Power supply unit for an aerosol generation device

Abstract

A power supply unit (110) for an inhalation device (100) includes a power source unit (111) and a control unit (116) configured to control at least one of charging and discharging of the power source unit (111). The power source unit (111) is replaceably and removably installed in the power supply unit (110). The control unit (116) is capable of performing an identification process for identifying a type of the power source unit (111) installed in the power supply unit (110), and a control value modification process for modifying at least one control value for controlling the power source unit (111) based on the type of the power source unit (111) identified in the identification process. At least one of the control values for controlling the power source unit (111) is not modified by the control value modification process.

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] In this type of inhalation device, it is known that the battery can be replaced by the user, as in the inhalation devices described in PTL 1 to 5. Citation List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] PTL 1: CN 107373765 A

[0006] PTL 2: CN 208480616 U

[0007] PTL 3: CN 206507325 U

[0008] PTL 4: CN 204407377 U

[0009] PTL 5: CN 209609859 U Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention

[0011] In inhalation devices where the user can replace the battery, in some cases, the battery is replaced with a different type. In such cases, the optimal control value for controlling the battery in the inhalation device may vary depending on the specifications and characteristics of the battery type installed. Therefore, when controlling the battery in the inhalation device, it is desirable to identify the type of battery installed in the inhalation device in order to provide optimal control based on the specifications and characteristics of the battery type, and to set the control value used to control the battery to an appropriate value according to the battery type.

[0012] This disclosure discloses a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device that can appropriately control the power supply unit according to the type of power supply unit installed in the power supply unit, while minimizing the necessary rewriting of control values ​​and reducing the load on the control unit to extend its lifespan.

[0013] Solution to the problem

[0014] A power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus according to this disclosure generates aerosols by heating an aerosol source, and includes:

[0015] Power supply unit; and

[0016] A control unit configured to control at least one of the charging and discharging of the power supply unit.

[0017] in,

[0018] The power supply unit is replaceably and removably installed in the power supply unit, and

[0019] This control unit can perform:

[0020] Identification processing for identifying the type of power supply unit installed in the power supply unit, and

[0021] A control value modification process is used to modify at least one control value for controlling the power supply unit based on the type of power supply unit identified in the identification process.

[0022] and

[0023] At least one of these control values ​​used to control the power supply unit was not modified by the control value modification process.

[0024] Advantages of the present invention

[0025] By means of the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to this disclosure, the power supply unit can be appropriately controlled according to the type of power supply unit, and since the rewriting of control values ​​can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the load on the control unit can be reduced and the service life of the control unit can be extended. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 3 This is an overall perspective view of the inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating mode of the inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example of the insertion / removal pattern of the power supply unit in the inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second example of the insertion / removal pattern of the power supply unit in the inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a third example of the insertion / removal pattern of the power supply unit in the inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the control flow when replacing the power supply unit in an inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a mode for determining whether the power supply unit has been replaced in an inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of a mode for determining whether the power supply unit has been replaced in an inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first example of a method for identifying the type of power supply unit in a power supply unit installed in an inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a second example of a method for identifying the type of power supply unit in a power supply unit installed in an inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a third example of a method for identifying the type of power supply unit in a power supply unit installed in an inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of a portion of an inhalation device according to this disclosure that relates to the charging and discharging of the power supply unit.

[0040] Figure 15 It is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit of the inhalation device according to this disclosure for modifying various control values ​​for controlling the power supply unit;

[0041] Figure 16 It is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the control unit of the inhalation device according to this disclosure to determine whether heating control can be performed;

[0042] Figure 17This diagram illustrates the change in the output voltage of the power supply unit when the user initiates a heating start-up operation and supplies power to the heating unit for a short period of time, for both the case of installing a type a power supply unit and the case of installing a type b power supply unit in the inhalation device according to this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the charging control of the power supply unit in the inhalation device according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following describes in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of a power supply unit, control method, and control procedure for an aerosol generating device according to this disclosure. 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 the drawings are viewed according to the orientation of the reference numerals. Furthermore, 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.

[0045] [1. Example of an inhalation device configuration]

[0046] The inhalation device of this embodiment, which constitutes an example of an aerosol generating device in this disclosure, 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.

[0047] <1-1. First Configuration Example of an Inhalation Device>

[0048] 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 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavored cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 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.

[0049] Power supply unit 111A stores electricity. Power supply unit 111A then supplies power to each component of inhalation device 100A according to control executed by control unit 116A. Furthermore, power supply unit 111A is configured to be charged using power received from external power source 1000. Here, the specific power is power that inhalation device 100A can receive in terms of hardware, and can be, for example, DC power having a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5 to 20 [V]). External power source 1000 can be, for example, an AC adapter configured to output specific power. Furthermore, external power source 1000 is not limited to AC adapters, and can be, for example, a portable charger (also called a power bank), a PC (personal computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal. Power supply unit 111A can be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery (such as a lithium-ion secondary battery). In this embodiment, power supply unit 111A is installed such that it can be inserted into and removed from power supply unit 110 by a user.

[0050] Sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to inhalation device 100A. Sensor unit 112A is composed of, for example, pressure sensors (such as capacitive microphones, flow sensors, or temperature sensors), and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation by the user.

[0051] 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 referred to as "internal pressure") within the suction 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 velocity") 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 detecting the temperature of heating unit 121A or the temperature surrounding heating unit 121A.

[0052] Furthermore, sensor unit 112A may include a voltage sensor capable of detecting the terminal voltage of power supply unit 111A. Sensor unit 112A may further include a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of power supply unit 111A.

[0053] In addition, sensor unit 112A may include an input device (such as an operation button or switch) for accepting information input from a user. As an example, sensor unit 112A may include an operation button that acts as an input device for accepting mode change requests, which will be described later.

[0054] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. For example, the notification unit 113A may be composed of 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 can vibrate.

[0055] 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 constructed, for example, from a non-volatile storage medium (such as flash memory).

[0056] 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), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (registered trademark), Near Field Communication (NFC), or Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) standards.

[0057] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing and control device, controlling 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, described later), and controls the charging of the power supply unit 111A using power received from the external power supply 1000. It should be noted that the control unit 116A is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or electronic circuitry such as a microprocessor. As an example, the control unit 116A can be implemented by an MCU 104 (MCU: microcontroller section), described later.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The liquid guiding section 122 guides and contains the aerosol source from the liquid storage section 123, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage section 123. For example, the liquid guiding section 122 is a wicking element formed of a twisted fibrous material (such as glass fiber) or a 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] As an example, when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or has entered predetermined information, power can be supplied to heating unit 121A. Then, when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or has entered predetermined information, power supply to heating unit 121A can be stopped.

[0062] 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 composed of a plate-like member comprising piezoelectric ceramic 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 ultrasonic waves generated during the vibration of the vibrating unit, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0063] Furthermore, when an aerosol is generated by 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 causes the sensor to generate heat 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 contained in the liquid guiding portion 122 is then heated by this Joule heating and atomized, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0064] 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 aerosol source 131 is not limited to a solid and can also be, for example, a liquid containing flavor components, such as polyols (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol) or water. Furthermore, flavor source 131 can be disposed within a container such as a capsule.

[0065] Airflow path 180 is the flow path of 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), and 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 the 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 in the examples below.

[0068] As an example, the inhalation device 100A does not need to include the flavored tobacco cartridge 130. In this case, the tobacco cartridge 120 is provided with a mouthpiece 124.

[0069] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may further include a flavor source heating unit (not depicted) for heating the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit is configured as a membrane and is arranged to cover, for example, the outer periphery of the flavor source 131. Thus, when supplied with electricity from the power supply unit 111A, the flavor source heating unit generates heat, 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating performed by the heating unit 121A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0072] <1-2. Example of a second configuration of the inhalation device>

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 a power supply unit. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 111B is installed such that it can be inserted into and removed from the inhalation device 100B by the user.

[0075] 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 on the side of the suction device 100, which is an inlet for air to enter the airflow path. For example, an air outlet is provided on the bottom portion 143, which is an outlet for air to exit from the airflow path to the internal space 141.

[0076] 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. For example, the aerosol source may be a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as water or a polyol (e.g., glycerol or propylene glycol), 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 interior space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Then, when a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the interior space 141 via an airflow path not shown in the figures and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the matrix portion 151.

[0077] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, heating unit 121B is configured as a film heater obtained by arranging conductive tracks made of heating resistors having a correlation between resistance and temperature, and the heating unit is arranged to cover the outer periphery 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 of heating unit 121B.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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 examples.

[0080] 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 heats the matrix portion 151 of the rod-shaped matrix 150 from the inside. 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.

[0081] 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 outer shell forming the internal space 141. Thus, by opening and closing the outer shell, 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 provided on the holding portion of the receiving portion 140, and can heat the rod-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0082] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the 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 the 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 matrix 150.

[0083] 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 generated by the heating unit 121A and air flows into the interior space 141, and further mixes with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the user's mouth.

