Power supply unit for aerosol generation device

Abstract

A power supply portion (111) in which power can be stored is replaceably attached to a power supply unit (110) for an inhalation device (100) that heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol. The power supply unit (110) comprises: terminal connection portions (20a, 20b) that are electrically connected to terminals of the power supply portion (111); and a control portion (116) that controls the power supply unit (110). After the power supply portion (111) is connected to the terminal connection portions (20a, 20b), the control portion (116) activates the power supply unit (110) when a predetermined operation by the user is input.

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 the power supply unit of an aerosol generating device in which the power supply unit that stores electricity is replaceably attached, there is a possibility that inconveniences may occur during replacement work, such as the power supply unit repeatedly starting up and shutting down against the user's wishes, and there was room for improvement.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device that can suppress the occurrence of inconveniences during the replacement work of the power supply unit.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device that has a replaceable power supply unit capable of storing power and that generates aerosol by heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit comprising: a terminal connection unit that electrically connects to the terminals of the power supply unit; and a control unit that controls the power supply unit, wherein the control unit starts up the power supply unit when a predetermined operation by a user is detected after the power supply unit is connected to the terminal connection unit.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent inconveniences from occurring during the replacement work of the 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 a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation mode of a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of an attachment / detachment mode of a power supply unit in a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of an attachment / detachment mode of a power supply unit in a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a third example of an attachment / detachment mode of a power supply unit in a suction device of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of a replacement of a power supply unit in time series. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation of the power supply unit immediately after the power supply unit is attached in the first example of replacement of a power supply unit. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation of the power supply unit when a physical operation by a user is detected after the power supply unit is attached in the first example of replacement of a power supply unit. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a control unit from attachment of the power supply unit to completion of startup of the power supply unit in the first example of replacement of a power supply unit. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of a replacement of a power supply unit in time series. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the power supply unit immediately after the power supply unit is attached in a second example of power supply unit replacement. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the power supply unit when a user inputs an operation to change the operating mode after the power supply unit is attached in the second example of power supply unit replacement. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit from attachment of the power supply unit to completion of startup of the power supply unit in the second example of power supply unit replacement. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of power supply to the power supply unit when a mode other than shipping mode is selected with the power supply unit attached. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of power supply to the power supply unit after the power supply unit is removed before switching to shipping mode. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit before removal of the power supply unit in a modified example of the second example of operation when the power supply unit is replaced. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit after the power supply unit is attached to the power supply unit in a modified example of the second example of operation when the power supply unit is replaced.

[0010] An embodiment of a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an example in which the aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure is applied to an inhalation device. The drawings should be viewed in the direction indicated by the reference numerals. In the following description, identical or similar elements will be designated by identical or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0011] [1. Configuration Example of Inhalation Device] The inhalation device 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 illustrating 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 110A, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110A 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 predetermined power received from an external power source. 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 source may be, for example, an AC (Alternating Current) adapter configured to output the predetermined power. The external power source 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 110A 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 voltage between the terminals 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, such as an operation button or a switch, that accepts information input from the user.

[0018] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The notification unit 113A may be configured, for example, by a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

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

[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 below) and the charging of the power supply unit 111A using power received from an external power source. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor. The control unit 116A may also have the function of the communication unit 115A described above as an integrated unit.

[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] Each of the power supply unit 111B, the sensor unit 112B, the notification unit 113B, the storage unit 114B, the communication unit 115B, and the control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the suction device 100A described above. In the case of the suction device 100B shown in Fig. 2, the suction device 100B itself can also be considered as a power supply unit 110B. 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, and the power supply unit 110A and the power supply unit 110B will be referred to as the "power supply unit 110" without distinction. Similarly, the power supply units 111A and 111B will be referred to as the "power supply unit 111," the sensor units 112A and 112B as the "sensor unit 112," the notification units 113A and 113B as the "notification unit 113," the memory units 114A and 114B as the "memory unit 114," the communication units 115A and 115B as the "communication unit 115," the control units 116A and 116B as the "control unit 116," and the heating units 121A and 121B 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] 4, control unit 116 has a plurality of operation modes for operating suction device 100. In this example, control unit 116 has a suction mode, a standby mode, a sleep mode, and a sipping mode as operation modes for operating suction device 100. Control unit 116 controls discharge from power supply unit 111 to operate suction device 100 in the suction mode, the standby mode, the sleep mode, and the sipping mode.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The shipping mode is a mode in which the main power supply path from the power supply unit 111 is interrupted, significantly reducing dark current and minimizing power consumption of 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 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 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 of the power supply unit 111. In this example, it 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 an external power source 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 an external power source is connected to the suction device 100.

