EA042352B1 - BATTERY UNIT, FLAVORS INHALATOR, BATTERY UNIT CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to a battery pack including a connection configured to be connected to a nebulizer for spraying an aerosol source, a flavor inhaler including the battery pack, a method for controlling the battery pack, and a program for performing the method.

State of the art

Instead of cigarettes, non-flammable type flavor inhalers (electronic cigarettes) have been proposed for inhaling the flavor without burning (see PTL 1-6). The flavoring inhaler includes at least one of an aerosol source and a flavoring source, an atomizer that is an electrical load for spraying inhaled flavor components contained in at least one of the aerosol source and the flavoring source, a power source configured to supply electrical power to the nebulizer, and a controller configured to control the nebulizer and power supply.

PTL 1 describes that the nebulizer is configured to be detachably connected to a battery pack provided with a power supply and a controller. PTL 1 describes that an atomizer connected to a battery pack can be identified with identification information such as an ID.

PTL 2 describes electronic smoking equipment in which the atomizer and charger can be connected in turn to the common connection (interface) of the battery pack.

PTL 3 describes that an overcurrent flowing in the electronic circuitry in the electronic cigarette or a short circuit in the electronic circuitry is detected.

PTL 4 describes a fuse link that prevents the atomizer in an e-cigarette from overheating.

PTL 5 describes that when there is a system fault in an aerosol generating device such as an electronic smoking accessory, a fusible link in the electronic circuit is burned out, thereby shutting down the system.

PTL 6 describes that overcurrent and overvoltage are detected during the charging process of an electronic cigarette battery pack.

PTL 7 describes a charge monitoring device configured to observe the charged state of a battery when the battery is being charged. This charge monitoring device detects an abnormal charging state by observing a change in the voltage of the battery to be charged with respect to time or a change in the voltage of the battery to be charged with respect to the electrical charge amount, and also by observing the value of the battery voltage measured by the voltage measurement means.

PTL 8 describes a method for authenticating a user based on inspiratory pressure in a user's puff action in a flavor inhaler.

PTL 9 describes a method in which the flavor inhaler is easily turned off.

Link List

Patent Literature.

PTL 1. US Patent No. 2016/0174076.

PTL 2. International Publication No. WO2016/119626.

PTL 3. US Patent No. 2014/0254055.

PTL 4. US Patent No. 2014/0283856.

PTL 5. National Publication of International Patent Application No. 2014-501106.

PTL 6. US Patent No. 2015/0036250.

PTL 7. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-317811.

PTL 8. International Publication No. WO2015/167000.

PTL 9. National Publication of International Patent Application No. H11-507718.

The essence of the invention

The first feature is a battery pack comprising: a power supply; a detector configured to detect an output voltage of the power supply; a connection configured to be connected to a load for spraying the aerosol source or heating the flavor source; and a controller configured to perform a power supply mode in which electric power is supplied to the load from the power source, wherein the controller performs a separate control other than supplying electric power to the load based on the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period. in power supply mode.

The second feature is the battery pack according to the first feature, wherein the separate control is load authentication.

The third feature is the battery pack according to the second feature, wherein if the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period

- 1 042352 is within the predefined range, load authentication continues.

The fourth feature is the battery pack according to the second feature or the third feature, wherein if the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period is not contained within the predetermined range, load authentication is cancelled.

The fifth feature is the battery pack according to the fourth feature, wherein if the load authentication is cancelled, the controller determines whether the load authentication is performed based on the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period when the resume action is detected.

The sixth feature is a battery pack according to any one of the first to fifth features, wherein the connection is configured to be connected to the charger to charge the power source and the load, the controller is configured to perform the power source mode and the charging mode, in which the charger charges the power supply, and a separate control is a control for detecting an abnormality in the charging mode.

The seventh feature is the battery pack according to the sixth feature, wherein if the output voltage reduction amount in each predetermined charging mode time period is equal to or less than the first threshold value, which is set based on the output voltage reduction amount in each predetermined supply mode time period power supply, the controller detects an abnormality in the charging mode.

The eighth feature is the battery pack according to the seventh feature, wherein the first threshold value is set to be equal to or smaller than the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode.

The ninth feature is a battery pack according to any one of the sixth and eighth features, comprising a switch that is configured to electrically connect or disconnect a power supply to or from a load or a charger that is connected to the connection, wherein the controller turns on the switch if the first condition is met. in the power supply mode, and the controller turns on the switch if the second condition different from the first condition is satisfied in the charging mode.

The tenth feature is the accumulator unit according to the ninth feature, having a detector configured to detect an action to use the load, the first condition being a condition based on the detection of the action.

The eleventh feature is the battery pack according to the ninth feature or the tenth feature, where the second condition is a condition based on connecting the charger to the connection.

The twelfth feature is a flavor inhaler comprising: a battery pack according to any one of the first to eleventh features; and load.

The thirteenth feature is a method for controlling a battery pack including a controller that is configured to perform a power supply mode in which electrical power is supplied to a load from a power source through a connection configured to be connected to the load for spraying an aerosol source or heating the source. flavoring substance, the method comprises the steps of: detecting the output voltage of the power source; and performing separate control other than supplying electric power to the load based on the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode.

The fourteenth feature is a program enabling the battery pack to perform the method according to the thirteenth feature.

Here, the description carried out within the scope of the claims will be supplemented as follows. A description stating that the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period means an amount representing how much the output voltage decreases in the predetermined time period. In other words, the reduction amount is a value representing how small the output voltage at the end of the predetermined time period is relative to the output voltage at the beginning of the time period. For example, the amount of output voltage decrease in each predetermined time period is obtained by subtracting the output voltage at the beginning of the predetermined time period from the output voltage at the end of the predetermined time period. When the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period is negative, the output voltage is reduced in the predetermined time period. On the other hand, when the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period is positive, the output voltage is increased in the predetermined time period. Note that when two output voltage reduction amounts in each predetermined time period that are different from each other, compare

- 2 042352, a smaller decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period means that the output voltage decreases more significantly in the predetermined time period, in other words, that the output voltage at the end of the predetermined time period is less than the output voltage at the beginning of the predetermined time period. period.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing a flavor inhaler according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a spray unit according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an electrical circuit provided in the battery pack.

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a circuit diagram including a spraying unit and a battery pack in a state in which a load is connected to the battery pack.

Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an electrical circuit including a charger and a battery pack in a state in which the charger is connected to the battery pack.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the control sequence for switching to the power supply mode and the charging mode.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply mode according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a load authentication process according to one embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a charging mode according to one embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between power supply degradation and power supply output voltage.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an abnormality process according to one embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of an abnormality process according to one embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a drawing illustrating a circuit diagram of a flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

Further in this document, embodiments will be described. Note that the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference characters in the descriptions of the drawings below. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and each dimensional ratio may differ from the actual ratio.

Therefore, specific dimensions, etc. are to be defined with reference to the following descriptions. Not to mention that parts in which the ratio or proportions in dimensions change between drawings to each other may be contained.

