Power supply unit for aerosol generating device

Abstract

Provided is a power supply unit for an inhalation device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol source, the power supply unit comprising: a positive electrode terminal (90a), a negative electrode terminal (90b), and a temperature terminal (90c) that are an example of a connection section to which a power supply section (111) configured to be capable of storing power and be detachably attachable to the power supply unit is connected; a remaining amount indicator IC (1162) that is an example of a storage unit that stores information indicating a cycle count value and / or a health status of the power supply section (111) connected to the terminals; and an MCU (1161) that is an example of a control section that refers to the information stored in the remaining amount indicator IC (1162) and controls the operation of the power supply unit on the basis of the cycle count value and / or the health status of the power supply section (111). When the power supply section (111) is replaced, the MCU (1161) resets the cycle count value and / or the health status stored in the remaining amount indicator IC (1162) to a predetermined value.

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] Patent Document 1 below discloses an electronic cigarette device that allows the user to replace the power supply, and also discloses that the electronic cigarette device is provided with a reverse battery protector that protects the power supply and control assembly from reverse current that may occur if the power supply is installed with reverse polarity.

[0004] International Publication No. 2014 / 163664

[0005] However, in the prior art, there is a problem in that it is difficult to appropriately control the operation of the power supply unit based on the cycle count value and / or health level of the power supply unit after the power supply unit is replaced.

[0006] The present disclosure discloses a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device that can appropriately control the operation of the power supply unit based on the cycle count value and / or health of the power supply unit even after the power supply unit, which is capable of storing power and is configured to be detachable from the power supply unit, is replaced.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol source, comprising: a connection portion to which a power supply unit capable of storing power and configured to be detachable from the power supply unit is connected; a memory portion that stores information indicating at least the cycle count value and / or health level of the power supply unit connected to the connection portion; and a control portion that refers to the information stored in the memory portion and controls the operation of the power supply unit based on the cycle count value and / or the health level, wherein the control portion resets the cycle count value and / or the health level stored in the memory portion to a predetermined value when the power supply unit connected to the connection portion is replaced.

[0008] The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device disclosed herein makes it possible to appropriately control the operation of the power supply unit based on the cycle count value and / or health of the power supply unit, even after the power supply unit, which is capable of storing power and is configured to be detachable from the power supply unit, is replaced.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a suction device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of a suction device. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the suction device 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a detachable mode of the power supply unit 111. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a detachable mode of the power supply unit 111. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a detachable mode of the power supply unit 111. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of the power supply unit 111 and the control unit 116. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of connected power source information acquired by the MCU 1161. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation check performed by the MCU 1161. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a heating permission threshold table TBL that defines a heating permission threshold. FIG. 11A is a diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a reset process performed by the MCU 1161. FIG. 11B is a diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a reset process performed by the MCU 1161. Fig. 11C is a diagram (part 3) showing an example of a reset process performed by the MCU 1161. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow by the MCU 1161. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system that updates firmware of the power supply unit 110.

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference symbols. The embodiment described below is an example in which the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure is applied to an inhalation device. Note that not all of the features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the present disclosure. Furthermore, two or more of the features described in the following embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Hereinafter, identical or similar elements will be denoted by identical or similar reference symbols, and their descriptions 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 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 electric power. The power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the suction device 100A under the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A is configured to be rechargeable by electric power received by the power supply unit 110A from an external power source. The external power source may be, for example, an AC (Alternating Current) adapter, a mobile charger, or a PC (Personal Computer). The power supply unit 111A may be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0014] Furthermore, the power supply unit 111A is configured to be detachable from the power supply unit 110A. That is, in the suction device 100A, the user can replace the power supply unit 111A as needed by removing the old power supply unit 111A from the power supply unit 110A and attaching a new power supply unit 111A to the power supply unit 110A. Specific configuration examples of the power supply unit 111 including the power supply unit 111A will be described later, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

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

[0016] As one example, 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The sensor unit 112A may also be configured to include an input device, such as an operation button or an operation switch, that accepts information input from the user.

[0019] 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 images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates. Here, the light-emitting device may be realized, for example, by a light-emitting element such as an LED (Light-Emitting Diode) and a drive circuit that causes the light-emitting element to emit light. The display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an OLED display (OLED: Organic Light Emitting Diode). The sound output device may be, for example, a speaker. The vibration device may be, for example, a vibrator that includes a motor and an eccentric weight attached to the rotation shaft of the motor.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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).

[0022] 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 (electric 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 with power received from an external power source. The control unit 116A is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor (also referred to as an "MCU (Micro Controller Unit)").

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] As an example, power supply from power supply unit 111A to heating unit 121A may be performed when sensor unit 112A detects a heating request from the user. The heating request may be, for example, the user starting suction and / or inputting predetermined information. In this case, power supply to heating unit 121A may be stopped when sensor unit 112A subsequently detects that the user has stopped suction and / or that the predetermined information has been input, or when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, storage unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and 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 other words, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 111B is detachably provided with respect to the power supply unit 110B (in other words, the suction device 100B), allowing the user to replace the power supply unit 111B as needed.

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

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

[0041] 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.

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

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

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

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

[0046] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In 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.

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

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

[0049] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the external configuration of the suction device 100. As shown in Fig. 3, the suction device 100 includes, for example, a case 20 and a shutter 50 slidably attached to the case 20.

[0050] The case 20 houses the power supply unit 110 of the suction device 100. As will be described in detail later, the case 20 houses, for example, a power supply section 111 attached to the power supply unit 110, a main body side board unit 90 provided with an MCU or the like that realizes the control section 116, and the like.

[0051] Furthermore, a panel 30 is attached to the case 20. The panel 30 attached to the case 20 constitutes the outermost housing 40 of the suction device 100. 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 the heat generated by the power supply unit 110. Furthermore, the panel 30 is formed so that its surface is approximately curved, and when attached to the case 20, it defines an internal space together with the surface of the case 20.

[0052] When a user presses the surface of panel 30 with their 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 (not shown) on the surface of case 20, causing the operation button to be pressed. In other words, the portion of the surface of panel 30 that is pressed with the fingertip constitutes operation unit 15 that accepts user operations. Note that the portion indicated by reference numeral 113 in FIG. 3 is, for example, a portion through which light from a light-emitting device provided within case 20 passes, and is an example of the notification unit 113 described above.

[0053] The shutter 50 moves between a predetermined closed position and an open position in response to a user's operation. When the shutter 50 is in the closed position, access to the interior of the case 20 (i.e., the suction device 100) is restricted, and when the shutter 50 is in the open position, access to the interior of the case 20 is permitted. For example, when the shutter 50 is in the open position, the stick-shaped substrate 150 is permitted to access the aforementioned storage section 140.

[0054] [3. Attachment and Detachment of Power Supply Unit] As described above, in the inhalation device 100, the power supply unit 111 is detachably attached to the power supply unit 110. Examples of attachment and detachment modes of the power supply unit 111 will be specifically described below. In the following description, the insertion and removal direction of the flavor source 131 or the stick-type substrate 150 into and 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 upper side. 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 horizontal direction, and a surface facing the horizontal direction may be referred to as a side.

[0055] Although the following describes first to third examples of the detachable configuration of the power supply unit 111, the present invention is not limited to these. That is, the power supply unit 111 may be detachably mounted on the power supply unit 110 in a manner other than the first to third examples described below.

[0056] <3-1. First Example of How the Power Supply Unit is Attached / Detached> Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of how the power supply unit 111 is attached / detached. As shown in Fig. 4, the case 20 has a bottom wall 21 that forms at least a part of the lower surface of the case 20. The bottom wall 21 is provided on the case 20 so as to be openable and closable around a hinge 21a that extends laterally.

[0057] 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 bottom wall 21 is opened, 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 below the case 20.

[0058] A board housing section 210 is formed in the upper region of the case 20. The board housing section 210 houses a main body side board unit 90 (described later) that includes an IC (Integrated Circuit) and the like that constitutes the control section 116. The main body side board unit 90 is electrically connected to the power supply section 111 housed in the power supply housing section 200 via, for example, a flexible cable 250. This allows power to be supplied from the power supply section 111 housed in the power supply housing section 200 to the main body side board unit 90.

[0059] Specifically, the case 20 is provided with a positive electrode terminal connection portion 20a, a negative electrode terminal connection portion 20b, and a temperature terminal connection portion 20c corresponding to the positive electrode terminal 111c, the negative electrode terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111, respectively. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the positive electrode terminal 111c, the negative electrode terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111 are all provided on the upper surface of the power supply unit 111, and the positive electrode terminal connection portion 20a, the negative electrode terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c of the case 20 are all provided on the upper wall portion 22 of the power supply accommodating portion 200.

[0060] The positive electrode terminal 111c, negative electrode terminal 111d, and temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111 will be described in detail below, and therefore will not be described here. Hereinafter, the positive electrode terminal connection unit 20a, negative electrode terminal connection unit 20b, and temperature terminal connection unit 20c may be collectively referred to as "connection unit 20x." Connection unit 20x is an example of a connection unit included in the power supply unit of the aerosol generation device of the present disclosure.

[0061] 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. At this time, the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111 is held in a state electrically connected to the positive terminal connection portion 20a of the case 20, the negative terminal 111d is held in a state electrically connected to the negative terminal connection portion 20b, and the temperature terminal 111e is held in a state electrically connected to the temperature terminal connection portion 20c.

[0062] Furthermore, when the bottom wall portion 21 is opened while the power supply unit 111 is housed in the power supply housing portion 200, the power supply housing portion 200 communicates with the outside of the case 20, making it possible to remove the power supply unit 111 from the power supply housing portion 200.

