JP6630867B1 - Suction component generation device, control circuit, control method of suction component generation device, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

A suction component generation device and the like capable of accurately acquiring a voltage value of a battery and appropriately determining a low remaining amount state are provided. A suction component generation device is configured to be able to acquire a power supply, a load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by electric power from the power supply, and a voltage value of the power supply. The control circuit 50 includes: a1: a process of acquiring a closed circuit voltage value CCV of the power supply 10 in a closed circuit state in which the power supply 10 and the load group 125 are electrically connected; : Comparing the acquired closed-circuit voltage value CCV with the first reference voltage value, and determining that the power supply 10 is in the low remaining state if the reference voltage value is less than or less than the reference voltage value. Is configured. [Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

  The present invention relates to a suction component generation device, a control circuit, a control method of a suction component generation device, and a control program, and more particularly to a suction component generation device, a control circuit, and a suction component capable of satisfactorily determining a low remaining amount state. The present invention relates to a control method and a control program for a generation device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a suction component generation device that generates a suction component by vaporizing or atomizing a flavor source such as tobacco or an aerosol source instead of a conventional cigarette has been proposed. Such a suction component generation device includes a load for vaporizing or atomizing a flavor source and / or an aerosol source, a power supply for supplying power to the load, a control circuit for controlling operation of the device, and the like.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873 discloses that regarding the control of an electronic cigarette, the emission color of an LED is changed according to the remaining battery level.

US Patent Application Publication 2014/0053856

  According to the configuration in which the emission color changes according to the remaining battery level as in the configuration of Patent Literature 1, the user can know the current remaining battery level by checking the color of the LED. However, in the configuration of the document, it is not clear whether the detection of the remaining battery level is performed based on the open circuit voltage value, the closed circuit voltage value, or both. Since the closed circuit voltage is affected by the internal resistance of the power supply, its value is different from the open circuit voltage. This means that the derived battery voltage value can fluctuate depending on the ratio between the open circuit voltage and the closed circuit voltage. Since the battery voltage value derived in this manner is likely to deviate from the true value, as a result, there is a problem that the determination accuracy of the low remaining amount state is reduced.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a suction component generation device, a control circuit, a control method of a suction component generation device, and a control program which can accurately acquire a voltage value of a battery and determine a low remaining amount state satisfactorily. Is to do.

An apparatus for generating a suction component according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems is as follows:
A power supply, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power supply, and a control circuit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power supply,
The above control circuit,
In a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected, a process of acquiring a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply,
Comparing the acquired closed circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value, and determining that the power supply is in a low remaining amount state when the value is less than or less than the reference voltage value;
A suction component generating device configured to perform the following.

A control circuit according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows:
A power supply, and a control circuit that controls at least a part of the function of the suction component generation device including a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source,
In a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected, a process of acquiring a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply,
Comparing the acquired closed circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value, and determining that the power supply is in a low remaining amount state when the value is less than or less than the reference voltage value;
A control circuit configured to perform the control.

The control method of the suction component generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows:
A power supply, a load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power supply, and a control circuit configured to obtain a voltage value of the power supply, the control method of the suction component generation device including: So,
Obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
Comparing the obtained closed-circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value;
If the voltage is less than the reference voltage value, a step of determining that the power supply is in a low remaining amount state;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device, comprising:

A suction component generation device according to another embodiment of the present invention is as follows:
Power and
A load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power source,
A pair of terminals for electrically connecting the power supply and the load group,
A control circuit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value applied to the load group via the pair of terminals,
The control circuit compares the acquired voltage value applied to the load group with a first reference voltage value, and if the voltage value is less than or less than the reference voltage value, the load group is in a state where it cannot operate. Processing to determine
A suction component generating device configured to perform the following.

A control method of the suction component generation device according to another embodiment of the present invention is as follows:
A power supply, a load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power supply, a pair of terminals for electrically connecting the power supply and the load group, and A control circuit configured to be able to obtain the voltage value applied to the load group, a control method of the suction component generation device,
The control circuit compares the acquired voltage value applied to the load group with a first reference voltage value, and if the voltage value is less than or less than the reference voltage value, the load group is in a state where it cannot operate. Processing to determine
A method for controlling a suction component generation device, the control method comprising:

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

  According to the present invention, there are provided a suction component generation device, a control circuit, a control method of a suction component generation device, and a control program capable of accurately acquiring a voltage value of a battery and appropriately determining a low remaining amount state. be able to.

It is a sectional view showing typically the composition of the suction component generation device concerning one form of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a suction component generation device. It is a block diagram showing an example of composition of a suction component generation device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an internal configuration of a cartridge unit. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the internal configuration of the cartridge unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an electric circuit of the suction component generation device (a state in which a power supply unit and a cartridge unit are connected). FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a cartridge unit and a charger detachably configured to a power supply unit. It is a figure showing the electric circuit of a suction component generation device (the state where a power supply unit and a charger are connected). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a supply voltage to a load and a suction operation. It is a figure which shows typically the relationship between the output value of a suction sensor, and the supply voltage to a load. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a specific operation example of the suction component generation device. It is a figure which shows several temperature ranges regarding power supply temperature, and the operation control corresponding to them. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a deterioration diagnosis. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a specific operation of the suction component generation device. It is a flowchart which shows the sequence at the time of temperature abnormality. It is a flowchart which shows the sequence at the time of battery deterioration. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a charging operation. It is a figure which shows connection of a power supply and a load in simplified form. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an equivalent circuit model of a power supply. It is a figure showing a time change etc. of a closed circuit voltage. It is a figure which shows the relationship between detection of suction and power supply control. 6 is a curve showing a discharge characteristic of a secondary battery usable as a power supply. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of PWM control according to a power supply voltage value. It is an example of a series of control flows of a suction component generation device. It is a figure for explaining change of an open circuit voltage value and a closed circuit voltage value (including the time of low temperature).

