Aerosol generation device and program

Abstract

An aerosol generation device having a control unit, a first battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein when a cover member provided with a second battery is attached to the device body, the control unit controls the device to a heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source.

Description

Aerosol generating device and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a program.

[0002] The aerosol generating device generates aerosol by heating an aerosol source containing a fragrance or the like, and uses a secondary battery built into the main body as its power source.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-182915

[0004] The power source available for current aerosol generators is limited to the secondary battery built into the device itself, so the heating mode of the aerosol generator is limited to the power that can be supplied from the secondary battery built into the device itself.

[0005] In consideration of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure provides a technology that enables the realization of more diverse heating modes than when only a battery built into an aerosol generating device can be used as a power source.

[0006] As one form of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generating device having a control unit, a first battery, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, wherein when a cover member having a second battery is attached to the device body, the control unit controls the device to a heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source.

[0007] In a heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source, the control unit may supply the total power of the first battery and the second battery to the heating unit.

[0008] When the heating mode is a second heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated is greater than in other heating modes, the control unit may increase the power used to heat the aerosol source compared to other heating modes.

[0009] The device may further include a second heating unit that heats the aerosol source, and the control unit may supply power from the first battery to the heating unit and power from the second battery to the second heating unit.

[0010] In the case where the heating mode is a third heating mode in which a second period in which the aerosol source is heated to a second temperature lower than the first temperature is provided before a first period in which the aerosol source is heated to a first temperature at which the temperature of the heating unit generates an aerosol, the control unit may use the power of the first battery to heat the aerosol source in the first period and the power of the second battery to heat the aerosol source in the second period.

[0011] The device may further have a second heating unit that heats the aerosol source, and when executing the third heating mode, the control unit may supply power from the first battery to the heating unit during a first period and supply power from the second battery to the second heating unit during a second period.

[0012] The device may further have a second heating unit that heats a second aerosol source different from the aerosol source, and when the heating mode is the second heating mode in which the amount of aerosol produced is greater than in other heating modes, the control unit may supply power from the first battery to the heating unit to heat the aerosol source, and supply power from the second battery to the second heating unit to heat the second aerosol source.

[0013] As one form of the present disclosure, a program is provided for a computer provided in an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, to realize a function of controlling the power from the second battery to a heating mode used to heat the aerosol source when a second battery is provided in a cover member attached to the device main body.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a wider variety of heating modes than when only the battery built into the aerosol generating device can be used as a power source.

[0015] 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 flowchart explaining the heating mode switching process performed by the control unit of embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #2 in embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 2. FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining the heating mode switching process performed by the control unit of embodiment 2. FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining normal heating mode #1 and boost heating mode in embodiment 2. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 3. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit of embodiment 3. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #3 in embodiment 3. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a schematic connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 4. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit of embodiment 4. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating normal heating mode #1 and boost heating mode in embodiment 4. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a heating profile adopted in embodiment 5. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a schematic connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 5. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit of embodiment 5. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a schematic connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device used in embodiment 6. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit of embodiment 6. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a heating profile adopted in embodiment 6.FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device used in embodiment 7. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of a power supply circuit of an aerosol generation device used in embodiment 7. FIG. 12 is a flowchart explaining the heating mode switching process executed by a control unit in embodiment 7. FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining normal heating mode #1 and boost heating mode in embodiment 7. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of an aerosol generation device used in embodiment 8. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of a power supply circuit of an aerosol generation device used in embodiment 8. FIG. 16 is a flowchart explaining an example of a USB charging operation executed by a control unit in embodiment 8. FIG. 17 is a diagram explaining a USB charging operation.

[0016] 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.

[0017] <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.

[0018] <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.

[0019] 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 a device main body. The front panel 10 is a member that can be attached and detached to 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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."

[0024] The primary battery 101 attached to the front panel 10 is used as an auxiliary power source to compensate for power shortages in the main device 20. The primary battery 101 can be attached to and detached from the rear 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. The front panel 10 in this embodiment is an example of a cover member. Note that the main body panel 10A that forms the exterior of the front panel 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of a main body portion.

[0025] The primary battery 101 may be, for example, a film-type, coin-type, or chip-type battery. In either 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. The front panel 10 to which the primary battery 101 is attached is also provided with electrodes and connectors (not shown) used to supply power to the main device 20. However, the power supply electrodes are used in the case of contact-type power supply to the main device 20; in the case of contactless power supply (i.e., wireless power supply), a loop coil (not shown) is added as an electronic component. Standards for contactless power supply here include electromagnetic induction and electric field induction standards such as the Qi standard and the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard.

[0026] 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. 7) 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) containing an aerosol source.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] <Internal Configuration> Fig. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 1. Note that Fig. 6 illustrates a state in which a stick-shaped substrate 210 is attached to the main device 20. The internal configuration illustrated in Fig. 6 is intended to explain the electronic components provided in the main device 20 and their positional relationships. Therefore, the appearance of the electronic components, etc. illustrated in Fig. 6 does not necessarily match the appearance diagram described above. 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.

[0033] The front panel 10 is provided with a primary battery 101 and a power supply circuit (not shown). For example, in the case of contact power supply, a spring-loaded electrode pin (pogo pin), a connector, or the like is used in the power supply circuit. In the case of non-contact power supply, a loop coil, or the like is used in the power supply circuit. Incidentally, standards for non-contact power supply include electromagnetic induction methods such as the Qi standard and the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The main device 20 has a power supply unit 201, a sensor unit 202, a notification unit 203, a memory unit 204, a communication unit 205, a control unit 206, a heating unit 207, a heat insulating unit 208, and a holding unit 209. The user inhales the aerosol while the stick-shaped substrate 210 is held in the holding unit 209.

[0034] The power supply unit 201 of this embodiment is a unit that supplies power to the main device 20. As shown in FIG. 7 , the power supply unit 201 includes a secondary battery 201A, a current balance control IC 201B, a power supply selector switch 201C, a step-up DC / DC circuit 201D, and a backflow prevention circuit 201E. The secondary battery 201A is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery or a capacitor. The secondary battery 201A 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 this embodiment, the external power source is assumed to be, for example, a commercial power source or a mobile battery.