[0084] It should be noted 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. Similarly, power supply unit 111A and power supply unit 111B may be referred to as "power supply unit 111", sensor unit 112A and sensor unit 112B may be referred to as "sensor unit 112", notification unit 113A and notification unit 113B may be referred to as "notification unit 113", memory unit 114A and memory unit 114B may be referred to as "memory unit 114", communication unit 115A and communication unit 115B may be referred to as "communication unit 115", control unit 116A and control unit 116B may be referred to as "control unit 116", and heating unit 121A and heating unit 121B may be referred to as "heating unit 121".

[0085] [2. Example of an inhalation device configuration]

[0086] Figure 3 This is an overall perspective view of the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the inhalation device 100 includes a housing 20 and an opener / closer 50. The housing 20 houses the power supply unit 110 of the inhalation device 100.

[0087] Furthermore, panel 30 is attached to housing 20. Panel 30 is attached to housing 20 to configure the outermost outer casing 40 of suction device 100. Additionally, suction device 100 includes panel 30 such that even if power supply unit 110 generates heat, heat released to the outside can be reduced. That is, panel 30 serves to provide insulation from heat generated by heating unit of power supply unit 110. Furthermore, panel 30 is formed such that its surface is a generally curved surface. When panel 30 is attached to housing 20, panel 30, together with the surface of housing 20, defines an internal space.

[0088] 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 of panel 30, a protrusion on panel 30 comes into contact with an operation button (not shown) on the surface of housing 20, and the operation button is thus pressed down. In other words, the portion of the surface of panel 30 that is pressed by the fingertip forms the operation portion 15.

[0089] [3. Examples of operating modes of inhalation devices]

[0090] like Figure 4As shown, the control unit 116 has multiple operating modes for operating the inhalation device 100. In this example, the control unit 116 has an inhalation mode, a standby mode, a sleep mode, and a transport mode as operating modes for operating the inhalation device 100. The control unit 116 controls the power discharge from the power supply unit 111 to enable the inhalation device 100 to operate in the inhalation mode, standby mode, sleep mode, and transport mode.

[0091] The inhalation mode is the mode in which heating control of heating unit 121 is performed. When the operating mode is switched to inhalation mode, control unit 116 performs heating control of heating unit 121.

[0092] Standby mode is a mode in which almost all functions are activated except for the heating control of heating unit 121. When a predetermined operation is performed (such as the user's inhalation action), control unit 116 switches the operating mode from standby mode to inhalation mode. Moreover, if the heating control of heating unit 121 ends while inhalation mode (for example, the power-on time of heating unit 121 or the user's inhalation count reaches the limit), control unit 116 switches the operating mode from inhalation mode to standby mode.

[0093] Sleep mode is a mode in which the inhalation device 100 consumes less power than standby mode, and it is a mode that can be directly switched to standby mode. Therefore, by switching the inhalation device 100 to sleep mode, the control unit 116 can reduce the power consumption of the power supply unit 111, while maintaining the ability to return to other modes as needed. When the inhalation device 100 is operating in sleep mode, the sensor unit 112 can detect the opening of the switch 50, the connection of the USB cable, the operation of the operating part 15, etc., and can monitor the remaining battery charge, but the heating unit 121 cannot be operated immediately. When a predetermined operation is performed (such as user operation of the operating part 15), the control unit 116 switches the operating mode from sleep mode to standby mode. Moreover, when a predetermined condition is met (such as when the state of no operation in standby mode continues for a predetermined time), the control unit 116 switches the operating mode from standby mode to sleep mode.

[0094] The transport mode is a mode in which the inhalation device 100 consumes less power than in sleep mode. The main power supply path from the power supply unit 111 is interrupted, and the quiescent current is significantly reduced to minimize the power consumption of the power supply unit 111. In transport mode, the discharge from the power supply unit 111 is limited to the minimum necessary, such as only detecting the USB cable connection for the sensor unit 112 and detecting that the operation section 15 has been operated, and only changing the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 based on functions of the sensor unit 112, such as detecting the USB cable connection and detecting that the operation section 15 has been operated. For example, the transport mode is used to transport and store the inhalation device 100 with reduced power consumption of the power supply unit 111 during transport after manufacturing and shipping the inhalation device 100, or during long-term storage in a warehouse. In this example, the transport mode is also used when the power supply unit 111 is replaced, as will be described later. When a predetermined operation is performed (such as a user operation on the operating section 15) or when the external power supply 1000 is connected to the inhalation device 100, the control unit 116 switches the operating mode from the transport mode to the standby mode. Note that when a predetermined operation is performed (such as a user operation on the operating section 15) or when the external power supply 1000 is connected to the inhalation device 100, the control unit 116 can switch the operating mode from the transport mode to the sleep mode.

[0095] When in transport mode, the control unit 116 switches to standby mode when the user performs a predetermined operation. Furthermore, when in sleep mode, the control unit 116 switches to standby mode when the user performs a predetermined operation, and switches to transport mode when the user performs a predetermined operation (an operation different from the operation that switched to standby mode). Also, when in standby mode, the control unit 116 switches to intake mode when the user performs a predetermined operation, and switches to sleep mode when the user performs a predetermined operation (an operation different from the operation that switched to intake mode). Additionally, when in intake mode, the mode switches to standby mode when the user performs a predetermined operation or when a predetermined condition is met. Note that when the control unit 116 is in standby mode, the mode can be switched to transport mode by a predetermined operation performed by the user. In this case, the predetermined operation for switching from sleep mode to transport mode and the predetermined operation for switching from standby mode to transport mode can be the same operation.

[0096] [4. Insertion / Removal of Power Supply Unit]

[0097] The power supply unit 111 is installed such that it can be inserted into and removed from the power supply unit 110 by a user. It should be noted that in the inhalation device 100, the direction of insertion and removal of the flavor source 131 or the stick matrix 150 relative to the inhalation device 100 is vertical, and the side of the inhalation device 100 where the flavor source 131 or the stick matrix 150 is inserted is defined as the upper side. In other words, the flavor source 131 or the stick matrix 150 is inserted into the inhalation device 100 from above. Furthermore, a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction can be referred to as the transverse direction, and a surface oriented in the transverse direction can be referred to as the side.

[0098] Note that although the first to third examples are described below as examples of the insertion and removal of the power supply unit 111, the power supply unit 111 can be inserted into and removed from the power supply unit 110 by the user in ways other than the first to third examples.

[0099] <4-1. First example of power supply unit insertion / removal mode>

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 20 has a bottom wall portion 21 that forms at least a portion of the bottom surface, and the bottom wall portion 21 is disposed in the housing 20 such that the bottom wall portion can be opened and closed around a laterally extending hinge portion 21a.

[0101] A power receiving portion 200, which can accommodate the power supply unit 111, is formed in the lower region of the housing 20. 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 the bottom of the housing 20. That is, the bottom wall portion 21 acts as an opening and closing member of the power receiving portion 200.

[0102] The power supply unit 111 includes a positive electrode terminal 111c, a negative electrode terminal 111d, and a temperature terminal 111e, through which an electrical signal related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 flows. The housing 20 is provided with a positive terminal connection portion 20a for electrical connection to the positive electrode terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111, a negative terminal connection portion 20b for electrical connection to the negative electrode terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111, and a temperature terminal connection portion 20c for electrical connection to the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111. It should be noted that the power supply unit 111 is provided with a battery temperature sensor (not shown in the figures). The battery temperature sensor is, for example, a thermistor. The battery temperature sensor includes a resistor and outputs a detection signal indicating the resistance value of the resistor as a measurement signal indicating a parameter related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111. Alternatively, the battery temperature sensor can also output a measurement signal directly indicating the battery temperature. The detection signal indicating the parameter related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 then flows to the temperature terminal 111e.

[0103] When housed in the power supply housing portion 200, the power supply unit 111 is held by the bottom wall portion 21 and the top wall portion 22 of the power supply housing portion 200. The power supply unit 111 is held in the power supply housing portion 200, wherein the positive electrode terminal 111c is electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative electrode 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.

[0104] In this example, the positive electrode terminal 111c, the negative electrode terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e are all disposed on the upper surface of the power supply unit 111, and the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c are disposed in the top wall portion 22 of the power supply receiving portion 200.

[0105] When the bottom wall portion 21 is opened while the power unit 111 is housed in the power housing portion 200, the power housing portion 200 communicates with the outside of the housing 20, and the power unit 111 can be removed from the power housing portion 200.

[0106] In this way, the power supply unit 111 is installed so that it can be inserted into and removed from the power supply unit 110 by the user.

[0107] <4-2. A Second Example of Power Supply Unit Insertion / Removal Mode>

[0108] like Figure 6As shown, a power receiving portion 200 that can accommodate the power supply unit 111 is formed in the lower region of the housing 20. When the panel 30 described above is removed from the housing 20, 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 the lateral direction of the housing 20. That is, the panel 30 also acts as an opening and closing member of the power receiving portion 200.