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the specific structure and electric circuit described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. In the following, description will be made by attaching the same or corresponding reference numerals to structural parts having basically the same function, but for convenience of description, reference numerals may be omitted. Although some components of the apparatus may be drawn differently in one drawing and another drawing, these are not essential differences in the present invention, and any configuration may be adopted. Please note.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The light-emitting unit 40 includes one or a plurality of light sources (for example, LEDs), and is configured to emit light at a predetermined timing in a predetermined light-emitting pattern. For example, it is preferable in one embodiment that the light emitting device is configured to emit light in a plurality of colors. Examples of the role of the light emitting unit 40 include notifying the user of the operation status of the apparatus, or notifying the user of the occurrence of an abnormality when the abnormality occurs. If attention is paid to such a role, as the notification device provided in the suction component generation device 100, for example, a vibration device that generates vibration, an acoustic device that generates sound, a display device that displays predetermined information, and the like One or a combination of the above may be used. As an example, the light emitting unit 40 may be provided at an end of the power supply unit 110. In the suction component generation device 100, if the light emitting unit 40 provided at the end opposite to the end provided with the mouth 142 is illuminated according to the puff operation of the user, the user can use the cigarette in the same manner as a conventional cigarette. In addition, the suction component can be sucked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The reservoir 123 is a container for storing an aerosol source that is liquid at room temperature. The reservoir 123 may be, for example, a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The aerosol source may be a solid at room temperature. Here, the mode in which the aerosol source is stored in the reservoir 123 will be mainly described, but the mode in which the flavor source is stored in the reservoir 123 may be used.

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

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

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

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

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

  The flavor source is composed of a raw material piece of a plant material that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol. As a raw material piece constituting the flavor source, a molded product obtained by forming a tobacco material such as chopped tobacco or a tobacco raw material into granules can be used. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a molded article formed by molding the tobacco material into a sheet. Further, the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). Flavors such as menthol may be provided to the flavor source.

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

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the flow path includes an inflow hole 121 a provided inside the reservoir 123, a subsequent internal passage 127 c, a passage in the destruction portion 127 a, and a passage in the flavor unit 130. It is composed of a passage and a suction hole 141 (details below). In one embodiment, it is preferable that a mesh having a roughness such that a flavor source does not pass is provided inside the hollow needle that is the breaking portion 127a. The suction component generation device 100 may include a suction port 142 having a suction hole 141 for the user to suction the suction component. The mouth part 142 may be configured to be detachable from the suction component generation device 100 or may be configured as an integral part.

  The flavor unit may have a structure as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In this flavor unit 130 ', a flavor source is arranged in a cylindrical body 131', a membrane member 133 'is provided at one open end of the cylindrical body 131', and a filter 132 'is provided at the other open end. Is provided. The cylinder 131 'may be provided exchangeably with respect to the cartridge unit 120. Other structural parts in FIG. 5 are the same as those in FIG. In the example of FIG. 5, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 131 'of the flavor unit 130' and the inner peripheral surface of the case member 129. However, a form in which such a gap is not formed may be adopted. . In this case, all of the sucked gas passes through the inside of the cylindrical body 131 '. As the flavor unit 130 ', various types of flavor units containing different types of flavor sources are commercially available, and are set in the suction component generation device 100 according to the user's preference so that suction can be performed. It may be. Note that the flavor unit 130 ′ may be configured such that when the flavor unit 130 ′ is connected to the cartridge unit 120, the end of the flavor unit 130 ′ is projected and exposed from the case member 129. With such a configuration, the replaceable flavor unit 130 ′ plays the role of the mouth 142, so that the user can use the suction component generation device 100 hygienically without touching the case member 129 during suction. .

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

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

(Electrical circuit configuration)
An example of a specific circuit configuration of the suction component generation device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 6, a circuit on the power supply unit 110 side and a circuit on the cartridge unit 120 side are provided so as to be connectable as an overall electric circuit of the suction component generation device 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The second switch 174 is electrically connected to the node 154 via the first switch 172. The second switch 174 may also be configured by, for example, a MOSFET and controlled by the control unit 50A. The second switch 174 specifically has an open state in which a current flowing from the low potential side of the power supply 10 to the high potential side and a closed state in which the current flowing from the low potential side to the high potential side of the power supply 10 flow. The transition may be possible. The second switch 174 may also include a parasitic diode in which the direction in which the charging current for charging the power supply 10 flows is reverse.

  In the circuit configuration as described above, the current from the power supply 10 flows back to the power supply 10 mainly through the node 156, the load 125, the node 154, and the switch 172 in this order, whereby the load 125 is heated. It has become. Although a part of the current from the power supply 10 passes through the resistor 150, the loss caused by the current flowing through the resistor 150 is reduced by setting the resistance of the resistor 150 to be sufficiently larger than the resistance of the load 125. be able to.

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

  The external shape of the charger 200 is not limited at all, and may be any shape. For example, the charger 200 is similar to a USB memory having a USB terminal connectable to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. Shape may be used. As another example, charger 200 may have a cradle shape for holding the power supply unit, or a case shape for housing the power supply unit therein. When the charger 200 is configured in a cradle shape or a case shape, it is preferable that the external power supply 210 is built in the charger 200 and has a size and weight that can be carried by a user.

  As shown in FIG. 8, as a circuit of the charger 200, a charge control unit (charge control IC) 250, an inverter 251 for converting AC to DC, a converter 253 for raising and lowering a voltage output by the inverter 251 and the like are provided. ing. Charger 200 may have a built-in charging power supply 210 for supplying charging power, or may use another device or a commercial power supply as an external power supply. . When charging power supply 210 is incorporated in charger 200 and outputs DC, inverter 251 may be omitted. The charger 200 further includes a current sensor 230 for reading a charging current value supplied to the power supply 10 and a voltage sensor 240 for obtaining a voltage difference between the pair of electric terminals 211t (the connection unit 211). Has been. The voltage sensor 240 may be configured to cooperate with the control circuit 50 and the switches 172 and 174 so that the voltage value applied to the first resistor 150 can also be acquired.

