Battery pack and control device

Abstract

To provide a mechanism capable of collecting information by using replacement of a battery pack. A battery pack detachably connected to a suction device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the battery pack comprising: a chargeable / dischargeable battery; a storage unit that stores information; a communication terminal that transmits and receives information to and from a device to which the battery pack is connected; and a control unit that, in a state in which the battery pack is connected to the suction device, writes, in the storage unit, discharge information during heating, which is information indicating a discharge state of the battery when the heating unit executes heating, and transmits, via the communication terminal, information stored in the storage unit in a state in which the battery pack is connected to a charging device that charges the battery.

Description

Battery pack and control device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and a control device.

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate substances to be inhaled by users are widely used. For example, inhalation devices generate aerosols imparted with flavor components using a substrate containing an aerosol source for generating aerosols and a flavor source for imparting flavor components to the generated aerosol. Users can enjoy the flavor by inhaling the aerosols imparted with flavor components generated by the inhalation device. The action of a user inhaling the aerosol is hereinafter also referred to as a puff or puffing action. Examples of devices classified as inhalation devices include heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, which are used as alternatives to cigarettes, as well as nebulizers used for medical purposes. Heat-not-burn tobacco products are inhalation devices that generate aerosols by heating an aerosol source. Electronic cigarettes are inhalation devices that generate aerosols by atomizing a liquid aerosol source.

[0003] In recent years, legal regulations related to the right to repair have been established. Right to repair regulations refer to various legal regulations aimed at creating an environment in which end users can repair industrial products and use them for a longer period of time, from the perspectives of consumer protection and environmental protection. The right to repair allows consumers to repair products that are broken or damaged over time. As a result, consumers can postpone replacement purchases and save money. Furthermore, it reduces waste generation and resource use, thereby mitigating environmental impact. Because the right to repair benefits both consumers and the environment, it is considered an important theme in promoting a circular economy.

[0004] As a technology relating to the right to repair, Patent Document 1 below discloses a suction device with a replaceable battery pack.

[0005] International Publication No. 2014 / 163664

[0006] The technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various respects.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism that makes it possible to collect information by utilizing the replacement of a battery pack.

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery pack that is detachably connectable to an inhalation device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the battery pack comprising: a rechargeable battery; a memory unit that stores information; a communication terminal that transmits and receives information between the battery pack and the device to which the battery pack is connected; and a control unit that, when the battery pack is connected to the inhalation device, writes discharge information during heating into the memory unit, which is information indicating the discharge status of the battery when the heating unit performs heating, and transmits the information stored in the memory unit via the communication terminal when the battery pack is connected to a charging device that charges the battery.

[0009] The control unit may write information received from the suction device via the communication terminal into the storage unit.

[0010] The control unit may write information received from the charging device via the communication terminal into the storage unit.

[0011] The discharge information during heating may include at least one of a voltage drop value of the battery when the heating unit performs heating, a drop value of the charge capacity of the battery when the heating unit performs heating, or a temperature rise value of the battery when the heating unit performs heating.

[0012] The discharge information during heating may include the number of discharges performed for an autorun function that starts heating when a substrate containing an aerosol source is set in the suction device.

[0013] The battery pack may be provided interchangeably to a plurality of the suction devices via the charging device, and the control unit may write an exchange log, which is a log regarding the exchange of the battery pack, into the memory unit and transmit it via the communication terminal.

[0014] The replacement log may include at least one of information indicating the time when the battery pack was replaced and information indicating the location where the battery pack was replaced.

[0015] The replacement log may further include at least one of identification information of the suction device to which the battery pack is connected and identification information of a user of the suction device to which the battery pack is connected.

[0016] The replacement log may further include information about a substrate pack, including one or more substrates containing the aerosol source, that was purchased along with the replacement battery pack.

[0017] The control unit may write device information, which is information indicating a mode of use of the suction device, into the storage unit and transmit the device information via the communication terminal.

[0018] The device information may include at least one of information indicating the smoking time, information indicating the smoking duration, information indicating the total smoking time, information indicating the total number of times smoked, information indicating the total usage time, information indicating the security settings, information indicating the number of puffs, information indicating the time of puffing, information on the heating profile, location information of the inhalation device, or information indicating an error that has occurred in the inhalation device.

[0019] The control unit may write charging information into the memory unit and transmit it via the communication terminal, the charging information including at least one of information indicating the number of charges, information indicating the charging interval, information indicating the charging time and the amount of charge per charge, information indicating the charging voltage or charging current, information on the position during charging, or information indicating the number of times a charging abnormality occurred and the amount of charge when a charging abnormality occurred.

[0020] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control device is provided that includes a control unit that determines the state of the battery pack based on information stored in a battery pack that is detachably connected to an inhalation device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, and that determines the state of the battery pack based on information received from the battery pack by the charging device when the battery pack is connected to a charging device that charges the battery pack.

[0021] The battery pack may be provided interchangeably to a plurality of the suction devices via the charging device, and the suction devices may generate aerosol using a substrate containing an aerosol source, and the control unit may determine the number of substrates that can be used by the candidate suction devices when the fully charged battery pack is connected as the state of the battery pack.

[0022] The control unit determines that the battery pack can be provided to the candidate recipient suction device if the number of substrates that can be used by the candidate recipient suction device when the battery pack is fully charged is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and the threshold value may be set for each candidate recipient suction device or each user of the candidate recipient suction device.

[0023] As described above, the present disclosure provides a mechanism that makes it possible to collect information by utilizing the replacement of a battery pack.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a system according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of a suction device according to the present embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a battery pack according to the present embodiment; FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management server according to the present embodiment; FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow executed by the battery pack according to the present embodiment; and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow executed by the management server according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0026] 1. Overview First, an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0027] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a suction device 100, a user terminal 200, a charging station 300, a store terminal 400, and a management server 500.