[0056] 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.

[0057] [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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] <4-1. First Example of How the Power Supply Unit is Attached / Detached> 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 around a hinge 21 a that extends laterally.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 .

[0065] In this way, the power supply section 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110 so as to be detachable by the user.

[0066] 6, a power supply housing 200 capable of housing the power supply 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 111 can be inserted into the power supply housing 200 from the side of the case 20.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 .

[0071] In this way, the power supply section 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110 so as to be detachable by the user.

[0072] <4-3. Third Example of Attaching / Detaching Mode of Power Supply Unit> As shown in FIG. 7 , the case 20 includes an upper case 201 that forms the exterior of the upper region of the suction device 100, and a lower case 202 that forms the exterior of the lower region of the suction device 100.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Battery pack 10, in which power supply unit 111 and lower case 202 are modularized, is attached to upper case 201 from below. For example, both upper case 201 and lower case 202 have a generally cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and thread grooves are machined 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 attached to the power supply unit 110 so that it can be attached and detached by the user.

[0078] 5. Operation When Replacing the Power Supply Unit Hereinafter, the operation of the power supply unit 110 when replacing the power supply unit 111 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 19. FIG.

[0079] 5-1. First Example of Operation When Replacing Power Supply Unit FIG. 8 chronologically shows a first example of the user's work ((1) to (3) in FIG. 8 ) and the operation of the power supply unit 110 ((4) and (5) in FIG. 8 ) when replacing the power supply unit 111 (also indicated as “BAT” in FIG. 8 ) attached to the power supply unit 110 due to deterioration over time, for example, with a new power supply unit 111.

[0080] When replacing the power supply unit 111, the user removes the power supply unit 111 from the power supply unit 110 and installs a new power supply unit 111. After installing the new power supply unit 111, the user performs a predetermined physical operation, which initiates startup of the power supply unit 110. The predetermined physical operation may be, for example, electrically connecting the external power supply 1000 to the power supply unit 110 via the USB cable 300 or performing a predetermined input on the operation unit 15. From the start of startup of the power supply unit 110 until startup is complete, a boot animation is displayed on the display device 113d, which is an example of the notification unit 113, as a video indicating that startup is in progress. After startup of the power supply unit 110 is complete, the boot animation ends, and the suction device 100 becomes usable.

[0081] As shown in (2) to (4) of Figure 8, the power supply unit 110 is configured not to start up immediately when the power supply unit 111 is attached, but to start up when a predetermined physical operation by the user on the power supply unit 110 is detected after the power supply unit 111 is attached.

[0082] During the replacement of the power supply unit 111, for example, if the user rotates or shifts the power supply unit 111 relative to the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b of the case 20, the power supply unit 111 may temporarily alternate between an attached state and an detached state. If the power supply unit were configured to automatically start up when the power supply unit was attached, there is a possibility that the power supply unit would repeatedly start up and shut down against the user's will during the replacement of the power supply unit, which could lead to a malfunction of the power supply unit. However, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 110 does not automatically start up when the power supply unit 111 is attached, but starts up when the user performs a physical operation with the clear intention of starting up the power supply unit 110. This prevents the power supply unit 110 from repeatedly starting up and shutting down during the replacement of the power supply unit 111.

[0083] 9 shows the operation of the power supply unit 110 immediately after the power supply unit 111 is attached. When the power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110, the positive terminal 111c and the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111 are electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b of the case 20, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the control unit 116 (step S11). In this state, only minimal power is supplied to the control unit 116, for example, only enough power to exchange signals with the sensor unit 112. In other words, most of the functions of the control unit 116 are not being executed, and signal exchange with, for example, the notification unit 113, the memory unit 114, the communication unit 115, and the heating unit 121 is not being executed.

