6) (step 22).

[0080] However, the "information scheduled to be transmitted" may be limited to untransmitted information scheduled to be transmitted to the server within a few minutes from the current time. This is because if the scheduled transmission time arrives after the aerosol inhalation is completed, the relevant information can be transmitted from the main device 20 to the server. After executing step 13, the control unit 206 stops communication by the communication unit 205 of the main device 20 (step 14). However, the time that can be allocated from step 11 to step 13 is limited. Therefore, if communication of the information scheduled to be transmitted to the front panel 10 is started after detecting the start of heating by the heating unit 207, there is a possibility that communication by the communication unit 205 of the main device 20 will be stopped before the information communication is completed.

[0081] As a countermeasure, a method may be adopted in which information scheduled for transmission generated in the main device 20 is transmitted to the front panel 10 simultaneously with the generation or periodically, regardless of the detection of the start of heating by the heating unit 207. However, if this method is adopted, the information uploaded from the main device 20 to the server is shared with the control unit 105 of the front panel 10, and is deleted from the storage unit 104 or duplicate uploading is prohibited.

[0082] After executing step 14, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 starts heating the stick-shaped substrate 210 by the heating unit 207 (step 15). The heating temperature of the heating unit 207 is controlled according to the heating profile. After the heating time has elapsed, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 ends heating of the stick-shaped substrate 210 by the heating unit 207 (step 16). Thereafter, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 resumes communication by the communication unit 205 of the main device 20, and notifies the front panel 10 of the end of heating by the heating unit 207 (step 17).

[0083] Meanwhile, after executing step 22, the control unit 105 of the front panel 10 transmits the information stored in the memory unit 104 to the server (step 23). Thereafter, upon receiving the notification of step 17, the control unit 105 of the front panel 10 sets the proxy communication mode to OFF (step 24). Alternatively, the setting of the proxy communication mode to OFF may be performed upon completion of the information transmission in step 23. Upon receiving information from the front panel 10 (step 31), the server stores the received information in association with the user account (step 32). During periods when the heating unit 207 is not heating, the server performs the processing operation of step 32 for the information received from the communication unit 205 of the main unit 20.

[0084] <Proxy Reception of Push Distribution by Front Panel> Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating proxy reception of push distribution from the server to the main device 20 by the front panel 10. In Figure 10, parts corresponding to those in Figure 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The processing operation shown in Figure 10 also begins when the control unit 206 of the main device 20 detects pre-heating operations by the heating unit 207 (step 11). Next, when the control unit 206 of the main device 20 notifies the front panel that heating by the heating unit 207 will begin (step 12), the control unit 105 of the front panel 10 sets proxy communication mode to on (step 21). After this, the control unit 105 of the front panel 10 enters a state in which it acts as a proxy for communication between the server and the main device 20.

[0085] 10 illustrates a case where the server transmits data addressed to the user account of the main device 20 after the proxy communication mode is turned on (step 33). In the case of FIG. 10, this data can only be received by the front panel 10. This is because the communication unit 205 of the main device 20 has stopped communicating with the external terminal. Therefore, the control unit 105 of the front panel 10 stores the received data in the storage unit 104 (step 22). During this time, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 sequentially executes steps 14 to 17.

[0086] Upon receiving the notification in step 17, the control unit 105 of the front panel 10 sets the proxy communication mode to OFF (step 24) and transmits the data received during the proxy communication mode to the main device 20 (step 25). Meanwhile, the control unit 206 of the main device 20 stores the data received from the front panel 10 in the storage unit 204 (step 18). This series of processing operations allows the control unit 206 of the main device 20 to continue communicating with the server via the front panel 10 even during the period when communication by the communication unit 205 is stopped.

[0087] Therefore, even if the timing of the irregular heating period of the heating unit 207 and the push distribution from the server overlap, there is no need to wait for the push distribution to be resent from the server after the end of the heating period of the heating unit 207. Furthermore, even if the push distribution is not resent, it is possible to prevent data from being missed.

[0088] <Summary> By attaching the front panel 10 described in this embodiment to the main device 20, the first communication unit 102 of the front panel 10 can continue communication between the main device 20 and the server even when the communication function of the communication unit 205 in the main device 20 is stopped. For example, the front panel 10 can upload information scheduled for transmission to the server at the scheduled time. Furthermore, for example, the front panel 10 can receive information pushed from the server on behalf of the main device 20, thereby reducing the risk of missing information from the server.

[0089] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the sub-battery attached to the front panel 10 is a secondary battery. Therefore, the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration of this embodiment are the same as those of embodiment 1. However, in this embodiment, the connection relationship of the power supply circuitry is different from that of embodiment 1. Figure 11 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 2. In Figure 11, parts corresponding to those in Figure 6 are assigned the same reference numerals. The difference between Figure 11 and Figure 6 is that the sub-battery attached to the front panel 10 is a secondary battery 101A.