[0028] The suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 are carried and used by a user U. The suction device 100 and the user terminal 200 used by the same user U may be capable of communicating using, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or the like.

[0029] The inhalation device 100 is a device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user U using a substrate containing an aerosol source. The inhalation device 100 may be a so-called electronic cigarette or a heated tobacco product. A battery pack 170 can be detachably attached (i.e., connected) to the inhalation device 100. The inhalation device 100 operates using power from the attached battery pack 170. Hereinafter, the configuration of the inhalation device 100 from which the battery pack 170 has been removed may be referred to as the main body, or simply as the inhalation device 100.

[0030] The battery pack 170 includes at least a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery pack 170 may have a storage medium and a communication terminal. Information may be read from and written to the storage medium via the communication terminal by the suction device 100 or the charging station 300 to which the battery pack 170 is connected.

[0031] The user terminal 200 is an example of a terminal device used by the user U. The user terminal 200 may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The user terminal 200 functions as an interface between the user U and the system 1. For example, the user terminal 200 inputs and outputs various information for replacing the battery pack 170. The user terminal 200 can also control the operation of the suction device 100 through communication with the suction device 100.

[0032] The charging station 300 and the store terminal 400 are arranged in a store 8 such as a convenience store, and are used by a store clerk S working at the store 8. The charging station 300 and the store terminal 400 arranged in the same store 8 may be able to communicate with each other using, for example, a local area network (LAN). The store 8 sells substrate packs that include one or more substrates used by the suction device 100. The store 8 may sell multiple types of substrate packs that include different types or numbers of substrates.

[0033] Charging station 300 is an example of a charging device that charges battery pack 170. Battery pack 170 can be detachably connected to charging station 300. Charging station 300 charges connected battery pack 170. Specifically, charging station 300 includes a housing case 301 that houses battery pack 170. Charging station 300 charges battery pack 170 housed in housing case 301. Charging station 300 also includes an LED (light emitting diode) 302 that emits light in a color corresponding to the charging status of battery pack 170, and a touch panel 303 that inputs and outputs various information.

[0034] The user U can exchange the battery pack 170 attached to the suction device 100 at the store 8. Here, exchange refers to returning the used battery pack 170 and receiving a charged battery pack 170 from the charging station 300.

[0035] For example, the user U removes the used battery pack 170 from the suction device 100 and returns it. The store clerk S connects the battery pack 170 returned by the user U to the charging station 300 to start charging, and removes the charged battery pack 170 from the charging station 300 and provides it to the user U. The user U receives the battery pack 170 provided by the store clerk S and attaches it to the suction device 100. With this battery pack 170 exchange service, the user U does not need to charge the battery pack 170 at home, and can exchange the used battery pack 170 for a fully charged battery pack 170 whenever he or she is out and about.

[0036] The service provided by the charging station 300 is not limited to the replacement of the battery pack 170. That is, the charging station 300 may only accept the return of the battery pack 170, or may only provide the battery pack 170. For example, the user U may borrow a spare battery pack 170 in addition to the battery pack 170 that the user U owns, or may return the borrowed spare battery pack 170.

[0037] In this way, the battery pack 170 is provided interchangeably for a plurality of suction devices 100 via the charging station 300. Of course, the user U can also charge the battery pack 170 at home or the like.

[0038] The store terminal 400 is an example of a terminal device used by the store clerk S. The store terminal 400 may be, for example, a cash register terminal that complies with a POS (Point of Sale) system. The store terminal 400 functions as an interface between the store clerk S and the system 1. For example, the store terminal 400 inputs and outputs various information for replacing the battery pack 170. The store terminal 400 also performs payment for the replacement fee for the battery pack 170.

[0039] The management server 500 is an example of a control device that controls the overall operation within the system 1. The management server 500 communicates with each of the user terminals 200, the charging stations 300, and the store terminals 400 via the network 9 and controls their operation.

[0040] As one example, the management server 500 collects and manages various information related to the replacement of the battery pack 170, and controls the displays of the user terminal 200, the charging station 300, and the store terminal 400. As another example, the management server 500 determines the state of the battery pack 170, collects (i.e., removes) deteriorated or broken ones, and repairs and redistributes those that can be repaired.

[0041] 2. Configuration Example 2.1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device 100 Inhalation device 100 is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by inhalation device 100 is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by inhalation device 100 may be a gas.

[0042] (1) First Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of the inhalation device 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the inhalation device 100A according to 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 unit 111A, a sensor unit 112A, a notification unit 113A, a memory unit 114A, a communication unit 115A, and a control unit 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating unit 121A, a liquid guiding unit 122, and a liquid storage unit 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.

[0043] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. The power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0044] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the suction device 100A. As one example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0045] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A is configured by, for example, 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.

[0046] The storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of the suction device 100 A. The storage unit 114A is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0049] The liquid reservoir 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. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The heating unit 121A generates aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0052] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] (2) Second Configuration Example Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0060] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0061] 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 100B. 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 3, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the storage 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, and an aerosol is generated.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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 that 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] (3) Supplementary Information In the following, when there is no particular need to distinguish between the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B described above, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will be collectively referred to as suction device 100, and will be described without distinction. Similarly, when there is no particular need to distinguish between components included in common in the suction device 100A and the suction device 100B, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will be described without distinction.

[0071] The inhalation device 100 is an example of an aerosol generation system that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user using a substrate containing either an aerosol source or a flavor source. The flavor source is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. In the first configuration example, the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130 are an example of a substrate used by the aerosol generation system. In the second configuration example, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is an example of a substrate used by the aerosol generation system. With regard to the second configuration example, the combination of the inhalation device 100 and the stick-shaped substrate 150 may be considered as an aerosol generation system.