[0084] Next, the control unit 116 turns on the switch SW1 that switches the electrical connection between the power supply unit 111 and the sensor unit 112 (step S12). As a result, the power supply unit 111 and the sensor unit 112 are energized, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the sensor unit 112 (step S13). In this state, only the minimum amount of power is supplied to the sensor unit 112, and power is supplied to, for example, a section that detects the connection of the USB cable 300 and a section that detects that the operation unit 15 has been operated.

[0085] Steps S12 and S13 may be performed when the positive terminal 111c and the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111 are electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b of the case 20, or when, for example, in a first example of a detachable mode of the power supply unit as shown in FIG. 5 , the positive terminal 111c and the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111 are electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b of the case 20 and the power supply accommodating portion 200 is closed by the bottom wall portion 21.

[0086] Then, the sensor section 112 uses the power supplied from the power supply section 111 to monitor physical operations on the power supply unit 110 performed by the user (step S14).

[0087] In the above-described examples, the physical operation by the user is connecting the power supply unit 110 to the external power supply 1000 via the USB cable 300 or inputting information into the operation unit 15 provided on the power supply unit 110, but is not limited to this. For example, the physical operation may be closing the power supply accommodating unit 200 with the bottom wall 21 or the panel 30. Closing with the bottom wall 21 or the panel 30 can be detected by, for example, a hall sensor, which is an example of the sensor unit 112. Furthermore, if the power supply unit 110 is configured to be able to contactlessly receive power transmitted from the external power supply 1000, the physical operation by the user may be placing the power supply unit 110 on a contactless charger.

[0088] Such user operations are performed with the clear intention of starting up the power supply unit 110, and can more reliably prevent the occurrence of inconveniences such as the power supply unit 110 repeatedly starting up and shutting down against the user's will during the replacement work of the power supply unit 111.

[0089] The physical operations by the user may be two or more operations. For example, in step S14, the sensor unit 112 may monitor whether two operations, namely, closing the power supply accommodating unit 200 with the bottom wall unit 21 or the panel 30 and inputting information on the operation unit 15, are performed as physical operations by the user to start up the power supply unit 110. Furthermore, if the physical operations by the user are two or more operations, the order in which the operations are performed may be specified. For example, in step S14, the sensor unit 112 may monitor whether two operations, namely, closing the power supply accommodating unit 200 with the bottom wall unit 21 or the panel 30 and inputting information on the operation unit 15, are performed in this order as physical operations by the user.

[0090] From step S11 to step S14, the power supply unit 110 is not activated, and the control unit 116 and the sensor unit 112 only operate with the minimum power supplied from the power supply unit 111. That is, the control unit 116 restricts the supply of power to a predetermined power supply target Tgt provided in the power supply unit 110 until the sensor unit 112 detects a physical operation by the user. Here, the predetermined power supply target Tgt includes, for example, the notification unit 113, the storage unit 114, the communication unit 115, the heating unit 121, etc. The predetermined power supply target Tgt may also include, for example, a battery level meter (not shown) that can measure the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111.

[0091] 10 shows the operation of the power supply unit 110 when a physical operation by the user is detected by the sensor unit 112 after step S14. When the sensor unit 112 detects a physical operation by the user, it notifies the control unit 116 that the operation has been performed (step S15).

[0092] Next, in response to the notification from the sensor unit 112, the control unit 116 turns on the switch SW2 that switches the electrical connection between the power supply unit 111 and the power supply target Tgt (step S16). As a result, electricity is conducted between the power supply unit 111 and the power supply target Tgt, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the power supply target Tgt (step S17).

[0093] Next, the control unit 116 issues an operation instruction to the power supply target Tgt (step S18). As a result, the operation of the power supply target Tgt starts (step S19), and the power supply unit 110 starts to start up. While the power supply unit 110 is starting up, for example, the notification unit 113 issues notifications such as boot animation. In addition, the communication unit 115 communicates with the mobile terminal 400. In addition, the control unit 116 performs processing to change various control values ​​(nominal voltage, battery capacity, etc.) in response to the attachment of a new power supply unit 111.

[0094] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116 from the time the power supply unit 111 is attached to the time the power supply unit 110 is started up. Note that explanations of parts that overlap with the contents already explained will be omitted as appropriate.

[0095] When the power supply section 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110, the control section 116 supplies power to the sensor section 112 (step S101). Step S101 corresponds to steps S12 and S13 described above.