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

2. Operation Control The functions of the suction component generation device 100 include, for example, the following:
(A1) Power supply control (a2) Light emission control (a3) Operation control based on power supply temperature (a4) Deterioration diagnosis function (b1) Charger connection detection (b2) Charging control The following will describe in order.

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

  The following control may be performed for the termination of power supply. That is, the control circuit 50 determines whether or not the end timing of the power supply to the load 125 has been detected, and when detected, ends the power supply. The control circuit 50 measures a value related to the operation amount of the load 125 (the amount of power supplied to the load, the operation time of the load, and / or the consumed amount of the suction component source). Is also good. More specifically, the power supply end timing may be a timing at which the suction sensor 20 detects the end of the operation for using the load. For example, it may be a timing at which the end of the suction operation by the user is detected. Alternatively, the power supply may be terminated when the release of the press of the push button 30 is detected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, in step S102, the power supply voltage value V _batt of the power supply 10 is obtained, and it is determined whether or not the value exceeds the discharge end voltage value (3.2 V in one example) of the power supply 10. When the power supply voltage value V _batt is equal to or lower than the discharge end voltage value, it means that the remaining power supply is not sufficient. Therefore, in step S122, the light emitting unit 40 emits light in a predetermined mode. Specifically, for example, it may be made to blink in red.

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

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

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

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

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

  On the other hand, if this time has elapsed, it is detected in step S113 whether or not suction has started, and in step S114, it is determined whether or not suction has continued for a predetermined time (eg, 1.0 sec). Even if it has continued for a predetermined time or more, power supply to the load is prohibited in step S115. In this case, in order to notify that the power supply is prohibited, the light emitting unit is caused to emit light (for example, blinks in blue) in a predetermined mode in step S116, and after a predetermined time elapses, the power supply prohibited state is released in step S117. It should be noted that replacement of the flavor unit 130 or the cartridge unit 120 with a new one or refilling of the flavor source or the aerosol source may be used as the condition for canceling the power supply prohibition state in step S117, instead of the elapse of the predetermined time.

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

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

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

  Although the upper limit temperature T1a is not limited, for example, the temperature at which the structure and / or the composition of the electrode of the power supply or the electrolytic solution may change (or the temperature at which the change is remarkable), or the generation of decomposition gas may be generated. The temperature may be set to a value lower than or less than the temperature in consideration of the temperature at which there is a possibility (or the temperature at which generation is remarkable). If the SOH is obtained at a temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature T1a, the temperature is strongly affected, so that it is difficult to obtain a proper deterioration diagnosis result. As an example, the temperature T1a may be 60 ° C. By setting such a temperature range, the deterioration diagnosis is performed in a range in which the structural change of the power supply does not occur or the generation of the decomposition gas is suppressed, and an appropriate deterioration diagnosis result can be obtained. It becomes.

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

  The second temperature range is a temperature range relating to permission of power supply discharge, and includes an upper limit temperature T2a and a lower limit temperature T2b. Specific numerical values of the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can be appropriately set. The upper limit temperature T2a may be set, for example, on the same basis as the upper limit temperature T1a of the first temperature range. As an example, the temperature T2a is 60 ° C. As another example, the upper limit temperature T2a may be different from the upper limit temperature T1a. The lower limit temperature T2b is, for example, a temperature at which the internal resistance may become excessive due to solidification of the electrolytic solution or the ionic liquid of the power supply (or a temperature at which the internal resistance becomes remarkable), and is set higher than or higher than that temperature. May be set. The temperature T2b may be, for example, −10 ° C. The second temperature range determined from the upper limit temperature T2a and the lower limit temperature T2b is such that the structure and / or composition of the electrodes and the electrolyte of the power supply do not change and the electrolyte or ionic liquid of the power supply does not solidify. Because of the range, the safety and the life of the power supply can be improved.

  The third temperature range is a temperature range relating to permission of charging of the power supply, and includes an upper limit temperature T3a and a lower limit temperature T3b. As in the above range, specific numerical values of the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature can be appropriately set.

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

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

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

Although the first to fourth temperature ranges have been described above, the relationship between the respective temperature ranges may be as follows:
(1) Regarding the first temperature range, the lower limit temperature T1b thereof may be set higher than the lower limit temperature T2b of the second temperature range. The lower limit temperature T1b may be set higher than the lower limit temperatures T2b to T4b of all of the second to fourth temperature ranges. The upper limit temperature T1a is set to be the same as or substantially the same as the upper limit temperatures T2a to T4a of the other temperature ranges (meaning that the values to be compared are within a numerical range obtained by increasing or decreasing the value of the comparison target by 10%; the same applies in this specification). May be. Alternatively, the upper limit temperature T1a may be equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature T2a of the second temperature range, may be equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature T3a of the third temperature range, or may be equal to or higher than the upper limit temperature T4a of the fourth temperature range. It may be the above.
(2) Regarding the second temperature range, the second temperature range is wider than the first temperature range, and includes the first temperature range. Or the lower limit temperatures may have the same value. The same is true in the present specification.). In one embodiment of the present invention, the second temperature range is set wider than the temperature range in which other functions are allowed (first, third, and fourth temperature ranges in the example of FIG. 12). May be.
(3) Regarding the third temperature range, the third temperature range may be set to be wider than the first temperature range and to include the first temperature range. Further, the third temperature range may be set to be wider than the fourth temperature range and to include the fourth temperature range.
(4) Regarding the fourth temperature range, the fourth temperature range may be set to be wider than the first temperature range and to include the first temperature range. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first temperature range may be set to be narrower than a temperature range in which other functions are allowed (second to fourth temperature ranges in the example of FIG. 12). .

