Control unit for suction device and control method for suction device

Abstract

To provide a suction device capable of reducing waiting time of a user until suction is enabled.SOLUTION: Provided is a control unit 102 of a suction device 100. The suction device 100 includes a first power source 106, and a second power source 108 having a lower output density than an output density of the first power source 106. The control unit 102 includes a control unit 104. The control unit 104 is configured to perform first electric discharge control of supplying power to a heating unit 110 that heats an aerosol source only from the first power source 106 among the first power source 106 and the second power source 108, and thereafter, perform second electric discharge control of supplying power to the heating unit 110 from at least the second power source 108 among the first power source 106 and the second power source 108.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control unit for a suction device and a control method for a suction device. [Background technology]

[0002] In an inhalation device that generates a substance (e.g., an aerosol) to be inhaled by a user, such as an electronic cigarette, a heated tobacco product, or a nebulizer, when an inhalation by a user is detected, power needs to be supplied to a heating unit so that the temperature of the heating unit reaches a temperature at which the substance can be generated. The longer it takes for the heating unit to reach such a temperature, the longer the user has to wait before being able to inhale the substance, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a flavor generating device that supplies power to a plurality of heaters by using an auxiliary power supply in addition to a normal power supply.

[0004] However, further improvements are needed to reduce the time a user must wait before being able to inhale a substance such as an aerosol. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 059049 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an inhalation device that can shorten the waiting time of a user until the user can inhale a substance such as an aerosol, thereby improving the user experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a control unit of an inhalation device is provided. The inhalation device includes a first power source and a second power source having a power density lower than that of the first power source. The control unit includes a control unit configured to perform a first discharge control of supplying power from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats an aerosol source, and then to perform a second discharge control of supplying power from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source to the heating unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to supply power to the heating unit from only the second power source of the first power source and the second power source in the second discharge control.

[0009] In one embodiment, when the control unit receives an instruction to start heating, the control unit is configured to perform the first discharge control first, out of the first discharge control and the second discharge control, and to perform the second discharge control after the first discharge control is completed and before receiving the next heating instruction.

[0010] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to switch from the first discharge control to the second discharge control when a measured or estimated predetermined value reaches a predetermined upper limit value or a predetermined lower limit value.

[0011] In one embodiment, the control unit comprises a first circuit that enables charging between the first power source and the second power source.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control unit comprises a second circuit configured to allow charging of at least the second of the first and second power sources by an external power source.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second circuitry is configured to also allow charging of the first power source by the external power source.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second circuit is controlled to charge the second power source with the external power source prior to charging the first power source.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the first discharge control is not being performed and the charge amount of the second power source is greater than the charge amount of the first power source, the first power source is charged by the second power source.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second circuit is controlled to prevent the first power source from being charged by the external power source.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second power source has a higher capacity than the first power source.

[0018] In one embodiment, the operating voltage of the second power supply is higher than the operating voltage of the first power supply.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to perform the first discharge control when a value related to the charge amount of the first power source is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and to perform the second discharge control without performing the first discharge control when the value related to the charge amount of the first power source is less than a second predetermined value.

[0020] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to stop the second discharge control when a value related to a charge amount of the second power source is less than a third predetermined value.

[0021] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to perform the second discharge control without performing the first discharge control when a value related to the charge amount of the first power source is less than a second predetermined value.

[0022] In one embodiment, in the first discharge control, when a value related to the current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the first discharge control is stopped.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control unit includes a first element provided separately from the control unit, and the first discharge control is stopped by the first element.

[0024] In one embodiment, in the second discharge control, when a value related to the current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the second discharge control is stopped.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control unit includes a second element provided separately from the control unit, and the second discharge control is stopped by the second element.

[0026] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for controlling a suction device, the method including a step of performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied to a heating unit only from a first power source among a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than an output density of the first power source, and thereafter, a step of performing a second discharge control in which power is supplied to the heating unit from at least the second power source among the first power source and the second power source.