[0063] <3-2. Second Example of Attachment / Detachment Mode of Power Supply Unit> Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a second example of the attachment / detachment mode of the power supply unit 111. Note that the following description will focus on the parts that are different from the description of Fig. 4, and the description of the parts that are common to the description of Fig. 4 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0064] In the example shown in Figure 5, when the aforementioned panel 30 is removed from the case 20, the power supply accommodating section 200 communicates with the outside of the case 20, and it becomes possible to insert the power supply section 111 into the power supply accommodating section 200 from the side of the case 20.

[0065] 5, the positive terminal 111c is provided on the top surface of the power supply unit 111, the negative terminal 111d is provided on the bottom surface of the power supply unit 111, and the temperature terminal 111e is provided on a side surface of the power supply unit 111. Therefore, the positive terminal connection portion 20a is provided on the top wall portion 22 of the power supply accommodating portion 200 in correspondence with the positive terminal 111c, the negative terminal connection portion 20b is provided on the bottom wall portion 21 of the power supply accommodating portion 200 in correspondence with the negative terminal 111d, and the temperature terminal connection portion 20c is provided on the side wall portion 23 of the power supply accommodating portion 200 in correspondence with the temperature terminal 111e.

[0066] Also, in the example shown in Figure 5, when the panel 30 is removed from the case 20 while the power supply unit 111 is housed in the power supply accommodating unit 200, the power supply accommodating unit 200 becomes connected to the outside of the case 20, making it possible to remove the power supply unit 111 from the power supply accommodating unit 200.

[0067] <3-3. Third Example of Attachment / Detachment Mode of Power Supply Unit> Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a third example of the attachment / detachment mode of the power supply unit 111. Note that the following description will focus on parts that are different from the description of Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, and descriptions of parts that are common to the description of Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0068] In the example shown in FIG. 6 , 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 .

[0069] The lower case 202 has an open top and houses the power supply unit 111. In this way, in the example shown in Fig. 6, the power supply unit 111 and the lower case 202 are modularized to form the battery pack 10.

[0070] Battery pack 10 is attached to upper case 201 from below. As an 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, and battery pack 10 is attached to upper case 201 by screwing the lower end of upper case 201 and the upper end of lower case 202 together.

[0071] As another 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 to upper case 201. As yet another example, lower case 202 may have a hook-shaped or other locking portion, and the locking portion may be locked onto upper case 201, thereby attaching battery pack 10 to upper case 201.

[0072] When the battery pack 10 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.

[0073] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply unit 111 and the control unit 116. As shown in Fig. 7, the power supply unit 111 includes, for example, a battery 1111, a fuse 1112, a switch circuit 1113, a protection IC 1114, a battery temperature sensor 1115, a positive terminal 111c, a negative terminal 111d, and a temperature terminal 111e.

[0074] The battery 1111 is a secondary battery having a positive terminal 1111 a and a negative terminal 1111 b, and configured to be able to output a terminal voltage of, for example, about 4 V between the positive terminal 1111 a and the negative terminal 1111 b. Various types of secondary batteries, such as a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, can be used as the battery 1111.

[0075] The positive terminal 1111a of the battery 1111 is connected to the positive terminal 111c, which is the high-potential input / output terminal of the power supply unit 111, via a fuse 1112. The negative terminal 1111b of the battery 1111 is connected to the negative terminal 111d, which is the low-potential input / output terminal of the power supply unit 111, via a switch circuit 1113. Therefore, the power supply unit 111 can output the terminal voltage of the battery 1111 as the terminal voltage between the positive terminal 111c and the negative terminal 111d. Hereinafter, the output voltage of the power supply unit 111 will also be referred to as the "power supply voltage Vbat."

[0076] When the power supply unit 111 is properly attached to the power supply unit 110, the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 90a of the power supply unit 110 (i.e., the suction device 100), and the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111 is electrically connected to the negative terminal 90b of the power supply unit 110.

[0077] In this embodiment, the positive terminal 90a and the negative terminal 90b of the power supply unit 110 are provided on a main body side substrate unit 90 configured by mounting various electronic components, including ICs that constitute the control unit 116, on a printed wiring board (PWB). The ICs that constitute the control unit 116 may include an MCU 1161 and a fuel gauge IC 1162, which will be described later.

[0078] The fuse 1112 is a protective element that melts down when a current exceeding a predetermined value flows, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the positive terminal 1111 a and the positive terminal 111 c. By providing such a fuse 1112, even if an overcurrent, which is a current exceeding a predetermined value, is output from the battery 1111, the overcurrent is prevented from being output from the power supply unit 111, and the main body side board unit 90 can be protected from the overcurrent.

[0079] The switch circuit 1113 is a circuit that functions as a switch that turns on and off charging and discharging of the power supply unit 111 (more specifically, the battery 1111). In this embodiment, the switch circuit 1113 is configured by connecting a first FET 1113a and a second FET 1113b in series.

[0080] Each of the first FET 1113a and the second FET 1113b may be, for example, an N-channel MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). In this case, the source terminal of the first FET 1113a is connected to the negative terminal 1111b of the battery 1111, the drain terminal of the first FET 1113a is connected to the drain terminal of the second FET 1113b, and the gate terminal of the first FET 1113a is connected to the protection IC 1114. The source terminal of the second FET 1113b is connected to the negative terminal 111d, and the gate terminal of the second FET 1113b is connected to the protection IC 1114.

[0081] The protection IC 1114 is connected to the positive terminal 1111a and the negative terminal 1111b of the battery 1111, respectively, and is configured to be able to acquire the terminal voltage of the battery 1111. The protection IC 1114 controls the switch circuit 1113 based on the terminal voltage of the battery 1111. In this embodiment, the protection IC 1114 controls the gate voltage of the first FET 1113a to turn the first FET 1113a on (in other words, conductive state) or off (in other words, cut-off state). Similarly, the protection IC 1114 controls the gate voltage of the second FET 1113b to turn the second FET 1113b on or off.

[0082] For example, when the terminal voltage of the battery 1111 reaches a predetermined upper limit during charging of the power supply unit 111 (i.e., the battery 1111), the protection IC 1114 turns off the second FET 1113b to stop charging of the power supply unit 111. This makes it possible to prevent the power supply unit 111 from being overcharged.

[0083] Furthermore, when the terminal voltage of the battery 1111 reaches a predetermined lower limit during discharge from the power supply unit 111, the protection IC 1114 turns off the first FET 1113a to stop discharge from the power supply unit 111. This makes it possible to prevent over-discharge of the power supply unit 111.

[0084] Furthermore, the protection IC 1114 may be configured to control the switch circuit 1113 based on the current value of the current flowing through the conductor connecting the negative terminal 1111b and the negative terminal 111d (i.e., the power line to which ground potential can be applied).

[0085] For example, when a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value flows through the conductor connecting the negative terminal 111d and the negative terminal 1111b during charging of the power supply unit 111, the protection IC 1114 may turn off the second FET 1113b to stop charging of the power supply unit 111. In this way, it is possible to protect the power supply unit 111 and the like from an overcurrent that may occur during charging of the power supply unit 111.

[0086] Furthermore, when a current equal to or greater than a predetermined value flows through the conductor connecting the negative terminal 111d and the negative terminal 1111b during discharge from the power supply unit 111, the protection IC 1114 may turn off the first FET 1113a to stop discharge from the power supply unit 111. In this way, it is possible to protect the main body side board unit 90 and the like from an overcurrent that may occur during discharge from the power supply unit 111.

[0087] The battery temperature sensor 1115 is a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the power supply unit 111 (hereinafter also referred to as "battery temperature Tbat"). In this embodiment, the battery temperature sensor 1115 is an NTC thermistor formed of a resistor having NTC characteristics or a PTC thermistor formed of a resistor having PTC characteristics, and is disposed in close proximity to the battery 1111. One end of the battery temperature sensor 1115 (more specifically, the resistor) is connected to the temperature terminal 111e, and the other end is connected to the negative terminal 111d.

[0088] When the power supply unit 111 is properly attached to the power supply unit 110, the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111 is electrically connected to the temperature terminal 90c of the power supply unit 110 (i.e., the inhalation device 100). Therefore, at this time, a potential difference corresponding to the amount of voltage drop caused by the battery temperature sensor 1115, which is a thermistor, is generated between the temperature terminal 90c and the negative terminal 90b of the main body side board unit 90. Note that in this embodiment, the temperature terminal 90c, like the positive terminal 90a and the negative terminal 90b, is also provided on the main body side board unit 90. The terminal group consisting of the positive terminal 90a, the negative terminal 90b, and the temperature terminal 90c of the main body side board unit 90 is another example of a connection portion provided in the power supply unit of the aerosol generation device of the present disclosure.

[0089] The power supply unit 111 further includes, for example, a memory 1116. The memory 1116 is configured with, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a flash memory, and stores information indicating a power supply ID, which is an identifier that can uniquely identify the power supply unit 111 in which the memory 1116 is provided. Hereinafter, the information indicating the power supply ID will also be referred to as "power supply ID information."

[0090] The power supply unit 111 is configured so that when the power supply unit 111 is properly attached to the power supply unit 110, the control unit 116 (e.g., MCU 1161) of the power supply unit 110 can acquire the power supply ID information stored in the memory 1116.

