AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a national stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2022/040789 filed on Oct. 31, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

BACKGROUND ART

Aerosol generating devices are devices for generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol source comprising a flavoring or the like, and a secondary battery built into a main body is used as a power source thereof.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

• • [PTL 1] JP 2021-182915 A

SUMMARY

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram in which a front face side of an aerosol generating device is viewed from diagonally above.

FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the front face side of the aerosol generating device is viewed from diagonally below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram in which the aerosol generating device from which a shutter has been removed is viewed from above.

FIG. 4 is a diagram in which a main body device with a front panel removed is viewed from a front face.

FIG. 5 is a view of a rear face of the front panel removed from the main body device.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of an aerosol generating device used in embodiment 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 1.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a front panel attachment detection operation implemented by a control unit in the main body device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit of embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a normal heating mode #1 and a normal heating mode #2 in embodiment 1.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 2.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit of embodiment 2.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and a boost heating mode in embodiment 2.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 3.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit of embodiment 3.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and a normal heating mode #3 in embodiment 3.

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 4.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit of embodiment 4.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and the boost heating mode in embodiment 4.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a heating profile used in embodiment 5.

FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 5.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit of embodiment 5.

FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 6.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit of embodiment 6.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a heating profile used in embodiment 6.

FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of an aerosol generating device used in embodiment 7.

FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 7.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit of embodiment 7.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and the boost heating mode in embodiment 7.

FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of an aerosol generating device used in embodiment 8.

FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device used in embodiment 8.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation implemented by the control unit of embodiment 8.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the USB charging operation.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments relating to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical parts are indicated by identical reference signs.

Terms

An aerosol generating device according to each embodiment is a form of electronic cigarette. In the following description, a substance generated by the aerosol generating device will be referred to as an aerosol. An aerosol refers to a mixture of minute liquid or solid particles suspended in a gas, and air or another gas.

The embodiments describe aerosol generating devices which generate the aerosol without associated burning.

In the following description, the action of a user inhaling the aerosol generated by the aerosol generating device will be referred to as “inhalation” or “a puff”.

The embodiments describe aerosol generating devices to which a solid aerosol source can be fitted. It should be noted that a container for accommodating the solid aerosol source will be referred to as both a “capsule” and a “stick-type substrate”, depending on the form of product. Capsules and stick-type substrates are consumables. Capsules and stick-type substrates therefore have fixed criteria for replacement.

Embodiment 1

<Example of External Appearance>

An example of the external appearance of an aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 1 will be described first of all.

FIG. 1 is a diagram in which a front face side of the aerosol generating device 1 is viewed from diagonally above.

FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the front face side of the aerosol generating device 1 is viewed from diagonally below.

FIG. 3 is a diagram in which the aerosol generating device 1 from which a shutter 30 has been removed is viewed from above.

FIG. 4 is a diagram in which a main body device 20 with a front panel 10 removed is viewed from a front face.

FIG. 5 is a view of a rear face of the front panel 10 removed from the main body device 20.

The aerosol generating device 1 used in this embodiment has a size such that a user can hold it in one hand.

The aerosol generating device 1 comprises: a main body device 20; a front panel 10 attached to a front face of the main body device 20; and a shutter 30 which is disposed on an upper face of the main body device 20 and can be slidably operated along the upper face. The main body device 20 referred to here is an example of a device main body.

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

The front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 covers a front face part of the main body device 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other words, parts of the main body device 20 other than the front face part can also be seen from the outside after the front panel 10 has been attached. Side faces, a back face, an upper face and a bottom face of the main body device 20 can also be seen from the outside after the front panel 10 has been attached, for example.

The front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 joins continuously and steplessly with the side faces, upper face and bottom face of the main body device 20, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, forming an integral external appearance.

One role of the front panel 10 is thus decorative. Moreover, the side faces, upper face and bottom face of the main body device 20 are examples of parts which are not covered by the front panel 10.

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

The window 10B of embodiment 1 is formed by a light-transmissive material. The window 10B may equally be a slit penetrating from a front surface to a rear surface. Moreover, illumination and flashing of the light-emitting element represent states of operation, etc. of the aerosol generating device 1. The states of operation also include errors. Illumination and flashing of the light-emitting element are controlled by a control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) which will be described later.

In addition to its decorative role, the front panel 10 also has the role of alleviating propagation of heat released from the main body device 20, etc. In this embodiment, aerosol generation is therefore permitted only when the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20. In other words, the front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 forms an integral external appearance with the main body device 20 in a state in which an aerosol can be generated.

Furthermore, the front panel 10 has a role of protecting the main body device 20 from soiling and scratches, etc.

In addition, the front panel 10 deforms as a result of a user pressing a location thereon below the window 10B with the fingertips, and the front panel 10 is restored to its original shape when pressing is stopped.

A primary battery 101 is fitted to an inner side of the front panel 10 used in this embodiment. When the front panel 10 fitted with the primary battery 101 is attached to the main body device 20, an amount of power which can be used by the aerosol generating device 1 as a whole can be increased as compared to when the front panel 10 not fitted with the primary battery 101 is attached to the main body device 20. The primary battery 101 fitted to the front panel 10 is an example of a second battery. It should be noted that the battery fitted to the front panel 10 will be referred to below as a “sub-battery”.

The primary battery 101 fitted to the front panel 10 is used as an auxiliary power source for supplementing a lack of power in the main body device 20. The primary battery 101 is detachable from a rear face of the front panel 10. In other words, if the primary battery 101 has no residual capacity or reduced residual capacity, it can be replaced with a new primary battery 101.

The front panel 10 of this embodiment is an example of a cover member. Moreover, a main body panel 10A forming the external appearance of the front panel 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an example of a main body portion.

Film-type, coin-type and chip-type batteries, for example, are feasible as the primary battery 101. The primary battery 101 needs to be thin in all cases so as not to impede attachment of the front panel 10 to the main body device 20. Moreover, the front panel 10 to which the primary battery 101 is fitted is also provided with electrodes and connectors (not depicted) which are used to supply power to the main body device 20. Power supply electrodes may equally power the main body device 20 by contact power supply, but a loop coil (not depicted) is added as an electronic component in the case of contactless power supply (i.e., wireless power supply).

Standards for the contactless power supply referred to here include standards based on electromagnetic induction systems, such as the Qi standard and the NFC (=near field communication) standard, and electric field induction systems.

A type C USB (=universal serial bus) connector 21 is provided on the bottom face side of the main body device 20. The shape and type of USB connector 21 are given by way of example. In other words, the USB connector 21 may be a USB other than type C. In embodiment 1, the USB connector 21 is used for charging a power source unit 201 (see FIG. 7) built into the main body device 20, for example.

A hole 22 for insertion of a stick-type substrate 210 (see FIG. 6) accommodating an aerosol source is provided in an upper face portion of the main body device 20.

The stick-type substrate 210 used in this embodiment accommodates a solid aerosol source in a paper tube molded substantially into a cylindrical shape. The hole 22 is exposed by sliding the shutter 30 to an open position, and hidden by sliding the shutter 30 to a closed position.

The hole 22 has a cylindrical shape virtually the same as that of the stick-type substrate 210 in the case of embodiment 1. The diameter of an opening part of the hole 22 constitutes the dimension of a stick-type substrate 210 which can be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the stick-type substrate 210 is the dimension which can be inserted into the hole 22.

A magnet, for example, is attached to a rear face of the shutter 30. Meanwhile, a Hall IC is attached to the main body device 20 in a movable range of the shutter 30.

The Hall IC is a magnetic sensor formed by a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc., and outputs a voltage commensurate with the intensity of the magnetic field passing across the Hall element.

In this embodiment, opening and closing of the shutter 30 is detected from a change in the voltage output from the Hall IC accompanying sliding of the shutter 30. That is to say, it is detected whether the shutter 30 is at the closed position or the open position.

A button 20B is disposed substantially in the center of the front face of the main body device 20. As indicated above, the button 20B is operable while the front panel 10 is in an attached state.

The button 20B is used, for example, for turning the power source of the main body device on and off, for turning the power supply to a heating unit 207 (see FIG. 6) for heating the aerosol source on and off, and for Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing commands, etc. Moreover, a reset function is performed by a long press (e.g., pressing for 5 seconds or more) of the button 20B while the front panel 10 is removed from the main body device 20.

BLE (=Bluetooth low energy) is used as Bluetooth in this embodiment.