[0035] The current balance control IC 201B is a circuit that adjusts the load sharing between the primary battery 101 in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20. Generally, the states (remaining capacity, degree of deterioration, temperature, etc.) of the primary battery 101 in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20 are different, and these states are constantly changing. For this reason, the output voltage of the primary battery 101 and the output voltage of the secondary battery 201A are not the same. Incidentally, the battery with the lower output voltage appears as a load to the battery with the higher output voltage. Therefore, the current balance control IC 201B controls the voltages resulting from the two batteries so that they are the same, making the two batteries appear as a single battery to the load.

[0036] The power supply selector switch 201C is a circuit that switches between power supply from two batteries and power supply from only the secondary battery 201A in the main unit 20. The control unit 206 instructs the power supply selector switch 201C to switch depending on the heating mode. The step-up DC / DC circuit 201D is a circuit that supplies a constant voltage to the power line to which the heating unit 207 is connected, regardless of the output voltage of the two batteries. The backflow prevention circuit 201E is a so-called protection circuit. In FIG. 7, the backflow prevention circuit 201E is represented by a diode. However, the backflow prevention circuit 201E may also be a FET (Field Effect Transistor).

[0037] 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 the sensor unit 202 detects a change in air pressure or air flow caused by inhalation, it outputs a numerical value representing the user's inhalation to the control unit 206.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. The sensor unit 202 also includes an optical color sensor and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, etc. that identify the individual stick-shaped substrate 210. The sensor unit 202 also includes a biosensor that measures the user's heart rate, etc., and a fingerprint sensor used for unlocking. The sensor unit 202 also includes an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, etc. that detect the user's movement.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The storage unit 204 stores various information related to the operation of the main device 20. The storage unit 204 is configured with a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory. Information stored in the storage unit 204 includes, for example, an operating system (OS), firmware (FW), 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for realizing communication between the main device 20 and other devices. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards include wireless LAN, wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the communication unit 205 transmits information about the user's inhalation to a smartphone. The communication unit 205 also downloads update programs and a profile that defines the temperature change of the heating unit 207 in heating mode from a server.

[0047] The control unit 206 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 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.

[0048] The control unit 206 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), 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.

[0049] 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 input of information to electronic components and processing based on information output from 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 processing and control according to the determination result.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The heating unit 207 is composed of a heater or other heat generating element. The heating unit 207 is composed 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 a metal piece that functions as the heating unit 207 is built into the stick-shaped substrate 210, a coil for induction heating may be disposed around the holding unit 209.

[0059] 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.

[0060] <Example of Processing Operation> An example of processing operation executed by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of the main device 20 (see FIG. 6) will be described below. <Attachment Detection Operation> FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the attachment detection operation of 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 FIG. 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 FIG. 1) is attached to the main device 20 (see FIG. 1) (step 1).

[0061] 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 or detachment of the front panel 10 is determined based on the output signal of the Hall IC. If a positive result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 cancels the prohibition on heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (step 2).

[0062] 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.

[0063] <Switching of Heating Modes> Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit 206 (see Figure 6) according to the first embodiment. The process shown in Figure 9 is initiated, for example, when the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by an output signal from a Hall IC. The process shown in Figure 9 may also be initiated when a specific operation by the user is received. Examples of the specific operation include opening and closing the shutter 30 (see Figure 1) multiple times (e.g., twice), operating the button 20B (see Figure 4) multiple times (e.g., twice), or pressing and holding the button 20B for a long time (e.g., five seconds or more) to reset the device.

[0064] When the process shown in Figure 9 begins, the control unit 206 determines whether a front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached (step 11). In this embodiment, it is not necessary to determine the type of sub-battery. That is, it is not considered whether the sub-battery is a primary battery 101 or a secondary battery as described in other embodiments. If a front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached, a positive result is obtained in step 11. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power (total power) to the heating unit 207 from both the main battery (secondary battery 201A) and the sub-battery (primary battery 101) (step 12). In this embodiment, the heating mode in step 12 is called "normal heating mode #2."

[0065] On the other hand, if the front panel 10 does not have a sub-battery attached, a negative result is obtained in step 11. In this embodiment, a front panel 10 without a sub-battery refers to a front panel 10 that does not have a structure for attaching a sub-battery. However, even if a structure for attaching a sub-battery is included, if a state in which the sub-battery is not attached is detected, the front panel 10 is treated as not having a structure for attaching a sub-battery. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies only the power of the main battery to the heating unit 207 (step 13). In this embodiment, the heating mode in step 13 is called "normal heating mode #1."

[0066] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #2 in embodiment 1. The vertical axis of FIG. 10 represents heating temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. Both normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #2 are forms of normal heating mode. As shown in FIG. 10, the only difference between normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #2 is the power supply method. Therefore, the heating profiles of normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #2 are the same. Because the heating profiles are the same, the power consumed during the heating period of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is the same in normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #2.

[0067] Therefore, while operating in normal heating mode #2, the burden on the main battery (i.e., secondary battery 201A) is halved. As a result, thermal stress caused by secondary battery 201A is reduced compared to when operating in normal heating mode #1, and the lifespan of secondary battery 201A and the electronic components that make up main device 20 is expected to be extended. Furthermore, reduced thermal stress also contributes to a lower failure rate of the electronic components that make up main device 20. Normal heating mode #2 here is an example of a heating mode in which power from a sub-battery, which serves as a second battery, is used to heat stick-shaped substrate 210.

[0068] <Summary> The aerosol generation device 1 (main body device 20) in this embodiment has a normal heating mode #1 in which only the main battery (secondary battery 201A) built into the main body device 20 is used as a power source, as well as a normal heating mode #2 in which power from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) attached to the front panel 10 is used to heat the stick-shaped substrate 210. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 (main body device 20) can selectively execute two types of heating modes. This makes it possible to realize an aerosol generation device 1 (main body device 20) that can operate in a variety of heating modes.

[0069] Furthermore, as described above, the total power supplied from the primary battery 101 attached to the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A attached to the main device 20 is used to heat the stick-shaped substrate 210, thereby reducing the burden on the secondary battery 201A. As a result, the thermal stress on the surrounding electronic components is reduced, and the lifespan of the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) can be extended and the failure rate can be reduced.

[0070] The total amount of power available to the main device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a sub-battery is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. This allows the available time per charge of the secondary battery 201A and the number of stick-shaped substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol per charge to be increased compared to when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A.