[0072] The battery pack 170 shown in Fig. 1 includes at least the power supply unit 111 shown in Fig. 2 or 3. Next, an example of the configuration of the battery pack 170 will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0073] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a battery pack 170 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4 , the battery pack 170 includes a battery 171, a protection IC (Integration Circuit) 172, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 173, a memory 174, a sensor 175, and a terminal 176.

[0074] The battery 171 is a rechargeable secondary battery. The battery 171 corresponds to the power supply unit 111 shown in Fig. 2 or 3. The battery 171 supplies power to an external device (e.g., the main body of the suction device 100) via the protection IC 172 and the terminal 176. The battery 171 is charged by power supplied from the external device (e.g., the charging station 300) via the protection IC 172 and the terminal 176.

[0075] The protection IC 172 is a protection circuit that stops charging when overcharging occurs and stops discharging when overdischarging occurs.

[0076] The MCU 173 is an example of a control unit for controlling the operation of the battery pack 170. The battery pack 170 executes various processes under the control of the MCU 173. Storing and reading information by the memory 174, detecting information by the sensor 175, transmitting and receiving power via the terminal 176, and transmitting and receiving information via the terminal 176 are examples of processes controlled by the MCU 173. Other processes executed by the battery pack 170, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the MCU 173.

[0077] The memory 174 is an example of a storage unit that stores information. The memory 174 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0078] The sensor 175 is an example of a detection unit that detects various information related to the battery pack 170. For example, the sensor 175 detects the temperature of the battery 171, and the voltage and current values ​​of the battery 171 when it is being charged and discharged.

[0079] The terminal 176 functions as a power terminal for transmitting and receiving power and a communication terminal for transmitting and receiving information to and from a device connected to the battery pack 170. The terminal 176 may be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.

[0080] In addition, although Figure 4 describes an example in which the protection IC 172 is included in the battery pack 170, the protection IC 172 may also be included in the device to which the battery pack 170 is connected (for example, the main body of the suction device 100 or the charging station 300).

[0081] (4) Heating Profile The control unit 116 controls the operation of the heating unit 121 based on a heating profile. The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile specifies target values ​​of parameters corresponding to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated. An example of the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the temperature of the heating unit 121. An example of the parameter corresponding to the temperature to which the aerosol source is heated is the resistance of the heating unit 121. That is, the heating profile may specify a target value of the resistance of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as target resistance). The resistance of the heating unit 121 changes depending on the temperature of the heating unit 121 (more precisely, the heating resistor that constitutes the heating unit 121). In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the resistance of the heating unit 121 increases as the temperature of the heating unit 121 increases.

[0082] The temperature control of the heating unit 121 can be achieved by, for example, known feedback control. The feedback control may be, for example, a proportional-integral-differential controller (PID) control. The control unit 116 can supply power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 in the form of pulses modulated by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). In this case, the control unit 116 can control the temperature of the heating unit 121 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power pulses in the feedback control.

[0083] Hereinafter, the period during which power supply to the heating unit 121 is controlled based on the heating profile, in other words, the period during which heating is performed by the heating unit 121 based on the heating profile, will also be referred to as a heating session. Also, below, heating based on the heating profile may also be simply referred to as heating.

[0084] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 500 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the management server 500 includes a communication unit 510, a storage unit 520, and a control unit 530.

[0085] The communication unit 510 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information between the management server 500 and other devices. The communication unit 510 performs communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard.

[0086] The storage unit 520 stores various types of information for the operation of the management server 500. The storage unit 520 is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0087] The control unit 530 functions as an arithmetic processing unit and control device, and controls the overall operation of the management server 500 in accordance with various programs. The control unit 530 is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor. The control unit 530 may also include a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the programs to be used, calculation parameters, etc., and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores parameters that change as appropriate. The management server 500 executes various processes under the control of the control unit 530. The transmission and reception of information by the communication unit 510 and the storage and reading of information by the memory unit 520 are examples of processes controlled by the control unit 530. Other processes executed by the management server 500, such as input of information to each component and processing based on information output from each component, are also controlled by the control unit 530.

[0088] 3. Information Collection via Battery Pack 170 When connected to battery pack 170, the main body of suction device 100 or an external device such as charging station 300 can write various information to memory 174. Specifically, when connected to the external device, MCU 173 writes information received from the external device via terminal 176 to memory 174. As an example, when battery pack 170 is connected to the main body of suction device 100, MCU 173 may receive information related to power supply from battery 171 to the main body of suction device 100 and write the information to memory 174. As another example, when battery pack 170 is connected to charging station 300, MCU 173 may receive information related to charging of battery 171 by charging station 300 and write the information to memory 174.

[0089] Of course, battery pack 170 can write information acquired by battery pack 170 itself to memory 174. As one example, MCU 173 may write information detected by sensor 175 in a state where battery pack 170 is connected to the main body of suction device 100 to memory 174. As another example, MCU 173 may write information detected by sensor 175 in a state where battery pack 170 is connected to charging station 300 to memory 174.

[0090] When the battery pack 170 is connected to an external device such as the main body of the suction device 100 or the charging station 300, the MCU 173 transmits the information stored in the memory 174 to the external device via the terminal 176. As a result, the external device can perform various processes using the information received from the battery pack 170. For example, the charging station 300 transmits the information received by the battery pack 170 to the management server 500.

[0091] In order to improve the quality of the user experience when using the suction device 100, it is preferable that the management server 500 periodically collects and analyzes information about the suction device 100 and implements measures using the analysis results. Typically, information about the suction device 100 is collected by the management server 500 via a user terminal 200 that can communicate with both the suction device 100 and the management server 500. However, if the suction device 100 does not communicate with the user terminal 200, or if the user terminal 200 does not communicate with the management server 500, it is difficult to periodically collect information via the user terminal 200.

