Power supply unit for aerosol generation device

Abstract

A power supply unit (110) of an inhalation device (100) comprises: a power supply (111); and a control unit (116) configured so as to control charging and / or discharging of the power supply (111). The power supply (111) is attached to the power supply unit (110) in a replaceable and detachable manner. The control unit (116) can execute: identification processing for identifying the type of power supply (111) attached to the power supply unit (110); and control value change processing for changing, on the basis of the power supply (111) type identified by the identification processing, at least one control value used for controlling the power supply 111.

Description

Aerosol generator power supply unit

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

[0002] As one type of aerosol generating device, an inhalation device that generates an aerosol containing a flavor component and allows a user to inhale the generated aerosol is known. Typically, such an inhalation device generates the aerosol by supplying power from a power source to a heating unit, which is an electric resistance or induction heater, and heating an aerosol source with the heating unit.

[0003] Among this type of suction device, there are known ones in which the battery can be replaced by the user, such as the suction devices described in Patent Documents 1 to 5.

[0004] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 107373765 Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 208480616 Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 206507325 Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 204407377 Chinese Utility Model Publication No. 209609859

[0005] In a suction device whose battery is replaceable by the user, the battery may be replaced with a different type. In this case, the optimal control value for controlling the battery in the suction device may differ depending on the specifications and characteristics of the type of battery attached to the suction device. Therefore, in order to perform optimal control for controlling the battery in the suction device depending on the specifications and characteristics of the type of battery attached to the suction device, it is desirable to identify the type of battery attached to the suction device and set the control value used for controlling the battery to an appropriate value depending on the type of battery.

[0006] The present disclosure discloses a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device that can identify the type of power supply unit attached and set the control value used to control the power supply unit to an appropriate value depending on the type of power supply unit.

[0007] The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure comprises a power supply unit and a control unit configured to control at least one of charging and discharging of the power supply unit, and is a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, wherein the power supply unit is replaceably and detachably attached to the power supply unit, and the control unit is capable of executing an identification process that identifies the type of the power supply unit attached to the power supply unit, and a control value change process that changes at least one control value used to control the power supply unit based on the type of the power supply unit identified in the identification process.

[0008] According to the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device disclosed herein, the type of power supply unit installed can be identified, and the control value used to control the power supply unit can be set to an appropriate value depending on the type of power supply unit.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation mode of the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of a mode of attachment / detachment of a power supply unit in the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of a mode of attachment / detachment of a power supply unit in the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a third example of a mode of attachment / detachment of a power supply unit in the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control flow when a power supply unit is replaced in the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first example of a mode of determining whether or not a power supply unit has been replaced in the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of a mode of determining whether or not a power supply unit has been replaced in the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of a method for identifying the type of a power supply unit attached to a power supply unit in the suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of a method for identifying the type of a power supply unit attached to a power supply unit in the suction device of the present disclosure. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a third example of a method for identifying the type of power supply unit attached to a power supply unit in a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a portion related to charging and discharging of a power supply unit in a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process for changing various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit, executed by a control unit of a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a heating control availability determination flow, executed by a control unit of a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating changes in the output voltage of the power supply unit when a user performs a heating start operation and power is supplied to the heating unit for a short period of time, for a case where a power supply unit of type a and a power supply unit of type b are attached to a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating charging control of a power supply unit in a suction device of the present disclosure.

[0010] An embodiment of a power supply unit, a control method, and a control program 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.

[0011] [1. Configuration Example 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.

[0012] <1-1. First Configuration Example of Inhalation Device> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in Fig. 1, 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.

[0013] 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 1000. The predetermined power is power that the suction device 100A can accept in terms of hardware, and may be, for example, DC power having a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5 to 20 V). The external power supply 1000 may be, for example, an AC (Alternating Current) adapter configured to output the predetermined power. The external power supply 1000 is not limited to an AC adapter, and may be, for example, a mobile charger (also referred to as a mobile battery), a PC (Personal Computer), 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. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 111A is detachably attached to the power supply unit 110 by the user.

[0014] 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.

[0015] As one example, sensor unit 112A may include a pressure sensor (also referred to as a "puff sensor") capable of detecting a change in pressure (hereinafter also referred to as an "internal pressure") inside suction device 100A caused by the user's inhalation. As another example, sensor unit 112A may include a flow rate sensor capable of detecting a flow rate (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "flow rate") caused by the user's inhalation. As another example, sensor unit 112A may include a temperature sensor (also referred to as a "puff thermistor") capable of detecting the temperature of heating unit 121A or the vicinity of heating unit 121A.

[0016] The sensor unit 112A may also include a voltage sensor that can detect the terminal voltage of the power supply unit 111A. Furthermore, the sensor unit 112A may also include a temperature sensor that can detect the temperature of the power supply unit 111A.

[0017] The sensor unit 112A may also be configured to include an input device that accepts information input from a user, such as an operation button or a switch. As an example, the sensor unit 112A may include an operation button as an input device that accepts a mode change request, which will be described later.

[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) for the operation of the suction device 100 A. The storage unit 114A can 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 (electrical power supply) from the power supply unit 111A to each component (e.g., the heating unit 121A described later) and the charging of the power supply unit 111A using power received from the external power supply 1000. 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 the MCU 104 (Micro Controller Unit) described later, etc.

[0022] 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.

[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 to atomize the aerosol source. The heating unit 121A is configured in any shape, such as a coil, film, or blade, and is made of any material, such as metal or polyimide. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wound with a heating resistor, such as nichrome or stainless steel, and is wound around the liquid guiding unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A.

[0025] As one example, power supply to heating unit 121A may be performed when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply to heating unit 121A may be stopped when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0026] The heating unit 121A may be configured to generate aerosol by vibration or induction heating. When the aerosol is generated by vibration, the suction device 100A includes a vibration unit as the heating unit 121A. The vibration unit is configured, for example, by a plate-shaped member including piezoelectric ceramics that functions as an ultrasonic vibrator. When the vibration unit vibrates, the aerosol source guided to the surface of the vibration unit by the liquid guide unit 122 is atomized by ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibration unit, thereby generating the aerosol.

[0027] Furthermore, when aerosol generation is performed by induction heating, the suction device 100A includes 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 through electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is disposed adjacent 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. The electromagnetic induction source heats the susceptor through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is made of, for example, a coiled conductor and generates a magnetic field when an alternating current is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. When the magnetic field is generated, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. The aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized by this Joule heat, generating the aerosol.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may further include a flavor source heating unit (not shown) 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, thereby enabling an increase in the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100B of 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.

[0037] 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 are substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100A described above. In the case of the suction device 100B shown in Fig. 2, the suction device 100B itself can also be considered a power supply unit. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 111B is detachably attached to the suction device 100B by the user.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 2, the heating unit 121B is configured as a film heater with conductive tracks made of heating resistors 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 and the power supply unit 111B will be referred to as the "power supply unit 111," the sensor unit 112A and the sensor unit 112A will be referred to as the "sensor unit 112," the notification unit 113A and the notification unit 113B will be referred to as the "notification unit 113," the memory unit 114A and the memory unit 114B will be referred to as the "memory unit 114," the communication unit 115A and the communication unit 115B will be referred to as the "communication unit 115," the control unit 116A and the control unit 116B will be referred to as the "control unit 116," and the heating unit 121A and the heating unit 121B will be referred to as the "heating unit 121."

[0048] 3 is an overall perspective view of the suction device 100 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the suction device 100 includes a case 20 and a shutter 50. The case 20 houses a power supply unit 110 of the suction device 100.

[0049] A panel 30 is also attached to the case 20. Attaching the panel 30 to the case 20 forms the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 100. Furthermore, by including the panel 30, the suction device 100 can buffer heat released to the outside even when the power supply unit 110 generates heat. In other words, the panel 30 functions to insulate heat generated from the heating portion of the power supply unit 110. Furthermore, the panel 30 is formed so that its surface is approximately curved. When attached to the case 20, the panel 30, together with the surface of the case 20, defines an interior space.

[0050] When a user presses the surface of panel 30 with a fingertip, panel 30 deforms to form a recess toward case 20. As a result of this deformation of panel 30, a protrusion on panel 30 comes into contact with an operation button on the surface of case 20, thereby pressing down the operation button. In other words, the portion of the surface of panel 30 that is pressed with a fingertip forms operation unit 15.