[0071] <Embodiment 2> In this embodiment, a heating mode (hereinafter referred to as "boost heating mode") in which the amount of aerosol generated is greater than in the normal heating mode will be described. 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 circuit differs from that of embodiment 1. Figure 11 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 2. In Figure 11, parts corresponding to those in Figure 7 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0072] The power supply unit 201 shown in Fig. 11 differs from the power supply unit 201 shown in Fig. 7 in that it does not have a current balance control IC 201B (see Fig. 7). In the present embodiment, this is because the primary battery 101 and secondary battery 201A are connected in series when supplying the total power from the main battery and the sub-battery. In Fig. 11, two power supply lines are provided to the heating unit 207: a high-voltage system and a low-voltage system. The high-voltage system is for supplying power from the series circuit consisting of the primary battery 101 and secondary battery 201A, and the low-voltage system is for supplying power only from the secondary battery 201A.

[0073] The high-voltage system is made up of a power supply selector switch 201C1 and a step-up DC / DC circuit 201D1. On the other hand, the low-voltage system is made up of a power supply selector switch 201C2 and a step-up DC / DC circuit 201D2. In this embodiment, one of the power supply selector switches 201C1 and 201C2 is controlled to an on state (connected state) by the control unit 206, and the other is controlled to an off state (disconnected state). For example, when the power supply selector switch 201C1 is controlled to an on state, the power supply selector switch 201C2 is controlled to an off state.

[0074] The step-up DC / DC circuit 201D1 is a circuit that supplies a constant voltage (e.g., 6 V) to the power supply line connected to the heating unit 207, regardless of fluctuations in the voltage provided from the series circuit. On the other hand, the step-up DC / DC circuit 201D2 is a circuit that supplies a constant voltage (e.g., 5 V) to the power supply line connected to the heating unit 207, regardless of fluctuations in the voltage provided from the secondary battery 201A.

[0075] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6 ) according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 12 , parts corresponding to those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The process shown in FIG. 12 is also initiated, for example, when the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by an output signal from a Hall IC. The process shown in FIG. 12 may also be initiated when a specific operation by the user is received. Examples of the specific operation include opening and closing the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1 ) multiple times (e.g., twice), pressing the button 20B (see FIG. 4 ) multiple times (e.g., twice), or pressing the button 20B for a long time (e.g., five seconds or longer) to reset the device.

[0076] 12 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether a front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached (step 11). If a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies only power from the main battery to the heating unit 207 (step 13). That is, the control unit 206 controls the power supply selector switch 201C2 to the ON state (connected state) and the power supply selector switch 201C1 to the OFF state (disconnected state). On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether the mode is a boost heating mode (step 21). In other words, it determines whether the mode is a heating mode in which power is supplied from the series circuit of the main battery (secondary battery 201A) and the sub-battery (primary battery 101).

[0077] In this embodiment, step 21 is provided so that the user can select the heating mode. Therefore, step 21 is unnecessary if the boost heating mode is automatically selected when a front panel 10 with a sub-battery is installed. If the boost heating mode is not selected (here, normal heating mode #1), a negative result is obtained in step 21. The normal heating mode here is an example of an "other heating mode" in contrast to the boost heating mode. In this case, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 13 and supplies only power from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) to the heating unit 207.

[0078] In contrast, in the boost heating mode, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 sets the boost heating mode, in which power is supplied from the series circuit of the main battery (secondary battery 201A) and the sub-battery (primary battery 101) (step 22). FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and the boost heating mode in embodiment 2. In FIG. 13, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 10 are indicated by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis of FIG. 13 represents heating temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. In the boost heating mode, the power supplied to the heating unit 207 is increased by the amount of power from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) compared to normal heating mode #1. In other words, the amount of heat generated by the heating unit 207 is increased compared to normal heating mode #1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the heating temperature of the heating unit 207 is higher than that in normal heating mode #1.

[0079] <Summary> In this embodiment, the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) has a normal heating mode #1 in which only the main battery (secondary battery 201A) built into the main device 20 is used as a power source, and also has a boost heating mode in which power from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) attached to the front panel 10 is used to heat the stick-shaped substrate 210. That is, the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) can selectively execute two types of heating modes. This allows the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) to operate in a heating mode different from that of embodiment 1.

[0080] In the present embodiment as well, the total amount of power available to the main device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a sub-battery is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. Therefore, compared to when the power required in the boost heating mode is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A, the usable time per charge of the secondary battery 201A and the number of stick-shaped substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol per charge can be increased.

[0081] <Embodiment 3> In this embodiment, a case where the aerosol generation device 1 (main body device 20) has two heating units 207 will be described. That is, an example will be described in which the two heating units 207 are heated simultaneously to achieve a normal heating mode (hereinafter referred to as "normal heating mode #3"). Note that, except for the circuit portion related to the heating unit 207, the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration are the same as those of embodiment 1. Figure 14 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 3. In Figure 14, parts corresponding to those in Figure 11 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0082] In the case of Figure 14, the heating unit 207 includes two units: a first heating unit 207A and a second heating unit 207B. Note that the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B are both examples of a "heating unit." The arrangement of the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B is not limited to one. For example, the first heating unit 207A may be a heater disposed on the inner wall of the holding unit 209 (see Figure 6), and the second heating unit 207B may be a heater disposed on the bottom 209C of the holding unit 209.

[0083] Alternatively, for example, the first heating unit 207A may be a heater disposed on the inner wall of the holder 209 (see FIG. 6 ), and the second heating unit 207B may be a metal piece (hereinafter also referred to as a "heating blade") inserted into the tip of the stick-shaped substrate 210. Alternatively, for example, the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B may be induction heating coils installed coaxially with the roughly cylindrical holder 209. This method is used when a metal piece to be induction heated is embedded in the stick-shaped substrate 210.

[0084] The first heating unit 207A is connected to a power supply line powered by the main battery (secondary battery 201A) in the main unit 20. A step-up DC / DC circuit 201D2 and a PWM (=Pulse Width Modulation) circuit 201F2 are connected in series to this power supply line. The second heating unit 207B is connected to a power supply line powered by the sub-battery (primary battery 101) in the front panel 10. A power supply selector switch 201C1, a step-up DC / DC circuit 201D1, and a PWM circuit 201F1 are connected in series to this power supply line.