Brief summary of the invention

A flavor inhaler such as an electronic cigarette includes an electrical load for spraying an aerosol source or heating the flavor source. The electrical load is configured to spray the aerosol source or heat the flavor source with electrical power supplied from the power source. Because electrical power from the power source is supplied to an electrical load electrically connected in an electronic circuit in the flavor inhaler, the output voltage of the power source is reduced. The inventors of the present invention focused on the fact that the amount of change in the output voltage changes according to the specification of the electrical load, and found that the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply can be effectively used to control the battery pack and the flavoring inhaler.

According to a brief description of the invention, the battery pack includes a power source; a detector configured to detect an output voltage of the power supply; a connection configured to be connected to a load for spraying the aerosol source or heating the flavor source; and a controller configured to execute a power supply mode in which electric power is supplied to the load from the power source, wherein the controller performs, based on the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode, a separate control other than supply of electrical power to the load.

- 3 042352

First Embodiment

Non-flammable type flavor inhaler.

Hereinafter, the flavor inhaler according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing a flavor inhaler according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating a spray unit according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an electrical circuit provided in the battery pack. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an electrical circuit including a load and a battery pack in a state in which a load is connected to the battery pack. Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating an electrical circuit including a charger and a battery pack in a state in which the charger is connected to the battery pack.

The flavor inhaler 100 may be a non-flammable type flavor inhaler with which the user inhales an inhalable component (inhalable flavor component) without burning. The flavor inhaler 100 may have a shape extending in a predetermined direction A, i. e. towards the mouthpiece end E1 from the non-mouthpiece end E2.

The flavor inhaler 100 includes a battery pack 112 and a spray unit 111 . The spray unit 111 may include an aerosol source that generates an aerosol and/or a flavor source that generates a flavor, and an electrical load 111R for spraying the aerosol source or heating the flavor source. It is sufficient that the load 111R is an element that can generate an aerosol and/or a flavor component from an aerosol source and/or a flavor source by generating electric power.

The battery pack 112 includes a power supply 40 and a controller 51. The power supply 40 stores electrical power required to operate the flavor inhaler 100. The power supply 40 supplies electrical power to the load of the spray assembly 120 . The power source 40 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery.

The battery pack 112 includes a connection 120 configured to be connected to a load 111R of the spray unit 111 or a charger 200 to charge the power source 40. Connection 120 of battery pack 112 is configured to be alternately connected to load 111R and charger 200. In other words, charger 200 or load 111R is exclusively connected to connection 120 of battery pack 112, and charger 200 and load 111R are not connected to connection 120 at the same time. However, this does not apply to the case in which the battery pack 112 includes a plurality of connections 120.

The connection 120 of the battery pack 112 includes electrical terminals 120t for electrical connection to the load 111R of the spray unit 111 and the charger 200. The electrical terminals 120t are connected to the power supply 40 and the controller 51 (see Fig. 3).

When the spray unit 111 is connected to the connection 120 of the battery pack 112, the load 111R provided in the spray unit 111 is connected to the power source 40 of the battery pack 112 through the electrical terminals 120t (see FIG. 4). When charger 200 is connected to connection 120 of battery pack 112, charger 200 is electrically connected to power source 40 of battery pack 112 via electrical terminals 120t (see FIG. 5).

The battery pack 112 may include an inlet 112A through which air flows in from the outside. The air which has flown in through the inlet 112A reaches the mouthpiece provided at the mouthpiece end E1 of the flavor inhaler 100 through a flow passage provided inside the spray unit 111. Note that another inlet may be provided in the spray unit 111 instead of the inlet 112A, or be used in conjunction with the inlet 112A. As another variation, the spray unit 111 and the battery pack 112 may be configured such that an inlet hole is formed in the connection piece (boundary piece) when the spray unit 111 is connected to the battery pack 112.

Hereinafter, a detailed example of the spray unit 111 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The spray unit 111 may include a reservoir 111P, a wick 111Q, and a load 111R. Reservoir 111P stores the liquid aerosol source. The reservoir 111P may be a porous body formed, for example, by materials such as a polymer mesh. The wick 111Q is a liquid retaining member for wicking the aerosol source from the reservoir 111P by capillary action. The wick 111Q is formed by, for example, fiberglass or porous ceramic.

Load 111R may be a resistor heating element. This resistor heating element atomizes an aerosol source held by a 111Q wick. For example,

- 4 042352 the resistor heating element is formed by a resistor heating element (eg heating wire) wound around the wick 111Q.

The air that flows from the inlet 112A passes through the environment of the load 111R in the atomization unit 111. The aerosol generated by the load 111R flows with the air towards the mouthpiece.

The aerosol source may be liquid at ordinary temperatures. For example, a polyhydric alcohol can be used as an aerosol source. The aerosol source itself may contain a flavor component. Alternatively, the aerosol source may include a tobacco material that emits an aromatic inhalable flavor component by heating, or an extract derived from the tobacco material.

Note that in the above embodiment, an example of a liquid aerosol source at ordinary temperatures has been described in detail, but instead of a liquid aerosol source, an aerosol source that is solid at ordinary temperatures can also be used.

The spray unit 111 may include a replaceable flavor unit 130. The flavor block 130 may include a cylindrical body 131, a flavor source 132, a mesh 133A, and a filter 133B. The cylindrical body 131 has a cylindrical shape extending in a predetermined direction A. The cylindrical body 131 includes a holder 134 that holds the flavor source 132.

The flavor source 132 is provided in a position closer to the side of the mouthpiece compared to the atomization unit 111 in the flow path for the air inhaled from the mouthpiece. The flavor source 132 provides an aerosol sprayed by the load 111R of the spray unit 111 with a flavorful inhaled flavor. The flavor added to the aerosol via the flavor source 132 is delivered to the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler 100 .

The flavor source 132 may be solid at ordinary temperatures. As an example, the flavor source 132 contains a plant matter component that provides the aerosol with an aromatic inhalable flavor component. Cut tobacco or a product that is made by processing a tobacco material, such as a tobacco raw material, to have a granular form may be used as a constituent that is a component of the flavor source 132. In this regard, flavor source 132 may contain a product that is created by processing tobacco material to be in sheet form. Also, a constituent that is a component of the flavor source 132 may contain a plant (eg, mint, herb, etc.) other than tobacco. The flavor source 132 may be provided with a flavor such as menthol.

The mesh 133A is provided to cover the opening of the cylindrical body 131 on the side of the mouthpiece with respect to the flavor source 132. The filter 133B is provided to cover the opening of the cylindrical body 131 on the side of the mouthpiece with respect to the flavor source 132. The mesh 133A has a fineness that is sufficient to prevent a constituent that is a component of the flavor source 132 from passing through the mesh 133A.

The filter 133B is formed by a material having ventilation. The filter 133B has a fineness that is sufficient to prevent the constituent that is a component of the flavor source 132 from passing through the filter 133B.

In the present embodiment, the spray unit 111 contains both an aerosol source and a flavor source. Alternatively, the spray unit 111 may include only at least one of an aerosol source and a flavor source.

In the present embodiment, since the user of the flavor inhaler 100 places his/her mouth over the piece in the vicinity of the filter 113B to inhale the aerosol, the flavor unit 130 serves as a so-called mouthpiece. Alternatively, another mouthpiece may be provided separately from the flavor block 130.