[0092] In this regard, with this configuration, the management server 500 can periodically collect information about the suction device 100 via the charging station 300 to which the battery pack 170 is connected when the battery pack 170 is replaced. As a result, it is possible to implement various measures to improve the quality of the user experience when using the suction device 100, thereby improving the quality of the user experience.

[0093] Furthermore, with this configuration, it becomes possible for external devices to exchange information with each other via the battery pack 170. As a result, it is expected that various services will be created.

[0094] An example of information that can be stored in the battery pack 170 and collected by replacing the battery pack 170 will be described below.

[0095] (1) Battery Pack ID The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores a battery pack ID, which is identification information of the battery pack 170. The battery pack ID can be written when the battery pack 170 is manufactured.

[0096] (2) Replacement Log The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores a replacement log, which is a log related to replacement of the battery pack 170. The replacement log may include at least one of the following pieces of information:

[0097] The replacement log may include a device ID, which is identification information of the suction device 100 to which the battery pack 170 provided by the charging station 300 is connected. Furthermore, the replacement log may include a user ID, which is identification information of the user U of the suction device 100 to which the battery pack 170 provided by the charging station 300 is connected.

[0098] The replacement log may include information indicating the replacement time of the battery pack 170. Specifically, the replacement log may include information indicating the provision time of the battery pack 170 (e.g., the date and time when the battery pack 170 was removed from the charging station 300 or the date and time when the battery pack 170 was connected to the suction device 100). The replacement log may also include information indicating the return time of the battery pack 170 (e.g., the date and time when the battery pack 170 was removed from the suction device 100 or the date and time when the battery pack 170 was connected to the charging station 300).

[0099] The replacement log may include information indicating the location where the battery pack 170 is replaced. Specifically, the replacement log may include information indicating the location where the battery pack 170 is provided (for example, location information or identification information of the store 8). The replacement log may also include information indicating the location where the battery pack 170 is returned (for example, location information or identification information of the store 8).

[0100] The replacement log may include information about a substrate pack purchased along with a replacement battery pack 170. The substrate pack information includes, for example, the type and number of substrates included in the substrate pack.

[0101] The replacement log may include information indicating the number of times the battery pack 170 has been replaced. The number of times the battery pack 170 has been replaced may be incremented each time the battery pack 170 is connected to a different suction device 100 than the previous time. Alternatively, the number of times the battery pack 170 has been replaced may be incremented each time the battery pack 170 is connected to the charging station 300.

[0102] An example of the replacement log has been described above. The replacement log may be acquired and written by the main body of the suction device 100, the charging station 300, or the battery pack 170, for example, when replacing the battery pack 170. Note that with regard to information on a base material pack purchased together with the replacement of the battery pack 170, the charging station 300 may acquire such information from the store terminal 400 and write it to the memory 174 of the battery pack 170.

[0103] (3) Discharge Information During Heating The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores discharge information during heating, which is information indicating the discharge status of the battery 171 when the heating unit 121 performs heating based on the heating profile. The discharge information during heating may include at least one of the following pieces of information:

[0104] The discharge information during heating may include a voltage drop value of the battery 171 when the heating unit 121 performs heating. The voltage drop value of the battery 171 may be the difference in voltage of the battery 171 before and after the heating is performed. Based on this information, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 (more specifically, the battery 171) or whether an error has occurred.

[0105] The discharge information during heating may include a decrease in the charge capacity (unit: mAh) of the battery 171 when the heating unit 121 performs heating. The decrease in the charge capacity of the battery 171 may be the difference in charge capacity before and after heating, or the difference in charge capacity from the time of manufacture to the present. Based on this information, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 or whether an error has occurred.

[0106] The discharge information during heating may include a temperature rise value of the battery 171 when the heating unit 121 performs heating. The temperature rise value of the battery 171 may be the difference between the minimum temperature and the maximum temperature during the heating session. Based on this information, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 or whether an error has occurred.

[0107] The discharge information during heating may include a time series change in the amount of discharge during a heating session. Immediately after a puff is performed, the amount of discharge temporarily increases to restore the temperature of the heating unit 121, which has dropped due to the puff. In this regard, such information makes it possible to determine the number of puffs performed during a heating session.

[0108] The heating discharge information may include the number of discharges performed for heating, and the number of heating runs can be determined based on this information.

[0109] The discharge information during heating may include the interval between discharges performed for heating. Based on this information, the interval between heating discharges can be determined.

[0110] The discharge information during heating may include at least one of the discharge amount and the discharge time when heating is performed. From such information, the heating profile used by the suction device 100 can be determined.

[0111] The discharge information during heating may include the number of discharges performed for the auto-run function, which is a function that starts heating when a substrate is set (e.g., inserted or connected) to the suction device 100. Based on this information, the number of times the auto-run function has been performed can be determined.

[0112] The discharge information during heating may include the number of times that a discharge abnormality has occurred and the amount of discharge when a discharge abnormality has occurred. Using such information, errors that have occurred in the battery pack 170 can be recorded.

[0113] An example of the discharge information during heating has been described above. The discharge information during heating may be acquired by the battery pack 170 or the main body of the suction device 100 and written to the memory 174, for example.

[0114] (4) Discharge Information During Non-Heating The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores discharge information during non-heating, which is information indicating the discharge status of the battery 171 during a period when heating based on the heating profile is not being performed. The discharge information during non-heating may include at least one of the following examples of information.