[0109] The power supply unit 111 includes a positive electrode terminal 111c, a negative electrode terminal 111d, and a temperature terminal 111e. An electrical signal related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 flows through the temperature terminal. The housing 20 is provided with a positive terminal connection portion 20a for electrical connection to the positive electrode terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111, a negative terminal connection portion 20b for electrical connection to the negative electrode terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111, and a temperature terminal connection portion 20c for electrical connection to the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111.

[0110] When housed in the power supply housing portion 200, the power supply unit 111 is fixed within the power supply housing portion 200. The power supply unit 111 is fixed within the power supply housing portion 200, wherein the positive electrode terminal 111c is electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative electrode 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.

[0111] In this example, the positive electrode terminal 111c is disposed on the upper surface of the power supply unit 111, the negative electrode terminal 111d is disposed on the lower surface of the power supply unit 111, and the temperature terminal 111e is disposed on one side of the power supply unit 111. The positive terminal connection portion 20a is disposed on the upper wall 22 of the power supply receiving portion 200, the negative terminal connection portion 20b is disposed on the bottom wall portion 21 of the power supply receiving portion 200, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c is disposed on the side wall portion 23 of the power supply receiving portion 200.

[0112] When the panel 30 is removed from the housing 20 while the power unit 111 is housed in the power housing portion 200, the power housing portion 200 communicates with the outside of the housing 20, and the power unit 111 can be removed from the power housing portion 200.

[0113] In this way, the power supply unit 111 is installed so that it can be inserted into and removed from the power supply unit 110 by the user.

[0114] <4-3. A Third Example of Power Supply Unit Insertion / Removal Mode>

[0115] like Figure 7As shown, the housing 20 includes an upper housing 201 that forms the upper region of the inhalation device 100 and a lower housing 202 that forms the lower region of the inhalation device 100.

[0116] The lower housing 202 is open at the upper surface and internally houses the power supply unit 111. In this way, in this example, the power supply unit 111 and the lower housing 202 constitute a modular battery pack 10.

[0117] The upper surface of the power supply unit 111 is provided with a positive electrode terminal 111c, a negative electrode terminal 111d, and a temperature terminal 111e. An electrical signal related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 flows through the temperature terminal. At the lower end of the upper housing 201, there is a positive terminal connection portion 20a for electrical connection to the positive electrode terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111, a negative terminal connection portion 20b for electrical connection to the negative electrode terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111, and a temperature terminal connection portion 20c for electrical connection to the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111.

[0118] The power unit 111 and the lower housing 202 in which the modular battery pack 10 is mounted from below in the upper housing 201. For example, both the upper housing 201 and the lower housing 202 may have a vertically extending, substantially cylindrical shape, and threaded grooves may be machined in the outer peripheral surface of one of the lower end of the upper housing 201 and the upper end of the lower housing 202, and in the inner peripheral surface of the other of the lower end of the upper housing 201 and the upper end of the lower housing 202, and the modular battery pack 10 including the power unit 111 and the lower housing 202 may be attached to the upper housing 201 by screwing the lower end of the upper housing 201 to the upper end of the lower housing 202. Furthermore, for example, a magnet may be disposed at one of the lower end of the upper housing 201 and the upper end of the lower housing 202, and the other of the lower end of the upper housing 201 and the upper end of the lower housing 202 may be formed of a ferromagnetic material. The modular battery pack 10, including the power supply unit 111 and the lower housing 202, can be attached to the upper housing 201 by magnetic attraction between the lower end of the upper housing 201 and the upper end of the lower housing 202. Moreover, for example, the lower housing 202 may have a locking portion (such as a claw), and the modular battery pack 10, including the power supply unit 111 and the lower housing 202, can be attached to the upper housing 201 by locking the locking portion to the upper housing 201.

[0119] When the modular battery pack 10, including the power supply unit 111 and the lower housing 202, is attached to the upper housing 201, the power supply unit 111 is fixed, wherein the positive electrode terminal 111c is electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative electrode 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.

[0120] In this way, the modular battery pack 10, including the power unit 111 and the lower housing 202, is detachably mounted on the upper housing 201, and the power unit 111 is mounted such that it can be inserted into and removed from the power supply unit 110 by the user.

[0121] [5. Control Flow When Replacing the Power Supply Unit]

[0122] Next, we will refer to Figure 8 Describe the control flow when the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 is replaced.

[0123] The control unit 116 first executes a process for determining whether the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced (step S100). Details of the process for determining whether the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced will be described later.

[0124] After step S100 is completed, the control unit 116 proceeds to step S101, and in step S101 determines whether the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced.

[0125] At step S101, if it is determined at step S101 that the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has not been replaced (step S101: No), then the control unit 116 returns to step S100.

[0126] When it is determined at step S101 that the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced (step S101: yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S200.

[0127] In step S200, the control unit 116 performs a process for identifying the type of power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110. Details of the process for identifying the type of power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 will be described later. The routine then proceeds to step S300.

[0128] In this way, when it has been determined that the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced, a process for identifying the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 is performed, and thus the process for identifying the type of the power supply unit 111 can be performed at the necessary and appropriate time.

[0129] At step S300, the control unit 116 determines whether the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 can be identified in step S200.

[0130] If the control unit 116 cannot identify the type of the power supply unit 111 installed on the power supply unit 110 in step S200 (step S300: No), the process proceeds to step S301. For example, if a power supply unit incompatible with the inhalation device 100 is installed in the power supply unit 110, or if the identification unit fails to detect the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 during the identification process, the control unit 116 may not be able to identify the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 at step S200.

[0131] At step S301, the control unit 116 switches the inhalation device 100 to an unavailable state and returns to step S100. For example, even if the user has already performed an operation to switch to standby mode, the control unit 116 will prevent the user from switching to standby mode. Moreover, for example, even if the user's inhalation operation is detected, the control unit 116 will prevent power supply to the heating unit 121.

[0132] This improves safety because the inhalation device 100 can be disabled if a power supply incompatible with the inhalation device 100 is installed in the power supply unit 110, or if a power supply compatible with the inhalation device 100 is not properly installed in the power supply unit 110.

[0133] Meanwhile, if the control unit 116 is able to identify the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 at step S200 (step S300: yes), the process proceeds to step S400, and the control unit performs processing to modify various control values ​​used when controlling the power supply unit 111 according to the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110, and then ends a series of controls.

[0134] [6. Determine if the power supply unit has been replaced]

[0135] Next, the first to third examples will be described as examples of modes for determining whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced in step S100 as described above. Note that modes other than the first to third examples can be used to determine whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0136] <6-1. First example of a mode used to determine whether a power supply unit has been replaced>

[0137] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a mode for determining whether power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0138] In this example, when the power supply unit 111 is replaced, for safety reasons, the mode in which the user performs a predetermined operation to operate the inhalation device 100 must be switched to the transport mode. The predetermined operation to switch the inhalation device 100's operation mode to transport mode is, for example, continuously pressing and holding the operating part 15 for a predetermined time period (e.g., 5 seconds). Furthermore, for example, the power supply unit 110 of the inhalation device 100 can communicate with a communication terminal (such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer (PC)), and the communication terminal and the power supply unit 110 of the inhalation device 100 can cooperate via an application installed on the communication terminal. The predetermined operation to switch the inhalation device 100's operation mode to transport mode can be performed by using the application installed on the communication terminal to switch the inhalation device 100's operation mode to transport mode.

[0139] The control unit 116 first determines whether the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 is the transport mode (step S111). When the operating mode for operating the inhalation device 100 is not the transport mode (step S111: No), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S114, determines that the power supply unit 111 has not been replaced, and ends the determination of whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced in step S100.

[0140] Then, if the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 is transport mode (step S111: yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S112.

[0141] After performing a predetermined operation to switch the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 to the transport mode, the user replaces the power unit 111 by removing the power unit 111 from the inhalation device 100 and attaching a new power unit 111 to the inhalation device 100.

[0142] Then, when the replacement of the power supply unit 111 is completed by attaching the new power supply unit 111 to the inhalation device 100, the user performs a predetermined operation to switch the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 from the transport mode to the sleep mode or the standby mode. The predetermined operation to switch the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 from the transport mode to the sleep mode or the standby mode is, for example, the operation of connecting the external power supply 1000 to the external connection terminal of the inhalation device 100.

[0143] In step S112, the control unit 116 determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed to switch the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 from the transport mode to the sleep mode or the standby mode. The control unit 116 remains in standby mode until the predetermined operation to switch the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 from the transport mode to the sleep mode or the standby mode is performed (cycle of step S112: No).

[0144] When the predetermined operation of switching the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 from transport mode to sleep mode or standby mode has been performed (step S112: Yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S113, determines that the power supply unit 111 has been replaced, and ends the determination of whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced in step S100.