[0090] Fig. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 2. In Fig. 12, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals. In the case of Fig. 12, a power supply line for charging the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is added to the power supply unit 201 and the backflow prevention circuit 201F. Charging of the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10 is performed by a power supply unit 201C. The other configurations are the same as those of the power supply unit 201 described in Fig. 7.

[0091] The control unit 206 in this embodiment executes the processing operations described in embodiment 1. The following describes processing operations specific to this embodiment, namely, the charging operation of the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10. Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206 in embodiment 2. First, the control unit 206 determines whether a USB connection has been detected (step 41).

[0092] If a USB connection is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 41. On the other hand, if a USB connection is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether a secondary battery is mounted on the front panel 10 (step 42).

[0093] If a secondary battery is installed in the front panel 10, a positive result is obtained in step 42. In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging the secondary battery in the main unit 20 and the secondary battery in the front panel 10 (step 43A). Note that the actual charging may be performed by first fully charging either the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 or the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10, and then fully charging the other. However, the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 and the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 may be charged in parallel. Next, the control unit 206 determines whether both secondary batteries are fully charged (step 44A). If either one is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 44A. On the other hand, if both secondary batteries are fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 44A.

[0094] If a negative result is obtained in step 44A, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been removed (step 45A). If the USB cable remains connected, a negative result is obtained in step 45A. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 44A. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 45A. If a positive result is obtained in step 44A or if a positive result is obtained in step 45A, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery of the main unit 20 and the secondary battery of the front panel 10 (step 46A). Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0095] The process returns to the determination in step 42. If secondary battery 101A is not installed in front panel 10 (this includes not only the case where a sub-battery is not installed, but also the case where the installed sub-battery is primary battery 101), a negative result is obtained in step 42. In this case, control unit 206 starts charging secondary battery 201A in main unit 20 (step 43B). Next, control unit 206 determines whether secondary battery 201A in main unit 20 is fully charged (step 44B). If secondary battery 201A is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 44B. On the other hand, if secondary battery 201A is fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 44B.

[0096] If a negative result is obtained in step 44B, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been removed (step 45B). If the USB cable remains attached, a negative result is obtained in step 45B. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 44B. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 45B. If a positive result is obtained in step 44B or if a positive result is obtained in step 45B, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery of the main unit 20 (step 46B). Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0097] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the USB charging operation. The horizontal axis in the diagram 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. In FIG. 14, in the initial state T1, the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 are both fully charged. At time T2, the remaining charge of both the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 has decreased from full charge. When a USB cable is connected in this state, USB charging begins. At the end of USB charging at T3, the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 have both returned to full charge.

[0098] <Summary> When secondary battery 101A is provided on front panel 10, secondary battery 101A on front panel 10 is charged when secondary battery 201A on main unit 20 is charged. Therefore, unlike when primary battery 101 is provided on front panel 10, the sub-battery will not run out of power while main unit 20 is in use.

[0099] <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 described in 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.

[0100] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the joint between the front panel 10 and the main device 20 is continuously connected without any steps, forming a unified appearance. However, the joint may have steps or notches as long as the appearance is unified with the main device 20.

[0101] (3) In the above embodiment, the aerosol source is described as a solid, but the aerosol source may be a liquid. In the case where the aerosol source is a liquid, a method is adopted in which the aerosol source is guided into a thin tube called a wick by using capillary action, and the aerosol source is evaporated by heating a coil wound around the wick.

[0102] (4) In the above embodiment, the aerosol generator generates an aerosol by heating a solid aerosol source. However, the aerosol generator may generate an aerosol by separately heating a solid aerosol source and a liquid aerosol source. This type of aerosol generator is also called a hybrid aerosol generator.

[0103] (5) In the above-described embodiment, a device configuration is adopted in which the primary battery 101 or the secondary battery 101A is provided in the front panel 10. However, the system power supply Vsys required for the operation of the first communication unit 102, the second communication unit 103, the storage unit 104, and the control unit 105 provided in the front panel 10 may be supplied from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. The power supply here may be a contact-type power supply or a contactless type power supply. The contactless power supply standards here include, for example, electromagnetic induction standards such as the Qi standard and the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard, and electric field induction standards.

[0104] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) to which the front panel 10 is attached has been described as an example of an electronic device. However, the electronic device may also be a cover member (including a main body cover and a protective cover) or panel member that can be attached to or detached from the device main body and that can be used with the cover member or panel member attached, such as a remote control, a game console, a music player, a video camera, a digital camera, an electronic dictionary, or a calculator. When communication is restricted, for example, in order to reduce power consumption in the device main body, communication by the device main body may be set to airplane mode, or eco mode or energy-saving mode may be set.