[0115] The discharge information during non-heating may include the number of discharges performed to transition from sleep mode to active mode. Based on this information, the number of transitions from sleep mode to active mode can be determined. The sleep mode is an operating mode in which heating is prohibited. In the sleep mode, transition to the active mode is possible in response to a user operation, such as pressing a button. The active mode is an operating mode in which heating is permitted. In the active mode, heating is initiated in response to a user operation, such as pressing a button.

[0116] The discharge information during non-heating may include at least one of the discharge amount or discharge time during which communication is continued by the communication unit 115. Based on such information, the communication amount or communication time of the suction device 100 can be determined.

[0117] An example of the discharge information when no heating is performed has been described above. The discharge information when no heating is performed can be obtained by the battery pack 170 or the main body of the suction device 100 and written to the memory 174, for example.

[0118] (5) Device Information The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores device information, which is information indicating the mode of use of the suction device 100. The device information may include at least one of the following pieces of information:

[0119] The device information may include information indicating the smoking time. Smoking refers to the entire act of the user U inhaling the aerosol generated during heating based on the heating profile. A single smoking session may include multiple puffs. The information indicating the smoking time may be the date and time of the start of heating or the date and time of the first detected puff during the heating session. Based on this information, the interval between smoking sessions (i.e., the interval between heating sessions), the number of smoking sessions per day (i.e., the number of heating sessions), and the total number of smoking sessions may be determined.

[0120] The device information may include information indicative of smoking duration, which may be the length of the heating session or the time from the first detected puff to the last detected puff during the heating session, and such information may be used to customize a heating profile for the user U.

[0121] The device information may include information indicating total smoking time, which is the cumulative total smoking time since the inhalation device 100 was manufactured. Such information may be used to recommend maintenance for the inhalation device 100. Such information may also be used to determine the smoking time over the entire life cycle of the inhalation device 100.

[0122] The device information may include information indicating the total number of cigarettes smoked, which is the cumulative total number of cigarettes smoked since the inhalation device 100 was manufactured. Such information may be used to recommend maintenance timing for the inhalation device 100. Furthermore, such information may be used to determine the number of cigarettes smoked throughout the life cycle of the inhalation device 100.

[0123] The device information may include information indicating the total usage time, which is the time elapsed since the suction device 100 was first started. Such information may be used to recommend maintenance for the suction device 100. Such information may also be used to determine the usage time of the suction device 100 over its entire life cycle.

[0124] The device information may include information indicating security settings. The inhalation device 100 may be equipped with a security function that can lock the device for child safety, etc. When the security function is enabled, the inhalation device 100 operates in a locked state in which heating is prohibited or an unlocked state in which heating is permitted. The lock can be released by various triggers, such as when a predetermined button is operated or when a communication connection with the user terminal 200 is established. When the security function is disabled, heating is always permitted in the inhalation device 100. The information indicating security settings may include the time when the security function was enabled and the time when the security function was disabled. Furthermore, the information indicating security settings may include information indicating the time when the security function transitioned to the locked state, the time when the security function transitioned to the unlocked state, and the trigger for unlocking, during the period when the security function was enabled. By referring to the information indicating security settings together with the information indicating the smoking time, it is possible to determine which trigger unlocked the smoking start, or whether smoking started with the security setting disabled.

[0125] The device information may include information indicating the number of puffs, which is the number of puffs detected during a heating session. Such information may be used to determine the number of puffs taken by the user U per smoking session. Such information may be used to customize a heating profile for the user U.

[0126] The device information may include information indicating a puff time, which is the time at which a puff is detected during a heating session. Such information may be used to determine when the user U puffs during a heating session. Such information may be used to customize a heating profile for the user U.

[0127] The device information may include heating profile information. The heating profile is control information for controlling the temperature at which the aerosol source is heated. The heating profile information may be used to customize the heating profile to suit the user U.

[0128] The device information may include location information of the inhalation device 100. More specifically, the device information may include time-series changes in the location information of the inhalation device 100. The location information of the user terminal 200 may be used as the location information of the inhalation device 100. Based on this information, the behavioral pattern of the user U can be determined. The behavioral pattern of the user U can be used when the user terminal 200 suggests a smoking area or store 8 that matches the behavioral pattern of the user U.

[0129] The device information may include information indicating an error that has occurred in the suction device 100. Such information may be used to recommend when maintenance should be performed on the suction device 100.

[0130] An example of the device information has been described above. The device information may be acquired by the battery pack 170 or the main body of the suction device 100 and written to the memory 174, for example.

[0131] (6) Charging Information The memory 174 of the battery pack 170 stores charging information, which is information indicating the charging status of the battery 171. The charging information may include at least one of the following pieces of information:

[0132] The charging information may include information indicating the number of times the battery pack 170 has been charged. The number of times the battery pack 170 has been connected to the charging station 300 or a home charger. Based on this information, the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 can be determined.

[0133] The charging information may include information indicating a charging interval. The charging interval refers to the time elapsed between when the battery pack 170 is disconnected from the charging station 300 or a home charger and when it is connected to the charging station 300 or a home charger. Based on this information, the deterioration state of the battery pack 170 can be determined.

[0134] The charging information may include information indicating the charging time and the amount of charge per charge. The charging time refers to the date and time when the battery pack 170 is connected to the charging station 300 or a home charger. The amount of charge per charge refers to the voltage increase value during charging. Such information can be used to determine the status of each charge and the deterioration state of the battery pack 170.

[0135] The charging information may include information indicating a charging voltage or a charging current. The charging voltage refers to the voltage value applied to the battery 171 during charging. The charging current refers to the current value flowing through the battery 171 during charging. Such information makes it possible to determine the device (charging station 300 or a home charger) that charged the battery pack 170.

[0136] The charging information may include location information at the time of charging, which may allow determination of where the battery pack 170 was charged (e.g., at the store 8 or at home).

