Power supply unit for an aerosol generation device

Abstract

A power supply unit of an inhalation device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol source, the power supply unit including: a positive terminal (90a), a negative terminal (90b), and a temperature terminal (90c), which are examples of connection portions, to which a power source unit (111) configured to store power and configured to be detachable from the power supply unit is connected; and a control unit (116) that performs a predetermined operation check when the power source unit (111) connected to the connection portions is replaced, and controls an operation of the power supply unit based on a result of the operation check. In the operation check, the control unit (116) obtains information on the replaced power source unit (111), and based on the information, the control unit (116) detects an error of the replaced power source unit (111), and / or detects an error of the positive terminal (90a), the negative terminal (90b), or the temperature terminal (90c), which are examples of the connection portions connected to the replaced power source unit (111).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device. Background Technology

[0002] For example, inhalation devices that generate aerosols with added flavor components and allow users to inhale the generated aerosols are conventionally known. Such inhalation devices typically generate aerosols by heating an aerosol source with a heating unit, which is a resistance or induction heater, powered by a power source such as a rechargeable battery.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic tobacco device that allows for power supply replacement. It also discloses that the electronic tobacco device is equipped with a battery reversal protector to protect the power supply and control components from the effects of reverse current that may occur if the power supply polarity is reversed. Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] PTL 1: WO 2014 / 163664 A1 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] In the power supply unit of an aerosol generating device, if the power supply is made removable so that the user can replace it, a suitable power supply may not be installed correctly. If the installed power supply is unsuitable or improperly installed, it may cause the power supply unit to malfunction. For this reason, it is expected that the power supply unit detects whether a suitable power supply is installed correctly and operates properly.

[0008] This disclosure discloses a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, which is capable of detecting errors in a replaced power supply unit and / or detecting errors in the connection portion of the power supply unit to the replaced power supply unit, and can operate based on the detection results.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] This disclosure involves

[0011] A power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit comprising:

[0012] A connection portion, configured to store power and configured to be attached to and removed from the power supply unit, is connected to the connection portion; and

[0013] The control unit performs a predetermined operation check when the power supply unit connected to the connection section is replaced, and controls the operation of the power supply unit based on the result of the operation check.

[0014] Its features are,

[0015] During this operational check, the control unit is configured to

[0016] Obtain information related to the replaced power supply unit, and

[0017] Based on information related to the replaced power supply unit, errors related to the replaced power supply unit and / or errors related to the connection portion connected to the replaced power supply unit are detected.

[0018] Advantages of the present invention

[0019] According to the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device disclosed herein, when a power supply unit configured to store power and which is attached to and detachable from the power supply unit is replaced, errors in the replaced power supply unit and / or errors in the connection portion of the power supply unit to the replaced power supply unit are detected, and actions can be taken based on the detection results. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the inhalation device;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the inhalation device;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the inhalation device 100;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a first example of the attachment / removal of the power supply unit 111;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a second example illustrating the attachment / removal of the power supply unit 111;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a third example of the attachment / removal of the power supply unit 111;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example configuration of the power supply unit 111 and the control unit 116;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of connected power supply information acquired by the MCU 1161;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation check performed by the MCU 1161;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a Heating Authorization Threshold Table (TBL) that defines the heating authorization threshold.

[0030] Figure 11A This is a diagram (Part 1) illustrating an example of the reset process performed by the MCU 1161.

[0031] Figure 11B This is a diagram (Part 2) illustrating an example of the reset process performed by the MCU 1161.

[0032] Figure 11C This is a diagram (Part 3) illustrating an example of the reset process performed by the MCU 1161.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control flow executed by the MCU 1161; and

[0034] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system for updating the firmware of the power supply unit 110. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be viewed according to the orientation of the reference numerals. The embodiments described below are exemplary cases of applying the aerosol generating device according to this disclosure to an inhalation device. It should be noted that not all features described in the following embodiments are essential to the aerosol generating device of this disclosure. Furthermore, two or more of the features described in the following embodiments may be combined in any manner. Additionally, in the following text, the same or similar elements may be assigned the same or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0036] [1. Example of inhalation device configuration]

[0037] The inhalation device of this embodiment, constituting an example of the aerosol generating apparatus disclosed herein, is a device for generating a substance to be inhaled by a user. Hereinafter, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0038] <1-1. Example of a first configuration of an inhalation device>

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the inhalation device. (As shown) Figure 1 As shown, the inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110A, a cartridge 120, and a flavored cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110A includes a power supply unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavored cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An airflow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavored cartridge 130.

[0040] Power supply unit 111A stores electrical power. Therefore, power supply unit 111A supplies electrical power to each component of inhalation device 100A according to control executed by control unit 116A. Furthermore, power supply unit 111A of power supply unit 110A is configured to be charged by power received from an external power source. The external power source can be, for example, an AC adapter (AC: alternating current), a portable charger, a PC (personal computer), etc. Power supply unit 111A can be configured, for example, using a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery).

[0041] Power unit 111A can be attached to and detached from power supply unit 110A. In other words, the suction device 100A allows the user to replace power unit 111A as needed by removing the old power unit 111A from power supply unit 110A and installing a new power unit 111A into power supply unit 110A. A specific example of the configuration of power unit 111 (including power unit 111A) will be described later, so an explanation is omitted here.

[0042] Sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to inhalation device 100A. Sensor unit 112A is configured with, for example, a pressure sensor (such as a capacitor microphone, flow sensor, or temperature sensor), and acquires values ​​associated with user inhalation.

[0043] As an example, sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "suction sensor") capable of detecting changes in pressure (hereinafter also referred to as "internal pressure") within the inhalation device 100A caused by user inhalation. As another example, sensor unit 112A may include a flow sensor capable of detecting the flow rate (hereinafter simply referred to as "flow rate") caused by user inhalation. As yet another example, sensor unit 112A may include a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "suction thermistor") capable of measuring the temperature of heating unit 121A or the temperature surrounding heating unit 121A.

[0044] Furthermore, sensor unit 112A may include a voltage sensor capable of measuring the terminal voltage of power supply unit 111A. Sensor unit 112A may further include a temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature of power supply unit 111A.

[0045] In addition, sensor unit 112A may include an input device (such as an operation button or switch) for receiving information input from a user.

[0046] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113A may be configured as a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates. Here, the light-emitting device can be implemented using a light-emitting element (such as an LED (light-emitting diode)) and a driving circuit for causing the light-emitting element to emit light. Furthermore, the display device can be a liquid crystal display or an OLED display (OLED: organic light-emitting diode). For example, the sound output device can be a speaker. The vibration device can be a vibrator, which includes, for example, a motor and an eccentric counterweight attached to the rotating shaft of the motor.

[0047] The memory unit 114A stores various information (e.g., programs and data) for the operation of the suction device 100A. The memory unit 114A may be configured, for example, by a non-volatile storage medium (such as flash memory).

[0048] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communications compliant with any wired or wireless communication standard. Examples of communication standards that can be used include those employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0049] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing and control device, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100A according to various programs stored in the memory unit 114A. For example, the control unit 116A controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111A to each component (e.g., the heating unit 121A, which will be described later), and controls the charging of the power supply unit 111A by means of power received from an external power source. The control unit 116A is implemented, for example, by electronic circuitry including a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor (also referred to as a "microcontroller unit (MCU)").

[0050] The liquid storage section 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol source is a polyol (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) or a liquid (such as water). The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug.

[0051] The liquid guiding section 122 guides and contains the aerosol source from the liquid storage section 123, which is liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123. For example, the liquid guiding section 122 is a wicking element formed of twisted fibrous material (such as glass fiber) or porous material (such as porous ceramic). In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage section 123 is guided by the capillary action of the wicking element.

[0052] For example, heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize it, thereby generating an aerosol. Heating unit 121A is formed of any material (such as metal or polyimide) in any shape (such as coiled, film-like, or leaf-like). Figure 1 In the example shown, heating unit 121A is configured as a coil obtained by winding a heating resistor (such as a nickel-chromium alloy or stainless steel) and wound around a liquid guiding portion 122. When heating unit 121A generates heat, an aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 122 is heated and atomized, thereby generating an aerosol. Heating unit 121A generates heat when supplied with electricity from power supply unit 111A.

[0053] As an example, when sensor unit 112A has detected a heating request from a user, power supply from power supply unit 111A to heating unit 121A can be initiated. The heating request is, for example, that the user has begun inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information. Then, if sensor unit 112A detects that the user has completed inhalation and / or has entered predetermined information, or if a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, power supply to heating unit 121A can be stopped.

[0054] Furthermore, the heating unit 121A can be configured to generate an aerosol by means of vibration or induction heating. When generating an aerosol by means of vibration, the inhalation device 100A includes a vibrating unit as the heating unit 121A. For example, the vibrating unit is configured as a plate-like member comprising piezoelectric ceramics used as an ultrasonic vibrator. When the vibrating unit vibrates, an aerosol source that has been guided to the surface of the vibrating unit by means of a liquid guiding portion 122 is then atomized by means of the ultrasound generated during the vibration of the vibrating unit, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0055] Furthermore, when generating an aerosol using induction heating, the inhalation device 100A includes a sensor and an electromagnetic induction source as a heating unit 121A. The sensor is made of a conductive material (such as metal) and generates heat by means of electromagnetic induction. The sensor is also positioned adjacent to the liquid guiding portion 122. As an example, the sensor is formed of a metal wire and wound around the liquid guiding portion 122. The electromagnetic induction source generates heat in the sensor through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is, for example, formed of a coiled wire and generates a magnetic field when supplied with AC current from the power supply unit 111A. When the magnetic field is generated, eddy currents are generated in the sensor, and Joule heating is produced. The aerosol source held in the liquid guiding portion 122 is then heated and atomized by this Joule heating, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0056] Flavor source 131 is a component used to impart flavor components to an aerosol. Flavor source 131 includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. Flavor source 131 can be, for example, a tobacco-derived substance (such as shredded tobacco) or a processed product obtained by molding tobacco raw materials into granular, flake, or powder form. Furthermore, flavor source 131 may also contain non-tobacco-derived materials made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and vanilla). As an example, flavor source 131 may contain flavoring components such as menthol. Additionally, flavor source 131 can be a stick-shaped component. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, flavor source 131 may contain medication to be inhaled by the patient. It should be noted that flavor source 131 is not limited to a solid and can be a liquid containing flavor components, such as polyols (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol) and water. Furthermore, flavor source 131 can be disposed within a container such as a capsule.

[0057] Airflow path 180 is the flow path for air to be inhaled by the user. Airflow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181 and an air outlet 182 at both ends. The air inlet is the entrance for air into airflow path 180, and the air outlet is the exit for air leaving airflow path 180. Midway through airflow path 180, a liquid guide portion 122 is located on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181), while a flavor source 131 is located on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). When inhaled by the user, air flowing in through air inlet 181 mixes with the aerosol generated by heating unit 121A and is conveyed through flavor source 131 to air outlet 182, as indicated by arrow 190. As the aerosol-air mixture passes through flavor source 131, flavor components contained in flavor source 131 are added to the aerosol.

[0058] The mouthpiece 124 is a component that is held in the user's mouth during inhalation. An air outlet 182 is provided in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in their mouth and inhales, so that a mixture of aerosol and air can be drawn into the oral cavity.

