Power supply unit for aerosol generating device

Abstract

A suction device (100), which is an example of an aerosol generating device, is provided with: a power supply part (111) configured so as to be able to supply electricity to a heater unit (60) that heats an aerosol source; an MCU (70) configured so as to be able to control the supplying of electricity from the power supply part (111) to the heater unit (60); and a remaining charge meter IC (20). The remaining charge meter IC (20) is configured so as to be able to take a parameter or signal representing the state of the suction device (100) as input and store information relating to the suction device (100) based on the parameter or signal in a memory (21), and if an abnormality in the suction device (100) is detected on the basis of the parameter or signal, the remaining charge meter IC (20) stores information relating to the abnormality in the memory (21). The MCU (70) is configured so as to be able to acquire information relating to the abnormality that is stored in the memory (21).

Description

Aerosol generator power supply unit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

[0002] Conventionally, there have been known aerosol generating devices that generate aerosols containing, for example, flavor components and allow a user to inhale the generated aerosols. Typically, such aerosol generating devices generate the aerosol by heating an aerosol source with a heating unit that is an electric resistance heater or an induction heater.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in a system having a protection circuit that outputs an alarm signal in response to a determination that the operating parameters of a vaporizer device satisfy predetermined conditions, and control logic connected to the protection circuit, in which the control logic changes the operation of the vaporizer device in response to receiving the alarm signal.

[0004] Japan Special Table No. 2021-528084

[0005] It is desirable to control the power supply unit of an aerosol generating device with consideration for safety. However, in the prior art, there is room for improvement in terms of improving the safety of such power supply units.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device that enables control with consideration given to safety, thereby improving safety.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit configured to supply power to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a first control unit configured to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit; and a second control unit configured to receive a parameter or signal representing the state of the power supply unit and to store information about the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal in a memory unit, wherein when an abnormality is detected in the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal, the second control unit stores information about the detected abnormality in the memory unit as information about the power supply unit, and the first control unit is further configured to be able to acquire the information about the abnormality stored in the memory unit.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit configured to be capable of supplying power to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a first control unit configured to be capable of controlling the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit; and a second control unit configured to receive a parameter or signal representing the state of the power supply unit and to acquire information indicating the remaining charge of the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal, wherein the parameter or the signal includes a parameter or signal related to the temperature of the heating unit, and the second control unit is further configured to be capable of stopping the supply of power to the heating unit when an abnormality related to the temperature of the heating unit is detected based on the parameter or the signal.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device that enables control that takes safety into consideration in the power supply unit of the aerosol generation device, thereby improving safety.

[0010] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of the circuit configuration of suction device 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of abnormality detection information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of abnormality detection information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a third example of abnormality detection information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a second example of the circuit configuration of suction device 100. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a third example of the circuit configuration of suction device 100. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of setting information that defines the control mode of MCU 70 after various types of abnormalities are detected.

[0011] An embodiment of a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an example in which the aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure is applied to an inhalation device. The drawings should be viewed in the direction indicated by the reference numerals. In the following description, identical or similar elements will be designated by identical or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0012] [1. Configuration of Inhalation Device] An inhalation device, which is an example of an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure, is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0013] <1-1. First Configuration Example of Inhalation Device> Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in Fig. 1A, an inhalation device 100A of this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

[0014] The power supply unit 111A stores power. The power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A is configured to be rechargeable with power received from an external power supply (not shown). Here, the external power supply may be, for example, an alternating current (AC) adapter. Note that the external power supply is not limited to an AC adapter, and may also be a mobile charger (also referred to as a "mobile battery"), a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The power supply unit 111A may be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0015] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100A. The sensor unit 112A is configured with, for example, a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or a temperature sensor, and acquires values ​​associated with the suction by the user.

[0016] As one example, the sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "puff sensor") capable of acquiring a change in pressure inside the inhalation device 100A caused by the user's inhalation. As another example, the sensor unit 112A may include a flow rate sensor capable of acquiring the flow rate of air or the like caused by the user's inhalation. Furthermore, the sensor unit 112A may include a temperature sensor (e.g., a battery thermistor TH1 or a heater thermistor TH2 described below) capable of acquiring the temperature of a predetermined location inside the power supply unit 110 (e.g., the power supply unit 111 or the heating unit 121A).

[0017] Furthermore, the sensor unit 112A may be configured to include an input device that accepts information input from a user, such as an operation button or an operation switch. As an example, the sensor unit 112A may include an operation button as an input device that accepts an operation corresponding to a request for aerosol generation from a user.

[0018] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A may be 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.

[0019] The storage unit 114A stores various types of information (for example, programs and data) required for the operation of the suction device 100A. The storage unit 114A may be configured, for example, by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0020] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0021] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs stored in the memory unit 114A, etc. For example, the control unit 116A controls the power supply from the power supply unit 111A to each component, including the heating unit 121A described below. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. As an example, the control unit 116A can be realized by an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0022] The liquid storage unit 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. Furthermore, when the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0023] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 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 portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0024] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by, for example, heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 1A , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil with a heating resistor wound around it, and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. The heating resistor of the heating unit 121A may have, for example, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic, in which the electrical resistance value increases with increasing temperature, or an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic, in which the electrical resistance value decreases with increasing temperature. More specifically, the heating resistor of the heating unit 121A may be made of, for example, nichrome, stainless steel, or tungsten.

[0025] The heating unit 121A generates heat, for example, when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating an aerosol. Power supply (hereinafter also referred to as "power supply") to the heating unit 121A may be performed, for example, when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. When the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input, the power supply to the heating unit 121A may be stopped.

[0026] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. For example, the flavor source 131 may be a tobacco-derived product, such as a processed product obtained by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. The flavor source 131 may also include a non-tobacco-derived product made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). For example, the flavor source 131 may include a flavor component such as menthol. The flavor source 131 may also be a stick-shaped member. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, the flavor source 131 may include a medication for inhalation by the patient. Note that the flavor source 131 is not limited to a solid, but may also be a liquid containing flavor components such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The flavor source 131 may also be disposed inside a container such as a capsule.

[0027] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0028] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0029] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0030] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0031] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may further include a flavor source heating unit that heats the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit may be, for example, in the form of a film and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A, thereby heating the flavor source 131 from the outer periphery. The flavor source heating unit may be, for example, in the form of a blade that pierces the flavor source 131 and heats the flavor source 131 from the inside. The flavor source heating unit may also be configured to heat the flavor source 131 by vibration or induction heating. By providing such a flavor source heating unit, the temperature of the flavor source 131 can be increased compared to when a flavor source heating unit is not provided, making it possible to increase the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol.

[0032] As another example, the inhalation device 100A 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 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate additional types of aerosols.

[0033] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0034] When the aerosol is generated by vibration, the inhalation device 100A includes, for example, a vibrating unit serving as the heating unit 121A. The vibrating unit is formed, for example, of a plate-shaped member including piezoelectric ceramics that functions as an ultrasonic vibrator. When the vibrating unit vibrates, the aerosol source guided to the surface of the vibrating unit by the liquid guide unit 122 is atomized by the ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibrating unit, thereby generating the aerosol.

[0035] Furthermore, when aerosol generation is performed by induction heating, the suction device 100A includes, for example, a susceptor and an electromagnetic induction source as the heating unit 121A. The susceptor is made of a conductive material such as metal and generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is also disposed in close proximity to the liquid guide unit 122. As an example, the susceptor is made of a metal conductor and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122.

[0036] The electromagnetic induction source generates heat in the susceptor by electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is, for example, configured with a coiled conductor, and generates a magnetic field when an alternating current is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. The generated magnetic field generates an eddy current in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. The aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is then heated and atomized by the Joule heat, generating an aerosol.

[0037] 1B is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 1B, the suction device 100B of this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0038] Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the storage unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A described above. In the case of the suction device 100B shown in FIG. 1B, the suction device 100B itself can also be considered as a power supply unit for the suction device 100B.

[0039] The storage unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the suction device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0040] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the inhalation device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is housed in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When a user holds the mouthpiece portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0041] 1B, the heating unit 121B is configured as a film heater with a conductive track made of a heating resistor (for example, a heating resistor having PTC characteristics) whose electrical resistance value correlates with temperature, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the housing unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating an aerosol. Note that the heating resistor of the heating unit 121B can be the same as the heating resistor of the heating unit 121A described above.

[0042] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0043] The above is a description of an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0044] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0045] As another example, the accommodation unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The accommodation unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the accommodation unit 140 and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0046] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In this case, the suction device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the suction device 100B or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0047] Furthermore, the suction device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0048] In the following description, the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B will be referred to as the "suction device 100" without distinction. Similarly, the power supply unit 111A etc. will be referred to as the "power supply unit 111," the sensor unit 112A etc. will be referred to as the "sensor unit 112," the notification unit 113A etc. will be referred to as the "notification unit 113," the memory unit 114A etc. will be referred to as the "memory unit 114," the communication unit 115A etc. will be referred to as the "communication unit 115," the control unit 116A etc. will be referred to as the "control unit 116," and the heating unit 121A etc. will be referred to as the "heating unit 121."

[0049] [2. Circuit Configuration of Suction Device] Next, the circuit configuration of the suction device 100 will be described. Note that, for simplicity, the following description will focus on the parts of the circuitry of the suction device 100 that are involved in generating aerosol, and illustrations and descriptions of other parts will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Note that only the main electronic components are illustrated and described here. In other words, the suction device 100 may be configured to include other electronic components, etc., as appropriate, in addition to the electronic components described below.

[0050] <2-1. First Example of Circuit Configuration of Suction Device> Figure 2 is a diagram showing a first example of the circuit configuration of suction device 100. In Figure 2, the power line indicated by the symbol Ln is a power line connected to ground having a reference potential in the circuit of suction device 100. Hereinafter, this power line Ln will also be referred to as the "ground line Ln," and the potential of the ground connected to this ground line Ln will be set to 0 [V]. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, each voltage below will refer to the potential difference from the ground potential (i.e., 0 [V]).

[0051] 2 , in this example, the suction device 100 includes a power supply unit 111, a protection IC 10, a fuel gauge IC 20, a charging IC 30, a first DC / DC converter 40, a second DC / DC converter 50, a heater unit 60, and an MCU 70. Here, the heater unit 60 is an example of a heating unit 121, and the MCU 70 is an example of a control unit 116.