[0137] The charging information may include information indicating the number of times a charging abnormality has occurred and the amount of charge when the charging abnormality occurred. Such information allows errors occurring in the battery pack 170 to be recorded.

[0138] The charging information may include information indicating the states of health (SOH) of the battery 171. Based on this information, it is possible to determine the deterioration state of the battery 171.

[0139] An example of the charging information has been described above. The charging information may be acquired by the battery pack 170 or the charging station 300 and written to the memory 174, for example.

[0140] (7) Supplementary Information An example of information that can be stored in the battery pack 170 and collected by replacing the battery pack 170 has been described above.

[0141] The battery pack 170 can store and transmit at least two or more of the battery pack ID, replacement log, discharge information during heating, discharge information during non-heating, device information, and charging information in association with one another. This configuration enables more precise analysis of collected information. For example, by associating the replacement log with the discharge information during heating, it becomes possible to analyze the discharge status during heating of the suction device 100 identified by the device ID included in the replacement log.

[0142] (8) Processing Flow Hereinafter, an example of the processing flow relating to information collection via the battery pack 170 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0143] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the battery pack 170 according to this embodiment.

[0144] 6, first, the MCU 173 determines whether or not information has been acquired (step S102). For example, the MCU 173 determines whether or not the sensor 175 has detected information.

[0145] If it is determined that the information has been acquired (step S102: YES), the MCU 173 writes the acquired information into the memory 174 (step S104), after which the process proceeds to step S106.

[0146] If it is determined that the information has not been acquired (step S102: NO), the process also proceeds to step S106.

[0147] Next, the MCU 173 determines whether or not a write request has been received (step S106). For example, the MCU 173 determines whether or not a write request has been received from an external device via the terminal 176. The write request is a message requesting that information be written to the memory 174, and includes at least the information to be written.

[0148] If it is determined that a write request has been received (step S106: YES), the MCU 173 writes the information received as the write request into the memory 174 (step S108), after which the process proceeds to step S110.

[0149] If it is determined that a write request has not been received (step S106: NO), the process also proceeds to step S110.

[0150] Next, the MCU 173 determines whether or not a read request has been received (step S110). For example, the MCU 173 determines whether or not a read request has been received from an external device via the terminal 176. A read request is a message requesting the reading of information from the memory 174, and includes at least information specifying the information to be read.

[0151] If it is determined that a read request has been received (step S110: YES), the MCU 173 reads out the information specified in the read request from the information stored in the memory 174 and transmits it to the external device via the terminal 176 (step S112).Then, the process ends.

[0152] If it is determined that a read request has not been received (step S110: NO), the process also ends.

[0153] 4. Data Collection and Management When the battery pack 170 is connected to the charging station 300, the charging station 300 acquires information stored in the memory 174 of the battery pack 170 and transmits the information to the management server 500. The management server 500 then stores the information collected from the battery pack 170 via the charging station 300.

[0154] The management server 500 may manage the collected information for each battery pack 170. That is, the management server 500 may collectively store the collected information that is associated with the same battery pack ID.

[0155] Alternatively, the management server 500 may manage the collected information for each user U. That is, the management server 500 may collectively store, among the collected information, information associated with the same user ID.

[0156] Alternatively, the management server 500 may manage the collected information for each suction device 100. That is, the management server 500 may collectively store, among the collected information, information associated with the same device ID.

[0157] The management server 500 may determine the state of the battery pack 170 based on the collected information. For example, the management server 500 may determine the degradation state of the battery pack 170 (more specifically, the battery 171) or whether an error has occurred based on the discharge information and charge information during heating. With this configuration, it is possible to identify a battery pack 170 that has deteriorated or has an error. The store clerk S can refer to the determination result by the management server 500 and collect any battery packs 170 that have deteriorated or have an error from the returned battery packs 170, or repair any that can be repaired and redistribute them. In this case, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact.

[0158] The management server 500 may determine the state of the battery pack 170 for each of the candidate recipient suction devices 100. Specifically, the management server 500 may determine the number of substrates that can be used by the candidate recipient suction device 100 when a fully charged battery pack 170 is attached as the state of the battery pack 170. For example, the management server 500 determines the heating profile to be used by the candidate recipient suction device 100 based on discharge information during heating associated with the device ID of the candidate recipient suction device 100. The management server 500 also determines the charge capacity of the battery pack 170 based on charge information associated with the battery pack ID of the battery pack 170 to be determined. Then, based on the determined information, the management server 500 determines the number of substrates that can be used by the candidate recipient suction device 100 when a fully charged battery pack 170 is attached.

[0159] To ensure the quality of the user experience, it is important that the number of substrates that can be used without replacing or charging the battery pack 170 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number. However, because the heating profile used for each suction device 100 may differ, the power consumption when consuming one substrate may differ for each suction device 100. Therefore, the number of substrates that can be used when a fully charged battery pack 170 is attached may differ for each suction device 100. In this regard, with this configuration, it is possible to determine, for each candidate suction device 100, whether the condition of the battery pack 170 is sufficient to ensure the quality of the user experience.

[0160] The management server 500 may determine that the battery pack 170 can be provided to the candidate recipient suction device 100 when the number of base materials that can be used by the candidate recipient suction device 100 when a fully charged battery pack 170 is attached is equal to or greater than a threshold. On the other hand, when the number of base materials that can be used by the candidate recipient suction device 100 when a fully charged battery pack 170 is attached is less than the threshold, the management server 500 may determine that the battery pack 170 cannot be provided to the candidate recipient suction device 100. The store clerk S may refer to the determination result and select a battery pack 170 to be provided to the user U from the multiple battery packs 170 connected to the charging station 300. This configuration makes it possible to maintain the quality of the user experience.