[0059] The configuration examples of the inhalation device 100A have been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100A is not limited to the configurations described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0060] As an example, the inhalation device 100A does not need to include a flavored tobacco cartridge 130. In this case, the tobacco cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

[0061] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may further include a flavor source heating unit (not shown in the figures) for heating the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit is configured in a membrane shape and is arranged to cover, for example, the outer periphery of the flavor source 131. Thus, the flavor source heating unit generates heat when supplied with power from the power supply unit 111A, thereby heating the flavor source 131 from its outer periphery. It should be noted that, for example, the flavor source heating unit may also be configured to have a blade-like form, piercing the flavor source 131 to heat it from the inside. Furthermore, the flavor source heating unit may be configured to heat the flavor source 131 by means of vibration or induction heating. Providing such a flavor source heating unit allows for an increase in the temperature of the flavor source 131 and an increase in the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol, compared to the case where no flavor source heating unit is provided.

[0062] Furthermore, as another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from these sources can mix within the airflow path 180 to induce a chemical reaction, thereby generating even more other types of aerosols.

[0063] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating via the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0064] <1-2. Example of a second configuration of the inhalation device>

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of the inhalation device. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the inhalation device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a receiving portion 140, and a heat insulation portion 144.

[0066] The power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B are each substantially the same as their corresponding components included in the inhalation device 100A described above. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the case of the inhalation device 100B shown, the inhalation device 100B itself can also be referred to as the power supply unit 110B. That is, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 111B is removably provided in the power supply unit 110B (in other words, the inhalation device 100B), so that the user can replace the power supply unit 111B as needed.

[0067] The receiving portion 140 has an internal space 141 and holds a rod-shaped substrate 150, while a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 is housed within the internal space 141. The receiving portion 140 has an opening 142 to allow communication between the internal space 141 and the outside, and to accommodate the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the receiving portion 140 is a cylindrical body that includes the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 that serves as a bottom surface, and this receiving portion defines the cylindrical internal space 141. An airflow path for supplying air to the internal space 141 is connected to the receiving portion 140. For example, an air inlet is provided in the side surface of the suction device 100, which is an inlet for air to enter the airflow path. For example, an air outlet is provided in the bottom portion 143, which is an outlet for air to exit from the airflow path to the internal space 141.

[0068] The stick-shaped matrix 150 includes a matrix portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The matrix portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a drug. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as polyols (such as glycerol or propylene glycol) or water, or it may be a solid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. With the stick-shaped matrix 150 held in the receiving portion 140, at least a portion of the matrix portion 151 is contained in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Thus, when a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 through an airflow path (not shown in the figures) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated by the matrix portion 151.

[0069] exist Figure 2In the example shown, heating unit 121B is configured as a thin-film heater formed by arranging conductive tracks provided by heating resistor elements (whose resistance value is correlated with temperature), and is arranged to cover the outer circumference of receiving portion 140. Thus, when heating unit 121B generates heat, the matrix portion 151 of rod-shaped matrix 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating an aerosol. It should be noted that the same heating resistor as that of heating unit 121A described above can be used as the heating resistor for heating unit 121B.

[0070] The heat insulation portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating unit 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulation portion 144 is made of vacuum insulation material or aerogel insulation material.

[0071] The configuration examples of the inhalation device 100B have been described above. Of course, the inhalation device 100B is not limited to the configurations described above, and can adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0072] As an example, the heating unit 121B can be configured in a blade-like form and can be arranged to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-like heating unit 121B is inserted into the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 and heated from the inside of the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150. As another example, the heating unit 121B can be arranged to cover the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B can be configured as a combination of two or more heating units, including a first heating unit covering the outer circumference of the receiving portion 140, a blade-like second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom portion 143 of the receiving portion 140.

[0073] As another example, the receiving portion 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism (such as a hinge) for opening and closing a portion of the housing forming the internal space 141. Thus, by opening and closing the housing, the receiving portion 140 can receive and hold the rod-shaped substrate 150 that has been inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, a heating unit 121B may be disposed on the clamping portion of the receiving portion 140, and can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0074] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating via heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source can be induction heating. In this case, the inhalation device 100B includes at least an electromagnetic induction source (e.g., a coil) for generating a magnetic field, instead of heating unit 121B. A sensor for generating heat by means of induction heating can be provided in the inhalation device 100B or can be included in the rod-shaped matrix 150.

[0075] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100B may additionally include a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding portion 122, a liquid storage portion 123, and an air flow path 180, according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the interior space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the interior space 141 and further mixes with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, reaching the user's mouth.

[0076] Note that in the following text, the inhalation device 100A and inhalation device 100B described above will also be referred to as "inhalation device 100" without distinction, and the power supply units 110A and 110B will be referred to as "power supply unit 110" without distinction. Similarly, power supply units 111A and 111B may be referred to as "power supply unit 111", sensor units 112A and 112B may be referred to as "sensor unit 112", notification units 113A and 113B may be referred to as "notification unit 113", memory units 114A and 114B may be referred to as "memory unit 114", communication units 115A and 115B may be referred to as "communication unit 115", control units 116A and 116B may be referred to as "control unit 116", and heating units 121A and 121B may be referred to as "heating unit 121".

[0077] [2. Example of external configuration of inhalation device]

[0078] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the inhalation device 100. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 As shown, the inhalation device 100 includes, for example, a housing 20 and a baffle 50 slidably attached to the housing 20.

[0079] The housing 20 houses the power supply unit 110 of the inhalation device 100. Although details will be described later, the housing 20 houses, for example, a power supply unit 111 mounted on the power supply unit 110, and a board unit 90 on the main body side equipped with an MCU to implement the control unit 116.

[0080] The housing 20 is also fitted with a panel 30. The panel 30 is attached to the housing 20 to configure the outermost outer body 40 of the aerosol generating device 100. By including the panel 30, the suction device 100 can buffer heat released to the outside, even when the power supply unit 110 generates heat. In other words, the panel 30 is used to insulate against the heat generated by the power supply unit 110. Furthermore, the panel 30 is formed such that its surface is substantially curved, and when attached to the housing 20, it defines an internal space together with the surface of the housing 20.

[0081] When a user presses the surface of panel 30 with their fingertip, panel 30 deforms to form a recess facing housing 20. Due to this deformation, a protrusion on the surface of panel 30 contacts an operation button (not shown in the drawings) on the surface of housing 20, thereby pressing the operation button. In other words, the finger-pressing portion of the surface of panel 30 constitutes the operation portion 15 that receives user input. Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the figure, the part indicated by reference numeral 113 is the part through which light from the light-emitting device disposed inside the housing 20 will pass, and is an example of the notification unit 113 described previously.

[0082] The cover 50 moves between a predetermined closed position and an open position in response to a user action. When the cover 50 is in the closed position, it restricts access to the interior of the housing 20 (in other words, the suction device 100), and when the cover 50 is in the open position, it allows access to the interior of the housing 20. On the other hand, when the cover 50 is in the open position, it allows the rod-shaped substrate 150 to access the receiving portion 140.

[0083] [3. Insertion and Removal of Power Supply Units]

[0084] As previously described, in the inhalation device 100, the power supply unit 111 is removably disposed relative to the power supply unit 110. Examples of the insertion and removal of the power supply unit 111 will now be described in detail. It should be noted that in the inhalation device 100, the insertion and removal direction of the flavor source 130 or the stick matrix 150 relative to the inhalation device 100 is vertical, and the side into which the flavor source 130 or the stick matrix 150 is inserted is defined as the upper side. In other words, the flavor source 130 or the stick matrix 150 is inserted into the inhalation device 100 from above. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction can be referred to as the lateral direction, and the surface facing the lateral direction can be referred to as the side surface.

[0085] Furthermore, in the following description, first to third examples of the insertion and removal of the power supply unit 111 will be described, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. In other words, the power supply unit 111 can be removably disposed in the power supply unit 110 by means other than the first to third examples described below.

[0086] <3-1. First example of power supply unit insertion and removal>

[0087] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a first example of the insertion / removal of the power supply unit 111. (See diagram for example.) Figure 4 As shown, the shell 20 has a bottom wall portion 21 that forms at least a portion of the lower surface of the shell 20. The bottom wall portion 21 is disposed in the shell 20 such that it can be opened and closed about the axis of a hinge 21a extending in the lateral direction.

[0088] In the lower region of the housing 20, a power receiving portion 200 is formed to accommodate the power supply unit 111. When the bottom wall portion 21 is opened, the power receiving portion 200 communicates with the outside of the housing 20, thereby allowing the power supply unit 111 to be inserted into the power receiving portion 200 from below the housing 20.

[0089] In the upper region of the housing 20, a plate receiving portion 210 is also formed. The plate receiving portion 210 receives a main body-side plate unit 90 (described below), which includes an IC (integrated circuit) or the like constituting the control unit 116 described above. The main body-side plate unit 90 is electrically connected, for example, to a power supply unit 111 housed in the power supply receiving portion 200 via a flexible cable 250. This allows power to be supplied from the power supply unit 111 housed in the power supply receiving portion 200 to the main body-side plate unit 90.

[0090] Specifically, the housing 20 includes a positive terminal connection portion 20a, a negative terminal connection portion 20b, and a temperature terminal connection portion 20c, corresponding to the positive terminal 111c, negative terminal 111d, and temperature terminal 111e disposed on the power supply unit 111. Figure 4 In the example shown, the positive terminal 111c, negative terminal 111d, and temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111 are all disposed on the upper surface of the power supply unit 111, and the positive terminal connection portion 20a, negative terminal connection portion 20b, and temperature terminal connection portion 20c of the housing 20 are disposed in the top wall portion 22 of the power supply housing portion 200.

[0091] Details of the positive terminal 111c, negative terminal 111d, and temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111 will be described later, so they will be omitted here. In the following text, the positive terminal connection 20a, negative terminal connection 20b, and temperature terminal connection 20c may be collectively referred to as "connection portion 20x". Connection portion 20x is an example of a connection portion provided by the power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus disclosed herein.

[0092] When housed in the power supply housing 200, the power supply unit 111 is held in place by the bottom wall portion 21 and the top wall portion 22 of the power supply housing 200. Furthermore, the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111 remains electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a of the housing 20, the negative terminal 111d remains electrically connected to the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal 111e remains electrically connected to the temperature terminal connection portion 20c.

[0093] Furthermore, when the bottom wall portion 21 is opened and the power unit 111 is housed in the power receiving portion 200, the power receiving portion 200 communicates with the outside of the housing 20, allowing the power unit 111 to be removed from the power receiving portion 200.

[0094] <3-2. A Second Example Regarding the Insertion and Removal of Power Supply Units>

[0095] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a second example of the insertion / removal of the power supply unit 111. Note that in this section, the focus is on... Figure 4 The differences described herein will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Figure 4 Those commonalities described in the text.

[0096] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, when the previously described panel 30 is removed from the housing 20, the power receiving portion 200 communicates with the outside of the housing 20, thereby allowing the power unit 111 to be inserted into the power receiving portion 200 from the lateral direction of the housing 20.