[0027] In one embodiment, in the step of performing the second discharge control, power is supplied to the heating unit from only the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. Effect of the Invention

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an inhalation device can be provided that can shorten the time a user has to wait before being able to inhale a substance such as an aerosol, thereby improving the user experience. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a configuration of a suction device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing the connection relationship of some components of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]1 is a flowchart of an exemplary process according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, an inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following, the substance generated by the inhalation device will be described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas. The embodiments of the inhalation device in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, an electronic cigarette, a heated tobacco product, and a nebulizer.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of an inhalation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the inhalation device 100 according to this embodiment includes a control unit 102. The control unit 102 includes a control unit 104. The inhalation device 100 also includes a first power source 106 and a second power source 108. In one example, the control unit 102 may be configured to include the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 in addition to the control unit 104. The control unit 102 may further include an element provided separately from the control unit 104. Examples of such elements include, for example, a protection integrated circuit (IC) and a fuse. The inhalation device 100 also includes a heating unit 110, an aerosol substrate insertion unit 112, and a charging terminal 114. Although not shown, the inhalation device 100 may further include a sensor unit, a notification unit, a memory unit, a communication unit, a storage unit, etc.

[0032] 1, the above-mentioned components are arranged in one housing 116. However, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 may be arranged in a unit separate from the control unit 102. Alternatively, the control unit 102, the first power source 106, the second power source 108, and the heating unit 110 may be arranged in separate units. These units may be configured to be detachable from each other.

[0033] The first power source 106 and the second power source 108 store power. The first power source 106 and the second power source 108 supply power to each component of the suction device 100 in response to the control of the control unit 104. The second power source 108 is configured to have a lower output density than the output density of the first power source 106. The output density is expressed in W / cm 3 The second power source 108 may be configured to have a higher capacity than the first power source 106. In this specification, the capacity is evaluated based on the fully charged capacity or the fully charged capacity minus the remaining capacity at the end of discharging (so-called discharge capacity). The second power source 108 may be configured to have an operating voltage higher than the operating voltage of the first power source 106.

[0034] It is known that in general power supplies, the output density and capacity tend to be inversely related. This tendency is also called the Ragone plot. In more detail, increasing the output density decreases the capacity density, and vice versa. In other words, it is difficult to use a power supply that has both high output density and high capacity density. However, as described above, by using the first power supply 106 with high output density and the second power supply 108 with high capacity in combination, it is possible to use a power supply that has both high output density and high capacity density in a pseudo manner.

[0035] The first power source 106 and the second power source 108 are configured to be rechargeable. As an example, the first power source 106 includes a capacitor (particularly, an electric double layer capacitor), and the second power source 108 includes a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the configurations of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 are not limited thereto, and may have various other modes. The suction device 100 is configured to be able to charge the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 by an external power source via the charging terminal 114.

[0036] The sensor unit acquires various information related to the suction device 100. As one example, the sensor unit is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit is composed of an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0037] The notification unit notifies the user of information and is configured, for example, by a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0038] The storage unit stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit is configured, for example, by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0039] The communication unit is a communication interface capable of performing communication in compliance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0040] The control unit 104 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 104 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

[0041] The holding part has an internal space and holds the aerosol base while accommodating a part of the aerosol base in the internal space. The holding part holds the aerosol base inserted into the internal space from the aerosol base material inserting part 112. For example, the holding part is a cylindrical body with an opening and a bottom part as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space. The holding part also has a function of defining a flow path of air supplied to the aerosol base. An air inlet hole, which is an entrance of air to such a flow path, is disposed, for example, at the bottom. The air inlet hole may be a gap formed between the holding part and the aerosol base. On the other hand, an air outlet hole, which is an exit of air from such a flow path, is an opening.

[0042] The aerosol base material includes a base material portion and a mouthpiece portion. The base material portion includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source may be a solid or a liquid. When the aerosol base material is held in the holder, at least a part of the base material portion is accommodated in the internal space, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion protrudes from the opening. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion protruding from the opening in his / her mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space through the air inlet hole and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion.

[0043] The heating unit 110 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 110 may be configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit. When the heating unit 110 generates heat, the substrate of the aerosol substrate is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 110 generates heat when power is supplied from the first power source 106 and / or the second power source 108. As an example, the heating unit 110 may be supplied with power when the sensor unit detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, when the sensor unit detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input, the supply of power to the heating unit 110 may be stopped.

[0044] The configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above configuration, but may take various other configurations.

[0045] As an example, the heating unit 110 may be configured in a blade or pin shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom of the holder into the internal space. In this case, the blade or pin-shaped heating unit 110 is inserted into the base material of the aerosol base material and heats the base material of the aerosol base material from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 110 may be disposed so as to cover the bottom of the holder. The heating unit 110 may also be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the holder, a blade or pin-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom of the holder.