[0091] As one example, when the power supply section 111 is properly attached to the power supply unit 110, the memory 1116 is electrically connected to a predetermined IC (e.g., MCU 1161) among the ICs constituting the control section 116 via signal lines, terminals, etc. (not shown). This allows the predetermined IC to access the memory 1116 and acquire the power supply ID information stored in the memory 1116. As another example, the memory 1116 and the predetermined IC may be arranged to be able to communicate with each other via contactless communication such as NFC.

[0092] In the example described here, the power supply unit 111 includes components other than the battery 1111, but this is not limiting. For example, the power supply unit 111 may be configured only by the battery 1111, and the components other than the battery 1111 may be provided in the power supply unit 110 (for example, the main body side board unit 90). Furthermore, the components other than the battery 1111 may be provided in an intermediate member (in other words, a relay member) electrically provided between the battery 1111 and the main body side board unit 90. Furthermore, the components other than the battery 1111 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0093] 7, the control unit 116 includes, for example, an MCU 1161 and a fuel gauge IC 1162. The MCU 1161 and the fuel gauge IC 1162 are provided in a state in which they can communicate with each other via a signal line or the like (not shown). Each function of the control unit 116 in this embodiment is realized by cooperation between multiple ICs of the main body side board unit 90, such as the MCU 1161 and the fuel gauge IC 1162. Furthermore, some of the functions of the control unit 116 may be realized by, for example, the MCU 1161 alone.

[0094] The MCU 1161 is an IC (in other words, a computer) that controls the entire power supply unit 110 (i.e., the suction device 100). The MCU 1161 controls the charging and / or discharging of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 based on information acquired from, for example, the fuel gauge IC 1162, or controls the notification unit 113 (e.g., a light-emitting device, a display device, or a vibration device) to issue a predetermined notification. Details of control examples by the MCU 1161 will be described later, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0095] The remaining battery capacity meter IC 1162 is an IC that calculates the remaining capacity (hereinafter also referred to as "remaining battery capacity Cbat") of the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110, i.e., the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection portion 20x.

[0096] In this embodiment, the fuel gauge IC 1162 derives the remaining battery capacity Cbat based on the power supply voltage Vbat, the battery temperature Tbat, etc. The power supply voltage Vbat can be obtained, for example, by measuring the potential difference between the positive terminal connection part 20a and the negative terminal connection part 20b using a voltage sensor, etc. The battery temperature Tbat can be obtained, for example, by measuring the voltage drop caused by the battery temperature sensor 1115, i.e., the potential difference between the temperature terminal connection part 20c and the negative terminal connection part 20b using a voltage sensor, etc.

[0097] As an example, the fuel gauge IC 1162 derives the remaining battery charge Cbat corresponding to the current combination of power supply voltage Vbat and battery temperature Tbat using a table or formula that defines the relationship between the combination of power supply voltage Vbat and battery temperature Tbat and the remaining battery charge Cbat. In this way, by deriving the remaining battery charge Cbat taking into account not only the power supply voltage Vbat but also the battery temperature Tbat, it is possible to derive the remaining battery charge Cbat with higher accuracy than when the remaining battery charge Cbat is derived only from the power supply voltage Vbat. Furthermore, the fuel gauge IC 1162 may also derive the remaining battery charge Cbat using a cycle count value and / or SOH (state of health), which will be described later. In this way, it is possible to derive the remaining battery charge Cbat with higher accuracy.

[0098] When the fuel gauge IC 1162 derives the remaining battery power Cbat, it outputs information indicating the remaining battery power Cbat to the MCU 1161. This allows the MCU 1161 to acquire the current remaining battery power Cbat. Hereinafter, the information indicating the remaining battery power Cbat will also be referred to as "remaining battery power information."

[0099] The fuel gauge IC 1162 may also output information indicating the power supply voltage Vbat and the battery temperature Tbat to the MCU 1161. This allows the MCU 1161 to acquire the current power supply voltage Vbat and battery temperature Tbat. Hereinafter, the information indicating the power supply voltage Vbat will also be referred to as "power supply voltage information," and the information indicating the battery temperature Tbat will also be referred to as "battery temperature information."

[0100] In this embodiment, the fuel gauge IC 1162 counts the cycle count of the power supply unit 111 based on the remaining battery charge Cbat and stores the count value. Here, the cycle count is, for example, the number of times the power supply unit 111 (more specifically, the battery 1111) is charged to a total of 100% SOC (State of Charge), or the number of times the power supply unit 111 is discharged to a total of 100% SOC, and is also referred to as a "full charge cycle." The count value of the cycle count by the fuel gauge IC 1162 (hereinafter also referred to as the "cycle count value") is stored, for example, in a nonvolatile memory (e.g., memory 1162a described below) included in the fuel gauge IC 1162. Note that this nonvolatile memory may be provided external to the fuel gauge IC 1162 in a state accessible by the fuel gauge IC 1162.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fuel gauge IC 1162 derives a state of health (SOH), which indicates the health of the power supply unit 111, based on the power supply voltage Vbat and the cycle count value, and stores the derived SOH. Like the cycle count value, the SOH derived by the fuel gauge IC 1162 is also stored, for example, in the nonvolatile memory provided in the fuel gauge IC 1162. The MCU 1161 can, for example, appropriately refer to this nonvolatile memory to acquire information indicating the stored cycle count value and SOH. Hereinafter, information indicating the cycle count value will also be referred to as "cycle count information," and information indicating the SOH will also be referred to as "SOH information."

[0102] [5. Example of Control by MCU] As described above, in suction device 100, power supply unit 111 is detachable from power supply unit 110, allowing the user to replace power supply unit 111. Therefore, for example, if power supply unit 111 deteriorates due to repeated charging and discharging, causing its performance to decrease, the user can replace it with a new power supply unit 111, thereby making it possible to fully use suction device 100 again.

[0103] On the other hand, even if the user is allowed to replace the power supply unit 111, it is not guaranteed that the appropriate power supply unit 111 will be properly installed. For example, there may be a problem with the replaced power supply unit 111 (i.e., the newly installed power supply unit 111), such as the replacement power supply unit 111 being incompatible with the power supply unit 110 in terms of hardware or software. Furthermore, there may be cases where the replaced power supply unit 111 is not properly installed in the power supply unit 110, such as when the user mistakenly connects the replaced power supply unit 111 to the connector 20x, or when dust or other foreign matter adheres to the connector 20x during the power supply unit 111 replacement work.

[0104] In this way, if there is a problem with the replaced power supply unit 111 or if there is some kind of malfunction, such as the replaced power supply unit 111 not being properly attached to the power supply unit 110, and the power supply unit 110 is operated normally without taking this malfunction into consideration, this may lead to a malfunction of the power supply unit 110, which is undesirable from the perspective of ensuring the safety of the power supply unit 110 and / or the convenience of the user.

[0105] Therefore, when the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x is replaced, the MCU 1161 (i.e., the control unit 116) performs a predetermined operation check and controls the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results of the operation check.

[0106] In the operation check, the MCU 1161 acquires, for example, information (hereinafter also referred to as "connected power source information") related to the replaced power supply unit 111. Then, based on the acquired connected power source information, the MCU 1161 detects any malfunctions related to the replaced power supply unit 111 and / or any malfunctions related to the connection unit 20x connected to the replaced power supply unit 111.

[0107] Although details will be described later, the connected power source information includes, for example, information regarding the remaining battery charge Cbat, power supply voltage Vbat, SOH, battery temperature Tbat, or power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111. The MCU 1161 can detect the above-mentioned malfunction by determining, for example, based on such connected power source information, whether the remaining battery charge Cbat, power supply voltage Vbat, SOH, battery temperature Tbat, or power supply ID satisfies predetermined conditions. Note that the details of the connected power source information and operation check will be described later, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0108] When the power supply unit 111 is replaced, by performing such an operation check and controlling the power supply unit 110 based on the result, it is possible to prevent the power supply unit 110 from operating normally despite some kind of malfunction in the power supply unit 111 or the connection unit 20x. This makes it possible to improve the safety of the power supply unit 110 and / or the convenience for the user.

[0109] The MCU 1161 can detect that the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x has been replaced, for example, based on the occurrence of a potential difference between the positive terminal connection unit 20a and the negative terminal connection unit 20b, in other words, the transition of the potential difference between the positive terminal connection unit 20a and the negative terminal connection unit 20b from 0 [V] to a state greater than 0 [V]. The potential difference between the positive terminal connection unit 20a and the negative terminal connection unit 20b can be obtained by measurement using, for example, a voltage sensor. As another example, the MCU 1161 may detect that the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x has been replaced, based on the change in the power supply ID of the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x.

[0110] The MCU 1161 executes the operation check in response to, for example, replacement of the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x. This allows the operation check to be executed automatically, triggered by the replacement of the power supply unit 111. Therefore, compared to a case where an operation other than the replacement of the power supply unit 111 is required to execute the operation check, it is possible to reduce the user's effort required to execute the operation check.

[0111] As another example, the MCU 1161 may be configured to execute the operation check in response to a predetermined operation by the user after the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x is replaced. In this way, the operation check can be executed after waiting for the predetermined operation by the user.

[0112] For example, a user who is unfamiliar with replacing the power supply unit 111 may not be able to properly determine whether the power supply unit 111 has been properly attached, and may end up repeatedly attaching and detaching the power supply unit 111. For this reason, if an operation check is automatically performed when the power supply unit 111 is connected to the connection unit 20x, the operation check will also be repeatedly performed when the power supply unit 111 is repeatedly attached and detached as described above, which may lead to an increase in power consumption.