[0052] The protection IC 10, fuel gauge IC 20, charging IC 30, first DC / DC converter 40, second DC / DC converter 50, and MCU 70 are integrated circuits (ICs) that integrate various elements such as transistors and resistors. Each IC has terminals that electrically connect its interior to the exterior. In the following description, when it is stated that each IC is connected to other electronic components, this means that certain terminals of each IC, excluding the ground terminal, are electrically connected to the other electronic components, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the ground terminal of each IC is connected to ground via a ground line Ln or the like.

[0053] (Power Supply Unit) As described above, the power supply unit 111 can be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery, and is configured to be able to output, for example, a voltage of approximately 4 V between the positive and negative terminals. Hereinafter, the output voltage of the power supply unit 111 will also be referred to as the "power supply voltage Vbat." The positive terminal of the power supply unit 111 is connected to a power supply voltage line Lbat, which is a power line different from the ground line Ln. The negative terminal of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the ground line Ln.

[0054] (Battery Thermistor) A battery thermistor TH1 configured to be able to output a parameter related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 (hereinafter also referred to as "battery temperature") is provided near the power supply unit 111. As an example, the battery thermistor TH1 is provided so as to be in contact with a predetermined location of a rechargeable battery that constitutes the power supply unit 111.

[0055] The battery thermistor TH1 can be, for example, an NTC thermistor formed by a resistor having NTC characteristics, or a PTC thermistor formed by a resistor having PTC characteristics. In this case, the battery thermistor TH1 outputs the electrical resistance value of its own resistor as a parameter related to the battery temperature. One end of the battery thermistor TH1 is connected to the fuel gauge IC 20 (described below). The other end of the battery thermistor TH1 is connected to the ground line Ln.

[0056] (Protection IC) The protection IC 10 is an IC that functions as a control unit (in other words, a controller) that is configured to receive parameters or signals representing the state of the suction device 100 (more specifically, the power supply unit of the suction device 100) and to execute control to protect the power supply unit 111 from overcurrent, etc., based on the parameters or signals.

[0057] Parameters that represent the state of the suction device 100 include, for example, the current value of the current flowing through a specific point in the circuit of the suction device 100, the voltage value at a specific point in the circuit of the suction device 100, the amount of voltage drop due to a specific electronic component provided in the circuit of the suction device 100, or the temperature of a specific component provided in the suction device 100.

[0058] Furthermore, the signal representing the state of suction device 100 may be, for example, a signal representing that suction device 100 has entered a predetermined state. More specifically, examples of signals representing the state of suction device 100 include a signal representing that the temperature of a predetermined component included in suction device 100 has exceeded a threshold, a signal representing that the current value of a current flowing through a predetermined location in the circuit of suction device 100 has exceeded a threshold, or a signal representing that the voltage value at a predetermined location in the circuit of suction device 100 has exceeded a threshold.

[0059] In this example, the protection IC 10 is connected to both ends of a resistor R1 having a predetermined electrical resistance value provided on the ground line Ln. As a result, the amount of voltage drop across the resistor R1 is input to the protection IC 10. The protection IC 10 then obtains the current value of the current flowing through the ground line Ln (i.e., the current output from the power supply unit 111) based on the amount of voltage drop across the resistor R1, and can control the switch circuit SW1 provided on the ground line Ln based on this current value.

[0060] The switch circuit SW1 is configured, for example, with switches SW1a and SW1b connected in series. In this example, the switches SW1a and SW1b are N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). The source terminal of the switch SW1a is connected to the negative terminal of the power supply unit 111 via a resistor R1, the drain terminal of the switch SW1a is connected to the drain terminal of the switch SW1b, and the gate terminal of the switch SW1a is connected to the protection IC 10. The source terminal of the switch SW1b is connected to ground via a ground line Ln, and the gate terminal of the switch SW1b is connected to the protection IC 10.

[0061] Furthermore, each of the switches SW1a and SW1b has a diode that allows current to flow only from the source terminal side to the drain terminal side. These diodes may be, for example, body diodes of the switches SW1a and SW1b, respectively, but are not limited to this and may be diodes provided separately from the switches SW1a and SW1b, respectively.

[0062] According to the configuration of this example, the protection IC 10 can turn on (i.e., conduction state) or off (i.e., cut-off state) the switch SW1a by controlling the gate voltage of the switch SW1a. Similarly, the protection IC 10 can turn on or off the switch SW1b by controlling the gate voltage of the switch SW1b.

[0063] For example, when the power supply unit 111 is being charged, if the current value of the current flowing through the ground line Ln exceeds a predetermined threshold, the protection IC 10 turns off the switch SW1b. This allows the protection IC 10 to stop charging the power supply unit 111. Therefore, it is possible to protect the power supply unit 111 from an overcurrent that may occur when the power supply unit 111 is being charged.

[0064] Furthermore, when the power supply unit 111 is discharging, in other words, when power is being supplied from the power supply unit 111 to each component, if the current value of the current flowing through the ground line Ln exceeds a predetermined threshold, the protection IC 10 turns off the switch SW1a. This allows the protection IC 10 to stop discharging from the power supply unit 111. Therefore, it is possible to protect the power supply unit 111 from an overcurrent that may occur when the power supply unit 111 is discharging.

[0065] Furthermore, the protection IC 10 may be connected to the power supply voltage line Lbat so that the power supply voltage Vbat is input to the protection IC 10, and the protection IC 10 may control the switch circuit SW1 based on this power supply voltage Vbat.

[0066] For example, when the power supply voltage Vbat becomes higher than a predetermined threshold value while the power supply unit 111 is being charged, the protection IC 10 may turn off the switch SW1b to stop charging of the power supply unit 111. In this way, it is possible to prevent the power supply unit 111 from being overcharged.

[0067] Furthermore, when the power supply voltage Vbat falls below a predetermined threshold during discharge from the power supply unit 111, the protection IC 10 may turn off the switch SW1a to stop discharge from the power supply unit 111. In this way, it is possible to prevent over-discharge of the power supply unit 111.

[0068] In the example described here, the resistor R1 and the switch circuit SW1 connected to the protection IC 10 are provided on the ground line Ln, but this is not limiting. For example, the resistor R1 and the switch circuit SW1 may be provided on the power supply voltage line Lbat.

[0069] (Fuel Gauge IC) The fuel gauge IC 20 is an IC that functions as a control unit (in other words, a controller) configured to receive parameters or signals representing the state of the suction device 100 and store information about the suction device 100 based on the parameters or signals in the memory 21, which serves as a storage unit capable of storing information, and is an example of the second control unit in the present disclosure. Here, the memory 21 may be configured of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, and may be a memory provided inside the fuel gauge IC 20.

[0070] An example of the information about the suction device 100 acquired by the fuel gauge IC 20 is battery information including information indicating the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 (hereinafter also referred to as "remaining battery charge"). Here, the remaining battery charge may be, for example, the SOC (State Of Charge) of the power supply unit 111. The battery information may further include information indicating, for example, the SOH (State Of Health) of the power supply unit 111, a battery temperature which is the temperature of the power supply unit 111, a power supply voltage Vbat which is the output voltage of the power supply unit 111, or a current value of the current output from the power supply unit 111.

[0071] Another example of information about the suction device 100 acquired by the fuel gauge IC 20 is information about an abnormality detected in the suction device 100 (hereinafter also referred to as "abnormality detection information"). Although details will be described later, the abnormality detection information may include, for example, information indicating that an abnormality has been detected, information indicating the state of the suction device 100 when the abnormality was detected, or information indicating the type of abnormality that has been detected.

[0072] In this example, the fuel gauge IC 20 is connected to both ends of a resistor R2 having a predetermined electrical resistance value provided on the ground line Ln. As a result, the amount of voltage drop across the resistor R2 is input to the fuel gauge IC 20. The fuel gauge IC 20 then obtains the current value of the current flowing through the ground line Ln (i.e., the current output from the power supply unit 111) based on the amount of voltage drop across the resistor R2.

[0073] The fuel gauge IC 20 is also connected to the power supply voltage line Lbat. This allows the power supply voltage Vbat to be input to the fuel gauge IC 20. The fuel gauge IC 20 is also connected to one end of the battery thermistor TH1. This allows the fuel gauge IC 20 to receive the electrical resistance value of the battery thermistor TH1 (in other words, the amount of voltage drop due to the battery thermistor TH1) as a parameter related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111. The fuel gauge IC 20 then obtains the battery temperature based on the electrical resistance value of the battery thermistor TH1. As an example, the fuel gauge IC 20 can obtain the battery temperature from the electrical resistance value of the battery thermistor TH1 by using a table or a formula that defines the relationship between the electrical resistance value of the battery thermistor TH1 and the battery temperature.

[0074] The fuel gauge IC 20 obtains the remaining battery capacity based on multiple parameters, such as the current value of the current flowing through the ground line Ln, the power supply voltage Vbat, and the battery temperature. As an example, the fuel gauge IC 20 can obtain the remaining battery capacity from the multiple parameters by using a table or a formula that defines the relationship between the multiple parameters and the remaining battery capacity.

[0075] Then, the fuel gauge IC 20 acquires battery information including information indicating the remaining battery capacity acquired by the above processing as information related to the suction device 100. At this time, the fuel gauge IC 20 may acquire battery information including, in addition to the information indicating the remaining battery capacity, information indicating the values ​​of the above parameters used when acquiring the remaining battery capacity.

[0076] The battery information acquired by the fuel gauge IC 20 is stored in, for example, the memory 21 and transmitted to the MCU 70 (described later) at a predetermined timing. More specifically, the fuel gauge IC 20 is configured to be able to communicate with the MCU 70 via, for example, an I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) or the like and transmits the battery information to the MCU 70 using this communication. An example of the timing at which the fuel gauge IC 20 transmits the battery information may be the timing at which the fuel gauge IC 20 acquires the battery information, but is not limited thereto. For example, the timing may be the timing at which the fuel gauge IC 20 receives a request from the MCU 70 to transmit the battery information. Furthermore, the communication between the fuel gauge IC 20 and the MCU 70 is not limited to I2C and any communication method may be used. Furthermore, the fuel gauge IC 20 may handle the battery information in, for example, a random access memory (RAM) (not shown) and not store the battery information in the memory 21.