[0051] 3. Examples of operation modes of the suction device

[0052] 4, the control unit 116 has a plurality of operation modes for operating the suction device 100. In this example, the control unit 116 has a suction mode, a standby mode, a sleep mode, and a shipping mode as operation modes for operating the suction device 100. The control unit 116 controls the discharge from the power supply unit 111 to operate the suction device 100 in the suction mode, the standby mode, the sleep mode, and the shipping mode.

[0053] The suction mode is a mode in which heating control is performed by the heating unit 121. The control unit 116 performs heating control by the heating unit 121 when the operation mode is switched to the suction mode.

[0054] In the standby mode, almost all functions are enabled except for the heating control of the heating unit 121. When a predetermined operation such as a suction operation is performed by the user, the control unit 116 switches the operation mode from the standby mode to the suction mode. In addition, in the suction mode, when the heating control of the heating unit 121 ends because the power supply time to the heating unit 121 or the number of suctions by the user reaches an upper limit, the control unit 116 switches the operation mode from the suction mode to the standby mode.

[0055] The sleep mode consumes less power than the standby mode and allows for direct transition to the standby mode. Therefore, by transitioning the suction device 100 to the sleep mode, the control unit 116 can reduce the power consumption of the power supply unit 111 while maintaining the ability to return to another mode as needed. When the suction device 100 is operating in the sleep mode, the sensor unit 112 can detect the opening of the shutter 50, the connection of a USB cable, the operation of the operation unit 15, etc., and can monitor the remaining battery level, but the heating unit 121 cannot be immediately activated. The control unit 116 switches the operating mode from the sleep mode to the standby mode when a predetermined operation, such as a user operation of the operation unit 15, is performed. Furthermore, the control unit 116 switches the operating mode from the standby mode to the sleep mode when a predetermined condition is met, such as a predetermined period of no operation in the standby mode.

[0056] The shipping mode is a mode in which the suction device 100 consumes less power than the sleep mode, shuts off the main power supply path from the power supply unit 111, significantly reduces dark current, and minimizes power consumption by the power supply unit 111. In the shipping mode, discharge from the power supply unit 111 is limited to a minimum, for example, only to the part of the sensor unit 112 that detects the connection of a USB cable, the part that detects operation of the operation unit 15, and the part of the control unit 116 that changes the operating mode of the suction device 100 based on the function of detecting the connection of a USB cable, the function of detecting operation of the operation unit 15, etc. The shipping mode is used, for example, during transportation of the suction device 100 after manufacturing and shipping, or during long-term storage in a warehouse, and transports and stores the suction device 100 while reducing power consumption by the power supply unit 111. In this example, the shipping mode is also used when replacing the power supply unit 111, as described below. The control unit 116 switches the operation mode from the shipping mode to the standby mode when a predetermined operation is performed, such as when the user operates the operation unit 15 or when the external power supply 1000 is connected to the suction device 100. Note that the control unit 116 may switch the operation mode from the shipping mode to the sleep mode when a predetermined operation is performed, such as when the user operates the operation unit 15 or when the external power supply 1000 is connected to the suction device 100.

[0057] When in shipping mode, the control unit 116 transitions the device to standby mode in response to a predetermined user operation. Furthermore, when in sleep mode, the control unit 116 transitions the device to standby mode in response to a predetermined user operation, and transitions the device to shipping mode in response to a predetermined user operation (different from the operation that transitions the device to standby mode). When in standby mode, the control unit 116 transitions the device to suction mode in response to a predetermined user operation, and transitions the device to sleep mode in response to a predetermined user operation (different from the operation that transitions the device to suction mode). When in suction mode, the control unit 116 transitions the device to standby mode when a predetermined user operation is performed or when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Note that when in standby mode, the control unit 116 may transition the device to shipping mode in response to a predetermined user operation. In this case, the predetermined user operation for transitioning from sleep mode to shipping mode and the predetermined user operation for transitioning from standby mode to shipping mode may be the same operation.

[0058] [4. Attaching and Removing Power Supply Unit] The power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110 so as to be attachable and detachable by the user. In the following description, the direction in which the flavor source 131 or the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into and removed from the inhalation device 100 is defined as the up-down direction, and the side of the inhalation device 100 into which the flavor source 131 or the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted is defined as the top. In other words, the flavor source 131 or the stick-type substrate 150 is inserted into the inhalation device 100 from above. Furthermore, a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction may be referred to as the lateral direction, and a surface facing the lateral direction may be referred to as a side.

[0059] Note that, below, we will explain the first to third examples as examples of how the power supply unit 111 can be attached and detached, but the power supply unit 111 may also be attached to the power supply unit 110 in a manner other than the first to third examples so that it can be attached and detached by the user.

[0060] <4-1. First example of how to attach / detach the power supply unit>

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the case 20 has a bottom wall 21 that forms at least a part of the lower surface, and the bottom wall 21 is provided on the case 20 so as to be openable and closable about a hinge 21a that extends laterally.

[0062] A power supply accommodating section 200 capable of accommodating the power supply unit 111 is formed in the lower region of the case 20. When the bottom wall section 21 is opened, the power supply accommodating section 200 communicates with the outside of the case 20, and the power supply unit 111 can be inserted into the power supply accommodating section 200 from below the case 20. In other words, the bottom wall section 21 functions as an opening and closing member for the power supply accommodating section 200.

[0063] The power supply unit 111 includes a positive terminal 111c, a negative terminal 111d, and a temperature terminal 111e through which an electrical signal related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 flows. The case 20 includes a positive terminal connector 20a electrically connected to the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111, a negative terminal connector 20b electrically connected to the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111, and a temperature terminal connector 20c electrically connected to the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111. The power supply unit 111 is also provided with a battery temperature sensor (not shown). The battery temperature sensor is, for example, a thermistor. The battery temperature sensor outputs a detection signal indicating the electrical resistance value of its own resistor as a detection signal indicating a parameter related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111. Alternatively, the battery temperature sensor may output a detection signal directly indicating the battery temperature. A detection signal indicating a parameter related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 flows through the temperature terminal 111e.

[0064] When the power supply unit 111 is accommodated in the power supply accommodating portion 200, it is held by the bottom wall portion 21 and the upper wall portion 22 of the power supply accommodating portion 200. When accommodated in the power supply accommodating portion 200, the power supply unit 111 is held in a state in which the positive terminal 111c is electrically connected to the positive terminal connecting portion 20a, the negative terminal 111d is electrically connected to the negative terminal connecting portion 20b, and the temperature terminal 111e is electrically connected to the temperature terminal connecting portion 20c.

[0065] In this example, the positive terminal 111c, the negative terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e are all provided on the upper surface of the power supply unit 111, and the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c are all provided on the upper wall portion 22 of the power supply accommodating portion 200.

[0066] When the bottom wall 21 is opened with the power supply unit 111 housed in the power supply housing 200 , the power supply housing 200 communicates with the outside of the case 20 , and the power supply unit 111 can be removed from the power supply housing 200 .

[0067] In this way, the power supply section 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110 in a manner that allows the user to attach and detach it.

[0068] <4-2. Second example of how to attach / detach the power supply unit>

[0069] 6, a power supply housing 200 capable of housing the power supply unit 111 is formed in the lower region of the case 20. When the panel 30 described above is removed from the case 20, the power supply housing 200 communicates with the outside of the case 20, and the power supply unit 111 can be inserted into the power supply housing 200 from the side of the case 20. In other words, the panel 30 also functions as an opening and closing member for the power supply housing 200.

[0070] The power supply unit 111 includes a positive terminal 111c, a negative terminal 111d, and a temperature terminal 111e through which an electrical signal related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 flows. The case 20 is provided with a positive terminal connection part 20a electrically connected to the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111, a negative terminal connection part 20b electrically connected to the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111, and a temperature terminal connection part 20c electrically connected to the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111.