[0085] In this embodiment, the power supply selector switch 201C1 is controlled to the off state (disconnected state) in a heating mode in which only the first heating unit 207A is used (i.e., normal heating mode #1). The step-up DC / DC circuits 201D1 and 201D2 are circuits that output a constant voltage regardless of fluctuations in the output voltage of the corresponding voltage source. The PWM circuits 201F1 and 201F2 are circuits that vary the power supplied to the loads (heating units 207A and 207B) by controlling the duty ratio of the pulse width (the ratio of the period when the pulse width is at H level to the period when the pulse width is at L level).

[0086] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6 ) according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 15 , parts corresponding to those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The process shown in FIG. 15 is also initiated, for example, when the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by an output signal from a Hall IC. The process shown in FIG. 15 may also be initiated when a specific operation by the user is received. Examples of the specific operation include opening and closing the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1 ) multiple times (e.g., twice), pressing the button 20B (see FIG. 4 ) multiple times (e.g., twice), or pressing the button 20B for a long time (e.g., five seconds or longer) to reset the device.

[0087] When the process shown in FIG. 15 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether a front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached (step 11). If a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery to the first heating unit 207A but not to the second heating unit 207B (step 33). That is, the control unit 206 controls the power supply selector switch 201C1 (see FIG. 14) to the OFF state (disconnected state). The control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) also controls the duty ratio of the PWM circuit 201F2, which supplies power to the first heating unit 207A, to, for example, 100%.

[0088] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether the mode is normal heating mode #3 (step 31). That is, it is determined whether the mode is normal heating mode in which two batteries share the load. If the mode is normal heating mode #1, a negative result is obtained in step 31. In this case, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 33. On the other hand, if the mode is normal heating mode #3, a positive result is obtained in step 31. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery (i.e., secondary battery 201A) to the first heating unit 207A and from the sub-battery (i.e., primary battery 101) to the second heating unit 207B (step 32).

[0089] In normal heating mode #3, control unit 206 controls PWM circuit 201F1 and PWM circuit 201F2 to control the power supplied to first heating unit 207A and the power supplied to second heating unit 207B so as to obtain the same heating profile as in normal heating mode #1. In other words, the power supplied to first heating unit 207A and the power supplied to second heating unit 207B is controlled so that the amount of aerosol generated in normal heating mode #3 is the same as the amount of aerosol generated in normal heating mode #1.

[0090] For example, the control unit 206 controls the sum of the power supplied to the first heating unit 207A and the power supplied to the second heating unit 207B (hereinafter also referred to as "total power") so that it is the same as the power supplied to the first heating unit 207A in normal heating mode #1. For example, the control unit 206 may control each of the power supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) to the first heating unit 207A and the power supplied from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) to the second heating unit 207B to half the power supplied to the first heating unit 207A in normal heating mode #1.

[0091] However, this control example is based on the premise that if the total power is the same as the power supplied to the first heating section 207A in normal heating mode #1, the heating temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 will be the same as in normal heating mode #1. Therefore, if the same heating temperature as in normal heating mode #1 cannot be obtained even when the total power is the same as the power supplied in normal heating mode #1, it will be necessary to adjust the ratio of power supplied from each battery or the total power.

[0092] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #3 in embodiment 3. In FIG. 16, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis of FIG. 16 represents heating temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. Both normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #3 are forms of the normal heating mode. Therefore, the heating profiles of normal heating mode #1 and normal heating mode #3 are the same. As shown in FIG. 16, in normal heating mode #3, power is supplied from the main battery to the first heating unit 207A, and power is supplied from the sub-battery to the second heating unit 207B, achieving the same heating temperature as in normal heating mode #1.

[0093] <Summary> In this embodiment, the aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20) has a first heating unit 207A and a second heating unit 207B that heat a common stick-shaped substrate 210 (see FIG. 6), and the main battery and the sub-battery each supply power to a corresponding heating unit. Therefore, a current balance control IC 201B (see FIG. 7) that adjusts the difference in output voltage between the two batteries is not required. This allows the aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20) to operate in a heating mode different from that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in normal heating mode #3, the burden on the secondary battery 201A is reduced, thereby reducing thermal stress on surrounding electronic components. As a result, the aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20) can be extended in life and have a lower failure rate.

[0094] In the present embodiment, too, the total amount of power available to the main device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a sub-battery is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. Therefore, the usable time per charge of the secondary battery 201A and the number of stick-shaped substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol per charge can be increased compared to when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A.

[0095] Fourth Embodiment In this embodiment, another example of the aerosol generation device 1 (main body device 20) having two heating units 207 will be described. Specifically, the case where one of the heating units 207 is used for boost heating will be described. Note that, except for the circuit configuration of the power supply unit 201, the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration are the same as those of the third embodiment.

[0096] Fig. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 4. In Fig. 17, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 14 are assigned the same reference numerals. The difference between the main device 20 shown in Fig. 17 and the main device 20 shown in Fig. 14 is the presence or absence of PWM circuits 201F1 and 201F2 (see Fig. 14). The main device 20 shown in Fig. 17 does not use the PWM circuits 201F1 and 201F2. The other configurations are the same as those in Fig. 14.

[0097] Fig. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit 206 (see Fig. 6) according to embodiment 4. In Fig. 18, parts corresponding to those in Figs. 12 and 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0098] The process shown in Fig. 18 is also started when, for example, the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by an output signal from a Hall IC. Note that the process shown in Fig. 18 may also be started when a specific operation by the user is received. Examples of the specific operation include opening and closing the shutter 30 (see Fig. 1) multiple times (e.g., twice), operating the button 20B (see Fig. 4) multiple times (e.g., twice), or pressing and holding the button 20B for a long time (e.g., five seconds or more) to reset the camera.

[0099] 18 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether the front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached (step 11). If the result of step 11 is negative, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery to the first heating unit, but not to the second heating unit (step 33). That is, the control unit 206 controls the power supply selector switch 201C1 (see FIG. 17) to the OFF state (disconnected state).

[0100] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the mode is the boost heating mode (step 21). If the mode is normal heating mode #1, a negative result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 33. On the other hand, if the mode is boost heating mode, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery (i.e., secondary battery 201A) to the first heating unit 207A and from the sub-battery (i.e., primary battery 101) to the second heating unit 207B (step 32).

[0101] In boost heating mode, the control unit 206 controls the power supply selector switch 201C1 (see FIG. 17) to the on state (connected state) to supply power from the sub-battery to the second heating unit 207B. This causes the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B to each start heating the stick-shaped substrate 210. Because the heating by the first heating unit 207A is the same as in normal heating mode #1, the heating temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 increases by the amount of heating by the second heating unit 207B.

