JP6561188B1 - Suction component generation device, control circuit, control method and control program for suction component generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a suction component generation device and the like that can accurately acquire a voltage value of a battery and ensure the accuracy of aerosol generation. The suction component generation apparatus 100 includes a power source 10, a load group including a load 125 that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source 10, and a voltage value or voltage applied to the load 125. An adjustment unit that adjusts the waveform and a control circuit 50 configured to be able to acquire the voltage value of the power supply 10, and the control circuit 50 is in a closed circuit state in which the power supply 10 and the load group are electrically connected. The process for obtaining the closed circuit voltage value of the power supply 10 and the process for controlling the adjusting unit based on the closed circuit voltage value are performed. [Selection] Figure 23

Description

  The present invention relates to a suction component generation device, a control circuit, a control method and a control program for a suction component generation device, and in particular, suction component generation capable of accurately acquiring a voltage value of a battery and ensuring the accuracy of aerosol generation. The present invention relates to a device, a control circuit, a control method for a suction component generation device, and a control program.

  In recent years, instead of conventional cigarettes, suction component generating apparatuses that generate a suction component by vaporizing or atomizing a flavor source such as tobacco or an aerosol source have been proposed. Such a suction component generation device includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes a flavor source and / or an aerosol source, a power source that supplies power to the load, a control circuit that controls the operation of the device, and the like.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic smoking device having a heater, a battery, and a control device. Specifically, the battery voltage value is derived from a plurality of voltage values measured during the user's suction (puff) of the electronic smoking device, and the operation condition of PWM control in the next puff is changed based on the voltage value However, a technique for optimizing aerosol generation is disclosed.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0213066

  The remaining battery capacity decreases with discharging. In order to stably generate aerosol regardless of the remaining battery level, it is preferable to adjust the power supplied to the heater according to the remaining battery level using PWM control or the like.

  In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the voltage value of the battery is derived from a plurality of voltage values measured during the puff. Therefore, whether the voltage used to derive the voltage value of the battery is an open circuit voltage obtained without electrically connecting the power source and the heater, or a closed circuit obtained by electrically connecting the power source and the heater It's unclear whether it's a voltage or both. Since the closed circuit voltage is affected by the internal resistance of the power supply, its value is different from the open circuit voltage. This means that the derived battery voltage value can vary depending on the ratio of the open circuit voltage and the closed circuit voltage included in the plurality of voltage values. Since the voltage value of the battery thus derived is likely to deviate from the true value, there is a problem that the accuracy of aerosol generation is reduced.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a suction component generation device, a control circuit, a control method for the suction component generation device, and a control program that can accurately acquire the voltage value of the battery and ensure the accuracy of aerosol generation. is there.

In order to solve the above problems, a suction component generation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows:
Power supply,
A load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source;
An adjustment unit for adjusting a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load;
A control circuit configured to obtain the voltage value of the power source;
With
The control circuit is
In a closed circuit state in which the power source and the load group are electrically connected, processing for obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power source;
Based on only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value, a process for controlling the adjustment unit;
A suction component generation device configured to perform

A control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems is as follows:
At least a suction component generation device including a power source, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source, and an adjustment unit that adjusts a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load. A control circuit for controlling some functions,
In a closed circuit state in which the power source and the load group are electrically connected, processing for obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power source;
Based on only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value, a process for controlling the adjustment unit;
A control circuit configured to perform

The control method of the suction component generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is as follows:
Control of a suction component generation device including a power source, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes a suction component source by the power from the power source, and an adjustment unit that adjusts a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load A method,
Obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the battery in a closed circuit state in which the power source and the load group are electrically connected;
Controlling the adjusting unit based on only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value ;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device.

Moreover, the suction component production | generation apparatus of one form of this invention for solving the said subject is as follows:
Power supply,
A load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source;
An adjustment unit for adjusting a plurality of variables constituting the voltage waveform applied to the load;
A control circuit configured to obtain the voltage value of the power source;
With
The control circuit is
a1: a process of obtaining only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: When the closed circuit voltage value is lower than a voltage value belonging to a small plateau region in comparison with other voltage ranges, the plurality of variables The process of adjusting the first variable of
a3: a process of adjusting a second variable different from the first variable among the plurality of variables when the closed circuit voltage value is equal to or higher than the voltage value belonging to the plateau region;
A suction component generation device configured to perform

Moreover, the control method of the suction component production | generation apparatus of one form of this invention for solving the said subject is as follows:
Suction component generation comprising a power source, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source, and an adjustment unit that adjusts a plurality of variables constituting a voltage waveform applied to the load An apparatus control method comprising:
a1: obtaining only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: When the closed circuit voltage value is lower than a voltage value belonging to a small plateau region in comparison with other voltage ranges, the plurality of variables Adjusting a first variable of
a3: adjusting the second variable different from the first variable among the plurality of variables when the closed circuit voltage value is equal to or higher than the voltage value belonging to the plateau region;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device.

(Explanation of terms)
-"Suction component generation device" refers to a device that generates a suction component by vaporizing or atomizing a flavor source such as tobacco or an aerosol source, and may be a product formed in one casing In addition, a plurality of parts (units) may be connected to be used as one product.
“Power supply” means a source of electrical energy, including batteries and capacitors. As the battery, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery can be used. The secondary battery may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator that separates the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolytic solution or an ionic liquid. The electrolytic solution or ionic liquid may be a solution containing an electrolyte, for example. In the lithium ion secondary battery, the positive electrode is made of a positive electrode material such as lithium oxide, and the negative electrode is made of a negative electrode material such as graphite. The electrolytic solution may be a lithium salt organic solvent, for example. Examples of the capacitor include an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC). The power source is not limited to these, and another secondary battery such as a nickel hydride secondary battery, a primary battery, or the like may be used.
-"Load" refers to an element that consumes energy in an electric circuit, but particularly in the present specification, it refers to an element that mainly generates a suction component. The load includes, for example, a heating unit such as a heating element. For example, the load includes an electric resistance heating element, an induction heating (IH) unit, or the like. Also included are means for generating a suction component by means of ultrasonic waves, means for generating a suction component by means of a piezoelectric element, or a sprayer. In the case of the “load group”, in addition to the element for generating the suction component, for example, an element that generates light, sound, vibration, or the like is included in the load group. When a communication module or the like is provided, they can be included in the load group. On the other hand, a microcomputer or the like in an electric circuit is strictly an element that generates energy when a minute current flows, but is not included in the load group in this specification.
“Aerosol” refers to a gas in which fine liquid or solid particles are dispersed.
-Regarding the "deterioration diagnosis function", battery deterioration generally includes, for example, capacity reduction and resistance increase. As an example, the deterioration diagnosis function may acquire a power supply voltage value for diagnosing capacity reduction and determine whether the value is equal to or higher than a lower limit value of a predetermined reference range.

  The open circuit voltage is strongly dependent on the remaining battery capacity. On the other hand, the closed circuit voltage, which is a voltage at the time of discharging, is affected by the internal resistance of the battery in addition to the remaining battery level. The value of the internal resistance strongly depends on the battery temperature and the deterioration state. In other words, the closed circuit voltage indicates the actual value of the battery voltage reflecting the temperature and the deterioration state. According to the present invention, since the voltage applied to the heater is adjusted using a closed circuit voltage instead of the open circuit voltage, the suction component generation device, the control circuit, and the suction component that can ensure the accuracy of aerosol generation A generation apparatus control method and a control program can be provided.

It is sectional drawing which shows typically the structure of the suction component production | generation apparatus which concerns on one form of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance of a suction component production | generation apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of a suction component production | generation apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of an internal structure of a cartridge unit. It is sectional drawing which shows the other example of the internal structure of a cartridge unit. It is a figure which shows the electric circuit of a suction component production | generation apparatus (state in which a power supply unit and a cartridge unit are connected). It is a schematic diagram which shows the cartridge unit and charger which were comprised with respect to the power supply unit so that attachment or detachment was possible. It is a figure which shows the electric circuit of an attraction | suction component production | generation apparatus (state in which a power supply unit and a charger are connected). It is a figure which shows the relationship between the supply voltage to load, and suction operation | movement. It is a figure which shows typically the relationship between the output value of a suction sensor, and the supply voltage to load. It is a flowchart which shows the specific operation example of a suction component production | generation apparatus. It is a figure which shows some temperature ranges regarding power supply temperature, and the corresponding operation control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of deterioration diagnosis. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the specific operation | movement of a suction component production | generation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the sequence at the time of temperature abnormality. It is a flowchart which shows the sequence at the time of battery deterioration. It is a flowchart which shows an example of charging operation. It is a figure which simplifies and shows the connection of a power supply and load. It is a figure which shows the equivalent circuit model of a power supply. It is a figure which shows the time change etc. of a closed circuit voltage. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the detection of attraction | suction and electric power feeding control. It is a curve which shows the discharge characteristic of the secondary battery which can be utilized as a power supply. It is a figure which shows the example of the PWM control according to a power supply voltage value. It is an example of a series of control flows of a suction component generation device. It is a figure for demonstrating the change of an open circuit voltage value and a closed circuit voltage value (including the time of low temperature).

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The specific structure and electric circuit described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. In the following description, the structural portions having the same function are basically denoted by the same or corresponding reference numerals. However, for convenience of explanation, the reference numerals may be omitted. Although some configurations of the apparatus may be depicted differently from one drawing to another, these are not essential differences in the present invention, and any configuration can be adopted. Please keep in mind.

1. Apparatus Configuration As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the suction component generation apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a power supply unit 110 and a cartridge unit 120 configured to be detachable thereto. In the present embodiment, an example in which the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge unit 120 are configured separately is shown, but the suction component generation device of the present invention may be configured integrally.

  The overall shape of the suction component generation device 100 is not particularly limited, and various shapes can be adopted. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the suction component generation device 100 may be formed in a rod shape as a whole. Specifically, the suction component generation device 100 has a single bar shape by connecting the power supply unit 110 and the cartridge unit 120 in the axial direction. Thus, since the whole shape of the apparatus is a single bar, the user can perform suction with a feeling similar to smoking a conventional cigarette. In the example of FIG. 2, the end portion on the right side of the drawing is the suction port 142, and the light emitting portion 40 that emits light according to the operation state of the apparatus is provided at the opposite end portion. During use, a mouthpiece (not shown) may be attached to the mouthpiece 142 to perform suction. The specific dimensions of the device are not particularly limited, but may be about 15 mm to 25 mm in diameter, and about 50 mm to 150 mm in total length so that the user can hold and use it by hand. There may be.

(Power supply unit)
As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply unit 110 includes a case member 119, a power supply 10 provided therein, a suction sensor 20, a control circuit 50, and the like. The power supply unit 110 further includes a push button 30 and a light emitting unit 40. Note that all of these elements are not necessarily indispensable components of the suction component generation device 100, and one or more of them may be omitted. Alternatively, one or more may be provided in the cartridge unit 120 instead of the power supply unit 110.

  The case member 119 may be a cylindrical member, and the material thereof is not particularly limited, but may be made of metal or resin.

  The power supply 10 may be a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel metal hydride battery (Ni-MH). The power supply 10 may be a primary battery or a capacitor instead of the secondary battery. The power supply 10 may be provided so as to be replaceable with respect to the power supply unit 110, or may be built-in and built-in. The number of power supplies 10 may be one, plural, or any.

  The suction sensor 20 may be a sensor that outputs a predetermined output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) according to, for example, the flow rate and / or flow rate of the gas passing therethrough. Such a suction sensor 20 is used to detect a puff operation (suction operation) by a user. Various suction sensors 20 can be used. For example, a condenser microphone sensor or a flow sensor can be used.

  The push button 30 is a button operated by the user. Although expressed as “push button”, the present invention is not limited to the one in which the button portion is displaced when pressed, and may be an input device such as a touch-type button. The arrangement position of the push button 30 is not particularly limited, and may be provided at an arbitrary position of the housing of the suction component generation device 100. As an example, the push button 30 may be provided on the side surface of the case member 119 of the power supply unit 110 so that the user can easily operate. A plurality of push buttons 30 (input devices for receiving input from the user) may be provided.

  The light emitting unit 40 includes one or a plurality of light sources (for example, LEDs), and is configured to issue a predetermined light emission pattern at a predetermined timing. For example, in one embodiment, the light emitting device is preferably configured to emit light in a plurality of colors. The role of the light emitting unit 40 includes, for example, notifying the user of the operation status of the apparatus or notifying the user when an abnormality occurs. If attention is paid to such a role, other examples of the notification device provided in the suction component generation apparatus 100 include a vibration device that generates vibration, an acoustic device that generates sound, a display device that displays predetermined information, and the like. One or a combination of these may be used. As an example, the light emitting unit 40 may be provided at the end of the power supply unit 110. In the suction component generation device 100, if the light emitting unit 40 provided at the end opposite to the end provided with the mouthpiece 142 emits light in response to the user's puffing operation, the user can use the same convenience as a conventional cigarette. The suction component can be sucked.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the suction component generation device. As shown in FIG. 3, the suction component generation device 100 includes a temperature sensor 61, a voltage sensor 62, and the like in addition to the above.