[0071] When the power supply unit 111 is accommodated in the power supply accommodating portion 200, it is held in the power supply accommodating portion 200. When accommodated in the power supply accommodating portion 200, the power supply unit 111 is held in a state in which the positive electrode terminal 111c is electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal connecting portion 20a, the negative electrode terminal 111d is electrically connected to the negative electrode terminal connecting portion 20b, and the temperature terminal 111e is electrically connected to the temperature terminal connecting portion 20c.

[0072] In this example, the positive terminal 111c is provided on the upper surface of the power supply unit 111, the negative terminal 111d is provided on the lower surface of the power supply unit 111, and the temperature terminal 111e is provided on the side surface of the power supply unit 111. The positive terminal connection portion 20a is provided on the upper wall portion 22 of the power supply accommodating portion 200, the negative terminal connection portion 20b is provided on the bottom wall portion 21 of the power supply accommodating portion 200, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c is provided on the side wall portion 23 of the power supply accommodating portion 200.

[0073] When the panel 30 is removed from the case 20 with the power supply unit 111 housed in the power supply housing 200 , the power supply housing 200 communicates with the outside of the case 20 , and the power supply unit 111 can be removed from the power supply housing 200 .

[0074] In this way, the power supply section 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110 in a manner that allows the user to attach and detach it.

[0075] <4-3. Third example of how to attach / detach the power supply unit>

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7 , the case 20 includes an upper case 201 that constitutes the exterior of the upper region of the suction device 100 , and a lower case 202 that constitutes the exterior of the lower region of the suction device 100 .

[0077] The lower case 202 has an open top and houses the power supply unit 111 inside. In this way, in this example, the power supply unit 111 and the lower case 202 are modularized to form the battery pack 10.

[0078] The upper surface of the power supply unit 111 is provided with a positive terminal 111c, a negative terminal 111d, and a temperature terminal 111e through which an electrical signal related to the temperature of the power supply unit 111 flows. The lower end of the upper case 201 is provided with a positive terminal connection part 20a electrically connected to the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111, a negative terminal connection part 20b electrically connected to the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111, and a temperature terminal connection part 20c electrically connected to the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111.

[0079] Battery pack 10, in which power supply unit 111 and lower case 202 are modularized, is attached from below to upper case 201. For example, both upper case 201 and lower case 202 have a generally cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and thread grooves are formed on the outer peripheral surface of one of the lower end of upper case 201 and the upper end of lower case 202 and the inner peripheral surface of the other of the lower end of upper case 201 and the upper end of lower case 202, so that battery pack 10, in which power supply unit 111 and lower case 202 are modularized, is attached to upper case 201 by screwing the lower end of upper case 201 and the upper end of lower case 202 together. Alternatively, for example, a magnet may be provided at one of the lower end of upper case 201 or the upper end of lower case 202, and the other of the lower end of upper case 201 or the upper end of lower case 202 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, and the lower end of upper case 201 and the upper end of lower case 202 may be attracted to each other by the magnetic force of the magnet, thereby attaching battery pack 10 in which power supply unit 111 and lower case 202 are modularized to upper case 201. Alternatively, for example, lower case 202 may have a hook-shaped or other locking portion, and the locking portion may be locked to upper case 201, thereby attaching battery pack 10 in which power supply unit 111 and lower case 202 are modularized to upper case 201.

[0080] When the battery pack 10, in which the power supply unit 111 and the lower case 202 are modularized, is attached to the upper case 201, the power supply unit 111 is held in a state in which the positive terminal 111c is electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal 111d is electrically connected to the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal 111e is electrically connected to the temperature terminal connection portion 20c.

[0081] In this way, the battery pack 10, in which the power supply unit 111 and the lower case 202 are modularized, is removably attached to the upper case 201, and the power supply unit 111 is removably attached to the power supply unit 110 by the user.

[0082] [5. Control flow when the power supply unit is replaced]

[0083] Next, a control flow when the power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 is replaced will be described with reference to FIG.

[0084] The control unit 116 first executes a process of determining whether the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 has been replaced (step S100). Details of the process of determining whether the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 has been replaced will be described later.

[0085] When step S100 is completed, the control unit 116 proceeds to step S101, where it determines whether or not it has been determined in step S101 that the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 has been replaced.

[0086] In step S101, if the control unit 116 determines that the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 has not been replaced (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S100.

[0087] If the control unit 116 determines in step S101 that the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 has been replaced (step S101: YES), the process proceeds to step S200.

[0088] In step S200, the control unit 116 executes a process for identifying the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110. Details of the flow of the process for identifying the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 will be described later. Then, the process proceeds to step S300.

[0089] In this way, when it is determined that the power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 has been replaced, an identification process for the type of power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 is executed, so that the identification process for the type of power supply section 111 can be executed at the necessary and appropriate timing.

[0090] In step S300, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the type of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 was able to be identified in step S200.

[0091] If the control unit 116 is unable to identify the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 in step S200 (step S300: NO), the process proceeds to step S301. Examples of cases in which the control unit 116 is unable to identify the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 in step S200 include when a power supply that is not compatible with the suction device 100 is attached to the power supply unit 110, or when the control unit 116 fails to detect the identification unit in the flow for identifying the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110.

[0092] In step S301, the control unit 116 transitions the suction device 100 to an unusable state, and the process returns to step S100. For example, the control unit 116 prohibits transition to the standby mode even if the user performs an operation to transition to the standby mode. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 116 prohibits power supply to the heating unit 121 even if the control unit 116 detects a suction operation by the user.

[0093] This makes it possible to make the suction device 100 unusable in cases such as when a power supply that is not compatible with the suction device 100 is attached to the power supply unit 110, or when a power supply that is compatible with the suction device 100 is not attached correctly to the power supply unit 110, thereby improving safety.

[0094] On the other hand, if the control unit 116 is able to identify the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 in step S200 (step S300: YES), it proceeds to step S400, performs a process of changing various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 in accordance with the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110, and terminates the series of controls.

[0095] [6. Determining Whether the Power Supply Unit Has Been Replaced] Next, first to third examples will be described as examples of how to determine whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced in step S100 described above. Note that whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced may be determined in ways other than the first to third examples.

[0096] 6-1. First Example of How to Determine Whether or Not the Power Supply Unit Has Been Replaced FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first example of how to determine whether or not the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0097] In this example, when replacing the power supply unit 111, the user must perform a predetermined operation to switch the operating mode of the suction device 100 to the shipping mode, taking safety and other factors into consideration. The predetermined operation for switching the operating mode of the suction device 100 to the shipping mode is, for example, an operation of continuously pressing and holding the operating unit 15 for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 seconds or more). Furthermore, for example, the power supply unit 110 of the suction device 100 can communicate with a communication terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). The communication terminal and the power supply unit 110 of the suction device 100 can be linked via an application installed on the communication terminal. The predetermined operation for switching the operating mode of the suction device 100 to the shipping mode may be an operation of switching the operating mode of the suction device 100 to the shipping mode using the application installed on the communication terminal.

[0098] First, the control unit 116 determines whether the operating mode of the suction device 100 is the shipping mode (step S111). If the operating mode of the suction device 100 is not the shipping mode (step S111: NO), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S114, determines that the power supply unit 111 has not been replaced, and ends the determination of whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced in step S100.

[0099] If the mode in which the suction device 100 is operated is the sipping mode (step S111: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S112.

[0100] The user performs a predetermined operation to switch the operating mode of the suction device 100 to shipping mode, then removes the power supply unit 111 from the suction device 100 and attaches a new power supply unit 111 to the suction device 100, thereby replacing the power supply unit 111.

[0101] Then, the user attaches a new power supply unit 111 to the suction device 100, and when replacement of the power supply unit 111 is completed, performs a predetermined operation to switch the operating mode of the suction device 100 from the shipping mode to the sleep mode or the standby mode. The predetermined operation to switch the operating mode of the suction device 100 from the shipping mode to the sleep mode or the standby mode is, for example, an operation to connect the external power supply 1000 to the external connection terminal of the suction device 100.

[0102] In step S112, the control unit 116 determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed to switch the operating mode of the suction device 100 from the shipping mode to the sleep mode or the standby mode. If the predetermined operation has not been performed to switch the operating mode of the suction device 100 from the shipping mode to the sleep mode or the standby mode (step S112: NO loop), the control unit 116 enters a standby state until the predetermined operation is performed.

