Power supply unit for aerosol generating device, control method, program, and power supply unit for inhaler

Abstract

To generate an error signal according to a type of a malfunction state by detecting a malfunction of a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device.SOLUTION: A power supply unit of an aerosol generation device includes a power supply and a control unit. The power supply supplies the power to a load for vaporizing an aerosol source. The control unit acquires an operation value about operation of the power supply and determines whether the power supply is in a normal state or a malfunction state on the basis of the operation value. The malfunction state includes a plurality of states. The control unit generates an error signal of a type according to the detected state when detecting the state included in the plurality of states.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, a control method, a program, and a power supply unit for an inhaler. [Background technology]

[0002] Aerosol generating devices that allow users to enjoy aerosols generated by atomizing an aerosol source using an electrical load such as a heater are known. Such aerosol generating devices often have a built-in power source such as a battery as a power source.

[0003] As a technology related to the aerosol generating device, there is known a technology that notifies the user when the remaining power of the power supply is low by using a light emitting diode (LED) or the like.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for activating an indicator that notifies the user that the power supply needs to be replaced when the power supply voltage falls below a threshold voltage.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for adjusting the luminous intensity of lighting according to the power source level.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for making a light-emitting element emit light when smoking is performed using an electronic cigarette.

[0007] Patent Document 4 discloses a technique for making an LED emit light in different colors depending on the remaining power level of the power source. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2017-514463 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2017-511690 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0019887 [Patent Document 4] China Utility Model Registration No. 204682523 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] When an aerosol generating device is used continuously, a malfunction may occur in the power supply due to aging or other reasons. When repairs are performed to resolve the malfunction, it is necessary to identify the nature or cause of the malfunction. Furthermore, identifying the nature or cause of the malfunction may require a great deal of effort, such as performing various inspections. Therefore, a technology that can easily identify the nature or cause of a malfunction in a power supply is desired.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device, a control method, a program, and a power supply unit of an inhaler, which make it easy to understand the content or cause of a malfunction that has occurred in the power supply. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply and a control unit. The power supply supplies power to a load that atomizes the aerosol source. The control unit acquires an operating value related to the operation of the power supply and determines whether the power supply is in a normal state or a fault state based on the operating value. The fault state includes a plurality of states. When the control unit detects a state included in the plurality of states, it generates an error signal of a type corresponding to the detected state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, the content or cause of a problem occurring in a power supply can be easily grasped. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 6 is a graph for explaining a first example of a failure detection process by a control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a graph for explaining a second example of a failure detection process by a control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph for explaining a third example of a failure detection process by a control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a graph for explaining a fourth example of a failure detection process by a control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a graph for explaining a fifth example of a failure detection process by a control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a first example of a malfunction state detection process and an example of a malfunction notification process related to the process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of a malfunction state detection process and an example of a malfunction notification process related to the process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a third example of a malfunction state detection process and an example of a malfunction notification process related to the process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of a malfunction state detection process and an example of a malfunction notification process related to the process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth example of a malfunction state detection process and an example of a malfunction notification process related to the process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a notification process for the first to fifth malfunction states when the user inhales. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same functions and components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or will be briefly given.

[0015] In this embodiment, an aerosol generating device will be described. The aerosol generating device according to this embodiment is, for example, an inhaler in which a user inhales the generated aerosol. The inhaler may be a heated tobacco product or an electronic cigarette, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a device for inhaling medicine. Note that the inhaler may generate invisible vapor instead of generating aerosol.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an aerosol generation device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the aerosol generation device 1 includes a cartridge unit 100, a capsule unit 200, and a power supply unit 300. The aerosol generation device 1 may have, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, which allows a user to easily hold the aerosol generation device 1. The cartridge unit 100, the capsule unit 200, and the power supply unit 300 are The ports 300 may be configured to be non-detachable, or may be configured to be detachable.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, cartridge unit 100 includes a reservoir portion 110, a supply portion 120, and an atomizing portion 140 having a load .

[0018] The reservoir 110 is a container that stores a liquid aerosol source that is atomized by heating. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyol-based material such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosol source may also be a liquid mixture containing nicotine liquid, water, flavoring, etc. Alternatively, the aerosol source may be a solid that does not require the reservoir 110.

[0019] The supply unit 120 is a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber. One end of the supply unit 120 is connected to the storage unit 110. The other end of the supply unit 120 is connected to the load 130 or is disposed near the load 130. With this configuration, the supply unit 120 can guide the aerosol source drawn up from the storage unit 110 to the load 130 or near the load 130. Note that a wick formed of porous ceramic may be used for the supply unit 120.

[0020] The load 130 provided in the atomization unit 140 is, for example, a coil-shaped heater, which generates heat when power is supplied. The load 130 may be wound around the supply unit 120 or may be covered by the supply unit 120. Power is supplied to the load 130 from a power supply unit 320 (described later) based on the control of a control unit 360 (described later) included in the power supply unit 300. When power is supplied to the load 130, the aerosol source introduced by the supply unit 120 is heated by the load 130, and an aerosol is generated.