[0096] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether the sensor unit 112 has detected a predetermined physical operation by the user (step S103). If the sensor unit 112 has not detected a physical operation by the user (step S103: NO), the control unit 116 repeatedly monitors the operation at predetermined time intervals.

[0097] If the sensor unit 112 detects a physical operation by the user (step S103: YES), the control unit 116 starts the startup of the power supply unit 110 (step S105). Step S105 corresponds to steps S16 to S19 described above.

[0098] During startup of the power supply unit 110, the control unit 116 notifies the user that startup is in progress via the notification unit 113 (step S107). Note that this notification may be given continuously during startup of the power supply unit 110, or may be given only at a predetermined timing after startup has started, for example, at the start of startup.

[0099] When the start-up is completed (step S109), the suction device 100 becomes available for use. At this time, for example, the standby mode described above is set.

[0100] 12 chronologically shows a second example of the user's actions ((1) to (4) in FIG. 12) and the operation of the power supply unit 110 ((5) and (6) in FIG. 12) when replacing the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 with a new power supply unit 111. The second example differs from the first example in that the power supply unit 110 starts up in response to a change made by the user to the software of the power supply unit 110 after the power supply unit 111 is attached, specifically, an operation to change the operating mode (hereinafter also referred to as a mode change operation).

[0101] In the second example, when replacing the power supply unit 111, the user first switches the operation mode of the control unit 116 to shipping mode. The switch to shipping mode is performed, for example, by input using the user's mobile terminal 400, which communicates with the power supply unit 110, or by input to the operation unit 15 provided on the power supply unit 110. After switching to shipping mode, the user removes the power supply unit 111 from the power supply unit 110 and installs a new power supply unit 111. After installing the new power supply unit 111, the user performs a predetermined mode change operation to transition the operation mode from shipping mode to standby mode, and the power supply unit 110 begins to start up. The predetermined mode change operation is, for example, input using the mobile terminal 400 or input to the operation unit 15. From the start of startup of the power supply unit 110 until startup is complete, a boot animation is displayed on the display device 113d, which is an example of the notification unit 113, as a video indicating startup. After startup of the power supply unit 110 is complete, the boot animation ends, and the operation mode transitions from shipping mode to standby mode. This allows the suction device 100 to be used.

[0102] 12 (3) to (5), the power supply unit 110 is configured not to start up immediately when the power supply unit 111 is attached, but to start up when a predetermined mode change operation by the user is detected after the power supply unit 111 is attached. As in the first example described above, the power supply unit 110 starts up when the user performs a mode change operation with the clear intention of starting up the power supply unit 110, which can prevent the power supply unit 110 from repeatedly starting up and shutting down during the replacement work of the power supply unit 111.

[0103] 13 shows the operation of the power supply unit 110 immediately after the power supply unit 111 is attached. When the power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110, the positive terminal 111c and the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111 are electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a and the negative terminal connection portion 20b of the case 20, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the control unit 116 (step S21). In this state, only minimal power is supplied to the control unit 116, for example, only enough power to enable signal exchange with the sensor unit 112 and the communication unit 115. In other words, most of the functions of the control unit 116 are not being executed, and signal exchange with, for example, the notification unit 113, the memory unit 114, and the heating unit 121 is not being executed.

[0104] Next, the control unit 116 turns on the switch SW1 that switches the electrical connection between the power supply unit 111 and the sensor unit 112, and the switch SW3 that switches the electrical connection between the power supply unit 111 and the communication unit 115 (step S22). As a result, electricity is conducted between the power supply unit 111 and the sensor unit 112, and between the power supply unit 111 and the communication unit 115, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the sensor unit 112 and the communication unit 115 (step S23). In this state, only the minimum amount of power is supplied to the sensor unit 112, and power is supplied to, for example, a part that detects that the operation unit 15 has been operated.

[0105] Then, sensor unit 112 and communication unit 115 monitor the mode change operation performed by the user using the power supplied from power supply unit 111 (step S24). Note that if the mode change operation is performed only by mobile terminal 400, power does not need to be supplied to sensor unit 112, and if the mode change operation is performed only by input to operation unit 15, for example, power does not need to be supplied to communication unit 115.