[0145] This allows for easy determination of whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0146] <6-2. A Second Example of a Mode Used to Determine Whether a Power Supply Unit Has Been Replaced>

[0147] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a second example of a mode for determining whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0148] First, the control unit 116 determines whether the inhalation device 100 has been switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 can be removed (step S121). For example, in the "first example of the insertion / removal mode of the power supply unit" described above, whether the inhalation device 100 has been switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 can be removed is determined as follows: if the bottom wall portion 21, which can be opened and closed around the hinge portion 21a, is in the open state and the power supply receiving portion 200 is in the open state, then it is determined that the inhalation device 100 has been switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 can be removed (step S121: Yes). If the bottom wall portion 21, which can be opened and closed around the hinge portion 21a, is not in the open state and the power supply receiving portion 200 is not in the open state, then it is determined that the inhalation device 100 has not been switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 can be removed (step S121: No). Furthermore, for example, in the above-described "second example of the insertion / removal mode of the power unit", it is determined whether the suction device 100 has been switched to the state where the power unit 111 can be removed as follows: if the panel 30 is removed from the housing 20 and the power receiving portion 200 is in the open state, it is determined that the suction device 100 has been switched to the state where the power unit 111 can be removed (step S121: yes); if the panel 30 is not removed from the housing 20 and the power receiving portion 200 is not in the open state, it is determined that the suction device 100 has not been switched to the state where the power unit 111 can be removed (step S121: no). Furthermore, for example, in the above-described "third example of the insertion / removal mode of the power unit", it is determined whether the inhalation device 100 has been switched to the state where the power unit 111 can be removed as follows: if the modular battery pack 10 including the power unit 111 and the lower housing 202 is removed from the upper housing 201, it is determined that the inhalation device 100 has been switched to the state where the power unit 111 can be removed (step S121: yes); if the modular battery pack 10 including the power unit 111 and the lower housing 202 is not removed from the upper housing 201, it is determined that the inhalation device 100 has not been switched to the state where the power unit 111 can be removed (step S121: no).

[0149] If the inhalation device 100 has not yet switched to the state where the power unit 111 can be removed (step S121: no loop), the control unit 116 moves to step S124, determines that the power unit 111 has not been replaced, and ends the determination of whether the power unit 111 has been replaced in step S100.

[0150] If the inhalation device 100 has been switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 can be removed (step S121: Yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S122.

[0151] After the state is switched to one in which the power unit 111 can be removed, the user replaces the power unit 111 by removing it from the inhalation device 100 and attaching a new power unit 111 to the inhalation device 100.

[0152] Then, after replacing the power unit 111 by attaching the new power unit 111 to the inhalation device 100, the user switches the inhalation device 100 to a state where the power unit 111 cannot be removed. For example, in the first example of the "power unit insertion and removal mode" described above, the power unit 111 cannot be removed when the bottom wall portion 21, which can be opened and closed around the hinge portion 21a, is closed and the power receiving portion 200 is closed. Alternatively, for example, in the "second example of the power unit insertion and removal mode" described above, the power unit 111 cannot be removed when the panel 30 is attached to the housing 20 and the power receiving portion 200 is closed. Furthermore, for example, in the "third example of the power unit insertion / removal mode" described above, the power unit 111 cannot be removed when the modular battery pack 10, including the power unit 111 and the lower housing 202, is mounted on the upper housing 201.

[0153] At step S122, the control unit 116 determines whether the inhalation device 100 has been switched to a state where the power unit 111 cannot be removed. If the inhalation device 100 has not been switched to a state where the power unit 111 cannot be removed (cycle of step S122: No), the control unit 116 enters a standby state until the inhalation device 100 is switched to a state where the power unit 111 cannot be removed.

[0154] If the inhalation device 100 has switched to the state where the power unit 111 cannot be removed (step S122: Yes), the routine proceeds to step S123, and the control unit 116 determines that the power unit 111 has been replaced (step S100: Yes), and ends the process of determining whether the power unit 111 has been replaced in step S100.

[0155] This allows for easy determination of whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0156] [7. Methods for identifying the type of power supply unit]

[0157] Next, the first to third examples will be described as examples of the method used in step S200 above to identify the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110. Note that identifying the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 can be performed by methods other than the first to third examples. Therefore, by enabling the control unit 116 to perform the identification process for identifying the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110, the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 can be identified.

[0158] <7-1. A First Example of a Method for Identifying the Type of Power Supply Unit Installed in a Power Supply Unit>

[0159] In this example, the end-to-end voltage of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 and the current flowing between the terminals of the power supply unit 111 are measured, and the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 is identified based on the measured end-to-end voltage and current values.

[0160] like Figure 11 As shown, power supply unit 111 generates an electromotive force E [V] and has an internal resistance r [Ω]. The internal resistance r [Ω] of power supply unit 111 varies depending on the type of power supply unit 111. Then, the type of power supply unit 111 installed in power supply unit 110 is identified by obtaining the value of the internal resistance r [Ω] of power supply unit 111 installed in power supply unit 110.

[0161] In this example, the end-to-end voltage of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 and the current flowing between the terminals of the power supply unit 111 are measured. Figure 11 Given the circuit diagram, assuming the end-to-end voltage of power supply unit 111 is V[V], and the current flowing between the terminals of power supply unit 111 is I[A], then the following equation (1) holds:

[0162] E[V] = r[Ω] I [A] + V [V] ... (1)

[0163] By rearranging equation (1), we obtain the following equation (2).

[0164] V[V] = E[V] - r[Ω] I [A] ... (2)

[0165] The electromotive force E[V] of power supply unit 111 can be obtained from the measured value of the end-to-end voltage V[V] when the current I[A] is zero. That is, the electromotive force E[V] of power supply unit 111 can be obtained by measuring the end-to-end voltage V[V] when the circuit is open. In addition, the value of the internal resistance r[Ω] of power supply unit 111 can be obtained by substituting the value of the end-to-end voltage V[V] and the value of the current I[A] obtained from the measurement results into equation (2).

[0166] Memory cell 114 stores an identification table in which the type of power supply cell 111 is associated with the value of internal resistance r [Ω].

[0167] The control unit 116 refers to the identification table stored in the memory unit 114 and identifies the type of the power supply unit 111 corresponding to the value of the acquired internal resistance r [Ω] as the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110.

[0168] This makes it possible to easily identify the type of power supply unit 111 at low cost, without the need to provide separate components, etc., to identify the type of power supply unit 111.

[0169] <7-2. A Second Example of a Method for Identifying the Type of Power Supply Unit Installed in a Power Supply Unit>

[0170] In this example, the power supply unit 111 is provided with an identification resistor R2, which has a different value for each type of power supply unit 111. When the power supply unit 111 is powered, an identification voltage V2 is applied across the identification resistor R2. The power supply unit 111 is configured such that the identification voltage V2 is a predetermined voltage for each type of power supply unit 111. Then, the type of power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 is identified based on the identification voltage V2.

[0171] like Figure 12 As shown, power supply unit 111 generates an electromotive force E [V] and has an internal resistance r [Ω]. Furthermore, power supply unit 111 is provided with an identification resistor R2, which has a different value for each type of power supply unit 111, and when power supply unit 111 is powered, an identification voltage V2 (which is a predetermined voltage for each type of power supply unit 111) acts across the identification resistor R2. The type of power supply unit 111 installed in power supply unit 110 is then identified by obtaining the value of the identification voltage V2 of the power supply unit 111 installed in power supply unit 110.

[0172] For example, the first type of power supply unit 111 is provided with an identification resistor R2, and an identification voltage V2 of 1 [V] is applied across the identification resistor, and the second type of power supply unit 111 is provided with an identification resistor R2, and an identification voltage V2 of 2 [V] is applied across the identification resistor.

[0173] This makes it possible to more accurately identify the type of power supply unit 111.

[0174] <7-3. A Third Example of a Method for Identifying the Type of Power Supply Unit Installed in a Power Supply Unit>

[0175] In this example, an identification member 111f, which has an identifier capable of identifying the type of power supply unit 111, is attached to the power supply unit 111. The identification member 111f with the identifier can be, for example, a barcode defined for each type of power supply unit 111, a QR code defined for each type of power supply unit 111, an integrated circuit (IC) tag with information related to the type of power supply unit 111 already written in it, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with information related to the type of power supply unit 111 already written in it, etc.

[0176] like Figure 13 As shown, in this example, the identification member 111f is attached to the side of the power supply unit 111. Furthermore, a read sensor 24 is positioned at the location of the identifier on the identification member 111f when the power supply unit 111 is correctly installed in the power supply unit 110. For example, the read sensor 24 may be provided on the side wall portion 23 of the power supply housing 200, or it may be provided in the upper housing 201. The read sensor 24 reads the identifier on the identification member 111f installed in the power supply unit 111.

[0177] Then, based on the information from the identifier read by the reading sensor 24, the type of power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 is identified.

[0178] This allows for more accurate identification of the type of power supply unit 111 and enables the reading sensor 24 to read more information from the identifier of the identification component 111f.

[0179] In this case, if the identifier on the identifier member 111f is not properly aligned with the reading sensor 24, the identifier on the identifier member 111f mounted on the power supply unit 111 may not be read by the reading sensor 24.