Magnets 20C used for attaching the front panel 10 are disposed on the upper portion and lower portion of the front face of the main body device 20. The magnets 20C are provided at positions facing magnets 10C provided on the inner side of the front panel 10. The magnets 10C on the front panel 10 are N poles, and the magnets 20C on the main body device 20 side are S poles, for example. The front panel 10 is detachably attached to the main body device 20 by the force of attraction of the magnets.

It should be noted that either the magnets 10C or the magnets 20C may be metal pieces made of iron or another magnetic metal. Incidentally, attachment of the front panel 10 to the main body device 20 is detected by means of the Hall IC provided on the main body device 20 side.

Various other types of electronic components required for generating an aerosol are built into the main body device 20. In this sense, the main body device 20 is an example of an electronic device specifically for generating an aerosol. Moreover, in a narrow sense the main body device 20 is referred to as an aerosol generating device.

<Internal Configuration>

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 1.

It should be noted that FIG. 6 shows a state in which the stick-type substrate 210 is fitted to the main body device 20. Furthermore, the internal configuration shown in FIG. 6 is intended to illustrate the electronic components provided in the main body device 20 and positional relationships thereof. For this reason, the external appearance of the electronic components, etc. shown in FIG. 6 does not always match the external appearance diagrams described above.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 1. It should be noted that FIG. 7 shows a state in which the primary battery 101 is fitted to the main body portion of the front panel 10.

The front panel 10 is provided with the primary battery 101 and a power supply circuit (not depicted). In the case of contact power supply, for example, the power supply circuit employs spring-loaded electrode pins (pogo pins) and connectors, etc. Furthermore, in the case of contactless power supply, the power supply circuit employs a loop coil, etc. It should be noted that the standards for contactless power supply include electromagnetic induction systems, such as the Qi standard and the near field communication (=NFC) standard, for example.

The main body device 20 comprises: a power source 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 portion 208, and a holding portion 209.

The user inhales the aerosol while the stick-type substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209.

The power source unit 201 of this embodiment is a unit for supplying power to the main body device 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, the power source unit 201 is provided with a secondary battery 201A, a current balance control IC 201B, a power source changeover switch 201C, a step-up DC/DC circuit 201D, and a reverse current preventing circuit 201E.

A lithium ion secondary battery or capacitor, for example, is used for the secondary battery 201A. The secondary battery 201A is a battery for storing the electrical power required for operation of the main body device 20. The secondary battery 201A is an example of the first battery. The secondary battery 201A will also be referred to below as the “main battery”. The secondary battery 201A is chargeable from an external power source. A mains power source or a mobile battery, for example, is feasible as an external power source in this embodiment.

The current balance control IC 201B is a circuit for adjusting a load distribution between the primary battery 101 on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A inside the main body device 20.

The states (residual capacity, extent of deterioration, temperature, etc.) of the primary battery 101 on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A inside the main body device 20 generally vary, and each of these states is moreover constantly fluctuating. For this reason, an output voltage of the primary battery 101 and an 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.

The current balance control IC 201B therefore performs control so that the voltages arising from the two batteries are the same, and the two batteries seen from the load appear to be a single battery.

The power source changeover switch 201C is a circuit for switching a supply of power from the two batteries and a supply of power from only the secondary battery 201A inside the main body device 20. The control unit 206 instructs switching by the power source changeover switch 201C in accordance with a heating mode.

The step-up DC/DC circuit 201D is a circuit for supplying a constant voltage, regardless of the output voltages of the two batteries, to a power source line to which the heating unit 207 is connected.

The reverse current preventing circuit 201E is what is known as a protection circuit. In the case of FIG. 7, the reverse current preventing circuit 201E is represented by a diode. The reverse current preventing circuit 201E may equally be a field effect transistor (=FET).

The sensor unit 202 is an electronic component for detecting various types of information relating to the main body device 20.

The sensor unit 202 has a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, or a flow rate sensor, for example. The sensor unit 202 serving as a sensor outputs detected information to the control unit 206. For example, when a change in air pressure or a flow of air accompanying inhalation has been detected, the sensor unit 202 outputs a numerical value representing inhalation by the user to the control unit 206.

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

The button 20B is used for switching a main power source on and off, and for switching starting and stopping of electrical supply to the heating unit 207 (i.e., starting and stopping of aerosol generation), etc.

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

The sensor unit 202 additionally has a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heating unit 207. The temperature sensor detects the temperature of the heating unit 207 on the basis of an electrical resistance value of a conductive track of the heating unit 207, for example. The detected electrical resistance value is output from the sensor unit 202 to the control unit 206. It should be noted that the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the heating unit 207 on the basis of the electrical resistance value. In other words, the control unit 206 calculates the temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 which is held in the holding portion 209.

The sensor unit 202 additionally has a sensor for detecting whether or not a sub-battery is fitted to the front panel 10 attached to the front face of the main body device 20 (i.e., whether or not a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached).

For example, when a predetermined, specific structural feature is detected from the attached front panel 10 via the sensor unit 202, the attached front panel 10 is deemed to be a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery. Furthermore, when a current or voltage is detected in the power source line used to supply electricity from the front panel 10, the attached front panel 10 is deemed to be a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery.

The sensor unit 202 additionally has a capacitive sensor, an optical sensor or a pressure sensor, etc. for detecting insertion of the stick-type substrate 210 into the holding portion 209.

The sensor unit 202 furthermore has an optical color sensor for distinguishing individual stick-type substrates 210, and a radio-frequency identification (=RFID) reader, etc.

The sensor unit 202 furthermore has a biosensor for measuring the user's heart rate, etc., and a fingerprint sensor used for unlocking, etc.

The sensor unit 202 furthermore has an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, etc. for detecting movement of the user.

The notification unit 203 is an electronic component for notifying the user of various types of information relating to the main body device 20. The notification unit 203 comprises the LED 20A (see FIG. 4) or another light-emitting device. For example, when the power source unit 201 needs to be charged, when the power source unit 201 is in the process of being charged, or when there is an abnormality in the main body device 20, the LED 20A emits light with different patterns for each.

The patterns as referred to here include different colors and different timings for illumination/extinguishing, etc.

Instead of or as well as the abovementioned light-emitting device, the notification unit 203 may also be configured by a display device for displaying images, a sound output device for outputting sounds, or a vibration device for causing the main body device 20 to vibrate, etc. The light-emitting device, display device, sound output device and vibration device, etc. are also examples of notification units for notifying information.

The notification unit 203 may additionally notify the user of a state in which the aerosol can be inhaled. This notification is made when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 heated by means of the heating unit 207 has reached a predetermined temperature.

The memory unit 204 stores various types of information relating to operation of the main body device 20. The memory unit 204 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

Information stored in the memory unit 204 includes an operating system (=OS) and firmware (=FW), and other programs, for example. The memory unit 204 furthermore stores a heating profile used for heating of the stick-type substrate 210 constituting the aerosol source. The heating profile is a data file stipulating temporal changes in a target temperature after the start of heating.

The memory unit 204 stores one heating profile in this embodiment.

It should be noted that the heating profile will be referred to as both a “control profile” and a “control sequence”.

The information stored in the memory unit 204 additionally includes information relating to control of electronic components, for example. The information relating to control includes information relating to inhalation by the user, such as number of inhalations, times of inhalation, and cumulative inhalation time. In other words, the memory unit 204 stores a user inhalation behavior history and an operating history.

The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for implementing communication between the main body device 20 and another device. The communication unit 205 communicates with other devices by means of a system based on any wired or wireless communication standard. The communication standards referred to here include wireless LAN, wired LAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark), for example.

For example, the communication unit 205 sends the information relating to user inhalation to a smartphone.

Furthermore, the communication unit 205 downloads, from a server, update programs and profiles stipulating changes in temperature of the heating unit 207 in a heating mode.

The control unit 206 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, controlling operations of the main body device 20 in accordance with various programs.

Control signals are sent through signal lines different from the power source line. For example, communication in the main body device 20 employs a serial communication method such as an inter-integrated circuit (=I2C) communication method, a serial peripheral interface (=SPI) communication method, or a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART) communication method.

The control unit 206 is realized by means of an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (=CPU), a microprocessing unit (=MPU), a graphical processing unit (=GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (=ASIC), a field programmable gate array (=FPGA), or a digital signal processor (=DSP), for example.