[0103] When a predetermined operation is performed to switch the operating mode of the suction device 100 from shipping mode to sleep mode or standby mode (step S112: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S113, determines that the power supply unit 111 has been replaced, and ends the determination of whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced in step S100.

[0104] This makes it possible to determine whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced or not through simple control.

[0105] 6-2. Second Example of How to Determine Whether or Not the Power Supply Unit Has Been Replaced FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of how to determine whether or not the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0106] First, the control unit 116 determines whether the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed (step S121). For example, in the first example of the power supply unit attachment / detachment mode described above, the control unit 116 determines whether the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed when the bottom wall unit 21, which can be opened and closed about the hinge unit 21 a, is in the open state and the power supply housing unit 200 is in the open state (step S121: YES), and determines that the suction device 100 has not transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed when the bottom wall unit 21, which can be opened and closed about the hinge unit 21 a, is not in the open state and the power supply housing unit 200 is not in the open state (step S121: NO). Also, for example, in the second example of the above-mentioned power supply unit detachment mode, with regard to whether the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed, if the panel 30 is removed from the case 20 and the power supply accommodating unit 200 is in an open state, the suction device 100 determines that the power supply unit 111 has transitioned to a state in which it can be removed (step S121: YES), and if the panel 30 is not removed from the case 20 and the power supply accommodating unit 200 is not in an open state, the suction device 100 determines that the power supply unit 111 has not transitioned to a state in which it can be removed (step S121: NO). Furthermore, for example, in the third example of the above-mentioned power supply unit attachment / detachment mode, with regard to whether the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed, if the battery pack 10 in which the power supply unit 111 and the lower case 202 are modularized is removed from the upper case 201, the suction device 100 determines that the power supply unit 111 has transitioned to a state in which it can be removed (step S121: YES), and if the battery pack 10 in which the power supply unit 111 and the lower case 202 are modularized is not removed from the upper case 201, the suction device 100 determines that the power supply unit 111 has not transitioned to a state in which it can be removed (step S121: NO).

[0107] If the suction device 100 has not transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed (step S121: NO loop), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S124, determines that the power supply unit 111 has not been replaced, and terminates the determination of whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced in step S100.

[0108] If the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed (step S121: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S122.

[0109] After the user transitions the power supply unit 111 to a removable state, the user removes the power supply unit 111 from the suction device 100 and attaches a new power supply unit 111 to the suction device 100, thereby replacing the power supply unit 111.

[0110] Then, the user attaches a new power supply unit 111 to the suction device 100, and when replacement of the power supply unit 111 is complete, the user transitions to a state in which the power supply unit 111 is not detached. For example, in the first example of the power supply unit detachment mode described above, the state in which the power supply unit 111 is not detached refers to a state in which the bottom wall 21, which can be opened and closed about the hinge 21a, is closed, and the power supply accommodating unit 200 is closed. Also, for example, in the second example of the power supply unit detachment mode described above, the state in which the power supply unit 111 is not detached refers to a state in which the panel 30 is attached to the case 20, and the power supply accommodating unit 200 is closed. Also, for example, in the third example of the power supply unit detachment mode described above, the state in which the power supply unit 111 is not detached refers to a state in which the battery pack 10, in which the power supply unit 111 and the lower case 202 are modularized, is attached to the upper case 201.

[0111] In step S122, the control unit 116 determines whether the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 is not removed. If the suction device 100 has not transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 is not removed (step S122: NO loop), the control unit 116 enters a standby state until the suction device 100 transitions to a state in which the power supply unit 111 is not removed.

[0112] When the suction device 100 transitions to a state in which the power supply unit 111 is not removed (step S122: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S123, determines that the power supply unit 111 has been replaced (step S100: YES), and ends the determination of whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced in step S100.

[0113] This makes it possible to determine whether the power supply unit 111 has been replaced or not through simple control.

[0114] 7. Method for Identifying Type of Power Supply Unit Next, first to third examples will be described as examples of a method for identifying the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 in step S200 described above. Note that the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 may be identified by methods other than the first to third examples. In this way, the control unit 116 can execute an identification process for identifying the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110, thereby making it possible to identify the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110.

[0115] <7-1. First example of method for identifying the type of power supply unit attached to power supply unit> In this example, the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 is identified by measuring the voltage between the terminals of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 and the current flowing between the terminals of the power supply unit 111, and based on the measured terminal voltage value and current value.

[0116] 11 , the power supply unit 111 generates an electromotive force E [V] and has an internal resistance r [Ω]. The internal resistance r [Ω] of the power supply unit 111 varies depending on the type of the power supply unit 111. The type of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 can be identified by obtaining the value of the internal resistance r [Ω] of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110.

[0117] In this example, the voltage between the terminals of the power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 and the current flowing between the terminals of the power supply section 111 are measured. According to the circuit diagram of Fig. 11, if the voltage between the terminals of the power supply section 111 is V [V] and the current flowing between the terminals of the power supply section 111 is I [A], the following equation (1) holds: E [V] = r [Ω] I [A] + V [V] (1)

[0118] Transforming equation (1) yields the following equation (2): V[V]=E[V]-r[Ω]·I[A] (2)

[0119] The electromotive force E [V] of the power supply unit 111 can be obtained by measuring the inter-terminal voltage V [V] when the current I [A] is set to zero. That is, the electromotive force E [V] of the power supply unit 111 can be obtained by measuring the inter-terminal voltage V [V] when the circuit is open. Furthermore, the internal resistance r [Ω] of the power supply unit 111 can be obtained by substituting the inter-terminal voltage V [V] and current I [A] values ​​obtained by measurement into equation (2).

[0120] The storage unit 114 stores an identification table that associates the type of the power supply unit 111 with the value of the internal resistance r [Ω].

[0121] The control unit 116 refers to the identification table stored in the memory unit 114 and identifies the type of power supply unit 111 corresponding to the acquired value of internal resistance r [Ω] as the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110.

[0122] This eliminates the need to provide a separate member or the like for identifying the type of power supply unit 111, and allows the type of power supply unit 111 to be identified simply and at low cost.

[0123] <7-2. Second Example of Method for Identifying the Type of Power Supply Unit Attached to Power Supply Unit> In this example, the power supply unit 111 is provided with an identification resistor R2 having a different value for each type of power supply unit 111. When power is supplied to the power supply unit 111, an identification voltage V2 is applied to the identification resistor R2. The power supply unit 111 is configured so that the identification voltage V2 is a predetermined voltage for each type of power supply unit 111. The type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 is identified based on the identification voltage V2.

[0124] 12 , the power supply unit 111 generates an electromotive force E [V] and has an internal resistance r [Ω]. Furthermore, the power supply unit 111 is provided with an identification resistor R2 with a different value for each type of power supply unit 111, and when the power supply unit 111 supplies power, an identification voltage V2, which is a predetermined voltage for each type of power supply unit 111, is applied to the identification resistor R2. The type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 is identified by obtaining the value of the identification voltage V2 of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110.

[0125] For example, the first type power supply unit 111 is provided with an identification resistor R2 to which 1 [V] is applied as an identification voltage V2, and the second type power supply unit 111 is provided with an identification resistor R2 to which 2 [V] is applied as an identification voltage V2.

[0126] This allows the type of power supply unit 111 to be identified with greater accuracy.

[0127] <7-3. Third Example of Method for Identifying the Type of Power Supply Unit Attached to Power Supply Unit> In this example, an identification member 111f is attached to the power supply unit 111 and is provided with an identifier that can identify the type of power supply unit 111. The identification member 111f provided with the identifier may be, for example, a barcode defined for each type of power supply unit 111, a two-dimensional code defined for each type of power supply unit 111, an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag in which information about the type of power supply unit 111 is written, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag in which information about the type of power supply unit 111 is written, or the like.

[0128] 13 , in this example, the identification member 111f is attached to the side surface of the power supply section 111. Then, when the power supply section 111 is properly attached to the power supply unit 110, a reading sensor 24 is provided at a position facing the identifier of the identification member 111f. The reading sensor 24 may be provided, for example, on the side wall section 23 of the power supply accommodating section 200 described above, or on the upper case 201 described above. The reading sensor 24 reads the identifier of the identification member 111f attached to the power supply section 111.