  The temperature sensor 61 is for acquiring or estimating the temperature of a predetermined object in the suction component generation device 100. The temperature sensor 61 may measure the temperature of the power supply 10, or may measure the temperature of an object different from the power supply 10. Further, instead of preparing a dedicated temperature sensor, for example, a temperature detector incorporated in a predetermined component of an electric circuit may be used. Specific processing based on the output of the temperature sensor 61 will be described later. Although not limited, as the temperature sensor 61, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a temperature measuring resistance band, an IC temperature sensor, or the like can be used. The temperature sensor 61 is not limited to one, and a plurality of temperature sensors 61 may be provided.

  The voltage sensor 62 is for measuring a power supply voltage as an example. A sensor for measuring a predetermined voltage other than the power supply may be provided. Specific processing based on the output of the voltage sensor 62 will also be described later. The voltage sensor 62 is not limited to one, and a plurality of voltage sensors 62 may be provided.

  The suction component generation apparatus 100 may be further provided with a wireless communication device (not shown) and / or a communication port (not shown) that enables connection with an external device, if necessary. For example, the information regarding the state of a power supply, the information regarding suction, etc. may be transmitted to an external device via these.

(Cartridge unit)
The cartridge unit 120 is a unit having a suction component source therein. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the case member 129, the reservoir 123, the flavor unit 130, and a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source. 125 etc. Note that all of the above elements are not necessarily essential components of the suction component generation apparatus 100. In particular, in this embodiment, an example in which both a reservoir 123 for generating an aerosol and a flavor unit 130 for generating a flavor component (detailed below) is provided will be described. Only one may be used.

  As an example of the schematic function of the cartridge unit 120, first, the aerosol source stored in the reservoir 123 is vaporized or atomized by the operation of the load 125 as a first stage. Subsequently, as a second stage, the generated aerosol flows through the flavor unit 130, so that the flavor component is added and finally sucked into the user's mouth.

  The case member 129 (see FIG. 4) may be a cylindrical member, and the material thereof is not particularly limited, but may be made of metal or resin. The cross-sectional shape of the case member 129 may be the same as that of the case member 119 of the power supply unit 110. As described above, the cartridge unit 120 can be connected to the power supply unit 110. Specifically, as an example, the connection unit 121 at one end of the cartridge unit 120 may be physically connected to the connection unit 111 at one end of the power supply unit 110. In FIG. 4, the connecting portion 121 is depicted as a screw portion, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. Instead of the connection by the screw part, the connection part 111 and the connection part 121 may be coupled by magnetism. When the connection parts 111 and 121 are connected, the electric circuit on the power supply unit 110 side and the electric circuit on the cartridge unit 120 side may be electrically connected (details will be described later).

  As shown in FIG. 4, a cylindrical member that forms an inflow hole 121 a for taking in air into the unit is provided inside the connection portion 121 so as to extend in the axial direction of the case member 129. In addition, one or a plurality of holes 121b are formed at the connection portion 121 so as to extend in the radial direction, and outside air can be taken in through the holes 121b. The inflow hole may be provided in the connection part 111 of the power supply unit 110 instead of the connection part 121 of the cartridge unit 120. Further, the inflow holes may be provided in both the connection part 111 of the power supply unit 110 and the connection part 121 of the cartridge unit 120.

  The reservoir 123 is a container for storing a liquid aerosol source at room temperature. The reservoir 123 may be a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. As the aerosol source, one that is solid at room temperature can be used. Here, although the description will focus on an aspect in which the aerosol source is stored in the reservoir 123, an aspect in which the flavor source is stored in the reservoir 123 may be employed.

  As the aerosol source, for example, polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, water, or the like can be used. The aerosol source itself may have a flavor component. Alternatively, the aerosol source may include a tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component by heating or an extract derived from a tobacco raw material.

  As an example, the load 125 may be a heating element such as a heater or an ultrasonic element that generates, for example, micro droplets using ultrasonic waves. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor (for example, a heating wire), a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, and the like. Note that the load 125 may generate a flavor component from a flavor source.

  The peripheral structure of the reservoir 123 will be described in more detail. In the example of FIG. 4, a wick 122 is provided so as to contact the reservoir 123, and a load 125 is provided so as to surround a part of the wick 122. The wick 122 is a member for drawing an aerosol source from the reservoir 123 using capillary action. The wick 122 may be, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic. As a part of the wick 122 is heated, the aerosol source held therein is vaporized or atomized. In the form in which the flavor source is stored in the reservoir 123, the flavor source is vaporized or atomized.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the load 125 is provided as a heating wire formed in a spiral shape. However, the load 125 is not necessarily limited to a specific shape as long as it can generate a suction component, and can have an arbitrary shape.

  The flavor unit 130 is a unit containing a flavor source. Various configurations can be adopted as specific configurations, and are not particularly limited. For example, the flavor unit 130 may be provided as a replaceable cartridge. In the example of FIG. 4, the flavor unit 130 includes a cylinder 131 that is filled with a flavor source. More specifically, the cylinder 131 includes a membrane member 133 and a filter 132.

  The flavor source is composed of a raw material piece of plant material that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol. As a raw material piece which comprises a flavor source, the molded object which shape | molded tobacco material like a chopped tobacco and a tobacco raw material into a granule can be used. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a molded body obtained by molding a tobacco material into a sheet shape. Moreover, the raw material piece which comprises a flavor source may be comprised by plants (for example, mint, an herb, etc.) other than tobacco. The flavor source may be provided with a fragrance such as menthol.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a breaking portion 127 a is provided inside the cartridge unit 120, and the membrane member 133 of the flavor unit 130 is broken by the breaking portion 127 a. Specifically, the breaking portion 127a is a cylindrical hollow needle, and is configured so that the distal end side thereof can be pierced into the membrane member 133. The destruction part 127a may be held by a partition member 127b for partitioning the cartridge unit 120 and the flavor unit 130. The partition member 127b is, for example, a polyacetal resin. By connecting the destruction part 127a and the flavor unit 130, one flow path is formed in the cartridge unit 120, and aerosol, air, or the like flows in the flow path.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the flow path includes an inflow hole 121 a provided inside the reservoir 123, an internal passage 127 c that follows, an internal passage 127 c, a passage in the destruction portion 127 a, and a flavor unit 130. It is comprised by a channel | path and the suction hole 141 (detailed following). In one embodiment, it is preferable that a mesh having a degree of roughness that does not allow a flavor source to pass is provided inside the hollow needle that is the breaking portion 127a. The suction component generation device 100 may include a suction part 142 having a suction hole 141 for a user to suck a suction component. The suction port 142 may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the suction component generation device 100, or may be configured inseparably.

  In addition, as a flavor unit, the thing of a structure as shown, for example in FIG. 5 may be sufficient. In this flavor unit 130 ', a flavor source is arranged in a cylinder 131', a membrane member 133 'is provided at one opening end of the cylinder 131', and a filter 132 'is provided at the other opening end. Is provided. The cylinder 131 ′ may be provided so as to be replaceable with respect to the cartridge unit 120. The other structural parts in FIG. 5 are the same as those in FIG. In the example of FIG. 5, a gap is generated between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 131 ′ of the flavor unit 130 ′ and the inner peripheral surface of the case member 129, but such a gap may not be formed. . In this case, all of the sucked gas passes through the inside of the cylinder 131 ′. As the flavor unit 130 ', various types of flavor sources containing different types of flavor sources are commercially available, and can be set in the suction component generation device 100 according to the user's preference so that suction can be performed. May be. Note that the flavor unit 130 ′ may be configured such that when the flavor unit 130 ′ is connected to the cartridge unit 120, the end of the flavor unit 130 ′ protrudes from the case member 129 and is exposed. With such a configuration, the replaceable flavor unit 130 ′ serves as the mouthpiece 142, so that the user can use the suction component generation device 100 in a sanitary manner without touching the case member 129 during suction. .

(Control circuit)
Referring to FIG. 3 again, the control circuit 50 of the suction component generation apparatus 100 may include a processor having a memory and a CPU (all not shown), various electric circuits, and the like. Any processor may be used as long as it performs various processes regardless of the name. For example, the processor may be an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a microcomputer (microcomputer), a control IC, a control unit, or the like. . As the control circuit 50, a single control circuit may be configured to perform control related to the function of the suction component generation apparatus 100, or various functions may be shared by a plurality of control circuits. It may be configured to be executed.

  Hereinafter, a configuration in which the charger 200 is provided separately from the suction component generation device 100 will be described as an example. In this case, the first control circuit is provided on the device side, and the second control is provided on the charger side. There is a circuit, and each control circuit can execute a predetermined function. On the other hand, as another configuration example of the suction component generation device 100, the function of the charger can be built in the device main body, and in this case, it may be configured as a single control circuit. As described above, in the present invention, there may be a plurality of control circuits depending on the physical configuration of the device or the like, but it is possible to appropriately change which control circuit performs various controls.

(Electric circuit configuration)
An example of a specific circuit configuration of the suction component generation device 100 of the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 6, the entire electrical circuit of the suction component generation apparatus 100 is provided so that a circuit on the power supply unit 110 side and a circuit on the cartridge unit 120 side can be connected.

  The circuit of the cartridge unit 120 is provided with a load 125, and both ends of the load 125 are connected to a pair of electrical terminals 121t. In the present embodiment, the pair of electrical terminals 121t constitutes a connection part 121 from the viewpoint of electrical connection.

  As a circuit of the power supply unit 110, a control unit (control IC) 50A, a power supply 10, a protection circuit 180, a first switch 172, a second switch 174, and the like are provided. As schematically shown in FIG. 7, the circuit of the cartridge unit 120 is connected to the circuit of the power supply unit 110, and the circuit of the charger 200 (detailed later) can be connected. .

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, in the circuit of the power supply unit 110, the high potential side of the power supply 10 and the control unit 50A are connected by a path 110a, a path 110b, and a path 110c. The path 110a connects the high potential side of the power supply 10 and the node 156, the path 110b connects the node 156 and the node 154, and the path 110c connects the node 154 and the control unit 50A. A path 110d is drawn from the node 154, and the node 154 and the protection circuit 180 are connected by the path 110d. Two switches 172 and 174 are provided on the path 110d.

  A resistor 161 is provided between a portion of the path 110 a where the high potential side of the power supply 10 is connected and the protection circuit 180. The path 110b is provided with a first resistor 150, and the path 110c is provided with a second resistor 152. In this example, one of the pair of electrical terminals 111 t is connected to the node 156 and the other is connected to the node 154. In addition, the control unit 50A and a portion between the second switch 174 and the protection circuit 180 in the route 110d are connected by a route 110e, and a resistor 162 is provided in the route 110e. The protection circuit 180 and the path 110a are also connected by a path 110f, and a capacitor 163 is provided in the path 110f. Although it is not limited, it is preferable in one embodiment that the electric resistance values of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 are known. The first resistor 150 may be a known resistor for the control unit 50A and the external unit. Similarly, the second resistor 152 may be a known resistor for the control unit 50A and the external unit. Note that the electric resistance value of the first resistor 150 and the electric resistance value of the second resistor 152 may be the same.

  The first switch 172 switches the electrical connection state between the power supply 10 and the load 125. The first switch 172 may be configured by, for example, a MOSFET. The first switch 172 may function as a so-called discharging FET. ON / OFF of the first switch 172 is controlled by the control unit 50A. Specifically, when the first switch 172 is closed (that is, turned on), power is supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 125, and when the switch 172 is opened (that is, turned off), no power is supplied. It becomes.

  By controlling opening and closing of the first switch 172, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control on the load 125 may be performed. However, PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control may be performed instead of PWM control. The duty ratio in the PWM control and the switching frequency in the PFM control may be adjusted by various parameters including the voltage value of the power supply 10, for example. A specific circuit configuration relating to the first switch 172 is not necessarily limited to the following, but may include a parasitic diode. For example, when the external unit such as a charger is not connected to the parasitic diode, the direction in which the current from the power source 10 flows through the node 154 may be reversed.

  The second switch 174 is electrically connected to the node 154 through the first switch 172. The second switch 174 may also be configured by, for example, a MOSFET and controlled by the control unit 50A. Specifically, the second switch 174 is in an open state in which the current from the low potential side to the high potential side of the power source 10 is cut off and in a closed state in which a current from the low potential side to the high potential side of the power source 10 is passed. It may be transitionable. Note that the second switch 174 may also include a parasitic diode in which the charging current for charging the power supply 10 flows in the opposite direction.

  In the circuit configuration as described above, the current from the power source 10 mainly returns to the power source 10 through the node 156, the load 125, the node 154, and the switch 172 in this order, thereby heating the load 125. It is like that. Note that a part of the current from the power supply 10 passes through the resistor 150, but by setting the resistance value of the resistor 150 sufficiently larger than the resistance value of the load 125, loss caused by the current flowing through the resistor 150 is reduced. be able to.

