JP6636117B1 - Power supply unit of aerosol generation device, method of controlling power supply unit of aerosol generation device, and program for power supply unit of aerosol generation device - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to easily ascertain the content and cause of a defect that has occurred in a sensor. A power supply unit of an aerosol generation device includes a microphone capacitor for detecting an aerosol generation request, including a normal state and an unusual state of operation, and a non-normal state when the microphone capacitor is in an abnormal state. The control unit 340 includes a control unit 340 that generates an error signal of a corresponding type, and a notification unit 360 that performs notification in a different manner for each type of the error signal. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device, a method of controlling a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device, and a program for a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device.

  2. Description of the Related Art There is known an aerosol generation device that can taste an aerosol generated by atomizing an aerosol source with an electric load such as a heater.

  Then, as a technique related to the aerosol generation device, when a suction operation is performed by a user or when the remaining amount of the battery is reduced, a notification to that effect is made using a light emitting diode (LED: Light Emitting Diode) or the like. The technology is known.

  Patent Literature 1 discloses a technique in which a light emitting element emits light in a different manner when a suction operation is performed by a user and when the suction operation is not performed by a user.

  Patent Literature 2 discloses a technique for adjusting the luminous intensity of an illumination source based on the internal temperature of a heating element and the like.

Patent No. 6022700 JP-T-2017-511690

  If the aerosol generation device is continuously used, a defect due to aging or the like may occur in a sensor that detects a user's suction operation. When performing repairs to resolve the problem, it is necessary to grasp the content and cause of the problem. Then, in order to grasp the contents and the cause of the problem, a large amount of trouble such as performing various inspections may be required. Therefore, a technique that can easily grasp the content and cause of the defect is desired.

  However, the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is a technology in which an LED emits light in a different manner based on a user's suction operation, and the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 2 is based on the internal temperature of a heating element or the like. This technology adjusts the luminous intensity of an illumination source, and does not consider grasping the content and cause of a defect that has occurred in a sensor.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device, a power supply unit control method of an aerosol generation device, and a control method of a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device that can easily grasp the content and cause of a problem that has occurred in a sensor An object is to provide a program for a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device.

Power unit of the aerosol generator of the present invention, the operating state of the normal state and the non-normal state seen including a sensor for detecting the aerosol generation request when the power supply unit is active, when the sensor is the non-normal state, the A control unit that generates an error signal of a type corresponding to an unusual state, and a notification unit that notifies a different mode for each type of the error signal , wherein the control unit, after the generation of the error signal, the power supply unit From the active state to the dormant state.

  There may be n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) sensor states classified as the non-normal state, and the control unit may generate up to n types of error signals. .

  Further, the control unit may generate a different type of error signal for each state of the sensor.

  The controller, when the error signal is generated, and when the sensor detects the aerosol generation request after generating the error signal, causes the notification unit to notify a mode based on the generated error signal. You may do so.

  The control unit is configured to notify the notification unit of a mode based on the generated error signal to the notification unit when the error signal is generated and when a predetermined operation that does not involve the sensor is detected after the generation of the error signal. May be performed.

  The predetermined operation may be an operation in which an instruction to transition the aerosol generation device to an active state is performed a predetermined number of times.

  The non-normal state may include a state in which the voltage applied to another element that changes based on the electrical state of the sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.

  The non-normal state may include a state in which a time interval from when the sensor detects a certain aerosol generation request to when the next aerosol generation request is detected is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

  The non-normal state may include a state where the duration of the aerosol generation request detected by the sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold.

  The non-normal state may include a state in which the total time during which the sensor detects an aerosol generation request within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

  The non-normal state may include a state in which the number of aerosol generation requests detected by the sensor within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

  The control unit may cause the notification unit to generate light in a different mode for each type of error signal.

  The control unit may cause the notification unit to generate vibration in a different mode for each type of error signal.

  The control unit may cause the notification unit to generate a sound in a different mode for each type of error signal.

  The severity may be set for each of the error signals, and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the error signal of a mode in which the higher the severity is set, the higher the power consumption.

  The non-normal state refers to a case where the aerosol source is not atomized by a load that is supplied with power from the power supply unit, or the load is such that the aerosol source held by a supply unit that supplies the aerosol source to the load is depleted. When atomizing the aerosol source, the sensor may be in a transition state.

  The normal state means that when the sensor receiving the supply of power from the power supply unit atomizes the aerosol source so that the aerosol source held by the supply unit that supplies the aerosol source to the load is not depleted, the sensor is used. The state may be a transition.

The method of controlling a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device according to the present invention includes the steps of: causing a sensor including an operation mode in a normal state and an unusual state to detect an aerosol generation request when the power supply unit is in an active state; state during the steps of generating a type of error signal corresponding to the non-normal state, a step of notification of different embodiments for each type of said error signal, after the error signal generation, the power supply unit from the active state Transiting to a hibernate state .