[0046] As another example, the holder may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space. The holder may then clamp the aerosol base material inserted into the internal space by opening and closing the outer shell. In this case, the heating unit 110 may be provided at the clamping location in the holder and heat the aerosol base material while pressing it.

[0047] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 110. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0048] As a configuration different from that shown in FIG. 1, the inhalation device 100 may be configured to include a control unit, a cartridge, and a flavoring cartridge. The control unit may include a control unit 104, a first power source 106 and a second power source 108, a sensor unit, a notification unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit. The cartridge may include a heating unit 110, a liquid guiding unit, and a liquid storage unit. The flavoring cartridge may include a flavor source and a mouthpiece. An air flow path is formed in the cartridge and the flavoring cartridge.

[0049] The control unit 104, the first power source 106, the second power source 108, the sensor unit, the notification unit, the memory unit, and the communication unit are substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100 of FIG.

[0050] In this example, the aerosol source is a liquid. The liquid reservoir stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate the aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavoring ingredients. If the inhalation device 100 is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medication.

[0051] The liquid guide guides the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit, from the liquid storage unit and holds it. The liquid guide is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit is guided by the capillary effect of the wick. Instead of this embodiment, a spray that sprays the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit onto the heating unit 110 may be used as the liquid guide.

[0052] The heating unit 110 generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In this example, the heating unit 110 is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guiding unit. When the heating unit 110 generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 110 generates heat when power is supplied from the first power source 106 and / or the second power source 108. As an example, the heating unit 110 may be powered when the sensor unit detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, when the sensor unit detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input, power supply to the heating unit 110 may be stopped.

[0053] The flavor source is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0054] The air flow path is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path has a tubular structure with an air inlet hole, which is the entrance of air into the air flow path, and an air outlet hole, which is the exit of air from the air flow path, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path, a liquid guide section is arranged on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet hole) and a flavor source is arranged on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet hole). Air flowing in from the air inlet hole as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 110 and transported to the air outlet hole through the flavor source. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source, the flavor components contained in the flavor source are imparted to the aerosol.

[0055] The mouthpiece is a member that is held by a user in the mouth when inhaling. An air outlet hole is arranged in the mouthpiece. By holding the mouthpiece in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixture of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0056] As an example, the inhalation device 100 may not include a flavored cartridge, in which case the cartridge is provided with a mouthpiece, in which case a flavor source may be added to the aerosol source.

[0057] As another example, the inhalation device 100 may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path and undergo a chemical reaction to generate yet another type of aerosol.

[0058] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 110. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the connections of some of the components of the suction device 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] In FIG. 2, a circuit 200 showing the connection relationship of the components includes the control unit 104, the first power source 106, the second power source 108, the heating unit 110, a switch 202A, a switch 202B, a switch 202C, a switch 202D, a switch 202E, a DC-DC converter 204A, and a DC-DC converter 204B. An external power source 206 may be connected to the circuit 200 via the charging terminal 114 shown in FIG. 1. Note that a part of the circuit 200, or all of the circuit 200 except the external power source 206 and the heating unit 110, may be provided in the control unit 102. The switches 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D, and 202E may be configured by field effect transistors or bipolar transistors. The switches 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D, and 202E may be configured by the same element or different elements.

[0061] 2, the heating unit 110, the first power source 106, the switch 202B, and the DC-DC converter 204A, and the second power source 108, the switch 202D, and the DC-DC converter 204B may be connected in parallel. The switch 202A may be connected between the heating unit 110 and the DC-DC converter 204A. The switch 202C may be connected between the DC-DC converter 204A and the DC-DC converter 204B. The switch 202E may be connected between the DC-DC converter 204B and the external power source 206 (or the charging terminal 114).

[0062] The control unit 104 is configured to be able to control the switches 202A to 202E and the DC-DC converters 204A and 204B.

[0063] The control unit 102 may include a first circuit that enables charging between the first power source 106 and the second power source 108. In the example of Figure 2, the first circuit includes a switch 202B, a switch 202C, a switch 202D, a DC-DC converter 204A, and a DC-DC converter 204B.

[0064] The control unit 102 may include a second circuit configured to enable charging of at least the second power source 108 of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 by the external power source 206. In this case, the second circuit includes at least a switch 202D, a switch 202E, and a DC-DC converter 204B. The second circuit may be further configured to enable charging of the first power source 106 by the external power source 206. In this case, the second circuit includes a switch 202B, a switch 202C, and a DC-DC converter 204A in addition to the above components. Note that the control unit 102 may include only one of the switch 202B and the DC-DC converter 204A. Alternatively, the control unit 102 may include only one of the switch 202D and the DC-DC converter 204B.