The control unit 206 may also include a read only memory (=ROM) for storing programs and computation parameters, etc., and a random access memory (=RAM) for temporarily storing suitably changing parameters, etc.

The control unit 206 executes various types of processing and control through execution of programs.

The processing and control referred to here include, for example: rewriting of heating profiles; supply of electricity from the power source unit 201 to other electronic components; charging of the power source unit 201; detection of information by the sensor unit 202; notification of information by the notification unit 203; storage and reading of information by the memory unit 204; and sending/receiving of information by the communication unit 205.

The control unit 206 additionally controls processing, etc. based on input of information to the electronic components and information output from the electronic components.

Furthermore, the control unit 206 also has a function for judging whether or not the front panel 10 attached to the main body device 20 is a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery, etc., and for implementing processing and control correspondingly with a result of the judgment.

The holding portion 209 is a substantially cylindrical container. In this embodiment, a space inside the holding portion 209 defined by an inner wall and a bottom face will be referred to as an internal space 209A. The internal space 209A is substantially columnar.

An opening 209B allowing the internal space 209A to communicate with the exterior is provided in the holding portion 209. The stick-type substrate 210 is inserted into the internal space 209A from the opening 209B. The stick-type substrate 210 is inserted until a tip end thereof touches a bottom portion 209C.

The stick-type substrate 210 is only partially accommodated in the internal space 209A. A state in which the stick-type substrate 210 is accommodated in the internal space 209A will be referred to as the stick-type substrate 210 being held in the internal space 209A.

The inner diameter of at least part of the holding portion 209 in an axial direction thereof is formed so as to be smaller than the outer diameter of the stick-type substrate 210.

An outer circumferential surface of the stick-type substrate 210 inserted into the internal space 209A is therefore subjected to pressure from the inner wall of the holding portion 209.

The stick-type substrate 210 is held in the internal space 209A by means of this pressure.

The holding portion 209 also has a function for defining a flow path for air passing through the stick-type substrate 210. An air inflow hole which is an inlet for air into the flow path is disposed in the bottom portion 209C, for example. Moreover, the opening 209B serves as an air outflow hole which is an outlet for the air.

In this embodiment, only part of the stick-type substrate 210 is held in the holding portion 209, with the remainder protruding outside from an enclosure. The part which is held in the holding portion 209 will be referred to below as a substrate portion 210A, and the part protruding from the enclosure will be referred to below as a mouthpiece portion 210B.

The aerosol source is accommodated in at least the substrate portion 210A. The aerosol source is a substance which is atomized by heating so as to generate an aerosol.

Other than shredded tobacco, the aerosol source contains a processed product obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into a granular form, a sheet form or a powder form, or another tobacco-derived substance.

In addition, the aerosol source may also contain a non-tobacco-derived substance produced from a plant other than tobacco, such as mint or herb. The aerosol source may contain a flavoring component such as menthol, for example.

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

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

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

The heating unit 207 is formed by a heater or other heat-generating element. The heating unit 207 is formed by any material such as a metal or polyimide. The heating unit 207 is constructed in the form of a film, for example, and fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the holding portion 209.

The aerosol source contained in the stick-type substrate 210 is heated and atomized by the heat generated by the heating unit 207. The atomized aerosol source is mixed with air, etc., and an aerosol is generated.

In FIG. 6, the outer circumferential region of the stick-type substrate 210 is initially heated, with the range of heating steadily moving toward the center.

Atomization of the aerosol source therefore starts from the outer circumferential region of the stick-type substrate 210 and steadily moves toward the center.

The heating unit 207 generates heat by means of electrical supply from the power source unit 201. Electrical supply to the heating unit 207 is permitted when predetermined user input is detected via the sensor unit 202, for example. The user input as referred to here includes operation of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) and/or of the button 20B (see FIG. 4). However, electricity is supplied to the heating unit 207 on the assumption that the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the main body device 20. By attaching the front panel 10, the temperature transmitted to the user's hand can be reduced as compared to when the front panel 10 is not attached.

Moreover, inhalation by the user becomes possible when the temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 heated by means of the heating unit 207 reaches a predetermined temperature. Inhalation of the aerosol by the user is detected by means of the flow rate sensor, etc. in the sensor unit 202 and saved in the memory unit 204.

Electrical supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped when predetermined user input is subsequently detected by the sensor unit 202. It should be noted that it is also possible to adopt a method in which electricity is supplied to the heating unit 207 during a period in which inhalation by the user is detected by the sensor unit 202, and electrical supply to the heating unit 207 is stopped when inhalation by the user is no longer detected by the sensor unit 202.

Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 6, the heating unit 207 is disposed outside the stick-type substrate 210, but it is equally possible for the heating unit 207 to be a blade-like metal piece which is inserted into the stick-type substrate 210 for use, or for the heating unit 207 to be a metal piece built into the stick-type substrate 210. When a metal piece acting as the heating unit 207 is built into the stick-type substrate 210, an induction heating coil should be arranged around the holding portion 209.

The heat insulating portion 208 is a member for reducing propagation of heat generated by the heating unit 207 to the surrounding area. The heat insulating portion 208 is therefore disposed so as to cover at least the outer circumferential surface of the heating unit 207.

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

<Processing Operation Example>

An example of processing operations implemented by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) in the main body device 20 (see FIG. 6) will be described below.

<Attachment Detection Operation>

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation to detect attachment of the front panel 10 which is implemented by the control unit 206 in the main body device 20. This operation is implemented not only before the start of heating by the heating unit 207 (see FIG. 6), but also after heating has started, and is constantly implemented in the background. Note that the symbol “S” in the drawings means “step”.

The control unit 206 first of all determines whether or not the front panel 10 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the main body device 20 (see FIG. 1) (step 1).

When the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20, an affirmative result is obtained in step 1. On the other hand, when the front panel 10 is removed from the front face of the main body device 20, a negative result is obtained in step 1. Attachment/detachment of the front panel 10 is determined on the basis of an output signal from the Hall IC.

When an affirmative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 cancels the state of prohibition of heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 (step 2).

However, canceling the state of prohibition of heating is different from heating being started.

Heating of the stick-type substrate 210 (see FIG. 6) constituting the aerosol source is started by a long press of 1 second or greater of the button 20B (see FIG. 4) from above the front panel 10.

When a negative result is obtained in step 1, the control unit 206 controls heating of the aerosol source by the heating unit 207 to the state of prohibition (step 3). This makes it possible to prevent heating of the aerosol source while the front panel 10 is not attached.

When step 2 or step 3 is implemented, the control unit 206 repeatedly returns to step 1 to determine whether or not the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20.

This attachment detection operation ensures that the user is not directly touching the main body device 20 during a heating operation.

<Switching of Heating Mode>

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of embodiment 1.

The processing shown in FIG. 9 is launched at a timing at which attachment of the front panel 10 has been detected by means of an output signal from the Hall IC, for example. Moreover, the processing shown in FIG. 9 may equally be launched at a timing at which a specific user operation has been received. Specific operations as referred to here include, for example: opening/closing of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); operation of the button 20B (see FIG. 4) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); and a reset operation performed by a long press (e.g., 5 seconds or more) of the button 20B.

When the processing shown in FIG. 9 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached (step 11). There is no need to identify the type of sub-battery in this embodiment. That is to say, it makes no difference whether the sub-battery is the primary battery 101 or the secondary battery which will be described in other embodiments.

An affirmative result is obtained in step 11 when a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies the heating unit 207 with power (total power) from both the main battery (secondary battery 201A) and the sub-battery (primary battery 101) (step 12). The heating mode in step 12 will be referred to as “normal heating mode #2” in this embodiment.

Meanwhile, a negative result is obtained in step 11 when a front panel 10 not fitted with a sub-battery is attached. In this embodiment, a front panel 10 not fitted with a sub-battery means a front panel 10 not having a structure for attaching the sub-battery. When a state in which a sub-battery is not attached has been detected, then even if the front panel 10 has a structure for attaching a sub-battery, the front panel 10 is treated as a front panel 10 not having a structure for attaching a sub-battery.

In this case, the control unit 206 supplies the heating unit 207 only with power from the main battery (step 13). The heating mode in step 13 will be referred to as “normal heating mode #1” in this embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a normal heating mode #1 and a normal heating mode #2 in embodiment 1. The vertical axis in FIG. 10 denotes heating temperature, and the horizontal axis denotes time.

The normal heating mode #1 and the normal heating mode #2 are both forms of normal heating modes.