[0129] The type of the power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 is identified based on the identifier information read by the reading sensor 24 .

[0130] This not only enables the type of the power supply unit 111 to be identified with higher accuracy, but also enables the reading sensor 24 to read more information from the identifier of the identification member 111f.

[0131] In this case, if the identifier on the identification member 111f is not correctly aligned with the reading sensor 24, it may be possible that the reading sensor 24 will not be able to read the identifier on the identification member 111f attached to the power supply unit 111.

[0132] Therefore, in the power supply unit 111, the positive terminal 111c, the negative terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e are preferably provided on the same predetermined surface that constitutes the outer surface of the power supply unit 111. In this case, when attaching the power supply unit 111 to the power supply unit 110, the power supply unit 111 is pushed into the case 20 in one predetermined direction, thereby ensuring electrical connection of the positive terminal 111c, the negative terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e with the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c, respectively. Furthermore, when attaching the power supply unit 111 to the power supply unit 110, the power supply unit 111 is aligned by being pushed into the case 20 in one predetermined direction, which makes it easy to correctly align the identifier provided on the identification member 111f with the reading sensor 24.

[0133] In this way, in the power supply unit 111, the positive terminal 111c, the negative terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e are provided on the same predetermined surface that constitutes the outer surface of the power supply unit 111, thereby ensuring reliable electrical connection between the positive terminal 111c, the negative terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e and the positive terminal connection portion 20a, the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c, and also enabling the identifier provided on the identification member 111f to be correctly aligned with the reading sensor 24.

[0134] Furthermore, the outer surface of the power supply unit 111 may be configured to have multiple surfaces facing either upward, downward, forward, backward, left, or right, and the shape of the power supply accommodating unit 200 may be configured to have a surface shape that faces the multiple surfaces of the power supply unit 111.

[0135] This prevents the power supply unit 111 from shifting position in the power supply accommodating unit 200, thereby ensuring reliable electrical connection between the positive terminal 111c, the negative terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e and the positive terminal connection unit 20a, the negative terminal connection unit 20b, and the temperature terminal connection unit 20c, and also enabling the identifier provided on the identification member 111f to be correctly aligned with the reading sensor 24.

[0136] <7-4. Fourth Example of Method for Identifying the Type of Power Supply Part Attached to the Power Supply Unit> In this example, the power supply unit 110 of the suction device 100 is capable of communicating with a communication terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer), and the communication terminal and the power supply unit 110 of the suction device 100 can be linked via an application installed on the communication terminal.

[0137] Then, using an application installed on the communication terminal, the user inputs information regarding the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 of the suction device 100, the communication terminal transmits the information regarding the power supply unit 111 input by the user to the power supply unit 110, and the power supply unit 110 identifies the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 based on the information regarding the power supply unit 111 received from the communication terminal.

[0138] 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion related to charging and discharging of power supply unit 111 in suction device 100. In Fig. 14, thick solid lines represent electrical wiring, and solid arrows represent control signals or detection signals.

[0139] 14, the suction device 100 is configured to further include, for example, a power receiving unit 101, a charging IC 102, a battery remaining capacity meter 103, an MCU 104, and a protection IC 105 in addition to a power supply unit 111. The control unit 116 described above is configured, for example, by the charging IC 102, the battery remaining capacity meter 103, the MCU 104, etc. shown in FIG.

[0140] The power supply unit 111 is configured to be rechargeable by power received from an external power supply 1000. Here, the external power supply 1000 is a device configured to be able to output a predetermined amount of power. The predetermined amount of power is power that the suction device 100 can receive in terms of hardware, and may be, for example, DC power having a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5 to 20 V). The external power supply 1000 may be, for example, an AC (Alternating Current) adapter configured to be able to output the predetermined amount of power. The external power supply 1000 is not limited to an AC adapter, and may be, for example, a mobile charger (also called a mobile battery), a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like.

[0141] The power supply unit 111 is configured to be able to supply the stored power to each component of the suction device 100, such as the charging IC 102, the battery remaining capacity meter 103, the MCU 104, and the heating unit 121 (not shown in FIG. 14 ). Note that, although an example in which power is directly supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the MCU 104 is illustrated in FIG. 14 , this is not limiting. For example, power may be supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the MCU 104 via the charging IC 102.

[0142] The power receiving unit 101 is configured to be able to receive power output from the external power supply 1000. As an example, the power receiving unit 101 may be an external connection terminal provided in the case 20 and electrically connectable to the external power supply 1000. The external connection terminal is, for example, a receptacle to which a connector such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) can be connected. The power receiving unit 101 may also be a power receiving coil or the like configured to be able to contactlessly receive power transmitted from the external power supply 1000. In this case, the method of contactless power transfer (WPT: Wireless Power Transfer) may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of the electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic resonance type.

[0143] The charging IC 102 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) that is electrically arranged between the power receiving unit 101 and the power supply unit 111 and is configured to be able to control the charging of the power supply unit 111 using power received from the external power supply 1000 via the power receiving unit 101.

[0144] As an example, when a user requests to start charging, the charging IC 102 starts charging the power supply unit 111 with power received from the external power supply 1000. Here, the request to start charging may be, for example, establishment of an electrical connection between the suction device 100 and the external power supply 1000. The request to start charging may also be made by performing a predetermined operation after the electrical connection between the suction device 100 and the external power supply 1000 has been established. One example of this operation may be pressing a predetermined operation button provided on the suction device 100. This operation is not limited to a direct operation on the suction device 100, and may be, for example, an operation on another device, such as a smartphone, that can communicate with the suction device 100.

[0145] The charging IC 102 controls the power used to charge the power supply unit 111 when charging the power supply unit 111. A constant current charging current value Icc [A], a constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], a charging switching voltage Vc [V], and a charging end voltage Ve [V] are set in the charging IC 102 and stored in memory. The charging IC 102 controls the power used to charge the power supply unit 111 based on the constant current charging current value Icc [A], the constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], the charging switching voltage Vc [V], and the charging end voltage Ve [V] stored in the memory. Details of charging control of the power supply unit 111 by the charging IC 102 will be described later.

[0146] The battery fuel gauge 103 is an integrated circuit (IC) that measures the remaining charge (SOC: State Of Charge) of the power supply unit 111. The battery fuel gauge 103 periodically measures the open circuit voltage between the terminals of the power supply unit 111 and calculates the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 based on the measured open circuit voltage of the power supply unit 111.

[0147] Battery fuel gauge 103 integrates the amount of current flowing into power supply unit 111 during charging using a current detection resistor and measures the amount of current flowing out of power supply unit 111 during discharging, thereby periodically calculating the remaining charge of power supply unit 111 based on the amount of current flowing into power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of power supply unit 111 during discharging, and stores and accumulates this information in memory of battery fuel gauge 103. Note that battery fuel gauge 103 may also store measurement data such as the discharge characteristics (no load) and temperature characteristics of power supply unit 111 in memory, and periodically measure the voltage, current, and temperature of power supply unit 111 while it is operating to calculate the impedance of power supply unit 111, thereby periodically calculating the remaining charge of power supply unit 111 based on the calculated impedance of power supply unit 111.

[0148] Here, due to deterioration over time or the like, a discrepancy may occur between the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 calculated based on the open circuit voltage of the power supply unit 111 and the actual remaining charge of the power supply unit 111.

[0149] Therefore, when the operating mode of the suction device 100 is the sleep mode, the battery fuel gauge 103 measures the open circuit voltage of the power supply unit 111 and calculates the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 based on the open circuit voltage. The battery fuel gauge 103 then calculates a correction value from the difference between the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 calculated based on the open circuit voltage and the previous remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 stored in the memory of the battery fuel gauge 103. The calculation of the correction value is performed periodically, and the correction value is overwritten and stored in the memory of the battery fuel gauge 103.

[0150] Then, battery fuel gauge 103 calculates a corrected remaining charge of power supply unit 111, which is corrected to a more accurate remaining charge, based on the remaining charge of power supply unit 111 calculated based on the amount of current flowing into power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of power supply unit 111 during discharging, and on a correction value stored in the memory of battery fuel gauge 103. The calculated corrected remaining charge of power supply unit 111 may be notified to notification unit 113.