  Incidentally, diagnosis of SOH is generally made based on electrical parameters of a power supply at the time of discharging or charging. As an example of the electric parameter, a current value or a voltage value output by the power supply at the time of discharging, a current value charged or a voltage value applied to the power supply at the time of charging may be used. If the first temperature range is set as described above, the power supply temperatures belonging to the first temperature range necessarily belong to the second to fourth temperature ranges. Therefore, in the state where the diagnosis of the SOH is permitted, at least one of the discharging, charging, and rapid charging is permitted at the same time. Therefore, the electrical parameters necessary for the SOH diagnosis can be obtained by any of the discharging, charging, and rapid charging, so that the SOH diagnosis can be executed without any problem in a state where the SOH diagnosis is permitted. Therefore, the effectiveness of the SOH diagnosis is improved.

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

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

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

  In addition, between charging and discharging, discharging generally has less influence on power supply deterioration. The difference between the effects of charging and discharging on the deterioration of the power supply becomes more pronounced as the power supply temperature becomes lower. By setting the second temperature range as described above, it is possible to maximize the chances of charging and discharging while suppressing power supply deterioration.

  In addition, charging and quick charging generally have less influence on deterioration of the power supply than charging. The difference between the effects of the charging and the quick charging on the deterioration of the power supply becomes more remarkable as the power supply temperature becomes lower. By setting the third temperature range and / or the fourth temperature range as described above, it is possible to maximize the chances of charging and quick charging while suppressing deterioration of the power supply.

  By appropriately setting the first temperature range in this way, the accuracy of the SOH diagnosis is improved, and the power supply 10 can be used for a longer time while ensuring safety, thereby having an energy saving effect.

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

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

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

Specifically, the timing of acquiring the power supply voltage value V _batt may be during the discharge for supplying power to the load, immediately before the discharge, or immediately after the discharge. The “immediately before discharge” may be, for example, a time before the start of discharge, for example, a time from 5 to 10 msec to a discharge start time. The “immediately after discharge” may be, for example, the time from the end of discharge to the lapse of 5 to 10 msec, for example.

Note that the power supply voltage value V _batt during charging is not obtained in the flow of FIG. 13. However, if it is necessary to obtain the power supply voltage value V _batt during charging, charging is performed in the same manner as described above. The power supply voltage value V _batt may be obtained immediately before or immediately after charging. The “immediately before charging” may be, for example, a time before charging starts, for example, from 5 to 10 msec to a charging start time. The “immediately after charging” may be, for example, the time from the end of charging to the lapse of, for example, 5 to 10 msec.

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

On the other hand, if the power supply voltage value V _batt is equal to or less than the predetermined upper limit value, then, in step S203, it is determined whether the power supply voltage value acquired during the previous suction operation is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range. When the power supply voltage value V _before obtained during the previous suction operation is higher than the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range, it is determined that the power supply voltage value has become equal to or lower than the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range for the first time by the latest suction operation. Is done. Next, in step S204, an accumulation counter (I _Co ) for counting the accumulated value of the value related to the operation amount of the load 125 is set to "0". If the result of step S203 is No, it means that the power supply has been charged between the previous suction operation and the current suction operation.

If the result of step S203 is Yes, or after the reset of the accumulation counter in step S204, then in step S205, it is determined whether or not the power supply voltage value V _batt is less than a lower limit value of a predetermined voltage range. If the power supply voltage value _Vbatt is equal to or greater than the lower limit, in step S206, an integrated value "ICо = ICо + Co" of a value related to the operation amount of the load is derived. Co is a value related to the operation amount of the load in the current suction operation. ICо is a cumulative value of values related to the operation amount of the load. After that, the process ends without estimating or detecting the deterioration or failure of the power supply.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If T _batt is not within this range (if the result of step S302 is No), a sequence for abnormal temperature (steps S381 and S382) is performed, which will be described later.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Quick charge)
Subsequently, steps after S311 performed when the result of step S301 described above is No will be described. First, in step S311, the suction component generation device 100 detects whether the charger is fitted. If the fitting of the charger is not detected, the process returns to step S301.

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

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

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

On the other hand, when the power supply temperature T _batt is not within this range (when the result of step S313 is No), the suction component generation device 100 performs a normal charge sequence instead of a quick charge (from step S321, details will be described below). .

When the rapid charging is started in step S314, the suction component generation device 100 then determines in step S315 whether the power supply temperature T _batt is within the first temperature range (for example, 15 ° C. <T _batt ≦ 60 ° C.). Is determined.

When the power supply temperature T _batt is within this range (when the result of step S313 is Yes), the suction component generation device 100 performs SOH diagnosis and the like in steps S316 and S317. Specifically, SOH diagnosis is performed in step S316, and it is determined in step S317 whether the SOH is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. If T _batt is not within the first range, steps S316 and S317 are skipped, and no SOH diagnosis is performed.

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

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

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

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

(Normal charge)
When it is determined in step S313 that the power supply temperature T _batt is not in the fourth temperature range (for example, 10 ° C. <T _batt ≦ 60 ° C.), the suction component generation device 100 determines in step S321 that 0 ° C. <T _batt. It is determined whether or not ≦ 10 ° C. (it is determined from the combination of the contents of step S313 and the contents of step S321 whether or not the temperature is within the third temperature range). When the power supply temperature T _batt is not within this range (when the result of step S321 is No), a sequence at the time of abnormal temperature is performed (steps S381 and S382, details below). When the power supply temperature T _batt is within this range (when the result of step S321 is Yes), the suction component generation device 100 then performs normal charging in step S322. The charge rate in the normal charge CC mode may be 1C.

When ordinary charging is started in step S322, the suction component generation device 100 then determines in step S323 whether the power supply temperature T _batt is within the first temperature range (for example, 15 ° C. <T _batt ≦ 60 ° C.). Is determined.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Subsequently, in step S393, the time at which the power supply deterioration is detected and the condition at which the power supply deterioration is detected are stored in the memory. Then, a series of operations is stopped in step S394. Note that a series of operations stopped in step S394 may be permitted again on condition that the power supply 10 is replaced.