[0102] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and the boost heating mode in embodiment 4. In FIG. 19, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The vertical axis of FIG. 19 represents heating temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. As shown in FIG. 19, in normal heating mode #1, the first heating unit 207A heats the stick-shaped substrate 210 to a heating temperature determined by the heating profile using power supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A). On the other hand, in boost heating mode, heating by the first heating unit 207A is maintained, and heating by the second heating unit 207B is added. Power is supplied to the second heating unit 207B from the sub-battery (primary battery 101). As a result, the heating temperature of the stick-shaped substrate 210 is higher than in normal heating mode #1.

[0103] <Other Circuit Configurations> In the above description, the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 17 was used for the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) that supports switching between the normal heating mode and the boost heating mode, but the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 14 may also be used. When switching between the normal heating mode and the boost heating mode using the circuit configuration shown in Fig. 14, temperature control by PWM circuits 201F1 and F2 becomes possible.

[0104] <Summary> In the present embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the main battery (secondary battery 201A) supplies power to the first heating unit 207A, and the sub-battery (primary battery 101) supplies power to the second heating unit 207B. Therefore, the current balance control IC 201B (see FIG. 7 ) that adjusts the difference in output voltage between the two batteries is not required. This allows the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) to operate in a heating mode different from that of the first embodiment.

[0105] In the present embodiment, too, the total amount of power available to the main device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a sub-battery is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. Therefore, the usable time per charge of the secondary battery 201A and the number of stick-shaped substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol per charge can be increased compared to when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A.

[0106] <Fifth Embodiment> In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the period during which power is supplied to one heating unit 207 is divided into two periods, and the power supply source (i.e., battery) is switched between the periods. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a heating profile employed in the fifth embodiment. The vertical axis of FIG. 20 represents heating temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. In this embodiment, one of the two periods is referred to as a "main heating" period, and the other is referred to as a "preheating" period. Note that the preheating period is set shorter than the main heating period. The main heating period here is an example of a first period, and the preheating period is an example of a second period.

[0107] The main heating period refers to a period during which the heating unit 207 is heated to a first temperature at which aerosols are generated. The preheating period refers to a period during which the heating unit 207 is heated to a second temperature lower than the first temperature set before the start of the main heating period. The first temperature is, for example, 300°C, and the second temperature is, for example, 200°C. The second temperature is higher than the air temperature of the usage environment. Therefore, the time required to heat from the second temperature to the first temperature is shorter than when heating from the air temperature of the usage environment to the first temperature. Hereinafter, a heating mode in which a preheating period is set before the main heating period is referred to as a heating mode with preheating. The heating mode with preheating is an example of a "third heating mode."

[0108] Fig. 21 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 5. In Fig. 21, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 11 are assigned the same reference numerals. In Fig. 21, the sub-battery (primary battery 101) of the front panel 10 and the main battery (secondary battery 201A) of the main device 20 are connected in parallel. The other configurations are the same as those in Fig. 11. Although not shown in Fig. 21, PWM circuits 201F1 and F2 may be arranged in the subsequent stage of the step-up DC / DC circuits 201D1 and D2, as in Fig. 14.

[0109] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6 ) according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 22 , parts corresponding to those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The process shown in FIG. 22 is also initiated, for example, when the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by an output signal from a Hall IC. The process shown in FIG. 22 may also be initiated when a specific operation by the user is received. Examples of the specific operation include opening and closing the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1 ) multiple times (e.g., twice), pressing the button 20B (see FIG. 4 ) multiple times (e.g., twice), or pressing the button 20B for a long time (e.g., five seconds or longer) to reset the device.

[0110] When the process shown in FIG. 22 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether a front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached (step 11). If a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies only power from the main battery to the heating unit 207 (step 13). That is, the control unit 206 controls the power supply selector switch 201C2 (see FIG. 121) to the ON state (connected state) and the power supply selector switch 201C1 (see FIG. 21) to the OFF state (disconnected state). On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether a heating mode with preheating is being used (step 41). In the case of normal heating mode #1, a negative result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 13.

[0111] In contrast, in the heating mode with preheating, a positive result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power only from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) during the preheating period, and supplies power only from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) during the main heating period (step 42). That is, the control unit 206 controls only the power supply selector switch 201C1 (see FIG. 21) to be on during the preheating period, and controls only the power supply selector switch 201C2 (see FIG. 21) to be on when the main heating period starts.

[0112] <Other Circuit Configurations> In the explanation of Figure 20, the case was described in which the power required for preheating is supplied from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) of the front panel 10 and the power required for main heating is supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) of the main device 20, but the heating mode with preheating can also be applied to the other embodiments described above. For example, both the power required for preheating and the power required for main heating may be supplied from the sub-battery of the front panel 10. Furthermore, for example, even if a front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached to the main device 20, both the power required for preheating and the power required for main heating may be supplied from the main battery of the main device 20, and the power required for other operations may be supplied from the front panel 10.

[0113] <Summary> In this embodiment, as in embodiments 1 and 2, the main battery (secondary battery 201A) and the sub-battery (primary battery 101) supply power to one heating unit 207 at different times. Specifically, during the pre-heating period, power is supplied from the sub-battery attached to the front panel 10, and during the main heating period, power is supplied from the main battery attached to the main device 20. The pre-heating period is shorter than the main heating period, and the target heating temperature (second temperature) is lower than the heating temperature (first temperature) during the main heating period. Therefore, less power is consumed during the pre-heating period than during the main heating period.

[0114] In either case, the power consumption of the main battery can be reduced compared to when the heating mode with preheating is performed using only the main battery. Furthermore, by providing a preheating period, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol generated during the main heating period. This allows the aerosol generating device 1 (main device 20) to operate in a heating mode different from that of the first embodiment.

[0115] In the present embodiment, too, the total amount of power available to the main device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a sub-battery is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A of the main device 20. Therefore, the usable time per charge of the secondary battery 201A and the number of stick-shaped substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol per charge can be increased compared to when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A.

