JP2022067745A - Control unit of suction device and control method of suction device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a suction device capable of reducing waiting time of a user until suction is enabled.SOLUTION: Provided is a control unit 102 of a suction device 100. The suction device 100 includes a first power source 106, and a second power source 108 having a lower output density than an output density of the first power source 106. The control unit 102 includes a control unit 104. The control unit 104 is configured to perform first electric discharge control of supplying power to a heating unit 110 that heats an aerosol source only from the first power source 106 among the first power source 106 and the second power source 108, and thereafter, perform second electric discharge control of supplying power to the heating unit 110 from at least the second power source 108 among the first power source 106 and the second power source 108.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a control unit of a suction device and a control method of the suction device.

In a suction device that produces a substance to be sucked by the user (for example, aerosol) such as electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn tobacco, and nebulizer, when suction by the user is detected, the temperature of the heating unit may generate the substance. It is necessary to supply power to the heating unit so that the temperature can be reached. The longer it takes for the heating unit to reach such a temperature, the longer the user waits before the substance can be sucked, and the worse the user experience.

Patent Document 1 discloses a flavor generating device that supplies electric power to a plurality of heaters by using an auxiliary power source in addition to a normal power source.

However, further improvements are needed to reduce the user's waiting time before suction of substances such as aerosols becomes possible.

International Publication No. 2020/059049

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above points. An object to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a suction device capable of shortening the user's waiting time until suction of a substance such as an aerosol becomes possible, and to improve the user experience.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a control unit of a suction device is provided. The suction device includes a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than the output density of the first power source. The control unit performs a first discharge control that supplies electric power from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source, and then the first power source and the first power source. A control unit configured to perform a second discharge control, which supplies electric power from at least the second power source to the heating unit among the second power sources, is provided.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to supply electric power to the heating unit from only the second power source of the first power source and the second power source in the second discharge control.

In one embodiment, when the control unit receives an instruction to start heating, the first discharge control among the first discharge control and the second discharge control is performed first, and after the end of the first discharge control. , The second discharge control is configured to be performed before receiving the next heating instruction.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to switch from the first discharge control to the second discharge control when a predetermined value to be measured or estimated reaches a predetermined upper limit value or a predetermined lower limit value. Will be done.

In one embodiment, the control unit comprises a first circuit that allows charging between the first power source and the second power source.

In one embodiment, the control unit comprises a second circuit configured to allow charging of at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source by an external power source.

In one embodiment, the second circuit is configured to allow charging of the first power source by the external power source.

In one embodiment, the second circuit is controlled by the external power source to charge the second power source before the first power source.

In one embodiment, when the first discharge control is not performed and the charge amount of the second power source is larger than the charge amount of the first power source, the first power source is charged by the second power source. To.

In one embodiment, the second circuit is controlled so that the first power source is not charged by the external power source.

In one embodiment, the second power source has a higher capacity than the first power source.

In one embodiment, the operating voltage of the second power supply is higher than the operating voltage of the first power supply.

In one embodiment, when the value related to the charge amount of the first power supply is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the control unit performs the first discharge control and the value related to the charge amount of the first power supply. When is less than the second predetermined value, the second discharge control is performed without performing the first discharge control.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to stop the second discharge control when the value related to the charge amount of the second power source is less than the third predetermined value.

In one embodiment, when the value related to the charge amount of the first power supply is less than the second predetermined value, the control unit performs the second discharge control without performing the first discharge control. It is composed.

In one embodiment, in the first discharge control, when the value related to the current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the first discharge control is stopped.

In one embodiment, the control unit includes a first element provided separately from the control unit, and the first discharge control is stopped by the first element.

In one embodiment, in the second discharge control, when the value related to the current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the second discharge control is stopped.

In one embodiment, the control unit includes a second element provided separately from the control unit, and the second discharge control is stopped by the second element.

Further, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is a control method of the suction device, and only from the first power source among the first power source and the second power source having an output density lower than the output density of the first power source. A step of performing a first discharge control for supplying electric power to the heating unit, and then a second discharge control for supplying electric power from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source to the heating unit. Methods are provided, including steps to perform.

In one embodiment, in the step of performing the second discharge control, electric power is supplied to the heating unit from only the second power source of the first power source and the second power source.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a suction device capable of shortening the waiting time of the user until the suction of a substance such as an aerosol becomes possible, and it is possible to improve the user experience.