[0097] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the positive terminal 111c is disposed on the upper surface of the power supply unit 111, the negative terminal 111d is disposed on the lower surface of the power supply unit 111, and the temperature terminal 111e is disposed on the side surface of the power supply unit 111. For this purpose, the positive terminal connection portion 20a is disposed in the upper wall portion 22 of the power supply receiving portion 200 corresponding to the positive terminal 111c, the negative terminal connection portion 20b is disposed in the bottom wall portion 21 of the power supply receiving portion 200 corresponding to the negative terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c is disposed in the side wall portion 23 of the power supply receiving portion 200 corresponding to the temperature terminal 111e.

[0098] Moreover, in Figure 5 In the example shown, when panel 30 is removed from housing 20 and power unit 111 is housed in power housing portion 200, power housing portion 200 is in communication with the outside of housing 20, so that power unit 111 can be removed from power housing portion 200.

[0099] <3-3. A third example of power supply unit insertion and removal>

[0100] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a third example of the insertion / removal of the power supply unit 111. The focus here is on... Figure 4 or Figure 5 The differences described herein will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Figure 4 or Figure 5 Those commonalities described in the text.

[0101] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the shell 20 includes an upper shell 201 that forms the upper portion of the inhalation device 100 and a lower shell 202 that forms the lower portion of the inhalation device 100.

[0102] The lower housing 202 has an open upper surface and houses the power supply unit 111 inside. In this way, in Figure 6 In the example shown, the power supply unit 111 and the lower casing 202 are modular battery pack 10.

[0103] The battery pack 10 is attached to the upper housing 201 from below. For example, both the upper housing 201 and the lower housing 202 have a vertically extending, generally cylindrical shape, with threaded grooves machined into the circumferential outer surface of either the lower end of the upper housing 201 or the upper end of the lower housing 202, and into the circumferential inner surface of the other of the upper end of the lower housing 202 or the lower end of the upper housing 201. The lower ends of the upper housing 201 and the upper ends of the lower housing 202 are screwed together, and the battery pack 10 is attached to the upper housing 201.

[0104] As another example, the battery pack 10 can be attached to the upper housing 201 by providing a magnet at one of the lower ends of the upper housing 201 and the upper ends of the lower housing 202, wherein the upper end of the lower housing 202 or the lower end of the upper housing 201 is formed of a ferromagnetic material, such that the lower ends of the upper housing 201 and the upper ends of the lower housing 202 are attracted by the magnet. As yet another example, the lower housing 202 may have a locking portion, such as a claw, and the battery pack 10 can be attached to the upper housing 201 by locking the upper housing 201 through this locking portion.

[0105] When the battery pack 10 is attached to the upper housing 201, the power supply unit 111 is fixed such that the positive terminal 111c is electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal 111d is electrically connected to the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal 111e is electrically connected to the temperature terminal connection portion 20c.

[0106] [4. Configuration example of power supply unit and control unit]

[0107] <4-1. Example of power supply unit configuration>

[0108] Figure 7This is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the power supply unit 111 and the control unit 116. (See diagram for example.) Figure 7 As shown, the power supply unit 111 includes, for example, a battery 1111, a fuse 1112, a switching circuit 1113, a protection IC 1114, a battery temperature sensor 1115, a positive terminal 111c, a negative terminal 111d, and a temperature terminal 111e.

[0109] Battery 1111 is a secondary battery comprising a positive terminal 1111a and a negative terminal 1111b, configured, for example, to output a terminal voltage of approximately 4 [V] between the positive terminal 1111a and the negative terminal 1111b. Various secondary batteries (such as lithium-ion secondary batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries) can be used as battery 1111.

[0110] The positive terminal 1111a of battery 1111 is connected to the positive terminal 111c via fuse 1112. This positive terminal is the input / output terminal on the high-potential side of power supply unit 111. Furthermore, the negative terminal 1111b of battery 1111 is connected to the negative terminal 111d via switching circuit 1113. This negative terminal is the input / output terminal on the low-potential side of power supply unit 111. Therefore, power supply unit 111 can output the terminal voltage of battery 1111 as the terminal voltage between positive terminal 111c and negative terminal 111d. Hereinafter, the output voltage of power supply unit 111 is also referred to as the "power supply voltage Vbat".

[0111] When the power supply unit 111 is properly seated in the power supply unit 110, the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 90a of the power supply unit 110 (i.e., the suction device 100), and the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 90b of the power supply unit 110.

[0112] In this embodiment, the positive terminal 90a and negative terminal 90b of the power supply unit 110 are disposed on the board unit 90 on the main body side. This board unit on the main body side is configured by mounting various electronic components (including the IC constituting the control unit 116) on a printed wiring board (PWB). The IC constituting the control unit 116 may include an MCU 1161 and a battery fuel gauge IC 1162, etc., as described below.

[0113] Fuse 1112 is a protective element that melts and disconnects the electrical connection between positive terminal 1111a and positive terminal 111c when a current equal to or higher than a predetermined value is present. By providing such a fuse 1112, even if an overcurrent (a current higher than or equal to a predetermined value) is output from battery 1111, overcurrent output from power supply unit 111 can be prevented, and the main board unit 90 can be protected from the effects of overcurrent.

[0114] Switching circuit 1113 is a circuit that acts as a switch to turn the charging and discharging of power supply unit 111 (more specifically, battery 1111) on and off. In this embodiment, switching circuit 1113 is configured to be connected in series between first FET 1113a and second FET 1113b.

[0115] The first FET 1113a and the second FET 1113b are each N-channel MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). In this configuration, the source terminal of the first FET 1113a is connected to the negative terminal 1111b of the battery 1111, the drain terminal of the first FET 1113a is connected to the drain terminal of the second FET 1113b, and the gate terminal of the first FET 1113a is connected to the protection IC 1114. Furthermore, the source terminal of the second FET 1113b is connected to the negative terminal 111d, and the gate terminal of the second FET 1113b is connected to the protection IC 1114.

[0116] Protection IC 1114 is connected to both the positive terminal 1111a and the negative terminal 1111b of battery 1111, enabling it to acquire the terminal voltage of battery 1111. Protection IC 1114 then controls switching circuit 1113 based on the terminal voltage of battery 1111. In this embodiment, protection IC 1114 can turn on (in other words, in an on state) or turn off (in other words, in an off state) the first FET 1113a by controlling the gate voltage of the first FET 1113a. Similarly, protection IC 1114 can turn on or off the second FET 1113b by controlling the gate voltage of the second FET 1113b.

[0117] For example, when power supply unit 111 (i.e., battery 1111) is being charged, when the terminal voltage of battery 1111 reaches a predetermined upper limit, protection IC 1114 turns off the second FET 1113b to stop charging power supply unit 111. In this way, overcharging of power supply unit 111 can be suppressed.

[0118] Furthermore, if the terminal voltage of the battery 1111 drops below a predetermined lower limit during the discharge of the power supply unit 111, the protection IC 1114 can turn off the first FET 1113a, thereby stopping the discharge of the power supply unit 111. In this way, over-discharge of the power supply unit 111 can be suppressed.

[0119] Furthermore, the protection IC 1114 can be configured to control the switching circuit 1113 based on the current value flowing through the conductors connecting the negative terminals 1111b and 111d (in other words, the electric field lines to which ground potential can be applied).

[0120] For example, when power supply unit 111 is being charged, if a current exceeding a predetermined value flows in the wires connecting negative terminals 111d and 1111b, protection IC 1114 can turn off the second FET 1113b to stop charging power supply unit 111. Therefore, power supply unit 111 can be protected from overcurrent that may occur during charging.

[0121] Furthermore, when a current exceeding a predetermined value flows in the conductor connecting the negative terminals 111d and 1111b during the discharge of power supply unit 111, protection IC 1114 can turn off the first FET 1113a to stop the discharge from power supply unit 111. In this way, the board unit 90 and the like on the main body side can be protected from the overcurrent that may occur when discharging from power supply unit 111.

[0122] The battery temperature sensor 1115 is a temperature sensor that enables the measurement of the temperature of the power supply unit 111 (hereinafter also referred to as "battery temperature Tbat"). In this embodiment, the battery temperature sensor 1115 is an NTC thermistor made of a resistor with NTC characteristics, or a PTC thermistor made of a resistor with PTC characteristics, and is positioned in close proximity to the battery 1111. One end of the battery temperature sensor 1115 (more specifically, a resistor) is then connected to the temperature terminal 111e and the other end is connected to the negative terminal 111d.

[0123] When the power supply unit 111 is properly seated in the power supply unit 110, the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111 is electrically connected to the temperature terminal 90c of the power supply unit 110 (in other words, the suction device 100). Therefore, based on the amount of voltage drop of the battery temperature sensor 1115 (which is a thermistor), a potential difference exists between the temperature terminal 90c and the negative terminal 90b on the main body side of the plate unit 90. Note that in this embodiment, the temperature terminal 90c is also provided on the main body side of the plate unit 90, similar to the positive terminal 90a and the negative terminal 90b. The terminal group of the positive terminal 90a, negative terminal 90b, and temperature terminal 90c of the main body side plate unit 90 is another example of the connection provided by the power supply unit of the aerosol generating apparatus disclosed herein.

[0124] Furthermore, the power supply unit 111 is configured to further include, for example, a memory 1116. The memory 1116 is configured, for example, as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or a non-volatile memory (such as flash memory), and stores information indicating a power supply ID, which is an identifier that can uniquely identify the power supply unit 111 in which the memory 1116 is located. Hereinafter, the information indicating the power supply ID is also referred to as "power supply ID information".

[0125] The power supply unit 111 is configured such that when the power supply unit 111 is properly installed in the power supply unit 110, the power ID information stored in the memory 1116 can be obtained by the control unit 116 (e.g., MCU 1161) of the power supply unit 110.

[0126] As an example, when power supply unit 111 is properly installed in power supply unit 110, memory 1116 is electrically connected via signal lines, terminals, etc. (not shown in the figures) to a predetermined IC (e.g., MCU 1161) in the IC constituting control unit 116. This allows the predetermined IC to access memory 1116 to obtain power ID information stored in memory 1116. As another example, memory 1116 and predetermined IC can be provided so that they can communicate via contactless communication such as NFC.

[0127] Note that in the example described here, the power supply unit 111 has been configured to include components other than the battery 1111, but this is not a limitation. For example, the power supply unit 111 may be configured with only the battery 1111, and components other than the battery 1111 may be provided in the power supply unit 110 (e.g., the board unit 90 on the main body side). Moreover, components other than the battery 1111 may be provided in an intermediate member (in other words, a relay member) electrically disposed between the battery 1111 and the board unit 90 on the main body side. Furthermore, components other than the battery 1111 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0128] <4-2. Configuration Example of Control Unit>

[0129] like Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 116 includes, for example, an MCU 1161 and a battery fuel gauge IC 1162. The MCU 1161 and the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 are configured to communicate with each other, for example, via signal lines not shown in the figures. In this embodiment, each function of the control unit 116 is implemented through the cooperation of multiple ICs (e.g., the MCU 1161 and the battery fuel gauge IC 1162) on the main body-side board unit 90. Furthermore, some functions of the control unit 116 may, for example, be implemented solely by the MCU 1161.

[0130] MCU 1161 is an IC (in other words, a computer) that centrally controls the entire power supply unit 110 (in other words, the suction device 100). MCU 1161 controls the charging and / or discharging of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110, for example, based on information obtained from the battery fuel gauge IC 1162, and controls the previously described notification unit 113 (e.g., a light-emitting device, display, or vibration device) to give predetermined notifications. Detailed examples of the control performed by MCU 1161 will be described later and therefore will not be described again here.