[0077] The fuel gauge IC 20 acquires battery information including information indicating the remaining battery capacity and transmits the battery information to the MCU 70, which enables the MCU 70 to grasp the remaining battery capacity and perform control based on the remaining battery capacity. As an example, the MCU 70 can notify the user of the remaining battery capacity via the notification unit 113. This improves user convenience.

[0078] The fuel gauge IC 20 can also store abnormality detection information in the memory 21. More specifically, the fuel gauge IC 20 is configured to be able to detect a predetermined abnormality in the suction device 100, for example, based on parameters such as the current value of the current flowing through the above-mentioned ground line Ln or the battery temperature, or a signal (nOVER_HEAT signal) input from a comparator CP described below. When an abnormality in the suction device 100 is detected based on the input parameter or signal, the fuel gauge IC 20 stores abnormality detection information related to the detected abnormality in the memory 21 as information related to the suction device 100.

[0079] For example, when the battery temperature rises above a predetermined threshold value during charging and / or discharging of the power supply unit 111, the fuel gauge IC 20 detects a "battery temperature abnormality," which is an abnormality in which the battery temperature, which should be kept below the threshold value, exceeds the threshold value.

[0080] Furthermore, when the power supply unit 111 is being charged and / or discharged, if the current value of the current flowing through the ground line Ln becomes greater than a predetermined threshold, the fuel gauge IC 20 detects an "abnormal current value (in other words, an overcurrent)" in which the current value that should be kept below the threshold has exceeded the threshold.

[0081] Furthermore, when the comparator CP inputs an nOVER_HEAT signal (described later) during charging and / or discharging of the power supply unit 111, the fuel gauge IC 20 detects a "heater temperature abnormality," which is an abnormality in which the temperature (hereinafter also referred to as "heater temperature") of the heater unit 60 (in other words, the heating unit 121), which should be kept below a threshold value, exceeds the threshold value.

[0082] When any of the above abnormalities is detected, the fuel gauge IC 20 stores abnormality detection information in the memory 21. The abnormality detection information stored in the memory 21 by the fuel gauge IC 20 will be specifically described below.

[0083] (First Example of Abnormality Detection Information) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a first example of the abnormality detection information. As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel gauge IC 20 stores, in the memory 21, information that associates, for example, a flag of "0" with an abnormality that has not been detected and a flag of "1" with an abnormality that has been detected, as abnormality detection information Id. That is, the abnormality detection information Id shown in FIG. 3 indicates that an abnormality has been detected and that the type of the detected abnormality is a heater temperature abnormality. The abnormality detection information Id shown in FIG. 3 also indicates that neither a battery temperature abnormality nor an abnormal current value has been detected. Note that, although the abnormality detection information Id here includes information about an abnormality that has not been detected, this is not limited to this.

[0084] (Second Example of Abnormality Detection Information) Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a second example of abnormality detection information. Here, the explanation will focus on differences from the example shown in Fig. 3, and explanations of similarities with the example shown in Fig. 3 will be omitted or simplified.

[0085] 4, the fuel gauge IC 20 may store in the memory 21 the abnormality detection information Id that does not include information about abnormalities that have not been detected. In this case, the fuel gauge IC 20 may store, for example, only information in which a flag of "1" is associated with each detected abnormality as the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21. In this way, the size of the abnormality detection information Id can be made smaller than in the example shown in FIG. 3, and it is possible to prevent the storage area of ​​the memory 21 from being overwhelmed by the abnormality detection information Id.

[0086] Furthermore, the remaining amount gauge IC 20 may store in the memory 21 abnormality detection information Id including information indicating the state of the suction device 100 when an abnormality is detected.

[0087] (Third Example of Abnormality Detection Information) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a third example of abnormality detection information. Here, the explanation will focus on differences from the examples shown in Fig. 3 or 4, and explanations of similar parts to the examples shown in Fig. 3 or 4 will be omitted or simplified.

[0088] 5, the fuel gauge IC 20 may store, for example, abnormality detection information Id including information indicating the state of the suction device 100 when an abnormality is detected in the memory 21. For example, the abnormality detection information Id shown in Fig. 5 indicates that when the nOVER_HEAT signal is input from the comparator CP, i.e., when a heater temperature abnormality is detected, the current value of the current flowing through the ground line Ln is "α [A]", the power supply voltage Vbat is "β [V]", the battery temperature is "γ [°C]", and the remaining battery charge is "δ [%]".

[0089] In addition, the fuel gauge IC 20 may store only information corresponding to the detected abnormality as abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21, for example, only information indicating the battery temperature if an abnormality in battery temperature is detected, or only information indicating the current value if an abnormality in current value is detected.

[0090] In addition, the remaining amount meter IC 20 may be configured to store in the memory 21 abnormality detection information Id that includes both information indicating the type of detected abnormality shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4 and information indicating the state of the suction device 100 when the abnormality shown in Figure 5 was detected.

[0091] Furthermore, depending on the type of detected abnormality, the fuel gauge IC 20 may or may not store the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21. For example, when one type of abnormality (e.g., heater temperature abnormality) is detected, the fuel gauge IC 20 may store the abnormality detection information Id related to that abnormality in the memory 21, but when another type of abnormality (e.g., battery temperature abnormality) is detected, the fuel gauge IC 20 may not store the abnormality detection information Id related to that abnormality in the memory 21.

[0092] 2 , when the memory 21 is provided in the fuel gauge IC 20, the fuel gauge IC 20 transmits the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 to the MCU 70 at a predetermined timing. The timing at which the fuel gauge IC 20 transmits the abnormality detection information Id can be, for example, when the suction device 100 is started for the first time after the abnormality is detected, but is not limited to this. For example, the fuel gauge IC 20 may transmit the abnormality detection information to the MCU 70 at the timing at which it receives a request to transmit the abnormality detection information from the MCU 70.

[0093] The fuel gauge IC 20 transmits the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 to the MCU 70, which enables the MCU 70 to acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21. The MCU 70 can then determine that an abnormality has been detected in the suction device 100 based on the acquired abnormality detection information Id, and can perform control that takes into consideration the safety of the suction device 100. This improves the safety of the suction device 100. Note that examples of control by the MCU 70 will be described later, and therefore will not be described here.

[0094] Furthermore, in this example, when any of the above abnormalities is detected, fuel gauge IC 20 outputs a low-level voltage signal (hereinafter also referred to as an "abnormality detection signal") from a predetermined terminal. Hereinafter, the terminal of fuel gauge IC 20 from which the abnormality detection signal is output is also referred to as an "alert terminal."

[0095] 2 , the alert terminal from which the abnormality detection signal is output is connected to, for example, the gate terminal of switch SW4, the MCU 70, and switch circuit SW81. As will be described in detail later, switch SW4 is a low-side switch of heater unit 60. Switch circuit SW81 is a circuit that functions as a switch for stopping the charging operation of charging IC 30, which will be described later. In this example, an open-drain system is adopted for the alert terminal, and a first system voltage Vcc, which will be described later, is supplied to the signal line connecting the alert terminal to switch SW4 and the like via resistor R11, which functions as a pull-up resistor.

[0096] According to the configuration of this example, the alert terminal of fuel gauge IC 20 is connected to switch SW4, MCU 70, and switch circuit SW81, so when an abnormality detection signal is output from fuel gauge IC 20, a signal based on the abnormality detection signal can be input to switch SW4, MCU 70, and switch circuit SW81. At this time, the abnormality detection signal output from fuel gauge IC 20 may be input directly to switch SW4, MCU 70, and switch circuit SW81, or a signal that has been corrected (in other words, adjusted) to have voltage and current values ​​that take into account the hardware characteristics of each may be input.

[0097] (Charging IC) The charging IC 30 is an IC that is provided between a power receiving unit that receives power from an external power source and the power supply unit 111, and functions as a control unit (in other words, a controller) that is configured to be able to charge the power supply unit 111 by supplying the power received from the external power source by the power receiving unit to the power supply unit 111.

[0098] In this example, the power receiving unit is a charging terminal 31 that includes a terminal (e.g., a VBUS terminal) that receives power from an external power source. The charging terminal 31 can be a receptacle that complies with various standards, such as USB Type-C (registered trademark), microUSB, or Lightning (registered trademark). Note that the power receiving unit is not limited to such a receptacle, and may be configured, for example, by a power receiving coil that is configured to be able to contactlessly receive power transmitted from an external power source.

[0099] The charging IC 30 is connected to both the charging terminal 31 and the power supply voltage line Lbat, and charges the power supply unit 111 by supplying power from an external power source received by the charging terminal 31 to the power supply unit 111 via the power supply voltage line Lbat.

[0100] Furthermore, the charging IC 30 is connected to the first DC / DC converter 40 via a first system voltage line Lsys1, which is a power line different from the power supply voltage line Lbat and the ground line Ln, and is configured to be able to supply power based on the power of an external power source received by the charging terminal 31 or the power of the power supply unit 111 to the first DC / DC converter 40.

[0101] When supplying power to the first DC / DC converter 40, the charging IC 30 may supply the power received from an external power source or the power of the power supply unit 111 as is, or may supply power that has been corrected (in other words, adjusted) to have a voltage value and a current value that take into account the hardware characteristics of the first DC / DC converter 40. As an example, the charging IC 30 supplies the power of the power supply unit 111 received via the power supply voltage line Lbat to the first DC / DC converter 40 via the first system voltage line Lsys1.

[0102] In this example, the charging IC 30 is provided with a charge enable terminal, and charging is performed on the condition that the input to this charge enable terminal is low. In other words, when the input to the charge enable terminal becomes high, the charging IC 30 stops charging. When the charging IC 30 stops charging, charging of the power supply unit 111 using power received from the external power source is stopped. The low-level or high-level signal input to the charge enable terminal is controlled by, for example, the MCU 70.

[0103] (First DC / DC Converter) The first DC / DC converter 40 is an IC that is used in combination with a power inductor (not shown) and functions as a switching regulator that converts an input DC voltage into a predetermined DC voltage.

[0104] In this example, the first DC / DC converter 40 is connected to both the first system voltage line Lsys1 and the second system voltage line Lsys2. The second system voltage line Lsys2 is a power line different from the power supply voltage line Lbat and the first system voltage line Lsys1, and is a power line used to supply power to the MCU 70 and the like.