It is a schematic block diagram of the structure of the suction device by one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a figure which shows the connection relationship of a part component of the suction device by one Embodiment of this disclosure. It is a flowchart of an exemplary process according to one Embodiment of this disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present disclosure, the suction device is a device that produces a substance to be sucked by the user. Hereinafter, the substance produced by the suction device will be described as being an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance produced by the suction device may be a gas. Embodiments of the suction device in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, electronic cigarettes, heat-not-burn tobacco and nebulizers.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of a suction device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the suction device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 102. The control unit 102 includes a control unit 104. The suction device 100 also includes a first power source 106 and a second power source 108. In one example, the control unit 102 may be configured to include a first power supply 106 and a second power supply 108 in addition to the control unit 104. The control unit 102 may further include an element provided separately from the control unit 104. Examples of such devices include, for example, protection integrated circuits (ICs) and fuses. The suction device 100 also includes a heating unit 110, an aerosol substrate insertion unit 112, and a charging terminal 114. Although not shown, the suction device 100 may further include a sensor unit, a notification unit, a storage unit, a communication unit, a holding unit, and the like.

In FIG. 1, the above-mentioned components are arranged in one housing 116. However, the configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to such an aspect. For example, the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108 may be arranged in a unit different from the control unit 102. Alternatively, the control unit 102, the first power supply 106, the second power supply 108, and the heating unit 110 may be arranged in separate units. The units may be configured to be removable from each other.

The first power source 106 and the second power source 108 store electric power. The first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108 supply electric power to each component of the suction device 100 according to the control by the control unit 104. The second power source 108 is configured to have an output density lower than the output density of the first power source 106. The output density may be an output per unit volume expressed in units of W / cm ³ , an output per unit weight expressed in units of W / kg, or the like. The second power supply 108 may be configured to have a capacity higher than that of the first power supply 106. In the present specification, the high or low of the capacity shall be evaluated by the full charge capacity or the capacity obtained by subtracting the remaining capacity at the end of discharge from the full charge capacity (so-called discharge capacity). The second power supply 108 may be configured to have an operating voltage higher than the operating voltage of the first power supply 106.

It is known that in a general power source, the output density and the capacity tend to contradict each other. This tendency is also called the Ragon plot. More specifically, increasing the output density reduces the capacitance density, and increasing the capacitance density reduces the output density. That is, it is difficult to use a power source having both a high output density and a high capacitance density. However, as described above, if the first power source 106 having a high output density and the second power source 108 having a high capacity are used in combination, a power source having a high output density and a high capacity density can be used in a pseudo manner.

The first power source 106 and the second power source 108 are configured to be rechargeable. As an example, the first power source 106 includes a capacitor (particularly an electric double layer capacitor), and the second power source 108 includes a lithium ion secondary battery. However, the configurations of the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108 are not limited to these, and may have various other aspects. The suction device 100 is configured so that the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 can be charged by an external power source via the charging terminal 114.

The sensor unit acquires various information about the suction device 100. As an example, the sensor unit is composed of a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires a value associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit is composed of an input device such as a button or a switch that receives input of information from the user.

The notification unit notifies the user of the information. The notification unit is composed of, for example, a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, a vibrating vibration device, and the like.

The storage unit stores various information for the operation of the suction device 100. The storage unit is composed of a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

The communication unit is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. As such a communication standard, for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or the like can be adopted.

The control unit 104 functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation in the suction device 100 according to various programs. The control unit 104 is realized by, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

The holding portion has an internal space and holds the aerosol base material while accommodating a part of the aerosol base material in the internal space. The holding portion holds the aerosol base material inserted into the internal space from the aerosol base material inserting portion 112. For example, the holding portion is a tubular body having an opening and a bottom portion as a bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space. The holding portion also has a function of defining a flow path of air supplied to the aerosol base material. An air inflow hole, which is an inlet for air to such a flow path, is arranged, for example, at the bottom. The air inflow hole may be a gap formed between the holding portion and the aerosol substrate. On the other hand, the air outflow hole, which is the outlet of air from such a flow path, is an opening.

The aerosol base material includes a base material portion and a mouthpiece portion. The substrate portion contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source may be solid or liquid. In the state where the aerosol base material is held by the holding portion, at least a part of the base material portion is housed in the internal space, and at least a part of the mouthpiece portion protrudes from the opening. Then, when the user holds and sucks the suction port protruding from the opening, air flows into the internal space from the air inflow hole and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the base material portion.