[0065] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The following description will be given assuming that the control unit 104 included in the control unit 102 executes the steps of Fig. 3. However, it should be noted that all or some of the steps may be executed by other components of the suction device 100.

[0066] In step 302, the control unit 104 receives a heating instruction. For example, the control unit 104 detects that the user has started inhaling based on information obtained from a pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, and the like. For example, the control unit 104 may determine that the user has started inhaling when the output values ​​of these sensors reach a predetermined threshold value or when the output values ​​of these sensors change continuously. Alternatively, the control unit 104 may determine that the user has started inhaling based on the pressing of a button for starting the generation of aerosol. The button may be provided on a terminal separate from the inhalation device 100. When provided on the separate terminal, the button may not be a physical button, but may be a virtual button displayed on a screen.

[0067] When the control unit 104 receives the heating instruction, it performs the first discharge control in step 304. In this case, the control unit 104 turns on the switches 202A and 202B and turns off the other switches. In the first discharge control, the control unit 104 supplies power from only the first power source 106 of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 to the heating unit 110 that heats the aerosol source. As already described, the output density of the first power source 106 is higher than the output density of the second power source 108. According to this embodiment, since a large amount of power can be supplied to the heating unit 110, the heating unit 110 can be heated quickly using such a first power source 106. Therefore, compared to the conventional suction device, the waiting time for heating can be shortened.

[0068] In step 306, the control unit 104 determines whether the measured or estimated predetermined value has reached a predetermined upper limit value or a predetermined lower limit value. The predetermined value may be a value related to the temperature of the heating unit 110. As an example, the predetermined value may be the temperature of the heating unit 110, and the temperature may be measured by a temperature sensor. In this case, the control unit 104 determines whether the measured temperature has reached a predetermined upper limit value. The predetermined upper limit value may be the temperature of the heating unit 110 at which aerosol can be generated, and may be, for example, 200°C. Note that, instead of the predetermined upper limit value, the predetermined lower limit value may be the temperature of the heating unit 110 at which aerosol can be generated. As another example, the predetermined value may be the resistance value of the heating unit 110, and the resistance value may be measured using a voltmeter, an ammeter, an operational amplifier, or the like. In this case, the control unit 104 determines whether the measured resistance value has reached a predetermined upper limit value. The predetermined upper limit value may be the resistance value of the heating unit 110 when the temperature of the heating unit 110 reaches a temperature at which aerosol can be generated. Instead of the predetermined upper limit, a predetermined lower limit may be set as the resistance value of heating unit 110 when the temperature of heating unit 110 reaches a temperature at which an aerosol can be generated.

[0069] The predetermined value may also be a value related to the charge amount of the first power source 106. In this case, the control unit 104 determines whether the measured or estimated value related to the charge amount has reached a predetermined lower limit. The value related to the charge amount may be a voltage, a remaining capacity calculated by a current integration method (Coulomb counting method), a SOC (State Of Charge), a DOD (Depth Of Discharge), or the like.

[0070] The predetermined value may be the time elapsed since the first discharge control was started. In this case, the control unit 104 determines whether the measured or estimated elapsed time has reached a predetermined upper limit value.

[0071] The information regarding the above-mentioned predetermined upper limit value or lower limit value may be stored in the storage unit.

[0072] If the predetermined value has not reached the predetermined upper limit value or the predetermined lower limit value ("N" in step 306), the process returns to before step 304 and executes step 304 again. If the predetermined value has reached the predetermined upper limit value or the predetermined lower limit value ("Y" in step 306), the process proceeds to step 308.

[0073] In step 308, the control unit 104 switches from power supply using the first power source 106 to power supply using the second power source 108. For example, the control unit 104 turns on the switches 202A, 202C, and 202D, and turns off the other switches.

[0074] The process proceeds to step 310, where the control unit 104 performs the second discharge control. In the second discharge control, the control unit 104 supplies power to the heating unit 110 from at least the second power source 108 of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108. As an example, in the second discharge control, the control unit 104 supplies power to the heating unit 110 from only the second power source 108 of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108. Since the first power source 106 is switched to the second power source 108 and the second discharge control is performed using only the second power source 108, the first power source 106 does not need to store energy for maintaining the temperature of the heating unit 110. Therefore, a power source with a small capacity can be used as the first power source 106.