(Circuit configuration of the charger)
Next, an example of a specific circuit configuration on the charger 200 side will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the circuit configuration on the power supply unit 110 side is the same as that in FIG.

  The external shape of the charger 200 is not limited in any way and may be any shape. For example, the charger 200 is similar to a USB memory having a USB terminal that can be connected to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. The shape may be different. As another example, the charger 200 may have a cradle shape that holds the power supply unit or a case shape that houses the power supply unit therein. When the charger 200 is configured in a cradle shape or a case shape, the external power source 210 is preferably built in the charger 200 and has a size and weight that can be carried by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 8, as a circuit of the charger 200, a charging control unit (charging control IC) 250, an inverter 251 that converts alternating current into direct current, a converter 253 that raises and lowers the voltage output from the inverter 251, and the like are provided. ing. The charger 200 may include a charging power supply 210 for supplying charging power, or may use another device or a commercial power supply as an external power supply. . Note that when the charging power source 210 is built in the charger 200 and outputs a direct current, the inverter 251 may be omitted. The charger 200 is also provided with a current sensor 230 for reading a charging current value supplied to the power supply 10 and a voltage sensor 240 for acquiring a voltage difference between the pair of electrical terminals 211t (connection portion 211). It has been. The voltage sensor 240 may be configured to be able to acquire the voltage value applied to the first resistor 150 in cooperation with the control circuit 50 and the switches 172 and 174.

  The charge control unit 250 has one or a plurality of functions such as connection detection of the power supply unit 110, type determination of the connection target, charge control based on the output value of the current sensor and / or the output value of the voltage sensor, for example. There may be. However, instead of the charger 200, the controller 50A of the suction component generation device 100 may be configured to perform one or more of these functions. Details of the above functions will be described later.

2. Operation Control Examples of the function of the suction component generation device 100 include the following:
(A1) Power supply control (a2) Light emission control (a3) Operation control based on power supply temperature (a4) Deterioration diagnosis function (b1) Charger connection detection (b2) Charge control

(A1) Power Supply Control The control circuit 50 has a function of performing a power supply operation to the load 125 based on a request signal from the request sensor. The request sensor refers to a sensor that can output a signal requesting the operation of the load 125, for example. Specifically, the request sensor may be, for example, the push button 30 pressed by the user or the suction sensor 20 that detects the suction operation of the user. In other words, the control circuit 50 may be configured to perform a predetermined operation using the push button 30 being pressed as a trigger and / or the detection result of the suction sensor 20 as a trigger. A value related to the operation amount of the load 125 may be measured by a predetermined counter.

  The following control may be performed for the end of power feeding. That is, the control circuit 50 determines whether the end timing of power supply to the load 125 has been detected, and ends the power supply if detected. The control circuit 50 measures a value related to the operation amount of the load 125 (such as the amount of power supplied to the load, the operation time of the load, and / or the consumption amount of the consumed suction component source). Also good. More specifically, the power supply end timing may be a timing at which the suction sensor 20 detects the end of the operation for using the load. For example, it may be the timing when the end of the suction operation by the user is detected. Alternatively, the power supply may be terminated when the release of the push button 30 is detected.

  Further, power supply may be terminated by the cutoff time. That is, the power supply may be terminated at a timing when it is detected that a predetermined cutoff time has elapsed during power supply. In order to realize the control by the cutoff time, the cutoff time (1.0 to 5.0 seconds, preferably (1.5 to 5.0) determined based on the time required for a general user to perform one suction operation. 3.0 seconds, more preferably in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 seconds).

  An example of the cutoff time will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The horizontal axis represents time, the upper stage shows the change in the suction amount or the suction speed, and the lower stage shows the discharge FET signal (corresponding to the voltage waveform supplied to the load). In this example, first, power supply to the load is started when it is determined that suction is started based on the output (suction amount or suction speed) of the suction sensor 20. In the figure, time t2 is the timing when the suction is completed. When the cut-off time is used, power supply is forcibly terminated when a predetermined cut-off time (here, time t1) has elapsed even if it is determined that suction is actually completed at time t2. If the cut-off time is provided in this way, variation in the amount of aerosol generated for each power supply can be reduced, so that the user's aerosol inhalation experience can be improved. In addition, since long-time continuous power feeding to the load 125 is suppressed, the life of the load 125 can be extended.

  Note that the control circuit 50 may be configured to be able to acquire a value related to the amount of operation of the load in one puff operation and to derive a cumulative value of the acquired values. That is, the amount of power supplied to the load, the operating time of the load, etc. in one puff operation are measured. The operation time may be the total time during which the power pulse is applied. In addition, the consumption amount of the suction component source consumed by one puff operation may be measured. The consumption amount of the suction component source can be estimated from the amount of power supplied to the load, for example. If the suction component source is a liquid, the consumption of the suction component source may be derived based at least on the weight of the suction component source remaining in the reservoir, or the liquid of the suction component source It may be derived based at least on the output of a sensor that measures the height of the surface. The operation amount of the load in one puff operation may be derived based at least on the load temperature (for example, the maximum temperature of the load in the puff operation and / or the amount of heat generated in the load).

  A specific operation example based on the output of the suction sensor will be supplemented with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the relationship between the output value of the suction sensor and the supply voltage to the load. In this example, the control circuit 50 detects whether or not the output value of the suction sensor is equal to or higher than the first reference value O1, and determines that the suction operation is being performed when the output value is equal to or higher than the reference value. To do. This timing is a trigger for requesting power supply. It is detected whether or not the output value of the suction sensor has become equal to or smaller than the second reference value O2, and when it is equal to or smaller than the reference value, it is determined that the power feeding is finished.

  For example, the control circuit 50 may be configured to detect suction only when the absolute value of the output value of the suction sensor is equal to or greater than the first reference value O1. Since the detection of the second reference value O2 is detection for executing a transition from the state where the load is already operating to the state where the load is not operating, the first reference value O2 is the second reference value. It may be smaller than O1.

  Regarding the operation of the load, for example, when the power supply voltage value is relatively high, the pulse width in the PWM control may be narrowed (see the middle stage of the graph of FIG. 10), or when the power supply voltage value is relatively low, the pulse width May be made wider (lower part of the graph). The power supply voltage value basically decreases as the charge amount of the power supply decreases. Therefore, in one embodiment, it is preferable to adjust the amount of power according to the power supply voltage value at that time. According to such a control method, for example, the effective value of the supply voltage (power) to the load can be the same or substantially the same both when the power supply voltage value is relatively high and when it is low. It is also preferable to perform PWM control with a high duty ratio as the power supply voltage value is lower. According to such a control method, it is possible to appropriately adjust (for example, substantially equalize) the amount of aerosol generated during the puff operation regardless of the remaining amount of power. If the amount of aerosol generated during the puff operation is made substantially uniform, the user's aerosol inhalation experience can be improved.

(A2) Light emission control of LED, etc. The suction component generation device of the present embodiment may operate the light emitting unit 40 (see FIG. 1 and the like) as follows. However, as described above, it is possible to notify the user by a notification means such as sound or vibration instead of light emission. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific operation example of the suction component generation device 100.

  First, in step S101, the control circuit 100 (see FIG. 3) detects whether or not suction is started. If the start of suction is not detected, step S101 is repeated, and if the start of suction is detected, the process proceeds to step S102.

Next, in step S102, the power supply voltage value _Vbatt of the power supply 10 is acquired, and it is determined whether or not the value exceeds the discharge end voltage value (3.2 V in one example) of the power supply 10. The fact that the power supply voltage value V _batt is equal to or less than the discharge end voltage value means that the remaining amount of the power supply is not sufficient, and therefore the light emitting unit 40 is caused to emit light in a predetermined mode in step S122. Specifically, it may be blinked in red, for example.

If it is determined in step S102 that the power supply voltage value V _batt exceeds the discharge end voltage value and the remaining amount is sufficient, then in step S103, the discharge end voltage <power supply voltage value V _batt ≦ (full It is determined whether or not the charging voltage is −Δ). Δ is a positive value. Whether or not power supply is performed at a duty ratio of 100% is changed as described below depending on whether or not the power supply voltage value _Vbatt is within this range. If it is within this range, power is supplied at a duty ratio of 100% in step S104. Although not limited, the light emission part 40 may be made to light in blue as an example (step S105).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the power supply voltage value _Vbatt is not within the above range, then in step S123, it is determined whether (full charge voltage−Δ) <power supply voltage value _Vbatt ≦ full charge voltage. judge. If within this range, constant power control is realized by supplying power using PWM control in step S124.

In the present embodiment, the suction time _TL is reset to “0” in step S106, and thereafter, the suction time _TL is updated by adding Δt in step S107.

Next, in step S108, it is determined whether or not the end of suction is detected. If the end of suction is detected, the process proceeds to step S109, and power supply to the load is stopped. On the other hand, the end of suction is not detected, but if it is determined in step S128 that the suction time _TL is equal to or longer than the predetermined upper limit time, the process also moves to step S109, and power supply to the load is stopped. In step S110, the light emitting unit 40 is turned off.

In step S111, the accumulated time _{T A} is updated. That is, in addition to this suction time T _L the accumulated time T _A so far and the new accumulated time T _A. Then, in step S112, the accumulated time _{T A} is equal to or does not exceed a predetermined suction time (e.g., 120 sec). When this time is not exceeded, it is assumed that the use can be continued and the sequence returns to the sequence from step S101. On the other hand, when the integrated time T _A exceeds the respirable time estimates the flavor source in flavor unit 130 or aerosol source in the reservoir 123 is missing or depleted, to load in step S115 to be described later Prohibit power supply.

  On the other hand, if this time is exceeded, it is detected whether or not suction is started in step S113, and it is determined whether or not suction is continued for a predetermined time (for example, 1.0 sec) in step S114. Even if the operation continues for a predetermined time or longer, power supply to the load is prohibited in step S115. In this case, in order to inform that such a power supply prohibition state is set, in step S116, the light emitting unit emits light in a predetermined mode (for example, blinking in blue), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the power supply prohibition state is canceled in step S117. In place of elapse of a certain time, replacement of the flavor unit 130 or the cartridge unit 120 with a new one or refilling of the flavor source or the aerosol source may be used as a condition for canceling the power supply prohibition state in step S117.

  According to the series of operations as described above, the operation mode of the load is appropriately changed according to the remaining amount of power, and the user can also grasp the current operation state of the suction component generation device through the light emitting unit 40. .

(A3) Operation control based on power supply temperature The suction component generation apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within a predetermined temperature range, and performs a predetermined operation based on the result. You may be comprised so that it may not perform. FIG. 12 shows a specific example of the temperature range. In this example, a first temperature range to a fourth temperature range are set. Not all four, but only one, two, or three of these may be set.

  The first temperature range is a temperature range related to SOH (State of Health) diagnosis permission indicating a healthy state of the power supply, and is an upper limit temperature T1a and a lower limit temperature T1b. Specific numerical values of the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can be set as appropriate. The unit of SOH may be [%]. In this case, the SOH at the time of a new article may be set to 100 [%], and the SOH at the time of deterioration to a state where charging / discharging is difficult may be set to 0 [%]. As another example, a value obtained by dividing the current full charge capacity by the full charge capacity at the time of a new article may be used for the SOH.

  The upper limit temperature T1a is not limited, but, for example, a temperature at which the structure and / or composition of the power supply electrode and the electrolytic solution may change (or a temperature at which the change becomes significant) and decomposition gas may be generated. The temperature may be set at a temperature lower than or lower than that temperature in consideration of a characteristic temperature (or a temperature at which generation is remarkable). If SOH is acquired at a temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature T1a, it is strongly affected by the temperature, making it difficult to obtain an appropriate deterioration diagnosis result. As an example, the temperature T1a may be 60 ° C. By setting the temperature range like this, deterioration diagnosis is performed in a range where the structure of the power supply does not change or the generation of cracked gas is suppressed, and it is possible to obtain an appropriate deterioration diagnosis result. It becomes.

  The lower limit temperature T1b may be set higher than or higher than that temperature in consideration of a temperature at which output decrease due to a lower temperature than SOH may be dominant (or a temperature at which it becomes significant). The temperature T1b is 15 ° C., for example. In order to acquire SOH, it is common to use an index indicating the capacity deterioration of the power source 10 such as output reduction. For this reason, it is difficult to obtain an appropriate deterioration diagnosis result in a temperature range in which the cause of output decrease is other than SOH. In other words, if the deterioration diagnosis is permitted only when the power supply temperature is within the first temperature range determined from the above-described upper limit temperature T1a and lower limit temperature T1b, the influence of the power supply temperature on the deterioration diagnosis result is eliminated as much as possible. be able to. Therefore, an appropriate deterioration diagnosis result can be obtained.