The heating unit 110 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. The heating portion 110 may be formed in the form of a film and may be arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding portion. When the heating unit 110 generates heat, the base material portion of the aerosol base material is heated from the outer periphery to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 110 generates heat when supplied with power from the first power source 106 and / or the second power source 108. As an example, the heating unit 110 may be fed when it is detected by the sensor unit that the user has started suction and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, when the sensor unit detects that the user has finished sucking and / or that predetermined information has been input, the power supply to the heating unit 110 may be stopped.

The configuration of the suction device 100 is not limited to the above configuration, and various configurations may be adopted.

As an example, the heating portion 110 may be configured in a blade shape or a pin shape, and may be arranged so as to project from the bottom portion of the holding portion into the internal space. In that case, the blade-shaped or pin-shaped heating portion 110 is inserted into the base material portion of the aerosol base material and heats the base material portion of the aerosol base material from the inside. As another example, the heating portion 110 may be arranged so as to cover the bottom portion of the holding portion. Further, the heating unit 110 is a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the holding portion, a blade-shaped or pin-shaped second heating portion, and a third heating portion that covers the bottom of the holding portion. It may be configured.

As another example, the holding portion may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens / closes a part of the outer shell forming the internal space. Then, the holding portion may sandwich the aerosol base material inserted in the internal space by opening and closing the outer shell. In that case, the heating unit 110 may be provided at the sandwiched portion in the holding unit and may be heated while pressing the aerosol base material.

Further, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 110. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

As a configuration different from FIG. 1, the suction device 100 may be configured to include a control unit, a cartridge, and a flavoring cartridge. The control unit may include a control unit 104, a first power source 106 and a second power source 108, a sensor unit, a notification unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit. The cartridge may include a heating unit 110, a liquid guiding unit and a liquid storage unit. The flavoring cartridge may include a flavor source and a mouthpiece. An air flow path is formed in the cartridge and the flavoring cartridge.

Each of the control unit 104, the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108, the sensor unit, the notification unit, the storage unit, and the communication unit is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in the suction device 100 of FIG.

In this example, the aerosol source is a liquid. The liquid storage unit stores the aerosol source. The atomization of the aerosol source produces an aerosol. Aerosol sources are, for example, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and liquids such as water. Aerosol sources may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the suction device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug.

The liquid induction unit guides and holds an aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit, from the liquid storage unit. The liquid induction portion is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as a porous ceramic. In that case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid reservoir is induced by the wick's capillary effect. Instead of this embodiment, a spray that sprays the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit onto the heating unit 110 may be used for the liquid induction unit.

The heating unit 110 heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. In this example, the heating unit 110 is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid induction unit. When the heating unit 110 generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid induction unit is heated and atomized to generate an aerosol. The heating unit 110 generates heat when supplied with power from the first power source 106 and / or the second power source 108. As an example, the heating unit 110 may be fed when it is detected by the sensor unit that the user has started suction and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, when the sensor unit detects that the user has finished sucking and / or that predetermined information has been input, the power supply to the heating unit 110 may be stopped.

The flavor source is a component for imparting a flavor component to the aerosol. The flavor source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

The air flow path is a flow path of air sucked by the user. The air flow path has a tubular structure having an air inflow hole which is an inlet of air into the air flow path and an air outflow hole which is an outlet of air from the air flow path at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path, a liquid guiding portion is arranged on the upstream side (the side close to the air inflow hole), and the flavor source is arranged on the downstream side (the side close to the air outflow hole). The air flowing in from the air inflow hole due to suction by the user is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 110, passes through the flavor source, and is transported to the air outflow hole. When the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through the flavor source, the flavor component contained in the flavor source is imparted to the aerosol.

The mouthpiece is a member that is held by the user during suction. An air outflow hole is arranged in the mouthpiece. The user can take the mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece and sucking it.

As an example, the suction device 100 may not include a flavoring cartridge. In that case, the cartridge is provided with a mouthpiece. In this case, a flavor source may be added to the aerosol source.

As another example, the suction device 100 may include a plurality of types of aerosol sources. A plurality of types of aerosols generated from a plurality of types of aerosol sources may be mixed in an air flow path to cause a chemical reaction, whereby another type of aerosol may be produced.