[0116] Sixth Embodiment This embodiment also describes another example of the aerosol generation device 1 (main device 20) having a heating mode with preheating. FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 23, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 21 are assigned the same reference numerals. The main device 20 shown in FIG. 23 is provided with a first heating unit 207A and a second heating unit 207B, and the power supply line supplying power to the first heating unit 207A and the power supply line supplying power to the second heating unit 207B are separate. These two points are the differences between FIG. 23 and FIG. 21. Specifically, power is supplied to the first heating unit 207A from the main battery (secondary battery 201A), and power is supplied to the second heating unit 207B from the sub-battery (primary battery 101). Although not shown in FIG. 23, PWM circuits 201F1 and 201F2 may be arranged in the subsequent stage of the step-up DC / DC circuits 201D1 and D2, similarly to FIG.

[0117] FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6 ) according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 24 , the same reference numerals are used to denote parts corresponding to those in FIGS. 15 and 22 . The process shown in FIG. 24 is also initiated, for example, when the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by an output signal from a Hall IC. The process shown in FIG. 24 may also be initiated when a specific operation by the user is received. Examples of the specific operation include opening and closing the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1 ) multiple times (e.g., twice), pressing the button 20B (see FIG. 4 ) multiple times (e.g., twice), or pressing the button 20B for a long time (e.g., five seconds or longer) to reset the device.

[0118] 24 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached (step 11). If a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery to the first heating unit, but does not supply power to the second heating unit (step 33). That is, the control unit 206 controls the power supply selector switch 201C1 (see FIG. 23) to the OFF state (disconnected state) and the power supply selector switch 201C2 (see FIG. 23) to the ON state (connected state).

[0119] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the heating mode is with preheating (step 41). If the normal heating mode #1 is selected, a negative result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 33. On the other hand, if the heating mode is with preheating, a positive result is obtained in step 41. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power to the second heating unit 207B only from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) during the preheating period, and supplies power to the first heating unit 207A only from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) during the main heating period (step 51).

[0120] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating the heating profile employed in embodiment 6. In FIG. 25, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 20 are assigned the same reference numerals. The vertical axis of FIG. 25 represents heating temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. In this embodiment as well, the sub-battery (primary battery 101) supplies power during the preheating period, and the main battery (secondary battery 201A) supplies power during the main heating period; however, the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated by the second heating section 207B during the preheating period, and the stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated by the first heating section 207A during the main heating period. This is a difference from embodiment 5.

[0121] <Summary> In the present embodiment, first heating unit 207A and second heating unit 207B must be provided in main unit 20, but the power supply lines to each heating unit are separated, eliminating the need to install a backflow prevention circuit. Other effects are the same as in embodiment 5.

[0122] Seventh Embodiment In this embodiment, an aerosol generation device 1 (main body device 20) to which two aerosol sources can be attached will be described. In this embodiment, it is assumed that one aerosol source is a solid and the other aerosol source is a liquid. That is, in the seventh embodiment, it is assumed that the aerosol generation device 1 can be attached to both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source. The stick-shaped substrate 210 described above is an example of a container that stores a solid aerosol source. A container that stores a liquid aerosol source is also called a "cartridge."

[0123] Figure 26 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 (main body device 20) used in embodiment 7. In Figure 26, parts corresponding to those in Figure 6 are assigned the same reference numerals. The aerosol generation device 1 (main body device 20) shown in Figure 26 additionally includes a liquid guide section 221, a liquid storage section 222, a heating section 223, an air flow path 224, and an air inlet hole 225. The other configuration is the same as in embodiment 1. The newly added components will be described below.

[0124] 26 , an air flow path 224 is formed inside the main device 20. This air flow path 224 functions as a passage for transporting air flowing in from an air inlet 225 and aerosol generated from a liquid aerosol source stored in a liquid storage unit 222 to the holder 209 that holds the stick-shaped substrate 210. The liquid storage unit 222 is a container that stores the liquid aerosol source. For example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, is used as the liquid aerosol source.

[0125] The liquid aerosol source may include a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from a tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component when heated. The liquid aerosol source may also include a nicotine component. The liquid guide 221 is a component that guides and holds the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 222 from the liquid storage unit 222. The liquid guide 221 has a structure in which a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic is twisted. This type of component is also called a wick. Both ends of the liquid guide 221 are connected to the interior of the liquid storage unit 222. Therefore, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 222 spreads throughout the liquid guide 221 due to the capillary effect.

[0126] The heating unit 223 is a component that heats and atomizes the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 221 to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 223 is an example of a second heating unit. The heating unit 223 is not limited to the coil shape shown in FIG. 26 , and may be a film shape, a blade shape, or other shape. The shape of the heating unit 223 varies depending on the heating method, etc. The heating unit 223 is made of any material such as metal or polyimide. The heating unit 223 is arranged close to the liquid guiding unit 221. In this embodiment, the heating unit 223 is a metal coil wound around the outer circumferential surface of the liquid guiding unit 221.

[0127] In this embodiment, the heating unit 223 generates heat by receiving power from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) and heats the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 221 to the vaporization temperature. When the aerosol source reaches the vaporization temperature, it is released as a gas from the liquid guiding unit 221 into the air, but is cooled by the surrounding air and atomized into an aerosol. In this embodiment, power supply to the heating unit 223, which heats the liquid aerosol source, is linked to inhalation by the user. That is, power is supplied to the heating unit 223 from the start of inhalation by the user until the end of inhalation, and the supply of power to the heating unit 223 is stopped when the user ends inhalation.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 26, a liquid guide section 221 is disposed on the air flow path 224. Therefore, the liquid-derived aerosol generated by heating in the heating section 223 is mixed with air flowing in through the air inlet hole 225. The mixed gas of the liquid-derived aerosol and air then passes through the inside of the stick-shaped substrate 210 and is output into the user's oral cavity. In Fig. 26, the flow of this air and aerosol is indicated by arrows.

[0129] In the present embodiment, solid-derived aerosol is added to the mixed gas of liquid-derived aerosol and air as it passes through stick-shaped substrate 210. The concentration of solid-derived aerosol increases as stick-shaped substrate 210 is heated by heating unit 207. However, in the present embodiment, the liquid aerosol source is heated only when front panel 10 with a sub-battery is attached to main device 20. When heating unit 223 does not heat the liquid aerosol source, air not containing liquid-derived aerosol is supplied to bottom 209C of holder 209.