[0180] Therefore, in the power supply unit 111, the positive electrode terminal 111c, the negative electrode terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e are preferably disposed on the same predetermined surface constituting the outer surface of the power supply unit 111. In this case, when the power supply unit 111 is installed in the power supply unit 110, the positive electrode terminal 111c, the negative electrode terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e are electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c, respectively, by pushing the power supply unit 111 in a predetermined direction relative to the housing 20. Moreover, when the power supply unit 111 is installed in the power supply unit 110, the power supply unit 111 is aligned by pressing it relative to the housing 20 in a predetermined direction, and thus makes it easier to correctly align the identifier provided on the identification member 111f with the reading sensor 24.

[0181] In this way, by setting the positive electrode terminal 111c, the negative electrode terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e on the same predetermined surface of the outer surface constituting the power supply unit 111, the positive electrode terminal 111c, the negative electrode terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e can be reliably electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c, and the identifier set on the marking member 111f can be correctly aligned with the reading sensor 24.

[0182] In addition, the outer surface of the power supply unit 111 can be composed of multiple surfaces facing upward, downward, forward, backward, left and right, and the shape of the power supply receiving portion 200 can be configured to have surface shapes facing the multiple surfaces of the power supply unit 111.

[0183] This prevents the power supply unit 111 from shifting in the power supply housing portion 200, thereby ensuring that the positive electrode terminal 111c, the negative electrode terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e are reliably electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c, and ensuring that the identifier provided on the identification member 111f is correctly aligned with the reading sensor 24.

[0184] <7-4. A Fourth Example of a Method for Identifying the Type of Power Supply Unit Installed in a Power Supply Unit>

[0185] In this example, the power supply unit 110 of the inhalation device 100 can communicate with a communication terminal (such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer (PC)), and the communication terminal and the power supply unit 110 of the inhalation device 100 can cooperate via an application installed on the communication terminal.

[0186] Then, using an application installed on the communication terminal, the user inputs information about the power supply unit 111 of the power supply unit 110 attached to the inhalation device 100. The communication terminal transmits the information about the power supply unit 111 input by the user to the power supply unit 110, and the power supply unit 110 identifies the type of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 based on the information about the power supply unit 111 received from the communication terminal.

[0187] [8. Configuration examples of parts related to the charging and discharging of the power supply unit]

[0188] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of the parts of the inhalation device 100 related to the charging and discharging of the power supply unit 111. Figure 14 In the diagram, thick solid lines represent electrical wiring, and solid arrows represent control or detection signals.

[0189] like Figure 14 As shown, in addition to the power supply unit 111, the inhalation device 100 further includes, for example, a power receiver 101, a charging IC 102, a battery level indicator 103, an MCU 104, and a protection IC 105. The control unit 116 discussed above includes, for example... Figure 14 The charging IC 102, battery power indicator 103, and MCU 104 shown are among them.

[0190] The power supply unit 111 is configured to be charged using power received from an external power source 1000. Here, the external power source 1000 is a device configured to output a predetermined power. Furthermore, the predetermined power is power that the suction device 100 can receive in terms of hardware, and can be, for example, DC power with a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5 [V] to 20 [V]). The external power source 1000 can be, for example, an AC adapter configured to output a specific power. Furthermore, the external power source 1000 is not limited to an AC adapter, and can also be, for example, a portable charger (also called a power bank), a PC (personal computer), a smartphone, or a tablet terminal.

[0191] The power supply unit 111 is configured to supply power to each component of the inhalation device 100 (e.g., charging IC 102, battery power indicator 103, MCU 104, and heating unit 121). Figure 14 (Not shown in the image) supplies stored electricity. It should be noted that... Figure 14 An example of supplying power directly from power supply unit 111 to MCU 104 is shown, but this is not limiting. For example, power can also be supplied from power supply unit 111 to MCU 104 via charging IC 102.

[0192] The power receiver 101 is configured to receive power output from an external power source 1000. As an example, the power receiver 101 may be an external connection terminal disposed in the housing 20, which can be electrically connected to the external power source 1000. The external connection terminal is, for example, a socket, to which a connector such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) can be connected. Alternatively, the power receiver 101 may be a receiving coil or the like configured to receive power delivered from the external power source 1000 in a contactless manner. In this case, the contactless power transfer (WPT: wireless power transfer) method may employ electromagnetic induction, magnetic resonance, or a combination of electromagnetic induction and magnetic resonance.

[0193] The charging IC 102 is an integrated circuit (IC) electrically disposed between the power receiver 101 and the power supply unit 111 and configured to control the charging of the power supply unit 111 using power received from the external power source 1000 via the power receiver 101.

[0194] As an example, when a user requests to start charging, the charging IC 102 begins charging the power supply unit 111 using power received from the external power source 1000. Here, for example, the charging start request may be establishing an electrical connection between the inhalation device 100 and the external power source 1000. Furthermore, the charging start request may further include performing a predetermined operation once the electrical connection between the inhalation device 100 and the external power source 1000 has been established. Pressing a predetermined operation button provided on the inhalation device 100 is a possible example of this operation. Moreover, this operation is not limited to direct operation of the inhalation device 100, and may also be, for example, operation on another device capable of communicating with the inhalation device 100 (such as a smartphone).

[0195] The charging IC 102 controls the power used to charge the power supply unit 111 during charging. The constant current charging current value Icc [A], the constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], the charging switching voltage Vc [V], and the charging termination voltage Ve [V] are set in the charging IC 102 and stored in memory. The charging IC 102 controls the power used to charge the power supply unit 111 based on the constant current charging current value Icc [A], the constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], the charging switching voltage Vc [V], and the charging termination voltage Ve [V] stored in memory. Details of the charging control of the power supply unit 111 by the charging IC 102 will be described later.

[0196] The battery power indicator 103 is an integrated circuit (IC) that measures the state of charge (SOC) of the power supply unit 111. The battery power indicator 103 periodically measures the open-circuit voltage between the terminals of the power supply unit 111 and calculates the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 based on the measured open-circuit voltage.

[0197] The battery power indicator 103 uses a current-sensing resistor to accumulate the amount of current flowing into the power supply unit 111 during charging and measures the amount of current flowing out of the power supply unit 111 during discharging. Based on the amount of current flowing into and out of the power supply unit 111 during charging and discharging, it periodically calculates the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 and stores it in the memory of the battery power indicator 103. Note that the battery power indicator 103 can also store measurement data (such as the discharge characteristics (under no-load) and temperature characteristics of the power supply unit 111) in the memory, and periodically measure the voltage, current, and temperature of the power supply unit 111 during operation to calculate the impedance of the power supply unit 111. Based on the calculated impedance of the power supply unit 111, it can periodically calculate the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111.

[0198] Here, due to the degradation of the power supply unit 111 over time, there may be a difference between the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 calculated based on the open-circuit voltage of the power supply unit 111 and the actual remaining charge of the power supply unit 111.

[0199] Accordingly, when the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 is sleep mode, the battery power indicator 103 measures the open-circuit voltage of the power supply unit 111 and calculates the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 based on the open-circuit voltage. Then, the battery power indicator 103 calculates a correction value based on the difference between the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 calculated based on the open-circuit voltage and the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 previously stored in the memory of the battery power indicator 103. The calculation of the correction value is performed periodically, and the correction value is overwritten and stored in the memory of the battery power indicator 103.

[0200] Then, the battery power indicator 103 calculates the corrected remaining charge of the power unit 111 based on the amount of current flowing into the power unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the power unit 111 during discharging, and a correction value stored in the memory of the battery power indicator 103. This corrected remaining charge is adjusted to a more accurate value. The notification unit 113 can then be informed of the calculated corrected remaining charge of the power unit 111.

[0201] Additionally, when a new power supply unit 111 is installed in the power supply unit 110 and performs a predetermined operation (such as user operation of the operation section 15 or connection of the external power supply 1000 to the power receiver 101), and the operating mode of the suction device 100 switches from transport mode to standby mode or sleep mode, the battery power indicator 103 measures the open-circuit voltage of the power supply unit 111 by means of a command from the MCU 104 and calculates the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 based on the open-circuit voltage. Then, starting from the remaining charge in the power supply unit 111 calculated based on the open-circuit voltage, the battery power indicator 103 calculates the remaining charge in the power supply unit 111 based on the amount of current flowing into the power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the power supply unit 111 during discharging.

[0202] At this time, if the battery power indicator 103 uses the correction value stored in the memory when the power unit 111 was installed before replacement to correct the remaining charge of the power unit 111 calculated based on the amount of current flowing into the power unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the power unit 111 during discharging, the corrected remaining charge of the power unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 after replacement will be a value that deviates from the actual remaining charge of the power unit 111.

[0203] Accordingly, when the MCU 104 determines that the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced, the battery power indicator 103 erases, according to the instruction from the MCU 104, the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 calculated based on the amount of current flowing into the power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the power supply unit 111 during discharging, and the correction value stored in the memory. Then, after it has been determined that the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced, the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 calculated based on the amount of current flowing into the power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the power supply unit 111 during discharging, and the correction value calculated after it has been determined that the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 has been replaced, are newly stored in the memory.