[0105] The first DC / DC converter 40 generates power having a first system voltage Vcc from the power supplied via the first system voltage line Lsys1 and outputs the generated power to the second system voltage line Lsys2. This allows the power having the first system voltage Vcc to be supplied to the MCU 70 and other components via the second system voltage line Lsys2. The first system voltage Vcc is a voltage necessary for the MCU 70 and other components to operate properly, and may be set to, for example, 3.3 V.

[0106] (Second DC / DC Converter) The second DC / DC converter 50 is an IC that is used in combination with a power inductor (not shown) and functions as a switching regulator that converts an input DC voltage into a predetermined DC voltage.

[0107] In this example, the second DC / DC converter 50 is connected to the power supply voltage line Lbat, the heating voltage line Lheat, and the temperature measurement line Ltemp. Here, the heating voltage line Lheat and the temperature measurement line Ltemp are power lines different from the power supply voltage line Lbat, the first system voltage line Lsys1, and the second system voltage line Lsys2, and are power lines used to supply power to the heater unit 60.

[0108] More specifically, the heating voltage line Lheat and the temperature measurement line Ltemp are provided in parallel with the second DC / DC converter 50 and the heater unit 60. A switch SW2 is provided on the heating voltage line Lheat. Meanwhile, a switch SW3 and a resistor Rref connected in series are provided on the temperature measurement line Ltemp. Here, the resistor Rref is a resistor having a predetermined electrical resistance value.

[0109] In this example, the switches SW2 and SW3 are P-channel MOSFETs. The source terminal of the switch SW2 is connected to the second DC / DC converter 50, the drain terminal of the switch SW2 is connected to one end of the heater unit 60, and the gate terminal of the switch SW2 is connected to the MCU 70. The source terminal of the switch SW3 is connected to the second DC / DC converter 50, the drain terminal of the switch SW3 is connected to one end of the heater unit 60 via a resistor Rref, and the gate terminal of the switch SW3 is connected to the MCU 70.

[0110] Furthermore, the switches SW2 and SW3 each have a body diode formed therein that allows current to flow only from the drain terminal side to the source terminal side.

[0111] The second DC / DC converter 50 generates power having a heating voltage Vheat from power supplied via the power supply voltage line Lbat and outputs the generated power to the heating voltage line Lheat or the temperature measurement line Ltemp. As a result, power having the heating voltage Vheat can be supplied to the heater unit 60 via the heating voltage line Lheat or the temperature measurement line Ltemp. More specifically, when the switch SW2 is on, power is supplied to the heater unit 60 via the heating voltage line Lheat. On the other hand, when the switch SW3 is on, power is supplied to the heater unit 60 via the temperature measurement line Ltemp. The switches SW2 and SW3 are controlled by the MCU 70 so that they are not turned on simultaneously.

[0112] In addition, the heating voltage Vheat generated by the second DC / DC converter 50 is a voltage higher than the first system voltage Vcc (e.g., 3.3 [V]) so that the heater unit 60 (i.e., the heating section 121) can generate heat efficiently and quickly, and can be set to, for example, 5 [V].

[0113] (Heater Unit) The heater unit 60 is mainly composed of a heating resistor (hereinafter also referred to as a "resistor Rheat") that constitutes the heating section 121. One end of the heater unit 60 (in other words, the resistor Rheat) is connected to the second DC / DC converter 50 via a heating voltage line Lheat and a temperature measurement line Ltemp. The other end of the heater unit 60 is connected to the ground line Ln via a switch SW4 that functions as a low-side switch of the heater unit 60.

[0114] In this example, the switch SW4 is an N-channel MOSFET, and its source terminal is connected to the ground via the ground line Ln, its drain terminal is connected to the other end of the heater unit 60, and its gate terminal is connected to the MCU 70 and the fuel gauge IC 20 (more specifically, the alert terminal).

[0115] The switch SW4 also has a body diode formed therein that allows current to flow only from the source terminal side to the drain terminal side.

[0116] (Heater Thermistor) A heater thermistor TH2 configured to be able to output a parameter related to the temperature of the heater unit 60 (i.e., heater temperature) is provided near the heater unit 60. The heater thermistor TH2 may be, for example, an NTC thermistor configured with a resistor having NTC characteristics. In this case, the heater thermistor TH2 outputs the electrical resistance value of its own resistor as a parameter related to the heater temperature.

[0117] One end of the heater thermistor TH2 is connected, for example, to an LDO regulator 71 (described later). The other end of the heater thermistor TH2 is connected, for example, to an inverting input terminal of a comparator CP (described later). In this example, connecting one end of the heater thermistor TH2 to the LDO regulator 71 causes a second system voltage Vcc1 (described later) to be supplied to the heater thermistor TH2, but this is not limiting. For example, if the heater thermistor TH2 is capable of receiving the first system voltage Vcc in terms of hardware, connecting one end of the heater thermistor TH2 to a second system voltage line Lsys2 may cause the first system voltage Vcc to be supplied to the heater thermistor TH2. In this case, the suction device 100 (e.g., the MCU 70) does not need to include the LDO regulator 71 (described later).

[0118] (Operational Amplifier) ​​An operational amplifier OP is an electronic component that has a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal, and outputs a voltage signal from the output terminal that is an amplified difference between the inputs to the non-inverting input terminal and the inverting input terminal, and can be realized, for example, by an IC that integrates various elements such as transistors and resistors.

[0119] In this example, the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP is connected between the resistor Rref of the temperature measurement line Ltemp and the heater unit 60. The inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP is connected to the ground line Ln. The output terminal of the operational amplifier OP is connected to the MCU 70.

[0120] According to the configuration of this example, when switch SW3 of the temperature measurement line Ltemp is turned on while switch SW4, which is the low-side switch of the heater unit 60, is turned on, the voltage divided by resistor Rref of the temperature measurement line Ltemp and resistor Rheat of the heater unit 60 is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP. Therefore, at this time, the operational amplifier OP outputs a voltage signal (hereinafter also referred to as the "HEAT_TEMP signal") obtained by amplifying the voltage divided by resistors Rref and Rheat to the MCU 70. This HEAT_TEMP signal changes depending on the electrical resistance value of resistor Rheat, i.e., the heater temperature. Therefore, the MCU 70 can obtain the heater temperature based on the HEAT_TEMP signal.

[0121] (Comparator) The comparator CP is an electronic component that has a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal, compares a signal input to the non-inverting input terminal with a signal input to the inverting input terminal, and switches the output signal from the output terminal between high level and low level depending on which is larger, and can be realized, for example, by an IC that integrates various elements such as transistors and resistors.

[0122] In this example, a predetermined reference voltage is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP. Here, the voltage obtained by dividing the first system voltage Vcc using resistors R21 and R22, each having a predetermined electrical resistance, is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP as the reference voltage, but this is not limited to this. The reference voltage may be a substantially constant (i.e., stable) voltage. For example, a reference voltage generated by an arbitrary power supply IC such as an LDO (Low Drop Out) may be input to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator CP.

[0123] The inverting input terminal of the comparator CP is connected between the other end of the heater thermistor TH2 and one end of a resistor R3 having a predetermined electrical resistance. The other end of the resistor R3 is connected to the ground line Ln. This allows the inverting input terminal of the comparator CP to receive a voltage divided by the heater thermistor TH2 and the resistor R3.

[0124] The output terminal of the comparator CP is connected to the fuel gauge IC 20. In this example, an open-drain system is adopted for the output terminal of the comparator CP, and the first system voltage Vcc is supplied to the signal line connecting the output terminal of the comparator CP and the fuel gauge IC 20 via a resistor R12 that functions as a pull-up resistor.

[0125] In this configuration, as the heater temperature increases and the electrical resistance of heater thermistor TH2 decreases, the voltage divided by heater thermistor TH2 and resistor R3, i.e., the voltage input to the inverting input terminal of comparator CP, increases. When the voltage input to the inverting input terminal of comparator CP increases and reaches the reference voltage input to the non-inverting input terminal of comparator CP, i.e., the threshold value, comparator CP outputs a low-level voltage signal (hereinafter also referred to as the “nOVER_HEAT signal”) to fuel gauge IC 20.

[0126] In this example, when the heater temperature rises and reaches a predetermined threshold, the voltage input to the inverting input terminal of the comparator CP also reaches the threshold (i.e., the reference voltage), and the comparator CP outputs an nOVER_HEAT signal. In other words, the nOVER_HEAT signal can be said to be a signal related to the heater temperature (in other words, the temperature of the heating unit 121), and more specifically, can be said to be a signal indicating that the heater temperature has exceeded the threshold.

[0127] (MCU) The MCU 70 is, for example, an IC that constitutes the aforementioned control unit 116, and is an example of a first control unit in the present disclosure. More specifically, the MCU 70 is mainly composed of a processor that performs various calculations, and controls the operation of a predetermined control target provided in the circuit of the suction device 100 by the processor executing a pre-stored program.

[0128] As described above, the MCU 70 is connected to the gate terminal of the switch SW4, which is the low-side switch of the heater unit 60. This allows the MCU 70 to control the gate voltage of the switch SW4 to turn the switch SW4 on and off. The MCU 70 can supply power to the heater unit 60 by turning the switch SW4 on, and conversely, can prevent power from being supplied to the heater unit 60 by turning the switch SW4 off. As shown in FIG. 2, a buffer circuit 75 or the like that corrects the input voltage may be provided between the MCU 70 and the switch SW4 as appropriate.

[0129] The MCU 70 is also connected to the gate terminal of the switch SW2 of the heating voltage line Lheat, so that the MCU 70 can control the gate voltage of the switch SW2 to turn the switch SW2 on or off.

[0130] Furthermore, the MCU 70 is connected to the gate terminal of the switch SW3 on the temperature measurement line Ltemp, so that the MCU 70 can control the gate voltage of the switch SW3 to turn the switch SW3 on or off.

[0131] Furthermore, the MCU 70 is connected to the charge enable terminal of the charging IC 30 via a resistor R4 having a predetermined electrical resistance value. Also, the first system voltage Vcc is supplied to the signal line connecting the MCU 70 and the charge enable terminal of the charging IC 30 via, for example, a resistor R13 that functions as a pull-up resistor.