As shown in FIG. 10, the difference between the normal heating mode #1 and the normal heating mode #2 lies only in the method of supplying power. The normal heating mode #1 and the normal heating mode #2 therefore have the same heating profiles. Since the heating profiles are the same, the power consumed during periods of heating the stick-type substrate 210 is the same in the normal heating mode #1 and the normal heating mode #2.

The load on the main battery (i.e., the secondary battery 201A) is therefore halved during operation in the normal heating mode #2. As a result, thermal stress caused by the secondary battery 201A is alleviated as compared to operation in the normal heating mode #1, so the lifespans of the secondary battery 201A and the electronic components constituting the main body device 20 are expected to be longer. Furthermore, the reduction in thermal stress also contributes to a reduction in the failure rate of electronic components constituting the main body device 20.

The normal heating mode #2 as referred to here is an example of a heating mode in which power from the sub-battery serving as the second battery is used to heat the stick-type substrate 210.

Summary

The aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) of this embodiment has, in addition to the 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, the normal heating mode #2 in which power of the sub-battery (primary battery 101) fitted to the front panel 10 is used to heat the stick-type substrate 210. That is to say, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is capable of selectively implementing two types of heating modes. This makes it possible to realize an aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) operable in a variety of heating modes.

Furthermore, as described above, the total power of power supplied from the primary battery 101 fitted to the front panel 10 and power supplied from the secondary battery 201A fitted to the main body device 20 is used to heat the stick-type substrate 210, which therefore reduces the load on the secondary battery 201A.

As a result, thermal stress applied to surrounding electronic components can be alleviated, and it is possible to achieve a longer lifespan and a reduction in failure rate of the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20).

It should be noted that the total amount of power that can be used by the main body device 20 to which the front panel 10 fitted with the sub-battery is attached is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20.

The time for which the secondary battery 201A is usable with one charge, and the number of stick-type substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol with one charge can therefore be increased as compared to when power is supplied only by the secondary battery 201A.

Embodiment 2

This embodiment describes a heating mode in which the amount of aerosol generated is greater than in the normal heating mode (the heating mode of this embodiment will be referred to below as the “boost heating mode”).

The basic hardware configuration and functional configuration of this embodiment are the same as in embodiment 1. However, the connection relationships in the power source system circuit of this embodiment are different from those of embodiment 1.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 2. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 11 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 7.

The power source unit 201 shown in FIG. 11 differs from the power source unit 201 shown in FIG. 7 in that the power source unit 201 shown in FIG. 11 does not comprise the current balance control IC 201B (see FIG. 7).

This is because the primary battery 101 and the secondary battery 201A are connected in series when the total power of the main battery and the sub-battery is supplied in this embodiment.

In FIG. 11, power source lines to the heating unit 207 comprise two systems: a high-voltage system and a low-voltage system. The high-voltage system is used to supply power from a series circuit formed by the primary battery 101 and the secondary battery 201A, while the low-voltage system is used to supply power from only the secondary battery 201A.

The high-voltage system is configured by a power source changeover switch 201C1 and a step-up DC/DC circuit 201D1. Meanwhile, the low-voltage system is configured by a power source changeover switch 201C2 and a step-up DC/DC circuit 201D2.

In this embodiment, either one of the power source changeover switch 201C1 and the power source changeover switch 201C2 is controlled by means of the control unit 206 to an ON state (connected state), while the other is controlled to an OFF state (disconnected state). For example, when the power source changeover switch 201C1 is controlled to an ON state, the power source changeover switch 201C2 is controlled to an OFF state.

Furthermore, the step-up DC/DC circuit 201D1 is a circuit for supplying the power source line to which the heating unit 207 is connected with a constant voltage (e.g., 6 V) regardless of fluctuations in the voltage provided from the series circuit. Meanwhile, the step-up DC/DC circuit 201D2 is a circuit for supplying the power source line to which the heating unit 207 is connected with a constant voltage (e.g., 5 V) regardless of fluctuations in the voltage provided from the secondary battery 201A.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of embodiment 2. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 12 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 9.

The processing shown in FIG. 12 is also launched at a timing at which attachment of the front panel 10 has been detected by means of an output signal from the Hall IC, for example. Moreover, the processing shown in FIG. 12 may equally be launched at a timing at which a specific user operation has been received. Specific operations as referred to here include, for example: opening/closing of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); operation of the button 20B (see FIG. 4) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); and a reset operation performed by a long press (e.g., 5 seconds or more) of the button 20B.

When the processing shown in FIG. 12 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached (step 11).

When a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies the heating unit 207 only with power from the main battery (step 13). That is to say, the control unit 206 controls the power source changeover switch 201C2 to an ON state (connected state), and controls the power source changeover switch 201C1 to an OFF state (disconnected state).

Meanwhile, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the heating mode is the boost heating mode (step 21). In other words, it is determined whether or not the heating mode in progress is a heating mode in which power is supplied from the series circuit comprising the main battery (secondary battery 201A) and the sub-battery (primary battery 101).

In this embodiment, the step 21 is provided because the user is able to select the heating mode. Accordingly, the step 21 is not needed if the boost heating mode is automatically set when a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached.

A negative result is obtained in step 21 when the heating mode is not the boost heating mode (when the heating mode is the normal heating mode #1 here). The normal heating mode as referred to here is an example of “another heating mode” in contrast to the boost heating mode. In this case, the control unit 206 advances to step 13 and supplies the heating unit 207 only with power from the main battery (secondary battery 201A).

In contrast to this, an affirmative result is obtained in step 21 when the heating mode is the boost heating mode. In this case, the control unit 206 sets the heating mode to the boost heating mode, in which power is supplied from the series circuit comprising 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. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 13 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 10. The vertical axis in FIG. 13 denotes heating temperature, and the horizontal axis denotes time.

When the heating mode is the boost heating mode, the power supplied to the heating unit 207 increases from that in normal heating mode #1 in proportion to the power of the sub-battery (primary battery 101). In other words, the heating unit 207 generates a greater amount of heat than in the normal heating mode #1. As a result, the heating temperature of the heating unit 207 is higher than in the normal heating mode #1, as shown in FIG. 13.

Summary

In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) has, in addition to the 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, the boost heating mode in which power of the sub-battery (primary battery 101) fitted to the front panel 10 is used to heat the stick-type substrate 210. That is to say, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is capable of selectively implementing two types of heating modes. By this means, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is operable in a different heating mode from that of embodiment 1.

In the case of this embodiment also, the total amount of power that can be used by the main body device 20 to which the front panel 10 fitted with the sub-battery is attached is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20.

The time for which the secondary battery 201A is usable with one charge, and the number of stick-type substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol with one charge can therefore be increased as compared to when the power required in the boost heating mode is supplied only by the secondary battery 201A.

Embodiment 3

In this embodiment, a case in which the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) has two heating units 207 will be described. That is to say, a description will be given of an example in which the normal heating mode (referred to below as “normal heating mode #3”) is achieved by simultaneous heating of the two heating units 207.

It should be noted that the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration are the same as in embodiment 1, except for the circuitry associated with the heating units 207.

FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 3. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 14 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 11.

In FIG. 14, there are two heating units 207: a first heating unit 207A and a second heating unit 207B. It should be noted that the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B are both examples of the “heating unit”.

The first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B are not limited to a single example of arrangement.

For example, the first heating unit 207A may serve as a heater disposed on the inner wall of the holding portion 209 (see FIG. 6), and the second heating unit 207B may serve as a heater disposed on the bottom portion 209C of the holding portion 209.

As a further example, the first heating unit 207A may serve as a heater disposed on the inner wall of the holding portion 209 (see FIG. 6), and the second heating unit 207B may serve as a metal piece (also referred to below as a “heating blade”) inserted into a tip-end section of the stick-type substrate 210.

As a further example, the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B may be configured as an induction heating coil installed coaxially with the substantially cylindrical holding portion 209. This system is used when an induction-heated metal piece is embedded in the stick-type substrate 210.

The first heating unit 207A is connected to a power source line employing the main battery (secondary battery 201A) inside the main body device 20 as an electrical power source. The step-up DC/DC circuit 201D2 and a PWM (=pulse width modulation) circuit 201F2 are connected in series in this power source line.

The second heating unit 207B is connected to a power source line employing the sub-battery (primary battery 101) inside the front panel 10 as an electrical power source. The power source changeover switch 201C1, the step-up DC/DC circuit 201D1, and a PWM circuit 201F1 are connected in series in this power source line.