  The second temperature range is a temperature range related to permission to discharge the power source, and is an upper limit temperature T2a and a lower limit temperature T2b. Specific numerical values of the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can be set as appropriate. For example, the upper limit temperature T2a may be set based on the same reference as the upper limit temperature T1a of the first temperature range. As an example, the temperature T2a is 60 ° C. As another example, upper limit temperature T2a may differ from upper limit temperature T1a. The lower limit temperature T2b is, for example, higher or higher than the temperature at which the internal resistance may become excessive due to the solidification of the electrolyte or ionic liquid of the power supply (or the temperature at which it becomes significant). It may be set. The temperature T2b may be −10 ° C., for example. The second temperature range determined from the upper limit temperature T2a and the lower limit temperature T2b is such that the structure and / or composition of the power supply electrode and electrolyte does not change, and the power supply electrolyte or ionic liquid does not coagulate. Since it is a range, the safety | security and lifetime regarding the discharge of a power supply can be improved.

  The third temperature range is a temperature range related to permission to charge the power source, and is an upper limit temperature T3a and a lower limit temperature T3b. Similar to the above range, specific numerical values of the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can be set as appropriate.

  The upper limit temperature T3a is not limited, but may be set based on the same reference as the upper limit temperature T2a of the first temperature range, for example. As an example, the upper limit temperature T3a is 60 ° C. As another example, the upper limit temperature T3a may be different from the upper limit temperature T1a. For example, when the power source is a lithium ion secondary battery, metallic lithium may be deposited on the surface of the negative electrode when a voltage is applied at a low temperature. Considering the temperature at which this so-called electrodeposition phenomenon may occur (or the temperature at which it becomes significant), the lower limit temperature T3b may be set higher than or higher than that temperature. The lower limit temperature T3b is, for example, 0 ° C. The third temperature range determined from the upper limit temperature T3a and the lower limit temperature T3b is a range in which the structure and / or composition of the power supply electrode and electrolyte does not change and electrodeposition does not occur. Safety and life related to charging can be improved.

  The fourth temperature range is a temperature range related to the rapid charging permission, and is an upper limit temperature T4a and a lower limit temperature T4b. Similar to the above range, specific numerical values of the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can be set as appropriate. In the present specification, the quick charge is a charge performed at a higher rate than the charge permitted in the third temperature range. As an example, fast charging may be performed at a rate that is twice or more that of charging. As an example, the fast charging rate may be 2C and the charging rate may be 1C.

  The upper limit temperature T4a is not limited, but may be set based on the same reference as the upper limit temperature T1a of the first temperature range, for example. As an example, the upper limit temperature T4a is 60 ° C. As another example, the upper limit temperature T4a may be different from the upper limit temperature T1a. The lower limit temperature T4b may be set higher than or higher than that temperature in consideration of the temperature at which the deterioration of the power source is promoted as a result of charging at a high rate, for example. The temperature T4b is 10 ° C., for example. The fourth temperature range determined from the upper limit temperature T4a and the lower limit temperature T4b is a range in which the structure and / or composition of the power supply electrode and electrolyte does not change and the deterioration of the power supply is not accelerated. The safety and life of fast charging can be improved.

Although the first to fourth temperature ranges have been described above, the relationship between the temperature ranges may be as follows:
(1) Regarding the first temperature range, the lower limit temperature T1b may be set higher than the lower limit temperature T2b of the second temperature range. The lower limit temperature T1b may be set higher than the lower limit temperatures T2b to T4b of all the second to fourth temperature ranges. The upper limit temperature T1a is set to be the same or substantially the same as the upper limit temperatures T2a to T4a of other temperature ranges (which means that the comparison target value is in a numerical range in which the value to be compared is increased or decreased by 10%. The same applies in this specification). It may be. Alternatively, the upper limit temperature T1a may be the upper limit temperature T2a of the second temperature range, the upper limit temperature T3a of the third temperature range, or the upper limit temperature T4a of the fourth temperature range. It may be the above.
(2) Regarding the second temperature range, the second temperature range is wider than the first temperature range, and the first temperature range is included (the “include” in this specification has the same upper limit temperature. Or the lower limit temperatures are equivalent to each other (the same applies in the present specification). In one embodiment of the present invention, the second temperature range is set wider than the temperature range in which other functions are allowed (the first, third, and fourth temperature ranges in the example of FIG. 12). May be.
(3) Regarding the third temperature range, the third temperature range may be wider than the first temperature range and may be set to include the first temperature range. Further, the third temperature range may be set wider than the fourth temperature range and include the fourth temperature range.
(4) Regarding the fourth temperature range, the fourth temperature range may be wider than the first temperature range and may be set to include the first temperature range. In one form of the present invention, the first temperature range may be set narrower than the temperature range in which other functions are allowed (the second to fourth temperature ranges in the example of FIG. 12). .

  By the way, diagnosis of SOH is generally performed based on electric parameters of a power source at the time of discharging or charging. As an example of the electrical parameter, a current value discharged from the power source during discharge or a voltage value output from the power source, a current value charged into the power source during charging, or a voltage value applied may be used. If the first temperature range is set as described above, the power source temperature belonging to the first temperature range inevitably belongs to the second to fourth temperature ranges. Therefore, in a state where diagnosis of SOH is permitted, at least one of discharging, charging, and rapid charging is permitted at the same time. Therefore, since the electrical parameters necessary for the SOH diagnosis can be acquired by any one of discharge, charge, and quick charge, the SOH diagnosis can be executed without any problem in a state where the SOH diagnosis is permitted. Therefore, the effectiveness of SOH diagnosis is improved.

  In addition, the electrical parameters used for SOH diagnosis are affected not only by power supply deterioration but also by power supply temperature. Therefore, in order to ensure the accuracy of the SOH diagnosis, it is preferable to execute the SOH diagnosis only when the power source temperature belongs to a temperature range in which the influence on the electrical parameters used for the SOH diagnosis is small.

  As a result of intensive studies by the inventors of the present application, it has been found that the temperature range suitable for SOH diagnosis is narrower than the temperature range in which charging and discharging can be performed without promoting deterioration of the power supply. It was also found that the influence of the power supply temperature on the electrical parameters used for SOH diagnosis becomes dominant particularly at low temperatures.

  If the first temperature range is set as described above, the power source temperature belonging to the second to fourth temperature ranges does not necessarily belong to the first temperature range. In other words, even if charging / discharging is permitted, it means that there is a temperature range in which SOH diagnosis is not permitted. If each temperature range is set in this way, the SOH diagnosis can be performed only in a suitable temperature range, so that the accuracy of the SOH diagnosis can be improved. In particular, in a temperature range of less than 15 ° C., charging / discharging of the power supply is permitted from the viewpoint of suppressing deterioration of the power supply, but SOH diagnosis is not permitted from the viewpoint of ensuring the accuracy of the SOH diagnosis. ,preferable.

  Further, in charging and discharging, discharging generally has less influence on power supply deterioration. The difference between the effects of charging and discharging on the deterioration of the power supply becomes more pronounced as the power supply temperature becomes lower. If the second temperature range is set as described above, the chances of charging and discharging can be maximized while suppressing deterioration of the power source.

  In addition, charging and rapid charging generally have less influence on the deterioration of the power source. The difference between the effects of the charging and the rapid charging on the deterioration of the power source becomes more conspicuous as the power source temperature becomes lower. If the third temperature range and / or the fourth temperature range is set as described above, the opportunity for charging and rapid charging can be maximized while suppressing deterioration of the power source.

  Thus, if the first temperature range is appropriately set, the accuracy of the SOH diagnosis is improved, and the power source 10 can be used for a longer time while ensuring safety, so that it has an energy saving effect.

  In addition, if each temperature range is appropriately set, deterioration of the power supply 10 is suppressed, so that the life of the power supply 10 is extended and an energy saving effect is obtained.

(A4) Deterioration diagnosis function FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of deterioration diagnosis and failure diagnosis. In step S201, first, the power supply voltage value V _batt is measured. The power supply voltage value V _batt can be acquired by a voltage sensor. It should be noted that this flowchart is executed when the start of suction is detected by the control circuit 50 (see FIG. 3).

As an example, the power supply voltage value _Vbatt may be an open circuit voltage (OCV) acquired without electrically connecting the power supply 10 and the load 125. For example, the power supply voltage value V _batt may be a closed circuit voltage (CCV) obtained by electrically connecting the power supply 10 and the load 125. As an example, the power supply voltage value V _batt may be both an open circuit voltage and a closed circuit voltage. In some cases, it is preferable to use an open circuit voltage (OCV) rather than a closed circuit voltage (CCV) in order to eliminate the influence of a voltage drop associated with the electrical connection of the load 10 and a change in internal resistance and temperature associated with discharge. . The open circuit voltage (OCV) may be estimated from the closed circuit voltage (CCV).

Specifically, the acquisition timing of the power supply voltage value V _batt may be during discharge in which power is supplied to the load, may be immediately before discharge, or may be immediately after discharge. The “immediately before discharge” may be, for example, the time from the start of discharge, for example, from 5 to 10 msec to the discharge start time. The “immediately after the discharge” may be, for example, the time from the end of the discharge to the elapse of 5 to 10 msec, for example.

In the flow of FIG. 13, the power supply voltage value V _batt during charging is not acquired. However, if it is necessary to acquire the power supply voltage value V _batt during charging, charging is performed in the same manner as described above in addition to charging. The power supply voltage value V _batt may be acquired immediately before or immediately after charging. The “immediately before charging” may be, for example, the time from the start of charging, for example, from 5 to 10 msec to the charging start time. The “immediately after charging” may be, for example, the time from the end of charging to e.g. 5 to 10 msec.

Next, in step S202, it is determined whether or not the acquired power supply voltage value _Vbatt is equal to or lower than an upper limit value of a predetermined voltage range. If it is higher than the upper limit value, the process is terminated without estimating or detecting power supply deterioration and failure. As another example, when the value is higher than the upper limit value, the process may return to step S201.

On the other hand, if the power supply voltage value V _batt is less than or equal to the predetermined upper limit value, it is then determined in step S203 whether or not the power supply voltage value acquired during the previous suction operation is less than or equal to the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range. When the power supply voltage value _Vbefore acquired at the time of the previous suction operation is higher than the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range, it is determined that the power supply voltage value has become below the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range for the first time by the latest suction operation. Is done. Next, in step S204, an accumulation counter (I _C ) that counts the accumulated value of the value related to the operation amount of the load 125 is set to “0”. If the result of step S203 is No, it means that the power supply has been charged between the previous suction operation and the current suction operation.

If the result of step S203 is Yes, or after resetting the cumulative counter in step S204, it is then determined in step S205 whether the power supply voltage value _Vbatt is less than the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range. If the power supply voltage value V _batt is equal to or greater than the lower limit value, in step S206, an integrated value “ICо = ICо + Cо” of a value related to the operation amount of the load is derived. Cо is a value related to the operation amount of the load in the current suction operation. ICо is a cumulative value related to the operation amount of the load. Thereafter, the process is terminated without estimating or detecting power supply deterioration or failure.

If the power supply voltage value V _batt is less than the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range in step S205, then, in step S207, it relates to the operation amount of the load that operated while the power supply voltage value V _batt was in the predetermined voltage range. It is determined whether or not the value, that is, the above-described cumulative value of ICо is greater than a predetermined threshold. If the cumulative value of ICо is larger than a predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the power supply is normal, and the diagnostic function processing is terminated.

  If the integrated value of ICо is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated or failed (step S208), and an abnormality is notified to the user through the light emitting unit 40 (step S209). If it is determined that the power supply has deteriorated or failed, the power supply to the load 125 may be disabled as necessary.

  The deterioration diagnosis function is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various known methods can be employed. As an example, when the power supply 10 is discharged at a constant current or constant power, the power supply 10 may be judged to be deteriorated if the power supply voltage is greatly reduced. As another example, when the power supply 10 is charged, deterioration of the power supply 10 may be determined if the power supply voltage rises early. As another example, if the power supply voltage decreases when the power supply 10 is charged, a failure of the power supply 10 may be determined. As another example, when the power supply 10 is charged / discharged, if the temperature rise rate of the power supply 10 is fast, the deterioration of the power supply 10 may be determined. As another example, if any of the accumulated charge amount, accumulated charge time, accumulated discharge amount, and accumulated discharge time of the power source 10 exceeds a threshold value, deterioration of the power source 10 may be determined.

(A5) Example of Operation Control Based on Power Supply Temperature Next, an example of the operation of the suction component generation device 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flowchart shows an example of operation control based on the power source temperature _Tbatt .

  First, in step S301, the suction component generation apparatus 100 determines whether a suction operation is detected or whether the switch 30 (see FIG. 1) is ON. The detection of the suction operation may be based on the output of the suction sensor 20 as described above.

When the result of step S301 is No, steps after S311 are performed, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the result of step S301 is Yes, an aerosol generation request by the user is detected. Next, in step S302, a power supply temperature _Tbatt is calculated. As described above, the power supply temperature _Tbatt may be calculated by detecting the temperature of the power supply 10 with a temperature sensor and _obtaining the power supply temperature based on the output thereof. The temperature may be estimated, or the temperature of an object other than the power supply may be detected by a temperature sensor, and the power supply temperature may be estimated based on the output. In any case, it is sufficient that the current temperature of the power supply can be acquired or estimated, and the present invention is not limited to a specific means.