[0161] The threshold value may be set for each candidate recipient suction device 100 or each user U of the candidate recipient suction device 100. As one example, the management server 500 may set a high threshold value for a user U who has a long interval between charges of the battery pack 170, and a low threshold value for a user U who has a short interval between charges of the battery pack 170. As another example, the management server 500 may set a high threshold value for a suction device 100 that discharges a large amount of electricity when heated, and a low threshold value for a suction device 100 that discharges a small amount of electricity when heated.

[0162] The number of substrates consumed during the period between replacement of the battery pack 170 may differ depending on the heating profile used by the suction device 100, the lifestyle of the user U, and the like. That is, the number of substrates that should be usable without replacing or charging the battery pack 170 may differ for each suction device 100 or user U. In this regard, with this configuration, the suction device 100 or user U to which the battery pack 170 is provided can be switched depending on the condition of the battery pack 170. Even if the battery pack 170 is somewhat deteriorated, it can continue to be provided to some suction devices 100 or users U that have a small number of substrates that should be usable without replacing or charging the battery pack 170, and collection can be postponed, thereby reducing the environmental burden.

[0163] An example of the flow of processing related to data collection and management will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0164] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the management server 500 according to this embodiment.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the management server 500 stores information collected from the battery pack 170 via the charging station 300 (step S202).

[0166] Next, the management server 500 determines the state of the battery pack 170 based on the stored information (step S204). For example, the management server 500 determines whether the battery pack 170 has deteriorated or an error has occurred based on the discharge information during heating. In this case, the management server 500 may determine the state of the battery pack 170 for each of the candidate suction devices 100 (i.e., main units).

[0167] Next, the management server 500 controls the distribution of the battery packs 170 (step S206). As one example, the management server 500 transmits a message to the store terminal 400 instructing the store terminal 400 to collect the battery packs 170 that have deteriorated or that have developed an error. As another example, the management server 500 transmits a message to the store terminal 400 instructing the store terminal 400 to provide a slightly deteriorated battery pack 170 to a specific user U that has a small number of base materials and should be usable without replacing or charging the battery pack 170. The store clerk S refers to these messages and collects the battery packs 170 or provides the specific battery pack 170 to the specific user U.

[0168] 5. Supplementary Information Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0169] In the above embodiment, an example in which the charging station 300 is operated by a store clerk S has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. The charging station 300 may also be operated by a user U through self-service.

[0170] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the store terminal 400 is included in the system 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to such an example. As an example, the function of the store terminal 400 may be included in the user terminal 200. In that case, the replacement fee for the battery pack 170 may be paid by electronic payment using the user terminal 200. As another example, the function of the store terminal 400 may be included in the charging station 300.

[0171] In the above embodiment, a replacement service for the battery pack 170 that functions as the power supply unit 111 of the suction device 100 has been described, but the target of the replacement service is not limited to this example. The power supply unit 111 of the suction device 100 may be charged by a portable charger with a built-in battery that is configured to be detachable from the suction device 100. An replacement service for the portable charger may be provided, and the technology according to the present disclosure may be applied by regarding the portable charger as the battery pack in the present disclosure.

[0172] The processes described in the above embodiment may be executed by any device. For example, in the above embodiment, the management server 500 determines the state of the battery pack 170, but the process of determining the state of the battery pack 170 may be executed by the charging station 300.

[0173] The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be implemented using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The software programs may be stored in advance, for example, on a recording medium (more specifically, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) internal or external to each device. Each program is then loaded into a random access memory (RAM) and executed by a processing circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU). The recording medium may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a flash memory. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium. The computer may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general-purpose processor that executes functions by loading a software program, or a computer on a server used in cloud computing. The series of processes performed by each device described herein may be centrally processed by a single computer or distributed across multiple computers. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in a single device may be physically implemented on a single medium.

[0174] Furthermore, the processes described herein using flowcharts or sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0175] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. (1) A battery pack detachably connectable to an inhalation device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the battery pack comprising: a rechargeable battery; a memory unit that stores information; a communication terminal that transmits and receives information between the battery pack and the device connected to the battery pack; and a control unit that, when the battery pack is connected to the inhalation device, writes discharge information during heating into the memory unit, the discharge information indicating the discharge status of the battery when the heating unit performs heating, and transmits the information stored in the memory unit via the communication terminal when the battery pack is connected to a charging device that charges the battery. (2) The battery pack described in (1), wherein the control unit writes information received from the inhalation device via the communication terminal into the memory unit. (3) The battery pack described in (1) or (2), wherein the control unit writes information received from the charging device via the communication terminal into the memory unit. (4) The battery pack according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the discharge information during heating includes at least one of a voltage drop value of the battery when the heating unit performs heating, a decrease value of the charge capacity of the battery when the heating unit performs heating, or a temperature rise value of the battery when the heating unit performs heating. (5) The battery pack according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the discharge information during heating includes a number of discharges performed for an auto-run function that starts heating when a base material containing an aerosol source is set in the suction device. (6) The battery pack according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the battery pack is provided exchangeably to a plurality of the suction devices via the charging device, and the control unit writes a replacement log, which is a log related to the replacement of the battery pack, into the storage unit and transmits it via the communication terminal. (7) The battery pack according to (6), wherein the replacement log includes at least one of information indicating a time when the battery pack was replaced or information indicating a location where the battery pack was replaced.(8) The battery pack according to (6) or (7), wherein the replacement log further includes at least one of identification information of the inhalation device to which the battery pack is connected or identification information of a user of the inhalation device to which the battery pack is connected. (9) The battery pack according to any one of (6) to (8), wherein the replacement log further includes information on a substrate pack that is purchased together with the replacement of the battery pack and includes one or more substrates containing the aerosol source. (10) The battery pack according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the control unit writes device information that is information indicating a usage mode of the inhalation device into the storage unit and transmits it via the communication terminal. (11) The battery pack according to (10), wherein the device information includes at least one of information indicating a smoking time, information indicating a smoking duration, information indicating a total smoking time, information indicating a total number of cigarettes smoked, information indicating a total usage time, information indicating a security setting, information indicating the number of puffs, information indicating a puff time, information on a heating profile, location information of the inhalation device, or information indicating an error that has occurred in the inhalation device. (12) The battery pack according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control unit writes charging information to the storage unit and transmits the charging information via the communication terminal, the charging information including at least one of information indicating the number of charges, information indicating a charging interval, information indicating a charging time and a charge amount per charge, information indicating a charging voltage or a charging current, information on a position during charging, or information indicating the number of times a charging abnormality occurred and the charge amount when a charging abnormality occurred. (13) A control device comprising: a control unit that determines a state of the battery pack based on information stored in a battery pack that is detachably connected to a suction device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the control unit receiving the information from the battery pack when the battery pack is connected to a charging device that charges the battery pack.(14) The control device according to (13), wherein the battery pack is provided to the plurality of suction devices via the charging device in an exchangeable manner, the suction devices generate aerosol using substrates containing an aerosol source, and the control unit determines, as the state of the battery pack, the number of substrates usable by the suction devices of the candidate recipients when the fully charged battery pack is connected. (15) The control device according to (14), wherein the control unit determines that the battery pack can be provided to the suction devices of the candidate recipients when the number of substrates usable by the suction devices of the candidate recipients when the battery pack is fully charged is equal to or greater than a threshold, and the threshold is set for each suction device of the candidate recipients or for each user of the suction device of the candidate recipients.