[0075] As another example, in the second discharge control, the control unit 104 may supply power from both the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 to the heating unit 110. In this case, instead of the process of step 308, all of the switches 202A to 202D are turned ON.

[0076] In the second discharge control, the control unit 104 controls the temperature of the heating unit 110 so as to maintain it at a target temperature. The target temperature may be a temperature (e.g., 200° C.) at which the heating unit 110 can generate an aerosol. The control unit 104 may perform such a process using feedback control such as PID control.

[0077] As described above, when the control unit 104 receives an instruction to start heating, it may perform the first discharge control first out of the first discharge control and the second discharge control, and may perform the second discharge control after the first discharge control ends and before receiving the next heating instruction. In other words, the control unit 104 may perform the first discharge control after receiving a heating instruction, and then perform the second discharge control instead of the first discharge control until the end condition is satisfied in step 312 described later.

[0078] The control unit 104 does not necessarily have to perform both the first discharge control and the second discharge control. For example, when the heating instruction is received in step 302, if the value related to the charge amount of the first power source 106 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the control unit 104 may perform the first discharge control. However, when the heating instruction is received, if the value related to the charge amount of the first power source 106 is less than the second predetermined value, the control unit 104 may perform the second discharge control without performing the first discharge control. Thereby, when the charge amount of the first power source 106 is insufficient, the first power source 106 does not supply power to the heating unit 110. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first power source 106 from heating the heating unit 110 insufficiently. Also, it becomes possible to use the suction device 100 regardless of the charge state of the first power source 106. In other words, it is preferable that the second power source 104 has a capacity at least equal to or greater than the amount of power required to be supplied to the heating unit 110 upon receiving the heating instruction.

[0079] The control unit 104 may stop the second discharge control when the value related to the charge amount of the second power source 108 is less than a third predetermined value.

[0080] In the first discharge control, when a value related to the current flowing through the heating unit 110 exceeds a predetermined value, the first discharge control may be stopped. This can eliminate reliability concerns due to overheating of the heating unit 110. The control unit 102 may include a first element (e.g., a protection IC and a fuse) provided separately from the control unit 104, and the first discharge control may be stopped by the first element. In the connection relationship shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the first element is not provided between the switch 202A and the switch 202C. In other words, it is preferable that the first element is provided between the node connecting the switch 202A, the switch 202C, and the DC-DC converter 204A and the output of the DC-DC converter 204A. In this way, even in a state where protection is provided by the first element, it is possible to supply power from the second power source 108 to the heating unit 110 and charge the second power source 108. Note that the second element may be used in place of or in combination with the first element, and the control unit 104 may stop the first discharge control to protect the heating unit 110 from overheating.

[0081] In addition, in the second discharge control, when a value related to the current flowing through the heating unit 110 exceeds a predetermined value, the second discharge control may be stopped. This can eliminate reliability concerns due to overheating of the heating unit 110. The control unit 102 may include a second element (e.g., a protection IC and a fuse) provided separately from the control unit 104, and the second discharge control may be stopped by the second element. In the connection relationship shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the second element is not provided between the switch 202C and the switch 202E. In other words, it is preferable that the first element is provided between the node connecting the switch 202C, the switch 202E, and the DC-DC converter 204B and the output of the DC-DC converter 204B. In this way, even in a state where protection is provided by the second element, it is possible to supply power from the first power source 106 to the heating unit 110 and charge the first power source 106. Note that the second element may be used in place of or in combination with the second element, and the control unit 104 may stop the second discharge control to protect the heating unit 110 from overheating.

[0082] Instead of the above-described embodiment, a protection IC or a fuse may be provided between the input of the switch 202A and a node connecting the switch 202A, the switch 202C, and the DC-DC converter 204A. By providing a protection IC or a fuse at this location, it is possible to eliminate reliability concerns due to overheating of the heating unit 110 in both the first discharge control and the second discharge control with only one element. Note that the control unit 104 may measure the value of the current flowing at this location, and when it is determined that it is necessary to protect the heating unit 110 from overheating based on the measured value, the control unit 104 may stop the first discharge control or the second discharge control.