After step S302, the suction component generation apparatus 100 determines in step S303 whether the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within the second temperature range. As an example, it is determined whether or not the power supply temperature falls within the range of −10 ° C. <T _batt ≦ 60 ° C.

When T _batt is not within this range (when the result of step S302 is No), a sequence at the time of temperature abnormality (steps S381 and S382) is executed, which will be described later.

On the other hand, when T _batt is within this range (when the result of step S302 is Yes), the suction component generation device 100 then generates an aerosol in step S304. The generation of the aerosol is performed by supplying power to the load 125. The power supply control is not limited to specific control, and various controls including the above-described method and a conventionally known method can be used.

Next, in step S305, the suction component generation device 100 determines whether or not the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within the first temperature range. As an example, it is determined whether or not the power supply temperature is included in a range of 15 ° C. <T _batt ≦ 60 ° C.

When the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within the above temperature range (when the result of step S305 is Yes), the suction component generation device 100 performs SOH diagnosis and the like in steps S306 and S307. Specifically, SOH diagnosis is performed in step S306, and it is determined in step S307 whether the SOH is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. The deterioration diagnosis is not limited to specific control, and various controls including the above-described method and a conventionally known method can be used.

  If SOH is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (when the result of step S307 is Yes), it is determined that the power supply 10 has not deteriorated, and then steps S308 and S309 described later are performed.

  On the other hand, when the SOH is less than the predetermined threshold (when the result of step S307 is No), it is determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated, and the sequence for battery deterioration (see steps S391 to S394, see FIG. 16) is performed. However, this will be described later.

If it is determined in step S305 that the power supply temperature _Tbatt is not within the above temperature range, steps S306 and S307 are skipped and the SOH diagnosis is not performed. In other words, in the present embodiment, the SOH diagnosis is executed only when the power supply voltage _Tbatt is within the first temperature range. Although it is not limited, when it is not within this range, it is configured such that a predetermined notification (for example, light emission of the light emitting unit 40, etc.) is generated to notify that the diagnosis cannot be performed. May be.

  Referring to FIG. 14 again, subsequently, in step S308, the suction component generation apparatus 100 determines whether the suction operation is completed, whether the switch is OFF, or whether a predetermined time has elapsed. When the result of step S308 is No (that is, when the suction operation is not completed, the switch is not turned off, and the predetermined time has not elapsed), the process returns to step S305. On the other hand, if the result of step S308 is Yes, generation of the aerosol is completed in step S309. As another example, when the result of step S308 is No, the process may return to step S306 instead of step S305. This speeds up the flow, so the number of SOH diagnoses can be increased.

Through the series of steps described above, power is supplied to the load only when the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within the dischargeable temperature range, and only when the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within the temperature range where deterioration diagnosis is possible. Deterioration diagnosis is performed. If the SOH diagnosis is permitted only in a part of the temperature range in which the discharge of the power source 10 is permitted in this way, the SOH diagnosis can be performed only in the temperature range where the influence of the power source temperature is small, and the accuracy can be improved.

(Rapid charging)
Next, steps after S311 will be described that are performed when the result of step S301 described above is No. First, in step S311, the suction component generation device 100 detects whether or not a charger is fitted. If the fitting of the charger is not detected, the process returns to step S301.

When the fitting of the charger is detected, the suction component generation apparatus 100 acquires or estimates the power supply temperature T _batt in step S312. The acquisition or estimation of the power supply temperature T _batt can be performed by the same method as in step S302.

Next, the suction component generation apparatus 100 determines whether or not the power source temperature T _batt is in the fourth temperature range in step S313. As an example, it is determined whether or not the power source temperature is included in a range of 10 ° C. <T _batt ≦ 60 ° C.

When the power supply temperature T _batt is within this range (when the result of step S313 is Yes), the suction component generation device 100 then performs quick charging in step S314. Note that the charge rate in the CC mode of quick charge may be 2C.

On the other hand, when the power supply temperature _Tbatt is not within this range (when the result of step S313 is No), the suction component generation device 100 performs the normal charging sequence instead of the quick charging (after step S321, details are described below). .

When the quick charge is started in step S314, the suction component generation apparatus 100 then determines whether or not the power supply temperature _Tbatt is in the first temperature range (for example, 15 ° C < _Tbatt ≦ 60 ° C) in step S315. Determine.

When the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within this range (when the result of step S313 is Yes), the suction component generation device 100 performs SOH diagnosis and the like in steps S316 and S317. Specifically, SOH diagnosis is performed in step S316, and it is determined in step S317 whether the SOH is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. If T _batt is not within the first range, steps S316 and S317 are skipped and SOH diagnosis is not performed.

  When the SOH is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (when the result of step S317 is Yes), it is determined that the power supply 10 has not deteriorated, and then steps S318 and S319 described later are performed.

  On the other hand, when the SOH is less than the predetermined threshold (when the result of step S317 is No), it is determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated, and the sequence at the time of battery deterioration (see steps S391 to S394, see FIG. 16) is performed. .

  Subsequently, in step S318, the suction component generation apparatus 100 detects a charge completion flag. When the result of step S318 is No (that is, when charging is not completed), the process returns to step S315. If the result of step S318 is Yes, charging is completed in step S319. As another example, when the result of step S318 is No, the process may return to step S316 instead of step S315. This speeds up the flow, so the number of SOH diagnoses can be increased.

  In this way, if the SOH diagnosis is permitted only in a part of the temperature range in which the rapid charging of the power supply 10 is permitted, the SOH diagnosis can be performed only in the temperature range in which the influence of the power supply temperature is small, so that the accuracy can be improved. .

(Normal charging)
If the above-mentioned step S313 in the supply temperature _{T batt} is not determined to be in the fourth temperature range (e.g., _{10 ℃ <T batt ≦ 60 ℃} ), suction component generator 100, in step S321, 0 ℃ _{<T batt} It is determined whether or not ≦ 10 ° C. (It is determined whether or not the temperature is within the third temperature range based on the combination of the contents of step S313 and step S321). When the power supply temperature _Tbatt is not within this range (when the result of step S321 is No), a sequence at the time of temperature abnormality is performed (steps S381, S382, details below). When the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within this range (when the result of step S321 is Yes), the suction component generation device 100 then performs normal charging in step S322. Note that the charging rate in the normal charging CC mode may be 1C.

When normal charging is started in step S322, the suction component generation apparatus 100 then determines in step S323 whether the power supply temperature _Tbatt is in the first temperature range (for example, 15 ° C < _Tbatt ≦ 60 ° C). Determine.

When the power supply temperature _Tbatt is within this range (when the result of step S323 is Yes), the suction component generation device 100 performs SOH diagnosis and the like in steps S324 and S325. Specifically, SOH diagnosis is performed in step S324, and it is determined in step S325 whether the SOH is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. When the power supply temperature _Tbatt is not within the first range (when the result of Step S323 is No), Steps S324 and S325 are skipped and the SOH diagnosis is not performed.

  When SOH is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (when the result of step S325 is Yes), it is determined that the power supply 10 has not deteriorated, and then steps S326 and S327 described later are performed.

  On the other hand, when the SOH is less than the predetermined threshold (when the result of step S325 is No), it is determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated, and the sequence at the time of battery deterioration (see steps S391 to S394, see FIG. 16) is performed. .

  Subsequently, in step S326, the suction component generation device 100 detects a charge completion flag. When the result of step S326 is No (that is, when charging is not completed), the process returns to step S323. As another example, when the result of step S326 is No, the process may return to step S324 instead of step S323. This speeds up the flow, so the number of SOH diagnoses can be increased. If the result of step S326 is Yes, charging is completed in step S327.

  In this way, if the SOH diagnosis is permitted only in a part of the temperature range in which the charging of the power supply 10 is permitted, the SOH diagnosis can be performed only in the temperature range where the influence of the power supply temperature is small, so that the accuracy can be improved.

(Sequence when temperature is abnormal)
As a sequence at the time of abnormal temperature, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the suction component generating apparatus 100 first detects an abnormal temperature in step S381, then, in step S382, charging is stopped or discharging is stopped. It may be. Note that the charging and discharging stopped in step S382 may be permitted again on the condition that the predetermined time has elapsed and the power supply temperature returns to the normal range.

(Sequence when power supply deteriorates)
For example, a sequence shown in FIG. 16 may be used as a sequence when battery deterioration is detected. In this example, first, when the suction component generation device 100 detects the deterioration of the battery in step S391, the charging is stopped or the discharging is stopped in step S392.

  Subsequently, in step S393, the time when the deterioration of the power source is detected and the condition for detecting the deterioration are stored in the memory. And a series of operation | movement is stopped by step S394. Note that a series of operations stopped in step S394 may be permitted again on condition that the power supply 10 is replaced.

  Comparing the sequence at the time of temperature abnormality and the sequence at the time of power supply deterioration, it is difficult to satisfy the condition for permitting the charge and discharge stopped in step S382 again than the condition for permitting the series of operations stopped in step S394 again. It can be said that.

  Comparing the sequence at the time of temperature abnormality and the sequence at the time of power supply deterioration, the charging or discharging stopped in step S382 is permitted again when the suction component generation device 100 is left. On the other hand, it can be said that the series of operations stopped in step S394 may be permitted again even if the suction component generation device 100 is left unattended.

  Thus, if the first temperature range is appropriately set, the accuracy of the SOH diagnosis is improved, and the power source 10 can be used for a longer time while ensuring safety, so that it has an energy saving effect.

  In addition, if each temperature range is appropriately set, deterioration of the power supply 10 is suppressed, so that the life of the power supply 10 is extended and an energy saving effect is obtained.

(B1) Connection Detection of Charger etc. Various methods can be used as appropriate for charge control, charger connection detection, etc., but these examples will be briefly described below. The charging control unit 250 (see FIG. 8) has a function of detecting that the electric circuit of the charger 200 and the electric circuit of the power supply unit 110 are electrically connected. A method for detecting such an electrical connection is not particularly limited, and various methods can be used. For example, the power supply unit 110 can be detected by detecting a voltage difference between the pair of connection terminals 211t. It is also possible to detect the connection.

  When the charger 200 and the power supply unit 110 are connected, it is possible to determine which type of the power supply unit 110 is connected and / or which type of the power supply 10 is connected. In one form. In order to realize this, for example, the power supply unit 110 and / or the type of the power supply 10 in the power supply unit 110 can be determined based on a value related to the electric resistance value of the first resistor 150 (see FIG. 8). It may be. That is, by changing the electric resistance value of the first resistor 150 for each different type of power supply unit 110, the connected power supply unit 110 and the power supply 10 can be discriminated. The “value relating to the electric resistance value of the first resistor” may be the electric resistance value itself of the first resistor 150 or the voltage drop amount (potential difference) in the first resistor 150. Alternatively, the current value of the current passing through the first resistor 150 may be used.

(B2) Charging control Next, charging control will be described. Hereinafter, an example in which the charging control unit 250 of the charger 200 controls the operation will be described. However, as described above, in the configuration in which the function related to charging is provided in the suction component generation device 100, the main subject of the control is The control circuit 50 on the apparatus side may be used. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control method by the charge control unit 250. First, in step S401, connection of the power supply unit 110 to the charger 200 is detected.

  After the connection is detected (when the result of step S401 is Yes), a value related to the electrical resistance value of the first resistor 150 is acquired in step S402. In such measurement, a value to be measured may be acquired a plurality of times, and a final value may be obtained using these moving average, simple average, and weighted average based on them.

  Next, in step S403, it is determined whether the predetermined control needs to be changed or whether the predetermined control may be executed based on the value regarding the electrical resistance value obtained above.

  For example, when the value regarding the electrical resistance value obtained above is out of a predetermined range, or when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the power supply 10 need not be charged. On the other hand, when the value regarding the electrical resistance value obtained above is within a predetermined range, or when a predetermined condition is satisfied, charging may be executed. That is, the predetermined control change described above includes a change not to execute the charging process. Accordingly, when it is determined that the power supply unit is abnormal or a non-genuine power supply unit, the charging current is not sent, so that the occurrence of an abnormal situation can be suppressed.

  In addition, regarding the change in predetermined control, at least one of a change in current value for charging, a change in charge rate, and a change in charge time may be used. As a specific example, the type of the power supply unit 110 or the power supply 10 can be determined based on the value related to the electrical resistance value obtained above, and the charging current rate can be changed according to the determined type. It is preferable in one form. As a result, for example, charging control is executed with a charging current at a high rate of 2C or more for the power supply 10 that supports rapid charging, or low rate of 1C or less for the power supply 10 that does not support rapid charging. Ordinary charging control can be executed with the charging current.

Next, in step S404, the power supply voltage value V _batt is acquired. Next, in step S405, it is determined whether or not the acquired power supply voltage value V _batt is equal to or higher than a predetermined switching voltage. This switching voltage is a threshold value for partitioning a section of constant current charging (CC charging) and a section of constant voltage charging (CV charging), and specific numerical values are not particularly limited, but are, for example, 4.0 V to It may be within the range of 4.1V.