[0021] The capsule unit 200 includes a flavor source 210 as shown in FIG.

[0022] Flavor source 210 is composed of raw material pieces of plant material that impart flavor components to the aerosol. For example, the raw material pieces that make up the flavor source are formed from a material such as cut tobacco or tobacco raw material in the form of granules or sheets. The raw material pieces that make up flavor source 210 may also be made from plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). Flavorings such as menthol may also be added to flavor source 210.

[0023] In FIG. 1, the air flow in the cartridge unit 100 and the capsule unit 200 is indicated by dotted arrows. Air taken in from the outside through an air intake port (not shown) is mixed with an aerosol and flavor components are added as it passes through the aerosol generation device 1 (cartridge unit 100 and capsule unit 200), and is then inhaled by the user. Specifically, the air taken in from the outside passes through the atomization unit 140 in the cartridge unit 100. As the air passes through the atomization unit 140, it is mixed with the aerosol generated by the load 130 provided in the atomization unit 140. Then, as the air mixed with the aerosol passes through the capsule unit 200, flavor components derived from the flavor source 210 contained in the capsule unit 200 are added to the air mixed with the aerosol. Then, the air mixed with the aerosol and to which the flavor components have been added is inhaled by the user from the end of the capsule unit 200. That is, the aerosol to which the flavor components have been added is inhaled by the user.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply unit 300 includes a power button 310, a power supply section 320, a sensor section 330, a storage section 340, a notification section 350, a control section 360, and a time measurement section 370.

[0025] In the power supply unit 300, a different error signal is generated for each type of malfunction that occurs in the power supply section 320. Malfunctions in the power supply section 320 include, for example, deterioration of the power supply section 320 and / or a failure of the power supply.

[0026] The power button 310 is a button for transitioning the operating state of the aerosol generation device 1. When the power button 310 is pressed to turn on the power, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 changes to an active state, which will be described later. Furthermore, when the power button 310 is pressed to turn off the power while the aerosol generation device 1 is in the active state, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 transitions from the active state to a dormant state, which will be described later.

[0027] The power supply unit 320 is, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, and the type is not limited. The power supply unit 320 supplies power to each unit of the aerosol generation device 1 based on the control of the control unit 360. The power supply unit 320 also includes a temperature sensor 321 such as a thermistor. The temperature sensor 321 is provided, for example, in a battery pack of the power supply unit 320. Information indicating the temperature of the power supply unit 320 measured by the temperature sensor 321 is stored in the memory unit 340 by the control unit 360. The power supply unit 320 can be in a normal state where there is no malfunction, or in a malfunction state where a malfunction has occurred.

[0028] The sensor unit 330 is a sensor that outputs a predetermined output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) to the control unit 360 according to, for example, the flow rate and / or flow velocity of gas passing through the installation position of the sensor unit 330. Such a sensor unit 330 is used to detect an inhalation action by a user (an action that requests the aerosol generation device 1 to generate aerosol). Various types of sensor unit 330 can be used, and examples thereof include a microphone capacitor, a pressure sensor, and a fluid sensor.

[0029] The storage unit 340 is, for example, a non-volatile memory. The storage unit 340 stores data D1 including various pieces of information acquired by the control unit 360. The storage unit 340 also stores data D2 including various pieces of information used for control by the control unit 360. The storage unit 340 also stores data D3 including various pieces of information generated by the control unit 360.

[0030] Here, data D1 stores information including, for example, operating values ​​related to the operation of power supply unit 320. Specifically, data D1 includes, for example, information indicating the voltage value of power supply unit 320, the total charging time of power supply unit 320, and the temperature of power supply unit 320. Data D2 includes, for example, various predetermined thresholds, various predetermined voltage ranges, and information indicating the relationship between the details of a malfunction that has occurred in power supply unit 320 and an error signal corresponding to the details. Data D3 includes, for example, malfunction information indicating the details or cause of a malfunction that has occurred in power supply unit 320.

[0031] When notifying unit 350 receives an error signal generated by control unit 360 based on data D2 in response to a malfunction occurring in power supply unit 320, it outputs, for example, light and / or sound in accordance with the error signal. Note that notifying unit 350 may, for example, vibrate in accordance with the error signal received from control unit 360. Specifically, notifying unit 350 may, for example, be a light-emitting device such as an LED, a sound output device such as a speaker, or a vibration generating device.

[0032] In this way, the notification unit 350 provides notification in different ways depending on the type of error signal received from the control unit 360. With such a configuration, it is possible to notify the user of the aerosol generation device 1, etc., of the content or cause of a malfunction that has occurred in the power supply unit 320. The manner of notification by the notification unit 350 in response to a malfunction that has occurred in the power supply unit 320 described below is an example, and notification in response to the content of the malfunction may be provided by freely combining, for example, light, sound, vibration, etc.