[0151] Furthermore, when a new power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110, and a predetermined operation such as a user operating the operation unit 15 or connecting the external power supply 1000 to the power receiving unit 101 is performed, and the operating mode of the suction device 100 switches from the shipping mode to the standby mode or the sleep mode, the battery remaining capacity meter 103 measures the open circuit voltage of the power supply unit 111 and calculates the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 based on the open circuit voltage in response to an instruction from the MCU 104. Then, using the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 calculated based on the open circuit voltage as a starting point, the battery remaining capacity meter 103 calculates the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 based on the amount of current that flowed into the power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current that flowed out of the power supply unit 111 during discharging.

[0152] In this case, if the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 calculated in the battery level meter 103 based on the amount of current flowing into the power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the power supply unit 111 during discharging is corrected using the correction value stored in memory when the previous power supply unit 111 was attached, the corrected remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 after replacement will be a value that differs from the actual remaining charge of the power supply unit 111.

[0153] Therefore, when MCU 104 determines that power supply unit 111 attached to power supply unit 110 has been replaced, battery fuel gauge 103, in response to an instruction from MCU 104, erases the remaining charge of power supply unit 111 that was calculated and stored in memory based on the amount of current that flowed into power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current that flowed out of power supply unit 111 during discharging, and the correction value stored in memory. Then, after it is determined that power supply unit 111 attached to power supply unit 110 has been replaced, battery fuel gauge 103 newly stores in memory the remaining charge of power supply unit 111 that was calculated based on the amount of current that flowed into power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current that flowed out of power supply unit 111 during discharging, and the correction value calculated after it is determined that power supply unit 111 attached to power supply unit 110 has been replaced.

[0154] Furthermore, battery level meter 103 is set with an upper limit current Imax [A] for determining whether or not the power discharged from power supply unit 111 is an overcurrent, and an upper limit voltage Vmax [V] for determining whether or not the power discharged from power supply unit 111 is an overvoltage, and these are stored in memory. Battery level meter 103 cuts off discharge from power supply unit 111 when the power discharged from power supply unit 111 exceeds upper limit current Imax [A] and when the power discharged from power supply unit 111 exceeds upper limit voltage Vmax [V].

[0155] Furthermore, the battery remaining capacity meter 103 stores the nominal voltage Vn [V] and charge capacity CC [Ah] of the power supply unit 111. The nominal voltage Vn [V] is a voltage value determined as a guideline for the terminal voltage obtained when the power supply unit 111 is used under normal conditions. The charge capacity CC [Ah] is the maximum amount of electricity that can be discharged from the power supply unit 111 when it is fully charged.

[0156] The MCU 104 is a computer that is mainly composed of a processor that performs various calculations and that controls the entire suction device 100 in accordance with a pre-prepared program. Control targets controlled by the MCU 104 include the charging IC 102, the battery remaining capacity meter 103, etc.

[0157] A threshold voltage Vth [V] is set in the MCU 104 and stored in memory. The threshold voltage Vth [V] is a voltage value for determining whether the amount of power required to complete heating one flavor source 131 or stick-shaped substrate 150 remains as the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111. The threshold voltage Vth [V] is used in the heating control feasibility determination flow of the suction device 100, which will be described later.

[0158] The protection IC 105 is an integrated circuit (IC) that protects the power supply unit 111 from overcharging, overdischarging, overvoltage, overcurrent, short circuit, etc. The protection IC 105 operates independently of the control unit 116.

[0159] The protection IC 105 has a forced shutdown current Ifs [A] and a forced shutdown voltage Vfs [V] set and stored in memory. The forced shutdown current Ifs [A] is set to a value greater than the upper limit current Imax [A] set in the battery fuel gauge 103. The protection IC 105 forcibly stops discharging from the power supply unit 111 when the current of power discharged from the power supply unit 111 becomes equal to or greater than the forced shutdown current Ifs [A]. The forced shutdown voltage Vfs [V] is set to a value greater than the upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery fuel gauge 103. The protection IC 105 forcibly stops discharging from the power supply unit 111 when the voltage of power discharged from the power supply unit 111 becomes equal to or greater than the forced shutdown voltage Vfs [V].

[0160] In this way, the power supply unit 111 is doubly protected from overcurrent and overvoltage by the battery fuel gauge 103 and the protection IC 105. Under normal circumstances, the battery fuel gauge 103 controls the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 to be equal to or less than the upper limit current Imax [A] and the upper limit voltage Vmax [V]. Even if an abnormality occurs in the battery fuel gauge 103, the protection IC 105 controls the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 to be equal to or less than the forced shutdown current Ifs [A] and the forced shutdown voltage Vfs [V].

[0161] 9. Process for Changing Various Control Values ​​Used to Control the Power Supply Unit Next, the process for changing various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111, which is executed in step S400, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0162] When the control unit 116 is able to identify the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 in step S200 (step S300: YES), it executes a process of changing various control values ​​in controlling the power supply unit 111 in step S400.

[0163] The control unit 116 first proceeds to step S401, and controls the notification unit 113 to start notifying the user of information indicating that the power supply unit 111 has been correctly replaced and that the suction device 100 is now usable. If the notification unit 113 is a display device that displays images, it starts, for example, a boot animation.

[0164] Next, the control unit 116 proceeds to step S402, where it controls the charging IC 102 to prohibit charging of the power supply unit 111 from the external power supply 1000, and controls the MCU 104 to prohibit power supply from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. Then, it proceeds to step S403.

[0165] In step S403, the control unit 116 erases the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111, which is calculated based on the amount of current flowing into the power supply unit 111 during charging and the amount of current flowing out of the power supply unit 111 during discharging and stored in the memory of the battery level meter 103, and the correction value stored in the memory of the battery level meter 103.

[0166] This prevents the power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 after replacement from being controlled using a correction value corresponding to the power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 before the replacement, thereby enabling more appropriate control of the power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 after replacement.

[0167] Next, the control unit 116 proceeds to step S404, and compares the information on the type of power supply unit 111 stored in the memory unit 114 as the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 with the information on the type of power supply unit 111 identified in step S200 to determine whether they are the same.

[0168] In step S404, if the information on the type of power supply unit 111 stored in the memory unit 114 as the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 is the same as the information on the type of power supply unit 111 identified in step S200 (step S404: YES), the control unit 116 does not change the various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 and proceeds to step S407.

[0169] In step S404, if the information on the type of power supply unit 111 stored in the memory unit 114 as the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 differs from the information on the type of power supply unit 111 identified in step S200 (step S404: NO), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S405.

[0170] In step S405, control unit 116 rewrites the information on the type of power supply unit 111 stored in storage unit 114 as the type of power supply unit 111 attached to power supply unit 110 to the information on the type of power supply unit 111 identified in step S200. Then, the process proceeds to step S406.

[0171] In step S406 , the control unit 116 changes various control values ​​for controlling the power supply unit 111 based on the information on the type of the power supply unit 111 stored in the storage unit 114 .

[0172] Specifically, the control unit 116 changes the nominal voltage Vn [V] and charging capacity CC [Ah] of the power supply unit 111 set in the battery level meter 103, the constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charging switching voltage Vc [V], and charging end voltage Ve [V] set in the charging IC 102, and the threshold voltage Vth [V] set in the MCU 104.

[0173] The memory unit 114 stores a control value table that links multiple types of power supply units 111 with the nominal voltage Vn [V], charge capacity CC [Ah], constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charge switching voltage Vc [V], charge end voltage Ve [V], and threshold voltage Vth [V] corresponding to each type of power supply unit 111.

[0174] In step S406, the control unit 116 refers to the information on the type of power supply unit 111 stored in the memory unit 114 and the control value table, and calls up the nominal voltage Vn [V], charge capacity CC [Ah], constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charge switching voltage Vc [V], charge end voltage Ve [V], and threshold voltage Vth [V] corresponding to the type of power supply unit 111 stored in the memory unit 114. Then, the control unit 116 changes the nominal voltage Vn [V] and charge capacity CC [Ah] of the power supply unit 111 set in the battery level meter 103, the constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charge switching voltage Vc [V], and charge end voltage Ve [V] set in the charging IC 102, and the threshold voltage Vth [V] set in the MCU 104 to the called nominal voltage Vn [V], charge capacity CC [Ah], constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charge switching voltage Vc [V], charge end voltage Ve [V], and threshold voltage Vth [V].