[0106] From step S21 to step S24, the power supply unit 110 is not activated, and the control unit 116, the sensor unit 112, and the communication unit 115 are operating with minimal power. The control unit 116 restricts the supply of power to a predetermined power supply target Tgt provided in the power supply unit 110 until the user inputs an operation to change the operating mode. The predetermined power supply target Tgt includes, for example, the notification unit 113, the storage unit 114, the heating unit 121, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined power supply target Tgt may include, for example, a battery level meter (not shown) that can measure the remaining charge of the power supply unit 111.

[0107] 14 shows the operation of the power supply unit 110 when the user changes the operation mode after step S24. When the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115 detects that the user has changed the operation mode, it notifies the control unit 116 that the operation has been performed (step S25).

[0108] Next, the control unit 116 turns on the switch SW2 that switches the electrical connection between the power supply unit 111 and the power supply target Tgt (step S26). As a result, electricity is conducted between the power supply unit 111 and the power supply target Tgt, and power is supplied from the power supply unit 111 to the power supply target Tgt (step S27).

[0109] Next, the control unit 116 issues an operation instruction to the power supply target Tgt (step S28). As a result, the operation of the power supply target Tgt starts (step S29), and the power supply unit 110 starts to start up. During the start-up of the power supply unit 110, for example, the notification unit 113 issues a notification such as a boot animation. In addition, the control unit 116 performs processing to change various control values ​​(nominal voltage, battery capacity, etc.) in response to the attachment of a new power supply unit 111.

[0110] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116 from the time the power supply unit 111 is attached until the start-up of the power supply unit 110 is completed in the second example.

[0111] When the power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110, the control unit 116 supplies power to the sensor unit 112 and the communication unit 115 (step S201). Since the power supply unit 111 is removed in the shipping mode, immediately after the power supply unit 111 is attached, the control unit 116 enters the shipping mode that was selected immediately before the power supply unit 111 was removed.

[0112] Next, the control unit 116 determines whether or not a predetermined mode change operation has been performed by the user (step S203). If the user has not performed a mode change operation (step S203: NO), the control unit 116 continues to wait in the shipping mode until the user performs the operation.

[0113] If the user has performed a mode change operation (step S203: YES), the control unit 116 starts the startup of the power supply unit 110 (step S205).

[0114] During startup of the power supply unit 110, the control unit 116 notifies the user via the notification unit 113 that startup is in progress (step S207).

[0115] When the start-up is completed (step S209), the suction device 100 becomes available for use. At this time, the operation mode transitions from the shipping mode to, for example, the standby mode.

[0116] In the second example described above, the user needs to switch the operation mode of the control unit 116 to shipping mode before removing the power supply unit 111. However, it is possible that the user may remove the power supply unit 111 before switching to shipping mode. In this case, the power supply unit 111 is not in shipping mode when it is attached, so the configuration described above does not function, and there is a risk that the power supply unit 110 will start up immediately after the power supply unit 111 is attached.

[0117] Therefore, it is preferable that the power supply unit 110 has a configuration that transitions the operating mode to the shipping mode in response to the power supply unit 111 being removed, even if the power supply unit 111 is removed before switching to the shipping mode.

[0118] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of power supply from the power supply unit 110 when a mode other than the shipping mode is selected with the power supply unit 111 attached, and FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the flow of power supply from the power supply unit 110 after the power supply unit 111 is removed before switching to the shipping mode.

[0119] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the power supply unit 110 further includes a capacitor 117 that can store power supplied from the power supply unit 111, and a power-down detection unit 118 that detects removal of the power supply unit 111.

[0120] The power storage device 117 is, for example, a capacitor, and is electrically connected to and stores electricity when the power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110. The power storage device 117 functions as an auxiliary power source when the power supply unit 111 is removed, and is configured to be able to temporarily supply power to, for example, the control unit 116 and the power-down detection unit 118.

[0121] The power-down detection unit 118 is, for example, a voltage sensor, and monitors the voltage between the terminals of the power supply unit 111. For example, when the power-down detection unit 118 detects that the voltage between the terminals of the power supply unit 111 has fallen below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 116 determines that the power supply unit 111 has been removed.