[0204] The upper limit current Imax [A] for determining whether the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 is an overcurrent and the upper limit voltage Vmax [V] for determining whether the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 is an overvoltage are set in the battery power indicator 103 and stored in the memory. When the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 exceeds the upper limit current Imax [A] and when the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 exceeds the upper limit voltage Vmax [V], the battery power indicator 103 stops discharging from the power supply unit 111.

[0205] Furthermore, the nominal voltage Vn [V] and charge capacity CC [Ah] of the power supply unit 111 are set in the battery power indicator 103 and stored in the memory. The nominal voltage Vn [V] is a voltage value that is defined as an indication of the end-to-end voltage obtained when the power supply unit 111 is used under normal conditions. The charge capacity CC [Ah] is the maximum amount of charge that the power supply unit 111 releases from a fully charged state.

[0206] The MCU 104 is a computer primarily configured by a processor to perform various types of arithmetic operations and to perform integrated control of the inhalation device 100 as a whole according to a pre-prepared program. Components controlled by the MCU 104 include the charging IC 102 and the battery level indicator 103, etc.

[0207] The threshold voltage Vth [V] is set in the MCU 104 and stored in memory. The threshold voltage Vth [V] is a voltage value used to determine whether the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 leaves enough electrical power to complete the heating of a flavor source 131 or a stick matrix 150. The threshold voltage Vth [V] is used in the process to determine whether heating control of the inhalation device 100 is possible, as described later.

[0208] Protection IC 105 is an integrated circuit (IC) that protects power supply unit 111 from overcharging, over-discharging, overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuits, etc. Protection IC 105 operates independently of control unit 116.

[0209] The forced stop current Ifs [A] and forced stop voltage Vfs [V] are set in the protection IC 105 and stored in memory. The forced stop current Ifs [A] is set to be greater than the upper limit current Imax [A] set in the battery power indicator 103. When the current of the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 is greater than or equal to the forced stop current Ifs [A], the protection IC 105 forcibly stops the discharge from the power supply unit 111. The forced stop voltage Vfs [V] is set to be greater than the upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery power indicator 103. When the voltage of the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 is greater than or equal to the forced stop voltage Vfs [V], the protection IC 105 forcibly stops the discharge from the power supply unit 111.

[0210] In this way, the power supply unit 111 is doubly protected from overcurrent and overvoltage by the battery power indicator 103 and the protection IC 105. Under normal conditions, the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 is controlled by the battery power indicator 103 to be less than or equal to the upper limit current Imax [A] and less than or equal to the upper limit voltage Vmax [V]. Furthermore, even in the event of a failure in the battery power indicator 103, the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 is controlled by the protection IC 105 to be less than or equal to the forced stop current Ifs [A] and less than or equal to the forced stop voltage Vfs [V].

[0211] [9. Processing for modifying various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit]

[0212] Next, we will refer to Figure 15 The process performed at step S400 for modifying various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 is described.

[0213] In step S200, the control unit 116 is able to identify the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110, triggering a fact (step S300: yes). In step S400, the control unit 116 performs processing to modify various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111.

[0214] The control unit 116 first proceeds to step S401, in which the control unit controls the notification unit 113 to begin notifying the user that the power supply unit 111 has been correctly replaced and the inhalation device 100 is ready for use. For example, if the notification unit 113 is a display device that displays images, a power-on animation is initiated.

[0215] Then, the control unit 116 proceeds to step S402, in which the control unit controls the charging IC 102 to prevent charging of the power supply unit 111 from the external power supply 1000, and controls the MCU 104 to prevent power from being supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The routine then moves to step S403.

[0216] At step S403, the control unit 116 erases the remaining charge of the power unit 111 calculated based on the amount of current flowing into the power unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the power unit 111 during discharging, stored in the memory of the battery power indicator 103, as well as the correction value stored in the memory of the battery power indicator 103.

[0217] This prevents the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 after replacement from being controlled using the correction value corresponding to the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 before replacement, and thus allows for more appropriate control of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 after replacement.

[0218] Then, the control unit 116 proceeds to step S404, in which the control unit compares the information related to the type of power supply unit 111 (as the type of power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110) stored in the memory unit 114 with the information related to the type of power supply unit 111 identified in step S200, and determines whether they are the same.

[0219] If at step S404, the information related to the type of power supply unit 111 stored in memory unit 114 as the type of power supply unit 111 installed in power supply unit 110 is the same as the information related to the type of power supply unit 111 identified in step S200 (step S404: Yes), then control unit 116 does not modify the various control values ​​used to control power supply unit 111, and proceeds to step S407.

[0220] If at step S404, the information related to the type of power supply unit 111 stored in memory unit 114 as the type of power supply unit 111 installed in power supply unit 110 is different from the information related to the type of power supply unit 111 identified in step S200 (step S404: No), then control unit 116 proceeds to step S405.

[0221] At step S405, the control unit 116 rewrites the information related to the type of power supply unit 111 stored in the memory unit 114 as the type of power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110, to the information related to the type of power supply unit 111 identified at step S200. The routine then proceeds to step S406.

[0222] At step S406, the control unit 116 modifies various control values ​​for controlling the power supply unit 111 based on information related to the power supply unit 111 stored in the memory unit 114.

[0223] Specifically, the control unit 116 modifies the nominal voltage Vn [V] and charge capacity CC [Ah] of the power supply unit 111 in the battery power indicator 103, the constant current charging current value Icc [A], the constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], the charging switching voltage Vc [V] and the charging end voltage Ve [V] in the charging IC 102, and the threshold voltage Vth [V] in the MCU 104.

[0224] The memory unit 114 stores a control value table that associates various types of power supply units 111 with the nominal voltage Vn [V], charge capacity CC [Ah], constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charging switching voltage Vc [V], charging end voltage Ve [V], and threshold voltage Vth [V] for the corresponding type of power supply unit 111.

[0225] In step S406, the control unit 116 refers to the information related to the type of the power supply unit 111 and the control value table stored in the memory unit 114, and retrieves the nominal voltage Vn [V], charge capacity CC [Ah], constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charging switching voltage Vc [V], charging end voltage Ve [V] and threshold voltage Vth [V] corresponding to the type of the power supply unit 111 stored in the memory unit 114. Then, the control unit 116 modifies the nominal voltage Vn [V] and charge capacity CC [Ah] of the power supply unit 111 set in the battery power indicator 103, the constant current charging current value Icc [A], the constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], the charging switching voltage Vc [V], and the charging end voltage Ve [V] set in the charging IC 102, and the threshold voltage Vth [V] set in the MCU 104 to the retrieved nominal voltage Vn [V], charge capacity CC [Ah], constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charging switching voltage Vc [V], charging end voltage Ve [V], and threshold voltage Vth [V].

[0226] This allows the appropriate nominal voltage Vn [V], charge capacity CC [Ah], constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charging switching voltage Vc [V], charging end voltage Ve [V], and threshold voltage Vth [V] to be set in the battery power indicator 103 according to the type of power supply unit 111.

[0227] However, the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery power indicator 103 will not be modified. Note that the protection IC 105 operates independently of the control unit 116, and the forced stop current Ifs [A] and forced stop voltage Vfs [V] set in the protection IC 105 will not be modified by the control unit 116.

[0228] Even if the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery power indicator 103 are not modified, the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 is controlled by the protection IC 105, which operates independently of the control unit 116, to be less than or equal to the forced stop current Ifs [A] and less than or equal to the forced stop voltage Vfs [V]. Therefore, even if the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery power indicator 103 are not modified, the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 can be safely controlled. As a result, by not changing the upper limit current Imax [A] or upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery power indicator 103, the number of times the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] are written to the memory of the battery power indicator 103 can be reduced, thereby extending the service life of the battery power indicator 103.

[0229] When the modification of various control values ​​for controlling the power supply unit 111 is completed in step S406, the control unit 116 proceeds to step S407.

[0230] In step S407, the control unit 116 controls the charging IC 102 to release the restriction imposed in step S402 on charging the power supply unit 111 from the external power supply 1000, and also controls the MCU 104 to release the restriction imposed in step S402 on supplying power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. The program then proceeds to step S408.

[0231] At step S408, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to end the notification to the user that the power supply unit 111 has been correctly replaced and the inhalation device 100 is ready for use. For example, if the notification unit 113 is a display device that displays images, the power-on animation is terminated. Then the processing for modifying the various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 ends.

[0232] In this way, at least one of the plurality of control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 is modified based on the type of the power supply unit 111, and at least one of the plurality of control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 is not modified based on the type of the power supply unit 111.

[0233] This allows the power supply unit 111 to be properly controlled according to its type, and since the rewriting of control values ​​can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the load on the control unit 116 can be reduced and the service life of the control unit 116 can be extended.

[0234] Furthermore, the time that the inhalation device 100 is unavailable due to the replacement of the power supply unit 111 can be reduced because the modification of the various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 is performed between the start of notifying the user that the power supply unit 111 has been correctly replaced and the end of the notification.