[0175] This allows the battery level meter 103 to be set with appropriate nominal voltage Vn [V], charge capacity CC [Ah], constant current charging current value Icc [A], constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V], charge switching voltage Vc [V], charge end voltage Ve [V], and threshold voltage Vth [V] depending on the type of power supply unit 111.

[0176] On the other hand, the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery remaining capacity meter 103 are not changed. The protection IC 105 operates independently of the control unit 116, and the forced shutdown current Ifs [A] and forced shutdown voltage Vfs [V] set in the protection IC 105 are not changed by the control unit 116.

[0177] Even if the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery fuel gauge 103 are not changed, the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 is controlled by the protection IC 105, which operates independently of the control unit 116, to be equal to or less than the forced shutdown current Ifs [A] and the forced shutdown voltage Vfs [V]. Therefore, even if the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery fuel gauge 103 are not changed, the power discharged from the power supply unit 111 can be safely controlled. As a result, by not changing the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] set in the battery fuel gauge 103, the number of times the upper limit current Imax [A] and upper limit voltage Vmax [V] are written to the memory of the battery fuel gauge 103 can be reduced, and the life of the battery fuel gauge 103 can be extended.

[0178] When the control unit 116 completes changing the various control values ​​for controlling the power supply unit 111 in step S406, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0179] In step S407, the control unit 116 controls the charging IC 102 to cancel the prohibition, executed in step S402, of charging the power supply unit 111 from the external power supply 1000, and controls the MCU 104 to cancel the prohibition, executed in step S402, of supplying power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121. Then, the process proceeds to step S408.

[0180] In step S408, the control unit 116 controls the notification unit 113 to terminate notification to the user that the power supply unit 111 has been correctly replaced and that the suction device 100 is now usable. If the notification unit 113 is a display device that displays images, for example, the boot animation is terminated. Then, the process of changing the various control values ​​in controlling the power supply unit 111 is terminated.

[0181] In this way, at least one of the multiple control values ​​in the control of the power supply unit 111 is changed based on the type of the power supply unit 111, and at least one of the multiple control values ​​in the control of the power supply unit 111 is not changed based on the type of the power supply unit 111.

[0182] This allows the power supply unit 111 to be appropriately controlled according to the type of power supply unit 111, and also minimizes the need to rewrite control values, thereby reducing the load on the control unit 116 and extending its lifespan.

[0183] Furthermore, the changes to the various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 are performed between the start of notification to the user that the power supply unit 111 has been correctly replaced and that the suction device 100 is now usable and the end of the notification, thereby shortening the time during which the suction device 100 is unavailable due to the replacement of the power supply unit 111.

[0184] Furthermore, when various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 are changed, charging and discharging of the power supply unit 111 is prohibited, thereby improving the safety of the suction device 100.

[0185] While steps S401 to S408 are being executed, the control unit 116 may monitor whether the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed. If the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed, the control unit 116 may temporarily suspend execution of steps S401 to S408. If it is subsequently detected that the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 cannot be removed, the control unit 116 may resume execution of steps S401 to S408. If the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed during execution of step S406, i.e., while changing various control values ​​in the control of the power supply unit 111, the control unit 116 may store control values ​​that have been changed and control values ​​that have not been changed. When it is detected that the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 cannot be removed and execution of steps S401 to S408 is resumed, only the control values ​​that have not been changed may be changed. Furthermore, if the suction device 100 transitions to a state in which the power supply unit 111 can be removed while step S406 is being executed, i.e., while various control values ​​in the control of the power supply unit 111 are being changed, the control unit 116 may detect that the suction device 100 has transitioned to a state in which the power supply unit 111 cannot be removed, and when execution of steps S401 to S408 is resumed, the control unit 116 may change all of the control values ​​to be changed again.

[0186] This prevents the power supply unit 111 from being removed while the various control values ​​used to control the power supply unit 111 are being changed, thereby preventing the suction device 100 from malfunctioning.

[0187] In this embodiment, when it is possible to identify the type of power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 in step S200 (step S300: YES), the process of changing various control values ​​in the control of the power supply unit 111 in step S400 is triggered. However, the process of changing various control values ​​in the control of the power supply unit 111 may also be triggered when the user performs an operation to start heating or when the user requests to start charging.

[0188] 10. Heating Control Possibility Determination Flow of Suction Apparatus Next, a heating control possibility determination flow of the suction apparatus 100 for determining whether heating control is possible in the suction apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0189] When the operation mode of the suction device 100 is the standby mode, the control unit 116 determines whether the user has performed a heating start operation on the suction device 100 (step S501). If the user has not performed a heating start operation (step S501: NO), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S502, where it determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation mode of the suction device 100 transitioned to the standby mode. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the operation mode of the suction device 100 transitioned to the standby mode (step S502: NO), the control unit 116 returns to step S501 and waits until the user performs a heating start operation. If the predetermined time has elapsed since the operation mode of the suction device 100 transitioned to the standby mode (step S502: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S503, where the operation mode of the suction device 100 is switched to the sleep mode, and the control sequence ends.

[0190] When the user performs a heating start operation while the operation mode of the suction device 100 is in the standby mode (step S501: YES), the control unit 116 proceeds to step S504.

[0191] In step S504, the control unit 116 determines whether the remaining charge of the power source unit 111 is sufficient to completely heat one flavor source 131 or stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0192] 17 , in step S504, the control unit 116 supplies power to the heating unit 121 for a short time and determines whether the output voltage of the power supply unit 111 has fallen below the threshold voltage Vth [V] stored in memory. If the output voltage of the power supply unit 111 has fallen below the threshold voltage Vth [V] in step S504 (step S504: YES), the control unit 116 determines that the amount of power required to complete heating of one flavor source 131 or stick-shaped substrate 150 is not remaining in the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 and therefore heating control cannot be performed. The control unit 116 then prohibits the operating mode from switching to the inhalation mode (step S505), and terminates the series of control operations. This disables the control unit 116 from performing heating control of the heating unit 121.

[0193] If the output voltage of the power supply unit 111 does not fall below the threshold voltage Vth [V] in step S504 (step S504: NO), the control unit 116 determines that the amount of power required to complete heating one flavor source 131 or stick-shaped substrate 150 remains as the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111 and that heating control is executable, and switches the operation mode to the inhalation mode (step S506), ending the series of control operations. Then, when the operation mode is switched to the inhalation mode, the control unit 116 executes heating control of the heating unit 121.

[0194] For example, assume that there are type a power supply unit 111 and type b power supply unit 111, and the value of the internal resistance is greater in type b power supply unit 111 than in type a power supply unit 111. In this case, if the remaining charge levels of each are the same, the voltage drop that occurs when power is supplied to heating unit 121 for a short period of time will be greater in type b power supply unit 111 than in type a power supply unit 111.

[0195] Therefore, if the threshold voltage Vth [V] is set to a constant value regardless of the type of power supply unit 111, it may happen that the power supply unit 111 of type b is determined to be unable to perform heating control even though the amount of power required to complete heating of one flavor source 131 or stick-shaped substrate 150 remains as the remaining charge.

[0196] The threshold voltage Vth [V] is set to a smaller value for the type of power supply unit 111 with a larger internal resistance, and is set to a larger value for the type of power supply unit 111 with a smaller internal resistance.

[0197] In this way, an appropriate threshold voltage Vth [V] is set depending on the type of power supply unit 111, so that it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not heating control in the suction device 100 can be performed.

[0198] Furthermore, secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries generally deteriorate the more they are repeatedly charged and discharged, resulting in a decrease in their actual charge capacity. In light of this, the control unit 116, e.g., the MCU 104, may count the number of times heating control has been performed since it was determined that the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 had been replaced, store the count in memory, and control the battery remaining capacity meter 103 to reduce the charge capacity CC [Ah] by a predetermined value (e.g., 50 [mAh]) each time heating control has been performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 100 times). This control may be performed, for example, immediately after the number of times heating control has been performed since it was determined that the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 had been replaced reaches the predetermined number (e.g., 100 times).