[0113] In contrast, if the operation check is configured to be triggered by a predetermined operation by the user after the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x has been replaced, the operation check can be performed at a timing when it is assumed that the user has completed replacement of the power supply unit 111. This makes it possible to prevent the operation check from being repeatedly performed, which would result in an increase in power consumption, even if the user repeatedly attaches and detaches the power supply unit 111 when replacing the power supply unit 111.

[0114] Here, the predetermined operation is preferably an operation that can be performed when the user determines that replacement of the power supply unit 111 is complete; in other words, an operation that is assumed to indicate that replacement of the power supply unit 111 is complete. As an example, the predetermined operation may be pressing an operation button (e.g., an operation button on the operation unit 15) provided on the suction device 100. As another example, the predetermined operation may be attaching the panel 30, which is a cover member that covers the power supply housing 200 in which the power supply unit 111 is housed, to the power supply unit 110. As yet another example, the predetermined operation may be inputting information indicating that replacement of the power supply unit 111 is complete to the power supply unit 110 via another device (e.g., a terminal device such as the user's smartphone) that can communicate with the power supply unit 110. The predetermined operation may also be a combination of multiple operations, such as attaching the panel 30 and pressing an operation button. The MCU 1161 can detect the presence of a predetermined operation based on information acquired by the sensor unit 112 or the communication unit 115, for example.

[0115] For example, based on the results of the operation check, the MCU 1161 prohibits at least a portion of the operation of the power supply unit 110. Specifically, if the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction through the operation check, it prohibits at least a portion of the operation of the power supply unit 110. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences such as enabling all functions of the power supply unit 110 and operating normally despite some malfunction related to the power supply unit 111 or the connection unit 20x after the power supply unit 111 is replaced.

[0116] On the other hand, if the MCU 1161 does not detect any malfunctions through the operation check, it does not prohibit some of the operations and allows the power supply unit 110 to operate normally. As a result, if there is no malfunction related to the power supply unit 111 or the connection unit 20x after the replacement of the power supply unit 111, i.e., if the power supply unit 111 has been properly replaced, the power supply unit 110 can operate normally. In this case, the MCU 1161 may notify the user, for example, via the notification unit 113, that the replacement of the power supply unit 111 has been completed correctly and / or that the power supply unit 110 (i.e., the suction device 100) is now ready for use.

[0117] Some of the operations that are prohibited based on the results of the operation check include, for example, power supply from power supply unit 111 to heating unit 121, i.e., generation of aerosol by heating unit 121. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences such as power being supplied to heating unit 121, which handles a large amount of power, despite some malfunction of power supply unit 111 or connection unit 20x after replacement of power supply unit 111.

[0118] Furthermore, some of the operations that are prohibited based on the results of the operation check include, for example, charging of the power supply unit 111. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences such as power being supplied to the power supply unit 111 after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, despite the existence of some malfunction related to the power supply unit 111 or the connection unit 20x.

[0119] Furthermore, if the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction through the operation check, it may prevent the power supply unit 110 from transitioning from sleep mode to active mode. Here, the sleep mode may be, for example, a mode in which power is supplied only to the minimum components necessary for controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 (i.e., a low power consumption mode). On the other hand, the active mode may be, for example, a mode in which power is supplied to other components (e.g., the heating unit 121) in addition to the minimum components necessary for controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110.

[0120] Furthermore, when a malfunction is detected during the operation check, the MCU 1161 may notify the user of the detected malfunction and / or a recommendation corresponding to the detected malfunction, for example, via the notification unit 113. Here, the recommendation indicates, for example, an action that the user should take to resolve the malfunction detected during the operation check. In this way, by notifying the user of the detected malfunction and / or a recommendation corresponding to the detected malfunction, it is possible to prompt the user to take appropriate action to resolve the malfunction.

[0121] For example, if the notification unit 113 includes a light-emitting device, the notification may be performed by making the light-emitting device emit light in a predetermined light-emitting manner. Here, the light-emitting manner refers to, for example, the light-emitting color, the number of lights emitted (e.g., the number of light-emitting elements to emit light), or the light-emitting pattern (e.g., blinking). If the notification unit 113 includes a vibration device, the notification may be performed by making the vibration device vibrate in a predetermined vibration manner. Here, the vibration manner refers to, for example, the vibration pattern (e.g., the manner of vibration), the vibration intensity, the vibration frequency, or the vibration duration. If the notification unit 113 includes a display device, the notification may be performed by making the display device display a predetermined image (e.g., a so-called "icon") or a predetermined message (i.e., a character string).

[0122] Furthermore, the MCU 1161 may cause another device (e.g., a terminal device such as a user's smartphone) that can communicate with the power supply unit 110 to make the above-mentioned notification by transmitting information indicating the detected malfunction and / or recommendations corresponding to the detected malfunction to the other device via the communication unit 115. Specific examples of notifications made based on the results of the operation check will be described later.

[0123] (Example of connected power source information acquired by MCU) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of connected power source information acquired by MCU 1161. As shown in Fig. 8, MCU 1161 acquires connected power source information 800 including information indicating, for example, a power source ID, a remaining battery charge Cbat, a power source voltage Vbat, a SOH, a connection state between power supply unit 111 and connection unit 20x, whether or not a short circuit has occurred in connection unit 20x, and a battery temperature Tbat.

[0124] As described above, power supply ID information, which is information indicating the power supply ID, can be acquired, for example, from the memory 1116 of the power supply unit 111. Furthermore, remaining battery capacity information, which is information indicating the remaining battery capacity Cbat, power supply voltage information, which is information indicating the power supply voltage Vbat, SOH information, which is information indicating the SOH, and battery temperature information, which is information indicating the battery temperature Tbat, can be acquired, for example, from the fuel gauge IC 1162.

[0125] Furthermore, the connection status information indicating the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection unit 20x can be information indicating whether the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection unit 20x is normal. For example, when acquiring the connected power source information 800, if the potential difference between the positive terminal connection unit 20a and the negative terminal connection unit 20b is within a predetermined range greater than 0 V and the potential of the positive terminal connection unit 20a is higher than the potential of the negative terminal connection unit 20b, the MCU 1161 acquires connection status information indicating that the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection unit 20x is normal. On the other hand, if the potential difference between the positive terminal connection unit 20a and the negative terminal connection unit 20b is outside the predetermined range or the potential of the positive terminal connection unit 20a is lower than the potential of the negative terminal connection unit 20b, the MCU 1161 acquires connection status information indicating that the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection unit 20x is abnormal. Similarly, short circuit information, which is information indicating whether or not a short circuit has occurred in the connection portion 20x, can be obtained based on, for example, the potential difference between the positive electrode terminal connection portion 20a and the negative electrode terminal connection portion 20b.

[0126] The method of acquiring each piece of information included in the connected power source information 800 described here is merely an example and is not limited to this. That is, any known method may be used to acquire each piece of information included in the connected power source information 800. Also, the connected power source information 800 described here is merely an example and is not limited to this. That is, the connected power source information acquired by the MCU 1161 may be the connected power source information 800 from which any information has been omitted, or may be the connected power source information 800 to which other information has been added.

[0127] (Example of Operation Check) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of operation check performed by the MCU 1161. As shown in table 900 in Fig. 9, in the operation check, the MCU 1161 performs, for example, a battery remaining amount check, a power supply voltage check, a SOH check, a connection state check, a short circuit check, a battery temperature check, and a power supply ID check.

[0128] Here, the battery remaining amount check is a process of checking whether a certain amount of power remains in the replaced power supply unit 111. Specifically, in the battery remaining amount check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the remaining battery amount Cbat is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold based on the remaining battery amount information in the connected power source information 800. Then, based on the determination that the remaining battery amount Cbat is not equal to or greater than the first threshold (i.e., is less than the first threshold), the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction, such as insufficient remaining battery amount Cbat of the replaced power supply unit 111.

[0129] By performing such an operation check, including a battery remaining capacity check, and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as the power supply unit 111 running out of power due to the power supply unit 111 being operated normally even though the battery remaining capacity Cbat of the replaced power supply unit 111 is insufficient.

[0130] The first threshold value used to check the remaining battery power can be determined as appropriate by the manufacturer of power supply unit 110, but is preferably set based on the power required for generating aerosol by heating unit 121, which is the main operation of power supply unit 110 (i.e., inhalation device 100). In this way, it is possible to prevent a situation in which aerosol generation performed after replacing power supply unit 111 is interrupted midway due to insufficient remaining battery power Cbat of the replaced power supply unit 111, for example.

[0131] More specifically, the power supply unit 110 generates aerosol by, for example, heating the aerosol source using the heating unit 121 based on a predetermined heating profile. Here, the heating profile is information that defines the time series change in temperature of the heating unit 121. When generating aerosol based on the heating profile, the MCU 1161 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the difference between a target temperature corresponding to the elapsed time since heating by the heating unit 121 began and the actual temperature of the heating unit 121 (hereinafter also referred to as the "actual temperature"). At this time, the MCU 1161 controls the temperature of the heating unit 121 so that the time series change in the actual temperature is similar to the time series change in the target temperature defined in the heating profile. As the first threshold, for example, a value that can ensure enough power to complete the generation of aerosol based on such a heating profile is adopted.

[0132] The power supply voltage check is a process of checking whether the power supply voltage Vbat, which is the output voltage of the replaced power supply unit 111, is within an appropriate range for the power supply unit 110. Specifically, in the power supply voltage check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the power supply voltage Vbat is within a predetermined first range, based on the power supply voltage information in the connected power supply information 800. Then, based on the determination that the power supply voltage Vbat is not within the first range (i.e., outside the first range), the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction such as deterioration of the replaced power supply unit 111 or connection of an incompatible power supply unit 111 (in other words, the replaced power supply unit 111 is not compatible with the power supply unit 110).