Further, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 110. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be oscillating atomization or induction heating.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection relationship of some components of the suction device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

In FIG. 2, the circuit 200 showing the connection relationship of the components includes the control unit 104, the first power supply 106, the second power supply 108, the heating unit 110, the switch 202A, the switch 202B, the switch 202C, the switch 202D, the switch 202E, and the DC-. Includes DC converter 204A and DC-DC converter 204B. An external power supply 206 may be connected to the circuit 200 via the charging terminal 114 shown in FIG. A part of the circuit 200, or all except the external power supply 206 and the heating unit 110 may be provided in the control unit 102. The switch 202A, the switch 202B, the switch 202C, the switch 202D, and the switch 202E may be composed of a field effect transistor or a bipolar transistor. The switch 202A, the switch 202B, the switch 202C, the switch 202D, and the switch 202E may be composed of the same element or may be composed of different elements.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heating unit 110, the first power supply 106, the switch 202B and the DC-DC converter 204A, and the second power supply 108, the switch 202D and the DC-DC converter 204B may be connected in parallel. .. The switch 202A may be connected between the heating unit 110 and the DC-DC converter 204A. The switch 202C may be connected between the DC-DC converter 204A and the DC-DC converter 204B. The switch 202E may be connected between the DC-DC converter 204B and the external power supply 206 (or the charging terminal 114).

The control unit 104 is configured to be able to control the switches 202A to 202E and the DC-DC converters 204A and 204B.

The control unit 102 may include a first circuit that allows charging between the first power source 106 and the second power source 108. In the example of FIG. 2, the first circuit includes a switch 202B, a switch 202C, a switch 202D, a DC-DC converter 204A and a DC-DC converter 204B.

The control unit 102 may include a second circuit configured to allow charging of at least the second power source 108 of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 by the external power source 206. In this case, the second circuit includes at least a switch 202D, a switch 202E and a DC-DC converter 204B. The second circuit may also be configured to allow charging of the first power source 106 by an external power source 206. In this case, the second circuit includes the switch 202B, the switch 202C and the DC-DC converter 204A in addition to the above components. The control unit 102 may include only one of the switch 202B and the DC-DC converter 204A. Further, the control unit 102 may include only one of the switch 202D and the DC-DC converter 204B.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the control unit 104 included in the control unit 102 will be described as executing the step of FIG. However, it should be noted that all or part of the steps may be performed by another component of the suction device 100.

In step 302, the control unit 104 receives a heating instruction. As an example, the control unit 104 detects that suction by the user has started based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow rate sensor, and the like. For example, the control unit 104 may determine that the suction by the user has started when the output values of these sensors reach a predetermined threshold value or when the output values of these sensors change continuously. .. Alternatively, the control unit 104 may determine that the suction by the user has started based on the fact that the button for starting the aerosol generation is pressed or the like. The button may be provided on a terminal separate from the suction device 100. When provided in the separate terminal, the button may be a virtual button displayed on the screen instead of a physical button.

Upon receiving the heating instruction, the control unit 104 performs the first discharge control in step 304. In this case, the control unit 104 turns on the switches 202A and 202B and turns off the other switches. In the first discharge control, the control unit 104 supplies electric power from only the first power source 106 out of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 to the heating unit 110 that heats the aerosol source. As already mentioned, the output density of the first power supply 106 is higher than the output density of the second power supply 108. According to the present embodiment, since a large amount of electric power can be supplied to the heating unit 110, the heating unit 110 can be quickly heated by using such a first power source 106. Therefore, the waiting time for heating can be shortened as compared with the conventional suction device.

In step 306, the control unit 104 determines whether the measured or estimated predetermined value has reached the predetermined upper limit value or the predetermined lower limit value. The predetermined value may be a value related to the temperature of the heating unit 110. As an example, the predetermined value may be the temperature of the heating unit 110, and the temperature may be measured by a temperature sensor. In this case, the control unit 104 determines whether or not the measured temperature has reached a predetermined upper limit value. The predetermined upper limit may be the temperature of the heating unit 110 capable of producing an aerosol, for example, 200 ° C. Instead of the predetermined upper limit value, the predetermined lower limit value may be set as the temperature of the heating unit 110 capable of producing the aerosol. As another example, the predetermined value may be the resistance value of the heating unit 110, and the resistance value may be measured by using a voltmeter, an ammeter, an operational amplifier, or the like. In this case, the control unit 104 determines whether or not the measured resistance value has reached a predetermined upper limit value. The predetermined upper limit value may be the resistance value of the heating unit 110 when the temperature of the heating unit 110 reaches a temperature at which an aerosol can be generated. Instead of the predetermined upper limit value, the predetermined lower limit value may be set as the resistance value of the heating unit 110 when the temperature of the heating unit 110 reaches the temperature at which the aerosol can be generated.