[0033] When the control unit 360 receives a notification from the power button 310 that the power button 310 has been pressed, the control unit 360 transitions the aerosol generation device 1 to one of two operating states. The two operating states are an active state (corresponding to a power-on state) in which power may be supplied from the power supply unit 320 to each component of the aerosol generation device 1, and a sleep state (corresponding to a power-off state) in which no power or only minimal power may be supplied from the power supply unit 320 to each component of the aerosol generation device 1. When the aerosol generation device 1 is in the active state, the control unit 360 causes the power supply unit 320 to supply power to the load 130 and atomize the aerosol source when the sensor unit 330 detects an inhalation action by the user. When the power supply unit 300 is in the sleep state, the control unit 360 does not cause the power supply unit 320 to supply power to the load 130 even if the user inhales. Therefore, the aerosol source is not atomized.

[0034] Furthermore, when the control unit 360 acquires an operating value related to the operation of the power supply unit 320, the control unit 360 stores data D1 including the operating value in the storage unit 340. Here, the operating value includes, for example, information indicating the voltage value of the power supply unit 320, the total charging time of the power supply unit 320, and the temperature of the power supply unit 320.

[0035] Then, for example, when power supply unit 320 is charging or discharging, control unit 360 reads data D1 and D2 from storage unit 340 and determines whether power supply unit 320 is in a normal state or a malfunction state based on the operating values ​​included in data D1 and the various predetermined thresholds and / or various predetermined voltage ranges included in data D2. Note that, if control unit 360 determines that power supply unit 320 is in a malfunction state, it identifies the content or cause of the malfunction that has occurred in power supply unit 320 and stores data D3 including malfunction information indicating the content or cause of the malfunction in storage unit 340.

[0036] In this embodiment, the malfunction state of the power supply unit 320 is subdivided according to the type or cause of the malfunction that has occurred in the power supply unit 320. Then, when the control unit 360 detects any one of the multiple states included in the malfunction state, it generates an error signal of a type corresponding to the detected state. Then, the control unit 360 transmits the generated error signal to the notification unit 350, and causes the notification unit 350 to give notification in a manner based on the error signal. In other words, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to give notification in a different manner for each type of error signal.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control unit 360 may cause the notification unit 350 to execute a notification based on the generated signal, for example, when it detects a malfunction (e.g., when it generates an error signal), when it transitions the aerosol generating device 1 to an active state (e.g., when the power button 310 is pressed and a signal instructing the power to be turned on is received), when it detects the start of aerosol suction (e.g., when it receives a generation request signal from the sensor unit 330), when aerosol suction is being performed (e.g., when it can be determined that the suction operation is continuing based on the output of the sensor unit 330), when charging of the power supply unit 320 begins (e.g., when it detects that a charging connector has been connected to the power supply unit 300), or when the power supply unit 320 is being charged (e.g., when the power supply voltage of the power supply unit 320 increases).

[0038] As a first notification mode, for example, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to emit light of different modes for each type of error signal. For example, when the notification unit 350 receives an error signal, the notification unit 350 may emit cool color light and warm color light alternately.

[0039] As the second notification mode, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to generate vibrations in different modes for each type of error signal, for example.

[0040] As a third notification mode, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to generate a sound in a different mode for each type of error signal, for example.

[0041] When the control unit 360 determines that the power supply unit 320 is in a malfunctioning state, the control unit 360 may prohibit charging and discharging of the power supply unit 320. Furthermore, when the control unit 360 determines that the power supply unit 320 is in a malfunctioning state, the control unit 360 may stop heating the load 130. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the malfunction occurring in the power supply unit 320 from progressing.

[0042] A specific example of the process by the control unit 360 to determine whether the state of the power supply unit 320 is in a malfunction state (hereinafter referred to as "malfunction detection process") will be described below. Note that in this embodiment, the malfunction state of the power supply unit 320 will be described as including first to fifth malfunction states.

[0043] (First example of fault detection processing) Fig. 2 is a graph illustrating a first example of a malfunction detection process by the control unit 360. The horizontal axis of the graph shown in Fig. 2 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the voltage of the power supply unit 320. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 360 detects an internal short circuit, which is one type of malfunction in the power supply unit 320.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the voltage range of the power supply unit 320 is divided into three ranges based on the voltage value of the power supply unit 320: a normal range, an over-discharge range, and a deep-discharge range. Here, the normal range is a voltage range between the discharge end voltage (e.g., 3.0 V) and the full-charge voltage (e.g., 4.0 V). The over-discharge range is a voltage range between the discharge end voltage and the MCU (Micro Controller Unit: control unit 360). The deep discharge range is a voltage range from the guaranteed MCU operation voltage to zero voltage (the state where the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 is 0V). Here, the SOC (State Of Charge) shown in FIG. 2 indicates the charging rate of the power supply unit 320, and is the time when the discharge is terminated. The voltage is 0% and the fully charged voltage is 100%.

[0045] 2, the control unit 360 charges the power supply unit 320 using one of pre-charging, constant current charging, and constant voltage charging based on the voltage value of the power supply unit 320. Here, pre-charging refers to charging performed when the voltage range of the power supply unit 320 is in the over-discharge range or deep discharge range. Constant current charging refers to charging performed at a constant current value in a range (normal range) between the discharge end voltage and the full charge voltage. Constant voltage charging refers to charging performed to maintain the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 at a predetermined voltage value, for example, to maintain the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 at the full charge voltage.