[0132] As described above, in the suction device 100, the MCU 70 is connected to the charge enable terminal of the charging IC 30, and therefore the MCU 70 can control the input to the charge enable terminal of the charging IC 30 to start or stop the charging operation of the charging IC 30. The MCU 70 can also stop the charging of the power supply unit 111 by stopping the charging operation of the charging IC 30. Note that specific examples of control of each control target by the MCU 70 will be described later, and therefore will not be described here.

[0133] The MCU 70 also includes, for example, an LDO (Low Drop Out) 71 that generates a second system voltage Vccl by stepping down the first system voltage Vcc supplied to the MCU 70. The LDO 71 is, for example, connected to one end of the heater thermistor TH2 and supplies power having the generated second system voltage Vccl to the heater thermistor TH2.

[0134] (Charging Stop Circuit) Incidentally, it is conceivable that MCU 70 may unintentionally stop (for example, freeze or malfunction) due to some factor while power supply unit 111 is being charged. From the viewpoint of ensuring the safety of suction device 100, even if MCU 70 stops in this way, it is desirable to appropriately stop charging of power supply unit 111.

[0135] Therefore, the suction device 100 further includes a charge stop circuit 80 configured to be able to stop the charging operation of the charging IC 30 without going through the MCU 70. The charge stop circuit 80 is provided with, for example, a switch circuit SW81 that can control the input to the charge enable terminal of the charging IC 30.

[0136] In this example, the switch circuit SW81 is configured with a bias resistor built-in transistor (BRT) including a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) 81a, a resistor 81b, and a resistor 81c. The base of the BJT 81a is connected to an alert terminal of the fuel gauge IC 20 via the resistor 81b. The emitter of the BJT 81a is connected to a second system voltage line Lsys2, which is supplied with the first system voltage Vcc, and is also connected to the base of the BJT 81a via the resistor 81c. The collector of the BJT 81a is connected to a charge enable terminal of the charging IC 30. In this example, the signal line connecting the collector of the BJT 81a and the charge enable terminal of the charging IC 30 is common to the signal line connecting the aforementioned MCU 70 and the charge enable terminal of the charging IC 30, and the first system voltage Vcc is supplied via, for example, a resistor R13 that functions as a pull-up resistor.

[0137] 2 is merely an example and is not limited to this. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the other end of the heater thermistor TH2 is connected to the comparator CP, and the nOVER_HEAT signal from the comparator CP can be input to the fuel gauge IC 20, but this is not limiting.

[0138] <2-2. Second Example of Circuit Configuration of Suction Device> Figure 6 is a diagram showing a second example of the circuit configuration of the suction device 100. Here, the explanation will focus on the differences from the example shown in Figure 2, and explanations of the same parts as in the example shown in Figure 2 will be omitted or simplified.

[0139] 6, the other end of heater thermistor TH2 may be connected to fuel gauge IC 20 so that the electrical resistance value of heater thermistor TH2 (in other words, the amount of voltage drop due to heater thermistor TH2) as a parameter related to the heater temperature is input to fuel gauge IC 20. Note that in this case, the terminal of fuel gauge IC 20 connected to heater thermistor TH2 must be an analog input terminal.

[0140] 6, by connecting the heater thermistor TH2 to the fuel gauge IC 20, the fuel gauge IC 20 can obtain the heater temperature based on the amount of voltage drop across the heater thermistor TH2, and can detect a heater temperature abnormality by comparing the heater temperature with a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, when a heater temperature abnormality is detected, it is also possible to store in the memory 21 an abnormality detection information Id that includes information indicating the heater temperature at the time the heater temperature abnormality was detected.

[0141] 2 and 6, the memory 21 storing the abnormality detection information Id is provided in the fuel gauge IC 20. However, this is not limitative. The memory 21 may be provided outside the fuel gauge IC 20.

[0142] <2-3. Third Example of Circuit Configuration of Suction Device> Figure 7 is a diagram showing a third example of the circuit configuration of the suction device 100. Here, the following description will focus on differences from the example shown in Figure 2 or 6, and descriptions of similar parts to the example shown in Figure 2 or 6 will be omitted or simplified.

[0143] 7 , the memory 21 may be provided outside the fuel gauge IC 20 in a state where it is accessible to both the MCU 70 and the fuel gauge IC 20. In this case, the fuel gauge IC 20 may access the memory 21 when an abnormality is detected and store the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21. The MCU 70 may also access the memory 21 at a predetermined timing, such as when the suction device 100 is started, and acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 if such information is present.

[0144] 2, multiple parameters or signals related to the suction device 100, such as the electrical resistance value of resistor R2, the power supply voltage Vbat, the electrical resistance value of battery thermistor TH1, and the nOVER_HEAT signal from comparator CP, can be input to the fuel gauge IC 20. However, this is not limiting. For example, any of these parameters or signals may not be input to the fuel gauge IC 20, or other parameters or signals may be input to the fuel gauge IC 20 in addition to these parameters or signals.

[0145] [3. Operation of Inhalation Device] Next, a description will be given of an example of the operation of the inhalation device 100. When a user requests the generation of an aerosol, the MCU 70 serving as the control unit 116 of the inhalation device 100 supplies power from the power supply unit 111 to the heater unit 60 (more specifically, resistor Rheat) serving as the heating unit 121, thereby generating the aerosol.

[0146] Here, the aerosol generation request can be, for example, an operation to instruct the start of heating (hereinafter also referred to as a "heating start operation"). The heating start operation can be, for example, pressing a predetermined operation button (not shown) provided on the suction device 100. The heating start operation can also be insertion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 into the suction device 100 or suction into the suction device 100. Note that the aerosol generation request is not limited to a direct operation on the suction device 100 as described above, and can also be, for example, receipt of predetermined information from another device capable of communicating with the suction device 100, such as a smartphone. The MCU 70 can detect the aerosol generation request based on, for example, information acquired by the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115.

[0147] To explain the generation of aerosols in more detail, for example, if the suction device 100 is the suction device 100B shown in Figure 1B, when the MCU 70 serving as the control unit 116B detects a heating start operation (e.g., pressing an operation button), it generates an aerosol by controlling the temperature (i.e., heater temperature) of the heater unit 60 serving as the heating unit 121B based on a pre-prepared heating profile.

[0148] Here, the heating profile can be, for example, information that defines the time series transition of a target temperature, which is a target value for the heater temperature. The heating profile is typically designed to optimize the flavor experienced by the user when inhaling the aerosol generated from the stick-shaped substrate 150 or the like. Therefore, by controlling the heater temperature based on the heating profile, the flavor experienced by the user can be optimized, making it possible to provide the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0149] To explain in detail the heater temperature control based on such a heating profile (hereinafter also simply referred to as "heating control"), the MCU 70 controls the heater temperature based on the difference between the target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since the start of heating control and the actual heater temperature (hereinafter also referred to as "actual temperature"). At this time, the MCU 70 controls the heater temperature so that the time series transition of the actual temperature is the same as the time series transition of the target temperature specified in the heating profile.

[0150] More specifically, in heating control, for example, the MCU 70 acquires the actual temperature at a predetermined period (e.g., every 50 ms) based on the HEAT_TEMP signal from the operational amplifier OP. At this time, the MCU 70 acquires the actual temperature based on the HEAT_TEMP signal from the operational amplifier OP when the switch SW4, which is the low-side switch of the heater unit 60, is turned on, the switch SW2 on the heating voltage line Lheat is turned off, and the switch SW3 on the temperature measurement line Ltemp is turned on. Note that the MCU 70 can acquire the actual temperature from the electrical resistance value of the resistor Rheat represented by the HEAT_TEMP signal by using, for example, a table or a formula that defines the relationship between the electrical resistance value of the resistor Rheat (in other words, the amount of voltage drop due to the resistor Rheat) and the heater temperature.

[0151] Then, based on the acquired actual temperature and the target temperature at that time, the MCU 70 controls the power supplied to the heater unit 60 so that the actual temperature approaches the target temperature. At this time, the MCU 70 may adjust the duty ratio of the pulse of the power supplied to the heater unit 60 via the heating voltage line Lheat by controlling the on / off of the switch SW2 of the heating voltage line Lheat, for example, while keeping the switch SW4, which is the low-side switch of the heater unit 60, on.

[0152] 1A , when the inhalation device 100 detects an inhalation action on the inhalation device 100A based on the detection result of a puff sensor (not shown), the MCU 70 serving as the control unit 116A supplies a predetermined amount of power to the heater unit 60 serving as the heating unit 121A, thereby generating aerosol. The amount of power supplied to the heater unit 60 is determined in advance by the manufacturer of the inhalation device 100A, for example, so that an appropriate amount of aerosol containing an appropriate amount of flavor component is generated. This allows the flavor experienced by the user to be optimized, providing the user with a high-quality smoking experience.

[0153] Furthermore, when a charging start request is received from the user, the charging IC 30 of the suction device 100 starts charging the power supply unit 111 by supplying power from the external power source received via the charging terminal 31 to the power supply unit 111. Here, the charging start request may be, for example, the establishment of an electrical connection between the suction device 100 and the external power source. Alternatively, the charging start request may be a predetermined operation performed after the electrical connection between the suction device 100 and the external power source has been established. One example of this operation may be pressing a predetermined operation button (not shown) provided on the suction device 100. Furthermore, when charging the power supply unit 111, the charging IC 30 may control the charging current and / or charging voltage for charging the power supply unit 111 in accordance with instructions from the MCU 70.

[0154] The battery level meter IC20 of the suction device 100 acquires battery information at a predetermined interval based on parameters or signals input when the power supply unit 111 is being charged and / or discharged as described above, and transmits the acquired battery information to the MCU 70.

[0155] Furthermore, the fuel gauge IC 20 detects certain abnormalities in the suction device 100, such as the aforementioned battery temperature abnormality, current value abnormality, and heater temperature abnormality, based on parameters or signals input when the power supply unit 111 is charging and / or discharging.

[0156] When an abnormality is detected, the fuel gauge IC 20 outputs an abnormality detection signal from an alert terminal. When the fuel gauge IC 20 outputs the abnormality detection signal, the switch SW4, which is the low-side switch of the heater unit 60, is turned off. When the switch SW4 is turned off, power is no longer supplied to the heater unit 60, even if the switch SW2 of the heating voltage line Lheat or the switch SW3 of the temperature measurement line Ltemp is on. Therefore, even if the MCU 70 stops operating with the switch SW2 or the switch SW3 turned on, the power supply to the heater unit 60 can be stopped. This prevents unintended power from being supplied to the heater unit 60 when the MCU 70 is not operating normally, ensuring the safety of the suction device 100.