  Comparing the sequence at the time of abnormal temperature with the sequence at the time of power supply deterioration, it is more difficult to satisfy the condition for permitting the charging or discharging stopped in step S382 again than the condition for permitting the series of operations stopped in step S394 again. It can be said that

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

  By appropriately setting the first temperature range in this way, the accuracy of the SOH diagnosis is improved, and the power supply 10 can be used for a longer time while ensuring safety, thereby having an energy saving effect.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Further, the change of the predetermined control may be at least one of a change of a current value for charging, a change of a charging rate, and a change of a charging time. As a specific example, it is possible to determine the type of the power supply unit 110 or the power supply 10 based on the value regarding the electric resistance value obtained as described above, and change the charging current rate according to the determined type. Is preferred in one aspect. As a result, for example, the charging control is performed with a high-rate charging current of 2 C or more for the power supply 10 corresponding to the rapid charging, and the low-rate 1 C or less is performed for the power supply 10 that does not support the rapid charging. Ordinary charging control can be performed with the charging current.

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

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

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

  Of course, the conditions for stopping charging include, in addition to the charging current, the time from the start of charging by the constant current charging method or the charging by the constant voltage charging method, the power supply voltage value, the power supply temperature value, and the like. May be used.

  As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the equation (3), R _HTR indicates an electric resistance value of the load 125.

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

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

On the other hand, from Expression (3), the current value that the power supply 10 discharges when t becomes sufficiently large as compared with the product of R _EDL and C _EDL can be expressed by the following Expression (6).

From the equations (2) and (6), the closed circuit voltage V _meas (t) of the power supply 10 when t becomes sufficiently large as compared with the product of R _EDL and C _EDL is expressed by the following equation (7). Can be represented by

Since R _EDL and C _EDL are minute values, the current value discharged by the power supply 10 and the closed circuit voltage V _meas (t) of the power supply 10 are relatively early after the switch 172 is turned on. , Converge to the values of equations (6) and (7), respectively.

As described above, the closed circuit voltage CCV (V _meas ) of the power supply 10 is changed from the open circuit voltage OCV (E _Batt ) by the voltage drop (having no strong time dependency) at the internal resistance R _imp and the RC parallel circuit. (Having a strong time dependency). t is a conduction time, and R _EDL · C _EDL is a time constant τ (also referred to as “relaxation time”). The time change of the closed circuit voltage CCV is as shown in the graph of FIG.

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

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

  In addition, regarding acquisition of the open circuit voltage OCV and / or the closed circuit voltage CCV, measurement may be performed a plurality of times instead of measuring only once. In particular, since the closed circuit voltage CCV is affected by the internal resistance and the electric double layer, the numerical value is more likely to fluctuate than the open circuit voltage OCV. Therefore, it is more preferable to measure the closed circuit voltage CCV a plurality of times. In addition, since the numerical value of the open circuit voltage OCV slightly varies, the measurement of the open circuit voltage OCV may be performed plural times.

  When the measurement of the open circuit voltage OCV and the measurement of the closed circuit voltage CCV are both performed a plurality of times, the number of times may be the same. Alternatively, the number of times of measurement of the closed circuit voltage CCV may be increased. As a specific example, when the number of measurements of the closed circuit voltage CCV is N (N is a natural number of 1 or more) and the number of measurements of the open circuit voltage OCV is M (M is a natural number of 1 or more), N> M The voltage measurement may be performed such that If the voltage measurement is performed in this manner, appropriate values can be obtained in a short time while taking into account the magnitude of variation in the values of the open circuit voltage OCV and the closed circuit voltage CCV.

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

  As another example, since the pulse voltage needs to be applied to any of the loads, the closed circuit voltage CCV may be measured only once. On the other hand, the measurement of the open circuit voltage OCV without the need to apply the pulse voltage may be performed a plurality of times. Note that in this embodiment, the number of measurements of the closed circuit voltage CCV is less than the number of measurements of the open circuit voltage OCV.

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

  Note that the relaxation time τ may be obtained from a data sheet of the power supply 10 or may be obtained experimentally using an AC impedance method (Cole-Cole plot method).

  (Ii) When the voltage value is measured a plurality of times, it is preferable to set the detection time longer than the relaxation time (time constant τ) (for example, see phase Ph2 in FIG. 19). By performing measurement over a longer period of time than the relaxation time (time constant τ), a stabilized voltage value after the lapse of the relaxation time is obtained, and a closed circuit voltage value based on the stabilized value can be obtained. It becomes. Note that (i) and (ii) may be performed alone or in combination.

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the power supply from the power supply to the load is performed by the PWM control and the power supply voltage value is relatively high, the duty ratio is reduced (the pulse width is narrowed) and the power supply voltage value is reduced. Is controlled to increase the duty ratio (widen the pulse width) in accordance with the following formula, and when the power supply voltage becomes equal to or less than (full charge voltage-Δ), power is supplied at the duty ratio of 100. Eleven steps S103). Further, the control for terminating the power supply by the cutoff time has been described with reference to FIG. Here, control including extending the cutoff time based on the power supply voltage (closed circuit voltage CCV) will be described.

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

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

FIG. 22C shows the PWM control in the terminal region (region in which the remaining amount is further reduced beyond the plateau region). In this example, an input waveform having a duty ratio of 100% is set at the measured power supply voltage value V ₃ (lower than V ₂ ). The amount of power supplied to the load is given by the above equation (8.3). In this control, the additional time α is added to the maximum application time t _max and is extended. The additional time α is determined so that the amount of power applied in equation (8.3) is the same or substantially the same as that in equation (8.1) or equation (8.2). There may be. That is, in the present embodiment, at the time of the low remaining amount exceeding the plateau region, the maximum application time is extended to drive the load. Aerosols (one example) can be generated.

In one embodiment, when the power supply voltage drops, the addition of the additional time α is started, in one embodiment, based on the battery voltage value at which the duty ratio reaches 100% by the PWM control, the power amount is set to the same amount as that at that time. The additional time α can be added as follows. In addition, a certain amount of power shortage is allowed, and power supply is continued for t _max time at a duty ratio of 100%, and a voltage at which the shortage of power becomes unacceptable, for example, a predetermined amount of power (90%, 80%, 70%, etc.), the additional time α may be set to be added. Alternatively, the additional time α may be set to be added when the voltage reaches the end voltage of the plateau region (CCV is preferable, but OCV may be used instead).