[0046] Here, if constant current charging is performed in the normal range when there is no malfunction in the power supply unit 320, the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 increases as the charging time passes.

[0047] In a first example of the malfunction detection process, such a characteristic is utilized to detect a malfunction of the power supply unit 320. Specifically, the control unit 360 detects a malfunction of the power supply unit based on a change in the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 while the power supply unit 320 is being charged. More specifically, when the control unit 360 detects that the decrease ΔV in the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 per predetermined time T1 is equal to or greater than a first threshold TH1, that is, when a voltage drop occurs even during charging, the control unit 360 determines that the power supply unit 320 is in a first malfunction state. Then, when the control unit 360 determines that the state of the power supply unit 320 is in the first malfunction state, the control unit 360 stores first malfunction information indicating the first malfunction state as data D3 in the storage unit 340.

[0048] The control unit 360 calculates and checks the aforementioned decrease amount ΔV per predetermined time T1 and threshold value TH1 based on the data D1 and D2 stored in the storage unit 340 and the output from the time measurement unit 370. The time measurement unit 370 is, for example, a component capable of measuring time, such as a stopwatch or a clock. The time measurement unit 370 may be incorporated into the control unit 360, for example.

[0049] (Second example of fault detection processing) Fig. 3 is a graph for explaining a second example of the malfunction detection process by the control unit 360. Regarding the graph shown in Fig. 3, the description of parts common to the graph shown in Fig. 2 will be omitted. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 360 detects deterioration of capacity, which is one of the malfunctions of the power supply unit 320.

[0050] 3, a first voltage range VR1 is defined as being included in the normal range. That is, the first voltage range VR1 is set as a range of voltage values ​​between the lower limit (discharge end voltage) and the upper limit (full charge voltage) of the normal range.

[0051] In a second example of the malfunction detection process, the control unit 360 detects a malfunction of the power supply unit 320 based on the time it takes for the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 to change from the lower limit to the upper limit of the first voltage range VR1. Specifically, when the control unit 360 detects that the time T2 required for the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 to change from the lower limit to the upper limit of the first voltage range VR1 is equal to or less than a second threshold TH2 when charging the power supply unit 320, the control unit 360 determines that the power supply unit 320 is in a second malfunction state. Then, when the control unit 360 determines that the state of the power supply unit 320 is in the second malfunction state, the control unit 360 stores second malfunction information indicating the second malfunction state as data D3 in the storage unit 340.

[0052] The control unit 360 calculates and checks the voltage value of the power supply unit 320, the first voltage range VR1, the time T2, and the threshold value TH2 based on the data D1 and data D2 stored in the memory unit 340 and the output from the time measurement unit 370.

[0053] (Third example of fault detection processing) Fig. 4 is a graph for explaining a third example of the malfunction detection process by the control unit 360. Regarding the graph shown in Fig. 4, the description of parts common to the graph shown in Fig. 2 will be omitted. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 360 detects deterioration due to over-discharge, which is one of the malfunctions of the power supply unit 320.

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 4, a second voltage range VR2 is defined which is included in the deep discharge region and / or the over-discharge region.

[0055] In a third example of the malfunction detection process, the control unit 360 detects a malfunction of the power supply unit 320 based on the time it takes for the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 to change from the lower limit to the upper limit of the second voltage range VR2. Specifically, when the control unit 360 detects that the time T3 required for the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 to change from the lower limit to the upper limit of the second voltage range VR2 is equal to or greater than a third threshold TH3 when the power supply unit 320 is being pre-charged, the control unit 360 determines that the power supply unit 320 is in a third malfunction state. Then, when the control unit 360 determines that the state of the power supply unit 320 is in the third malfunction state, the control unit 360 stores third malfunction information indicating the third malfunction state as data D3 in the storage unit 340.

[0056] The control unit 360 calculates and checks the voltage value of the power supply unit 320, the second voltage range VR2, the time T3, and the threshold value TH3 based on the data D1 and D2 stored in the storage unit 340 and the output from the time measurement unit 370.

[0057] (Fourth example of fault detection processing) FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining a fourth example of the malfunction detection process by the control unit 360. The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 represents the total charging time T4 of the power supply unit 320. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 360 determines whether the life of the power supply unit 320, which is one of the malfunctions in the power supply unit 320, is over. Detect.

[0058] The control unit 360 measures the total charging time T4 of the power supply unit 320 as an operating value of the power supply unit 320, and stores the measured total charging time T4 as data D1 in the storage unit 340. When the control unit 360 detects that the total charging time T4 of the power supply unit 320 indicated in data D1 is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value TH4 indicated in data D2, the control unit 360 determines that the power supply unit 320 is in a fourth malfunction state. When the control unit 360 determines that the state of the power supply unit 320 is in the fourth malfunction state, the control unit 360 stores fourth malfunction information indicating the fourth malfunction state in the storage unit 340.