[0157] Furthermore, when fuel gauge IC 20 outputs an abnormality detection signal, switch circuit 81 of charging stop circuit 80 is turned on. When switch circuit 81 is turned on, the input to the charge enable terminal of charging IC 30 becomes high level, and the charging operation of charging IC 30 is stopped. When charging IC 30 stops its charging operation, charging of power supply unit 111 is stopped. Therefore, even if MCU 70 stops while power supply unit 111 is charging, charging of power supply unit 111 can be stopped appropriately, and the safety of suction device 100 can be ensured.

[0158] Furthermore, when the fuel gauge IC 20 outputs an abnormality detection signal, the abnormality detection signal can be input to the MCU 70. That is, the fuel gauge IC 20 can notify the MCU 70 by using the abnormality detection signal that an abnormality has occurred in the suction device 100. Therefore, if the MCU 70 can operate normally when an abnormality is detected, the MCU 70 can execute appropriate processing, such as processing for when an abnormality has occurred, based on the abnormality detection signal received from the fuel gauge IC 20, such as stopping the charging operation of the charging IC 30 to stop charging of the power supply unit 111, or turning off switch SW4 to stop the supply of power to the heater unit 60, thereby ensuring the safety of the suction device 100.

[0159] Furthermore, the MCU 70 can acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 at a predetermined timing. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , if the memory 21 is provided in the fuel gauge IC 20, the fuel gauge IC 20 determines whether or not there is abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 when the suction device 100 is started up, and if there is abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21, transmits the abnormality detection information Id to the MCU 70. This allows the MCU 70 to acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 when the suction device 100 is started up for the first time after the abnormality is detected, for example.

[0160] 7, if the MCU 70 can directly access the memory 21, the MCU 70 may access the memory 21 when the suction device 100 is started up, and acquire the abnormality detection information Id if any stored in the memory 21. Even in this manner, the MCU 70 can acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 when the suction device 100 is started up for the first time after an abnormality is detected, for example.

[0161] Furthermore, the MCU 70 can change the control after an abnormality is detected based on the acquired abnormality detection information Id. In this embodiment, the MCU 70 can take two control modes: a "normal mode" that allows power to be supplied to each component of the suction device 100, including the heater unit 60, and a "failure mode" that prohibits power supply to each component.

[0162] When the MCU 70 is in the normal mode, power can be supplied to each component of the suction device 100, including the heater unit 60, so the user can use the suction device 100. On the other hand, when the MCU 70 is in the failure mode, power is no longer supplied to each component of the suction device 100, including the heater unit 60, so the user cannot use the suction device 100. Note that the MCU 70 does not cancel the failure mode once it has been set to the failure mode, for example.

[0163] Then, for example, the MCU 70 is in normal mode until an abnormality is detected, and is in failure mode after the abnormality is detected. In other words, the MCU 70 is in normal mode when there is no abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21, and is in failure mode when there is abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21. This makes it possible to suppress the supply of power to each component including the heater unit 60 after an abnormality is detected, thereby ensuring the safety of the suction device 100.

[0164] In addition, the MCU 70 may determine the type of abnormality detected based on the acquired abnormality detection information Id, and change the control after the abnormality is detected based on the result of determining the type of abnormality.

[0165] For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, if the abnormality detection information Id includes information indicating the type of the detected abnormality, the MCU 70 may directly derive the type of abnormality indicated by the abnormality detection information Id as the result of determining the type of the detected abnormality. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5, if the abnormality detection information Id includes information indicating the state of the suction device 100 when the abnormality was detected, the MCU 70 may determine the type of the detected abnormality based on the parameter that exceeded the threshold or a signal indicating that the threshold was exceeded, such as a battery temperature abnormality if the battery temperature indicated by the abnormality detection information Id exceeds a threshold. Then, based on the result of determining the type of the detected abnormality, the MCU 70 may set the control mode after the abnormality is detected to normal mode or failure mode.

[0166] 8 is a diagram showing an example of setting information that defines the control mode of the MCU 70 after various types of abnormalities are detected. The setting information Is shown in FIG. 8 is stored in advance in the MCU 70 by, for example, the manufacturer of the suction device 100.

[0167] In the example of setting information Is shown in FIG. 8, the control mode after a battery temperature abnormality or a heater temperature abnormality is detected is specified as normal mode. On the other hand, the control mode after a current value abnormality is detected is specified as failure mode. Therefore, in this example, based on the setting information Is, the MCU 70 switches to normal mode when a battery temperature abnormality or a heater temperature abnormality is detected, and switches to failure mode when a current value abnormality is detected. Note that the control mode after various types of abnormalities are detected is not limited to the examples described here, and may be determined arbitrarily by the manufacturer of the suction device 100, for example.

[0168] In this way, by changing the control by MCU 70 based on the type of detected abnormality, it is possible to perform control that takes into account the type of detected abnormality, such as switching to failure mode when one type of abnormality is detected and switching to normal mode when another type of abnormality is detected. This makes it possible to perform control such that, for example, if the detected abnormality is relatively minor from a safety perspective, the user can continue to use suction device 100 after the detection of the abnormality, but if another abnormality is detected, the user cannot use suction device 100 after the detection of the abnormality. Therefore, while taking into consideration the safety of suction device 100, more flexible control is possible in accordance with the detected abnormality, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in user convenience.

[0169] Here, the control after the detection of an abnormality differs depending on the type of abnormality, but this is not limited to this. For example, the control may be changed based on the number of times the abnormality is detected. For example, the MCU 70 may be in normal mode until any abnormality is detected n times (for example, n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2), and then switch to failure mode after the abnormality is detected n times or more. Furthermore, the MCU 70 may be in normal mode until a specific type of abnormality is detected n times, and then switch to failure mode after the specific type of abnormality is detected n times or more.

[0170] Furthermore, the MCU 70 may change the control based on the number of times that any one of the abnormalities is detected corresponding to the type of the abnormality. More specifically, for example, the MCU 70 may change the control mode from the normal mode to the failure mode when a battery temperature abnormality is detected i times (e.g., i is a natural number), a heater temperature abnormality is detected j times (e.g., j is a natural number different from i), or a current value abnormality is detected k times (e.g., k is a natural number different from i and j).

[0171] Furthermore, if the abnormality detection information Id includes information indicating the state of the suction device 100 when an abnormality was detected, the MCU 70 may, for example, determine the severity of the detected abnormality and switch to a failure mode depending on the severity of the abnormality. More specifically, for example, if the battery temperature when the battery temperature abnormality is detected is below a predetermined value, the MCU 70 may maintain the normal mode even after the battery temperature abnormality is detected, but if the battery temperature is higher than the predetermined value, the MCU 70 may switch to a failure mode after the battery temperature abnormality is detected. In this way, the MCU 70 can perform flexible control depending on the severity of the detected abnormality, thereby improving the safety and convenience of the suction device 100.

[0172] Furthermore, for example, the fuel gauge IC 20 may be configured so that the MCU 70 can select whether or not to store the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21. In other words, the fuel gauge IC 20 may be configured so that, for example, in accordance with an instruction from the MCU 70, it can change whether or not to store the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21. More specifically, for example, when the fuel gauge IC 20 receives an instruction from the MCU 70 to turn off the function for storing the abnormality detection information Id, the fuel gauge IC 20 may thereafter refrain from detecting an abnormality based on input parameters or signals or storing the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21 until it receives an instruction from the MCU 70 to turn on the function.

[0173] For example, the MCU 70 checks the operation of the suction device 100 when the suction device 100 is started. During this operation check, the MCU 70 intentionally creates a state in which an abnormality in the suction device 100 can be detected, such as by inputting an nOVER_HEAT signal to the fuel gauge IC 20 regardless of the actual heater temperature, and checks whether the fuel gauge IC 20 can correctly detect the abnormality. In this way, when intentionally creating a state in which an abnormality in the suction device 100 can be detected, the MCU 70 temporarily turns off the storage function for the abnormality detection information Id by sending an instruction to the fuel gauge IC 20 to turn off the storage function for the abnormality detection information Id. Then, after checking the operation of the suction device 100, for example, before starting heating control, the MCU 70 turns on the storage function for the abnormality detection information Id by sending an instruction to the fuel gauge IC 20 to turn on the storage function for the abnormality detection information Id.

[0174] In this way, by configuring the fuel gauge IC 20 to be able to change whether or not to store the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21, it is possible to prevent abnormality detection information Id that is unrelated to an abnormality that has actually occurred in the suction device 100, i.e., unnecessary abnormality detection information Id, from being stored in the memory 21. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of times the memory 21, which may be made up of a non-volatile storage medium, is rewritten and a deterioration in the quality of the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21, due to the unnecessary abnormality detection information Id being stored in the memory 21.

[0175] 4. Effects of the Present Embodiment As described above, the suction device 100 of the present embodiment includes a power supply unit 111, an MCU 70 as an example of a first control unit, and a fuel gauge IC 20 as an example of a second control unit. The fuel gauge IC 20 is configured to receive parameters or signals representing the state of the suction device 100 and to store information about the suction device 100 based on the parameters or signals in the memory 21. When an abnormality in the suction device 100 is detected based on the input parameters or signals, the fuel gauge IC 20 stores abnormality detection information Id, which is information about the detected abnormality, in the memory 21 as information about the suction device 100, and the MCU 70 is configured to be able to acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 in this manner.

[0176] Therefore, according to the suction device 100, even if the MCU 70 is in a state where it cannot operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the suction device 100 (for example, a state where the MCU 70 itself is unable to store information related to the detected abnormality), the MCU 70 can acquire the abnormality detection information Id at any timing thereafter. As a result, even if the MCU 70 is in a state where it cannot operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the suction device 100, the MCU 70 can subsequently grasp that an abnormality has been detected in the suction device 100 and can perform control that takes into consideration the safety of the suction device 100. Therefore, the safety of the suction device 100 can be improved.