Further, in the present embodiment, a load 111R is provided as an element for spraying an aerosol source. Alternatively, the load 111R may be provided as an element to heat the flavor source 132. In addition, the load 111R can be provided as an element for spraying the aerosol source and heating the flavor source 132.

In the present embodiment, the load 111R is provided in the vicinity of the reservoir 111P that stores the aerosol source. Alternatively, the load 111R may be provided in the vicinity of the flavor unit 130, which stores the flavor source 132. The number of loads 111R is not limited to one, and therefore the loads 111R can be

- 5 042352 are provided in the vicinity of the reservoir 111P and the flavor unit 130, respectively.

The 111R load is not limited to the resistor heating element. It is sufficient that the load 111R is an element that can atomize the aerosol source or heat the flavor source. The load 111R may be, for example, a heat generating element such as a heater or an element such as an ultrasonic generator. Examples of the heat generating element include a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heating type heater.

Next, a specific configuration example of the battery pack 112 will be described. The battery pack 112 includes a switch 140 that can electrically connect or disconnect the power supply 40 to or from the load 111R or charger 200 that is connected to the connection 120. The switch 140 is opened or closed by controller 51. The switch 140 is formed by, for example, a MOSFET.

When the switch 140 is turned on in a state in which the load 111R is connected to the connection 120, electric power is supplied to the load 111R from the power supply 40 (see FIG. 4). When the switch 140 is turned on in a state in which the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120, the power supply 40 is charged by the charger 200 (see FIG. 5).

The battery pack 112 includes a determination section that determines whether the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120. The determination section may be a means for determining whether the charger is connected to the connection 120 based on the potential difference between the electric terminals 120t provided for connection 120. In the present embodiment, the detection section includes a pair of electrical resistors 150 and 152 that are placed in series. One electric resistor pair 150 of the electric resistor pair is provided at the position where the connection terminals 120t are connected to each other. The other electrical resistor 152 of the electrical resistor pair is connected to one terminal of the control module forming the controller 51.

The pair of electrical resistors 150 and 152 may have a known electrical resistance value. The value of the electrical resistance of the pair of electrical resistors 150 and 152 is sufficiently greater than the electrical resistance of the load 111R and may be, for example, 10 kOhm.

The potential at a point between the pair of electrical resistors 150 and 152 in a state in which nothing is connected to the electrical terminals 120t is different from the potential in a state in which the charger 200 is connected to the electrical terminals 120t. Accordingly, the controller 51 can judge that the connection 120 is not connected to anything or the charger 200 based on a signal (hereinafter referred to as a wake-up signal) received from the other electrical resistor 152 of the electrical resistor pair. More specifically, controller 51 may judge that charger 200 is not connected to connection 120 when it detects a first level (eg, high) of the wake-up signal. Controller 51 may judge that charger 200 is connected to connection 120 when it detects a second level (eg, low) of the wake-up signal.

The difference between the wake-up signal when the load 111R is connected to the connection 120 and the wake-up signal when the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120 will be described in more detail.

When switch 140 is off and charger 200 is not connected to connection 120, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a dark current discharged as storage power from the power supply 40 flows through the electrical resistors 150 and 152. The controller 51 detects a voltage drop between the electrical resistors 150 and 152 at this time as the first level of the wake-up signal.

On the other hand, when charger 200 is connected to connection 120, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the current supplied from the charger 200 to charge the power supply 40 preferably flows to the power supply 40 having a lower resistance value compared to the resistance value of the electrical resistor 150 in the parallel circuit of the electrical resistor 150 and the power supply 40. Because the potential at the terminal of the electrical resistor 152, which is connected to the electrical resistor 150, decreases to approximately ground level, a voltage drop hardly occurs in the electrical resistor 152, and the controller 51 detects the second level of the wake-up signal.

The first wake-up signal level and the second wake-up signal level may have values having a predetermined range that do not overlap with each other.

In the present embodiment, the determination section determines whether the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120. Alternatively, the determination section may determine that the connection 120 is in a state of not being connected to anything from the charger 200 or the load 111R, in the state of connected to the charger 200 or connected to a 111R load. Wake-up signals detected by the controller 51 in three states, respectively

- 6 042352 directly, differ in level by increasing the value of the electrical resistance of the load 111R to a sufficiently large value compared to the resistance value of the electrical resistor 150.

When switch 140 is off and load 111R is connected to connection 120, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the current discharged from the power supply 40 preferably flows through the load 111R having a lower resistance value than the resistance value of the electrical resistor 150 in the parallel circuit of the load 111R and the electrical resistor 150, and then flows through the electrical resistor 152. The controller 51 detects the voltage drop between the load 111R and the electrical resistor 152 at this time as the third wake-up signal level, which does not overlap with the first wake-up signal level and the second wake-up signal level.

The battery pack 112 may include a detector 160 configured to detect the output voltage of the power supply 40. Detector 160 may be provided electrically in battery pack 112. Detector 160 may be formed by any well known electrical module. In the present embodiment, the controller 51 and the detector 160 are formed by different modules. Alternatively, controller 51 and detector 160 may be formed by a single module.

The battery pack 112 may include a disconnect means 170 to at least temporarily disconnect the electrical power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 . The disconnect means 170 may be located between the power supply 40 and the electrical terminal 120t in the electrical circuitry in the battery pack 112.

The disconnect means 170 is preferably configured to be able to switch between a first mode in which the electrical power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 is temporarily turned off so that the controller 51 can resume the electrical power supply, and a second mode in which the electrical power supply to the load 111R is irreversibly disconnected from the power source 40 so that the controller 51 cannot resume the supply of electric power. The controller 51 may be configured to be able to control the release means 170 to switch between the first mode and the second mode.

As an example of a specific configuration, the disconnect means 170 may include a fusible link 172. The disconnect means 170 can be configured such that the normal state line L2 and the abnormal state line L3 branch in parallel from the line L1 provided with the fuse link 172. In the normal state line L2 the first electrical resistor 174 and the first switch 175 are connected in series to each other. In the abnormal condition line L3, the second electrical resistor 176 and the second switch 177 are connected in series to each other.

When both of the first switch 175 and the second switch 177 are turned off, electric power cannot be supplied to the load 111R from the power supply 40, and the power supply 40 cannot be charged by the charger 200. During normal operation, i. until an abnormal circumstance occurs, the first switch 175 is on and the second switch 177 is off. Thus, the load 111R or the charger 200, which is connected to the connection 120, is connected to the power supply 40 via the normal state line L2.

In the first mode, both the first switch 175 and the second switch 177 are off. Thus, the load 111R connected to the connection 120 is electrically disconnected from the power supply 40, thereby temporarily cutting off the electrical power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40.

In the second mode, both the first switch 175 and the second switch 177 are on. Thus, a current flows in both of the normal state line L2 and the abnormal state line L3, and a current that is larger than the current during normal operation flows in the fuse link 172, with the result that the fusible link 172 burns out. When the fusible link 172 burns out, the electrical power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 is irreversibly cut off so that the controller 51 cannot resume the electrical power supply.