In this embodiment, the power source changeover switch 201C1 is controlled to the OFF state (disconnected state) during a heating mode employing only the first heating unit 207A (i.e., the normal heating mode #1).

The booster DC/DC circuits 201D1, 201D2 are circuits for outputting a constant voltage regardless of fluctuations in the output voltage of the corresponding voltage source.

The PWM circuits 201F1, 201F2 are circuits for varying the power supplied to the load (heating units 207A, 207B) through control of the pulse width duty ratio (ratio of the H level/L level periods of the pulse width).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of embodiment 3. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 15 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 12.

The processing shown in FIG. 15 is also launched at a timing at which attachment of the front panel 10 has been detected by means of an output signal from the Hall IC, for example. Moreover, the processing shown in FIG. 15 may equally be launched at a timing at which a specific user operation has been received. Specific operations as referred to here include, for example: opening/closing of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); operation of the button 20B (see FIG. 4) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); and a reset operation performed by a long press (e.g., 5 seconds or more) of the button 20B.

When the processing shown in FIG. 15 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached (step 11).

When a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery to the first heating unit 207A, and does not supply power to the second heating unit 207B (step 33).

That is to say, the control unit 206 controls the power source changeover switch 201C1 (see FIG. 14) to the OFF state (disconnected state). It should be noted that the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) controls the duty ratio of the PWM circuit 201F2 that supplies power to the first heating unit 207A to 100%, for example.

In contrast to this, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the heating mode is the normal heating mode #3 (step 31). That is to say, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the heating mode is the normal heating mode in which the load is distributed between the two batteries.

A negative result is obtained in step 31 if the heating mode is the normal heating mode #1. The control unit 206 advances to step 33 in this case.

In contrast to this, an affirmative result is obtained in step 31 if the heating mode is the normal heating mode #3. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery (i.e., the secondary battery 201A) to the first heating unit 207A, and supplies power from the sub-battery (i.e., the primary battery 101) to the second heating unit 207B (step 32).

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

For example, the control unit 206 performs control so that the total of the power supplied to the first heating unit 207A and the power supplied to the second heating unit 207B (also referred to below as “total power”) is the same as the power supplied to the first heating unit 207A in the normal heating mode #1.

For example, the control unit 206 may control each of the power supplied by the main battery (secondary battery 201A) to the first heating unit 207A and the power supplied by the sub-battery (primary battery 101) to the second heating unit 207B to half of the power supplied to the first heating unit 207A in the normal heating mode #1.

However, this control example assumes that the heating temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 will be the same as in the normal heating mode #1 if the total power is the same as the power supplied to the first heating unit 207A in the case of normal heating mode #1.

This means that, when the total power is the same as the power supplied in the normal heating mode #1, but the same heating temperature cannot be obtained as in the normal heating mode #1, it is necessary to adjust the ratio of power supplied from each battery and the total power.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and the normal heating mode #3 in embodiment 3. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 16 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 10. The vertical axis in FIG. 16 denotes heating temperature, and the horizontal axis denotes time.

The normal heating mode #1 and the normal heating mode #3 are both forms of normal heating modes. The normal heating mode #1 and the normal heating mode #3 therefore have the same heating profiles.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the heating mode is the normal heating mode #3, power is supplied from the main battery to the first heating unit 207A, power is supplied from the sub-battery to the second heating unit 207B, and the same heating temperature as in the normal heating mode #1 is achieved.

Summary

In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) comprises the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B for heating a common stick-type substrate 210 (see FIG. 6), with the main battery and the sub-battery supplying power to one corresponding heating unit each. Consequently, there is no need for the current balance control IC 201B (see FIG. 7) for adjusting differences in output voltage of the two batteries. By this means, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is operable in a different heating mode from that of embodiment 1.

Furthermore, the load on the secondary battery 201A is reduced in the normal heating mode #3, which therefore also alleviates thermal stress applied to the surrounding electronic components. As a result, it is possible to achieve a longer lifespan and a reduction in failure rate of the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20).

In the case of this embodiment also, the total amount of power that can be used by the main body device 20 to which the front panel 10 fitted with the sub-battery is attached is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20.

The time for which the secondary battery 201A is usable with one charge, and the number of stick-type substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol with one charge can therefore be increased as compared to when power is supplied only by the secondary battery 201A.

Embodiment 4

In this embodiment, another exemplary form of an aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) comprising two heating units 207 will be described. Specifically, a case in which one of the heating units 207 is used for boost heating will be described.

It should be noted that the basic hardware configuration and functional configuration are the same as in embodiment 3, except for the circuit configuration of the power source unit 201.

FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 4. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 17 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 14.

The difference between the main body device 20 shown in FIG. 17 and the main body device 20 shown in FIG. 14 lies in the presence or absence of the PWM circuits 201F1, 201F2 (see FIG. 14). The main body device 20 showed in FIG. 17 does not employ the PWM circuits 201F1, 201F2. Other components are the same as in FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of embodiment 4. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 18 for parts which correspond to those of FIGS. 12 and 15.

The processing shown in FIG. 18 is also launched at a timing at which attachment of the front panel 10 has been detected by means of an output signal from the Hall IC, for example. Moreover, the processing shown in FIG. 18 may equally be launched at a timing at which a specific user operation has been received. Specific operations as referred to here include, for example: opening/closing of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); operation of the button 20B (see FIG. 4) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); and a reset operation performed by a long press (e.g., 5 seconds or more) of the button 20B.

When the processing shown in FIG. 18 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached (step 11).

When a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery to the first heating unit, and does not supply power to the second unit (step 33). That is to say, the control unit 206 controls the power source changeover switch 201C1 (see FIG. 17) to the OFF state (disconnected state).

In contrast to this, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the heating mode is the boost heating mode (step 21).

A negative result is obtained in step 21 if the heating mode is the normal heating mode #1. The control unit 206 advances to step 33 in this case.

In contrast to this, an affirmative result is obtained in step 21 when the heating mode is the boost heating mode. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery (i.e., the secondary battery 201A) to the first heating unit 207A, and supplies power from the sub-battery (i.e., the primary battery 101) to the second heating unit 207B (step 32).

When the heating mode is the boost heating mode, the control unit 206 supplies the second heating unit 207B with power from the sub-battery by controlling the power source changeover switch 201C1 (see FIG. 17) to the ON state (connected state). By this means, the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B each start to heat the stick-type substrate 210. Heating by the first heating unit 207A is the same as for the normal heating mode #1, so the heating temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 increases in proportion to heating by the second heating unit 207B.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and the boost heating mode in embodiment 4. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 19 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 13. The vertical axis in FIG. 19 denotes heating temperature, and the horizontal axis denotes time.

As shown in FIG. 19, when the heating mode is the normal heating mode #1, the first heating unit 207A heats the stick-type substrate 210 to a heating temperature defined by the heating profile by means of power supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A).

Meanwhile, when the heating mode is the boost heating mode, heating by the first heating unit 207A continues unchanged, and heating by the second heating unit 207B is added. Electricity is supplied to the second heating unit 207B from the sub-battery (primary battery 101). As a result, the heating temperature of the stick-type substrate 210 is higher than in the normal heating mode #1.

<Other Circuit Configurations>

In the description above, the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 17 was used for the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) adapted to switch between the normal heating mode and the boost heating mode, but the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 14 may equally be used.

When the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 14 is used for switching between the normal heating mode and the boost heating mode, temperature control by means of the PWM circuits 201F1 and F2 is possible.

Summary

In this embodiment also, 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 in the same way as in embodiment 3. Consequently, there is no need for the current balance control IC 201B (see FIG. 7) for adjusting differences in output voltage of the two batteries. By this means, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is operable in a different heating mode from that of embodiment 1.

In the case of this embodiment also, the total amount of power that can be used by the main body device 20 to which the front panel 10 fitted with the sub-battery is attached is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20.

The time for which the secondary battery 201A is usable with one charge, and the number of stick-type substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol with one charge can therefore be increased as compared to when power is supplied only by the secondary battery 201A.

Embodiment 5

This embodiment describes an example in which the period in which power is supplied to one heating unit 207 is divided in two, and the power supply source (i.e., the battery) is switched for each period.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a heating profile used in embodiment 5. The vertical axis in FIG. 20 denotes heating temperature, and the horizontal axis denotes time.