[0177] Furthermore, the abnormality detection information Id includes information indicating that an abnormality has been detected, information representing the state of the suction device 100 when the abnormality was detected, or information representing the type of the detected abnormality. This allows the MCU 70 to grasp, at any timing after an abnormality has been detected in the suction device 100, that an abnormality has been detected in the suction device 100, the state of the suction device 100 when the abnormality was detected, or the type of the detected abnormality, making it possible to perform control that takes into consideration the safety of the suction device 100. This therefore improves the safety of the suction device 100.

[0178] Furthermore, the MCU 70 is configured to be able to change the control after an abnormality is detected based on the acquired abnormality detection information Id. This allows the control by the MCU 70 to be changed based on the detection of an abnormality in the suction device 100, making it possible to perform control that takes into consideration the safety of the suction device 100. Therefore, the safety of the suction device 100 can be improved.

[0179] Furthermore, the abnormality detection information Id includes information indicating the state of the suction device 100 when the abnormality was detected or information indicating the type of the detected abnormality, and the MCU 70 is configured to determine the type of the detected abnormality based on the acquired abnormality detection information Id and to change the control after the abnormality is detected based on the determination result of the type of abnormality. This allows the control by the MCU 70 to be changed based on the type of abnormality detected in the suction device 100, making it possible to perform control that takes into consideration the safety and convenience of the suction device 100. Therefore, the safety and convenience of the suction device 100 can be improved.

[0180] Furthermore, when an abnormality is detected, the fuel gauge IC 20 outputs an abnormality detection signal to the MCU 70. Therefore, the abnormality detection signal from the fuel gauge IC 20 can notify the MCU 70 that an abnormality has been detected in the suction device 100. As a result, if the MCU 70 is in a state where it can operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the suction device 100, the MCU 70 can quickly grasp that an abnormality has been detected in the suction device 100, and can quickly perform control that takes safety of the suction device 100 into consideration, such as executing processing for when an abnormality occurs. Therefore, the safety of the suction device 100 can be improved.

[0181] Furthermore, the parameters input to the fuel gauge IC 20 include multiple types of parameters. This makes it possible to increase the types of detectable abnormalities and improve the accuracy of abnormality detection compared to when only one type of parameter is input to the fuel gauge IC 20. Furthermore, in the example described above, the signal input to the fuel gauge IC 20 is the nOVER_HEAT signal. However, for example, in addition to the nOVER_HEAT signal, other signals indicating the state of the suction device 100 may also be input to the fuel gauge IC 20. In other words, the signal input to the fuel gauge IC 20 may include multiple types of signals. This makes it possible to increase the types of detectable abnormalities and improve the accuracy of abnormality detection compared to when only one type of signal is input to the fuel gauge IC 20.

[0182] Furthermore, the suction device 100 includes a switch SW4 that turns on and off the power supply to the heater unit 60 that constitutes the heating section 121, and the fuel gauge IC 20 outputs an abnormality detection signal to the switch SW4 when an abnormality is detected. The switch SW4 then turns off the power supply to the heater unit 60 in response to the abnormality detection signal from the fuel gauge IC 20. Therefore, the abnormality detection signal from the fuel gauge IC 20 makes it possible to turn off the power supply to the heater unit 60 (i.e., the heating section 121). As a result, even if the MCU 70 is unable to operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the suction device 100, the power supply to the heater unit 60 can be turned off, preventing unintended power from being supplied to the heater unit 60 and improving the safety of the suction device 100.

[0183] Furthermore, if an abnormality is detected during charging of power supply unit 111, fuel gauge IC 20 stops charging of power supply unit 111. As a result, even if an abnormality is detected during charging of power supply unit 111 and MCU 70 cannot operate normally when the abnormality is detected, charging of power supply unit 111 can be stopped, thereby improving the safety of suction device 100.

[0184] More specifically, if an abnormality is detected during charging of the power supply unit 111, the fuel gauge IC 20 stops the charging operation of the charging IC 30, thereby stopping the charging of the power supply unit 111. This makes it possible to more reliably and easily stop the charging of the power supply unit 111 when an abnormality is detected during charging of the power supply unit 111.

[0185] Furthermore, the fuel gauge IC 20 is configured to be able to change whether or not to store the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary abnormality detection information Id from being stored in the memory 21.

[0186] 2, the MCU 70 may be configured to be able to acquire, from the fuel gauge IC 20, the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 provided in the fuel gauge IC 20. In this way, the MCU 70 can acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 of the fuel gauge IC 20.

[0187] 7, the MCU 70 may be configured to be able to acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 that is accessible to the MCU 70 and the fuel gauge IC 20, from the memory 21. In this way, the MCU 70 can directly acquire the abnormality detection information Id stored in the memory 21 that is accessible to the MCU 70 and the fuel gauge IC 20.

[0188] Furthermore, fuel gauge IC 20, which stores abnormality detection information Id in memory 21, is an IC configured to be able to acquire information indicating the remaining amount of power supply unit 111 based on input parameters or signals. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in suction device 100 and store abnormality detection information Id in memory 21 by utilizing fuel gauge IC 20, which is an IC to which parameters or signals representing the state of suction device 100 are input in order to acquire information indicating the remaining amount of power supply unit 111.

[0189] Furthermore, the parameters or signals input to the fuel gauge IC 20 include parameters or signals related to the temperature (i.e., heater temperature) of the heater unit 60 that constitutes the heating section 121, and the fuel gauge IC 20 is configured to be able to detect abnormalities related to the heater temperature based on the parameters or signals. This makes it possible to use the fuel gauge IC 20 to acquire information indicating the remaining amount of power in the power supply section 111, and also to detect abnormalities related to the heater temperature.

[0190] In the present embodiment, the fuel gauge IC 20 is used to detect an abnormality in the suction device 100 and store the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21, but this is not limited to this. For example, instead of the fuel gauge IC 20, another control unit (however, a control unit different from the MCU 70) to which a parameter or signal representing the state of the suction device 100 is input may detect an abnormality in the suction device 100 and store the abnormality detection information Id in the memory 21. In this case, however, the memory 21 in which the abnormality detection information Id can be stored is provided inside or outside the other control unit (more specifically, an IC that realizes the other control unit) in a state accessible by the other control unit.

[0191] Furthermore, the suction device 100 of this embodiment includes a power supply unit 111, an MCU 70 as an example of a first control unit, and a fuel gauge IC 20 as an example of a second control unit. The fuel gauge IC 20 is configured to receive parameters or signals representing the state of the suction device 100 and to acquire information indicating the remaining amount of fuel in the power supply unit 111 based on the parameters or signals. The parameters or signals input to the fuel gauge IC 20 include parameters or signals related to the temperature (i.e., heater temperature) of the heater unit 60 that constitutes the heating unit 121, and the fuel gauge IC 20 is configured to stop the supply of power to the heater unit 60 when an abnormality related to the heater temperature is detected based on the input parameters or signals.

[0192] Therefore, according to suction device 100, when an abnormality related to the heater temperature is detected, fuel gauge IC 20 can stop the power supply to heater unit 60. As a result, even if MCU 70 is in a state where it cannot operate normally when an abnormality related to the heater temperature is detected, power supply to heater unit 60 can be stopped by utilizing fuel gauge IC 20, which acquires information indicating the remaining amount of power in power supply unit 111, thereby preventing unintended power from being supplied to heater unit 60 and improving the safety of suction device 100.

[0193] Furthermore, as described above, the configuration of this embodiment makes it possible to stop charging of the power supply unit 111 by the fuel gauge IC 20 without going through the MCU 70. In contrast to the configuration of this embodiment, for example, a flip-flop circuit may be provided in the suction device 100 so that the nOVER_HEAT signal from the comparator CP is input to the flip-flop circuit, and the flip-flop circuit outputs an abnormality detection signal to the switch SW4 or the like in response to the input of the nOVER_HEAT signal.

[0194] However, if such a flip-flop circuit is provided, the addition of the flip-flop circuit may increase the number of parts of the suction device 100. This may result in a more complicated configuration of the suction device 100 and an increase in the manufacturing cost of the suction device 100. On the other hand, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, by utilizing the fuel gauge IC 20, it is not necessary to provide a separate flip-flop circuit as described above, and it is possible to ensure the safety of the suction device 100 while suppressing an increase in the number of parts of the suction device 100.

[0195] Furthermore, when the flip-flop circuit is configured to output an abnormality detection signal as described above, noise resistance may be reduced compared to the configuration of this embodiment. More specifically, when the flip-flop circuit is configured to output an abnormality detection signal, if noise is input to the flip-flop circuit, this noise may cause the flip-flop circuit to output an abnormality detection signal (latch signal). In other words, even if no abnormality has occurred in the suction device 100, false abnormality detection may occur, in which an abnormality detection signal is output due to noise input to the flip-flop circuit.

[0196] In contrast, with the configuration of this embodiment, the fuel gauge IC 20 outputs an abnormality detection signal, so it is possible to output the abnormality detection signal only when there is a high possibility that an abnormality has actually occurred, such as when a predetermined parameter exceeds a threshold value multiple times in succession. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive output of the abnormality detection signal even when no abnormality has occurred, thereby preventing a decrease in user convenience.

[0197] While one embodiment of the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure has been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiment may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0198] This specification etc. describes at least the following items. In parentheses, components etc. corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0199] (1) A power supply unit (inhalation device 100, 100B, power supply unit 110) of an aerosol generation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit (power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B) configured to be able to supply power to a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121A, 121B, heater unit 60) that heats the aerosol source; a first control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B, MCU 70) configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit; and a second control unit (gauge IC 20) configured to receive a parameter or signal representing a state of the power supply unit and store information about the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal in a storage unit (memory 21), When an abnormality is detected in the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal, the second control unit stores information about the detected abnormality (abnormality detection information Id) in the memory unit as information about the power supply unit, and the first control unit is further configured to be able to acquire the information about the abnormality stored in the memory unit.

[0200] According to (1), even if the first control unit is unable to operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the power supply unit, the first control unit can acquire information about the detected abnormality at any timing thereafter. As a result, even if the first control unit is unable to operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the power supply unit, the first control unit can subsequently grasp that an abnormality has been detected in the power supply unit and can perform control that takes safety of the power supply unit into consideration. Therefore, the safety of the power supply unit can be improved.

[0201] (2) The power supply unit according to (1), wherein the information relating to the abnormality includes information indicating that an abnormality has been detected, information representing the state of the power supply unit when the abnormality was detected, or information indicating the type of the detected abnormality.