[0131] The battery power meter IC 1162 is an IC that obtains the remaining power (hereinafter also referred to as "remaining battery power Cbat") of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 (in other words, the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection portion 20x).

[0132] In this embodiment, the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 calculates the remaining battery capacity Cbat based on the power supply voltage Vbat and the battery temperature Tbat. The power supply voltage Vbat can be obtained, for example, by measuring the potential difference between the positive terminal connection 20a and the negative terminal connection 20b using a voltage sensor. The battery temperature Tbat can be obtained, for example, by measuring the voltage drop of the battery temperature sensor 1115 (in other words, the potential difference between the temperature terminal connection 20c and the negative terminal connection 20b) using a voltage sensor.

[0133] As an example, the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 uses a table or calculation defining the relationship between the combination of power supply voltage Vbat and battery temperature Tbat and the remaining battery charge Cbat to derive the remaining battery charge Cbat corresponding to the current combination of power supply voltage Vbat and battery temperature Tbat. In this way, by considering not only the power supply voltage Vbat but also the battery temperature Tbat to derive the remaining battery charge Cbat, the remaining battery charge Cbat can be derived more accurately compared to deriving it only from the power supply voltage Vbat. Furthermore, the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 can be configured to also use the cycle count value and / or SOH described below to derive the remaining battery charge Cbat. In this way, the remaining battery charge Cbat can be determined.

[0134] When the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 determines the remaining battery power Cbat, it outputs information indicating the remaining battery power Cbat to the MCU 1161. This allows the MCU 1161 to obtain the current battery power Cbat. In the following text, the information indicating the remaining battery power Cbat will also be referred to as "remaining battery power information".

[0135] The battery fuel gauge IC 1162 can also output information indicating the power supply voltage Vbat and battery temperature Tbat to the MCU 1161. This allows the MCU 1161 to also obtain the current power supply voltage Vbat and battery temperature Tbat. In the following text, the information indicating the power supply voltage Vbat is also referred to as "power supply voltage information," and the information indicating the battery temperature Tbat is also referred to as "battery temperature information."

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 counts and stores the cycle count of the power supply unit 111 based on the remaining battery power Cbat. Here, the cycle count is, for example, the number of times the SOC (State of Charge) of the power supply unit 111 (more specifically, the battery 1111) has been charged to a total of 100%, or the number of times the SOC has been discharged to a total of 100%, counted as one cycle, also referred to as a "full charge cycle". The cycle count value of the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 (hereinafter also referred to as the "cycle count value") is stored, for example, in a non-volatile memory (e.g., memory 1162a described below) provided by the battery fuel gauge IC 1162. Note that this non-volatile memory can be located external to the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 in a manner that allows the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 to access it.

[0137] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 determines the State of Health (SOH, referring to the health of the power supply unit 111) based on the power supply voltage Vbat and the cycle count value, and stores the determined SOH. Similar to the cycle count value, the SOH determined by the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 is also stored, for example, in non-volatile memory provided within the battery fuel gauge IC 1162. The MCU 1161 can also appropriately reference this non-volatile memory, for example, to obtain the stored cycle count value or information indicating the SOH. Hereinafter, the information indicating the cycle count value is also referred to as "cycle count information," and the information indicating the SOH is also referred to as "SOH information."

[0138] [5. MCU Control Example]

[0139] As previously described, in the inhalation device 100, the power supply unit 111 can be inserted into and removed from the power supply unit 110, allowing the user to replace the power supply unit 111. Therefore, if, for example, repeated charging and discharging causes the performance of the power supply unit 111 to deteriorate and be degraded, the user can replace the power supply unit with a new power supply unit 111, thereby enabling the inhalation device 100 to be fully utilized.

[0140] On the other hand, if the user can replace the power supply unit 111, the appropriate power supply unit 111 may not necessarily be installed correctly. It is also conceivable that the replaced power supply unit 111 may have problems, such as the replaced power supply unit 111 (in other words, the newly installed power supply unit 111) being incompatible with the power supply unit 110 in terms of hardware or software. It is also conceivable that the replaced power supply unit 111 is not properly installed on the power supply unit 110, for example, due to user error causing the replaced power supply unit 111 to be connected upside down to the connection portion 20x, or foreign matter (such as dust) adhering to the connection portion 20x during the replacement of the power supply unit 111.

[0141] Therefore, if the replaced power supply unit 111 has a problem, or if the replaced power supply unit 111 is not properly installed in the power supply unit 110 and the power supply unit 110 operates normally without taking this problem into account, it may cause the power supply unit 110 to malfunction, which is undesirable from the perspective of ensuring the safety and / or user convenience of the power supply unit 110.

[0142] Therefore, when the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection section 20x is replaced, the MCU 1161 (in other words, the control unit 116) performs a predetermined operation check and controls the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the result of the operation check.

[0143] During the operational check, MCU 1161 obtains information, for example, about the replaced power supply unit 111 (hereinafter also referred to as "connected power supply information"). MCU 1161 then uses the obtained connected power supply information to detect errors related to the replaced power supply unit 111 and / or errors related to the connection portion 20x connected to the replaced power supply unit 111.

[0144] Although described in detail later, the connected power supply information may include, for example, the remaining battery charge Cbat, power supply voltage Vbat, SOH, battery temperature Tbat, power supply ID, etc. of the replaced power supply unit 111. Furthermore, the MCU 1161 can detect this error by determining, based on this connected power supply information, whether, for example, the remaining battery charge Cbat, power supply voltage Vbat, SOH, battery temperature Tbat, or power supply ID, meets predetermined conditions. Details regarding the connected power supply information and operational checks will be described later and therefore will not be explained here.

[0145] This operational check is performed when the power supply unit 111 has been replaced, and the power supply unit 110 is controlled based on the result. This prevents the power supply unit 110 from operating normally if there is a fault in the power supply unit 111 or the connection part 20x. Therefore, better safety and better user convenience of the power supply unit 110 can be achieved.

[0146] The MCU 1161 can detect, for example, that the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection portion 20x has been replaced based on the occurrence of a potential difference between the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b, in other words, a change in the potential difference between the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b from 0 [V] to a state greater than 0 [V]. The potential difference between the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b can be obtained by measurement (e.g., by a voltage sensor). As another example, the MCU 1161 can detect that the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection portion 20x has been replaced based on a change in the power supply ID of the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection portion 20x.

[0147] The MCU 1161 performs an operation check, for example, in response to the replacement of the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection portion 20x. This allows the operation check to be automatically triggered by the replacement of the power supply unit 111. Therefore, compared to situations where an operation check requires an operation other than the replacement of the power supply unit 111, the time and effort required for the user to perform the operation check can be reduced.

[0148] As another example, the MCU 1161 can be configured to perform an operation check in response to a predetermined operation by the user after the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection section 20x has been replaced. In this way, the operation check can be performed only after the user performs the predetermined operation.

[0149] For example, a user unfamiliar with replacing the power supply unit 111 may not be able to determine whether the power supply unit 111 has been properly installed, and may repeatedly remove and install the power supply unit during replacement. For this reason, if an operation check is automatically performed in response to the power supply unit 111 being connected to the connection portion 20x, the operation check may also be repeatedly performed when the power supply unit 111 is repeatedly attached and removed as described above, resulting in increased power consumption.

[0150] In contrast, if the system is configured to perform an operation check triggered by a predetermined operation performed by the user after the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection section 20x has been replaced, the operation check can only be performed after assuming the user has completed replacing the power supply unit 111. This prevents increased power consumption due to repeated operation checks, even if the user repeatedly attaches and removes the power supply unit 111 during replacement.

[0151] In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined operation is an operation that can be performed when the user determines that the replacement of the power unit 111 is complete; in other words, it is an operation that can be assumed to indicate that the replacement of the power unit 111 is complete. For example, the predetermined operation could be pressing an operation button provided on the suction device 100 (e.g., an operation button on the operation section 15). As another example, the predetermined operation could be mounting the panel 30 (which is a cover member covering the power receiving section 200 when the power unit 111 is housed therein) onto the power supply unit 110. As yet another example, the predetermined operation could be inputting information that the replacement of the power unit 111 has been completed to the power supply unit 110 via another device capable of communicating with the power supply unit 110 (e.g., a terminal device, such as the user's smartphone). Moreover, the predetermined operation could be a combination of multiple operations, such as a combination of mounting the panel 30 and pressing the operation button. For example, the MCU 1161 could detect that the predetermined operation has occurred based on information acquired by the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115.

[0152] The MCU 1161 prevents at least a portion of the operation of the power supply unit 110 from occurring based on, for example, the result of an operation check. Specifically, if the operation check detects an error, the MCU 1161 blocks at least a portion of the operation of the power supply unit 110. Therefore, the problem of the power supply unit 110 operating normally with all its functions enabled can be prevented, even if some error related to the power supply unit 111 or connection portion 20x exists after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0153] On the other hand, if the MCU 1161 does not detect any errors during the operation check, it will not prevent the aforementioned partial operation and will allow the power supply unit 110 to operate normally. This ensures that if there are no errors in the power supply unit 111 or the connection part 20x after the replacement of the power supply unit 111, in other words, if the replacement of the power supply unit 111 is appropriate, the power supply unit 110 can operate normally. In this case, the MCU 1161 can also notify the user, for example via the notification unit 113, that the replacement of the power supply unit 111 has been successfully completed and / or the power supply unit 110 (in other words, the suction device 100) is ready for use.

[0154] Some operations prohibited based on the results of operational checks include, for example, supplying power to the heating unit 121 from the power supply unit 111, in other words, generating aerosols through the heating unit 121. This prevents problems such as supplying power to the heating unit 121, which involves a large amount of power, even if there is some kind of error in the power supply unit 111 or the connection part 20x after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0155] Furthermore, one of the operations prohibited based on the results of the operation check includes, for example, charging the power supply unit 111. This prevents problems such as supplying power to the power supply unit 111 even if there is some kind of error in the power supply unit 111 or the connection part 20x after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0156] When an error is detected during operation checks, the MCU 1161 can also prevent the power supply unit 110 from transitioning from sleep mode to operating mode. Here, sleep mode can be, for example, a mode that supplies power only to the minimum components necessary to control the operation of the power supply unit 110 (in other words, a low-power mode). On the other hand, operating mode can be, for example, a mode that supplies power to other components (e.g., the heating unit 121) in addition to the minimum components necessary to control the operation of the power supply unit 110.

[0157] Furthermore, if the MCU 1161 detects an error through an operation check, it can notify the user of the detected error and / or a corresponding recommendation via, for example, the notification unit 113. Here, these recommendations indicate, for example, the actions the user should take to correct the error detected in the operation check. In this way, notifying the user of the detected error and / or providing recommendations based on the detected error can prompt the user to take appropriate action to correct the error.

[0158] For example, if the notification unit 113 includes a light-emitting device, the notification can be delivered by causing the light-emitting device to emit light in a predetermined light-emitting pattern. Here, the light-emitting pattern refers to, for example, the color of the emitted light, the number of times light is emitted (e.g., the number of times the light-emitting element emits light), or the light-emitting pattern (e.g., flashing). If the notification unit 113 includes a vibration device, the notification can be delivered by causing the vibration device to vibrate in a predetermined vibration pattern. Here, the vibration pattern refers to, for example, the vibration pattern (e.g., the manner in which vibration occurs), the vibration intensity, the vibration frequency, or the duration of vibration. If the notification unit 113 includes a display device, the notification can be delivered by causing the display device to display a predetermined image (e.g., a so-called "icon") or a predetermined message (in other words, a string).