[0176] 1 System 100 Inhalation device 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification section 114 Memory section 115 Communication section 116 Control section 120 Cartridge 121 Heating section 122 Liquid guide section 123 Liquid storage section 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge 131 Flavor source 140 Storage section 141 Internal space 142 Opening 143 Bottom 144 Heat insulation section 150 Stick-shaped substrate 151 Substrate section 152 Mouthpiece section 170 Battery pack 171 Battery 172 Protection IC 173 MCU 174 Memory 175 Sensor 176 Terminal 180 Air flow path 181 Air inlet hole 182 Air outlet hole 200 User terminal 300 Charging station 301 Storage case 302 LED 400 Store terminal 500 Management server 510 Communication unit 520 Storage unit 530 Control unit 8 Store 9 Network

Claims

1. A battery pack detachably connected to a suction device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the battery pack comprising: a rechargeable battery; a storage unit that stores information; a communication terminal that transmits and receives information to and from a device to which the battery pack is connected; and a control unit that writes, to the storage unit, discharge information during heating, which is information indicating a discharge state of the battery when the heating unit performs heating in a state where the battery pack is connected to the suction device, and transmits, via the communication terminal, information stored in the storage unit in a state where the battery pack is connected to a charging device that charges the battery.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the control unit writes information received from the suction device via the communication terminal to the storage unit.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit writes information received from the charging device via the communication terminal to the storage unit.

4. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge information during heating includes at least one of a voltage drop value of the battery when the heating unit performs heating, a decrease value of the charge capacity of the battery when the heating unit performs heating, or a temperature rise value of the battery when the heating unit performs heating.

5. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge information during heating includes the number of discharges performed for an auto-run function that starts heating triggered by setting a base material containing an aerosol source in the suction device.

6. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery pack is provided to be interchangeable with a plurality of the suction devices via the charging device, and the control unit writes, to the storage unit and transmits via the communication terminal, an exchange log that is a log related to the exchange of the battery pack.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the exchange log includes at least one of information indicating the exchange time of the battery pack or information indicating the exchange location of the battery pack.

8. The battery pack according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the replacement log further includes at least one of identification information of the suction device to which the battery pack is connected or identification information of the user of the suction device to which the battery pack is connected.

9. The battery pack according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the replacement log further includes information on one or more substrate packs including the aerosol source, which were purchased together with the replacement of the battery pack.

10. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control unit writes device information, which is information indicating the usage mode of the suction device, to the storage unit and transmits it via the communication terminal.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the device information includes at least one of information indicating smoking time, information indicating smoking duration, information indicating total smoking duration, information indicating total number of smoking times, information indicating total usage time, information indicating security settings, information indicating puff number, information indicating puff time, information on heating profiles, position information of the suction device, or information indicating an error occurring in the suction device.

12. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the control unit writes charging information including at least one of information indicating the number of charging times, information indicating the charging interval, information indicating the charging time and the amount of charge per charging, information indicating the charging voltage or charging current, position information during charging, or information indicating the number of times of charging abnormality and the amount of charge at the time of charging abnormality, to the storage unit and transmits it via the communication terminal.

13. A control device comprising: a control unit that determines the state of the battery pack based on information received by a charging device from the battery pack when the battery pack is connected to the charging device, the information being stored in the battery pack detachably connected to a suction device having a heating unit that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol.

14. The battery pack is provided to be replaceable to a plurality of the suction devices via the charging device. The suction device generates an aerosol using a base material containing an aerosol source. The control unit determines, as the state of the battery pack, the number of the base materials available for use by the suction device of the candidate destination when the fully charged battery pack is connected. The control device according to claim 13.

15. The control unit determines that the battery pack can be provided to the suction device of the candidate destination when the number of the base materials available for use by the suction device of the candidate destination is equal to or greater than a threshold value when the battery pack is fully charged. The threshold value is set for each of the suction devices of the candidate destinations or the users of the suction devices of the candidate destinations. The control device according to claim 14.

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