Note that an alternative aspect to the above aspect, in the second mode, the first switch 175 may be turned off and the second switch 177 may be turned on. Even in such a case where the resistance value of the second electrical resistor 176 is sufficiently smaller than the resistance value of the first electrical resistor 174, a current that is greater than the current during normal operation flows in the fusible link 172, whereby the fusible link 172 may burn out.

Note that it is sufficient that the resistance value of the first electrical resistor 174 and the resistance value of the second electrical resistor 176 are set such that the fusible link 172 does not burn out in the first mode and the fusible link 172 burns out in the second mode.

- 7 042352

The abnormal condition line L3 may be a so-called short circuit line which does not include the second resistor 176 and has only a conductive wire resistance for the electric wire.

In an alternative aspect to the aspect illustrated in FIG. 3-5, the disconnect means 170 may be means configured to perform only the first mode, in which the electrical power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 is temporarily cut off so that the controller 51 can resume the electrical power supply. In this case, the disconnect means 170 only includes a single switch, and hence the disconnect means 170 may not include a fusible link 172.

In addition, the disconnect means 170 may be means capable of performing only the second mode, in which the electric power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 is irreversibly cut off so that the controller 51 cannot resume the electric power supply. In this case, the release means 170 may not include the first switch 175.

As another example of decoupler 170, a DC-DC converter can be used. In order to fuse fuse 172, the output current of the DC-DC converter is controlled such that a current equal to or greater than the current value required to fuse fuse 172 can flow in fuse 172.

The flavoring inhaler 100 may include a power supply degradation estimator for assessing the degradation of the condition (life) of the power supply 40. The power supply degradation estimator may be any known means, such as a current integration method, for example. As a specific example, the power supply degradation estimator may evaluate the state degradation of the power supply 40 by calculating the total integrated value of the current being charged or discharged by the power supply 40. Note that instead of the current integration method, the power supply degradation estimator may estimate the degradation of the state of the power supply 40 based on an increase in the internal temperature of the power supply 40 and a change, such as a decrease in the electric power value and the voltage value output from the power supply 40 that are associated with an increase in the impedance of the power supply 40 .

The controller 51 may be configured to perform a variety of operating modes. The operating modes include, for example, a power supply mode and a charging mode. The power supply mode is a mode in which electric power can be supplied to the load 111R from the power supply 40 . The charging mode is a mode in which the charger 200 can charge the power supply 40.

The flavor inhaler 100 may include a detector 20 configured to detect an operation to use load 111R. The detector 20 is preferably provided in the battery pack 112. The signal from the detector 20 can be detected by the controller 51.

The detector 20 may be an inhalation sensor configured to detect inhalation from the mouthpiece of the flavor inhaler 100 by a user, for example. The inspiratory sensor may be a MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) sensor having a capacitor and outputs a value indicative of the capacitance of the capacitor (eg, a voltage value) corresponding to the differential pressure caused in the flow channel by the action of inhalation. The output value may be recognized as a pressure, or may be recognized as a flow rate or flow rate. Instead of an inhalation sensor, the detector 20 may be configured from, for example, a push button that detects when the user presses the button.

The flavoring inhaler 100 may include a notification means 30 . The notification means 30 is preferably provided in the battery pack 112. Examples of the notification means 30 include an LED type light emitting diode, a voice and sound output device, and a Haptics type tactile feedback device. When the sensed feedback device is used as a notification means, the sensed feedback device includes, for example, a vibrating member and performs the notification by transmitting vibration to the user. The controller 51 can control the notification means 30 to notify the user of a difference in the operation mode of the flavor inhaler and an abnormality occurring in the flavor inhaler.

Entering power supply mode or charging mode.

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a control sequence for switching to the power supply mode M1 and the charging mode M2.

The controller 51 observes the wake-up signal. When the wake-up signal is at the first level, the controller 51 advances the process to step S30 (step S10). The controller 51 determines whether the detector 20 detects an action to use the load 111R (step S30). When the detector 20 detects the action to use the load 111R (Yes in step S30), the controller 51 sets the operation mode

- 8 042352 press to M1 power supply mode. When the detector 20 does not detect an action to use the load 111R (No in step S30), the controller 51 returns the process to step S10.

When the wake-up signal is at the second level, the controller 51 shifts the operation mode to the charging mode M2 (step S20).

Note that, although not limited to this example, the controller 51 may shift the operating mode to the power supply mode M1 based on any signal indicating that the load 111R is connected to the connection 120 of the battery pack 112. Similarly, the controller 51 may shift the operating mode to charging mode M2 based on any signal indicating that the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120 of the battery pack 112.

Power supply mode.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply mode according to one embodiment. When the first condition is satisfied in the power supply mode, the controller 51 turns on the switch 140 (step S102). When the switch 140 is turned on, the supply of electrical power to the load 111R from the power supply 40 starts. The output voltage of the power supply 40 may be stored in the controller 51 (step S100) before the switch 140 is turned on. Note that the amount of electrical power to be supplied to the load 111R from the power supply 40 may not necessarily be adjusted. For example, the amount of electrical power to be supplied to the load 111R from the power supply 40 can be controlled by pulse width regulation. The duty cycle relative to the pulse duration can be less than 100%. Note that the amount of electrical power to be supplied to the load 111R from the power supply 40 can be controlled by pulse frequency control instead of pulse width control.

In the present embodiment, the first condition may be a condition based on detecting an action to use the load 111R. As a specific example, the first condition may be that an action to use the load 111R is detected. In particular, the controller 51 turns on the switch 140 when the detector 20 detects an action to use the load 111R. When the detector 20 is an inhalation sensor, for example, the controller 51 turns on the switch 140 when the inhalation sensor detects the user's inhalation action. When the detector 20 is a push button, the controller 51 turns on the switch 140 when the push button detects that the user is pressing the push button.

Instead of the above-described specific example, the first condition may be that an action to use the load 111R is detected, and another condition is further satisfied. For example, when the detector 20 detects an action to use the load 111R, and the condition that the user presses the push button is satisfied, the controller 51 turns on the switch 140. As another example, when the detector 20 detects the action to use the load 111R, and the condition that the load 111R is authenticated, satisfied as described later, the controller 51 turns on the switch 140.

The output voltages of the power supply 40 are detected by the detector 160 at a predetermined interval before electrical power is supplied to the load 111R (power supply operates under no-load conditions) and while electrical power is supplied to the load 111R (power supply operates under load conditions). The detected output voltages of the power supply 40 are stored in the controller 51 (steps S100, S104, S106 and S108). The output voltage of the power supply 40, which is detected by the detector 160 during the power supply mode M1, is stored in a memory provided in the controller 51.

In the present embodiment, during the power supply mode M1, the controller 51 can perform, based on the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode M1, a separate control other than supplying electric power to the load 111R . As an example, the individual control may be, for example, the load authentication process 111R (step S110).

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in the load authentication process 111R, specifically, the controller 51 determines whether the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is included in the predetermined range (step S200). Here, it should be noted that the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period may correspond to the difference between the output voltage when the load 111R is powered and the output voltage when the load 111R is not powered.

When the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is contained within the predetermined range, the load authentication 111R continues (step S202), and the process proceeds to step S112 in the power supply mode.