[0105] (7) In the above-described embodiment, power from the primary battery 101 (see FIG. 6 ) and the secondary battery 101A (see FIG. 11 ) provided on the front panel 10 is supplied only to the electronic components provided on the front panel 10. However, they may also be supplied to electronic components provided on the main device 20. (8) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which aerosol generation was permitted when the front panel 10 was attached to the main device 20. However, the main device 20 may be capable of generating aerosol even when the front panel 10 is not attached. In this case, attaching the front panel 10 to the main device 20 is used to expand the functions executable by the main device 20. For example, when the front panel 10 is removed, the main device 20 communicates directly with a server or other external terminal. However, after the front panel 10 is attached, the proxy communication function via the first communication unit 102 of the front panel 10 is enabled.

[0106] (9) In the above-described embodiment, a state in which aerosol generation is possible has been described as an example of an operable aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20). However, this is not limited to this. For example, even if aerosol generation is not possible 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.

[0107] (10) In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the front panel 10 attached to the main device 20 was pressed and deformed to operate the buttons 20B provided on the main device 20. However, instructions to the main device 20 may be input using methods other than deformation of the front panel 10. For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10, and information indicating a user's operation on the touch panel may be communicated to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of the main device 20 via the communication unit 104 (see FIG. 6). Alternatively, for example, switches or buttons may be provided on the front panel 10, and the presence or absence of an operation on these may be communicated to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 5) of the main device 20 via the communication unit 104 (see FIG. 6). The touch panel, switches, etc. here are examples of an operation unit. Note that a heat-shielding structure is employed on the surface and interior of this type of main device 20.

[0108] <Summary> The present disclosure includes the following configurations. (1) A cover member detachable from an electronic device powered by a first battery, the cover member having a first communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal, a second communication unit that acquires information about the electronic device from the electronic device, and a control unit that controls communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the information about the electronic device acquired through the second communication unit. (2) The cover member described in (1), in which the first communication unit transmits information acquired from the electronic device to the external terminal during a period in which communication between the electronic device and the external terminal is restricted. (3) The cover member described in (2), in which the period in which communication is restricted is a period in which the power supplied by the first battery is close to an upper limit value. (4) The cover member described in (2), in which the first communication unit transmits information indicating the operating state of the electronic device to the external terminal. (5) The cover member described in any one of (1) to (4), in which a second battery is charged by power supplied from the electronic device being charged. (6) The cover member according to (2), wherein, when the electronic device is an aerosol generation device having a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, the first communication unit transmits information previously acquired from the aerosol generation device to the external terminal while the heating unit is heating the aerosol source. (7) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein, when the electronic device is an aerosol generation device having a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, the main body unit covers a part of the surface of the aerosol generation device. (8) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein, when the electronic device is an aerosol generation device having a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, attachment of the main body unit to the aerosol generation device is one of the conditions for enabling the heating unit to heat the aerosol source. (9) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein, when the main body unit is attached to the electronic device, a switch on the electronic device can be operated by a user pressing it. (10) The cover member according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising an operation unit that receives a user's operation and notifies the electronic device. (11) A cover member described in 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.

[0109] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Aerosol generating device, 10...Front panel, 10A...Main body panel, 10B...Window, 10C, 20C...Magnet, 20...Main body device, 20A...LED, 20B...Button, 21...USB connector, 22...Hole, 30...Shutter, 101...Primary battery, 101A, 201A...Secondary battery, 102...First communication unit, 103...Second communication unit, 104, 204...Memory unit, 201...Power supply unit, 202...Sensor unit, 203...Notification unit, 205...Communication unit, 206...Control unit, 207...Heating unit, 208...Insulating unit, 209...Holding unit, 210...Stick-shaped substrate

Claims

1. A cover member detachable from an electronic device operated by a first battery, comprising: a first communication unit capable of communicating with an external terminal; a second communication unit for acquiring information of the electronic device from the electronic device; a control unit configured to control communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit based on the information of the electronic device acquired through the second communication unit; The cover member having the above.

2. The first communication unit transmits information acquired from the electronic device to the external terminal during a period when communication between the electronic device and the external terminal is restricted. The cover member according to claim 1.

3. The period during which communication is restricted is a period when the supply power from the first battery is close to the upper limit value. The cover member according to claim 2.

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

5. Having a second battery charged by power supplied from the electronic device during charging. The cover member according to claim 1.

6. When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, The first communication unit transmits information previously acquired from the aerosol generating device to the external terminal during heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit. The cover member according to claim 2.

7. When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, The main body covers a part of the surface of the aerosol generating device. The cover member according to claim 1.

8. When the electronic device is an aerosol generating device having a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, Mounting the main body portion of the aerosol generating device is one of the conditions that enables heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit. The cover member according to claim 1.

9. The main body portion, when mounted on the electronic device, enables operation of a switch on the electronic device side by pressing by a user. The cover member according to claim 1.

10. An operation unit that receives a user operation and notifies the electronic device. The cover member according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

11. The main body portion mounted on the electronic device forms an integrated appearance with a portion of the electronic device not covered by the main body portion. The cover member according to claim 1.