[0159] Furthermore, the MCU 1161 can, for example, transmit information indicating a detected error and / or a recommendation corresponding to the detected error to another device (e.g., a terminal device, such as a user's smartphone) that can communicate with the power supply unit 110 via the communication unit 115, and cause that other device to issue the aforementioned notification. A specific example of a notification executed based on the results of an operational check will be described later.

[0160] (Example of connected power supply information obtained by the MCU)

[0161] Figure 8This is a diagram illustrating an example of connected power supply information acquired by the MCU 1161. (See diagram for example.) Figure 8 As shown, MCU1161 acquires connected power information 800, which includes information such as power ID, remaining battery power Cbat, power supply voltage Vbat, SOH, connection status between power unit 111 and connection part 20x, presence or absence of short circuit in connection part 20x, and battery temperature Tbat.

[0162] As previously mentioned, the power ID information (information indicating the power ID) can be obtained, for example, from the memory 1116 of the power unit 111. Furthermore, the remaining battery power information indicated by the remaining battery power Cbat, the power supply voltage information indicated by the power supply voltage Vbat, the SOH information indicated by the SOH, and the battery temperature information indicated by the battery temperature Tbat can be obtained from the battery fuel gauge IC 1162.

[0163] Furthermore, the connection status information (information indicating the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection portion 20x) can be information indicating whether the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection portion 20x is normal. For example, when the connected power supply information 800 is obtained, if the potential difference between the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b is within a predetermined range greater than 0 [V], and the potential of the positive terminal connection portion 20a is higher than the potential of the negative terminal connection portion 20b, then the MCU 1161 can obtain connection status information indicating that the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection portion 20x is normal. On the other hand, if the potential difference between the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b is outside the predetermined range, or the potential of the positive terminal connection portion 20a is lower than the potential of the negative terminal connection portion 20b, then the MCU 1161 can obtain connection status information indicating that the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection portion 20x is abnormal. Short circuit information (information indicating whether a short circuit exists or not at connection 20x) can also be obtained in the same way, for example, based on the potential difference between positive terminal connection 20a and negative terminal connection 20b.

[0164] Note that the methods described herein for obtaining each item of information contained in the connected power information 800 are merely examples and are not limited thereto. In other words, any known method can be used to obtain each item of information contained in the connected power information 800. Note that the connected power information 800 described herein is merely an example and is not limited thereto. In other words, the connected power information obtained by the MCU 1161 can be omitted from the connected power information 800, or it can be further added to the connected power information 800.

[0165] (Example of operation check)

[0166] Figure 9 An example of an operational check performed by the MCU 1161 is shown. For example... Figure 9 As shown in Table 900, during the operation check, MCU 1161 performs checks such as remaining battery power, power supply voltage, SOH, connection status, short circuit, battery temperature, and power ID.

[0167] Here, the remaining battery power check is a process of checking whether a certain amount of power remains in the replaced power supply unit 111. Specifically, in the remaining battery power check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the remaining battery power Cbat is greater than or equal to a predetermined first threshold based on the remaining battery power information in the connected power information 800. The MCU 1161 then detects an error, such as insufficient remaining battery power Cbat in the replaced power supply unit 111, based on the determination that the remaining battery power Cbat is not greater than or equal to the first threshold (in other words, less than the first threshold).

[0168] By performing an operation check that includes this remaining battery power check and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the result, the following problem can be prevented: the power supply unit 110 may still operate normally and the power of the power supply unit 111 may be depleted even though the remaining battery power Cbat of the replaced power supply unit 111 is insufficient.

[0169] Note that the first threshold used for checking the remaining battery power can be appropriately defined by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, but preferably, this first threshold is based on the power required for the heating unit 121 to generate the aerosol (which is the primary operation of the power supply unit 110 (in other words, the inhalation device 100)). In this way, premature interruption of aerosol generation, for example, after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced, due to insufficient remaining battery power Cbat in the replaced power supply unit 111, can be prevented.

[0170] More specifically, the power supply unit 110 generates aerosols, for example, by heating the aerosol source using the heating unit 121 based on a predetermined heating curve. Here, the heating curve is information defining the time-series transition of the temperature of the heating unit 121. Then, when generating aerosols based on the heating curve, the MCU 1161 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the time elapsed since the start of heating by the heating unit 121 and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature"). At this time, the MCU 1161 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 such that the time-series transition of the actual temperature resembles the time-series transition of the target temperature defined in the heating curve. For example, a value that ensures the existence of power sufficient to generate aerosols based on such a heating curve is used as a first threshold.

[0171] Furthermore, the power supply voltage check here is a process of checking whether the power supply voltage Vbat (the output voltage of the replaced power supply unit 111) is within the appropriate range of the power supply unit 110. Specifically, in the power supply voltage check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the power supply voltage Vbat is within a predetermined first range based on the power supply voltage information in the connected power supply information 800. Then, based on the determination that the power supply voltage Vbat is not within the first range (in other words, outside the first range), the MCU 1161 detects an error, such as the replaced power supply unit 111 being degraded or an unsuitable power supply unit 111 being connected (in other words, the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110).

[0172] For example, if the replaced power supply unit 111 has been degraded, its power supply voltage Vbat will be below the lower limit of the first range. Furthermore, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, its power supply voltage Vbat may be above the upper limit of the first range or below the lower limit of the first range. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether the power supply voltage Vbat of the replaced power supply unit 111 is within the first range to detect errors, such as if the replaced power supply unit 111 has been degraded or if an incompatible power supply unit 111 is connected. Note that the first range used for power supply voltage checking is preset by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, taking into account, for example, the hardware or software characteristics of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110, or the power supply unit 110 itself.

[0173] By performing an operational check including this power supply voltage check and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the result, the following problem can be prevented: the power supply unit 110 can still operate normally even though the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110.

[0174] The SOH check here is a process of checking whether the replaced power supply unit 111 is healthy (in other words, minimally degraded). Specifically, in the SOH check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the SOH is greater than or equal to a second threshold based on the SOH information in the connected power supply information 800. The MCU 1161 then detects an error, such as a degraded replacement power supply unit 111, based on determining that the SOH is not greater than or equal to the second threshold (in other words, less than the second threshold).

[0175] For example, SOH represents the health level of power supply unit 111 in the range of 100% to 0%, and the higher the value, the healthier power supply unit 111 is (in other words, the less it degrades). The second threshold used for SOH checking can be appropriately defined by the manufacturer of power supply unit 110. However, preferably, it is determined by taking into account the hardware characteristics of power supply unit 111 that can be installed in power supply unit 110 or power supply unit 110 itself. An example of the second threshold used for SOH checking can be 70%, at which power supply unit 111 is considered to be in a state of some degree of health.

[0176] By performing an operational check including such a SOH check and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results, the following problem can be prevented: the power supply unit 110 can still operate normally even though the replaced power supply unit 111 has been degraded (in other words, its performance has been degraded).

[0177] Furthermore, the connection status check here is a process of checking whether the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection portion 20x is normal. Specifically, in the connection status check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection portion 20x is normal based on the connection status information in the connected power information 800. The MCU 1161 then detects errors such as reversed connection of the power supply unit 111 or foreign matter (such as dust) adhering to the connection portion 20x based on the determination that the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection portion 20x is abnormal. For example, a reversed connection of the power supply unit 111 could be the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111 connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a of the power supply unit 110, or the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111 connected to the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 110.

[0178] By performing an operation check that includes this connection status check and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the result, the following problems can be prevented: for example, the power supply unit 110 may operate normally even if the power supply unit 111 is not properly connected.

[0179] Furthermore, the short-circuit check here is a process of checking whether a short circuit has occurred in the connection portion 20x connected to the replaced power supply unit 111. Specifically, in the short-circuit check, the MCU 1161 determines whether a short circuit has occurred at the connection portion 20x based on the short-circuit information in the connected power supply information 800. The MCU 1161 then detects an error based on the determination that a short circuit has occurred, i.e., a short circuit exists at the connection portion 20x. Note that a short circuit in the connection portion 20x may occur, for example, due to foreign matter (such as dust) adhering to the connection portion 20x.

[0180] By performing an operation check that includes this short-circuit check and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the result, the following problem can be prevented: the power supply unit 110 can still operate normally despite a short circuit occurring in the connection portion 20x connected to the replaced power supply unit 111.

[0181] Furthermore, the battery temperature check here is a process of checking whether the temperature status of the replaced power supply unit 111 is normal. In this embodiment, during the battery temperature check, the MCU 1161 checks whether the battery temperature Tbat of the replaced power supply unit 111 is normal, and also checks whether the temperature rise rate of the replaced power supply unit 111 is normal. Here, the temperature rise rate of the power supply unit 111 is the amount of temperature rise of the power supply unit 111 per unit time.

[0182] Specifically, during the battery temperature Tbat check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the battery temperature Tbat is within a predetermined second range based on the battery temperature information in the connected power supply information 800. The MCU 1161 then detects an error, i.e., an abnormal temperature of the replaced power supply unit 111, based on the determination that the battery temperature Tbat is not within the second range (in other words, outside the second range).

[0183] Note that, for example, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, or if foreign matter (such as dust) is trapped between the temperature terminal connection 20c of the power supply unit 110 and the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111, temperature anomalies may occur, such as the battery temperature Tbat exceeding the second range. The second range used for battery temperature Tbat checking is also preset by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, taking into account, for example, the hardware characteristics of the power supply unit 111 that can be installed in the power supply unit 110 or the power supply unit 110 itself. An example of the second range used for battery temperature Tbat checking could be a range from 0 [°C] to 60 [°C].

[0184] It is possible that even if, for example, the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, the battery temperature Tbat may still take some time to rise to a certain level.

[0185] Therefore, when checking the battery temperature Tbat, the MCU 1161 can, for example, acquire battery temperature information indicating the battery temperature Tbat during a predetermined period after the replacement of the power supply unit 111, and determine whether the battery temperature Tbat is within a second range during that predetermined period. More specifically, the MCU 1161 can determine whether the battery temperature Tbat is within the second range during a period of 5 [s] elapsed from the detection of the replacement of the power supply unit 111. In this way, abnormal temperature errors, such as those of the replaced power supply unit 111, can be detected more accurately; in other words, errors such as connecting an incompatible power supply unit 111 or a connection error in the connection portion 20x can be detected.

[0186] Furthermore, when checking the temperature rise rate, the MCU 1161 determines, based on the battery temperature information in the connected power information 800, whether the temperature rise rate of the power supply unit 111 within a predetermined time period after the power supply unit 111 is replaced is less than or equal to a third threshold. Then, based on the determination that the temperature rise rate of the power supply unit 111 is not lower than the third threshold (in other words, greater than the third threshold), the MCU 1161 detects an error indicating a temperature anomaly in the replaced power supply unit 111.

[0187] For example, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, abnormal temperatures may occur, such as the temperature rise rate of the power supply unit 111 exceeding the third threshold. Moreover, the third threshold used for temperature rise rate checking is preset by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, taking into account, for example, the characteristics of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 or the power supply unit 110 itself.