[0059] (Fifth example of fault detection processing) Fig. 6 is a graph illustrating a fifth example of a malfunction detection process by the control unit 360. The vertical axis of the graph shown in Fig. 6 represents the temperature of the power supply unit 320. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 360 detects a temperature abnormality in the power supply unit 320, which is one type of malfunction in the power supply unit 320.

[0060] Control unit 360 acquires information indicating temperature T5 of power supply unit 320 measured by temperature sensor 321 as an operating value of power supply unit 320 from temperature sensor 321 or data D1 stored in storage unit 340. Then, control unit 360 determines that power supply unit 320 is in a fifth malfunction state when temperature T5 of power supply unit 320 is equal to or greater than a fifth threshold TH5 indicated in data D2. Then, when control unit 360 determines that the state of power supply unit 320 is in the fifth malfunction state, control unit 360 causes storage unit 340 to store fifth malfunction information indicating the fifth malfunction state.

[0061] In addition, the control unit 360 may, for example, acquire the temperature T5 of the power supply unit 320 when the aerosol generating device 1 transitions from a dormant state to an active state, or may acquire the temperature T5 of the power supply unit 320 when the user is performing an inhalation operation, or may acquire the temperature T5 of the power supply unit 320 when charging of the power supply unit 320 begins, or may acquire the temperature T5 of the power supply unit 320 while the power supply unit 320 is being charged, and the timing is not particularly limited.

[0062] A specific example of a malfunction notification process in which the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to notify the content or cause of a malfunction that has occurred in the power supply unit 320 will be described below.

[0063] FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart showing the first example of the above-mentioned malfunction detection process and a malfunction notification process related to this process.

[0064] In step S701, the control unit 360 reads the data D1 stored in the storage unit 320 when the power supply unit 320 is being charged in the normal range, and acquires the voltage value of the power supply unit 320.

[0065] In step S702, the control unit 360 determines whether the decrease ΔV in the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 per predetermined time T1 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 when the power supply unit 320 is being charged in the normal range.

[0066] If the decrease amount ΔV is less than the first threshold value TH1 (step S702: No), the process returns to step S701.

[0067] If the decrease amount ΔV is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 (step S702: Yes), in step S703, the control unit 360 causes the storage unit 340 to store first malfunction information indicating that an internal short circuit has occurred in the power supply unit 320 as data D3.

[0068] Then, in step S704, the control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the first malfunction state to the notification unit 350, and causes the notification unit 350 to flash blue and red alternately six times. That is, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to notify that an internal short circuit has occurred in the power supply unit 320. Then, the process ends. At the end of this process, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 has transitioned to a sleep state.

[0069] FIG. 8 is an example of a flowchart showing a second example of the above-mentioned malfunction detection process and a malfunction notification process related to this process.

[0070] In step S801, the control unit 360 acquires the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 when the power supply unit 320 is being charged in the normal range.

[0071] In step S802, the control unit 360 determines whether the time T2 required for the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the first voltage range VR1 when the power supply unit 320 is being charged in the normal range is less than or equal to the second threshold value TH2.

[0072] If the time T2 exceeds the second threshold TH2 (step S802: No), the process returns to step S801.

[0073] If the time T2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value TH2 (step S802: Yes), in step S803, the control unit 360 causes the storage unit 340 to store second malfunction information indicating that the capacity of the power supply unit 320 has deteriorated as data D3.

[0074] In step S804, the control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the second malfunction state to the notification unit 350, and controls the notification unit 350 to flash blue and red alternately eight times. That is, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to notify that the capacity of the power supply unit 320 has deteriorated. Then, the process ends. At the end of this process, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 has transitioned to a sleep state.

[0075] FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing the third example of the above-mentioned malfunction detection process and a malfunction notification process related to this process.

[0076] In step S901, the control unit 360 acquires the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 when the power supply unit 320 is pre-charged in the deep discharge range and / or the over-discharge range.

[0077] In step S902, when the power supply unit 320 is pre-charged in the deep discharge region and / or over-discharge region, the control unit 360 determines whether the time T3 required for the voltage value of the power supply unit 320 to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the second voltage range VR2 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value TH3.

[0078] If the time T3 is less than the third threshold TH3 (step S902: No), the process returns to step S901.

[0079] If the time T3 is greater than or equal to the third threshold TH3 (step S902: Yes), in step S903, the control unit 360 stores third malfunction information indicating that deterioration due to over-discharge has occurred in the power supply unit 320 as data D3 in the memory unit 340.

[0080] In step S904, the control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the third malfunction state to the notification unit 350, and controls the notification unit 350 to flash alternately in blue and red ten times. That is, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to notify that deterioration due to over-discharge has occurred in the power supply unit 320. Then, the process ends. At the end of the process, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 has transitioned to the sleep state.

[0081] FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing the fourth example of the above-mentioned malfunction detection process and a malfunction notification process related to this process.

[0082] In step S1001, the control unit 360 acquires the total charging time T4 of the power supply unit 320. For example, the control unit 360 reads the data D1 stored in the storage unit 340 and acquires the total charging time T4.