When the power supply voltage value V _batt is less than the switching voltage (when the result of step S405 is No), constant current charging (CC charging) is performed (step S406). When the voltage is equal to or higher than the switching voltage (when the result of step S405 is Yes), constant voltage charging (CV charging) is performed (step S407). In the constant voltage charging method, the charging current increases as the charging progresses, and the difference between the power supply voltage and the charging voltage is reduced, so that the charging current decreases.

  When charging is started by the constant voltage charging method, it is determined in step S408 whether the charging current is equal to or less than a predetermined charging completion current. The charging current can be acquired by the current sensor 230 in the charger 200. When the charging current is larger than the predetermined charging completion current (when the result of step S408 is No), charging by the constant voltage charging method is continued. When the charging current is equal to or less than the predetermined charging completion current (when the result of step S408 is Yes), it is determined that the power supply 10 is fully charged and charging is stopped (step S409).

  Of course, the conditions for stopping charging include, in addition to the charging current, the time after starting charging by the constant current charging method or charging by the constant voltage charging method, the power supply voltage value, the power supply temperature value, etc. It may be used.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described referring drawings, this invention can be changed suitably in the range which does not deviate from the meaning.

  For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 14, basically, it is assumed that processing is performed by a single control circuit. In step S313, it is first determined whether or not rapid charging is possible (fourth temperature range). In step S321, it is determined whether or not normal charging is possible (third temperature range). However, the charger 200 is configured to determine whether or not the power source temperature is within the fourth temperature range, and as a result, quick charging is performed in the case of Yes, and normal charging is performed in the case of No. It may be a thing.

(Low level detection using closed circuit voltage)
FIG. 18A shows a simplified connection between the power supply 10 and the load 125. The power supply voltage value is determined by the voltage sensor 62 at both terminals of the power supply 10, for example, the high potential side of the power supply 10 (equipotential with the node 156 in FIG. 6) and ground (the potential of the contact 154 in FIG. ) And information is sent to the control circuit 50. Power supply from the power source 10 to the load 125 is controlled by turning on and off the first switch 172.

  In the state where the first switch 172 is OFF (switch OFF), power is not supplied to the load 125. The power supply voltage measured by the voltage sensor 62 at this time is referred to as an open circuit voltage OCV. When the first switch 172 is ON (switch ON), power is supplied to the load 125. The power supply voltage measured by the voltage sensor 62 at this time is called a closed circuit voltage CCV. In an ideal power supply, OCV and CCV match, but in an actual power supply such as a battery, the closed circuit voltage CCV is smaller than the open circuit voltage OCV due to internal resistance and capacitance. The closed circuit voltage CCV is smaller than the open circuit voltage OCV by the loss due to internal resistance and capacitance.

FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit model of a power supply. As shown in FIG. 18B, the power source (battery) 10 includes an E _Batt (ideal power source), an internal resistance having a resistance value R _imp , a reaction resistance having a resistance value R _EDL , and an electric double layer capacity having a capacitance value C _EDL. It can be considered as a model in which an RC parallel circuit composed of The open circuit voltage OCV of the power supply 10 becomes equal to E _Batt, and the closed circuit voltage CCV (V _meas ) of the power supply 10 can be expressed by the following equation (1).

In Expression (1), ΔE _imp represents a loss (voltage drop) in the internal resistance, and ΔE _EDL represents a loss (voltage drop) in the RC parallel circuit of FIG. 18B.

Current power supply 10 is discharged, first flows towards the _{C EDL,} flows gradually into _{R EDL} When charging of _{C EDL} progresses. Based on this phenomenon, equation (1) can be rewritten as the following equation (2).

I (t) indicates a current discharged from the power supply 10 and can be expressed by the following equation (3).

In Expression (3), R _HTR represents the electric resistance value of the load 125.

  From the equation (3), the current value I (0) discharged from the power supply 10 immediately after the switch 172 is turned on (t = 0) can be expressed by the following equation (4).

From the equations (2) and (4), the closed circuit voltage V _meas (0) of the power supply 10 immediately after the switch 172 is turned on (t = 0) can be expressed by the following equation (5).

On the other hand, from Equation (3), the current value discharged by the power supply 10 when t becomes sufficiently larger than the product of R _EDL and _CEDL can be expressed by the following Equation (6).

Formula from (2) and equation _(6), as compared to the product of _{R EDL} and _{C EDL,} closed circuit voltage _{V meas} of the power source 10 at the time when t is sufficiently large (t) has the following formula (7) Can be expressed as

Since R _EDL and C _EDL are very small values, the current value discharged from the power source 10 and the closed circuit voltage V _meas (t) of the power source 10 are relatively early after the switch 172 is turned on. Note that the values converge to the values of equations (6) and (7), respectively.

As described above, the closed circuit voltage CCV (V _meas ) of the power supply 10 is reduced from the open circuit voltage OCV (E _Batt ) to the voltage drop (not having strong time dependency) at the internal resistance R _imp and the RC parallel circuit. Minus the voltage drop (with strong time dependence). t is an energization time, and R _EDL · C _EDL is a time constant τ (also referred to as “relaxation time”). The time change of the closed circuit voltage CCV is as shown in the graph of FIG.

  Next, FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between suction detection and power supply control. As shown in FIG. 20, the suction component generation device according to the present embodiment is configured to detect the open circuit voltage OCV first at time t1, and then detect the closed circuit voltage CCV at time t2, as an example. ing. When the closed circuit voltage CCV is detected, a pulse voltage is applied for voltage detection. The application time is preferably set to a time that does not generate aerosol and does not cause overdischarge. . Specifically, as an example, it may be within 5 msec, preferably within 1 msec. Note that the application time of the pulse voltage for voltage detection may be shorter than the minimum on-time allowed in the PWM control performed after time t3.

  Thereafter, at time t3, the duty ratio is set and power feeding is started. The power supply may be terminated at any timing. In this example, the power supply is terminated when the end of suction is detected at time t4. Further, the power supply may be terminated on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of power supply. Further, the power supply may be terminated on the condition that either one of the end of suction and the elapse of a predetermined time is detected.

  In addition, regarding the acquisition of the open circuit voltage OCV and / or the closed circuit voltage CCV, the measurement may be performed a plurality of times instead of only once. In particular, since the closed circuit voltage CCV is affected by the internal resistance and the electric double layer, the numerical value is likely to vary as compared with the open circuit voltage OCV. Therefore, it is more preferable to measure the closed circuit voltage CCV a plurality of times. It should be noted that the open circuit voltage OCV may be measured a plurality of times because there is some variation in the numerical value of the open circuit voltage OCV.

  When both the open circuit voltage OCV and the closed circuit voltage CCV are measured a plurality of times, the number of times may be the same. Alternatively, the number of times of measurement of the closed circuit voltage CCV may be increased. As a specific example, when the number of measurements of the closed circuit voltage CCV is N (N is a natural number of 1 or more) and the number of measurements of the open circuit voltage OCV is M (M is a natural number of 1 or more), N> M You may make it implement voltage measurement so that it may become. By performing voltage measurement in this way, appropriate values can be acquired in a short time while taking into account the magnitude of variation in the values of the open circuit voltage OCV and the closed circuit voltage CCV.

  As a method for obtaining one voltage value (representative value) from a plurality of measured voltage values, various methods can be used and are not limited to specific ones. For example, an average value, a median value, or For example, the mode value may be used, or a certain value may be corrected, for example.

  As another example, since it is necessary to apply a pulse voltage to one of the loads, the closed circuit voltage CCV may be measured once. On the other hand, the measurement of the open circuit voltage OCV that does not require application of a pulse voltage may be performed a plurality of times. Note that in this embodiment, the number of measurements of the closed circuit voltage CCV is less than the number of measurements of the open circuit voltage OCV.

Regarding the measurement of the voltage value, the following modes may be adopted. (I) Regarding the measurement of the closed circuit voltage, the voltage value is measured after the relaxation time (time constant τ) has elapsed after the power source 10 and the load 125 form a closed circuit state (for example, the phase of FIG. 19). Ph1). As described above, immediately after the formation of the closed circuit state, it flows towards the _{C EDL} in the equivalent circuit of FIG. _18B, flows gradually into _{R EDL} When charging of _{C EDL} progresses. The measured voltage value changes from the value of Equation (5) to the value of Equation (7) with the passage of time. In other words, immediately after the closed circuit state is formed, the measured voltage value gradually decreases from the value of Expression (5) and converges to the value of Expression (7). In this way, by making the measurement after the relaxation time has elapsed, a closed circuit voltage value in a stabilized state can be acquired. In order to obtain a more accurate value, it may be after 1.5τ time has elapsed, after 2τ time has elapsed, and after 3τ time has elapsed.

  The relaxation time τ may be obtained from a data sheet of the power supply 10 or may be obtained experimentally using an alternating current impedance method (Cole-Cole plot method) or the like.

  Further, (ii) when the voltage value is measured a plurality of times, it is also preferable to set the detection time longer than the relaxation time (time constant τ) (see phase Ph2 in FIG. 19 as an example). By measuring for a longer time than the relaxation time (time constant τ), a stabilized voltage value after the relaxation time has elapsed is acquired, and a closed circuit voltage value based on the stabilized value can be obtained. It becomes. In addition, (i) and (ii) may be implemented independently and may be implemented in combination.

(Load drive control according to battery level)
Next, the relationship between the remaining battery level and the load drive control will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 21 is a curve showing the discharge characteristics of a secondary battery that can be used as a power source. The vertical axis represents the power supply voltage value, and the horizontal axis represents the usage time (may be regarded as the charging rate). Note that the power supply voltage value on the vertical axis may be either the open circuit voltage OCV or the closed circuit voltage CCV. In particular, FIG. 21 when the power supply voltage value on the vertical axis is the open circuit voltage OCV is also referred to as a charge state-open circuit voltage characteristic (SOC-OCV characteristic). Hereinafter, the SOC-OCV characteristic will be described as an example. In this way, in a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery, for example, an initial region where the power supply voltage value decreases relatively rapidly with use (when the remaining amount is high) and a plateau region where the change in the power supply voltage value becomes gradual. The curve includes a (medium remaining amount) and a final region (when the remaining amount is low) in which the power supply voltage value decreases relatively rapidly with use. In the example of FIG. 21, P1 is shown as the initial region, P2 as the plateau region, and P3 as the final region. Note that P2 is a point where the end of the plateau region is reached slightly beyond the middle (that is, the power supply voltage value is relatively low even in the same plateau region).

  The plateau region is a region where the change in the power supply voltage value with respect to the change in the remaining capacity is small. The rate of change depends on the composition of the battery and is not necessarily limited to a specific value. For example, the power supply voltage value is 0.01 to 0.005 (V /%) (for example, A case where the change in voltage value when the state of charge (SOC) changes by 1% is 0.01 to 0.005 V or less may be defined as a plateau region. Alternatively, an area of ± 15 to 30% may be defined as a plateau area with reference to a point where the change in the power supply voltage value with respect to the change in SOC is the smallest. Further, an area where the change in the power supply voltage value with respect to the change in the SOC is almost constant may be defined as a plateau area.

  In the load drive control described here, in one embodiment, the closed circuit voltage CCV is measured, and the voltage value or voltage waveform applied to the load is adjusted based on the closed circuit voltage CCV. For example, at least one of a pulse width, a duty ratio, an average value, an effective value, a voltage value, an application time, and a maximum value of the application time of the voltage applied to the load can be adjusted.

  If the power supply voltage value is relatively high when power is supplied from the power supply to the load using PWM control with reference to FIG. 10, the duty ratio is reduced (the pulse width is reduced) and the power supply voltage value is lowered. It is stipulated that the duty ratio is increased (the pulse width is widened) according to the power supply, and that the power is supplied at a duty ratio of 100 when the power supply voltage is less than (full charge voltage -Δ) (see FIG. 11 step S103). Further, the control for terminating the power supply by the cut-off time has been described with reference to FIG. Here, the control including extending the cutoff time based on the power supply voltage (closed circuit voltage CCV) will be described.

FIG. 22A shows the PWM control in the initial region. Here, in the measured power supply voltage value V _1, the waveform of the duty ratio of less than 100 is set. It is assumed that the maximum application time, which is the time during which the voltage application is continued, is set to a predetermined time _tmax . This maximum application time t _max corresponds to the cut-off time described with reference to FIG. Under such conditions, the amount of power supplied to the load is expressed by the following formula (8.1). Here, D is a duty ratio, and R is a resistance value of the load.