[0188] By performing operational checks, including the battery temperature check as described above, and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results, the following problems can be prevented: for example, the power supply unit 110 can still operate normally even if the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, or the power supply unit 111 is not properly connected.

[0189] Furthermore, the power ID check here is a process of checking whether the replaced power unit 111 is compatible with the power supply unit 110 based on the power ID of the replaced power unit 111. Specifically, in the power ID check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the power ID of the replaced power unit 111 is a predetermined ID based on the power ID information in the connected power information 800. The MCU 1161 then detects an error, such as connecting an incompatible power unit 111, based on the determination that the power ID of the replaced power unit 111 is not a predetermined ID.

[0190] As an example, a so-called "genuine" power supply unit 111 provided to the user by the manufacturer of power supply unit 110 comes with a power ID including a predetermined string. In this case, during the power ID check, MCU 1161 determines whether the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 includes the predetermined string. Then, when MCU 1161 determines that the predetermined string is not included, it determines that the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is not the predetermined ID. This makes it possible to detect errors such as connecting an incompatible power supply unit 111 when replacing it with a power supply unit 111 manufactured by a third party other than the manufacturer of power supply unit 110, in other words, when replacing it with a non-genuine power supply unit 111 whose safety has not been verified by the manufacturer of power supply unit 110.

[0191] Furthermore, during the power ID check, the MCU 1161 can, for example, transmit the power ID information to a server device (e.g., the server device SV described later) managed by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110 via the communication unit 115. In this case, the server device, having received the power ID information, performs authentication regarding whether the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is a predetermined ID, and returns the authentication result to the power supply unit 110. The MCU 1161 can then determine whether the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is a predetermined ID based on the authentication result received from the server device.

[0192] Furthermore, as shown in Table 900, if any error is detected through the above-described operation check, the MCU 1161, for example, disables the heating unit 121 from heating (in other words, disables the power supply to the heating unit 121). In other words, in this case, the MCU 1161 ensures that heating of the heating unit 121 is not performed, even if there is a heating request from the user. This prevents problems such as heating by the heating unit 121 after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced, despite a fault in the power supply unit 111 or the connection portion 20x.

[0193] Additionally, for example, if the error detected by the operation check is other than insufficient remaining battery power Cbat, the MCU 1161 also stops charging the power supply unit 111. In other words, in this case, the MCU 1161 prevents charging the power supply unit 111, even if there is a charging request from the user (e.g., the power supply unit 110 is connected to an external power source). This prevents the disadvantage of charging the power supply unit 111 after it has been replaced, even though there is a fault in the power supply unit 111 or the connection portion 20x.

[0194] Furthermore, as shown in Table 900, if any error is detected during the operation check, the MCU 1161 can notify the user via the notification unit 113 of the recommendations given according to the detected error.

[0195] Specifically, if an error is detected in the remaining battery power Cbat check, such as insufficient remaining battery power, the MCU 1161 provides a notification as a recommendation, for example, suggesting that power supply unit 111 be charged. For example, if an error is detected in the power supply voltage check, such as power supply unit 111 being degraded or an incompatible power supply unit 111 being connected, the MCU 1161 provides a notification as a recommendation to replace power supply unit 111. For example, if an error is detected in the SOH check, such as power supply unit 111 being degraded, the MCU 1161 issues a notification as a recommendation to replace power supply unit 111.

[0196] Additionally, for example, if an error is detected during a connection status check, such as an inverted connection of power supply unit 111 or foreign matter adhering to connection portion 20x, the MCU 1161 provides a notification to check connection portion 20x and reset power supply unit 111 as a recommendation. Similarly, if an error such as foreign matter adhering to connection portion 20x is detected during a short circuit check, the MCU 1161 provides a notification to check connection portion 20x as a recommendation.

[0197] Additionally, for example, if an error is detected during battery temperature checks, such as an incompatible power supply unit 111 being connected or foreign matter adhering to the connection portion 20x, the MCU 1161 provides a notification recommending that the connection portion 20x be checked and the power supply unit 111 be replaced. Similarly, if an error is detected during power ID checks, such as an incompatible power supply unit 111 being connected, the MCU 1161 provides a notification recommending that the power supply unit 111 be replaced.

[0198] Another possibility is that the operation check detects multiple errors. In this case, the MCU 1161 could, for example, provide recommendations based on each detected error.

[0199] Furthermore, for example, if the operation check does not detect an error, the MCU 1161 does not prevent the heating unit 121 from heating or the power supply unit 111 from charging. Therefore, in this case, the MCU 1161 enables the heating unit 121 to heat in response to a user's heating request, or charges the power supply unit 111 in response to the power supply unit 110 being connected to an external power source.

[0200] Note that the operation checks described herein and the operations performed on the power supply unit 110 based on the results of these operation checks are merely examples and are not limited to these. For example, any of the aforementioned operation checks performed by the MCU 1161 may be omitted, or further checks may be added. Moreover, the operations performed on the power supply unit 110 based on the results of the operation checks may be replaced by other operations, and may include other operations in addition to those described herein.

[0201] Furthermore, the timing for the MCU 1161 to perform the operation check could be, for example, when the user first performs a predetermined operation (e.g., a heating request or a charging request) after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced, but the timing is not limited to this. For example, the MCU 1161 could perform the operation check after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced, when a predetermined operation exists, until the predetermined operation has been performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times). In this way, the safety of the power supply unit 110 can be further improved by performing multiple operation checks at different times after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0202] (Resetting the cycle count and SOH)

[0203] In this embodiment, the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 counts the cycles of the power supply unit 111 and stores cycle count information indicating the count value (cycle count value). Furthermore, the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 also stores SOH information indicating the SOH of the power supply unit 111. This information stored by the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 can, for example, be used to determine the remaining battery power Cbat. It is also conceivable that the MCU 1161 will refer to this information stored by the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 when appropriate to control the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the cycle count value and / or SOH.

[0204] As an example, it is conceivable that the MCU 1161 determines the lifespan of the power supply unit 111 based on a cycle count value. In this case, the MCU 1161 determines that the power supply unit 111 has reached its end of life, for example, based on the cycle count value reaching a predetermined value (e.g., 1000 times). Then, after determining that the power supply unit 111 has reached the end of its lifespan, the MCU 1161 notifies the user, for example, via a notification unit 113 to replace the power supply unit 111.

[0205] As another example, it is conceivable that the MCU 1161 controls the heating unit 121 to heat based on the State of Health (SOH). In this case, for example, when there is no obstruction to the heating unit 121 (in other words, when the operation check does not detect an error), if a heating request from the user exists, the MCU 1161 determines whether the remaining battery power Cbat is greater than or equal to a predetermined heating authorization threshold. The MCU 1161 then allows the heating unit 121 to heat based on the determination that the remaining battery power Cbat is greater than or equal to the heating authorization threshold. This is only allowed when the remaining battery power Cbat is greater than or equal to the heating authorization threshold; in other words, only when there is sufficient remaining battery power Cbat to power the heating unit 121.

[0206] The heating authorization threshold is designed to take a higher value as the state of harm (SOH) worsens (e.g., gets closer to 0 [%)). This is because the worse the SOH, the lower the supply voltage Vbat, so if the output current from the power supply unit 111 does not increase, the power supplied to the heating unit 121 (in other words, the power required to generate the aerosol) will not be available.

[0207] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a Heating Authorization Threshold Table (TBL) that defines the heating authorization threshold. Figure 10 The heating authorization threshold table TBL shown defines a heating authorization threshold for each SOH. Specifically, in the heating authorization threshold table TBL, the worse the SOH, the higher the heating authorization threshold corresponding to that SOH. For example, when the SOH is 100%, the heating authorization threshold is 500 mAh; when the SOH is 99%, the heating authorization threshold is 510 mAh; and when the SOH is 98%, the heating authorization threshold is 520 mAh.

[0208] For example, if a heating request from a user occurs without preventing heating using heating unit 121, MCU 1161 refers to the heating authorization threshold table TBL stored in battery fuel gauge IC 1162 and SOH stored in memory unit 114, and obtains the heating authorization threshold based on the current SOH (e.g., if SOH is 98 [%], then the heating authorization threshold is 520 mAh).

[0209] MCU 1161 then compares the acquired heating authorization threshold with the current remaining battery power Cbat to determine if the remaining battery power Cbat is greater than or equal to the heating authorization threshold. If MCU 1161 determines that the remaining battery power Cbat is greater than or equal to the heating authorization threshold, heating is initiated by heating unit 121. On the other hand, if MCU 1161 determines that the remaining battery power Cbat is not greater than or equal to the heating authorization threshold (in other words, less than the heating authorization threshold), it prevents heating unit 121 from heating. This only allows heating unit 121 to heat when there is sufficient battery power Cbat for aerosol generation.

[0210] In this way, the MCU 1161 and / or the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 can perform processing to control the power supply unit 110 with respect to the reference cycle count value and / or SOH, thereby allowing the power supply unit 110 to perform operations in consideration of the cycle count value and / or SOH, thus improving user convenience.

[0211] However, if this arrangement is adopted, it is possible that after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, the power supply unit 110 may be controlled based on the cycle count value and / or SOH of the old power supply unit 111, unless the cycle count value and / or SOH are reset after the power supply unit 111 is replaced. If the power supply unit 110 is controlled based on the cycle count value and / or SOH of the old power supply unit 111 after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, it may be impossible to determine, for example, the remaining battery charge Cbat, the lifespan of the power supply unit 111, or the heating authorization threshold, which may lead to reduced user convenience.

[0212] Therefore, for example, when the power supply unit 111 connected to connection portion 20x is replaced, the MCU 1161 (i.e., control unit 116) performs a reset procedure to reset the cycle count value and / or SOH stored by the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 to a predetermined value. Performing this reset procedure prevents the power supply unit 110 from being controlled based on the cycle count value and / or SOH of the old power supply unit 111 after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, thereby preventing a reduction in user convenience.

[0213] In this embodiment, when the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 stores each of the cycle count value and the state of emergency (SOH), the MCU 1161 resets both the cycle count value and the SOH stored by the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 to predetermined values ​​during a reset process. Resetting the cycle count value and SOH stored by the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 can be achieved, for example, by sending a reset request instructing these resets to the battery fuel gauge IC 1162.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the power supply unit 111 is connected to the connection portion 20x and the aforementioned operation check does not detect any errors, the MCU 1161 performs a reset process. This allows the power supply unit 110 to continue being controlled based on the cycle count value and SOH of the old power supply unit 111 if the user switches back to the old power supply unit 111 due to an error detected in the operation check.

[0215] The MCU 1161 can also execute a reset procedure when the operation check detects no errors and a pre-defined user action is available. Here, the pre-defined action can be, for example, an operation instructing the user to perform a reset procedure. One example is pressing an operation button located on the suction device 100 (e.g., the operation button on operation section 15). As another example, the pre-defined action can be inputting information instructing the user to perform a reset procedure to the power supply unit 110 via another device (such as the user's smartphone). In this way, by waiting for a pre-defined user action to execute the reset procedure, executing the reset procedure against the user's intent can be prevented.