Further, the predetermined value may be a value relating to the charge amount of the first power source 106. In this case, the control unit 104 determines whether or not the value related to the measured or estimated charge amount has reached a predetermined lower limit value. The value related to the charge amount may be a voltage, a remaining capacity calculated by a current integration method (Coulomb counting method), an SOC (State Of Charge, charge state), a DOD (Dept of Discharge, discharge depth), or the like.

Further, the predetermined value may be the elapsed time from the start of the first discharge control. In this case, the control unit 104 determines whether or not the measured or estimated elapsed time has reached a predetermined upper limit value.

Information regarding the above-mentioned predetermined upper limit value or lower limit value may be stored in the storage unit.

If the predetermined value has not reached the predetermined upper limit value or the predetermined lower limit value (“N” in step 306), the process returns before step 304 and executes step 304 again. When the predetermined value reaches the predetermined upper limit value or the predetermined lower limit value (“Y” in step 306), the process proceeds to step 308.

In step 308, the control unit 104 switches from the power supply using the first power supply 106 to the power supply using the second power supply 108. For example, the control unit 104 turns on the switch 202A, the switches 202C and 202D, and turns off the other switches.

The process proceeds to step 310, and the control unit 104 performs the second discharge control. In the second discharge control, the control unit 104 supplies electric power from at least the second power source 108 of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 to the heating unit 110. As an example, in the second discharge control, the control unit 104 supplies electric power to the heating unit 110 from only the second power source 108 of the first power source 106 and the second power source 108. Since the first power supply 106 is switched to the second power supply 108 and the second discharge control is performed using only the second power supply 108, the first power supply 106 stores energy for maintaining the temperature of the heating unit 110. There is no need. Therefore, a power supply having a small capacity can be used as the first power supply 106.

As another example, the control unit 104 may supply electric power to the heating unit 110 from both the first power source 106 and the second power source 108 in the second discharge control. In this case, instead of the process of step 308, all of the switches 202A to 202D are turned on.

In the second discharge control, the control unit 104 controls so as to maintain the temperature of the heating unit 110 at the target temperature. The target temperature may be a temperature (for example, 200 ° C.) at which the heating unit 110 can generate an aerosol. The control unit 104 may perform such processing by using feedback control such as PID control.

As described above, when the control unit 104 is instructed to start heating, the first discharge control may be performed first among the first discharge control and the second discharge control, and after the end of the first discharge control. , The second discharge control may be performed before receiving the next heating instruction. In other words, the control unit 104 performs the first discharge control after receiving the heating instruction, and then performs the second discharge control instead of the first discharge control until the end condition is satisfied in step 312 described later. It is also good.

The control unit 104 does not necessarily have to perform both the first discharge control and the second discharge control. For example, when the heating instruction is received in step 302, if the value related to the charge amount of the first power supply 106 is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the control unit 104 may perform the first discharge control. However, when the heating instruction is received, if the value related to the charge amount of the first power supply 106 is less than the second predetermined value, the control unit 104 performs the second discharge control without performing the first discharge control. You may. As a result, when the charge amount of the first power supply 106 is not sufficient, the power supply to the heating unit 110 by the first power supply 106 is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent insufficient heating of the heating unit 110 by the first power source 106. Further, the suction device 100 can be used regardless of the state of charge of the first power supply 106. In other words, it is preferable that the second power source 104 has at least a capacity equal to or larger than the amount of electric power required to supply power to the heating unit 110 in response to the heating instruction.

The control unit 104 may stop the second discharge control when the value related to the charge amount of the second power supply 108 is less than the third predetermined value.