When the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is not contained within the predetermined range, the

- 9 042352 the switch 140 is turned off (step S206), and the load 111R authentication is canceled (step S208). When the authentication of the load 111R is cancelled, the controller 51 may notify the user of this fact (step S210). The notification to the user may be performed by the notification means 30 .

In the state in which the authentication of the load 111R is cancelled, it is preferable that the controller 51 does not turn on the switch 140 even when the detector 20 detects an action to use the load 111R, i. so that electrical power is not supplied to the load 111R.

After the authentication of the load 111R is cancelled, the controller 51 may perform the process of re-authenticating the load 111R (step S214) when a resume action (resume signal) is detected. Specifically, when a resume signal is detected (step S212), the controller 51 turns on the switch 140 (step S213) and detects the output voltage of the power supply 40 at a predetermined interval. Then, when the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is not contained within the predetermined range, notification to the user is performed (step S210) while keeping the load authentication 111R in a canceled state. Note that, when the switch is turned on in step S213, in order to detect a change in the output voltage of the power supply 40, it is preferable to shorten the power supply time or limit the electric power to be supplied to the load 111R from the power supply 40 by means of pulse width regulation or frequency-pulse control, so that the aerosol source is not atomized by the current flowing in the load 111R. In other words, it is preferable to turn on the switch 140 for a short time so that an electrical power smaller than the electrical power to be supplied to the load 111R is supplied when the aerosol source is sprayed in the power supply mode.

When the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is contained within the predetermined range, the load 111R is authenticated (step S216), the power supply mode starts. Here, it should be noted that the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period may correspond to the difference between the output voltage when the load 111R is powered and the output voltage when the load 111R is not powered after the resume signal is detected. .

The resume action (signal) may be a signal obtained by detecting that the load 111R is being reconnected, a signal for detecting that the push button is pressed in a predetermined manner, a signal obtained by detecting the inhalation action in a predetermined manner, a signal obtained by detecting the completion one tightening action, or the like.

Load authentication 111R may be performed to determine whether the spray unit 111 connected to the battery pack 112 can be used, for example. In the above aspect, when the authentication of the load 111R is cancelled, for example, the controller 51 determines that the load 111R connected to the battery pack 112 cannot be used and may prompt replacement of the load 111R. When the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period exceeds the allowable range, for example, the controller 51 determines that the load 111R has degraded and may cancel the authentication to prompt replacement of the load 111R. Alternatively, when a non-authentic spray unit having a voltage drop amount different from the voltage drop amount of the authentic spray unit 111 is connected to the battery pack 112, the controller 51 cancels the authentication to prompt replacement of the non-authentic load with the authentic load 111R.

In the load authentication process, when the load authentication 111R continues (step S202), the process proceeds to step S112 of the power supply mode (see FIG. 7). In step S112, the controller 51 determines whether the end point of the electric power supply to the load 111R has been detected. When the end point is detected, the controller 51 turns off the switch 140 to wait until the next electric power supply to the load 111R starts while maintaining the power supply mode M1. When the above-described first condition is satisfied again, the controller 51 turns on the switch 140 (steps S100 and S102) and repeats the processes after steps S100 and S102.

The end point of the supply of electric power to the load 111R may be the point where it is detected that a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of electric power to the load 111R started. Alternatively, the end point of the electrical power supply to the load 111R may be the point at which the detector 20 detects the completion of the action to use the load 111R. When the detector 20 is an inhalation sensor, for example, the end point of the electrical power supply to the load 111R may be the point at which the inhalation sensor detects the end of the user's inhalation action.

A predefined range.

The above-described predetermined range is set based on the normal amount of voltage drop of the load 111R. In particular, the lower limit value in the predefined

- 10 042352 The division range can be set to a value smaller than the difference (amount of voltage drop) between the voltage when no electric power is supplied to the load 111R and the voltage when electric power is supplied to the load 111R. Alternatively, the lower limit value in the predetermined range may be set to a value smaller than the reduction amount of the output voltage of the power supply in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode in the state in which the authentic normal load 111R is connected to the 120 connection. In this case, when the authentic normal load 111R is connected to the connection 120, the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply is larger than the lower limit value in the predetermined range, and therefore is contained in the predetermined range, whereby the power supply mode can continue.

On the other hand, when an inauthentic load or a highly degraded load is connected to connection 120, the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply tends to show a different value from the value in the case where an authentic normal load 111R is connected to connection 120. When an inauthentic load is used, for example , the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply shows unique values, since the resistance value of the non-authentic load itself differs from the resistance value of the authentic load, and a contact failure occurs at connection 120. Authentication of the non-authentic load can be overridden if a predefined range is set to exclude these unique values and include the amount of power supply output voltage reduction at each a predetermined time period in the power supply mode in the state in which the authentic normal load 111R is connected to the connection 120. The resistance value of the heavily degraded load shows an abnormal value, which is a value very different from the value of the normal load, although the authentic load is connected. Highly degraded load authentication can be canceled if a predetermined range is set to exclude this abnormal value and include the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode in the state in which the authentic normal load 111R is connected to connection 120.

Charging mode.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a charging mode according to one embodiment. It is preferable that the controller 51 turns on the switch when the second condition different from the first condition described above is satisfied in the charging mode M2. That is, the conditions for turning on the switch differ between the charging mode and the power supply mode. Because the conditions for turning on the switch 140 differ between the charging mode and the power supply mode, incorrect operation can be easily suppressed.

The second condition may be a condition based on the connection of the charger 200 to the connection 120. The condition based on the connection of the charger 200 to the connection 120 may be a condition that a signal (a wake-up signal of the second level) indicating the connection of the charger 200 to the connection 120, was discovered. For example, a condition based on the connection of the charger 200 to the connection 120 may be the condition that the second layer wake-up signal has been detected once or consecutively a plurality of times.

Alternatively, the condition based on the connection of the charger 200 to the connection 120 may be a combination of the condition that a signal (second layer wake-up signal) indicating the connection of the charger 200 to the connection 120 has been detected and the condition that an additional other signal has been detected. An additional other signal may be a signal for detecting when a user presses a push button, for example. Note that the push button may be provided on either the battery pack 112 or the charger 200 or each of the battery pack 112 and the charger 200.

If the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120 of the battery pack 112, when the controller 51 turns on the switch 140, current flows from the charger 200 to the power supply 40, whereby the power supply 40 is charged (step S300). The controller 51 turns on the switch 140 and starts the timer built into the battery pack (step S302). The timer is set to zero at startup. The timer measures the time from the start of the timer.

The controller 51 determines whether a predetermined time period has passed since the timer was started (step S304), and turns off the switch 140 when the predetermined time period has passed (step S306). This predetermined time period may be, for example, 100 ms.

When the predetermined waiting time has elapsed since the controller 51 turned off the switch 140 (step S308), the controller 51 turns on the switch 140 again (step S310). Here, the predetermined waiting time may be 400 μs, for example. The controller 51 stores the wake-up signal value during the period between step S308 and step S310 (step S309).

- 11 042352

The controller 51 repeats the processes from step S306 to step S310 a predetermined number of times. In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of times is 10 times. Next, the controller 51 determines whether the wake-up signals are in the second level for a predetermined consecutive number of times (here, 10 times) (step S314).