[0133] For example, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is already deteriorated, its power supply voltage Vbat will be lower than the lower limit of the first range. Furthermore, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, its power supply voltage Vbat will be higher than the upper limit of the first range or lower than the lower limit of the first range. Therefore, by determining whether the power supply voltage Vbat of the replaced power supply unit 111 is within the first range, it is possible to detect a malfunction such as deterioration of the replaced power supply unit 111 or the connection of an incompatible power supply unit 111. The first range used for the power supply voltage check is set in advance by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, taking into account, for example, the hardware and software characteristics of the power supply units 111 that can be attached to the power supply unit 110 or the power supply unit 110 itself.

[0134] By performing such an operation check, including a power supply voltage check, and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as causing the power supply unit 110 to operate normally even though the replaced power supply section 111 is not suitable for the power supply unit 110.

[0135] The SOH check is a process for checking whether the replaced power supply unit 111 is healthy (in other words, whether it has deteriorated much). Specifically, in the SOH check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the SOH is equal to or greater than a second threshold based on the SOH information in the connected power supply information 800. Then, based on the determination that the SOH is not equal to or greater than the second threshold (i.e., less than the second threshold), the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction, such as deterioration, of the replaced power supply unit 111.

[0136] For example, the SOH indicates the degree of health of the power supply unit 111 in a range from 100% to 0%, with the healthier the power supply unit 111 (in other words, the less deteriorated it is), the higher the value. The second threshold used in the SOH check can be determined as appropriate by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, but is preferably determined taking into consideration the hardware characteristics of the power supply unit 111 that may be attached to the power supply unit 110 or the power supply unit 110 itself. An example of the second threshold used in the SOH check can be 70% at which the power supply unit 111 is considered to be in a fairly healthy state.

[0137] By performing an operation check including such an SOH check and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as the power supply unit 110 being operated normally even though the replaced power supply unit 111 has already deteriorated (in other words, its performance has decreased).

[0138] The connection status check is a process of checking whether the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection unit 20x is normal. Specifically, in the connection status check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection unit 20x is normal based on the connection status information in the connected power source information 800. Then, based on determining that the connection status between the power supply unit 111 and the connection unit 20x is not normal, the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction such as reverse connection of the power supply unit 111 or the adhesion of foreign matter such as dust to the connection unit 20x. Note that reverse connection of the power supply unit 111 refers to, for example, a state in which the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the positive terminal connection unit 20a of the power supply unit 110, and the positive terminal 111c of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the negative terminal 111d of the power supply unit 110.

[0139] By performing such an operation check, including a connection status check, and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as the power supply unit 110 operating normally even though the power supply section 111 is not properly connected.

[0140] The short circuit check is a process for checking whether a short circuit has occurred in the connection part 20x connected to the replaced power supply unit 111. Specifically, in the short circuit check, the MCU 1161 determines whether a short circuit has occurred in the connection part 20x based on the short circuit information in the connected power supply information 800. Then, based on the determination that a short circuit has occurred, the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction such as a short circuit occurring in the connection part 20x. Note that a short circuit in the connection part 20x may occur due to, for example, foreign matter such as dust adhering to the connection part 20x.

[0141] By performing such an operation check including a short circuit check and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as the power supply unit 110 being operated normally even though a short circuit has occurred in the connection part 20x connected to the replaced power supply part 111.

[0142] The battery temperature check is a process for checking whether the temperature state of the replaced power supply unit 111 is normal. In this embodiment, in the battery temperature check, the MCU 1161 checks whether the battery temperature Tbat of the replaced power supply unit 111 is normal and whether the temperature rise rate of the replaced power supply unit 111 is normal. Here, the temperature rise rate of the power supply unit 111 is the amount of temperature rise of the power supply unit 111 per unit time.

[0143] Specifically, in checking the battery temperature Tbat, the MCU 1161 determines whether the battery temperature Tbat is within a predetermined second range based on the battery temperature information in the connected power source information 800. Then, based on the determination that the battery temperature Tbat is not within the second range (i.e., outside the second range), the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction such as an abnormal temperature of the replaced power supply unit 111.

[0144] A temperature abnormality such as battery temperature Tbat falling outside the second range may occur, for example, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110, or if dust or other foreign matter is caught between the temperature terminal connection portion 20c of the power supply unit 110 and the temperature terminal 111e of the power supply unit 111. The second range used to check battery temperature Tbat is set in advance by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, taking into account, for example, the hardware characteristics of the power supply unit 111 that may be attached to the power supply unit 110 or the power supply unit 110 itself. An example of the second range used to check battery temperature Tbat may be a range from 0°C to 60°C.

[0145] Incidentally, even if the replaced power supply section 111 is not compatible with the power supply unit 110, it may take some time for the battery temperature Tbat to rise to a certain level.

[0146] Therefore, in checking the battery temperature Tbat, the MCU 1161 may, for example, acquire battery temperature information indicating the battery temperature Tbat for a predetermined period after the replacement of the power supply unit 111, and determine whether the battery temperature Tbat for the predetermined period is within the second range. More specifically, the MCU 1161 may determine whether the battery temperature Tbat for a period of 5 seconds from the time the replacement of the power supply unit 111 is detected is within the second range. This makes it possible to more accurately detect malfunctions such as an abnormal temperature of the replaced power supply unit 111, in other words, malfunctions such as the connection of an incompatible power supply unit 111 or a poor connection of the connection unit 20x.

[0147] Furthermore, in checking the temperature rise rate, the MCU 1161 determines whether the temperature rise rate of the power supply unit 111 during a predetermined period after the replacement of the power supply unit 111 is equal to or less than a third threshold value, based on the battery temperature information in the connected power source information 800. Then, based on determining that the temperature rise rate of the power supply unit 111 is not equal to or less than the third threshold value (i.e., greater than the third threshold value), the MCU 1161 detects a malfunction such as an abnormal temperature of the replaced power supply unit 111.

[0148] A temperature abnormality such as the rate of temperature rise of the power supply unit 111 becoming greater than the third threshold value may also occur, for example, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is incompatible with the power supply unit 110. The third threshold value used to check the rate of temperature rise is set in advance by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, taking into consideration the characteristics of the power supply unit 111 that may be attached to the power supply unit 110 or the characteristics of the power supply unit 110 itself.

[0149] By performing the above-described operation check, including the battery temperature check, and controlling the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as the power supply unit 110 being operated normally even though the replaced power supply unit 111 is not suitable for the power supply unit 110 or the power supply unit 111 is not properly connected.

[0150] The power supply ID check is a process of checking whether the replaced power supply unit 111 is compatible with the power supply unit 110, based on the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111. Specifically, in the power supply ID check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is a predetermined ID, based on the power supply ID information in the connected power source information 800. Then, if the MCU 1161 determines that the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is not the predetermined ID, it detects a problem, such as the connection of an incompatible power supply unit 111.

[0151] As an example, a so-called "genuine" power supply unit 111 provided to a user by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110 is assigned a power supply ID that includes a predetermined character string. In this case, in the power supply ID check, the MCU 1161 determines whether the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 includes the predetermined character string. If the MCU 1161 determines that the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 does not include the predetermined character string, it determines that the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is not the predetermined ID. This makes it possible to detect a malfunction, such as the connection of an incompatible power supply unit 111, when the power supply unit 111 is replaced with a power supply unit 111 manufactured by a third party other than the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, in other words, a non-genuine power supply unit 111 whose safety has not been verified by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110.

[0152] Furthermore, in the power supply ID check, the MCU 1161 may transmit power supply ID information to a server device (e.g., server device SV, described below) managed by the manufacturer of the power supply unit 110, via the communication unit 115, for example. In this case, the server device that receives the power supply ID information authenticates whether the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is a predetermined ID, and returns the authentication result to the power supply unit 110. Then, the MCU 1161 may determine whether the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is a predetermined ID based on the authentication result received from the server device.

[0153] Furthermore, as shown in Table 900, if any malfunction is detected by the above-described operation check, the MCU 1161, for example, prohibits heating by the heating unit 121 (in other words, prohibits power supply to the heating unit 121). That is, in this case, the MCU 1161 prevents heating by the heating unit 121 even if there is a heating request from the user. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences such as heating by the heating unit 121 after replacement of the power supply unit 111, despite the existence of some malfunction related to the power supply unit 111 or the connection unit 20x.

[0154] Furthermore, if the malfunction detected by the operation check is something other than a lack of remaining battery power Cbat, the MCU 1161 also prohibits, for example, charging of the power supply unit 111. That is, in this case, the MCU 1161 prevents charging of the power supply unit 111 even if there is a charging request from the user (for example, when the power supply unit 110 is connected to an external power supply). This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of inconveniences such as charging of the power supply unit 111 after replacement, despite some malfunction related to the power supply unit 111 or the connection unit 20x.

[0155] Furthermore, as shown in table 900, if any malfunction is detected by the operation check, the MCU 1161 notifies the user via the notification unit 113 of, for example, a recommendation corresponding to the detected malfunction.

[0156] Specifically, if the battery remaining amount check detects a malfunction such as a lack of remaining battery amount Cbat, the MCU 1161 issues a recommendation, for example, a notification urging the user to charge the power supply unit 111. If the power supply voltage check detects a malfunction such as deterioration of the power supply unit 111 or an incompatible connection of the power supply unit 111, the MCU 1161 issues a recommendation, for example, a notification urging the user to replace the power supply unit 111. If the SOH check detects a malfunction such as deterioration of the power supply unit 111, the MCU 1161 issues a recommendation, for example, a notification urging the user to replace the power supply unit 111.