Next, when the remaining battery level decreases and the battery voltage enters a plateau region, the duty ratio (pulse width) in the PWM control is increased as compared with the initial region. When the battery voltage is lowered, especially near the end of the plateau region (low battery level side), if constant power control is to be executed, the duty ratio may reach 100%. FIG. 22B shows the PWM control at the point P2, that is, near the end of the plateau region. In this example, an input waveform having a duty ratio of 100% is set with the measured power supply voltage value V ₂ (lower than V ₁ ). The amount of power supplied to the load is expressed by the above equation (8.2). In the present embodiment, the input waveform may be set so that the amount of power in Expression (8.2) and the amount of power in Expression (8.1) are the same or substantially the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, one of the technical features is to change the waveform supplied to the load according to the remaining battery level. When the voltage is high throughout the plateau region, the entire plateau region The duty ratio may be set to less than 100%, and the duty ratio may be set to less than 100% at the beginning of the plateau region, and the duty ratio may be set to 100% after the end of the plateau region where the battery voltage has decreased. In some cases, the duty ratio is set to 100% throughout the plateau region.

FIG. 22C shows the PWM control in the final region (region where the remaining amount has further decreased beyond the plateau region). In this example, an input waveform having a duty ratio of 100% is set with the measured power supply voltage value V ₃ (lower than V ₂ ). The amount of power supplied to the load is expressed by the above equation (8.3). In this control, the additional time α is added to the maximum application time t _max and extended. The additional time α is determined so that the amount of power applied in equation (8.3) is the same as or substantially the same as that in equation (8.1), equation (8.2), etc. There may be. In other words, in the present embodiment, the load is driven by extending the maximum application time when the remaining amount exceeds the plateau region, so that it is substantially the same as the plateau region even when the remaining amount is low. It is possible to generate an aerosol (one example).

As to how much the power supply voltage decreases, the addition of the additional time α is started in one embodiment with the same amount of electric power as at that time, based on the battery voltage value at which the duty ratio reaches 100% in PWM control. The additional time α can be added as follows. Further, a shortage of a certain amount of power is allowed, and power supply is continued for t _max time with a duty ratio of 100%. A voltage at which the shortage of power cannot be allowed, for example, a power amount is a predetermined ratio (for example, 90%, It may be set so that the additional time α is added after the voltage drops to 80%, 70%, or the like. Alternatively, it may be set so that the additional time α is added when the end voltage of the plateau region (CCV is preferable, but OCV may be substituted) is reached.

In addition, regarding the maximum application time (t _max + α) after extension, an upper limit time may be set. That is, the maximum application time t _max may not be extended beyond a certain upper limit time.

(Acquisition of open circuit voltage and closed circuit voltage and a series of operation control examples)
FIG. 23 is an example of a series of control flows of the suction component generation device. The suction component generation apparatus according to the present embodiment may perform control as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S501, the suction component generation apparatus 100 determines whether a suction operation is detected or whether the switch 30 (see FIG. 1) is turned on. The detection of the suction operation may be based on the output of the suction sensor 20 as described above. If the result of this step is No, step S501 is repeated, and if it is Yes, the timer is started in the subsequent step S502.

  After starting the timer, the suction component generation apparatus 100 acquires the open circuit voltage OCV in step S503. In this step, as described above, the acquisition may be performed only once or may be performed a plurality of times. As a specific example, one representative value of the power supply voltage value may be obtained by obtaining an average value or the like as necessary based on the acquired one or more values.

  Next, in step S504, it is determined whether or not the acquired open circuit voltage OCV exceeds a predetermined reference value. This predetermined reference value (referred to as “second reference value” in relation to the description of the claims) is used here to determine whether or not to obtain the closed circuit voltage CCV described below. It may be a reference value. Although not limited to a specific numerical value, the second reference value may be 3.45V, for example. In one embodiment, as the second reference value, the end voltage in the plateau region when the remaining battery level is viewed as the open circuit voltage value OCV may be employed. This second reference value for the open circuit voltage value OCV may be set equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage.

  If the result of step S504 is Yes, then the discharge FET is turned on in step S505, and the closed circuit voltage CCV is acquired in step S506. Regarding this step, the voltage value may be acquired only once, or the voltage value may be acquired a plurality of times. Using the obtained value, an average value or the like may be obtained as necessary to obtain one representative value of the power supply voltage value.

  If the result of step S504 is No, the sequence when the remaining amount is low is executed (step S521). As this sequence, for example, a charging alert may be issued. In this embodiment, as described above, when the result of step S504 is No (that is, when the measured open circuit voltage value is equal to or lower than the second reference value (eg, 3.45 V)), the closed circuit that is the subsequent flow is used. Since the acquisition of the voltage CCV is not performed, unnecessary operation and discharge are suppressed.

  Subsequently, in step S507, it is determined whether or not the obtained closed circuit voltage CCV exceeds a predetermined reference value (referred to as “first reference value”). Although not limited to a specific numerical value, the first reference value may be 3.00 V, which is lower than the second reference value, for example. Since the closed circuit voltage CCV is lower than the open circuit voltage OCV, as described above, the first reference value is preferably lower than the second reference value.

  FIG. 24 shows an example (e3, at room temperature) in which the closed circuit voltage CCV exceeds the first reference value (for example, 3.00 V). The figure also shows an example (e1, at room temperature) where the open circuit voltage OCV is above a second reference value (eg, 3.45 V) and an example (e2) where it is below. As indicated by the arrow α1 of e3, the value of the closed circuit voltage CCV is lower than the value of the open circuit voltage by a voltage drop (also referred to as IR drop) due to the internal resistance or the electric double layer. e4 further considers the low temperature. At low temperatures, as indicated by an arrow α2, the internal resistance and reaction resistance increase, so that further IR drop occurs, and the voltage value becomes lower.

  In one form, the “first reference value” is preferably set to a value lower than a discharge end voltage value (3.2 V in one example). The reason in this case is to detect an output shortage of the power supply 10 at a low temperature. Even if it is determined from the open circuit voltage value OCV that the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is sufficient, the output of the power supply 10 may be insufficient due to the influence of temperature. As described above, the closed circuit voltage value CCV reflects the value of the internal resistance and electric double layer that are strongly influenced by temperature, so whether the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient by using the closed circuit voltage value CCV. It can be determined whether or not. If it is attempted to determine whether or not the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient without using the closed circuit voltage value CCV, a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the power supply 10 is required. It can be said that it is preferable to use the value CCV.

  In order to accurately detect an output shortage of the power supply 10 at a low temperature, the first reference value (3.0 V in one example) is equal to a value that the closed circuit voltage value CCV can take when lower than room temperature, or In one embodiment, it is preferable that the value is lower. More preferably, the first reference value is a value that the closed circuit voltage value CCV cannot take when the temperature of the power supply 10 is higher than room temperature and the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage. In other words, the first reference value is a value lower than the value obtained by subtracting the voltage drop (IR drop) generated at room temperature in the internal resistance or electric double layer from the open circuit voltage OCV of the power supply 10 in the discharge end state. It is preferable. As described above, since the internal resistance and reaction resistance are worse at room temperature than at room temperature, the voltage value drops due to further IR drop. Depending on the temperature of the power supply 10, this additional IR drop at low temperatures may be relatively large and may be below 3.0V even with sufficient SOC. That is, by setting the first reference value in this way, a threshold value that takes into account IR drop at a low temperature and the like is set, and it is possible to perform a favorable determination of the output of the power supply 10.

  In the present embodiment, prior to PWM control to be described later, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of the power supply 10 by the open circuit voltage OCV is insufficient, and whether or not the output of the power supply 10 by the closed circuit voltage CCV is insufficient. Is determined. Thus, by acquiring a plurality of voltages having different characteristics from the power supply 10, the state of the power supply 10 can be grasped more accurately.

  In this embodiment, after determining whether or not the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient based on the open circuit voltage OCV (steps S503 and S504 in FIG. 23), is the output of the power supply 10 insufficient due to the closed circuit voltage CCV? It is determined whether or not (steps S506 and S507). Thereby, since it is confirmed that the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is not insufficient at the time of obtaining the closed circuit voltage CCV, the reason why the closed circuit voltage CCV is lower than the first reference value is that the power supply 10 is at a low temperature. It can be determined that the output is reduced. Therefore, the state of the power supply 10 can be grasped more accurately than when only the closed circuit voltage CCV is used.

  In this embodiment, the closed circuit voltage CCV is used not only for determining whether or not the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient, but also for setting the duty ratio of PWM control and extending the maximum application time, which will be described later. Therefore, it is possible not only to grasp the state of the power supply 10 but also to improve the accuracy of power supply control by measuring the closed circuit voltage CCV once.

  The “room temperature” may be defined within a range of 1 ° C. to 30 ° C., for example. In this case, “lower than room temperature (temperature)” means less than 1 ° C. Here, room temperature is used as a reference, but “normal temperature (for example, a range of 15 ° C. to 25 ° C.)” may be used as a reference.

  Referring to FIG. 23 again, if the result of step S507 is No, the sequence when the remaining amount is low is performed (step S521). As this sequence, for example, a charging alert may be issued as described above. In this embodiment, even when the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient, the low remaining amount sequence is performed. Alternatively, a low output sequence that can be distinguished from the sequence may be performed.

  If the result of step S507 is Yes, then in step S508, it is determined whether or not the acquired closed circuit voltage CCV exceeds another predetermined reference value. This step is for determining whether or not the maximum application time needs to be extended (see also FIG. 22). As for the “predetermined reference value”, as described above, the battery voltage value at which the duty ratio reaches 100% is set as the “predetermined reference value” by PWM control. The voltage value indicating the end of the plateau region may be set as the “predetermined reference value”. When the closed circuit voltage CCV exceeds the reference value (that is, when the result of step S508 is Yes), in step S509, the maximum application time is not extended and PWM control based on the closed circuit voltage CCV is performed.

  On the other hand, when the closed circuit voltage CCV does not exceed the reference value (when the result of step S508 is No), that is, when the remaining power is below a predetermined reference, in step S510, the maximum application time Extend the power supply to the load. In addition, although not limited, this time extension may utilize the method of FIG. 22 mentioned above.

  Next, after the start of power supply, in step S511, it is determined whether the suction operation has ended, whether the switch has been turned off, or whether a predetermined time has elapsed. If the result of step S511 is No, the power supply is continued, and if Yes, the process proceeds to step S512 to complete the generation of the aerosol.

  As described above, a specific example of the operation has been described according to the flow of FIG. 23. However, it is not essential to perform all the steps in this flow, and of course, only a part is performed based on different technical ideas. It may be.

  One technical idea of the present invention is to detect a low remaining power state based on the closed circuit voltage CCV (steps S505 to 507, S521, etc.). The measurement of the open circuit voltage OCV may or may not be performed.

  As another technical idea of the present invention, the closed circuit voltage CCV is measured, and based on the value, adjustment of the application condition for the load (adjustment of the voltage value and / or voltage waveform applied to the load) is performed. (Steps S508 to S510, etc.). Also in this case, the measurement of the open circuit voltage OCV is not essential and may or may not be performed.

(Measurement of closed circuit voltage and viewpoint of low battery level judgment based on the result)
As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to acquire a closed circuit voltage value and determine whether or not a low remaining amount state is based on the value.

  Note that the suction component generation apparatus 100 of the present embodiment may include an auxiliary device that performs a predetermined operation when it is determined that the remaining amount is low. Various auxiliary devices can be used. For example, (i) a device that suppresses the discharge of the power supply 10, (ii) a device that notifies that the battery is low, (iii) the power supply temperature is adjusted. Any or a combination of these may be used. More specifically, in the case of the low remaining amount state, the discharge of the power supply 10 may be suppressed by the function of the auxiliary device. Moreover, it is also preferable that the user is notified by the function of the auxiliary device in the case of a low remaining amount state. It is also preferable that the power supply is heated by the function of the auxiliary device in the case of a low remaining amount state. When it is determined that the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient based on the closed circuit voltage CCV described above, it is preferable to heat the power supply 10. This is because if the power supply 10 in a low temperature state is heated, the voltage drop (IR drop) due to the internal resistance of the power supply 10 is improved, so that the lack of output of the power supply 10 may be resolved without charging. .

(Measurement of closed-circuit voltage and adjustment of applied condition for load based on the result)
In the present embodiment, it is also disclosed to appropriately adjust the voltage condition applied to the load based on the acquired closed circuit voltage value. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, in this type of suction component generation apparatus 100, the measured power supply voltage value varies depending on the current power consumption level. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the voltage value and voltage waveform supplied to the load based on the power supply voltage value obtained by measurement (V ₁ , V ₂ , V _3, etc., for example, see FIG. 22). In one form, it is preferred.

  By the way, it is not preferable to continue power supply in a state where the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient because deterioration of the power supply 10 is promoted. According to the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient using the closed circuit voltage CCV, and if it is insufficient, the power supply of the power supply 10 is at least temporarily suppressed. Therefore, since the deterioration of the power supply 10 is suppressed, it has an energy saving effect that the power supply 10 can be used for a longer period.

  Moreover, since the deterioration of the power supply 10 is accelerated | stimulated if the power supply 10 is not charged / discharged on the suitable conditions according to residual amount etc., it is unpreferable. According to the present embodiment, since the power supply control is performed using the accurate remaining amount of the power supply 10 grasped by the closed circuit voltage CCV, the accuracy of the power supply control is improved. Therefore, since the deterioration of the power supply 10 is suppressed, it has an energy saving effect that the power supply 10 can be used for a longer period.

  Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the accuracy of aerosol generation is adjusted because the voltage applied to the load is adjusted using the closed circuit voltage indicating the actual value of the voltage of the power source 10 reflecting the temperature and the deterioration state. And accuracy of power supply control can be ensured. In other words, since appropriate charging / discharging is performed based on the actual value of the voltage of the power supply 10, there is an energy saving effect that the power supply 10 can be used for a longer period.

(Appendix)
This application discloses the following invention. In addition, the code | symbol and the specific numerical value are shown as reference, and are not intending limiting this invention at all:
1. Power supply,
A load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source;
An adjustment unit for adjusting a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load;
A control circuit configured to obtain the voltage value of the power source;
With
The control circuit is
a1: a process of obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: a process of controlling the adjustment unit based on the closed circuit voltage value;
A suction component generation device configured to perform

  The adjustment unit may have any configuration as long as the voltage value to be applied and / or the voltage waveform can be adjusted. For example, a known voltage signal generation circuit may be used.

2. In the process of a1, the control circuit sets the closed circuit voltage value after a relaxation time elapses from when the power source and the load group form a closed circuit state until the closed circuit voltage becomes a steady state. Configured to retrieve,
2. The suction component generation device according to 1 above.

3. The control circuit is configured to acquire a plurality of voltage values of the power source for a predetermined detection time in the process of a1 and to acquire the closed circuit voltage value based on the acquired plurality of voltage values. Configured to obtain the closed circuit voltage value based on a plurality of voltage values of the power source detected in a state;
2. The suction component generation device according to 1 above.

4). The predetermined detection time is longer than the relaxation time until the closed circuit voltage value becomes a steady state,
4. The suction component generation device according to 3 above.

5. The predetermined detection time is a time at which no suction component is generated even when the load is driven in the closed circuit state.
4. The suction component generation device according to 3 above.

6). The control circuit is
Prior to the processing of a1, the open circuit voltage value of the power supply is acquired in an open circuit state where the power supply and the load group are not electrically connected,
When the open circuit voltage value is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (for example, the discharge end voltage of the power supply), the processing of the a1 and the a2 is not performed.
6. The suction component generation device according to any one of 1 to 5 above.

  In this configuration, the acquisition of the open circuit voltage value is performed prior to the acquisition of the closed circuit voltage value, and if the value is equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage, for example, it is determined that the process for acquiring the subsequent closed circuit voltage value is not necessary. However, the processing of a1 and a2 is not executed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent power supply deterioration due to overdischarge, load and / or power supply deterioration due to excessive energization, and to suppress incomplete aerosol generation.

7). In the processing of a1, the control circuit, based on the closed circuit voltage value, determines the pulse width, duty ratio, average value, effective value, voltage value, application time, or maximum application time of the voltage applied to the load. Configured to adjust at least one of the values,
6. The suction component generation device according to any one of 1 to 5 above.

8). In the processing of a1, the control circuit is configured to increase the maximum value of the application time as the closed circuit voltage value is smaller.
The suction component generation device according to 7 above.

9. The control circuit is
It is possible to obtain a generation request that is a request for generation of a suction component,
When the closed circuit voltage value is a first value, the amount of power supplied to the load in response to the generation request is a second value that is different from the first value in the closed circuit voltage value. In the case, it is configured to set the maximum value of the application time that is the same as or substantially the same as the amount of power supplied to the load in response to the generation request.
The suction component generation device according to 7 above.

10. The control circuit is
It is possible to acquire a generation request that is a request related to generation of a suction component,
Based on the shorter of the maximum value of the application time and the time when the generation request is continuously acquired, the application time of the voltage applied to the load is adjusted.
10. The suction component generation device according to 8 or 9 above.

11. The control circuit is
It is possible to acquire a generation request that is a request related to generation of a suction component,
In the processing of a1, the application time corresponding to the generation request is lengthened as the closed circuit voltage value is small.
The suction component generation device according to 7 above.

12 The control circuit is
It is possible to acquire a generation request that is a request related to generation of a suction component,
When the application time is set, when the closed circuit voltage value is the first value, the amount of power supplied to the load in response to the generation request is determined so that the closed circuit voltage value is the first value. When the second value is different from the value, the application time is configured to be the same as or substantially the same as the amount of power supplied to the load in response to the generation request.
The suction component generation device according to 7 above.

13. The control circuit is
The maximum value of the application time only when the closed circuit voltage value is lower than the voltage value belonging to a small plateau region compared to other voltage ranges when the change in the voltage value of the power supply with respect to the change in the storage amount of the power supply Or configured to adjust the application time,
The suction component generation device according to any one of 7 to 12 above.

14 A battery unit in which the battery is housed in a case;
A cartridge unit that is replaceably attached to the battery unit;
The suction component generation device according to any one of 1 to 13 above.

15. At least a suction component generation device including a power source, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source, and an adjustment unit that adjusts a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load. A control circuit for controlling some functions,
In a closed circuit state in which the power source and the load group are electrically connected, processing for obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power source;
A process for controlling the adjustment unit based on the closed circuit voltage value;
A control circuit configured to perform

16. Control of a suction component generation device including a power source, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes a suction component source by the power from the power source, and an adjustment unit that adjusts a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load A method,
Obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the battery in a closed circuit state in which the power source and the load group are electrically connected;
Controlling the adjusting unit based on the closed circuit voltage value;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device.

17. Power supply,
A load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source;
An adjustment unit for adjusting a plurality of variables constituting the voltage waveform applied to the load;
A control circuit configured to obtain the voltage value of the power source;
With
The control circuit is
a1: a process of obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: When the closed circuit voltage value is lower than a voltage value belonging to a small plateau region in comparison with other voltage ranges, the plurality of variables The process of adjusting the first variable of
a3: a process of adjusting a second variable different from the first variable among the plurality of variables when the closed circuit voltage value is equal to or higher than the voltage value belonging to the plateau region;
A suction component generation device configured to perform

18. Suction component generation comprising a power source, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source, and an adjustment unit that adjusts a plurality of variables constituting a voltage waveform applied to the load An apparatus control method comprising:
a1: obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power source in a closed circuit state in which the power source and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: When the closed circuit voltage value is lower than a voltage value belonging to a small plateau region in comparison with other voltage ranges, the plurality of variables Adjusting a first variable of
a3: adjusting the second variable different from the first variable among the plurality of variables when the closed circuit voltage value is equal to or higher than the voltage value belonging to the plateau region;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device.

19. A control program for causing a suction component device to execute the control method according to 16 or 18 above.

  The present specification also discloses an invention in which, for example, the contents disclosed as a product invention are changed into expressions as a method, a computer program, and a computer program medium.

10 Power supply 20 Suction sensor (request sensor)
30 push button (request sensor)
40 Light Emitting Unit (Notification Device)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Control circuit 50A Control part 61 Temperature sensor 62 Voltage sensor 100 Suction component production | generation apparatus 110 Power supply unit 119 Case member 120 Cartridge unit 122 Wick 123 Reservoir 125 Load 129 Case member 130, 130 'Flavor unit 131 Cylindrical body 142 Suction part 150, 152 Resistors 172 and 174 Switch 180 Protection circuit 200 Charger 230 Current sensor 240 Voltage sensor 251 Inverter 250 Charge control unit 253 Converter

Claims (21)

Power supply,
A load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the electric power from the power source;
An adjustment unit for adjusting a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load;
A control circuit configured to obtain a voltage value of the power supply;
With
The control circuit includes:
a1: a process of obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: a process of controlling the adjustment unit based on only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value ;
A suction component generation device configured to perform In the processing of a1, the control circuit performs the closed circuit voltage value after a relaxation time elapses from when the power source and the load group form a closed circuit state until the closed circuit voltage value becomes a steady state. Configured to get the
The suction component generation device according to claim 1. The control circuit is configured to acquire a plurality of voltage values of the power source during a predetermined detection time in the process of a1 and to acquire the closed circuit voltage value based on the acquired plurality of voltage values. Configured to obtain the closed circuit voltage value based on a plurality of voltage values of the power source detected in a state;
The suction component generation device according to claim 1. The predetermined detection time is longer than a relaxation time until the closed circuit voltage value becomes a steady state,
The suction component generation device according to claim 3. The predetermined detection time is a time such that no suction component is generated even when the load is driven in the closed circuit state.
The suction component generation device according to claim 3. The control circuit includes:
Prior to the processing of a1, the open circuit voltage value of the power supply is acquired in an open circuit state where the power supply and the load group are not electrically connected,
When the open circuit voltage value is equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage of the power source, the a1 and a2 processes are not executed.
The attraction | suction component production | generation apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 5. In the process of a2 , the control circuit, based on the closed circuit voltage value, determines the pulse width, duty ratio, average value, effective value, voltage value, application time, or maximum application time of the voltage applied to the load. Configured to adjust at least one of the values,
The attraction | suction component production | generation apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 5. In the processing of a2 , the control circuit is configured to increase the maximum value of the application time as the closed circuit voltage value is smaller.
The suction component generation apparatus according to claim 7. The control circuit includes:
It is possible to acquire a generation request that is a request related to generation of a suction component,
When the closed circuit voltage value is a first value, the amount of power supplied to the load in response to the generation request is a second value that is different from the first value in the closed circuit voltage value. The maximum value of the application time is set to be the same as or substantially the same as the amount of power supplied to the load in response to the generation request.
The suction component generation apparatus according to claim 7. The control circuit includes:
It is possible to acquire a generation request that is a request related to generation of a suction component,
Based on the shorter of the maximum value of the application time and the time when the generation request is continuously acquired, the application time of the voltage applied to the load is adjusted.
The suction component generation device according to claim 8 or 9. The control circuit includes:
It is possible to acquire a generation request that is a request related to generation of a suction component,
In the processing of a1, the application time corresponding to the generation request is configured to be longer as the closed circuit voltage value is smaller.
The suction component generation apparatus according to claim 7. The control circuit includes:
It is possible to acquire a generation request that is a request related to generation of a suction component,
When setting the application time, when the closed circuit voltage value is the first value, the amount of power supplied to the load in response to the generation request is determined so that the closed circuit voltage value is the first value. The application time is configured to be the same or substantially the same as the amount of power supplied to the load in response to the generation request when the second value is different from the value.
The suction component generation apparatus according to claim 7. The control circuit includes:
The maximum value of the application time only when the closed circuit voltage value is lower than the voltage value belonging to a small plateau region when the change in the voltage value of the power supply with respect to the change in the storage amount of the power supply is compared with other voltage ranges. Or configured to adjust the application time,
The suction component generation device according to any one of claims 7 to 12. The control circuit includes:
Control based on the sensor that outputs the generation request of the suction component,
In response to the detection of the generation request, the process of a1 is performed,
The process a2 is performed before the next generation request is detected.
The suction component generation device according to claim 1, configured as described above. The control circuit includes:
It is configured not to perform the process of a1 and the process of a2 at the same time.
The suction component generation device according to claim 1. A battery unit in which a battery as the power source is housed in a case;
A cartridge unit that is replaceably attached to the battery unit;
The comprises suction component generating device according to any one of claims 1 15. At least a suction component generation device comprising: a power source; a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source; and an adjustment unit that adjusts a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load. A control circuit for controlling some functions,
In a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected, a process of obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply;
Based on only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value, a process for controlling the adjustment unit;
A control circuit configured to perform Control of a suction component generation device including a power source, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes a suction component source by power from the power source, and an adjustment unit that adjusts a voltage value or a voltage waveform applied to the load A method,
Obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
Controlling the adjustment unit based on only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value ;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device. Power supply,
A load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the electric power from the power source;
An adjustment unit for adjusting a plurality of variables constituting a voltage waveform applied to the load;
A control circuit configured to obtain a voltage value of the power supply;
With
The control circuit includes:
a1: a process of obtaining only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: when the closed circuit voltage value is lower than a voltage value belonging to a plateau region where the change in the voltage value of the power supply with respect to the change in the charged amount of the power supply is smaller than other voltage ranges, the plurality of variables The process of adjusting the first variable of
a3: a process of adjusting a second variable different from the first variable among the plurality of variables when the closed circuit voltage value is equal to or greater than the voltage value belonging to the plateau region;
A suction component generation device configured to perform Suction component generation comprising a power source, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source, and an adjustment unit that adjusts a plurality of variables constituting a voltage waveform applied to the load An apparatus control method comprising:
a1: obtaining only the closed circuit voltage value among the open circuit voltage value and the closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: when the closed circuit voltage value is lower than a voltage value belonging to a plateau region where the change in the voltage value of the power supply with respect to the change in the charged amount of the power supply is smaller than other voltage ranges, the plurality of variables Adjusting a first variable of
a3: adjusting the second variable different from the first variable among the plurality of variables when the closed circuit voltage value is equal to or higher than the voltage value belonging to the plateau region;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device. A control program for causing a suction component device to execute the control method according to claim 18 or 20 .