[0122] 17 , when the power supply unit 111 is removed before switching to the shipping mode, the power storage device 117 supplies stored power to the power-down detection device 118 and the control device 116 (step S1). The power-down detection device 118 uses the power supplied from the power storage device 117 to detect that the voltage between the terminals of the power supply unit 111 has fallen below a predetermined threshold (step S2) and notifies the control device 116 (step S3). The control device 116 uses the power supplied from the power storage device 117, determines that the power supply unit 111 has been removed based on the notification from the power-down detection device 118, and transitions the operating mode to the shipping mode (step S4).

[0123] With this configuration, even if the user removes the power supply unit 111 without changing to the shipping mode, the power supply unit 110 can be appropriately switched to the shipping mode after removing the power supply unit 111. Therefore, it is possible to configure the power supply unit 110 to start up in response to a predetermined mode change operation by the user after the power supply unit 111 is attached, as described above.

[0124] The power-down detection unit 118 may be included in the control unit 116 , in which case the power-down detection unit 118 becomes a functional component of the control unit 116 that monitors the voltage between the terminals of the power supply unit 111 .

[0125] <5-3. Modification of the Second Example of Operation When Replacing the Power Supply Unit> In the second example described above, the power supply unit 111 is replaced by a user changing the operating mode as a software change in the power supply unit 110, but this is not limiting. For example, the power supply unit 111 may be replaced by a user inputting a "power supply unit replacement request" into the power supply unit 110.

[0126] 18 and 19 are flowcharts showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116 in a modification of the second example of operation when replacing the power supply unit 111. Specifically, Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116 before removing the power supply unit 111, and Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control unit 116 immediately after the power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110.

[0127] Before removing the power supply unit 111, the control unit 116 determines whether or not the user has requested replacement of the power supply unit 111 (step S301). A request to replace the power supply unit 111 is, for example, an operation by the user using the operation unit 15 provided on the power supply unit 110 or the mobile terminal 400 that communicates with the power supply unit 110 to notify the control unit 116 that the power supply unit 111 is about to be replaced. If the user has not requested replacement of the power supply unit 111 (step S301: NO), the control unit 116 ends this flowchart.

[0128] When the user requests replacement of the power supply unit 111 (step S301: YES), the control unit 116 stores information indicating "power supply unit replacement in progress" in, for example, the storage unit 114 (step S303). When the information indicating "power supply unit replacement in progress" is stored, most of the functions of the power supply unit 110 are restricted, and the power from the power supply unit 111 is supplied to, for example, the control unit 116, the sensor unit 112, and the communication unit 115 at a minimum level. Note that this information is retained in the storage unit 114 even after the power supply unit 111 is removed.

[0129] After the new power supply unit 111 is attached, the control unit 116 receives power from the power supply unit 111 and becomes able to execute some of its functions. The control unit 116 determines whether or not a predetermined operation has been performed by the user, specifically, whether or not an input indicating that replacement of the power supply unit 111 has been completed has been made (step S305). The input indicating that replacement of the power supply unit 111 has been completed is made using the mobile terminal 400 or the operation unit 15, similar to the input for requesting replacement of the power supply unit 111. If no such input has been made, the control unit 116 waits without starting up the power supply unit 110 until an input is made.

[0130] When an input indicating that the replacement of the power supply unit 111 has been completed is received (step S307), the control unit 116 deletes the information indicating "power supply unit replacement in progress" stored in step S303. This removes the restriction on the functions of the power supply unit 110, allowing the power supply unit 110 to be started.

[0131] Then, the control unit 116 starts up the power supply unit 110 (step S309). While the power supply unit 110 is starting up, the control unit 116 notifies the user that the power supply unit 110 is starting up via the notification unit 113 (step S311). When the start-up is complete (step S313), the suction device 100 becomes usable.

[0132] With this configuration, even if the power supply unit 110 does not specify an operating mode, the power supply section 111 can be replaced without causing the inconvenience of the power supply unit 110 repeatedly starting up and shutting down.

[0133] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0134] This specification and the like 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.

[0135] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 110) of an aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100) to which a power supply unit (power supply unit 111) capable of storing electric power is replaceably attached, and which generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit including: terminal connection parts (positive terminal connection part 20a, negative terminal connection part 20b) electrically connected to terminals (positive terminal 111c, negative terminal 111d) of the power supply unit; and a control part (control part 116) that controls the power supply unit, wherein the control part starts up the power supply unit when a predetermined operation by a user is detected after the power supply unit is connected to the terminal connection parts.