When the wake signals are not at the second level for a predetermined consecutive number of times, the controller 51 recognizes that the charger 200 is disconnected from the battery pack 112, turns off the switch 140 (step S316), and then ends the control flow sequence. When the wake-up signal is at the second level at least once out of a predetermined consecutive number of times, the controller 51 continues the charging mode M2.

Next, the controller 51 executes steps in which an abnormality in the charging mode is determined (step S318). Even when the controller 51 determines based on the wake-up signal that the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120, the determination may be incorrect. For example, when the load 111R is connected to the connection 120, it is assumed that the malfunction is caused by a phenomenon such as contact bounce, which may cause an erroneous transition to the charging mode M2. In step S318, in which an abnormality in the charging mode M2 is determined, it is assumed that the abnormality is determined in the case where an erroneous transition to the charging mode is thus caused.

In particular, in the step in which abnormality in the charging mode is determined, when the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period in the charging mode M2 is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value, which is set based on the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined a certain time period in the power supply mode M1, the controller 51 detects an abnormality in the charging mode. That is, in this case, the controller 51 judges that the load 111R connected to the connection 120 is erroneously identified as the charger 200. In other words, the controller 51 determines that the charging mode is performed in a state in which the load 111R is connected to the connection 120. Note that the output voltage of the power supply 40 can be measured and stored at each predetermined interval.

When the controller 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charge mode, the process proceeds to a separate process, such as the separate processes described later, which are illustrated in FIG. 11 and 12. Alternatively, when the controller 51 determines that an abnormality in the charging mode is present, the controller 51 may stop the switch 140 and operate a notification means to notify the user of the abnormality.

When the controller 51 determines that there is no abnormality in the charging mode, the controller 51 continues the charging mode. Specifically, the controller 51 resets the timer to restart the timer and repeats the processes after step S302.

The first threshold value.

When the load 111R is connected to the connection 120, the output voltage of the power supply 40 in every predetermined time period when the switch 140 is turned on decreases according to the electrical resistance value of the load 111R. On the other hand, when the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120, the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period ideally does not decrease. The reason is that when the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120, the power supply 40 is charged by the charger 200 or under no-load conditions, and the voltage between the terminals of the power supply 40 increases in the first case, and the voltage between the terminals of the power supply 40 in ideally does not change in the latter case. Accordingly, the first threshold value may be equal to or less than the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the charging mode, which is performed in the state in which the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120.

Strictly speaking, when the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120, the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period decreases according to the voltage drop due to the dark current naturally discharged from the power supply 40. In this case, the first threshold value is preferably large compared to the value corresponding to the voltage drop due to the dark current. In addition, the first threshold value is preferably set in view of the error of the detected value of the output voltage.

When an erroneous transition to the charge mode is called while the load 111R is connected, an electric power greater than the electric power to be supplied to the load 111R in the power supply mode M1 can be supplied to the load 111R. In this case, the output voltage decrease amount in each predetermined time period becomes smaller than the output voltage decrease amount in each predetermined time period in the power-up mode. Taking this into account, the first threshold may be

- 12 042352 is given to a value equal to or less than the amount of decrease in output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode.

The first threshold value may be predetermined when the battery pack 112 is manufactured. Note that the first threshold value is not necessarily maintained at a constant predetermined value.

As an example, the first threshold value may be changed according to the degradation of the power supply 40 and the charge and discharge history of the power supply 40. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10, typically when power supply 40 degrades, ie. the number of charge/discharge cycles increases, the output voltage of the power supply 40 decreases, and the amount of voltage drop increases. This is caused by a decrease in storage capacity due to the irreversible decomposition of the electrolyte, and an increase in internal resistance caused by a change in the electrode structure due to the accumulation of the active material and the electrically conductive auxiliary material.

Accordingly, when the load 111R is connected to the connection 120, the power supply 40 degrades, and the reduction amount of the output voltage of the power supply 40 in a predetermined period decreases. Taking this into account, the accuracy in determining the abnormality in the charging mode can be improved by appropriately changing the first threshold value according to the degradation of the power supply 40 .

In particular, it is preferable that the first threshold value decreases as the power supply 40 degrades. Typically, the amount of decrease in output voltage in a predetermined period when load 111R is connected to connection 120 increases when power supply 40 degrades. Accordingly, even when the first threshold value is further reduced, an abnormality in the charging mode can be determined. On the other hand, there is a disadvantage in which the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in a predetermined period, which is detected in the charging mode, falls below the first threshold value due to, for example, an error in the detected value of the output voltage, although the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120, can be suppressed by lowering the first threshold value.

Note that when the lithium ion battery is used for the power supply 40, in a relatively early charge/discharge cycle, as is well known, SEI (solid electrolyte intermediate phase) generated from electrolyte decomposition is formed to cover the surface of the negative electrode. Because this SEI stabilizes the electrochemical reaction, an improvement in reducing the output voltage of the power supply 40 in a predetermined period can be expected. In such a case also, the accuracy in determining the abnormality in the charging mode can be improved by changing the first threshold value according to the charging and discharging history and the number of charging and discharging.

As a further example, the first threshold value may be changed based on the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power-up mode. As described above, the output voltage in the power supply mode is stored in the controller 51 at every predetermined interval. Accordingly, the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power-up mode can be calculated using the stored output voltage of the power supply 40 in the power-up mode. The controller 51 may feedback, with respect to the first threshold, the amount of reduction in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power-up mode. Thus, even when the spray unit 111 (load 111R) is replaced, the first threshold value can be appropriately set based on the voltage drop value of the replaced new load 111R. Even when the power supply 40 degrades and the amount of voltage drop of the output voltage increases, the amount of voltage drop of the output value following the degradation of the power supply 40 may be reflected in the first threshold value to be set, and therefore the accuracy in determining abnormality in the charging mode may be improved.

The controller 51 detects an abnormality in the charging mode. Even when an error detection that the charger 200 is connected to the connection 120 occurs although the load 111R is connected to the connection 120, the controller 51 can determine the error detection. Therefore, the switch 140 in the battery pack 112 can be prevented from erroneously continuing the on state, and wasting electrical power of the power supply can be prevented.

A specific example of step S318 in which the abnormality in the charging mode is determined in the step in which the abnormality in the charging mode is determined when the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the charging mode is equal to or less than the threshold value, which is set based on the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode, the controller 51 determines that an abnormality in the charging mode is present. Source output voltage 40

- 13 042352 power supply in the charge mode is detected at each predetermined interval to calculate the amount of reduction in the output voltage of the power supply in each predetermined time period in the charge mode.

As an example, in step S318, the output voltage decrease amount in each predetermined time period in the charging mode is calculated from the difference between the output voltage value in the most recent detection and the output voltage value obtained in the detection one time earlier than the most recent detection. . That is, in step S318, the first threshold value is compared with the difference between the value of the most recent detection and the value obtained in the detection one time earlier than the most recent detection. Note that the detected value to be compared with the most recent detected value to obtain the difference between them is not necessarily the value obtained in the detection one time earlier than the most recent detection, but the value obtained in the detection two or more times earlier than compared to the most recent detection, can be used to get the difference. In addition, the detected value obtained before the switch 140 is turned on to start the charging mode (before executing step S300) can be used.