In this embodiment, one of the two periods will be referred to as the “main heating” period, while the other will be referred to as the “preheating” period. Note that the preheating period is set shorter than the main heating period.

The main heating period as referred to here is an example of a first period, and the preheating period is an example of a second period.

The main heating period refers to a period in which the heating unit 207 is heated to a first temperature at which an aerosol is generated. The preheating period refers to a period, provided before the start of the main heating period, in which the heating unit 207 is heated to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

The first temperature is 300° C., for example, and the second temperature is 200° C., for example. The second temperature is higher than the air temperature in the usage environment. The time needed to heat to the first temperature from the second temperature is therefore shorter than the time that it would take to heat to the first temperature from the air temperature in the usage environment.

The heating mode provided with the preheating period before the main heating period will be referred to below as the heating mode with preheating. The heating mode with preheating is an example of a “third heating mode”.

FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 5. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 21 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 11.

In FIG. 21, the sub-battery (primary battery 101) on the front panel 10 and the main battery (secondary battery 201A) in the main body device 20 are connected in parallel. Other components are the same as in FIG. 11. It should be noted that the PWM circuits 201F1 and F2 may be arranged at the stage after the step-up DC/DC circuits 201D1 and D2 in the same way as in FIG. 14, although such an arrangement is not depicted in FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of embodiment 5. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 22 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 12.

The processing shown in FIG. 22 is also launched at a timing at which attachment of the front panel 10 has been detected by means of an output signal from the Hall IC, for example. Moreover, the processing shown in FIG. 22 may equally be launched at a timing at which a specific user operation has been received. Specific operations as referred to here include, for example: opening/closing of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); operation of the button 20B (see FIG. 4) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); and a reset operation performed by a long press (e.g., 5 seconds or more) of the button 20B.

When the processing shown in FIG. 22 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached (step 11).

When a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies the heating unit 207 only with power from the main battery (step 13). That is to say, the control unit 206 controls the power source changeover switch 201C2 (see FIG. 21) to an ON state (connected state), and controls the power source changeover switch 201C1 (see FIG. 21) to an OFF state (disconnected state).

In contrast to this, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the heating mode is the heating mode with preheating (step 41).

A negative result is obtained in step 41 if the heating mode is the normal heating mode #1. The control unit 206 advances to step 13 in this case.

In contrast to this, an affirmative result is obtained in step 41 when the heating mode is the heating mode with preheating. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power only from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) in the preheating period, and supplies power only from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) in the main heating period (step 42). That is to say, the control unit 206 controls only the power source changeover switch 201C1 (see FIG. 21) to the ON state in the preheating period, and controls only the power source changeover switch 201C2 (see FIG. 21) to the ON state when the main heating period starts.

<Other Circuit Configurations>

The description relating to FIG. 20 concerns a case in which the power required for preheating is supplied from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) on the front panel 10, and the power required for main heating is supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) in the main body device 20, but the heating mode with preheating may 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 on the front panel 10.

As a further example, both the power required for preheating and the power required for main heating may be supplied from the main battery in the main body device 20, even if a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached to the main body device 20, and the power required for other operations may be supplied from the front panel 10, for example.

Summary

In this embodiment, the main battery (secondary battery 201A) and the sub-battery (primary battery 101) supply power to a single heating unit 207 with a time difference, in the same way as in embodiments 1 and 2. Specifically, power is supplied from the sub-battery fitted to the front panel 10 in the preheating period, and power is supplied from the main battery fitted to the main body device 20 in the main heating period. The preheating period is shorter than the main heating period, and the target heating temperature (second temperature) is also lower than the heating temperature (first temperature) in the main heating period. The power consumed in the preheating period is therefore less than the power consumed in the main heating period.

In any case, it is possible to reduce the amount of power consumed by the main battery as compared to a case in which the heating mode with preheating is implemented by only the main battery.

Furthermore, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol generated during the main heating period by providing the preheating period. By this means, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is operable in a different heating mode from that of embodiment 1.

In the case of this embodiment also, the total amount of power that can be used by the main body device 20 to which the front panel 10 fitted with the sub-battery is attached is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20.

The time for which the secondary battery 201A is usable with one charge, and the number of stick-type substrates 210 that can be used to generate aerosol with one charge can therefore be increased as compared to when power is supplied only by the secondary battery 201A.

Embodiment 6

This embodiment also describes another exemplary form of an aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) having the heating mode with preheating.

FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 6. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 23 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 21.

The main body device 20 shown in FIG. 23 is provided with the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B, and separate power source lines are provided, namely a power source line for supplying power to the first heating unit 207A and a power source line for supplying power to the second heating unit 207B. These are the two differences between FIG. 23 and FIG. 21.

Specifically, power is supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) to the first heating unit 207A, and power is supplied from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) to the second heating unit 207B.

It should be noted that the PWM circuits 201F1 and F2 may be arranged at the stage after the step-up DC/DC circuits 201D1 and D2 in the same way as in FIG. 14, although such an arrangement is not depicted in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of embodiment 6. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 24 for parts which correspond to those of FIGS. 15 and 22.

The processing shown in FIG. 24 is also launched at a timing at which attachment of the front panel 10 has been detected by means of an output signal from the Hall IC, for example. Moreover, the processing shown in FIG. 24 may equally be launched at a timing at which a specific user operation has been received. Specific operations as referred to here include, for example: opening/closing of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); operation of the button 20B (see FIG. 4) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); and a reset operation performed by a long press (e.g., 5 seconds or more) of the button 20B.

When the processing shown in FIG. 24 starts, the control unit 206 determines whether or not a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached (step 11).

When a negative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery to the first heating unit, and does not supply power to the second unit (step 33). That is to say, the control unit 206 controls the power source changeover switch 201C1 (see FIG. 23) to an OFF state (disconnected state), and controls the power source changeover switch 201C2 (see FIG. 23) to an ON state (connected state).

In contrast to this, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the heating mode is the heating mode with preheating (step 41).

A negative result is obtained in step 41 if the heating mode is the normal heating mode #1. The control unit 206 advances to step 33 in this case.

In contrast to this, an affirmative result is obtained in step 41 when the heating mode is the heating mode with preheating. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power to the second heating unit 207B only from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) in the preheating period, and supplies power to the first heating unit 207A only from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) in the main heating period (step 51).

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a heating profile used in embodiment 6. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 25 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 20. The vertical axis in FIG. 25 denotes heating temperature, and the horizontal axis denotes time.

In this embodiment also, the sub-battery (primary battery 101) supplies power in the preheating period, and the main battery (secondary battery 201A) supplies power in the main heating period, but it is the second heating unit 207B which heats the stick-type substrate 210 in the preheating period, and the first heating unit 207A which heats the stick-type substrate 210 in the main heating period. This is the difference with embodiment 5.

Summary

In this embodiment, the first heating unit 207A and the second heating unit 207B need to be provided in the main body device 20, but there is no need to install a reverse current preventing circuit because separate power source lines to the heating units are provided. Other advantageous effects are the same as in embodiment 5.

Embodiment 7

This embodiment describes an aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) to which two aerosol sources can be fitted. This embodiment assumes that one aerosol source is a solid and the other aerosol source is a liquid. That is to say, it is assumed that the aerosol generating device 1 of embodiment 7 can be fitted with both a liquid aerosol source and a solid aerosol source. The stick-type substrate 210 described above is an example of a container for accommodating the solid aerosol source. A container for accommodating the liquid aerosol source will also be referred to as a “cartridge”.

FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) used in embodiment 7. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 26 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 6.

A liquid guiding portion 221, a liquid storage portion 222, a heating unit 223, an air flow path 224, and an air inflow hole 225 are added to the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) shown in FIG. 26. Other components are the same as in embodiment 1.

The newly added components will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 26, the air flow path 224 is formed inside the main body device 20. The air flow path 224 functions as a passage for conveying, to the holding portion 209 holding the stick-type substrate 210, air that has flowed in from the air inflow hole 225, and aerosol generated from the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 222.

The liquid storage portion 222 is a container for storing the liquid aerosol source. A polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water is used as the liquid aerosol source, for example.

The liquid aerosol source may contain a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from a tobacco raw material, which releases a flavoring component as a result of being heated. Furthermore, the liquid aerosol source may contain a nicotine component.