[0216] (Example of the reset process)

[0217] Here is an example of the reset process performed by MCU 1161. Figure 11A This is a diagram (Part 1) illustrating an example of the reset process implemented by the MCU 1161. Figure 11B This is a diagram (Part 2) illustrating an example of the reset process implemented by the MCU 1161. Figure 11C This is a diagram (Part 3) illustrating an example of the reset process implemented by the MCU 1161.

[0218] During the reset process, firstly, as Figure 11A As shown in (a), MCU 1161 references memory 1162a of battery fuel gauge IC 1162 before a reset, and obtains the cycle count value and SOH from memory 1162a before the reset. In this way, Figure 11A In the example shown in (a), the cycle count information indicating a cycle count value of 350 cycles and the SOH information indicating an SOH of 80% are obtained.

[0219] Next, as Figure 11A As shown in (b), the MCU 1161 stores the acquired cycle count information and SOH information (in other words, information indicating the cycle count value and SOH before the upcoming reset) in association with the power ID of the old power unit 111 connected to the connection portion 20x before the power unit 111 is replaced. This memory is different from the memory 1162a of the battery fuel gauge IC 1162.

[0220] exist Figure 11A In the example shown in (b), the power ID of the old power unit 111 connected to the connection part 20x before the power unit 111 is about to be replaced is “AAAAA”. Therefore, the MCU 1161 associates this power ID “AAAAA” with the cycle count value “350 times” and SOH “80%” before the reset and stores it in memory 1161a (see the part circled by the line marked α in the figure).

[0221] Next, as Figure 11B As shown in (c), the MCU 1161 searches the memory 1161a for a cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power unit 111, for example, based on the power ID information in the connected power information 800. For example, if the power ID of the replaced power unit 111 is "BBBBB", the MCU 1161 searches the memory 1161a for a cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID "BBBBB".

[0222] Assuming that, as a result of the above search, no cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 are retrieved from memory 1161a. For example, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is being installed in the power supply unit 110 for the first time, then no cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 will be retrieved from memory 1161a.

[0223] In this scenario, MCU 1161 resets the cycle count and SOH stored in memory 1162a of battery fuel gauge IC 1162 to predetermined initial values ​​by sending a reset request to battery fuel gauge IC 1162. Figure 11B As shown in (d) in the diagram. In this way, in Figure 11B In the example shown in (d), the loop count value stored in memory 1162a is reset to the initial value "0 times", and SOH is reset to the initial value "100 [%]".

[0224] On the other hand, assume that the above search results in finding the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111. For example, when the power supply unit 111, which was previously installed in the power supply unit 110, is reinstalled in the power supply unit 110, the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 will be retrieved in this way. As an example, in this case, assume that the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is "BBBBB", so the cycle count value "500" and SOH "65 [%]" corresponding to the power ID "BBBBB" are retrieved.

[0225] In this case, such as Figure 11C As shown in (e), the MCU 1161 sends a reset request to the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 to reset to the retrieved cycle count value and SOH (i.e., the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111). In this way, in Figure 11C In the example shown in (e), the loop count value stored in memory 1162a is reset to “500 times” and SOH is reset to 65 [%.

[0226] As described above, when the cycle count value and SOH stored in the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 (and more specifically, memory 1162a) are reset to predetermined values, the MCU 1161 stores information indicating the cycle count value and SOH prior to the upcoming reset to the predetermined value in the MCU 1161's memory 1161a. In this way, even if the cycle count value and SOH stored in the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 are reset, the cycle count value and SOH can subsequently be restored to the cycle count value and SOH prior to the reset via reference memory 1161a if necessary.

[0227] Furthermore, the MCU 1161 stores the information indicating the cycle count value and SOH before the upcoming reset in memory 1161a, associated with the power ID of the old power unit 111 connected to connection portion 20x before the power unit 111 is replaced. In this way, the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to each power unit 111 can be stored in memory 1161a in a way that allows them to be distinguished.

[0228] Then, when power supply unit 111 is replaced, MCU 1161 obtains the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 and searches for the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 in memory 1161a. If the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 are found, MCU 1161 resets the cycle count value and SOH stored in battery fuel gauge IC 1162 with the cycle count value and SOH as predetermined values. In this way, if the old power supply unit 111 is reinstalled in power supply unit 110, for example due to an error in the replaced power supply unit 111, the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the old power supply unit 111 can be recovered through reference memory 1161a. Therefore, even after the old power supply unit 111 has been reinstalled, power supply unit 110 can be properly operated based on the appropriate cycle count value and / or SOH.

[0229] On the other hand, if the MCU 1161 does not find a cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111, it resets the cycle count value and SOH stored in the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 with a predetermined initial value. This allows the power supply unit 110 to operate properly based on the appropriate cycle count value and / or SOH, even if the replaced power supply unit 111 is the first power supply unit installed in the power supply unit 110.

[0230] (An example of MCU control flow)

[0231] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the control flow of the MCU 1161. (Example...) Figure 12 As shown, MCU 1161 first determines whether the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection portion 20x has been replaced; in other words, it determines whether the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced (step S1). If it is determined that the power supply unit 111 has not been replaced (step S1: No), MCU 1161 repeats the process of step S1 until it is determined that the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0232] When it is determined that power supply unit 111 has been replaced (step S1: Yes), MCU 1161 obtains the connected power supply information related to power supply unit 111 connected to connection portion 20x (e.g., Figure 8 The connected power supply information 800 is shown (step S2). The MCU 1161 then performs an operation check based on the connected power supply information obtained through the process of step S2 (step S3).

[0233] Next, MCU 1161 determines whether an error was detected in the operation check in step S3 (step S4). If an error is detected (step S4: yes), MCU 1161 disables heating unit 121 from heating and power supply unit 111 from charging (step S5). MCU 1161 then notifies the user of the recommendation given according to the detected error via notification unit 113 (step S6) and ends the process sequence.

[0234] Furthermore, if no error is detected (step S4: No), the MCU 1161 executes a reset procedure (step S7). The MCU 1161 then notifies the user via the notification unit 113 that the replacement of the power supply unit 111 has been completed (step S8), and ends the process sequence.

[0235] As described above, according to the power supply unit 110 of this embodiment, when a power supply unit 111 capable of storing power and configured to be attached to or detached from the power supply unit 110 is replaced, errors related to the replaced power supply unit 111 and / or errors related to the connection portion 20x of the power supply unit 110 connected to the replaced power supply unit 111 can be detected, and operation can be performed based on the detection results. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power supply unit 110 from operating normally even after the power supply unit 111 has been replaced, despite the presence of some error in the power supply unit 111 or the connection portion 20x. Thus, better safety and / or better user convenience of the power supply unit 110 can be achieved.

[0236] Even if the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, it is conceivable that updating the firmware of the power supply unit 110 will make the replaced power supply unit 111 usable in the power supply unit 110.

[0237] Therefore, when the control unit 116 (e.g., MCU 1161) determines through an operation check that the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, the control unit transmits the power ID information indicating the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 to an external device via the communication unit 115, and can obtain the firmware of the power supply unit 110 corresponding to the replaced power supply unit 111 from the external device.

[0238] (Information processing system for updating the firmware of power supply 110)

[0239] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system for updating the firmware of the power supply unit 110. (See diagram for example.) Figure 13 The information processing system SYS shown includes the aforementioned inhalation device 100, terminal device TM, and server device SV.

[0240] In the information processing system SYS, the inhalation device 100 (more specifically, the power supply unit 110) and the terminal device TM are provided in a state where they can communicate with each other. For communication between the inhalation device 100 and the terminal device TM, methods such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or LPWA can be used. The inhalation device 100 and the terminal device TM can also be connected via a wired connection.

[0241] Furthermore, in the information processing system SYS, the terminal device TM and the server device SV are configured to communicate with each other via a predetermined network (such as a mobile communication network, the Internet, or a wide area network (WAN)).

[0242] The terminal device TM is a device used by the user of the inhalation device 100. Smartphones, tablets, personal computers (PCs), or wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches) can be used as the terminal device TM. In the following text, the terminal device TM is described as a smartphone.

[0243] The server device SV is, for example, a computer managed by the manufacturer of the suction device 100 (in other words, the power supply unit 110) and which distributes the firmware of the power supply unit 110 via the aforementioned network. Note that the server device SV may be a virtual server (cloud server) implemented in a cloud computing service, or it may be a physical server implemented as a single device.

[0244] like Figure 13 As shown, the server device SV has, for example, a firmware database DB, which associates power IDs with firmware, thereby enabling the use of power supply units 111 identified by the power IDs. Figure 13 In the firmware database DB shown, firmware “FW0001” is associated with power ID “AAAAA”.

[0245] In the information processing system SYS, when the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 determines that the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110 (e.g., when the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is not a predetermined ID), the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 sends a firmware acquisition request to the terminal device TM via the communication unit 115. This firmware acquisition request includes power ID information indicating the power ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 13 (The arrow in the figure is marked with the reference numeral S11).

[0246] The control unit 116 may also wait for a predetermined user action before sending a firmware retrieval request to the terminal device TM. For example, when a predetermined user action occurs on the terminal device TM (e.g., tapping the "FW Update Start" icon provided on the display screen of the terminal device TM), the terminal device TM notifies the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 of this effect. The control unit 116 can then send a firmware retrieval request to the terminal device TM by being triggered by receiving this notification.

[0247] After receiving a firmware acquisition request from the inhalation device 100, the terminal device TM transmits a firmware distribution request to the server device SV via the network. This firmware distribution request includes power ID information indicating the power ID of the replaced power unit 111 (see [link to server device SV]). Figure 13 (The arrow in the figure is marked with reference numeral S12).

[0248] The server device SV, having received a firmware distribution request from the terminal device TM, refers to the power ID information contained in the firmware distribution request and retrieves the firmware corresponding to that power ID from the firmware database DB. Then, if the corresponding firmware is found, the server device SV sends the retrieved firmware to the terminal device TM from which it requested firmware distribution (see [link to firmware distribution request]). Figure 13 (The arrow in the figure is marked with reference numeral S13).

[0249] After receiving the firmware from the server device SV, the terminal device TM stores the firmware in a memory (not shown in the figures) provided by its own device. The terminal device TM then transmits the firmware received from the server device SV to the receiving device 100 (see [reference]) which has requested firmware retrieval. Figure 13 (The arrow in the figure is marked with reference numeral S14).

[0250] The control unit 116 of the suction device 100, which receives firmware from the terminal device TM, updates the firmware of the suction device 100 (and more specifically, the power supply unit 110) to the firmware received from the terminal device TM. Specifically, the control unit 116 modifies parameters, such as those used to obtain information about the power supply unit 111, and parameters used to control the discharging or charging of the power supply unit 111, by updating the firmware. This enables the replacement power supply unit 111 to be used in the power supply unit 110.

[0251] Parameters that change due to firmware updates may include, for example, the aforementioned heating authorization thresholds. In other words, by updating the firmware, the control unit 116 can rewrite the heating authorization threshold table TBL. Parameters to be changed via firmware updates include, for example, threshold parameters used to determine whether the power supply unit 111 is in a discharged state (deep discharge state), parameters representing the open-circuit voltage (OCV) used by the battery fuel gauge IC 1162 to determine the remaining battery capacity Cbat, and threshold parameters used by the protection IC 1114 to determine whether to stop the discharge or charging of the power supply unit 111.