As another example, the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined period in the charging mode can be determined from a predictive value obtained from a plurality of power supply output voltage values that are detected at predetermined intervals, i. e. a predictive value derived from a straight fit line or fit curve. For example, a reduction in output voltage may fit a straight line by a least squares method based on a plurality of output voltage values of a power supply that are detected at predetermined intervals to calculate a predictive value of an output voltage reduction amount in each predetermined time period in a straight line charging mode. approximations. The number of data (output voltage values) for using the least squares method is optional, but it is preferable that the number be large so that the impact of the detection error will be greatly reduced. Thus, when the amount of output voltage decrease in each predetermined time period in the charging mode is obtained from the predicted value obtained from the straight line approximation or the approximation curve, the influence of the detection error can be reduced since the slope of the straight line of the approximation and the value of the derivative of the approximation curve having values other than zero are likely to result from dark current due to self-discharge of the power supply 40 under no-load conditions.

As a further example, in step S318, the output voltage reduction amount in each predetermined time period in the charging mode can be changed differently when the number of detections of the output voltage counted from the start of the charging mode is lower than the predetermined number, and when the number of detections output voltage counted from the beginning of the charging mode is equal to or higher than a predetermined number. For example, when the number of detections of the output voltage counted from the start of the charging mode is lower than the predetermined number as described above, the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the charging mode can be calculated from the difference between the output voltage value in the most recent detection and the value output voltage obtained in the detection one time earlier compared to the most recent detection. Note that, when the number of detections of the output voltage counted from the start of the charging mode is equal to or higher than a predetermined number, the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the charging mode can be calculated from the difference between the output voltage value in the most recent detection and the predicted a value obtained based on the plurality of output voltage values detected since the start of the charging mode. The predicted value is obtained using, for example, the least squares method as described above.

As for the predetermined number, when the predictive value is used, the accuracy of the predictive value improves as the number of data (output voltage values) for using the least squares method increases. As is generally known, the reason is that in the least squares method, the deviation between the actual data and the straight fit line or fit curve has the property of decreasing in proportion to the inverse square root of the number of data. Therefore, the predetermined number is optional, but it is preferable that the number be large so that the effect of the output voltage detection error will be sufficiently reduced. Thus, in the determination in step S318, the influence of the power supply output voltage detection error can be suppressed.

As another example, without the above described straight line fit and curve fit

- 14 042352 simulation, the slope is obtained from a plurality of power supply output voltage values that are detected at predetermined intervals, and this slope can be used to reduce the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the charging mode. Alternatively, the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply in each predetermined time period in the charging mode can be estimated based on the moving average value obtained from the plurality of output voltage values.

Specific example of 1 separate process.

When it is determined that the charging mode abnormality is present in step S318, in which the charging mode abnormality is determined, the controller 51 performs a separate process performed at least selectively to at least temporarily cut off the electric power supply to the load 111R from the power source 40 (FIG. . eleven). Fig. 11 illustrates an example of such a separate process.

When the individual process starts, the value of the individual variable is set to 1 (step S400). In this example, a single variable represents the number of times a single condition is satisfied. In this example, a separate condition is the condition that the amount of decrease in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the charging mode is equal to or less than the above-described first threshold value.

Next, the controller 51 determines whether or not the value of the individual variable is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (step S402). The second threshold value may be an arbitrary natural number equal to one or more. As an example, the second threshold may be 1.

Alternatively, the second threshold may be a natural number of two or more. In this case, in a separate process, the controller 51 may recheck whether the load 111R is connected to the connection 120 at least before temporarily cutting off the electrical power supply to the load 111R from the power source 40. Rechecking whether load 111R is connected to connection 120 can be determined by whether a particular condition is satisfied again.

As a specific example, when the value of the individual variable is less than the second threshold value, the controller 51 measures the output voltage of the power supply 40 (step S404), and calculates the output voltage reduction amount in each predetermined time period again. Then, the controller 51 determines whether the above-described single condition is satisfied, i.e. whether the reduction amount of the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is equal to or less than the first threshold value (step S406). Here, when the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period exceeds the first threshold value, there is a possibility that an abnormality in the charging mode is not present. Therefore, the charging mode can be performed first. Instead of executing the charging mode first, the charging mode may be performed from some midpoint thereof if the amount of reduction in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is larger than the first threshold value. As an example, the process may return to step S302 start timer in charging mode.

On the other hand, when the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the value of the individual variable is increased by 1 (step S408), and the controller 51 determines whether the value of the individual variable is indeed equal to or greater than the second threshold value (step S402).

When the value of the individual variable is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the controller 51 temporarily determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode and executes the first mode in which the electric power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 is temporarily cut off so that the controller 51 can resume supply. electric power (step S410). Note that the first mode can be executed by controlling the above-described release means 170 by the controller 51. Then, the controller 51 notifies the user that the first mode is being executed (step S412). The notification to the user may be performed by the notification means 30 .

After executing the first mode, the controller 51 turns on the switch 140 and the switch 175 (step S413), measures the output voltage of the power supply 40 (step S414), and determines again whether the above-described single condition is satisfied, i. whether the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is equal to or less than the first threshold value (step S416). Note that after the notification to the user is performed (step S412), the controller 51 may measure the output voltage of the power supply 40 (step S414) if a resume action (resume signal) is detected.

Here, when the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period exceeds the first threshold value, there is a possibility

- 15 042352 that the abnormality in the charging mode is not present, or that the abnormality has been resolved after the first mode is executed. Therefore, the first mode is canceled (step S418), and the charging mode can be performed from the beginning. Instead of executing the charge mode from the beginning, the charge mode may be performed from some midpoint thereof.

On the other hand, when the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the value of the individual variable is increased by 1 (step S420), and the controller 51 determines whether the value of the individual variable is indeed equal to or greater than the third threshold value (step S422). The third threshold is a natural number greater than the second threshold. As an example, the third threshold may be a natural number greater than the second threshold by 1.

When the value of the individual variable is less than the third threshold value, the controller 51 measures the output voltage of the power supply 40 (step S414), and determines again whether the above-described individual condition is satisfied, i. whether the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period is equal to or less than the first threshold value (step S416).

When the value of the individual variable is equal to or greater than the third threshold value, the controller 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode, or it is difficult to resolve the abnormality, and executes the second mode in which the electric power supply to the load 111R from the power source 40 is irreversibly turned off, so that the controller 51 cannot resume electric power supply (step S424). Note that the second mode can be executed by controlling the above-described release means 170 by the controller 51. Then, the controller 51 notifies the user that the second mode is being executed (step S426). The notification to the user may be performed by the notification means 30 .

As described above, the first condition (Step S402) and the second condition (Step S422) for determining whether the first mode and the second mode are to be executed, respectively, may be provided. In this case, the second condition is more stringent than the first condition. In other words, meeting the second condition is more difficult than meeting the first condition. For example, as in the case where the value of an individual variable is equal to or greater than the second threshold value and less than the third threshold value, in some cases the second condition cannot be satisfied even when the first condition is satisfied. When there is a possibility that the abnormality in the charging mode is present, the controller 51 executes the first mode in which the supply of electric power to the load from the power source is temporarily turned off, and when there is a high probability that the abnormality in the charging mode is present, the controller 51 executes the second mode. , in which the supply of electrical power to the load from the power source is irreversibly turned off.