In the first discharge control, when the value related to the current flowing through the heating unit 110 exceeds a predetermined value, the first discharge control may be stopped. This makes it possible to eliminate reliability concerns due to overheating of the heating unit 110. The control unit 102 may include a first element (for example, a protection IC and a fuse) provided separately from the control unit 104, and the first discharge control may be stopped by the first element. It is preferable that the first element is not provided between the switch 202A and the switch 202C in the connection relationship shown in FIG. In other words, it is preferable that the first element is provided between the node connecting the switch 202A, the switch 202C and the DC-DC converter 204A, and the output of the DC-DC converter 204A. By doing so, it is possible to supply power from the second power source 108 to the heating unit 110 and charge the second power source 108 even in a state where the protection by the first element is achieved. In addition, instead of the first element or in combination with the first element, the control unit 104 may stop the first discharge control in order to protect the heating unit 110 from overheating.

Further, in the second discharge control, when the value related to the current flowing through the heating unit 110 exceeds a predetermined value, the second discharge control may be stopped. This makes it possible to eliminate reliability concerns due to overheating of the heating unit 110. The control unit 102 may include a second element (for example, a protection IC and a fuse) provided separately from the control unit 104, and the second discharge control may be stopped by the second element. It is preferable that the second element is not provided between the switch 202C and the switch 202E in the connection relationship shown in FIG. In other words, the first element is preferably provided between the node connecting the switch 202C, the switch 202E, and the DC-DC converter 204B and the output of the DC-DC converter 204B. By doing so, even in a state where the protection by the second element is achieved, it is possible to supply power from the first power source 106 to the heating unit 110 and charge the first power source 106. In addition, instead of the second element or in combination with the second element, the control unit 104 may stop the second discharge control in order to protect the heating unit 110 from overheating.

Instead of the above-described embodiment, a protection IC or a fuse may be provided between the input of the switch 202A and the node connecting the switch 202A, the switch 202C, and the DC-DC converter 204A. If a protection IC or a fuse is provided at this location, it is possible to eliminate the reliability concern due to overheating of the heating unit 110 in both the first discharge control and the second discharge control with only one element. If the control unit 104 measures the current value flowing through this location and it is determined that it is necessary to protect the heating unit 110 from overheating based on the measured value, the control unit 104 may perform the first discharge control or The second discharge control may be stopped.

The process proceeds to step 312. The control unit 104 determines whether or not the end condition is satisfied. For example, when the elapsed time from the start of the second discharge control reaches a predetermined value, the control unit 104 determines that the end condition is satisfied. As another example, when the heating instruction is no longer detected, the control unit 104 determines that the termination condition is satisfied. If the end condition is not met (“N” in step 312), processing returns to step 310. When the end condition is satisfied (“Y” in step 312), the process proceeds to step 314, and the control unit 104 ends the second discharge control. For example, the control unit 104 turns off all the switches.

The process proceeds to step 316, and the control unit 104 determines whether the charge amount of the second power source 108 is larger than the charge amount of the first power source 106. When the charge amount of the second power source 108 is larger than the charge amount of the first power source 106 (“Y” in step 316), the process proceeds to step 318. In step 318, the control unit 104 controls so that the first power supply 106 is charged by the second power supply 108. For example, the control unit 104 turns on the switch 202B, the switch 202C, and the switch 202D, and turns off the other switches. Note that when the switch 202B is composed of a transistor having a parasitic diode (body diode), the switch 202B may be ON or OFF.

When the voltage of the second power supply 108 is lower than the voltage of the first power supply 108, the control unit 104 may control the DC-DC converter 204B so that a voltage equal to or higher than the voltage of the first power supply 108 is output. Further, the control unit 104 may apply dropper control to the switch 202C in order to control the charging current and the charging voltage of the first power supply 106. The charging current output from the second power supply 108 may be supplied to the first power supply 106 by backflowing the DC-DC converter 204A, but the charging current may be supplied to the first power supply 106 by a bypass circuit connected in parallel to the DC-DC converter 204A. It is more preferable that it is supplied to one power source 106. It is preferable that the bypass circuit is configured so as to be able to cut off the discharge of the first power supply 106. After that, the process proceeds to step 320.

As described above, when the first discharge control is not performed and the charge amount of the second power source 108 is larger than the charge amount of the first power source 106, the first power source 106 is charged by the second power source 108. With such a configuration, it is possible to charge the first power source 106 without depending on the power supply from the outside.

In addition to the process of step 318, the control unit 104 may control the first power supply 106 to be charged by the second power supply 108 while the second discharge control is being performed in the step 310. For example, the control unit 104 turns on the switch 202A, the switch 202B, the switch 202C, and the switch 202D. The charging of the first power supply 106 by the second power supply 108 may be realized by the backflow of the DC-DC converter 204A or by the bypass circuit as described above. According to such a configuration, it is possible to ensure that the first power supply 106 has a sufficient charge amount even when the user performs chain smoke. In other words, it is preferable that the second power source 104 has a capacity that is larger than the amount of electric power that needs to be supplied to the heating unit 110 in response to the heating instruction.