[0252] Furthermore, if operational checks determine that the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, the suction device 100 can disable certain operations, such as heating by the heating unit 121 or charging of the power supply unit 111. For example, when a firmware update is completed, the control unit 116 removes this disabling of some such operations. This allows the power supply unit 110 (i.e., the suction device 100) to operate normally when the replaced power supply unit 111 becomes compatible with the power supply unit 110 through a firmware update, thereby improving user convenience.

[0253] The control unit 116 can also notify the user, for example, that a firmware update is in progress via the notification unit 113, and notify the user that the firmware update is complete when it is finished. In this way, the user can be informed of the operating status of the suction device 100 (in other words, the power supply unit 110) during the firmware update, thereby improving user convenience.

[0254] Furthermore, the control unit 116 can determine, for example, through an operation check that the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, and can notify the user via the notification unit 113 that a firmware update is required to use the replaced power supply unit 111. Then, if the user performs a predetermined operation, the control unit 116 can send a firmware acquisition request to the terminal device TM after the notification, thereby updating the firmware of the power supply unit 110.

[0255] The embodiments of a power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus according to this disclosure have been described above; however, it is self-evident that the invention is not limited to such embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several variations or modifications within the scope of the claims will be conceived, and any such variations or modifications are naturally understood to fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments described above may be combined in any manner without departing from the essential points of the invention.

[0256] Furthermore, the control method described in the above embodiments can be implemented by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer. This program is stored on a computer-readable storage medium and is executed by reading it from the storage medium. The program can also be provided in the form of storage on a non-volatile (non-transient) storage medium (such as flash memory) or via a network (such as the Internet). In this embodiment, the computer executing the program is the control unit 116, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the computer executing the program can be included in the inhalation device 100, but this is not limiting, and the computer can also be included in another device capable of communicating with the inhalation device 100.

[0257] This specification and other documents describe at least the following features. Corresponding components in the above embodiments are shown in parentheses by way of example, but there are no limitations on such components.

[0258] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 110, 100A, 100B) for an aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) for generating aerosols from an aerosol source, the power supply unit comprising:

[0259] The connection portion (connection portion 20x, positive terminal connection portion 20a, negative terminal connection portion 20b, temperature terminal connection portion 20c, positive terminal 90a, negative terminal 90b, temperature terminal 90c) is connected to a power supply unit (power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B) that is capable of storing power and configured to be detachable from the power supply unit; and

[0260] The control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B, MCU 1161, battery fuel gauge IC 1162) performs a predetermined operation check and controls the operation of the power supply unit based on the result of the operation check when the power supply unit connected to this connection part is replaced.

[0261] Its features are,

[0262] During this operational check, the control unit is configured to

[0263] Obtain information related to the replaced power supply unit, and

[0264] Based on information related to the replaced power supply unit, errors related to the replaced power supply unit and / or errors related to the connection portion connected to the replaced power supply unit are detected.

[0265] According to (1), when a power supply unit capable of storing power and configured to be detachable from the power supply unit is replaced, and when an error is detected in the replaced power supply unit and / or an error is detected in the connection portion of the power supply unit connected to the replaced power supply unit, an action can be performed based on the result of the detection. In this way, the safety of the power supply unit can be improved, or user convenience can be improved.

[0266] (2) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), characterized in that,

[0267] The control unit performs the operation check in response to the replacement of the power supply unit connected to the connection section.

[0268] According to (2), the replacement of the power supply unit can be used as a trigger to automatically perform the operation check. Therefore, compared to situations where an operation check requires an operation other than the replacement of the power supply unit, the time and effort required for the user to perform the operation check can be reduced.

[0269] (3) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), characterized in that,

[0270] The control unit performs the operation check in response to a predetermined action by the user after the power supply unit connected to the connection section has been replaced.

[0271] According to (3), the operation check can be performed only after the user has performed the predetermined operation following the replacement of the power supply unit. In this way, even if the user repeatedly attaches and removes the power supply unit during replacement, the increase in power consumption due to repeated operation checks can be eliminated.

[0272] (4) The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in any one of (1) to (3), characterized in that,

[0273] When the operation check detects an error, the control unit stops at least a portion of the operation of the power supply unit.

[0274] According to (4), the following problem can be prevented: even if there is some kind of error in the power supply unit or its connection, the power supply unit is still allowed to operate normally with all its functions enabled.

[0275] (5) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device as disclosed in (4), characterized in that,

[0276] The power supply unit is configured to supply power to the heating units (heating units 121, 121A, 121B) when powered, which heat the aerosol source to generate an aerosol.

[0277] This part of the operation includes supplying power to the heating unit from the power supply unit.

[0278] According to (5), the following problems can be prevented: for example, after the power supply unit is replaced, power is still supplied to the heating unit involving high power despite the fact that the power supply unit or the connection part is faulty.

[0279] (6) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating apparatus as disclosed in (4) or (5), characterized in that,

[0280] The power supply unit is configured to charge the power supply unit by supplying power received from an external power source to the power supply unit connected to the connection portion, and

[0281] This part of the operation includes charging the power unit.

[0282] According to (6), the following problems can be prevented: for example, even if there is some error in the power supply unit or the connection part after the power supply unit is replaced, the power supply unit is still powered.

[0283] (7) The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in any one of (4) to (6), characterized in that,

[0284] When the operation check detects an error, the control unit notifies the user of the error and / or the corresponding recommendation via a notification unit (notification unit 113, 113A, 113B) that is capable of notifying the user.

[0285] According to (7), the user is informed of the detected error and / or the recommendations given based on the detected error enable the user to take appropriate action to correct the error.

[0286] (8) The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in any one of (1) to (7), characterized in that,

[0287] Information related to the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating the remaining quantity in the replaced power supply unit, and

[0288] During this operational check, if the remaining amount in the replaced power supply unit is not greater than or equal to a threshold based on information indicating the remaining amount, the control unit detects an error.

[0289] According to (8), the following problems can be prevented: for example, the power of the power supply unit is depleted because the power supply unit is still operating normally, even though the remaining amount in the replaced power supply unit is insufficient.

[0290] (9) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device as disclosed in (8), characterized in that,

[0291] The power supply unit is configured to supply power from the power source to the heating unit, which generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source.

[0292] This threshold is set based on the power required to generate the aerosol.

[0293] According to (9), it is possible to prevent the aerosol generation from being interrupted due to insufficient remaining amount in the replaced power unit after the power unit is replaced.

[0294] (10) The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in any one of (1) to (9), characterized in that,

[0295] The information associated with the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating the output voltage of the replaced power supply unit, and

[0296] During this operational check, if the output voltage is outside the predetermined range based on the information indicating the output voltage of the replaced power supply unit, the control unit detects an error.

[0297] According to (10), the following problem can be prevented: the power supply unit can still operate normally even though the replaced power supply unit is incompatible with the power supply unit.

[0298] (11) The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in any one of (1) to (10), characterized in that,

[0299] The information associated with the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating the health of the replaced power supply unit, and

[0300] During this operational check, if the health status of the replaced power supply unit is not greater than or equal to a threshold based on information indicating its health, the control unit detects an error.

[0301] According to (11), the following problems can be prevented: for example, the power supply unit can still operate normally even though the replaced power supply unit has been degraded (in other words, its performance has been reduced).

[0302] (12) The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in any one of (1) to (11), characterized in that,

[0303] The information associated with the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating the connection status between the replaced power supply unit and the connection portion, and

[0304] During this operational check, if the connection status is abnormal based on information indicating the connection status between the replaced power supply unit and the connection part, the control unit detects an error.

[0305] According to (12), the following problem can be prevented: the power supply unit can still operate normally even though the power supply unit is not properly connected.

[0306] (13) The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus disclosed in any one of (1) to (12), characterized in that,

[0307] The information associated with the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating whether a short circuit exists or not in the connection portion connected to the replaced power supply unit, and

[0308] During this operational check, if a short circuit is detected in the connection section based on information indicating the presence or absence of a short circuit, the control unit detects an error.

[0309] According to (13), the following problems can be prevented: for example, the power supply unit can still operate normally despite a short circuit in the connection part connected to the replaced power supply unit.

[0310] List of reference numerals

[0311] 100, 100A, 100B Inhalation Devices (Aerosol Generating Devices)

[0312] 110, 110A, 110B power supply units

[0313] 111, 111A, 111B power supply units

[0314] Heating units 113, 113A, and 113B

[0315] 116, 116A, 116B control units

[0316] 1161MCU (Control Unit)

[0317] 1162 Battery Fume Meter IC (Control Unit)

[0318] Heating units 121, 121A, and 121B

[0319] 20x connection section

[0320] 20a Positive Terminal Connector (Connection Section)

[0321] 20b Negative End Connector (Connection Section)

[0322] 20°C temperature terminal connection part (connection section)

[0323] 90a positive terminal (connector)

[0324] 90b negative terminal (connector)

[0325] 90°C temperature terminal (connection part).

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit comprising: A connection portion is configured to store power and is configured to allow a power supply unit that can be attached to and removed from the power supply unit to be connected to the connection portion; as well as The control unit performs a predetermined operation check when the power supply unit connected to the connection section is replaced, and controls the operation of the power supply unit based on the result of the operation check. Its features are, During this operational check, the control unit is configured to Obtain information related to the replaced power supply unit, and Based on information related to the replaced power supply unit, errors related to the replaced power supply unit and / or errors related to the connection portion connected to the replaced power supply unit are detected.

2. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs the operation check in response to the replacement of the power supply unit connected to the connection section.

3. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit performs the operation check in response to a predetermined action by the user after the power supply unit connected to the connection section has been replaced.

4. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, When the operation check detects an error, the control unit stops at least a portion of the operation of the power supply unit.

5. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The power supply unit is configured to supply power to the heating unit, which, when powered, heats the aerosol source to generate an aerosol. This part of the operation includes supplying power to the heating unit from the power supply unit.

6. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The power supply unit is configured to charge the power supply unit by supplying power received from an external power source to the power supply unit connected to the connection portion, and This part of the operation includes charging the power unit.

7. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as described in any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, When the operation check detects an error, the control unit notifies the user of the error and / or a corresponding recommendation via a notification unit that can notify the user.

8. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Information related to the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating the remaining quantity in the replaced power supply unit, and During this operational check, if the remaining amount in the replaced power supply unit is not greater than or equal to a threshold based on information indicating the remaining amount, the control unit detects an error.

9. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The power supply unit is configured to supply power from the power source to the heating unit, which generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source. This threshold is set based on the power required to generate the aerosol.

10. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The information associated with the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating the output voltage of the replaced power supply unit, and During this operational check, if the output voltage is outside the predetermined range based on the information indicating the output voltage of the replaced power supply unit, the control unit detects an error.

11. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The information associated with the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating the health of the replaced power supply unit, and During this operational check, if the health status of the replaced power supply unit is not greater than or equal to a threshold based on information indicating its health, the control unit detects an error.

12. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The information associated with the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating the connection status between the replaced power supply unit and the connection portion, and During this operational check, if the connection status is abnormal based on information indicating the connection status between the replaced power supply unit and the connection part, the control unit detects an error.

13. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The information associated with the replaced power supply unit includes information indicating whether a short circuit exists or not in the connection portion connected to the replaced power supply unit, and During this operational check, if a short circuit is detected in the connection section based on information indicating the presence or absence of a short circuit, the control unit detects an error.

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