Specific example 2 separate process.

Fig. 12 illustrates another example of a separate process alternative to FIG. 11. When the individual process starts, the individual variable value is set to the reduction amount of the latest output voltage in each predetermined time period (step S500). In this example, a single variable includes the amount of decrease in output voltage in each predetermined time period.

Next, the controller 51 determines whether the individual variable value is indeed equal to or less than the fourth threshold value (step S502). The fourth threshold value may be the same as the first threshold value described above, for example, and may be set based on the amount of reduction in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined time period in the power-up mode.

When the value of a single variable is greater than the fourth threshold value, there is a possibility that abnormality in the charging mode is not present. Therefore, the charging mode can be performed from the beginning. Instead of executing the charge mode from the beginning, the charge mode may be performed from some midpoint thereof.

When the value of the individual variable is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value, the controller 51 determines whether the value of the individual variable is indeed equal to or less than the fifth threshold value (step S504). Here, the fifth threshold value is a value smaller than the fourth threshold value. The fifth threshold value may be set, for example, to a value below the lower limit of the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined period of time when the authentic normal load 111R is used, or, for example, the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in each predetermined the time period when power supply 40 is fully charged and electrical power is supplied to load 111R with a duty cycle of 100%.

When the value of an individual variable is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value and greater than

- 16 042352 of the fifth threshold value, the controller 51 temporarily determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode, and executes the first mode in which the electric power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 is temporarily turned off, so that the controller 51 can resume the electric power supply (step S510). Then, the controller 51 notifies the user that the first mode is being executed (step S512).

When the value of the individual variable is equal to or less than the fifth threshold value, the controller 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode and executes the second mode in which the electric power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 is irreversibly cut off so that the controller 51 cannot resume supply. electric power (step S524). Then, the controller 51 notifies the user that the second mode is being executed (step S526).

As described above, a first condition (step S502) and a second condition (step S504) for determining whether the first mode and the second mode are to be executed, respectively, may be provided. In this case, the second condition is more stringent than the first condition. In other words, meeting the second condition is more difficult than meeting the first condition. For example, as in the case where the value of an individual variable is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value and greater than the fifth threshold value, in some cases the second condition cannot be satisfied even when the first condition is satisfied.

Synchronization of the management of the means of separation.

In the above example, in the case where the charging mode is performed when the load 111R is connected to the connection 120, i. e. when the load 111R connected to the connection 120 is erroneously identified as the charger 200, the controller 51 performs a separate process, performed at least selectively to at least temporarily disconnect the electrical power supply to the load 111R from the power source 40 (see Fig. 11 and 12).

Although not limited in this example, when any abnormality is detected in the load 111R or the power supply 40, the controller 51 may perform a separate process performed at least selectively to at least temporarily cut off the electrical power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40. Examples of abnormalities in load 111R or power supply 40 include connecting an inauthentic load to connection 120, use of a battery pack by an inauthentic user (unauthenticated user), failure of another battery pack, and the like. The connection of a non-authentic load to connection 120 can be detected, for example, through the load authentication process described above.

When the detector 20 is a push button, for example, user authentication can be performed by pressing the push button in a predetermined manner. As another example, when the detector 20 is, for example, an inhalation sensor, user authentication may be performed by applying the inhalation action pressure by the user in a predetermined manner.

Program and storage medium.

The above described sequences of operations illustrated in FIG. 6-9, fig. 11 and 12 may be executed by the controller 51. That is, the controller 51 may include a program instructing the battery pack 112 and the flavor inhaler 100 to perform the above-described method, and a storage medium storing the program therein.

Second Embodiment

Next, the flavor inhaler according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. Note that the same components as the components in the above embodiment are designated by the same reference numbers and their description will be omitted. Hereinafter, the configuration other than the above embodiment will be described in detail.

In the present embodiment, the above-described release means 170 is provided in the spray assembly 111, i. load 111R rather than the battery pack 112. The first switch 175 and the second switch 177 forming the disconnect means 170 may be configured to electrically connect to the controller 51 via an electrical terminal (not illustrated). When the load 111R is connected to the connection terminals 120t, the controller 51 is configured to be able to control the first switch 175 and the second switch 177 of the disconnect means 170. Thus, the controller 51 can execute the individual processes illustrated in FIG. 11 and 12.

According to the present embodiment, when the controller 51 executes the second mode, in which the electric power supply to the load 111R from the power supply 40 is irreversibly turned off so that the controller 51 cannot resume the electric power supply, the load 111R, i. the spray assembly 111 is replaced with a new load, whereby the flavor inhaler 100 can be returned to a usable state. Typically, the spray assembly 111 tends to be cheap relative to the battery pack 112 having an expensive

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Claims (8)

existing components such as the power supply 40 . Accordingly, the present embodiment is particularly advantageous from a cost point of view. The disconnect means 170 may be provided for both the battery pack 112 and the spray assembly 111 . Other embodiments. The present invention has been described by means of the above-described embodiments, but it should not be understood that the description and drawings forming part of the present description limit the present invention. Various alternative implementations, examples and methods of operation will be obvious to experts in the field of technology from this description of the invention. For example, the configurations described in each of the above embodiments may be combined and/or rearranged as much as possible. CLAIM 1. A battery pack containing a power supply; a detector configured to detect an output voltage of the power supply; a connection configured to be connected to a load for spraying the aerosol source or heating the flavor source; and a controller configured to perform a power supply mode in which electrical power is supplied to the load from the power source, the controller configured to determine whether the positive authenticity authentication status of the load should be canceled based on that the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode is not within a predetermined range, wherein the power supply from the power source to the load is terminated if the load authenticity positive authentication status is canceled, and the predetermined range is set to include a decreasing value the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the energized mode when an authentic genuine load is connected to the connection. 2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine that if the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period is within a predetermined load authentication range, then the load is considered genuine. 3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the positive load authentication status is canceled, then the controller is configured to determine whether the positive load authentication status is performed based on the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period, upon detection of a resume signal indicating that the load has been reattached to the connection. 4. The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connection is configured to be connected to the charger to charge the power source and the load, the controller is configured to perform a power supply mode and a charging mode in which the charger charges the power source , and the controller is further configured to determine an abnormality in the charging mode based on the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode. 5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to detect an abnormality in the charging mode if the amount of decrease in output voltage in each predetermined time period in the charging mode is equal to or less than the first threshold value, which is set based on the amount of decrease in output voltage in each preset time period in power-up mode. 6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein the first threshold value is set to be equal to or less than the amount of change in the output voltage in each predetermined time period in the power supply mode. 7. The battery pack according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a switch configured to electrically connect or disconnect a power source to or from a load or charger that is connected to the connection, wherein the controller is configured to turn on the switch in mode power supply if the first condition is satisfied, and in the charging mode - if the second condition is satisfied, which is different from the first condition. 8. The battery pack according to claim 7, containing a detector configured to detect -