[0136] If the power supply unit were configured to start automatically when the power supply unit was attached, an inconvenience could occur in that the power supply unit would repeatedly start up and shut down against the user's will while the user was replacing the power supply unit. According to (1), the power supply unit is started up in response to a predetermined operation by the user (i.e., at the user's will) after the power supply unit was attached, so it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of the power supply unit repeatedly starting up and shutting down while the user was replacing the power supply unit.

[0137] (2) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device described in (1), wherein the control unit controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to a predetermined power supply target (power supply target Tgt) provided in the power supply unit, and after the power supply unit is connected to the terminal connection unit, when the predetermined operation by the user is detected, starts the power supply unit by supplying power to the power supply target.

[0138] According to (2), after the power supply unit is attached, power is supplied to a specified power supply target in response to a specified operation by the user, thereby preventing power from being supplied to a specified power supply target against the user's wishes during the power supply unit replacement work.

[0139] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), further comprising a notification unit (notification unit 113) that notifies the user that the power supply unit is starting up while the power supply unit is starting up.

[0140] According to (3), the user can know that the power supply unit is starting up due to his / her own operation.

[0141] (4) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (3), wherein the notification unit includes a display device (display device 113d) that displays an image (boot animation) indicating that the power supply unit is starting up.

[0142] According to (4), the user can visually understand that the power supply unit is starting up due to his / her own operation.

[0143] (5) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the predetermined operation includes an operation of connecting the power supply unit to an external power supply (external power supply 1000).

[0144] According to (5), connecting the power supply unit to an external device after installing the power supply section is an operation that is performed by the user with a clear intention, so it is possible to reliably prevent the inconvenience of the power supply unit repeatedly starting up and shutting down against the user's will.

[0145] (6) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the predetermined operation includes an operation of closing a power supply housing (power supply housing 200) in which the terminal connection portion is provided and which houses the power supply portion, with a cover member (bottom wall portion 21, panel 30).

[0146] According to (6), closing the power supply accommodating section with the lid member after installing the power supply unit is an operation performed by the user with a clear intention, so it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of inconvenience such as the power supply unit repeatedly starting up and shutting down against the user's will.

[0147] (7) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the predetermined operation includes an operation on an operation unit (operation unit 15) provided on the power supply unit.

[0148] According to (7), operating the operating unit after attaching the power supply unit is an operation performed by the user with a clear intention, so it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of inconvenience such as the power supply unit repeatedly starting up and shutting down against the user's will.

[0149] (8) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the predetermined operation is two or more of the following operations: an operation of connecting the power supply unit to an external power supply (external power supply 1000); an operation of closing a power supply housing (power supply housing 200) in which the terminal connection portion is provided and which houses the power supply portion, with a lid member (bottom wall portion 21, panel 30); and an operation on an operating portion provided on the power supply unit.

[0150] According to (8), the power supply unit is started when two or more operations are performed by the user, so that the power supply unit can be started more reliably in accordance with the user's intention.

[0151] (9) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device described in any one of (1) to (8), wherein the control unit is configured to be able to change between a first mode (shipping mode) that is selected when the power supply unit is replaced and that limits the supply of power from the power supply unit to a specified power supply target (power supply target Tgt) provided in the power supply unit, and a second mode (standby mode) that is selected after the power supply unit is attached and that allows the power supply unit to supply power to the power supply target, and the specified operation includes an operation by the user to change from the first mode to the second mode.

[0152] According to (9), the operation to change modes is an operation performed by the user with a clear intention, so it is possible to reliably prevent the inconvenience of the power supply unit repeatedly starting up and shutting down against the user's will.

[0153] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device described in (9), further comprising a capacitor (capacitor 117) capable of storing the power supplied from the power supply unit, wherein when the power supply unit is removed while the second mode is set, the control unit uses the power stored in the capacitor to transition from the second mode to the first mode.

[0154] According to (10), even if the power supply unit is removed when the second mode is set, the power stored in the capacitor can be used to appropriately transition to the first mode, thereby improving the safety of the power supply unit.

[0155] (11) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device described in any one of (1) to (10), further comprising a sensor unit (sensor unit 112) that detects the specified operation, wherein the control unit controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to the sensor unit, and causes the power supply unit to supply power to the sensor unit after the power supply unit is connected to the terminal connection unit and before the power supply unit is started, and the sensor unit detects the specified operation using the power supplied from the power supply unit.