[0083] In step S1002, the control unit 360 determines whether the total charging time T4 of the power supply unit 320 is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value TH4.

[0084] If the total charging time T4 is less than the fourth threshold value TH4 (step S1002: No), the process returns to step S1001.

[0085] If the total charging time T4 is equal to or greater than the fourth threshold value TH4 (step S1002: Yes), in step S1003, the control unit 360 causes the storage unit 340 to store fourth malfunction information indicating that the power supply unit 320 has reached the end of its life as data D3.

[0086] In step S1004, the control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the fourth malfunction state to the notification unit 350, and controls the notification unit 350 to flash blue and red alternately 12 times. That is, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to notify that the power supply unit 320 has reached the end of its life. Then, the process ends. At the end of this process, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 has transitioned to a sleep state.

[0087] FIG. 11 is an example of a flowchart showing the fifth example of the above-mentioned malfunction detection process and a malfunction notification process related to this process.

[0088] In step S1101, the control unit 360 acquires the temperature T5 of the power supply unit 320 from the temperature sensor 321 or the data D1 stored in the storage unit 340.

[0089] In step S1102, the control unit 360 determines whether the temperature T5 is equal to or higher than a fifth threshold value TH5.

[0090] If the temperature T5 is lower than the fifth threshold TH5 (step S1102: No), the process returns to step S1101.

[0091] If the temperature T5 is equal to or higher than the fifth threshold TH5 (step S1102: Yes), in step S1103, the control unit 360 causes the storage unit 340 to store fifth malfunction information indicating that a temperature abnormality has occurred in the power supply unit 320 as data D3.

[0092] In step S1104, the control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the fifth malfunction state to the notification unit 350, and controls the notification unit 350 to flash blue and red 14 times. That is, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to notify that a temperature abnormality has occurred in the power supply unit 320. Then, the process ends. At the end of this process, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 has transitioned to a sleep state.

[0093] FIG. 12 shows the first to fifth notification processes of the malfunction state when the user performs a suction operation. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for performing the process shown in FIG. 12. The process shown in FIG. 12 will be described assuming that it is performed after the processes shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 have been performed, but is not limited to this.

[0094] In step S1201, the control unit 360 determines whether the power button 310 has been pressed and the aerosol generation device 1 has transitioned from a sleep state to an active state.

[0095] If the power button 310 is not pressed (step S1201: No), that is, if the aerosol generation device 1 has not transitioned from a sleep state to an active state, the process returns to step S1201 and the notification process does not proceed.

[0096] When the power button 310 is pressed (step S1201: Yes), that is, when the aerosol generating device 1 transitions from a sleep state to an active state, in step S1202, the control unit 360 determines whether malfunction information (specifically, at least one of the first to fifth malfunction information) is stored as data D3 in the memory unit 340.

[0097] If the malfunction information is not stored in the storage unit 340 (step S1202: No), the notification process ends, and the control unit 360 performs control for normal aerosol generation.

[0098] If the malfunction information is stored in the storage unit 340 (step S1202: Yes), in step S1203, the control unit 360 determines whether the sensor unit 330 has detected (for example, started) a suction operation.

[0099] If suction is not detected (step S1203: No), the process returns to step S1203.

[0100] If suction is detected (step S1203: Yes), in step S1204, control unit 360 determines whether first malfunction information is stored in storage unit 340 as data D3.

[0101] If the first malfunction information is stored in the memory unit 340 (step S1204: Yes), in step S1205, the control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the first malfunction state to the notification unit 350 and causes the notification unit 350 to flash blue and red alternately six times. That is, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to notify that an internal short-circuit malfunction has occurred in the power supply unit 320. Then, the process ends.

[0102] If the first defect information is not stored in the memory unit 340 (step S1204: No), in step S1206, the control unit 360 determines whether the second defect information is stored in the memory unit 340 as data D3.

[0103] If the second malfunction information is stored in the storage unit 340 (step S1206: Yes), in step S1207, the control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the second malfunction state to the notification unit 350 and causes the notification unit 350 to flash blue and red alternately eight times. That is, the control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to notify that a malfunction due to capacity degradation has occurred in the power supply unit 320. Then, the process ends.

[0104] If the second defect information is not stored in the memory unit 340 (step S1206: No), in step S1208, the control unit 360 determines whether the third defect information is stored in the memory unit 340 as data D3.

[0105] If the third defect information is stored in the storage unit 340 (step S1208: Yes In step S1209, control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the third malfunction state to notification unit 350, and causes notification unit 350 to flash alternately in blue and red ten times. That is, control unit 360 causes notification unit 350 to notify that a malfunction of deterioration due to over-discharge has occurred in power supply unit 320. Then, the process ends.

[0106] If the third defect information is not stored in the memory unit 340 (step S1208: No), in step S1210, the control unit 360 determines whether the fourth defect information is stored in the memory unit 340 as data D3.