As already mentioned, the second power source 108 has a lower power density and a higher capacity than the first power source 106. With this configuration, it is possible to safely and reliably charge the first power supply 106 from the second power supply 108.

Further, the second power supply 108 may be configured to have an operating voltage higher than the operating voltage of the first power supply 106. As a result, the first power supply 106 can be easily charged by the second power supply 108, and it is not necessary to provide a booster circuit or the like such as a DC-DC converter 204A.

On the other hand, when the charge amount of the second power source 108 is equal to or less than the charge amount of the first power source 106 (“N” in step 316), the process of step 318 is not performed.

In step 320, the control unit 104 determines whether the charge amount of the second power source 108 is smaller than the discharge amount corresponding to one suction. Here, the discharge amount corresponding to one suction may be a preset value or a value determined from the result of the user using the suction device 100.

When the charge amount of the second power source 108 is equal to or more than the discharge amount corresponding to one suction (“N” in step 320), the process ends. When the charge amount of the second power source 108 is smaller than the discharge amount corresponding to one suction (“Y” in step 320), the process proceeds to step 332.

In step 322, the control unit 104 uses the notification unit or the like to notify the user that suction using the suction device 100 is not possible, charging is required, and the like. The control unit 104 may turn off all or part of the switches 202A to 202E. Upon receiving the above notification, the user connects the external power supply 206 to the charging terminal 114 (step 324).

The process proceeds to step 326, and the control unit 104 controls the second power supply 108 to be charged by the external power supply 206. For example, the control unit 104 may turn on the switches 202D and 202E. The charging current and charging voltage of the first power supply 106 may be controlled by an external power supply 206 or a charging IC (not shown) provided in the suction device 100, or the control unit 104 applies dropper control to the switch 202E. It may be controlled. The charging current output from the external power supply 206 may be supplied to the second power supply 108 by backflowing the DC-DC converter 204B, but the charging current may be supplied to the second power supply 108 by a bypass circuit connected in parallel to the DC-DC converter 204B. It is more preferable that the power supply 108 is supplied. It is preferable that the bypass circuit is configured so as to be able to cut off the discharge of the second power supply 108.

The process proceeds to step 328, and the control unit 104 determines whether or not the charge amount of the second power source 108 has achieved the charge termination condition. If the charge termination condition is not met (“N” in step 328), the process returns to before step 326. When the charge termination condition is achieved (“Y” in step 328), the process proceeds to step 330.

The control unit 104 may control the above-mentioned second circuit so that the first power supply 106 is not charged by the external power supply 206. By enabling only the second power supply 108 to be charged from the outside, the first power supply 106 can be cut off from the outside. Therefore, it is possible to protect the first power supply 106 from being overcharged. Further, by charging each of the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108 having different voltages by the corresponding circuits, it is possible to improve the reliability and protect the first power supply 106.

Alternatively, the control unit 104 may control not only the second power source 108 but also the first power source 106 so as to be charged by the external power source 206. The charging of the first power source 106 by the external power source 206 may be executed by the control unit 104 turning on the switch 202B, the switch 202C, and the switch 202E. In one example, the control unit 104 may control the above-mentioned second circuit so that the second power supply 108 is charged before the first power supply 106 by the external power supply 206. The charging current and charging voltage of the second power source 108 may be controlled by an external power source 206 or a charging IC (not shown) provided in the suction device 100, or the control unit 104 applies dropper control to the switch 202E. It may be controlled. The charging current output from the external power supply 206 may be supplied to the first power supply 106 by backflowing the DC-DC converter 204A, but the first is by a bypass circuit connected in parallel to the DC-DC converter 204A. It is more preferable that the power supply 106 is supplied. It is preferable that the bypass circuit is configured so as to be able to cut off the discharge of the first power supply 106.

In another example, the control unit 104 may control the second circuit so that the first power supply 106 is charged before the second power supply 108 by the external power supply 206. With such a configuration, it becomes easy to monitor the voltage of each of the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108. Further, both the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108 can be fully charged by using the external power supply 206.