[0130] FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically illustrating the connections of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 7. In FIG. 27, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 23 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the case of FIG. 27, the heating unit 207 receives power from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) of the main device 20, and the heating unit 223 receives power from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) of the front panel 10. The heating unit 207 is used to heat the solid aerosol source (stick-shaped substrate 210), and the heating unit 223 is used to heat the liquid aerosol source. Although not shown in FIG. 27, PWM circuits 201F1 and F2 may be disposed downstream of the boost DC / DC circuits 201D1 and D2, as in FIG. 14.

[0131] Fig. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the heating mode switching process executed by the control unit 206 (see Fig. 6) in embodiment 7. In Fig. 27, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 18 and Fig. 24 are assigned the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the aerosol generated by heating the liquid aerosol source is added to the aerosol generated by heating the solid aerosol source, and therefore the heating mode for heating the liquid aerosol source is treated as an example of a "boost heating mode."

[0132] The process shown in Fig. 28 is also started when, for example, the attachment of the front panel 10 is detected by an output signal from a Hall IC. Note that the process shown in Fig. 28 may also be started when a specific operation by the user is received. Examples of the specific operation include opening and closing the shutter 30 (see Fig. 1) multiple times (e.g., twice), operating the button 20B (see Fig. 4) multiple times (e.g., twice), or pressing and holding the button 20B for a long time (e.g., five seconds or more) to reset the camera.

[0133] If a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) only to the heating unit 207 for heating solid matter, and does not supply power to the heating unit 223 for heating liquid matter (step 61). That is, the control unit 206 sets the heating mode to normal heating mode #1. At this time, the control unit 206 controls the power supply selector switch 201C1 (see FIG. 27) to the OFF state (disconnected state).

[0134] On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the mode is boost heating (step 21). If the mode is normal heating mode #1, a negative result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 proceeds to step 61. On the other hand, if the mode is boost heating mode, a positive result is obtained in step 21. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery to the heating unit for heating solids, and supplies power from the sub-battery to the heating unit for heating liquids (step 62).

[0135] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating normal heating mode #1 and boost heating mode in embodiment 7. In FIG. 29, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 10 are assigned the same reference numerals. The vertical axis of FIG. 29 represents heating temperature, and the horizontal axis represents time. In the case of FIG. 29, in normal heating mode #1, as in the other embodiments, power is supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) only to the solid object heating section 207. That is, an aerosol is generated from the stick-shaped substrate 210.

[0136] On the other hand, in boost heating mode, in addition to the supply of power from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) to the heating section 207 for solids, power from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) is supplied to the heating section 223 for liquids (see FIG. 27 ). As a result, in addition to aerosol derived from solids, aerosol derived from liquids flows into the oral cavity of a user holding the suction mouthpiece 210B of the stick-shaped substrate 210. In other words, the concentration of aerosol inhaled by the user is higher than in normal heating mode #1.

[0137] <Summary> In this embodiment, the aerosol generation device 1 (main unit 20) is provided with a heating mode (normal heating mode #1) that heats only the solid aerosol source out of the solid aerosol source and the liquid aerosol source, and a heating mode (boost heating mode) that heats both the solid aerosol source and the liquid aerosol source. The power of the sub-battery (primary battery 101) in the front panel 10 is used only for generating liquid-derived aerosol. Therefore, a circuit configuration that connects the main battery and the sub-battery in series, as in the second embodiment, is not required.

[0138] In either case, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) can operate in a heating mode different from that of embodiment 1. In the case of this embodiment, the total amount of power available to the main body device 20 equipped with the front panel 10 with a sub-battery is also increased compared to when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A of the main body device 20.

[0139] <Embodiment 8> 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 circuit is different from that of embodiment 1. Figure 30 is a diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 8. In Figure 30, parts corresponding to those in Figure 6 are assigned the same reference numerals. The difference between Figure 30 and Figure 6 is that the sub-battery attached to the front panel 10 is a secondary battery 101A.

[0140] Fig. 31 is a diagram schematically showing the connection relationship of the power supply circuit of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 8. In Fig. 31, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 7 are assigned the same reference numerals. The power supply section 201 shown in Fig. 31 has an additional power supply unit 201G for charging the secondary battery 101A of the front panel 10. The other configurations are the same as those of the power supply section 201 described in Fig. 7. The power supply unit 201G in this embodiment is a circuit that switches the power supply path and converts the voltage level depending on the operation mode.

[0141] The power supply unit 201G outputs, for example, 3.3 V (i.e., "system power") to a power supply line to which the sensor unit 202 (see FIG. 30), the notification unit 203 (see FIG. 30), the storage unit 204 (see FIG. 30), the communication unit 205 (see FIG. 30), and the control unit 206 (see FIG. 30) are connected. The power supply unit 201G also outputs, for example, 5 V to a power supply line to which the LED 20A (see FIG. 4) is connected, and outputs, for example, 4.2 V to a power supply line to which the heating unit 207 is connected.

[0142] Furthermore, when charging the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main device 20 from an external power source, the power supply unit 201G outputs, for example, 4.2 V to the power supply line connected to the secondary batteries 101A and 201A. The external power source here includes not only a commercial power source or a mobile battery, but also the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10. A USB cable is used to supply power from the commercial power source or the mobile battery, and therefore in FIG. 31 the power supply terminal corresponding to these is represented by VUSB.

[0143] The following describes the charging operation of the secondary battery 101A attached to the front panel 10 as a processing operation unique to this embodiment. FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation executed by the control unit 206 of embodiment 8. First, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a USB connection has been detected (step 71). If a USB connection is not detected, a negative result is obtained in step 71. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination in step 71. On the other hand, if a USB connection is detected, a positive result is obtained in step 71. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a secondary battery is mounted on the front panel 10 (step 72).

[0144] If a secondary battery is installed in the front panel 10, a positive result is obtained in step 72. 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 73A). 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 74A). If either one is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 74A. On the other hand, if both secondary batteries are fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 74A.

[0145] If a negative result is obtained in step 74A, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been removed (step 75A). If the USB cable remains connected, a negative result is obtained in step 75A. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 74A. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 75A. If a positive result is obtained in step 74A or if a positive result is obtained in step 75A, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery of the main unit 20 and the secondary battery of the front panel 10 (step 76A). Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0146] The process returns to the determination in step 72. If secondary battery 101A is not installed in front panel 10 (this includes not only the case where no battery is installed, but also the case where the installed battery is primary battery 101), a negative result is obtained in step 72. In this case, control unit 206 starts charging secondary battery 201A in main unit 20 (step 73B). Next, control unit 206 determines whether secondary battery 201A in main unit 20 is fully charged (step 74B). If secondary battery 201A is not fully charged, a negative result is obtained in step 74B. On the other hand, if secondary battery 201A is fully charged, a positive result is obtained in step 74B.