The liquid guiding portion 221 is a component for guiding the liquid aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 222 from the liquid storage portion 222, and holding the liquid aerosol source. The liquid guiding portion 221 has a structure obtained by twisting a fiber material such as glass fibers or a porous material such as a porous ceramic, for example. A component of this type is also referred to as a wick.

Both ends of the liquid guiding portion 221 are connected to the inside of the liquid storage portion 222. The aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 222 therefore penetrates through the entire liquid guiding portion 221 under a capillary effect.

The heating unit 223 is a component for heating and atomizing the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 221, and generating an aerosol. The heating unit 223 is an example of the second heating unit.

The heating unit 223 is not limited to the coil shape shown in FIG. 26 and may equally have another shape such as a film shape or a blade shape. The shape of the heating unit 223 varies according to the method of heating, etc. The heating unit 223 is formed by any material such as a metal or polyimide.

The heating unit 223 is arranged adjacent to the liquid guiding portion 221. In this embodiment, the heating unit 223 is a metallic coil wound on the outer circumferential surface of the liquid guiding portion 221.

The heating unit 223 of this embodiment generates heat by means of a supply of electricity from the sub-battery (primary battery 101), and heats the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 221 to its vaporization temperature. The aerosol source which has reached its vaporization temperature is released into the air from the liquid guiding portion 221 as a gas, but is cooled by the ambient air and atomized to form an aerosol.

In this embodiment, electrical supply to the heating unit 223 for heating the liquid aerosol is produced in response to inhalation by the user. That is to say, 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 inhalation by the user ends.

The liquid guiding portion 221 is disposed on the air flow path 224, as shown in FIG. 26. The liquid-derived aerosol generated as a result of heating by the heating unit 223 is therefore mixed with the air that has flowed in from the air inflow hole 225. A mixed gas comprising air and liquid-derived aerosol then passes through the inside of the stick-type substrate 210 and is output into the user's oral cavity. The flow of air and aerosol is shown by the arrows in FIG. 26.

In this embodiment, a solid-derived aerosol is added to the mixed gas comprising air and liquid-derived aerosol as the mixed gas passes through the inside of the stick-type substrate 210.

The concentration of the solid-derived aerosol is increased as a result of heating of the stick-type substrate 210 by means of the heating unit 207.

In this embodiment, the liquid aerosol source is heated only when a front panel 10 fitted with a sub-battery is attached to the main body device 20.

When the heating unit 223 does not heat the liquid aerosol source, air that does not contain the liquid-derived aerosol is supplied to the bottom portion 209C of the holding portion 209.

FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 7. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 27 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 23.

In FIG. 27, the heating unit 207 is supplied with power from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) in the main body device 20, and the heating unit 223 is supplied with power from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) on the front panel 10.

It should be noted that the heating unit 207 is used to heat the solid aerosol source (stick-type substrate 210), and the heating unit 223 is used to heat the liquid aerosol source.

It should be noted that the PWM circuits 201F1 and F2 may be arranged at the stage after the step-up DC/DC circuits 201D1 and D2 in the same way as in FIG. 14, although such an arrangement is not depicted in FIG. 27.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating processing to switch the heating mode which is implemented by the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) of embodiment 7. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 27 for parts which correspond to those of FIGS. 18 and 24.

In this embodiment, the aerosol generated by heating of the liquid aerosol source is added to the aerosol generated by heating of the solid aerosol source, so the heating mode in which the liquid aerosol source is heated is treated as an example of the “boost heating mode”.

The processing shown in FIG. 28 is also launched at a timing at which attachment of the front panel 10 has been detected by means of an output signal from the Hall IC, for example. Moreover, the processing shown in FIG. 28 may equally be launched at a timing at which a specific user operation has been received. Specific operations as referred to here include, for example: opening/closing of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); operation of the button 20B (see FIG. 4) multiple consecutive times (e.g., twice); and a reset operation performed by a long press (e.g., 5 seconds or more) of the button 20B.

When 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 the solid, and does not supply power to the heating unit 223 for heating the liquid (step 61). That is to say, the control unit 206 sets the heating mode to the normal heating mode #1.

At this time, the control unit 206 controls the power source changeover switch 201C1 (see FIG. 27) to the OFF state (disconnected state).

In contrast to this, when an affirmative result is obtained in step 11, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the heating mode is the boost heating mode (step 21).

A negative result is obtained in step 21 if the heating mode is the normal heating mode #1. The control unit 206 advances to step 61 in this case.

In contrast to this, an affirmative result is obtained in step 21 when the heating mode is the boost heating mode. In this case, the control unit 206 supplies power from the main battery to the heating unit for heating the solid, and supplies power from the sub-battery to the heating unit for heating the liquid (step 62).

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating the normal heating mode #1 and the boost heating mode in embodiment 7. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 29 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 10. The vertical axis in FIG. 29 denotes heating temperature, and the horizontal axis denotes time.

In the normal heating mode #1 in FIG. 29, power is supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) only to the heating unit 207 for the solid, in the same way as in other embodiments. That is to say, an aerosol is generated from the stick-type substrate 210.

Meanwhile, in the boost heating mode, power from the sub-battery (primary battery 101) is supplied to the heating unit 223 for the liquid (see FIG. 27), in addition to power being supplied from the main battery (secondary battery 201A) to the heating unit 207 for the solid. As a result, the liquid-derived aerosol, as well as the solid-derived aerosol, flows into the oral cavity of the user who is holding the mouthpiece portion 210B of the stick-type substrate 210 in their mouth. That is to say, the concentration of the aerosol inhaled by the user is greater than in the normal heating mode #1.

Summary

In this embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) has a heating mode in which only the solid aerosol source is heated out of the solid aerosol source and the liquid aerosol source (normal heating mode #1), and a heating mode in which both the solid aerosol source and the liquid aerosol source are heated (boost heating mode).

The power of the sub-battery (primary battery 101) on the front panel 10 is then used only to generate the liquid-derived aerosol. There is consequently no need for a circuit configuration in which the main battery and the sub-battery are connected in series, as in the case of embodiment 2.

In any case, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is operable in a different heating mode from that of embodiment 1.

In the case of this embodiment also, the total amount of power that can be used by the main body device 20 to which the front panel 10 fitted with the sub-battery is attached is greater than when power is supplied only from the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20.

Embodiment 8

This embodiment describes a case in which the sub-battery fitted to the front panel 10 is a secondary battery.

The basic hardware configuration and functional configuration of this embodiment are therefore the same as in embodiment 1. However, the connection relationships in the power source system circuit of this embodiment are different from those of embodiment 1.

FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 8. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 30 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 6.

The difference between FIG. 30 and FIG. 6 lies in the fact that the sub-battery fitted to the front panel 10 is a secondary battery 101A.

FIG. 31 is a diagram schematically showing connection relationships in a power source system circuit in the aerosol generating device 1 used in embodiment 8. Corresponding reference signs are given in FIG. 31 for parts which correspond to those of FIG. 7.

A power supply unit 201G for charging the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is added to the power source unit 201 shown in FIG. 31. Other components are the same as in the power source unit 201 illustrated in FIG. 7.

The power supply unit 201G of this embodiment is a circuit for switching the power supply pathway and for changing the voltage level in accordance with the operating mode.

The power supply unit 201G outputs e.g., 3.3 V (that is, a “system power source”) to the power source line to which are connected the sensor unit 202 (see FIG. 30), the notification unit 203 (see FIG. 30), the memory unit 204 (see FIG. 30), the communication unit 205 (see FIG. 30), and the control unit 206 (see FIG. 30).

Furthermore, the power supply unit 201G outputs e.g., 5 V to the power source line to which the LED 20A (see FIG. 4) is connected, and outputs e.g., 4.2 V to the power source line to which the heating unit 207 is connected.

Furthermore, when the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 are charged by an external power source, the power supply unit 201G outputs e.g., 4.2 V to the power source line connected to the secondary batteries 101A and 201A.

The external power source as referred to here includes a mains power source and a mobile battery, and also further includes the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10.

A USB cable is used for supplying electricity from a mains power source or a mobile battery, so a corresponding electrical supply terminal is denoted by VUSB in FIG. 31.

An operation to charge the secondary battery 101A fitted to the front panel 10 will be described below as a processing operation specific to this embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a USB charging operation implemented by the control unit 206 of embodiment 8.

The control unit 206 first of all determines whether or not a USB connection has been detected (step 71).

A negative result is obtained in step 71 when a USB connection is not detected. In this case, the control unit 206 repeats the determination of step 71.