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

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

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

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

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

  If the result of step S504 is Yes, then, in step S505, the discharge FET is turned on, and in step S506, the closed circuit voltage CCV is obtained. Regarding this step, the voltage value may be obtained only once, or the voltage value may be obtained a plurality of times. One representative value of the power supply voltage value may be obtained by obtaining an average value or the like as needed using the obtained value.

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

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

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

  It is preferable in one embodiment that the "first reference value" is set to a value lower than the discharge end voltage value (3.2 V in one example). The reason in this case is to detect an insufficient output of the power supply 10 at a low temperature. Even if it is determined from the open circuit voltage value OCV that the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is sufficient, the output of the power supply 10 may be insufficient due to the temperature. As described above, the closed circuit voltage value CCV reflects the internal resistance and the value of the electric double layer that are strongly affected by the temperature. Therefore, by using the closed circuit voltage value CCV, the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient. Can be determined. If an attempt is made to determine whether the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient without using the closed-circuit voltage value CCV, a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the power supply 10 is required. It may be preferable to use the value CCV.

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

  In the present embodiment, prior to PWM control to be described later, it is determined whether the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient based on the open circuit voltage OCV, and whether the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient based on the closed circuit voltage CCV. Is determined. By acquiring a plurality of voltages having different characteristics from the power supply 10 in this manner, the state of the power supply 10 can be grasped more accurately.

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

  In the present embodiment, the closed circuit voltage CCV is used not only for determining whether the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient, but also for setting a duty ratio of PWM control described later and extending the maximum application time. Therefore, not only can the state of the power supply 10 be grasped but also the accuracy of power supply control can be improved by a single measurement of the closed circuit voltage CCV.

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

  Referring to FIG. 23 again, when the result of step S507 is No, a sequence for a low remaining amount is performed (step S521). This sequence may be, for example, one that issues a charging alert, as described above. In the present embodiment, the sequence at the time of the low remaining amount is also performed when the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient, but a sequence at the time of the low output that can be distinguished from the sequence may be performed instead.

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

  On the other hand, if the closed circuit voltage CCV does not exceed the reference value (if the result of step S508 is No), that is, if the remaining power supply is lower than the predetermined reference, in step S510, the maximum application time The extension is performed to supply power to the load. Note that, although not limited, this time extension may use the method of FIG. 22 described above.

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

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

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

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

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

  Note that the suction component generation device 100 of the present embodiment may include an auxiliary device that performs a predetermined operation when it is determined that the remaining amount is low. Various types of auxiliaries can be used, for example, (i) a device that suppresses the discharge of the power supply 10, (ii) a device that notifies that the battery is in a low remaining amount state, and (iii) a power supply temperature adjustment. Or any combination of the above. More specifically, the discharge of the power supply 10 may be suppressed by the function of the auxiliary device in the low remaining amount state. Further, it is also preferable that the configuration is such that the user is notified of the low remaining amount state by the function of the auxiliary device. It is also preferable that the power supply is heated by the function of the auxiliary device in the case of the low remaining amount state. When it is determined that the output of the power supply 10 is insufficient based on the closed circuit voltage CCV described above, it is preferable to heat the power supply 10. If the power supply 10 in a low temperature state is heated, a voltage drop (IR drop) due to an internal resistance or the like of the power supply 10 is improved, so that the output shortage of the power supply 10 may be resolved without charging. .

(Measurement of closed circuit voltage and viewpoint of application condition adjustment to load based on the result)
The present embodiment also discloses that the voltage condition applied to the load is appropriately adjusted based on the acquired closed circuit voltage value. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, in this type of suction component generation device 100, the measured power supply voltage value differs depending on the current power consumption level. Therefore, based on the supply voltage value obtained by the measurement (such as V _1, V _2, V _3, for example. See Figure 22.), It is made to adjust the voltage value and the voltage waveform fed to the load, In one aspect, it is preferred.

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

  Further, if the power supply 10 is not charged and discharged under appropriate conditions according to the remaining amount and the like, deterioration of the power supply 10 is promoted, which is not preferable. According to the present embodiment, since the power supply control is performed using the accurate remaining amount of the power supply 10 grasped by the closed circuit voltage CCV, the accuracy of the power supply control is improved. Therefore, since the deterioration of the power supply 10 is suppressed, there is an energy saving effect that the power supply 10 can be used for a longer period.

  Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the power supply is in the low remaining state using the closed circuit voltage indicating the actual value of the voltage of the power supply 10 reflecting the temperature and the deterioration state. Has an energy-saving effect that it can be used for a longer period of time.

(Note)
The present application discloses the following invention. In addition, the code | symbol and the specific numerical value are shown for reference, and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way:
1. A power supply, a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power supply, and a control circuit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power supply,
The above control circuit,
a1: a process of acquiring a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
a2: The acquired closed circuit voltage value is compared with a first reference voltage value (for example, 3.0 V). If the voltage value is less than or less than the reference voltage value, it is determined that the power supply is in a low remaining amount state. Processing,
A suction component generating device configured to perform the following.

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

3. The control circuit is configured to acquire a plurality of voltage values of the power supply during a predetermined detection time in the processing of a1, and acquire the closed circuit voltage value based on the acquired plurality of voltage values. A suction component generation device as described in the above.

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

5. The suction component generation device according to the above description, wherein the predetermined detection time is such that no suction component is generated even when the load is driven in the closed circuit state.

6. The suction component generation device according to the above, wherein the first reference voltage value is set to a value smaller than a discharge end voltage (for example, 3.2 V) of the power supply.

7. The first reference voltage value (for example, 3.0 V)
Only when the power source is lower than room temperature, the closed circuit voltage value is equal to a possible value, or when the power source is lower than room temperature, the closed circuit voltage value is a value lower than the possible value. A suction component generation device as described in the above.