[0157] Furthermore, if the connection status check detects a malfunction such as reverse connection of the power supply unit 111 or attachment of foreign matter to the connection unit 20x, the MCU 1161 issues a recommendation, for example, a notification urging the user to check the connection unit 20x and reattach the power supply unit 111. If the short-circuit check detects a malfunction such as attachment of foreign matter to the connection unit 20x, the MCU 1161 issues a recommendation, for example, a notification urging the user to check the connection unit 20x.

[0158] Furthermore, if the battery temperature check detects a malfunction such as an incompatible connection of the power supply unit 111 or the attachment of foreign matter to the connection unit 20x, the MCU 1161 issues a recommendation, for example, a notification urging the user to check the connection unit 20x and replace the power supply unit 111. If the power supply ID check detects a malfunction such as an incompatible connection of the power supply unit 111, the MCU 1161 issues a recommendation, for example, a notification urging the user to replace the power supply unit 111.

[0159] It is also conceivable that multiple malfunctions may be detected during the operation check. In such a case, the MCU 1161 may notify, for example, a recommendation corresponding to each of the detected malfunctions.

[0160] Furthermore, if no malfunctions are detected by the operation check, the MCU 1161 does not, for example, prohibit heating by the heating unit 121 or charging of the power supply unit 111. Therefore, in this case, the MCU 1161 causes the heating unit 121 to perform heating in response to a heating request from the user, or causes the power supply unit 111 to charge in response to the power supply unit 110 being connected to an external power source.

[0161] The operation checks described here and the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results of the operation checks are merely examples and are not limited to these. For example, the operation checks performed by the MCU 1161 may omit any of the checks described above, or may include additional checks. Furthermore, the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the results of the operation checks may be other operations instead of those described here, or may include other operations in addition to those described here.

[0162] Furthermore, the timing at which the MCU 1161 performs the operation check can be, for example, the first time a predetermined operation (e.g., a heating request or a charging request) is performed by the user after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, but is not limited to this. For example, the MCU 1161 may perform the operation check each time a predetermined operation is performed until the predetermined operation is performed a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times) after the power supply unit 111 is replaced. In this way, by performing multiple operation checks at different times after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, the safety of the power supply unit 110 can be further improved.

[0163] (Resetting the Cycle Count Value and SOH) In this embodiment, the fuel gauge IC 1162 counts the cycle count of the power supply unit 111 and stores cycle count information indicating the count value (cycle count value). Furthermore, the fuel gauge IC 1162 also stores SOH information indicating the SOH of the power supply unit 111. This information stored in the fuel gauge IC 1162 can be used, for example, to derive the remaining battery charge Cbat. It is also conceivable that the MCU 1161 appropriately refers to this information stored in the fuel gauge IC 1162 and controls the operation of the power supply unit 110 based on the cycle count value and / or SOH.

[0164] As an example, the MCU 1161 may determine the life of the power supply unit 111 based on the cycle count value. In this case, the MCU 1161 determines that the life of the power supply unit 111 has expired, for example, when the cycle count value reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 1,000 times). Then, when the MCU 1161 determines that the life of the power supply unit 111 has expired, it notifies the user, for example, via the notification unit 113, urging the user to replace the power supply unit 111.

[0165] As another example, the MCU 1161 may control heating by the heating unit 121 based on the SOH. In this case, for example, when heating by the heating unit 121 is not prohibited (i.e., when no malfunctions are detected by the operation check), if a user requests heating, the MCU 1161 determines whether the remaining battery charge Cbat at that time is equal to or greater than a predetermined heating permission threshold. Then, the MCU 1161 causes the heating unit 121 to perform heating based on the determination that the remaining battery charge Cbat is equal to or greater than the heating permission threshold. This makes it possible to cause the heating unit 121 to perform heating only when the remaining battery charge Cbat is equal to or greater than the heating permission threshold, in other words, only when there is sufficient remaining battery charge Cbat to perform heating by the heating unit 121.

[0166] The heating permission threshold is designed to have a larger value as the SOH worsens (e.g., approaches 0%). This is because the power supply voltage Vbat decreases as the SOH worsens, and therefore, unless the output current from the power supply unit 111 is increased, it becomes impossible to secure the power to be supplied to the heating unit 121 (in other words, the power required to generate aerosol).

[0167] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a heating permission threshold table TBL that defines heating permission thresholds. The heating permission threshold table TBL shown in FIG. 10 defines a heating permission threshold for each SOH. Specifically, in the heating permission threshold table TBL, the heating permission threshold is 500 mAh when the SOH is 100%, 510 mAh when the SOH is 99%, 520 mAh when the SOH is 98%, and so on. As the SOH worsens, the heating permission threshold corresponding to that SOH increases.

[0168] For example, if a user requests heating when heating by the heating unit 121 is not prohibited, the MCU 1161 refers to the SOH stored in the remaining capacity meter IC 1162 and the heating permission threshold table TBL stored in the memory unit 114, etc., and obtains a heating permission threshold corresponding to the SOH at that time (for example, 520 mAh if the SOH is 98%.

[0169] The MCU 1161 then compares the acquired heating permission threshold with the remaining battery charge Cbat at that time to determine whether the remaining battery charge Cbat is equal to or greater than the heating permission threshold, and, based on the determination that the remaining battery charge Cbat is equal to or greater than the heating permission threshold, causes the heating unit 121 to perform heating. On the other hand, if the MCU 1161 determines that the remaining battery charge Cbat is not equal to or greater than the heating permission threshold (i.e., is less than the heating permission threshold), it does not cause the heating unit 121 to perform heating. This makes it possible to cause the heating unit 121 to perform heating only when the remaining battery charge Cbat is sufficient to generate aerosol.

[0170] In this way, the MCU 1161 and / or fuel gauge IC 1162 refer to the cycle count value and / or SOH to execute processing related to the control of the power supply unit 110, thereby enabling the power supply unit 110 to perform operations that take into account the cycle count value and / or SOH, thereby improving user convenience.

[0171] However, when such a configuration is adopted, if the cycle count value and / or SOH are not reset when the power supply unit 111 is replaced, the power supply unit 110 may be controlled based on the cycle count value and / or SOH of the old power supply unit 111 even after the power supply unit 111 is replaced. If the power supply unit 110 is controlled based on the cycle count value and / or SOH of the old power supply unit 111 even after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, it may become impossible to properly derive the remaining battery charge Cbat, determine the life of the power supply unit 111, or obtain the heating permission threshold, which may lead to a decrease in convenience for the user.

[0172] Therefore, for example, when the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x is replaced, the MCU 1161 (i.e., the control unit 116) performs a reset process to reset the cycle count value and / or SOH stored in the fuel gauge IC 1162 to a predetermined value. By performing such a reset process, it is possible to prevent the power supply unit 110 from being controlled based on the cycle count value and / or SOH of the old power supply unit 111 after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, thereby suppressing a decrease in user convenience.

[0173] In this embodiment, since fuel gauge IC 1162 stores both the cycle count value and the SOH, MCU 1161 resets both the cycle count value and the SOH stored in fuel gauge IC 1162 to predetermined values ​​in the reset process. Resetting the cycle count value and the SOH stored in fuel gauge IC 1162 can be achieved, for example, by sending a reset request to fuel gauge IC 1162 to instruct the reset.

[0174] In this embodiment, the MCU 1161 performs a reset process when the power supply unit 111 is connected to the connection unit 20x and no malfunction is detected by the above-described operation check. As a result, if a malfunction is detected by the operation check and the user returns to the old power supply unit 111, it becomes possible to continue to control the power supply unit 110 based on the cycle count value and SOH of the old power supply unit 111.

[0175] Furthermore, the MCU 1161 may be configured to perform a reset process when no malfunction is detected through the operation check and a predetermined operation is performed by the user. Here, the predetermined operation may be, for example, an operation to instruct the execution of the reset process, and as one example, may be pressing an operation button (e.g., an operation button on the operation unit 15) provided on the suction device 100. As another example, this predetermined operation may be an operation to input information instructing the execution of the reset process to the power supply unit 110 via another device such as the user's smartphone. In this way, by waiting for a predetermined operation from the user before performing the reset process, it is possible to prevent the reset process from being performed against the user's will.

[0176] (Example of Reset Processing) Here, an example of the reset processing performed by the MCU 1161 will be described. Fig. 11A is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of the reset processing performed by the MCU 1161. Fig. 11B is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of the reset processing performed by the MCU 1161. Fig. 11C is a diagram (part 3) showing an example of the reset processing performed by the MCU 1161.

[0177] 11A(a), the MCU 1161 first refers to the memory 1162a of the fuel gauge IC 1162 immediately before resetting and acquires the cycle count value and SOH immediately before resetting from the memory 1162a. As a result, in the example shown in FIG. 11A(a), cycle count information indicating that the cycle count value is 350 and SOH information indicating that the SOH is 80[%] are acquired.

[0178] Next, as shown in (b) of Figure 11A, MCU 1161 associates the acquired cycle count information and SOH information, in other words, information indicating the cycle count value and SOH immediately before resetting, with the power supply ID of the old power supply unit 111 that was connected to connection unit 20x immediately before the power supply unit 111 was replaced, and stores it in memory 1161a of MCU 1161, which is different from memory 1162a of fuel gauge IC 1162.