Meanwhile, an affirmative result is obtained in step 71 when a USB connection has been detected. In this case, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the secondary battery is mounted on the front panel 10 (step 72).

An affirmative result is obtained in step 72 when the secondary battery is mounted on the front panel 10. In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging of the secondary battery in the main body device 20 and of the secondary battery on the front panel 10 (step 73A). Note that the actual charging may employ a process in which either one of the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 and the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is charged to full capacity first, then the other secondary battery is charged to full capacity. Charging of the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 and the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 may equally be performed in parallel.

The control unit 206 then determines whether or not both of the two secondary batteries are fully charged (step 74A).

A negative result is obtained in step 74A if either of the two secondary batteries is not fully charged. Meanwhile, an affirmative result is obtained in step 74A when both of the two secondary batteries are fully charged.

If a negative result is obtained in step 74A, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the USB cable has been detached (step 75A).

A negative result is obtained in step 75A if the USB cable is still attached. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 74A.

Meanwhile, an affirmative result is obtained in step 75A if the USB cable has become detached during charging.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step 74A or if an affirmative result is obtained in step 75A, the control unit 206 stops charging of the secondary battery in the main body device 20 and of the secondary battery on the front panel 10 (step 76A).

After this, the control unit 206 terminates the USB charging operation.

The description will return to the determination in step 72.

A negative result is obtained in step 72 when the secondary battery 101A is not mounted on the front panel 10 (including not only a case in which a battery is not mounted, but also a case in which the battery which is mounted is the primary battery 101). In this case, the control unit 206 starts charging of the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 (step 73B).

The control unit 206 then determines whether or not the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 is fully charged (step 74B).

A negative result is obtained in step 74B if the secondary battery 201A is not fully charged.

Meanwhile, an affirmative result is obtained in step 74B if the secondary battery 201A is fully charged.

If a negative result is obtained in step 74B, the control unit 206 determines whether or not the USB cable has been detached (step 75B).

A negative result is obtained in step 75B if the USB cable is still attached. In this case, the control unit 206 returns to step 74B.

Meanwhile, an affirmative result is obtained in step 75B if the USB cable has become detached during charging.

If an affirmative result is obtained in step 74B or if an affirmative result is obtained in step 75B, the control unit 206 stops charging of the secondary battery in the main body device 20 (step 76B).

After this, the control unit 206 terminates the USB charging operation.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating the USB charging operation.

The horizontal axis in the drawing denotes time, the top half of the vertical axis denotes residual power in the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20, and the bottom half of the vertical axis denotes remaining power in the secondary battery 101A in the front panel 10.

In FIG. 33, the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 are both fully charged in an initial state T1.

At a time point T2, the residual power in the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 has fallen below full charge in both cases. USB charging is started when the USB cable is connected in this state.

At T3 at the end of USB charging, the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 and the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20 both return to fully charged.

Summary

The front panel 10 fitted with the secondary battery 101A described in this embodiment is applicable to all of embodiments 1-7 described above.

Furthermore, if the secondary battery 101A is fitted to the front panel 10 as described in this embodiment, the secondary battery 101A on the front panel 10 is also charged together during charging of the secondary battery 201A in the main body device 20.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

• • (1) Embodiments of the present disclosure were described above, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the scope disclosed in the embodiments above. It will be obvious from the disclosure of the claims that the technical scope of the present disclosure also includes various modifications or improvements made to the embodiments above.
  • (2) The embodiments above described a case in which the junction between the front panel 10 and the main body device 20 forms a continuous and stepless joint with an integral external appearance, but the junction may also include a step or cutout, etc., provided that there is an integral external appearance with the main body device 20.
  • (3) The embodiments above described a case in which the aerosol source heated by means of electrical supply from the secondary battery 201A is a solid (stick-type substrate 210), but the aerosol source heated by means of electrical supply from the secondary battery 201A may equally be a liquid.
  • (4) The PWM circuit 201F1 (see FIG. 14) may also be arranged at the stage after the step-up DC/DC circuit 201D (see FIG. 7) in the circuit configuration used in embodiment 1, and the PWM circuits 201F1 and F2 may also be arranged at the stage after the step-up DC/DC circuits 201D1 and D2 (see FIG. 11) in the circuit configuration used in embodiment 2.
  • (5) The embodiments above described an example in which aerosol generation is permitted only when the front panel 10 is attached to the main body device 20, but aerosol generation by the main body device 20 may also be possible while the front panel 10 is not attached.

In this case, attachment of the front panel 10 to the main body device 20 is used to broaden the functions that may be implemented by the main body device 20. For example, the main body device 20 with the front panel 10 removed operates using only the built-in secondary battery 201A (see FIG. 7), and the main body device 20 to which the front panel 10 fitted with the sub-battery is attached enables a function of using power from the battery on the front panel 10 (primary battery 101, secondary battery 101A).

• • (6) The embodiments above described a state in which aerosol generation is possible as an example of the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) being in an operable state, but this is not limiting. For example, the aerosol generating device 1 (main body device 20) is in an operable state even if an aerosol cannot be generated due to a lack of power, provided that another function is operating. The other function as referred to here includes, for example, a function for checking and presenting residual power in the secondary battery 201A, etc., a function for acquiring and presenting an inhalation history, and a function for communicating with an external terminal.
  • (7) The embodiments above described an example in which the button 20B provided on the main body device 20 is operated by pressing the front panel 10 fitted to the main body device 20 to cause deformation, but input of instructions to the main body device 20 may also employ a method 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 operation on the touch panel may be notified to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) in the main body device 20 via a communication unit which is not depicted.

As a further example, a switch or button may be arranged on the front panel 10, and the presence or absence, etc. of an operation thereon may be notified to the control unit 206 (see FIG. 6) in the main body device 20 via a communication unit which is not depicted. The touch panel and switch, etc. as referred to here are examples of an operating unit.

Moreover, a heat shielding structure is used on surface members and inside a main body device 20 of this type.

Summary

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

• • (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 performs control to a heating mode in which power from a second battery is used to heat the aerosol source when a cover member provided with the second battery is attached to a device main body.
  • (2) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), wherein the control unit supplies the heating unit with the total power of the first battery and the second battery during the heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source.
  • (3) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1) or (2), wherein, when the heating mode is a second heating mode, in which an amount of aerosol generated is greater than that of other heating modes, the control unit increases the power used to heat the aerosol source as compared to said other heating modes.
  • (4) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1) or (3), further comprising a second heating unit for heating the aerosol source, wherein the control unit supplies the heating unit with power of the first battery, and supplies the second heating unit with power of the second battery.
  • (5) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), wherein, when the heating mode is a third heating mode in which, before a first period in which the aerosol source is heated with the temperature of the heating unit at a first temperature at which an aerosol is generated, a second period in which the aerosol source is heated at a second temperature lower than the first temperature is provided, the control unit uses power of the first battery to heat the aerosol source in the first period, and uses power of the second battery to heat the aerosol source in the second period.
  • (6) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (5) further comprising a second heating unit for heating the aerosol source, wherein, when the third heating mode is implemented, the control unit supplies the heating unit with power of the first battery in the first period, and supplies the second heating unit with power of the second battery in the second period.
  • (7) The aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), further comprising a second heating unit for heating a second aerosol source different from the aerosol source, wherein, when the heating mode is a second heating mode, in which an amount of aerosol generated is greater than that of other heating modes, the control unit heats the aerosol source by supplying the heating unit with power of the first battery, and heats the second aerosol source by supplying the second heating unit with power of the second battery.
  • (8) A program for causing a computer, which is provided in an aerosol generating device comprising a first battery and a heating unit for heating an aerosol source, to implement, when a cover member attached to a device main body is provided with a second battery, a function for control to a heating mode in which power from the second battery is used to heat the aerosol source.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• • 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 source unit; 201B . . . Current balance control IC; 201C, 201C1, 201C2 . . . Power source changeover switch; 201D, 201D1, 201D2 . . . Step-up DC/DC circuit; 201E . . . Reverse current preventing circuit; 201F1, 201F2 . . . PWM circuit; 201G . . . Power supply unit; 202 . . . Sensor unit; 203 . . . Notification unit; 204 . . . Memory unit; 205 . . . Communication unit; 206 . . . Control unit; 207 . . . Heating unit; 207A . . . First heating unit; 207B . . . Second heating unit; 208 . . . Heat insulating portion; 209 . . . Holding portion; 210 . . . Stick-type substrate