8. The control circuit further includes:
b1: a process of acquiring an open circuit voltage value of the power supply in an open circuit state where the power supply and the load group are not electrically connected;
b2: The acquired open circuit voltage value is compared with a second reference voltage value (for example, 3.45 V). If the voltage value is less than or less than the second reference voltage value, the power supply is in the low remaining state. Processing to determine that
The suction component generation device as described above, which is configured to perform the following.

9. The suction component generation device according to the above, wherein the control circuit is configured to perform the processes of a1 and a2 after the process of b2.

10. The above control circuit,
The aspiration component generating device according to the above, wherein the process of a1 and a2 is performed when the open circuit voltage value is equal to or more than the second reference voltage value in the process of b2.

11. The suction component generation device according to the above, wherein the control circuit is configured to acquire the open circuit voltage value based on a plurality of voltage values of the power supply detected in an open circuit state in the process of b1.

12. The control circuit acquires the closed-circuit voltage value based on N (N is a natural number of 1 or more) voltage values of the power supply detected in the closed-circuit state in the process of a1, and performs the process of b1. , Configured to acquire the open circuit voltage value based on M (M is a natural number of 1 or more) voltage values of the power supply detected in an open circuit state, wherein the N is larger than the M. Suction component generator.

13. The suction component generation device according to the above, wherein the second reference voltage value is set to be equal to or higher than a discharge end voltage of the power supply.

14． The above-described suction component generation device, wherein the first reference voltage value is different from the second reference voltage value.

15. A sensor capable of outputting a signal requesting the operation of the load, wherein the control circuit acquires the closed circuit voltage value during power supply from the power supply to the load triggered by detection of the output of the sensor The suction component generation device according to the above, configured as described above.

16. The suction component generation device according to the above, wherein the control circuit is configured to perform a process of acquiring the open circuit voltage value after detecting an output of the sensor and before supplying power to the load. .

17. The above-described suction component generation device, comprising: a power supply unit in which the power supply is accommodated in a case; and a cartridge unit which is replaceably attached to the power supply unit.

18. The control circuit further includes an auxiliary device for suppressing discharge of the power supply in the low remaining state, and the control circuit further performs a process of causing the auxiliary device to function when it is determined that the power supply is in the low remaining amount state. An aspirating component generator as described above, configured to perform.

19. The suction component generation device as described above, wherein the auxiliary device is configured to notify that the power supply is in the low remaining amount state.

20. The suction component generation device as described above, wherein the auxiliary device is configured to adjust a temperature of the power supply.

21. A power supply, and a control circuit that controls at least a part of the function of the suction component generation device including a load group including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the power from the power source,
In a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected, a process of acquiring a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply,
Comparing the acquired closed circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value, and determining that the power supply is in a low remaining amount state when the value is less than or less than the reference voltage value;
A control circuit configured to perform the control.

22. A power supply, a load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power supply, and a control circuit configured to obtain a voltage value of the power supply, the control method of the suction component generation device including: So,
Obtaining a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply in a closed circuit state in which the power supply and the load group are electrically connected;
Comparing the obtained closed-circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value;
If the voltage is less than the reference voltage value, a step of determining that the power supply is in a low remaining amount state;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device, comprising:

23. Power and
A load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power source,
A pair of terminals for electrically connecting the power supply and the load group,
A control circuit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value applied to the load group via the pair of terminals,
The control circuit compares the acquired voltage value applied to the load group with a first reference voltage value, and if the voltage value is less than or less than the reference voltage value, the load group is in a state where it cannot operate. Processing to determine
A suction component generating device configured to perform the following.

24. A power supply, a load group including a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power supply, a pair of terminals for electrically connecting the power supply and the load group, and A control circuit configured to be able to obtain the voltage value applied to the load group, a control method of the suction component generation device,
The control circuit compares the acquired voltage value applied to the load group with a first reference voltage value, and if the voltage value is less than or less than the reference voltage value, the load group is in a state where it cannot operate. Processing to determine
A method for controlling a suction component generation device, the control method comprising:

25. A control program for causing a suction component generation device to execute the control method described above.

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

10 Power supply 20 Suction sensor (request sensor)
30 push button (request sensor)
40 Light emitting unit (information device)
Reference Signs List 50 Control circuit 50A Control unit 61 Temperature sensor 62 Voltage sensor 100 Suction component generation device 110 Power supply unit 119 Case member 120 Cartridge unit 122 Wick 123 Reservoir 125 Load 129 Case member 130, 130 'Flavor unit 131 Tubular body 142 Suction unit 150, 152 Resistance 172, 174 Switch 180 Protection circuit 200 Charger 230 Current sensor 240 Voltage sensor 251 Inverter 250 Charge control unit 253 Converter

Claims (26)