[0235] Furthermore, the safety of the inhalation device 100 is improved because the charging and discharging of the power supply unit 111 are prevented while modifying the various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111.

[0236] While executing steps S401 to S408, the control unit 116 can monitor whether the inhalation device 100 has switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 can be removed. If the inhalation device 100 has switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 can be removed, the control unit 116 can temporarily stop executing steps S401 to S408. If it is subsequently detected that the inhalation device 100 has switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 cannot be removed, the execution of steps S401 to S408 can be resumed. If the inhalation device 100 switches to a state where the power supply unit 111 can be removed while executing step S406 (in other words, while modifying various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111), the control unit 116 can store both the modified control values ​​and the unmodified control values. When it is detected that the inhalation device 100 has switched to a state where the power supply unit 111 cannot be removed and the execution of steps S401 to S408 is resumed, the control unit 116 can modify only the control values ​​that have not yet been modified. Furthermore, if the inhalation device 100 switches to a state where the power unit 111 can be removed while step S406 is being executed (in other words, while various control values ​​for controlling the power unit 111 are being modified), the control unit 116 can change all the control values ​​that have been changed again when it detects that the inhalation device 100 has switched to a state where the power unit 111 cannot be removed and has resumed the execution of steps S401 to S408.

[0237] This prevents the power supply unit 111 from being removed when the various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 are modified, thereby preventing the inhalation device 100 from malfunctioning.

[0238] Note that in this embodiment, the process of modifying the various control values ​​for controlling the power supply unit 111 at step S400 is triggered by the fact that the type of the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 can be identified in step S200 (step S300: yes), but the process of changing the various control values ​​for controlling the power supply unit 111 can also be triggered by the user performing a heating start operation or by the user requesting to start charging.

[0239] [10. Procedures for determining whether heating can be controlled in an inhalation device]

[0240] Next, we will refer to Figure 16 The process for determining whether heating can be controlled in the inhalation device 100 is described.

[0241] When the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 is standby mode, the control unit 116 determines whether the user has performed a heating start operation on the inhalation device 100 (step S501). If the user has not performed a heating start operation (step S501: No), the routine proceeds to step S502 to determine whether the time elapsed since the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 switched to standby mode is greater than or equal to a predetermined time. If the time elapsed since the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 switched to standby mode does not exceed the predetermined time (step S502: No), the routine returns to step S501 and waits for the user to perform a heating start operation. If the time elapsed since the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 switched to standby mode is greater than or equal to the predetermined time (step S502: Yes), the routine proceeds to step S503 to switch the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 to sleep mode and end the series of controls.

[0242] If the user performs a heating start operation when the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 is standby mode (step S501: Yes), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S504.

[0243] At step S504, the control unit 116 determines whether the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 has left the electrical power required to complete the heating of a flavor source 131 or a rod matrix 150.

[0244] In particular, it also refers to Figure 17 In step S504, the control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 121 for a short period of time and determines whether the output voltage of the power supply unit 111 has dropped below the threshold voltage Vth [V] stored in the memory. If, in step S504, the output voltage of the power supply unit 111 has dropped below the threshold voltage Vth [V] (step S504: Yes), the control unit 116 determines that the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 is insufficient to provide the electrical power required to complete the heating of a flavor source 131 or a stick matrix 150, and heating control cannot be performed. The control unit then prevents switching the operating mode to the inhalation mode (step S505) and terminates the series of controls. As a result, the control unit 116 cannot perform heating control of the heating unit 121.

[0245] At step S504, if the output voltage of the power supply unit 111 has not yet dropped below the threshold voltage Vth [V] (step S504: No), the control unit 116 determines that the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 provides the electrical force required to complete the heating of a flavor source 131 or a rod-shaped substrate 150, and heating control can be performed. The control unit switches the operating mode to the inhalation mode (step S506) and ends the series of controls. Then, when the operating mode is switched to the inhalation mode, the control unit 116 performs heating control on the heating unit 121.

[0246] Here, for example, assume there are type a power supply unit 111 and type b power supply unit 111, and the internal resistance of type b power supply unit 111 is greater than that of type a power supply unit 111. In this case, if the residual charge of each is the same, the voltage drop of type b power supply unit 111 will be greater than that of type a power supply unit 111 when the heating unit 121 is powered for a short period of time.

[0247] Therefore, if the threshold voltage Vth [V] is set to a constant value regardless of the type of power supply unit 111, it can be determined that the type b power supply unit 111 cannot perform heating control even if the remaining charge leaves the electrical force required to complete the heating of a flavor source 131 or a rod substrate 150.

[0248] For the type of power supply unit 111 with higher internal resistance, the threshold voltage Vth [V] is set to a lower value, and for the type of power supply unit 111 with lower internal resistance, the threshold voltage is set to a higher value.

[0249] Therefore, by setting an appropriate threshold voltage Vth [V] according to the type of power supply unit 111, it is possible to correctly determine whether heating control can be performed in the inhalation device 100.

[0250] Furthermore, secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, typically degrade with repeated charging and discharging, resulting in a decrease in actual charge capacity. In view of this, the control unit 116 (e.g., MCU 104) can count the number of times heating control has been performed since the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 was determined to have been replaced, and store this count in the control unit's memory. Whenever heating control is performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times), the battery charge indicator 103 can be controlled to reduce the charge capacity CC [Ah] by a predetermined value (e.g., 50 [mAh]). For example, the control can be executed immediately whenever the predetermined number of heating control operations since the power supply unit 111 installed in the power supply unit 110 was determined to have been replaced reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 100 times).

[0251] As a result, a value closer to the actual value can be set as the charge capacity CC [Ah] of the power supply unit 111 in the battery power indicator 103.

[0252] [11. Charging control of the power supply unit]

[0253] Next, we will refer to Figure 18 The charging control of the power supply unit 111 in the inhalation device 100 is described.

[0254] In the inhalation device 100, when the charging IC 102 receives a command to start charging from the MCU 104, it performs charging control on the power supply unit 111 based on the control value set in the charging IC 102.

[0255] For charging the power supply unit 111, the charging IC 102 performs constant current charging when the battery voltage Vbat [V] is less than the charging switching voltage Vc [V], switches to constant voltage charging when the battery voltage Vbat [V] is greater than or equal to the charging switching voltage Vc [V], and ends charging the power supply unit 111 when the charging end voltage Ve [V] is reached.

[0256] When charging IC 102 performs constant current charging, it charges power supply unit 111 using the constant current charging current value Icc[A] stored in memory. When charging IC 102 performs constant voltage charging, it charges power supply unit 111 using the constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv[V] stored in memory.

[0257] The magnitude of the current that can flow and the battery voltage Vbat when fully charged vary depending on the type of power supply unit 111.

[0258] Therefore, for the purpose of argumentation, if the constant current charging current value Icc[A] and the constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv[V] are fixed regardless of the type of power supply unit 111, then depending on the type of power supply unit 111, there may be inconvenience of a longer charging time.

[0259] In this disclosure, appropriate constant current charging current value Icc [A] and constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V] are set according to the type of power supply unit 111, so that the power supply unit 111 can be charged efficiently in a short time.

[0260] Furthermore, for the sake of argumentation, if the charging end voltage Ve [V] is a fixed value regardless of the type of power supply unit 111, then depending on the type of power supply unit 111, there may be an inconvenience that the charging of power supply unit 111 ends before it has reached a fully charged state.

[0261] In this disclosure, an appropriate charging end voltage Ve [V] is set according to the type of power supply unit 111, and therefore the power supply unit 111 can be reliably charged to a fully charged state.

[0262] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified and improved.

[0263] For example, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 111 is replaced after the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 has been switched to the transport mode. However, the operating mode for replacing the power supply unit 111 is not limited to the transport mode, and can also be any operating mode, such as the standby mode or the operating mode in which the power consumption of the inhalation device 100 is lower than that of the standby mode. In addition, for example, there may be a dedicated operating mode for replacing the power supply unit 111, and the power supply unit 111 can be replaced after the operating mode of the inhalation device 100 has been switched to the dedicated operating mode for replacing the power supply unit 111.

[0264] This specification describes 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.

[0265] (1) A power supply unit for generating aerosols by heating an aerosol source (power supply unit 110 for an aerosol generating device), the power supply unit comprising: a power supply unit (power supply unit), and

[0266] A control unit (control unit 116) is configured to control at least one of the charging and discharging of the power supply unit.

[0267] in,

[0268] The power supply unit is replaceably and removably installed in the power supply unit, and

[0269] This control unit can perform:

[0270] Identification processing for identifying the type of power supply unit installed in the power supply unit, and

[0271] A control value modification process is used to modify at least one control value for controlling the power supply unit based on the type of power supply unit identified in the identification process.

[0272] and

[0273] At least one of these control values ​​used to control the power supply unit was not modified by the control value modification process.

[0274] According to (1), the power supply unit can be appropriately controlled according to the type of power supply unit, and since the rewriting of the control value can be reduced to the minimum necessary, the load on the control unit can be reduced and the service life of the control unit can be extended.