[0156] According to (11), power is supplied to the sensor unit that detects a predetermined operation even before the power supply unit is started up, so that the predetermined operation that triggers start-up can be detected appropriately.

[0157] (12) A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device described in (9) or (10), further comprising a communication unit (communication unit 115) that communicates with an external terminal (mobile terminal 400) and detects the specified operation input to the external terminal, wherein the control unit controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to the communication unit, and causes the power supply unit to supply power to the communication unit after the power supply unit is connected to the terminal connection unit and before the power supply unit is started, and the communication unit detects the specified operation from the external terminal using the power supplied from the power supply unit.

[0158] According to (12), power is supplied to the communication unit that detects a specific operation input from an external terminal even before the power supply unit is started, so that the specific operation that triggers startup can be properly detected.

[0159] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Operation unit 20a Positive electrode terminal connection unit (terminal connection unit) 20b Negative electrode terminal connection unit (terminal connection unit) 21 Bottom wall unit (lid member) 30 Panel (lid member) 100 Suction device (aerosol generating device) 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply unit 111c Positive electrode terminal (terminal of power supply unit) 111d Negative electrode terminal (terminal of power supply unit) 112 Sensor unit 113 Notification unit 113d Display device 115 Communication unit 116 Control unit 117 Storage battery 200 Power supply accommodating unit 400 Portable terminal (external terminal) 1000 External power supply Tgt Power supply target

Claims

1. A power unit for an aerosol generating device in which a power source unit capable of storing electric power is detachably mounted, and which heats an aerosol source to generate an aerosol, the power unit comprising: a terminal connection part electrically connected to a terminal of the power source unit; and a control part for controlling the power unit, wherein the control part activates the power unit when a predetermined operation by a user is detected after the power source unit is connected to the terminal connection part. A power unit for an aerosol generating device.

2. The power unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control part controls the supply of electric power from the power source unit to a predetermined power supply target included in the power unit, and activates the power unit by supplying electric power to the power supply target when the predetermined operation by the user is detected after the power source unit is connected to the terminal connection part. A power unit for an aerosol generating device.

3. The power unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification part for notifying the user that the power unit is in the activated state during activation of the power unit. A power unit for an aerosol generating device.

4. The power unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein the notification part includes a display device for displaying an image indicating that the power unit is in the activated state. A power unit for an aerosol generating device.

5. The power unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined operation includes an operation of connecting the power unit to an external power source. A power unit for an aerosol generating device.

6. The power unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the predetermined operation includes an operation of closing, with a lid member, a housing part provided with the terminal connection part and housing the power source unit. A power unit for an aerosol generating device.

7. The power unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined operation includes an operation on an operation part provided on the power unit. A power unit for an aerosol generating device.

8. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined operation includes: an operation of connecting the power supply unit to an external power supply; an operation of closing, with a lid member, a power supply housing portion provided with the terminal connection portion and housing the power supply portion; and an operation on an operation portion provided in the power supply unit. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device is an operation of two or more of them.

9. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control unit is configured to be changeable between a first mode that is selected when the power supply unit is replaced and restricts the supply of power from the power supply unit to a predetermined power supply target provided in the power supply unit, and a second mode that is selected after the power supply unit is mounted and permits the supply of power from the power supply unit to the power supply target. The predetermined operation includes an operation by the user to change from the first mode to the second mode. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

10. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 9, further comprising a capacitor capable of storing the power supplied from the power supply unit. When the power supply unit is removed while the second mode is set, the control unit causes a transition from the second mode to the first mode using the power stored in the capacitor. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

11. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a sensor unit that detects the predetermined operation. The control unit controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to the sensor unit, and supplies power from the power supply unit to the sensor unit after the power supply unit is connected to the terminal connection portion and before the power supply unit is activated. The sensor unit detects the predetermined operation using the power supplied from the power supply unit. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

12. A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with an external terminal and detects the predetermined operation input to the external terminal, wherein the control unit controls the supply of power from the power supply unit to the communication unit, and supplies power from the power supply unit to the communication unit after the power supply unit is connected to the terminal connection unit and before starting up the power supply unit, and the communication unit detects the predetermined operation from the external terminal using the power supplied from the power supply unit. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

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