[0083] The process proceeds to step 312. The control unit 104 determines whether the termination condition is satisfied. For example, when the elapsed time since the start of the second discharge control reaches a predetermined value, the control unit 104 determines that the termination condition is satisfied. As another example, when the heating instruction is no longer detected, the control unit 104 determines that the termination condition is satisfied. If the termination condition is not satisfied ("N" in step 312), the process returns to before step 310. If the termination condition is satisfied ("Y" in step 312), the process proceeds to step 314, and the control unit 104 terminates the second discharge control. For example, the control unit 104 turns off all switches.

[0084] The process proceeds to step 316, where the control unit 104 determines whether the charge amount of the second power source 108 is greater than the charge amount of the first power source 106. If the charge amount of the second power source 108 is greater than the charge amount of the first power source 106 ("Y" in step 316), the process proceeds to step 318. In step 318, the control unit 104 performs control so that the first power source 106 is charged by the second power source 108. For example, the control unit 104 turns on the switches 202B, 202C, and 202D, and turns off the other switches. Note that when the switch 202B is formed of a transistor having a parasitic diode (body diode), the switch 202B may be either ON or OFF.

[0085] When the voltage of the second power source 108 is lower than the voltage of the first power source 108, the control unit 104 may control the DC-DC converter 204B so that a voltage equal to or higher than the voltage of the first power source 108 is output. The control unit 104 may also apply a dropper control to the switch 202C in order to control the charging current and charging voltage of the first power source 106. The charging current output from the second power source 108 may be supplied to the first power source 106 by backflowing the DC-DC converter 204A, but it is more preferable that the charging current is supplied to the first power source 106 by a bypass circuit connected in parallel to the DC-DC converter 204A. The bypass circuit is preferably configured to be capable of cutting off the discharge of the first power source 106. The process then proceeds to step 320.

[0086] In this way, when the first discharge control is not being performed and the charge amount of the second power source 108 is greater than the charge amount of the first power source 106, the first power source 106 is charged by the second power source 108. With this configuration, it is possible to charge the first power source 106 without relying on power supply from an external source.

[0087] In addition to the process of step 318, while performing the second discharge control in step 310, the control unit 104 may control the second power source 108 to charge the first power source 106. For example, the control unit 104 turns on the switch 202A, the switch 202B, the switch 202C, and the switch 202D. As described above, the charging of the first power source 106 by the second power source 108 may be realized by the backflow of the DC-DC converter 204A, or may be realized by a bypass circuit. With this configuration, even when the user performs chain smoking, it is possible to ensure that the first power source 106 has a sufficient charge amount. In other words, it is preferable that the second power source 104 has at least a capacity that is greater than the amount of power required to be supplied to the heating unit 110 upon receiving a heating instruction.

[0088] As already described, the second power source 108 has a lower output density and a higher capacity than the first power source 106. With this configuration, charging from the second power source 108 to the first power source 106 can be performed safely and reliably.

[0089] In addition, the second power source 108 may be configured to have an operating voltage higher than the operating voltage of the first power source 106. This allows the first power source 106 to be easily charged by the second power source 108, and there is no need to provide a boost circuit such as the DC-DC converter 204A.

[0090] On the other hand, if the charge amount of the second power source 108 is equal to or less than the charge amount of the first power source 106 ("N" in step 316), the process of step 318 is not performed.

[0091] In step 320, the control unit 104 determines whether the charge amount of the second power source 108 is smaller than the discharge amount corresponding to one inhalation. Here, the discharge amount corresponding to one inhalation may be a preset value, or may be a value determined based on the result of the user's use of the inhalation device 100.

[0092] If the charge amount of the second power source 108 is equal to or greater than the discharge amount corresponding to one inhalation ("N" in step 320), the process ends. If the charge amount of the second power source 108 is less than the discharge amount corresponding to one inhalation ("Y" in step 320), the process proceeds to step 332.

[0093] In step 322, the control unit 104 notifies the user, using the notification unit or the like, that suction using the suction device 100 cannot be performed, that charging is required, and the like. The control unit 104 may turn off all or some of the switches 202A to 202E. Upon receiving the notification, the user connects the external power source 206 to the charging terminal 114 (step 324).