[0199] This allows the remaining battery capacity CC [Ah] of the power supply unit 111 to be set in the battery remaining capacity gauge 103 to a value closer to the actual value.

[0200] 11. Charging Control of Power Supply Unit Next, charging control of power supply unit 111 in suction device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0201] In the suction device 100 , when the charging IC 102 receives an instruction from the MCU 104 to start charging, the charging IC 102 controls charging of the power supply unit 111 based on a control value set in the charging IC 102 .

[0202] When charging the power supply unit 111, the charging IC 102 performs constant current charging if the battery voltage Vbat [V] is less than the charging switching voltage Vc [V], switches to constant voltage charging when the battery voltage Vbat [V] becomes equal to or greater than the charging switching voltage Vc [V], and terminates charging the power supply unit 111 when the charging end voltage Ve [V] is reached.

[0203] When performing constant current charging, the charging IC 102 charges the power supply unit 111 with a constant current charging current value Icc [A] stored in memory. When performing constant voltage charging, the charging IC 102 charges the power supply unit 111 with a constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V] stored in memory.

[0204] The amount of current that can be passed through the power supply unit 111 and the battery voltage Vbat when fully charged differ depending on the type.

[0205] Therefore, if the constant current charging current value Icc [A] and the constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V] are fixed values ​​regardless of the type of power supply unit 111, the charging time may become longer depending on the type of power supply unit 111, which may be an inconvenience.

[0206] In the present disclosure, an appropriate constant current charging current value Icc [A] and constant voltage charging voltage value Vcv [V] are set depending on the type of power supply unit 111, so that the power supply unit 111 can be charged efficiently in a short time.

[0207] Furthermore, if the charging end voltage Ve [V] is a fixed value regardless of the type of power supply unit 111, depending on the type of power supply unit 111, there may be an inconvenience in that charging of the power supply unit 111 ends before the power supply unit 111 reaches a fully charged state.

[0208] In the present disclosure, an appropriate charge cut-off voltage Ve [V] is set depending on the type of power supply unit 111, so that the power supply unit 111 can be reliably charged to a fully charged state.

[0209] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. are possible as appropriate.

[0210] For example, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 111 is replaced after the operating mode for operating the suction device 100 is transitioned to a shipping mode, but this is not limited to the shipping mode, and the suction device 100 may be in a standby mode or any operating mode in which the suction device 100 consumes less power than in the standby mode. For example, the suction device 100 may have a dedicated operating mode for replacing the power supply unit 111, and the power supply unit 111 may be replaced after the operating mode for operating the suction device 100 is transitioned to the dedicated operating mode for replacing the power supply unit 111.

[0211] This specification describes at least the following: In parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0212] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 110) for an aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100) that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit comprising: a power supply unit (power supply unit 111); and a control unit (control unit 116) configured to control at least one of charging and discharging of the power supply unit, wherein the power supply unit is attached to the power supply unit in an exchangeable and detachable manner, and the control unit is capable of executing an identification process that identifies the type of the power supply unit attached to the power supply unit; and a control value change process that changes at least one control value used to control the power supply unit based on the type of the power supply unit identified in the identification process.

[0213] According to (1), the control value used to control the power supply unit can be changed to an appropriate value depending on the type of power supply unit, so that the power supply unit can be controlled appropriately.

[0214] (2) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein the control unit has a battery level meter (battery level meter 103) that measures the remaining charge of the power supply unit, the battery level meter periodically calculates and stores the remaining charge of the power supply unit, and when a predetermined condition is met, measures the open circuit voltage of the power supply unit, and calculates and stores a correction value from the difference between the remaining charge of the power supply unit calculated based on the measured open circuit voltage of the power supply unit and the remaining charge of the power supply unit up to that point that has been stored and stored in the battery level meter, the control value changed in the control value change process includes the correction value, and the control unit erases the correction value stored in the battery level meter when the type of the power supply unit is identified in the identification process.

[0215] According to (2), it is possible to prevent the power supply unit attached to the power supply unit after replacement from being controlled using a correction value corresponding to the power supply unit attached to the power supply unit before the replacement, thereby making it possible to more appropriately control the power supply unit attached to the power supply unit after replacement.

[0216] (3) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to (1), wherein the control unit has a controller (MCU 104) capable of executing a heating control feasibility determination process that determines whether or not heating control is possible to heat the aerosol source and generate aerosol based on whether or not the output voltage of the power supply unit has fallen below a threshold voltage (threshold voltage Vth), the threshold voltage is set in the controller, and the control value changed in the control value change process includes the threshold voltage.

[0217] According to (3), in the heating control availability determination process, it is possible to appropriately determine whether heating control is available or not depending on the type of power supply unit attached to the power supply unit.

[0218] (4) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device described in (1), wherein the control unit has a charging IC (charging IC 102) configured to be able to control charging of the power supply unit with power received from an external power supply (external power supply 1000), and the charging IC is set with: a constant-current charging current value (constant-current charging current value Icc) that is a current value when the power supply unit is charged at a constant current; a constant-voltage charging voltage value (constant-voltage charging voltage value Vcv) that is a voltage value when the power supply unit is charged at a constant voltage; a charging switchover voltage (charging switchover voltage Vc) that is a voltage value at which charging of the power supply unit is switched from constant-current charging to constant-voltage charging and / or from constant-voltage charging to constant-current charging; and a charging end-of-charge voltage (charging end-of-charge voltage Ve) that is a voltage value at which charging of the power supply unit is terminated; and the control value changed in the control value change process includes at least one of the constant-current charging current value, the constant-voltage charging voltage value, the charging switchover voltage, and the charging end-of-charge voltage.

[0219] According to (4), the power supply unit can be charged efficiently in a short time depending on the type of power supply unit attached to the power supply unit, and charging can be reliably performed until the power supply unit is fully charged.

[0220] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Inhalation device (aerosol generating device) 103 Battery remaining capacity meter 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply section 116 Control section 1000 External power supply Icc Constant current charging current value 102 Charging IC 104 MCU (controller) Vth Threshold voltage Vcv Constant voltage charging voltage value Vc Charging switching voltage Ve Charging end voltage

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device that includes a power supply unit and a control unit configured to control at least one of charging and discharging of the power supply unit, and heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, wherein the power supply unit is detachably and replaceably mounted on the power supply unit, and the control unit is capable of executing an identification process for identifying the type of the power supply unit mounted on the power supply unit, and a control value change process for changing at least one control value used for controlling the power supply unit based on the type of the power supply unit identified in the identification process.

2. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a battery level meter for measuring the remaining charge of the power supply unit, the battery level meter periodically calculates and stores the remaining charge of the power supply unit, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, measures the open circuit voltage of the power supply unit, and calculates a correction value from the difference between the remaining charge of the power supply unit calculated based on the measured open circuit voltage of the power supply unit and the remaining charge of the power supply unit stored in the battery level meter so far, and stores it, the control value changed in the control value change process includes the correction value, and when the type of the power supply unit is identified in the identification process, the control unit deletes the correction value stored in the battery level meter.

3. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a controller capable of executing a heating control permission determination process for determining whether or not heating control for heating an aerosol source to generate an aerosol is permitted based on whether or not the output voltage of the power supply unit is lower than a threshold voltage, the threshold voltage is set in the controller, and the control value changed in the control value change process includes the threshold voltage.

4. A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit has a charging IC configured to be able to control charging of the power supply unit by power received from an external power supply, and the charging IC is set with a constant current charging current value which is a current value when the power supply unit is charged with a constant current, a constant voltage charging voltage value which is a voltage value when the power supply unit is charged with a constant voltage, a charging switching voltage which is a voltage value for switching charging of the power supply unit from constant current charging to constant voltage charging and / or from constant voltage charging to constant current charging, and a charging termination voltage which is a voltage value for terminating charging of the power supply unit, and the control value changed in the control value changing process includes at least one of the constant current charging current value, the constant voltage charging voltage value, the charging switching voltage, and the charging termination voltage, a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

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