[0275] (2) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein,

[0276] The control unit has a battery power indicator (battery power indicator 103) that measures the remaining charge of the power supply unit.

[0277] The nominal voltage (nominal voltage Vn) of the power supply unit installed in the power supply unit is set in the battery power indicator, and

[0278] The control values ​​modified in this control value modification process include the nominal voltage.

[0279] According to (2), the appropriate nominal voltage can be set in the battery power indicator according to the type of power supply unit installed in the power supply unit.

[0280] (3) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein,

[0281] The control unit has a battery power indicator (battery power indicator 103) that measures the remaining charge of the power supply unit.

[0282] The charge capacity (charge capacity CC) of the power supply unit installed in the power supply unit is set in the battery power indicator, and

[0283] The control values ​​modified in this control value modification process include the charge capacity.

[0284] According to (3), the appropriate charge capacity can be set in the battery power indicator according to the type of power supply unit installed in the power supply unit.

[0285] (4) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (3), wherein,

[0286] This control unit can perform heating control for heating the aerosol source to generate aerosols.

[0287] The number of times the heating control has been performed since the power supply unit installed in the power supply unit was replaced is counted and stored, and

[0288] Whenever the heating control is implemented a predetermined number of times, the charge capacity set in the battery power indicator is modified.

[0289] According to (4), a value closer to the actual value can be set as the charge capacity of the power unit in the battery power indicator.

[0290] (5) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein,

[0291] The control unit has a controller (MCU 104) that is capable of performing processing to determine whether heating control is possible, based on whether the output voltage of the power supply unit has dropped below a threshold voltage (threshold voltage Vth) to determine whether heating control for heating the aerosol source to generate aerosol is possible;

[0292] The threshold voltage is set in the controller; and

[0293] The control values ​​modified in this control value modification process include the threshold voltage.

[0294] According to (5), an appropriate threshold voltage is set according to the type of power supply unit installed in the power supply unit, so that it can be correctly determined whether heating control can be performed in the inhalation device.

[0295] (6) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein,

[0296] The control unit has a charging IC (charging IC 102) configured to control the charging of the power supply unit by means of power received from an external power source (external power source 1000);

[0297] The charging end voltage (charging end voltage Ve) is set in the charging IC. This charging end voltage is the voltage value used to terminate the charging of the power supply unit.

[0298] The control values ​​modified in this control value modification process include the charging end voltage.

[0299] According to (6), an appropriate charging end voltage is set according to the type of power supply unit installed in the power supply unit, so that the power supply unit can be reliably charged to full power.

[0300] (7) The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein,

[0301] The power supply unit has a protection IC (protection IC 105) that protects the power supply unit from overcharging, over-discharging, overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits.

[0302] The control unit has a battery power indicator (battery power indicator 103) that measures the remaining charge of the power supply unit.

[0303] The battery power indicator is equipped with:

[0304] The upper limit current (upper limit current Imax) is used to determine whether the power discharged from the power supply unit is overcurrent; and

[0305] The upper limit voltage (Vmax) is used to determine whether the power discharged from the power supply unit is overvoltage.

[0306] and

[0307] Set the forced stop current (forced stop current Ifs) and forced stop voltage (forced stop voltage Vfs) in the protection IC.

[0308] When the power discharged from the power supply unit reaches or exceeds the forced stop current or the forced stop voltage, the protection IC stops discharging from the power supply unit.

[0309] The forced stop current is greater than the upper limit current value.

[0310] The forced stop voltage is greater than the upper limit voltage, and

[0311] These control values ​​that are not modified by the control value modification process include at least one of the upper limit current and the upper limit voltage.

[0312] According to (7), even if the upper limit current and upper limit voltage set in the battery power indicator are not modified, the power discharged from the power supply unit is controlled by the protection IC to be equal to or lower than the forced stop current and equal to or lower than the forced stop voltage. As a result, the power discharged from the power supply unit can be safely controlled, and by not modifying at least one of the upper limit current and upper limit voltage, the number of times the upper limit current and upper limit voltage are written to the battery power indicator can be reduced, thereby extending the service life of the battery power indicator.

[0313] (8) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0314] The control unit notifies the user that the power supply unit has been correctly replaced and the aerosol generator is now usable when the power supply unit has been correctly replaced and the aerosol generator is now usable.

[0315] The modification of these control values ​​for controlling the power unit is performed between the start and end of this notification.

[0316] According to (8), since the modification of the control value used to control the power supply unit is performed between the start and end of notifying the user that the power supply unit has been correctly replaced and the aerosol generating device has become available, the time when the aerosol generating device cannot be used due to the replacement of the power supply unit can be shortened.

[0317] (9) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0318] The control unit prohibits charging and discharging the power supply unit while these control values ​​used to control the power supply unit are being modified.

[0319] According to (9), the safety of the aerosol generating device is improved because the charging and discharging of the power supply unit is prohibited during the modification of the control value used to control the power supply unit.

[0320] (10) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein,

[0321] When the aerosol generating device switches to a state where the power supply unit can be removed while the control value modification process is being implemented, the control unit temporarily stops implementing the control value modification process.

[0322] According to (10), since the power supply unit is prevented from being removed from the power supply unit during the modification of the control value used to control the power supply unit, malfunctions in the aerosol generating device can be suppressed.

[0323] List of reference numerals

[0324] 100 Inhalation device (aerosol generating device)

[0325] 103 Battery power indicator

[0326] 110 Power Supply Unit

[0327] 116 Control Unit

[0328] 1000 External Power Supply

[0329] 102 Charging IC

[0330] 105 Protection IC

[0331] 104 MCU (Controller)

[0332] CC charge capacity

[0333] Ifs Force Current Stop

[0334] Imax upper limit current

[0335] Ve Charging end voltage

[0336] Vfs forced stop voltage

[0337] Vmax upper limit voltage

[0338] Vn Nominal Voltage

[0339] Vth is the threshold voltage.

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus that generates aerosols by heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit comprising: Power supply unit, and A control unit configured to control at least one of the charging and discharging of the power supply unit. in, The power supply unit is replaceably and removably installed in the power supply unit, and This control unit is capable of performing: Identification processing for identifying the type of power supply unit installed in the power supply unit, and A control value modification process is used to modify at least one control value for controlling the power supply unit based on the type of power supply unit identified in the identification process. and At least one of these control values ​​used to control the power supply unit was not modified by the control value modification process.

2. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit has a battery power indicator that measures the remaining charge of the power supply unit; The nominal voltage of the power supply unit installed in this power supply unit is set in the battery power indicator, and The control values ​​modified in this control value modification process include the nominal voltage.

3. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit has a battery power indicator that measures the remaining charge of the power supply unit; The charge capacity of the power supply unit installed in this power supply unit is set in the battery power indicator, and The control values ​​modified in this control value modification process include the charge capacity.

4. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 3, wherein, The control unit It is capable of performing heating control for heating the aerosol source to generate aerosol. The number of times the heating control has been performed since the power supply unit installed in the power supply unit was replaced is counted and stored, and Whenever the heating control is implemented a predetermined number of times, the charge capacity set in the battery power indicator is modified.

5. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit It has a controller that can perform processing to determine whether heating control is possible, based on whether the output voltage of the power supply unit has dropped below a threshold voltage to determine whether heating control for heating the aerosol source to generate aerosol is possible; The threshold voltage is set in the controller; and The control values ​​modified in this control value modification process include the threshold voltage.

6. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein, The control unit has a charging IC configured to control the charging of the power supply unit using power received from an external power source. The charging IC sets a charging end voltage, which is the voltage value used to end the charging of the power supply unit. The control values ​​modified in this control value modification process include the charging end voltage.

7. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as described in claim 1, wherein, The power supply unit has a protection IC that protects it from overcharging, over-discharging, overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuits. The control unit has a battery power indicator that measures the remaining charge of the power supply unit; The battery power indicator is equipped with: Upper limit current, which is used to determine whether the power discharged from the power unit is overcurrent; and The upper limit voltage is used to determine whether the power discharged from the power unit is overvoltage. and The forced stop current and forced stop voltage are set in this protection IC. When the power discharged from the power supply unit reaches or exceeds the forced stop current or the forced stop voltage, the protection IC stops discharging from the power supply unit. The forced stop current is greater than the upper limit current value. The forced stop voltage is greater than the upper limit voltage, and These control values ​​that are not modified by the control value modification process include at least one of the upper limit current and the upper limit voltage.

8. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The control unit When the power supply unit has been correctly replaced and the aerosol generator becomes usable, notify the user that the power supply unit has been correctly replaced and the aerosol generator has become usable. The modification of these control values ​​for controlling the power unit is performed between the start and end of this notification.

9. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The control unit Charging and discharging of the power supply unit are prohibited while these control values ​​used to control the power supply unit are being modified.

10. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, When the aerosol generating device switches to a state where the power supply unit can be removed while the control value modification process is being implemented, the control unit temporarily stops implementing the control value modification process.

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