[0107] If the fourth malfunction information is stored in storage unit 340 (step S1210: Yes), in step S1211, control unit 360 sends an error signal indicating the fourth malfunction state to notification unit 350 and causes notification unit 350 to flash blue and red alternately 12 times. That is, control unit 360 causes notification unit 350 to notify that a malfunction, namely, the end of life of power supply unit 320, has occurred. Then, the notification process ends.

[0108] If the fourth malfunction information is not stored in memory unit 340 (step S1210: No), in step S1212, control unit 360 determines that the fifth malfunction state is stored in memory unit 340, sends an error signal indicating the fifth malfunction state to notification unit 350, and causes notification unit 350 to flash red and blue alternately 14 times. That is, control unit 360 causes notification unit 350 to notify that a temperature abnormality malfunction has occurred in power supply unit 320. Then, the process ends.

[0109] As described above, the control unit 360 according to this embodiment performs, for example, a malfunction determination for the power supply unit 320 based on a voltage drop during charging, a malfunction determination for the power supply unit 320 based on the charging speed, a malfunction determination for the power supply unit 320 based on the total charging time, and a malfunction determination based on the temperature of the power supply unit 320. When the control unit 360 detects a malfunction in the power supply unit 320 based on such a determination, it generates an error signal that varies depending on the type or cause of the malfunction. The control unit 360 then causes the notification unit 350 to issue a notification in a manner based on the error signal. This allows the user and / or repair person, etc., to easily understand the type or cause of the malfunction that has occurred in the power supply unit 320 based on the manner of notification from the notification unit 350, and to take appropriate action after understanding the cause of the malfunction that has occurred in the power supply unit 320.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user and / or repair person of the aerosol generation device 1 can easily understand the content or cause of the malfunction related to the power supply unit 320. Therefore, there is no need to separately perform an electrical inspection to identify the type of malfunction that has occurred in the aerosol generation device 1 according to this embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent power waste and achieve an energy-saving effect.

[0111] In this embodiment, when the control unit 360 detects a malfunction state of the power supply unit 320, it causes the notification unit 350 to notify the malfunction state at multiple timings. Of the multiple timings, a first timing may be when the malfunction state is detected, and a second timing may be after the malfunction state is detected. Here, the number of elements in the power supply unit 300 to which power is supplied from the power supply unit 320 at the first timing may be greater than the number of elements in the power supply unit 300 to which power is supplied from the power supply unit 320 at the second timing. Furthermore, the second timing may be when an instruction to transition the aerosol generation device 1 to a power-on state is detected, or the second timing may be when an aerosol generation request is detected.

[0112] The timing of notifying the malfunction state will be described in more detail. When a malfunction occurs in the power supply unit 320, the control unit 360 according to this embodiment notifies the malfunction state at the timing of detecting the malfunction. The control unit 360 causes the notification unit 350 to issue a notification according to the type of malfunction when the user inhales the sensor unit 330 and when the sensor unit 330 detects an inhalation action by the user after detecting the occurrence of the malfunction. However, the timing of the notification of the malfunction is not limited to these. For example, the control unit 360 may cause the notification unit 350 to issue a notification according to the type of malfunction when the control unit 360 detects the occurrence of the malfunction and when the control unit 360 detects that the power button 310 has been pressed after the malfunction. The control unit 360 may also issue a notification according to the type of malfunction without supplying power to the sensor unit 330 and other components of the aerosol generation device 1 (without transitioning the aerosol generation device 1 from a sleep state to an active state). In this case, for example, even if the power supply unit 320 cannot supply sufficient power to the sensor 330 and other components due to the malfunction, i.e., even if it is difficult for the control unit 360 to cause the notification unit 350 to issue a second notification (corresponding to the second timing) according to the type of malfunction while the power supply unit 320 is supplying power to the components, the control unit 360 can still issue a second notification according to the type of malfunction to the user, etc. In other words, the control unit 360 can reduce the power consumption required for the second notification according to the type of malfunction (by reducing the number of elements to be powered in the power supply unit 300) compared to the power consumption required for the first notification (corresponding to the first timing). This increases the opportunities to notify the user, etc., that a malfunction has occurred in the power supply unit 320 and the nature or type of the malfunction. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the load on the power supply unit 320 in which a malfunction has occurred. Note that the number of elements of the aerosol generation device 1 receiving power at the timing when the occurrence of the malfunction described above is detected is greater than the number of elements of the aerosol generation device 1 receiving power at the timing when it is detected that the power button 310 has been pressed after the malfunction. Therefore, the same effect can be achieved even when such a timing for notifying a malfunction is adopted.

[0113] Furthermore, in this embodiment, notification of a malfunction may be performed at various times, such as when a malfunction is detected, when a user's inhalation action is detected, or when the aerosol generation device 1 transitions to an active state. By being notified of a malfunction when a user's inhalation action is detected or when the aerosol generation device 1 transitions to an active state, the user can easily recognize that a malfunction has occurred in the power supply unit 320 while using the aerosol generation device 1 or when starting to use it.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the notification mode according to the type of malfunction condition exemplified in step S704 in Figure 7, step S804 in Figure 8, step S904 in Figure 9, step S1004 in Figure 10, step S1104 in Figure 11, and steps S1205, S1207, S1209, S1211, and S1212 in Figure 12 can be freely changed.