[0147] If a negative result is obtained in step 74B, the control unit 206 determines whether the USB cable has been removed (step 75B). If the USB cable remains connected, a negative result is obtained in step 75B. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 74B. On the other hand, if the USB cable is removed during charging, a positive result is obtained in step 75B. If a positive result is obtained in step 74B or if a positive result is obtained in step 75B, the control unit 206 stops charging the secondary battery of the main unit 20 (step 76B). Thereafter, the control unit 206 ends the USB charging operation.

[0148] FIG. 33 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. 33, 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.

[0149] <Summary> Front panel 10 equipped with secondary battery 101A described in this embodiment can be applied to any of the above-described embodiments 1 to 7. Furthermore, as described in this embodiment, when secondary battery 101A is attached to front panel 10, secondary battery 101A in front panel 10 is also charged when secondary battery 201A in main unit 20 is charged.

[0150] <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.

[0151] (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, etc., as long as the appearance is unified with the main device 20.

[0152] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the aerosol source heated by power supplied from the secondary battery 201A is described as a solid (stick-shaped substrate 210). However, the aerosol source heated by power supplied from the secondary battery 201A may also be a liquid.

[0153] (4) In the circuit configuration employed in the first embodiment, the PWM circuit 201F1 (see FIG. 14) may be arranged in the subsequent stage of the step-up DC / DC circuit 201D (see FIG. 7), and in the circuit configuration employed in the second embodiment, the PWM circuits 201F1 and 201F2 may be arranged in the subsequent stage of the step-up DC / DC circuits 201D1 and 201D2 (see FIG. 11).

[0154] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which aerosol generation was permitted only 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 operates solely on the built-in secondary battery 201A (see FIG. 7 ), while when the main device 20 is attached to the front panel 10 with a sub-battery, functions that use power from the batteries (primary battery 101, secondary battery 101A) of the front panel 10 are enabled.

[0155] (6) 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.

[0156] (7) 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 may be input to the main device 20 using methods other than deformation of the front panel 10. For example, a touch panel may be provided on the front panel 10 as a notification unit, and information indicating a user's operation on the touch panel may be notified to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of the main device 20 via a communication unit (not shown). 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 notified to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of the main device 20 via a communication unit (not shown). The touch panel, switches, etc. 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.

[0157] <Summary> The present disclosure includes the following configurations: (1) An aerosol generation device having a control unit, a first battery, and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, wherein the control unit controls the aerosol generation device to a heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source when a cover member provided with a second battery is attached to the device body. (2) The aerosol generation device described in (1), wherein the control unit supplies the total power of the first battery and the second battery to the heating unit when the heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source. (3) The aerosol generation device described in (1) or (2), wherein the control unit increases the power used to heat the aerosol source compared to other heating modes when the heating mode is a second heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated is greater than in other heating modes. (4) The aerosol generation device according to (1) or (3), further comprising a second heating unit that heats the aerosol source, wherein the control unit supplies power from the first battery to the heating unit and power from the second battery to the second heating unit. (5) The aerosol generation device according to (1), wherein, in a third heating mode in which a second period in which the aerosol source is heated to a second temperature lower than the first temperature is provided before a first period in which the aerosol source is heated to a first temperature at which the aerosol is generated, the control unit uses power from the first battery to heat the aerosol source in the first period and power from the second battery to heat the aerosol source in the second period. (6) The aerosol generation device according to (5), further comprising a second heating unit that heats the aerosol source, wherein, when the third heating mode is executed, the control unit supplies power from the first battery to the heating unit in the first period and power from the second battery to the second heating unit in the second period. (7) An aerosol generating device as described in (1), further comprising a second heating unit that heats a second aerosol source different from the aerosol source, and when the heating mode is the second heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated is greater than in other heating modes, the control unit supplies power from the first battery to the heating unit to heat the aerosol source, and supplies power from the second battery to the second heating unit to heat the second aerosol source.(8) A program for realizing a function in a computer provided in an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, to control the power from the second battery to a heating mode used to heat the aerosol source when a second battery is provided in a cover member attached to the device main body.

[0158] 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, 201...Power supply unit, 201B...Current balance control IC, 201C, 201C1, 201C2...Power supply switching switch switch, 201D, 201D1, 201D2... step-up DC / DC circuit, 201E... backflow prevention circuit, 201F1, 201F2... PWM circuit, 201G... power supply unit, 202... sensor section, 203... notification section, 204... storage section, 205... communication section, 206... control section, 207... heating section, 207A... first heating section, 207B... second heating section, 208... heat insulation section, 209... holding section, 210... stick-shaped substrate

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device comprising a control unit, a first battery, and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, wherein the control unit, when a cover member provided with a second battery is attached to the device body, controls to a heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source, an aerosol generating device.

2. The control unit, in the heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source, supplies the total power of the first battery and the second battery to the heating unit, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, when the heating mode is a second heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated is larger than that in other heating modes, increases the power used to heat the aerosol source compared to the other heating modes, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. further comprising a second heating unit for heating the aerosol source, wherein the control unit, supplies the power of the first battery to the heating unit, supplies the power of the second battery to the second heating unit, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

5. when the heating mode is a third heating mode in which a second period of heating the aerosol source at a second temperature lower than the first temperature is provided before a first period of heating the aerosol source at the first temperature at which aerosol is generated, the control unit, uses the power of the first battery to heat the aerosol source during the first period, uses the power of the second battery to heat the aerosol source during the second period, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

6. further comprising a second heating unit for heating the aerosol source, wherein the control unit, when executing the third heating mode, supplies the power of the first battery to the heating unit during the first period, supplies the power of the second battery to the second heating unit during the second period, The aerosol generating device according to claim 5.

7. further comprising a second heating unit for heating a second aerosol source different from the aerosol source, wherein the control unit, when the heating mode is a second heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated is larger than that in other heating modes, supplies the power of the first battery to the heating unit to heat the aerosol source, supplies the power of the second battery to the second heating unit to heat the second aerosol source, The aerosol generating device according to claim 1.

8. A computer provided in an aerosol generating device having a first battery and a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, When a second battery is provided in a cover member attached to the device body, a function of controlling the computer to a heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source, A program for realizing the function.