[0179] In the example shown in (b) of Figure 11A, the power supply ID of the old power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x immediately before the power supply unit 111 was replaced was "AAAA", so the MCU 1161 associates this power supply ID "AAAA" with the cycle count value "350 times" and SOH "80 [%]" immediately before the reset and stores them in memory 1161a (see the area surrounded by a line marked with the symbol α).

[0180] 11B (c), the MCU 1161 searches the memory 1161a for the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111, for example, based on the power supply ID information in the connected power supply information 800. For example, if the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is "BBBBB," the MCU 1161 searches the memory 1161a for the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID "BBBBB."

[0181] As a result of the above search, it is assumed that the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 are not found in the memory 1161a. For example, if the replaced power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110 for the first time, the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 are not found in the memory 1161a.

[0182] In such a case, as shown in (d) of Fig. 11B, the MCU 1161 resets the cycle count value and SOH stored in memory 1162a of the fuel gauge IC 1162 to the predetermined initial values ​​by sending a reset request to the fuel gauge IC 1162 to reset them to the predetermined initial values. As a result, in the example shown in (d) of Fig. 11B, the cycle count value stored in memory 1162a is reset to the initial value of "0 times," and the SOH is reset to the initial value of "100[%]."

[0183] On the other hand, suppose that the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 are found as a result of the above search. For example, when a power supply unit 111 that was previously attached to the power supply unit 110 is attached to the power supply unit 110 again, the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 are searched for in this manner. As an example, suppose that the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is "BBBBB," and therefore a cycle count value of "500 times" and an SOH of "65%" corresponding to the power supply ID "BBBBB" are found.

[0184] In such a case, as shown in (e) of Fig. 11C, the MCU 1161 transmits a reset request to the fuel gauge IC 1162 to reset the cycle count value and SOH to the found cycle count value and SOH, i.e., the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111. As a result, in the example shown in (e) of Fig. 11C, the cycle count value stored in the memory 1162a is reset to "500 times," and the SOH is reset to 65[%].

[0185] As described above, when resetting the cycle count value and SOH stored in fuel gauge IC 1162 (more specifically, memory 1162a) to predetermined values, MCU 1161 stores information indicating the cycle count value and SOH immediately before resetting to the predetermined values ​​in memory 1161a of MCU 1161. As a result, even if the cycle count value and SOH stored in fuel gauge IC 1162 are reset, they can be restored to the cycle count value and SOH before reset by subsequently referring to memory 1161a as necessary.

[0186] Furthermore, the MCU 1161 stores in the memory 1161a information indicating the cycle count value and SOH immediately before the reset in association with the power supply ID of the old power supply unit 111 that was connected to the connection unit 20x immediately before the power supply unit 111 was replaced. This allows the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to each power supply unit 111 to be stored in the memory 1161a in a distinguishable state.

[0187] When the power supply unit 111 is replaced, the MCU 1161 acquires the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111, searches the memory 1161a for the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111, and if the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 are found, the MCU 1161 sets the cycle count value and SOH to predetermined values ​​and resets the cycle count value and SOH stored in the fuel gauge IC 1162. As a result, if the old power supply unit 111 is reattached to the power supply unit 110 because, for example, a malfunction has occurred in the replaced power supply unit 111, the cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the old power supply unit 111 can be restored by referring to the memory 1161a. Therefore, even after the old power supply unit 111 is reattached, the power supply unit 110 can be operated appropriately based on the appropriate cycle count value and / or SOH.

[0188] On the other hand, if the MCU 1161 does not find a cycle count value and SOH corresponding to the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111, it sets predetermined initial values ​​as predetermined values ​​and resets the cycle count value and SOH stored in the fuel gauge IC 1162. This makes it possible to operate the power supply unit 110 appropriately based on the appropriate cycle count value and / or SOH, even if, for example, the replaced power supply unit 111 is attached to the power supply unit 110 for the first time.

[0189] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow by the MCU 1161. As shown in Fig. 12, the MCU 1161 first determines whether the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x has been replaced, i.e., whether the power supply unit 111 attached to the power supply unit 110 has been replaced (step S1). If it is determined that the power supply unit 111 has not been replaced (step S1: NO), the MCU 1161 repeats the processing of step S1 until it determines that the power supply unit 111 has been replaced.

[0190] If it is determined that the power supply unit 111 has been replaced (step S1: YES), the MCU 1161 acquires connected power supply information (e.g., connected power supply information 800 shown in FIG. 8 ) regarding the power supply unit 111 connected to the connection unit 20x (step S2). Then, the MCU 1161 performs an operation check based on the connected power supply information acquired by the processing of step S2 (step S3).

[0191] Next, the MCU 1161 determines whether a malfunction has been detected by the operation check in step S3 (step S4). If a malfunction has been detected (step S4: YES), the MCU 1161 prohibits heating by the heating unit 121 and charging of the power supply unit 111 (step S5). Then, the MCU 1161 notifies the user of a recommendation based on the detected malfunction via the notification unit 113 (step S6), and ends the series of processes.

[0192] If no malfunction is detected (step S4: NO), the MCU 1161 executes a reset process (step S7), and notifies the user via the notification unit 113 that the replacement of the power supply unit 111 has been completed (step S8), thereby completing the series of processes.

[0193] As described above, with the power supply unit 110 of this embodiment, when the power supply unit 111 that is capable of storing power and is configured to be detachable from the power supply unit 110 is replaced, it is possible to detect any malfunctions in the replaced power supply unit 111 and / or any malfunctions in the connection unit 20x of the power supply unit 110 that is connected to the replaced power supply unit 111, and to perform operations based on the detection results. Therefore, after the power supply unit 111 is replaced, it is possible to prevent the power supply unit 110 from operating normally despite any malfunctions in the power supply unit 111 or the connection unit 20x. This can improve the safety of the power supply unit 110 and / or the convenience for the user.

[0194] Incidentally, even if the replaced power supply unit 111 is not compatible with the power supply unit 110, it is conceivable that the replaced power supply unit 111 will be usable in the power supply unit 110 by updating the firmware of the power supply unit 110.

[0195] Therefore, if the control unit 116 (e.g., MCU 1161) determines through an operation check that the replaced power supply unit 111 is not compatible with the power supply unit 110, it may transmit power supply ID information indicating the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 to an external device via the communication unit 115, thereby obtaining firmware for the power supply unit 110 corresponding to the replaced power supply unit 111 from the external device.

[0196] (Information Processing System for Updating Firmware of Power Supply Unit 110) Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system for updating firmware of the power supply unit 110. The information processing system SYS shown in Fig. 13 is configured to include the above-mentioned suction device 100, a terminal device TM, and a server device SV.

[0197] In the information processing system SYS, the suction device 100 (more specifically, the power supply unit 110) and the terminal device TM are provided in a state in which they can communicate with each other. For example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, or LPWA may be used for communication between the suction device 100 and the terminal device TM. The suction device 100 and the terminal device TM may also be connected by wire.

[0198] In the information processing system SYS, the terminal device TM and the server device SV are provided in a state in which they can communicate with each other via a predetermined network such as a mobile communication network, the Internet, or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0199] The terminal device TM is a computer used by a user of the suction device 100. The terminal device TM may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, a wearable terminal (e.g., a smart watch), or the like. In the following description, the terminal device TM is assumed to be a smartphone.

[0200] The server device SV is, for example, a computer that is managed by the manufacturer of the suction device 100 (i.e., the power supply unit 110) and distributes firmware for the power supply unit 110 via the network. The server device SV may be a virtual server (cloud server) realized in a cloud computing service, or may be a physical server realized as a single device.

[0201] 13, the server device SV has a firmware database DB that associates, for example, a power supply ID with firmware that enables the power supply unit 111 identified by the power supply ID. In the firmware database DB shown in FIG. 13, firmware "FW0001" is associated with the power supply ID "AAAAA."

[0202] In the information processing system SYS, if the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 determines through an operation check that the replaced power supply unit 111 is not compatible with the power supply unit 110 (for example, if it determines that the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 is not a specified ID), it sends a firmware acquisition request including power supply ID information indicating the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 to the terminal device TM via the communication unit 115 (see the arrow marked with symbol S11 in Figure 13).

[0203] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may wait for a predetermined operation by the user and then transmit a firmware acquisition request to the terminal device TM. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the terminal device TM (for example, tapping on a "Start FW Update" icon provided on the display screen of the terminal device TM), the terminal device TM notifies the control unit 116 of the suction device 100 of this fact. The control unit 116 may be triggered by receiving this notification to transmit a firmware acquisition request to the terminal device TM.

[0204] The terminal device TM, which receives a firmware acquisition request from the suction device 100, sends a firmware distribution request including power supply ID information indicating the power supply ID of the replaced power supply unit 111 to the server device SV via the network (see the arrow marked with symbol S12 in Figure 13).

[0205] When the server SV receives a firmware distribution request from the terminal device TM, it references the power supply ID information included in the distribution request and searches the firmware database DB for firmware corresponding to the power supply ID. If the corresponding firmware is found, the server SV transmits the found firmware to the terminal device TM that made the firmware distribution request (see the arrow marked S13 in FIG. 13).

[0206] When the terminal device TM receives the firmware from the server device SV, the terminal device TM stores the firmware in its own memory (not shown), etc. Then, the terminal device TM transmits the firmware received from the server device SV to the suction device 100 that has requested the firmware acquisition (see the arrow marked with symbol S14 in FIG. 13).