[0202] According to (2), at any timing after an abnormality in the power supply unit is detected, the first control unit can grasp that an abnormality has been detected in the power supply unit, the state of the power supply unit when the abnormality was detected, or the type of the detected abnormality, and it becomes possible to perform control that takes safety of the power supply unit into consideration. Therefore, the safety of the power supply unit can be improved.

[0203] (3) The power supply unit according to (1) or (2), wherein the first control unit is further configured to be able to change control after the abnormality is detected based on the acquired information about the abnormality.

[0204] According to (3), the control by the first control unit can be changed based on the detection of an abnormality in the power supply unit, and control can be performed with consideration given to the safety of the power supply unit, thereby improving the safety of the power supply unit.

[0205] (4) The power supply unit according to (3), wherein the information relating to the abnormality includes information representing the state of the power supply unit when the abnormality is detected or information indicating the type of the detected abnormality, and the first control unit is configured to determine the type of the detected abnormality based on the acquired information relating to the abnormality, and to be able to change control after the abnormality is detected based on the determination result of the type of the abnormality.

[0206] According to (4), the control by the first control unit can be changed based on the type of abnormality detected in the power supply unit, making it possible to perform control that takes into consideration the safety and convenience of the power supply unit.

[0207] (5) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the second control unit further outputs an abnormality detection signal to the first control unit when the abnormality is detected.

[0208] According to (5), the abnormality detection signal from the second control unit can notify the first control unit that an abnormality has been detected in the power supply unit. As a result, if the first control unit is in a state where it can operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the power supply unit, the first control unit can quickly grasp that an abnormality has been detected in the power supply unit and can quickly perform control that takes safety of the power supply unit into consideration. Therefore, the safety of the power supply unit can be improved.

[0209] (6) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the parameters or signals input to the second control unit include a plurality of types of parameters or signals.

[0210] According to (6), it is possible to increase the types of abnormalities that can be detected and improve the accuracy of abnormality detection compared to when only one type of parameter or signal is input to the second control unit.

[0211] (7) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (6), further comprising a switch (switch SW4) that turns on and off the power supply to the heating unit, the second control unit further outputs an abnormality detection signal to the switch when the abnormality is detected, and the switch turns off the power supply to the heating unit in response to the abnormality detection signal.

[0212] According to (7), the power supply to the heating unit can be turned off in response to an abnormality detection signal from the second control unit. As a result, even if the first control unit is unable to operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the power supply unit, the power supply to the heating unit can be turned off, preventing unintended power from being supplied to the heating unit and improving the safety of the power supply unit.

[0213] (8) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the power supply unit is further configured to be chargeable by power received from an external power source, and the second control unit stops charging of the power supply unit when the abnormality is detected during charging of the power supply unit.

[0214] According to (8), even if an abnormality is detected during charging of the power supply unit and the first control unit is unable to operate normally when the abnormality is detected, charging of the power supply unit can be stopped, thereby improving the safety of the power supply unit.

[0215] (9) The power supply unit according to (8), further comprising a charging IC (charging IC 30) that charges the power supply unit by supplying power received from the external power source to the power supply unit, and when the abnormality is detected during charging of the power supply unit, the second control unit stops the charging operation of the charging IC, thereby stopping the charging of the power supply unit.

[0216] According to (9), when an abnormality is detected during charging of the power supply unit, charging of the power supply unit can be stopped more reliably and easily.

[0217] (10) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the second control unit is configured to be able to change whether or not to store information related to the abnormality in the storage unit.

[0218] According to (10), the second control unit can change whether or not to store information about abnormalities in the memory unit, making it possible to prevent unnecessary information about abnormalities from being stored in the memory unit.

[0219] (11) A power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the first control unit is configured by one IC (MCU 70), the second control unit is configured by another IC (gauge IC 20) that can communicate with the one IC, the storage unit is configured by a memory (memory 21) provided in the other IC, and the one IC acquires information about the abnormality stored in the memory from the other IC.

[0220] According to (11), one IC serving as the first control unit can acquire information about an abnormality stored in the memory of another IC serving as the second control unit.

[0221] (12) A power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the first control unit is configured by one IC (MCU 70), the second control unit is configured by another IC (fuel gauge IC 20) different from the one IC, the storage unit is configured by a memory (memory 21) accessible by the one IC and the other IC, and the one IC acquires information about the abnormality stored in the memory from the memory.

[0222] According to (12), one IC can acquire information about an abnormality stored in a memory that is accessible to one IC as a first control unit and another IC as a second control unit.

[0223] (13) The power supply unit according to (11) or (12), wherein the other IC is a fuel gauge IC (fuel gauge IC20) configured to be able to acquire information indicating the remaining amount of power in the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal.

[0224] According to (13), in order to obtain information indicating the remaining capacity of the power supply unit, it is possible to utilize a remaining capacity meter IC to which parameters or signals indicating the state of the power supply unit are input, and to store information regarding abnormalities in memory.

[0225] (14) The power supply unit according to (13), wherein the parameter or the signal includes a parameter or a signal related to the temperature of the heating unit, and the fuel gauge IC is further configured to be able to detect the abnormality related to the temperature of the heating unit based on the parameter or the signal.

[0226] According to (14), it is possible to detect abnormalities in the temperature of the heating unit by utilizing a fuel gauge IC for acquiring information indicating the remaining capacity of the power supply unit.

[0227] (15) A power supply unit (inhalation device 100, 100B, power supply unit 110) of an aerosol generation device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit (power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B) configured to be able to supply power to a heating unit (heating unit 121, 121A, 121B, heater unit 60) that heats the aerosol source; a first control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B, MCU 70) configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit; and a second control unit (gauge IC20) configured to receive a parameter or signal representing a state of the power supply unit and to acquire information indicating the remaining amount of the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal, wherein the parameter or the signal includes a parameter or signal related to the temperature of the heating unit, The second control unit is further configured to be able to stop the supply of power to the heating unit when an abnormality in the temperature of the heating unit is detected based on the parameter or the signal.

[0228] According to (15), when an abnormality related to the temperature of the heating unit is detected, the second control unit can stop the power supply to the heating unit. As a result, even if the first control unit is unable to operate normally when an abnormality is detected in the power supply unit, the second control unit can be used to acquire information indicating the remaining capacity of the power supply unit to stop the power supply to the heating unit, thereby preventing unintended power from being supplied to the heating unit and improving the safety of the power supply unit.

[0229] 20 Remaining amount meter IC (second control unit) 21 Memory (storage unit) 60 Heater unit (heating unit) 70 MCU (first control unit) 100, 100A, 100B Suction device (aerosol generating device, power supply unit) 110 Power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B Power supply unit (power supply unit) 116, 116A, 116B Control unit (first control unit) 121, 121A, 121B Heating unit

Claims

1. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit configured to supply power to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a first control unit configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit; a second control unit configured to receive a parameter or a signal representing a state of the power supply unit and to store information about the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal in a storage unit; Equipped with when an abnormality is detected in the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal, the second control unit stores information about the detected abnormality in the storage unit as information about the power supply unit; The first control unit is further configured to be able to acquire information about the abnormality stored in the storage unit. Power supply unit.

2. 2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, The information related to the abnormality includes information indicating that the abnormality has been detected, information indicating the state of the power supply unit when the abnormality was detected, or information indicating the type of the detected abnormality. Power supply unit.

3. 2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, The first control unit is further configured to be able to change control after the abnormality is detected based on the acquired information about the abnormality. Power supply unit.

4. 4. The power supply unit according to claim 3, the information about the abnormality includes information indicating the state of the power supply unit when the abnormality was detected, or information indicating the type of the detected abnormality, The first control unit is configured to determine a type of the detected abnormality based on the acquired information about the abnormality, and to change control after the abnormality is detected based on a determination result of the type of the abnormality. Power supply unit.

5. 2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, The second control unit further outputs an abnormality detection signal to the first control unit when the abnormality is detected. Power supply unit.

6. 2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, The parameters or signals input to the second control unit include a plurality of types of parameters or signals. Power supply unit.

7. 2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, the power supply unit further includes a switch for turning on and off the power supply to the heating unit; The second control unit further outputs an abnormality detection signal to the switch when the abnormality is detected, The switch turns off the power supply to the heating unit in response to the abnormality detection signal. Power supply unit.

8. 8. A power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the power supply unit is further configured to be rechargeable by power received from an external power supply; the second control unit stops charging of the power supply unit when the abnormality is detected during charging of the power supply unit; Power supply unit.

9. 9. The power supply unit according to claim 8, the power supply unit further includes a charging IC that charges the power supply unit by supplying power received from the external power supply to the power supply unit; the second control unit, when the abnormality is detected during charging of the power supply unit, stops the charging operation of the charging IC, thereby stopping the charging of the power supply unit. Power supply unit.

10. 8. A power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the second control unit is configured to be able to change whether or not to store information related to the abnormality in the storage unit. Power supply unit.

11. 2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, the first control unit is configured by one IC, the second control unit is configured by another IC capable of communicating with the one IC, the storage unit is configured by a memory provided in the other IC, The one IC acquires the information about the abnormality stored in the memory from the other IC. Power supply unit.

12. 2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, the first control unit is configured by one IC, the second control unit is configured by another IC different from the one IC, the storage unit is configured by a memory accessible by the one IC and the other IC, The one IC acquires, from the memory, information about the abnormality stored in the memory. Power supply unit.

13. 13. A power supply unit according to claim 11 or 12, the other IC is a fuel gauge IC configured to be able to acquire information indicating a remaining amount of the power supply unit based on the parameter or the signal. Power supply unit.

14. 14. The power supply unit of claim 13, the parameter or the signal includes a parameter or a signal related to the temperature of the heating unit; The fuel gauge IC is further configured to be able to detect the abnormality related to the temperature of the heating unit based on the parameter or the signal. Power supply unit.

15. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, comprising: a power supply unit configured to supply power to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a first control unit configured to be able to control the power supply from the power supply unit to the heating unit; a second control unit configured to receive a parameter or signal representing the state of the power supply unit and to acquire information representing the remaining capacity of the power supply unit based on the parameter or signal; Equipped with the parameter or the signal includes a parameter or a signal related to the temperature of the heating unit; the second control unit is further configured to stop the supply of power to the heating unit when an abnormality in the temperature of the heating unit is detected based on the parameter or the signal. Power supply unit.