[0094] The process proceeds to step 326, where the control unit 104 controls the second power source 108 to be charged by the external power source 206. For example, the control unit 104 may turn on the switches 202D and 202E. The charging current and charging voltage of the first power source 106 may be controlled by a charging IC (not shown) provided in the external power source 206 or the suction device 100, or the control unit 104 may control the charging current and charging voltage by applying a dropper control to the switch 202E. The charging current output from the external power source 206 may be supplied to the second power source 108 by backflowing the DC-DC converter 204B, but it is more preferable that the charging current be supplied to the second power source 108 by a bypass circuit connected in parallel to the DC-DC converter 204B. It is preferable that the bypass circuit is configured to be capable of cutting off the discharge of the second power source 108.

[0095] The process proceeds to step 328, where the control unit 104 determines whether the charge amount of the second power source 108 has satisfied the charge end condition. If the charge end condition has not been satisfied ("N" in step 328), the process returns to before step 326. If the charge end condition has been satisfied ("Y" in step 328), the process proceeds to step 330.

[0096] The control unit 104 may control the above-mentioned second circuit so that the first power source 106 is not charged by the external power source 206. By allowing only the second power source 108 to be charged from the outside, the first power source 106 can be cut off from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to protect the first power source 106 from being overcharged. Furthermore, by charging the first power source 106 and the second power source 108, which have different voltages, using respective circuits corresponding to the first power source 106 and the second power source 108, it is possible to improve reliability and protect the first power source 106.

[0097] Alternatively, the control unit 104 may perform control so that not only the second power source 108 but also the first power source 106 is charged by the external power source 206. The control unit 104 may charge the first power source 106 by the external power source 206 by turning on the switches 202B, 202C, and 202E. In one example, the control unit 104 may control the above-mentioned second circuit so that the second power source 108 is charged by the external power source 206 before the first power source 106. The charging current and charging voltage of the second power source 108 may be controlled by a charging IC (not shown) provided in the external power source 206 or the suction device 100, or may be controlled by the control unit 104 applying a dropper control to the switch 202E. Note that the charging current output from the external power source 206 may be supplied to the first power source 106 by flowing it back through the DC-DC converter 204A, but it is more preferable that the charging current be supplied to the first power source 106 by a bypass circuit connected in parallel to the DC-DC converter 204A. The bypass circuit is preferably configured to be capable of cutting off the discharge of the first power source 106 .

[0098] In another example, the control unit 104 may control the second circuit so that the first power source 106 is charged by the external power source 206 before the second power source 108. Such a configuration makes it easy to monitor the voltages of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108. Also, it becomes possible to fully charge both the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 using the external power source 206.

[0099] In yet another example, the control unit 104 may control the second circuit so that the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 are simultaneously charged by the external power source 206. The simultaneous charging of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 by the external power source 206 may be performed by the control unit 104 turning on the switches 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202E. The charging currents of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 are supplied by the reverse currents of the DC-DC converters 204A and 204B, or by the bypass circuits connected in parallel to the DC-DC converters 204A and 204B, as described above.

[0100] In step 330, the control unit 104 notifies the user that charging has been completed using the notification unit etc. Upon receiving the notification, the user removes the external power source 206 from the charging terminal 114 (step 332).

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as a control unit for a suction device and a control method for a suction device, it will be understood that the present disclosure may be embodied as a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the control method, or a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon the program.

[0102] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that modifications, additions, improvements, etc. of the embodiments can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 100... suction device, 102... control unit, 104... control section, 106... first power source, 108... second power source, 110... heating section, 112... aerosol substrate insertion section, 114... charging terminal, 116... housing, 200... circuit, 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D, 202E... switches, 204A, 204B... DC-DC converter, 206... external power source

Claims

1. A control unit for a suction device, the suction device comprising a first power source and a second power source having a power density lower than the power density of the first power source, the control unit comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; Then, a second discharge control is performed to supply power to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. A control unit configured as above, a first circuit for enabling charging between the first power source and the second power source; A control unit comprising:

2. The control unit according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to supply power to the heating unit from only the second power source of the first power source and the second power source in the second discharge control.

3. 3. The control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured, when receiving an instruction to start heating, to perform the first discharge control of the first discharge control and the second discharge control first, and to perform the second discharge control after the first discharge control is completed and before receiving a next heating instruction.

4. 4. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to switch from the first discharge control to the second discharge control when a measured or estimated predetermined value reaches a predetermined upper limit value or a predetermined lower limit value.

5. A control unit for a suction device, the suction device comprising a first power source and a second power source having a power density lower than a power density of the first power source, the control unit comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; Then, a second discharge control is performed to supply power to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. A control unit configured as above, a second circuit configured to enable charging of at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source by an external power source; Equipped with The second circuit is controlled so as not to charge the first power source by the external power source. Control unit.