A power supply, a heater for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by electric power from the power supply, a sensor capable of outputting a signal requesting the operation of the heater, and a control circuit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power supply And
The control circuit includes:
a1: a closed circuit in which the power supply and the heater are electrically connected to each other is formed during power supply from the power supply to the heater triggered by detection of the output of the sensor, and a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply Processing to obtain the
a2: comparing the acquired closed circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value, and when the closed circuit voltage value is less than or less than the first reference voltage value, the power supply has a low remaining amount Processing to determine that the state is;
A suction component generating device configured to perform the following. A switch that enables power supply from the power supply in an ON state,
The control circuit, in the processing of the a1,
Triggered by the detection output of the sensor, the switch being configured to form a closed circuit of the power supply by turning ON the suction component generating apparatus according to claim 1. A power supply, a heater for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power supply, a control circuit configured to obtain a voltage value of the power supply, and a power supply of the power supply when the power supply is in a low remaining amount state. And an auxiliary device for suppressing discharge,
The control circuit includes:
a1: forming a closed circuit in which the power supply and the heater are electrically connected, and acquiring a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply;
a2: comparing the acquired closed-circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value, and when the closed-circuit voltage value is less than or less than the first reference voltage value, the power supply has the low remaining amount Processing to determine that the state is;
a3: processing for making the auxiliary device function when it is determined that the power supply is in the low remaining amount state;
A suction component generating device configured to perform the following. The auxiliary device is configured to notify that the power supply is in the low remaining state.
The suction component generation device according to claim 3. The auxiliary device is configured to adjust a temperature of the power supply;
The suction component generation device according to claim 3. A power supply, a heater for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power supply, and a control circuit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power supply,
The control circuit includes:
a1: forming a closed circuit in which the power supply and the heater are electrically connected, and acquiring a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply;
a2: comparing the acquired closed circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value, and when the closed circuit voltage value is less than or less than the first reference voltage value, the power supply has a low remaining amount Processing to determine that the state is;
b1: a process of acquiring an open circuit voltage value of the power supply in an open circuit state in which the power supply and the heater are not electrically connected;
b2: A process of comparing the acquired open circuit voltage value with a second reference voltage value, and determining that the power supply is in the low remaining state when the voltage is less than or less than the second reference voltage value. When,
A suction component generation device configured to perform
When the open circuit voltage value is equal to or more than the second reference voltage value in the process of b2, the control circuit performs the processes of a1 and a2 after the process of b2, and performs the open circuit voltage value. Is smaller than the second reference voltage value, the suction component generation device is configured to determine that the power supply is in the low remaining amount state and not perform the processes of a1 and a2. The control circuit further includes:
b1: a process of acquiring an open circuit voltage value of the power supply in an open circuit state in which the power supply and the heater are not electrically connected;
b2: comparing the acquired open-circuit voltage value with a second reference voltage value, and when the open-circuit voltage value is less than or less than the second reference voltage value, the power supply has the low remaining amount Processing to determine that the state is;
The suction component generation device according to claim 1, wherein the suction component generation device is configured to perform the following. The control circuit includes:
After detecting the output of the sensor, and before supplying power to the heater, configured to perform a process of obtaining the open circuit voltage value,
The suction component generation device according to claim 7. The control circuit further includes:
b1: a process of acquiring an open circuit voltage value of the power supply in an open circuit state in which the power supply and the heater are not electrically connected;
b2: comparing the acquired open-circuit voltage value with a second reference voltage value, and when the open-circuit voltage value is less than or less than the second reference voltage value, the power supply has the low remaining amount Processing to determine that the state is;
The suction component generation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the suction component generation device is configured to perform the following. The control circuit is configured to perform the processes of a1 and a2 after the process of b2.
The suction component generator according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The control circuit includes:
In the processing of b2, when the open circuit voltage value is equal to or more than the second reference voltage value, the processing of a1 and a2 is performed.
The suction component generation device according to claim 10. The control circuit is configured to acquire the open circuit voltage value based on a plurality of voltage values of the power supply detected in the open circuit state in the processing of b1.
A suction component generation device according to any one of claims 6 to 11. The control circuit includes:
In the processing of a1, the closed circuit voltage value is acquired based on N (N is a natural number of 1 or more) voltage values of the power supply detected in a state where the power supply forms a closed circuit;
The processing of b1 is configured to acquire the open circuit voltage value based on M (M is a natural number of 1 or more) voltage values of the power supply detected in the open circuit state,
N is greater than M;
The suction component generation device according to claim 6. The second reference voltage value is set to be equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage of the power supply,
The suction component generation device according to any one of claims 6 to 13. The first reference voltage value is different from the second reference voltage value;
The suction component generation device according to claim 6. The control circuit is configured to perform the processing of a1 before the power supply supplies power capable of vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source to the heater.
The suction component generator according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The control circuit obtains the closed circuit voltage value after a lapse of a relaxation time from the time when the power supply and the heater form a closed circuit to the time when the closed circuit voltage value becomes a steady state in the processing of a1. Are configured to
The suction component generation device according to any one of claims 2 to 16. The control circuit is configured to acquire a plurality of voltage values of the power supply during a predetermined detection time in the process of a1, and acquire the closed circuit voltage value based on the acquired plurality of voltage values.
The suction component generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 16. The predetermined detection time is longer than a relaxation time until the closed circuit voltage value reaches a steady state,
The suction component generation device according to claim 18. The predetermined detection time is a period during which the suction component is not generated even when the heater is driven in a state where the power supply forms a closed circuit.
The suction component generation device according to claim 18. The first reference voltage value is set to a value smaller than a discharge end voltage of the power supply.
The suction component generator according to any one of claims 1 to 15. The first reference voltage value is:
The closed circuit voltage value is equal to a possible value only when the power supply is lower than room temperature, or
The value that the closed circuit voltage value can take only when the power supply is lower than room temperature is a value below,
The suction component generator according to any one of claims 1 to 15. A power supply unit in which the power supply is housed in a case;
A cartridge unit replaceably attached to the power supply unit;
The suction component generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising: Controlling at least a part of the function of the suction component generation device including a power supply, a heater for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the power from the power supply, and a sensor capable of outputting a signal requesting the operation of the heater. Control circuit,
During power supply from the power supply to the heater triggered by detection of the output of the sensor, a closed circuit is formed in which the power supply and the heater are electrically connected, and a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply is obtained. Processing,
The acquired closed circuit voltage value is compared with a first reference voltage value, and when the closed circuit voltage value is less than or less than the first reference voltage value, the power supply is in a low remaining amount state. Processing to determine
A control circuit configured to perform the control. A power supply, a heater for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by electric power from the power supply, a sensor capable of outputting a signal requesting the operation of the heater, and a control circuit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power supply And a control method of a suction component generation device comprising:
During power supply from the power supply to the heater triggered by detection of the output of the sensor, a closed circuit is formed in which the power supply and the heater are electrically connected, and a closed circuit voltage value of the power supply is obtained. Steps and
Comparing the obtained closed circuit voltage value with a first reference voltage value;
When the closed circuit voltage value is less than the first reference voltage value, determining that the power supply is in a low remaining power state;
A method for controlling a suction component generation device, comprising: A control program for causing a suction component generation device to execute the control method according to claim 25 .