[0207] The control unit 116 of the suction device 100, which has received the firmware from the terminal device TM, updates the firmware of the suction device 100 (more specifically, the power supply unit 110) to the firmware received from the terminal device TM. Specifically, by updating the firmware, the control unit 116 changes, for example, parameters used to acquire information about the power supply unit 111, parameters used to control discharging from or charging of the power supply unit 111, etc. This makes it possible to use the replaced power supply unit 111 in the power supply unit 110.

[0208] The parameters to be changed by updating the firmware may include, for example, the heating permission threshold value described above. That is, the control unit 116 may rewrite the heating permission threshold value table TBL by updating the firmware. The parameters to be changed by updating the firmware may also include, for example, a parameter that serves as a threshold value used to determine whether the power supply unit 111 is in a discharged state (deeply discharged state), a parameter that represents the open circuit voltage (OCV) that the fuel gauge IC 1162 uses to derive the remaining battery charge Cbat, and a parameter that serves as a threshold value used by the protection IC 1114 to determine whether to stop discharging or charging the power supply unit 111.

[0209] Furthermore, in the suction device 100, if the operation check determines that the replaced power supply unit 111 is not compatible with the power supply unit 110, some operations, such as heating by the heating unit 121 and charging of the power supply unit 111, may be prohibited. For example, when the firmware update is completed, the control unit 116 releases the prohibition of some of the operations. As a result, if the replaced power supply unit 111 becomes compatible with the power supply unit 110 as a result of the firmware update, the power supply unit 110 (i.e., the suction device 100) can be operated normally, thereby improving user convenience.

[0210] Furthermore, the control unit 116 may notify the user that the firmware is being updated while the firmware is being updated, and may notify the user that the firmware update has been completed when the firmware update is complete, for example, via the notification unit 113. In this way, it is possible to notify the user of the operating status of the suction device 100 (in other words, the power supply unit 110) when updating the firmware, thereby improving user convenience.

[0211] Furthermore, for example, if the control unit 116 determines through an operation check that the replaced power supply unit 111 is not compatible with the power supply unit 110, the control unit 116 may notify the user via the notification unit 113 that a firmware update is required to use the replaced power supply unit 111. After receiving the notification, if the user performs a predetermined operation, the control unit 116 may send the above-mentioned firmware acquisition request to the terminal device TM to update the firmware of the power supply unit 110.

[0212] While one embodiment of the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure has been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiment may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0213] The control method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a pre-prepared program on a computer. For example, the program is stored in a computer-readable storage medium and executed by being read from the storage medium. The program may be provided in a form stored in a non-volatile (non-transient) storage medium such as a flash memory, or may be provided via a network such as the Internet. In the present embodiment, the computer that executes the program is the control unit 116, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the computer that executes the program does not have to be included in the suction device 100, but may be included in another device that can communicate with the suction device 100.

[0214] 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.

[0215] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 110, 110A, 110B) of an aerosol generating device (inhalation device 100, 100A, 100B) that generates an aerosol from an aerosol source, comprising: a connection portion (connection portion 20x, positive electrode terminal connection portion 20a, negative electrode terminal connection portion 20b, temperature terminal connection portion 20c, positive electrode terminal 90a, negative electrode terminal 90b, temperature terminal 90c) to which a power supply unit (power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B) that can store power and is configured to be detachable from the power supply unit is connected; and a storage portion (a fuel gauge IC 1162, a memory 1162a) that stores at least information indicating a cycle count value and / or a health status of the power supply unit connected to the connection portion. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device comprising: a control unit (control unit 116, 116A, 116B, MCU 1161, remaining capacity meter IC 1162) that refers to information stored in the memory unit and controls the operation of the power supply unit based on the cycle count value and / or the health level, wherein the control unit resets the cycle count value and / or the health level stored in the memory unit to a predetermined value when the power supply unit connected to the connection unit is replaced.

[0216] According to (1), when the power supply unit connected to the connection unit is replaced, the cycle count value and / or health level of the power supply unit stored in the memory unit can be reset to a predetermined value, thereby preventing the power supply unit from being controlled based on the cycle count value and / or health level of the old power supply unit after the power supply unit is replaced. Therefore, even after the power supply unit is replaced, it is possible to appropriately control the operation of the power supply unit based on the cycle count value and / or health level of the power supply unit, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in user convenience.

[0217] (2) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device described in (1), wherein, when the control unit resets the cycle count value and / or the health level to the predetermined value, the control unit stores information indicating the cycle count value and / or the health level immediately before resetting to the predetermined value in another memory unit (MCU 1161, memory 1161a) different from the memory unit.

[0218] According to (2), even if the cycle count value and health level stored in the memory unit are reset, it is possible to restore the cycle count value and health level to their pre-reset state by subsequently referring to another memory unit as necessary.

[0219] (3) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device described in (2), wherein the control unit is configured to be able to acquire identification information of the power supply unit connected to the connection unit, and stores in the other memory unit information indicating the cycle count value and / or health status immediately before resetting to the predetermined value in association with identification information of the old power supply unit that was connected to the connection unit immediately before the power supply unit was replaced.

[0220] According to (3), the cycle count value and the health level corresponding to each power supply unit can be stored in another storage unit in a distinguishable state.

[0221] (4) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device described in (3), wherein the control unit, when the power supply unit connected to the connection unit is replaced, acquires identification information of the replaced power supply unit, searches the other memory unit for a cycle count value and / or health level corresponding to the identification information of the replaced power supply unit, and when a cycle count value and / or health level corresponding to the identification information of the replaced power supply unit is found, sets the cycle count value and / or health level to the predetermined value.

[0222] According to (4), for example, if the old power supply unit is reattached to the power supply unit because a malfunction occurs in the replaced power supply unit, it is possible to restore the cycle count value and health level corresponding to the old power supply unit by referring to another storage unit. Therefore, even after the old power supply unit is reattached, it is possible to operate the power supply unit appropriately based on the appropriate cycle count value and / or health level.

[0223] (5) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to (4), wherein the control unit sets a predetermined initial value as the predetermined value when a cycle count value and / or health status corresponding to the identification information of the replaced power supply unit is not found.

[0224] According to (5), even if the replaced power supply unit is being attached to the power supply unit for the first time, it is possible to operate the power supply unit appropriately based on an appropriate cycle count value and / or health level.

[0225] (6) A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device described in any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control unit, when the power supply unit connected to the connection unit is replaced, performs a predetermined operation check to detect any malfunctions related to the replaced power supply unit, and when no malfunction is detected by the operation check, resets the cycle count value and / or the health degree stored in the memory unit to the predetermined value.

[0226] According to (6), if a malfunction is detected during an operation check and the user switches back to the old power supply unit, it is possible to continue to control the power supply unit based on the cycle count value and health status of the old power supply unit.

[0227] (7) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device described in (6), wherein the control unit resets the cycle count value and / or the health level stored in the memory unit to the predetermined value when the malfunction is not detected by the operation check and a predetermined operation is performed by the user.

[0228] According to (7), by waiting for a predetermined operation from the user before resetting the cycle count value and / or health level, it is possible to prevent these values ​​from being reset against the user's will.

[0229] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 100A, 100B Suction device (aerosol generating device) 110, 110A, 110B Power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B Power supply section 116, 116A, 116B Control section 1161 MCU (control section) 1161a Memory (other storage section) 1162 Fuel gauge IC (control section, storage section) 1162a Memory (storage section) 20x Connection section 20a Positive electrode terminal connection section (connection section) 20b Negative electrode terminal connection section (connection section) 20c Temperature terminal connection section (connection section) 90a Positive electrode terminal (connection section) 90b Negative electrode terminal (connection section) 90c Temperature terminal (connection section)

Claims

1. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol from an aerosol source, comprising: a connection unit to which a power supply unit that can store power and is configured to be detachable from the power supply unit is connected; a storage unit that stores information indicating at least a cycle count value and / or a soundness of the power supply unit connected to the connection unit; and a control unit that refers to the information stored in the storage unit and controls the operation of the power supply unit based on the cycle count value and / or the soundness. When the power supply unit connected to the connection unit is replaced, the control unit resets the cycle count value and / or the soundness stored in the storage unit to a predetermined value. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

2. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit resets the cycle count value and / or the soundness to the predetermined value, the control unit stores information indicating the cycle count value and / or the soundness immediately before resetting to the predetermined value in another storage unit different from the storage unit. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

3. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to acquire identification information of the power supply unit connected to the connection unit, and stores information indicating the cycle count value and / or the soundness immediately before resetting to the predetermined value in the other storage unit in association with the identification information of the old power supply unit connected to the connection unit immediately before the power supply unit is replaced. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

4. The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 3, wherein when the power supply unit connected to the connection unit is replaced, the control unit acquires identification information of the power supply unit after replacement, searches for a cycle count value and / or a soundness corresponding to the identification information of the power supply unit after replacement in the other storage unit, and when the cycle count value and / or the soundness corresponding to the identification information of the power supply unit after replacement are searched, sets the cycle count value and / or the soundness to the predetermined value. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

5. A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 4, wherein when the control unit fails to retrieve the cycle count value and / or the soundness corresponding to the identification information of the power supply unit after the replacement, the control unit sets a predetermined initial value as the predetermined value. A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

6. A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the power supply unit connected to the connection unit is replaced, the control unit executes a predetermined operation check to detect a defect related to the power supply unit after the replacement. When the defect is not detected by the operation check, the control unit resets the cycle count value and / or the soundness stored in the storage unit to the predetermined value. A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

7. A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, wherein when the defect is not detected by the operation check and there is a predetermined operation from the user, the control unit resets the cycle count value and / or the soundness stored in the storage unit to the predetermined value. A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

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