6. 6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the first discharge control is not being performed and the charge amount of the second power source is greater than the charge amount of the first power source, the first power source is charged by the second power source.

7. 7. A control unit according to claim 1, wherein the second power source has a higher capacity than the first power source.

8. A control unit for a suction device, the suction device comprising a first power source and a second power source having a power density lower than the power density of the first power source, the control unit comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; Then, a second discharge control is performed to supply power to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. A control unit configured as follows: Equipped with The operating voltage of the second power source is higher than the operating voltage of the first power source. Control unit.

9. A control unit for a suction device, the suction device comprising a first power source and a second power source having a power density lower than a power density of the first power source, the control unit comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; Then, a second discharge control is performed to supply power to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. A control unit configured as follows: Equipped with The control unit is When a value related to the charge amount of the first power source is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the first discharge control is performed; When the value related to the charge amount of the first power source is less than a second predetermined value, the first discharge control is not performed and the second discharge control is performed. It is configured as follows: Control unit.

10. A control unit for a suction device, the suction device comprising a first power source and a second power source having a power density lower than the power density of the first power source, the control unit comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; Then, a second discharge control is performed to supply power to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. A control unit configured as follows: Equipped with The control unit is configured to stop the second discharge control when a value related to a charge amount of the second power source is less than a third predetermined value. Control unit.

11. The control unit according to claim 10 , wherein the control unit is configured to perform the second discharge control without performing the first discharge control when a value related to a charge amount of the first power source is less than a second predetermined value.

12. A control unit for a suction device, the suction device comprising a first power source and a second power source having a power density lower than a power density of the first power source, the control unit comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; Then, a second discharge control is performed to supply power to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. A control unit configured as follows: Equipped with In the first discharge control, when a value related to a current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the first discharge control is stopped. Control unit.

13. The control unit according to claim 12 , further comprising a first element provided separately from the control unit, the first discharge control being stopped by the first element.

14. A control unit for a suction device, the suction device comprising a first power source and a second power source having a power density lower than a power density of the first power source, the control unit comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; Then, a second discharge control is performed to supply power to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. A control unit configured as follows: Equipped with In the second discharge control, when a value related to a current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the second discharge control is stopped. Control unit.

15. The control unit according to claim 14 , further comprising a second element provided separately from the control unit, the second discharge control being stopped by the second element.

16. A method for controlling a suction device, comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied to a heating unit only from a first power source out of a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than an output density of the first power source; Thereafter, a step of performing a second discharge control in which power is supplied to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. Including, controlling the charging of the first power source by an external power source when the second power source is being charged by the external power source; The method further comprising:

17. A method for controlling a suction device, comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied to a heating unit only from a first power source out of a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than an output density of the first power source; Thereafter, a step of performing a second discharge control in which power is supplied to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. Including, The operating voltage of the second power source is higher than the operating voltage of the first power source. method.

18. A method for controlling a suction device, comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied to a heating unit only from a first power source out of a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than an output density of the first power source; Thereafter, a step of performing a second discharge control in which power is supplied to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. Including, When a value related to the charge amount of the first power source is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the first discharge control is performed; When the value related to the charge amount of the first power source is less than a second predetermined value, the first discharge control is not performed and the second discharge control is performed. The method further comprises the steps.

19. A method for controlling a suction device, comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied to a heating unit only from a first power source out of a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than an output density of the first power source; Thereafter, a step of performing a second discharge control in which power is supplied to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. Including, Stopping the second discharge control when a value related to the charge amount of the second power source is less than a third predetermined value. The method further comprising:

20. A method for controlling a suction device, comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied to a heating unit only from a first power source out of a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than an output density of the first power source; Thereafter, a step of performing a second discharge control in which power is supplied to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. Including, When a value related to a current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value in the first discharge control, the first discharge control is stopped. The method further comprising:

21. A method for controlling a suction device, comprising: performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied to a heating unit only from a first power source out of a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than an output density of the first power source; Thereafter, a step of performing a second discharge control in which power is supplied to the heating unit from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source. Including, When a value related to a current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value in the second discharge control, the second discharge control is stopped. The method further comprising:

22. The method according to claim 16 , wherein in the step of performing the second discharge control, power is supplied to the heating unit from only the second power source of the first power source and the second power source.

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