[0115] In this embodiment, a level of importance may be set for each of the multiple states included in the malfunction state. In this case, the control unit 360 may cause the notification unit 350 to notify the malfunction state only at a first timing for states with a level of importance lower than a predetermined level, and may not cause the notification unit 350 to notify the malfunction state at a second timing. Furthermore, the control unit 360 may control the notification unit 350 so that the power consumption increases as the notification of the malfunction state for a state with a higher level of importance is made.

[0116] The importance level will be explained in more detail. The control unit 360 can change the notification mode depending on the importance of the malfunction that has occurred in the power supply unit 320, for example. Specifically, for example, when a malfunction with an importance level higher than a predetermined level occurs in the power supply unit 320, the control unit 360 may notify the malfunction by a combination of light, vibration, sound, etc., and when a malfunction with an importance level lower than the predetermined level occurs, the control unit 360 may notify the malfunction by only light, only vibration, or only sound. For malfunctions with a high importance level, the control unit 360 may notify the malfunction by a method that consumes more power than for malfunctions with a low importance level. This allows the user, etc., to more easily recognize that a malfunction has occurred in the power supply unit 320, and the content or cause of the malfunction that has occurred. Furthermore, the user can easily recognize the importance of the malfunction that has occurred in the power supply unit 320. In addition, the user However, it is possible to prevent overlooking a malfunction of high importance that has occurred in the power supply unit 320. Note that information relating to the importance of the malfunction may be stored in the storage unit 340.

[0117] In addition, in this embodiment, whether or not to issue a second notification depending on the content or cause of a malfunction may be controlled based on the importance of the malfunction. For example, if the malfunction corresponding to the fourth malfunction information is set to a high importance level and the malfunction corresponding to the fifth malfunction information is set to a low importance level, the control unit 360 may issue a second notification regarding the malfunction corresponding to the fourth malfunction information but not the fifth malfunction information. This makes it possible to realize notifications that take into consideration malfunctions that are strongly desired not to progress. Furthermore, omitting notifications regarding malfunctions with low importance levels can reduce consumption of power stored in the power supply unit 320.

[0118] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be created by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in each embodiment. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1...aerosol generating device, 100...cartridge unit, 110...storage section, 120...supply section, 130...load, 140...atomization section, 200...capsule unit, 210...flavor source, 300...power supply unit, 310...power button, 320...power supply section, 321...temperature sensor, 330...sensor section, 340...memory section, D1 to D3...data, 350...notification section, 360...control section, 370...time measurement section.

Claims

1. a battery that supplies power to a heater that heats the aerosol source; A notification unit; a control unit that causes the notification unit to perform a notification operation corresponding to each of a plurality of malfunctions related to the battery, the notification unit executes the notification operation at a predetermined timing depending on the content of the malfunction related to the corresponding battery; The aerosol generating device, wherein the predetermined timing includes a time when a signal requesting that the heater heat the aerosol source is received from a user.

2. the control unit causes the notification unit to perform the notification operation according to the content of the malfunction of the battery without transitioning the aerosol generation device to an active state. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

3. the control unit acquires a voltage value of the battery, The type of the problem with the battery is determined based on whether the voltage value of the battery is within a predetermined voltage range.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The malfunction of the battery includes a malfunction related to charging of the battery.

4. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3.

5. The malfunction of the battery includes an internal short circuit of the battery identified by the control unit based on a voltage value of the battery.

5. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3 or 4,

6. The malfunction of the battery includes a deterioration in the capacity of the battery, which is identified by the control unit based on a voltage value of the battery.

6. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein:

7. The malfunction of the battery includes deterioration due to over-discharge of the battery, which is identified by the control unit based on a voltage value of the battery.

7. The aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein:

8. The malfunction of the battery includes a lifespan of the battery identified by the control unit based on a total charging time of the battery. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 3 to 7,

9. the control unit acquires information indicating the temperature of the battery; The malfunction of the battery includes an abnormal temperature of the battery identified by the control unit based on information indicating the temperature of the battery. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

10. Further comprising a temperature sensor; the control unit identifies the occurrence of a temperature abnormality in the battery based on an output from the temperature sensor; 10. The aerosol generating device according to claim 9.

11. the control unit causes the notification unit to perform the notification operation with different power consumption depending on the type of malfunction of the battery. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

12. the predetermined timing includes a time when the heater is receiving power from the battery or a time when the battery is being charged. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

13. the notification unit includes a light-emitting unit and a vibration generating unit, The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the notification unit performs the notification operation by combining a light emitting operation by the light emitting unit and a vibration operation by the vibration generating unit.

14. The aerosol generating device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the predetermined timing further includes a timing other than when a signal requesting that the heater heat the aerosol source is received from a user.

15. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined timing includes a plurality of timings, and the predetermined timings differ depending on the type of the malfunction.

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