In yet another example, the control unit 104 may control the second circuit so that the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108 are simultaneously charged by the external power supply 206. Simultaneous charging of the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108 by the external power supply 206 may be executed by the control unit 104 turning on the switch 202A, the switch 202B, the switch 202C, and the switch 202E. The charging currents of the first power supply 106 and the second power supply 108 are supplied by the backflow of the DC-DC converters 204A and 204B and the bypass circuit connected in parallel to the DC-DC converters 204A and 204B as described above.

In step 330, the control unit 104 notifies the user that charging is completed by using the notification unit or the like. Upon receiving the notification, the user removes the external power supply 206 from the charging terminal 114 (step 332).

The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as a control unit of a suction device and a control method of the suction device. However, it will be appreciated that the present disclosure may be implemented as a program that causes the processor to perform the control method when executed by the processor, or as a computer-readable storage medium containing the program.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments can be changed, added, improved, etc. as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above, but should be defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

100 ... suction device, 102 ... control unit, 104 ... control unit, 106 ... first power supply, 108 ... second power supply, 110 ... heating unit, 112 ... aerosol base material insertion unit, 114 ... charging terminal, 116 ... housing, 200 ... Circuit, 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D, 202E ... Switch, 204A, 204B ... DC-DC converter, 206 ... External power supply

Claims (21)

A control unit for a suction device, wherein the suction device includes a first power source and a second power source having an output density lower than the output density of the first power source, and the control unit is a control unit.
The first discharge control is performed to supply electric power from only the first power source of the first power source and the second power source to the heating unit for heating the aerosol source.
After that, a control unit including a control unit configured to perform a second discharge control, which supplies electric power from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source to the heating unit. The control according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to supply electric power to the heating unit from only the second power source of the first power source and the second power source in the second discharge control. unit. When the control unit receives an instruction to start heating, the first discharge control of the first discharge control and the second discharge control is performed first, and after the completion of the first discharge control, the next heating instruction is given. The control unit according to claim 1 or 2, which is configured to perform the second discharge control before receiving. The control unit is configured to switch from the first discharge control to the second discharge control when a predetermined value to be measured or estimated reaches a predetermined upper limit value or a predetermined lower limit value. The control unit according to any one of 1 to 3. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a first circuit that enables charging between the first power source and the second power source. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second circuit configured to enable charging of at least the second power source among the first power source and the second power source by an external power source. The control unit according to claim 6, wherein the second circuit is configured to enable charging of the first power source by the external power source. The second circuit is
The control unit according to claim 7, wherein the second power source is controlled to be charged before the first power source by the external power source. Claim 1 is that when the first discharge control is not performed and the charge amount of the second power source is larger than the charge amount of the first power source, the first power source is charged by the second power source. The control unit according to any one of 8 to 8. The control unit according to claim 6, wherein the second circuit is controlled so that the first power source is not charged by the external power source. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second power supply has a higher capacity than the first power supply. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the operating voltage of the second power supply is higher than the operating voltage of the first power supply. The control unit
When the value related to the charge amount of the first power supply is equal to or more than the first predetermined value, the first discharge control is performed.
Claims 1 to 12, wherein when the value related to the charge amount of the first power source is less than the second predetermined value, the second discharge control is performed without performing the first discharge control. The control unit described in either. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the control unit is configured to stop the second discharge control when the value related to the charge amount of the second power source is less than the third predetermined value. Control unit. The control unit is configured to perform the second discharge control without performing the first discharge control when the value related to the charge amount of the first power source is less than the second predetermined value. Item 14. The control unit according to item 14. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein in the first discharge control, when the value related to the current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the first discharge control is stopped. The control unit according to claim 16, further comprising a first element provided separately from the control unit, wherein the first discharge control is stopped by the first element. The control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein in the second discharge control, when the value related to the current flowing through the heating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the second discharge control is stopped. The control unit according to claim 18, further comprising a second element provided separately from the control unit, wherein the second discharge control is stopped by the second element. It is a control method of the suction device.
A step of performing a first discharge control in which power is supplied to the heating unit from only the first power source among the first power source and the second power source having an output density lower than the output density of the first power source.
After that, a method comprising a step of performing a second discharge control in which power is supplied from at least the second power source of the first power source and the second power source to the heating unit. The method according to claim 17, wherein in the step of performing the second discharge control, electric power is supplied to the heating unit from only the second power source of the first power source and the second power source.

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