The program for a power supply unit of the aerosol generation device of the present invention, a process for causing a computer to detect an aerosol generation request when the power supply unit is in an active state , to a sensor including an operation mode of a normal state and an unusual state, and In the non-normal state, a process of generating an error signal of a type corresponding to the non-normal state, a process of notifying a different mode for each type of the error signal, and after the generation of the error signal, the power supply unit is activated. And a process of transitioning from the state to the hibernate state .

  According to the power supply unit of the aerosol generation device, the control method of the power supply unit of the aerosol generation device, and the program for the power supply unit of the aerosol generation device of the present invention, it is possible to easily grasp the content and cause of the trouble that has occurred in the sensor. .

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a sensor unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exemplary view showing an example of a configuration of the microphone capacitor according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of resistance temperature characteristics of the PTC thermistor according to the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a voltage-current characteristic of the PTC thermistor according to the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a first example in which an unusual state according to the embodiment is detected. FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing a second example according to the embodiment, which is detected as an abnormal state. FIG. 6 is an exemplary view showing a third example according to the embodiment, which is detected as an unusual state. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of measurement of a predetermined time Ta according to the embodiment. The figure which shows the other example of measurement of predetermined time Ta which concerns on the embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exemplary view showing a fourth example according to the embodiment, which is detected as an unusual state. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of control information according to the embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the aerosol generation device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, substantially or substantially the same functions and components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description will be made only when necessary.
The aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment is, for example, a heated tobacco or an electronic tobacco. However, the aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment may be an aerosol generation device of another type or application such as a medical nebulizer.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of an aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The aerosol generation device 1 includes a cartridge unit 100, a capsule unit 200, and a power supply unit 300, as shown in FIG. The aerosol generation device 1 is configured, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape, so that a user can easily hold the aerosol generation device 1. In addition, the cartridge unit 100, the capsule unit 200, and the power supply unit 300 may be configured to be non-detachable, or may be configured to be removable respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cartridge unit 100 includes a storage unit 110, a supply unit 120, and an atomizing unit 140 including a load 130.

  The storage unit 110 is a container that stores a liquid aerosol source that is atomized by heating. The aerosol source is, for example, a polyol-based material such as glycerin or propylene glycol. In addition, the aerosol source may be a mixed liquid containing nicotine liquid, water, fragrance and the like. The aerosol source may be a solid that does not require the storage unit 110.

  The supply unit 120 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber. One end of the supply unit 120 is connected to the storage unit 110. The other end of the supply unit 120 is connected to the load 130 or is arranged near the load 130. With such a configuration, the supply unit 120 can guide the aerosol source sucked from the storage unit 110 to or near the load 130. Note that a wick formed of a porous ceramic may be used for the supply unit 120.

  The load 130 provided in the atomizing unit 140 is, for example, a coil-shaped heater, and generates heat when electric power is supplied. The load 130 may be wound around the supply unit 120, or may be covered by the supply unit 120. The load 130 is supplied with power from a power supply unit 320 described later based on control by a control unit 340 included in the power supply unit 300 described below. When power is supplied to the load 130, the aerosol source guided by the supply unit 120 is heated by the load 130, and an aerosol is generated.

  The capsule unit 200 includes a flavor source 210 as shown in FIG.

  The flavor source 210 is constituted by a raw material piece of a plant material that imparts a flavor component to the aerosol. For the raw material piece constituting the flavor source, for example, a molded product obtained by forming a material such as chopped tobacco or tobacco raw material into a granular or sheet shape is used. Plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, herbs, etc.) may be used for the raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 210. The flavor source 210 may be provided with a flavor such as menthol.

  The arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the flow of air in the cartridge unit 100 and the capsule unit 200. The air taken in from the outside via an air intake (not shown) is mixed with the aerosol and added with a flavor component in the process of passing through the aerosol generating device 1 (the cartridge unit 100 and the capsule unit 200), It is sucked by the user. Specifically, the air taken in from the outside passes through the atomizing unit 140 in the cartridge unit 100. The air is mixed with the aerosol generated by the load 130 provided in the atomizing unit 140 when passing through the atomizing unit 140. Then, when the air mixed with the aerosol passes through the capsule unit 200, a flavor component derived from the flavor source 210 included in the capsule unit 200 is added to the air mixed with the aerosol. Then, the air mixed with the aerosol and added with the flavor component is sucked by the user from the end of the capsule unit 200. That is, the aerosol to which the flavor component is added is inhaled by the user.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply unit 300 includes a power button 310, a power supply unit 320, a sensor unit 330, a control unit 340, a storage unit 350, and a notification unit 360. The sensor section 330 includes a microphone capacitor 331 as a first sensor and a PTC thermistor 332 as a second sensor. Further, control unit 340 includes a time measurement unit 341.

  The power button 310 is a button for transitioning the operation state of the aerosol generation device 1. When the power button 310 is pressed and the power is turned on, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 becomes active. When the power button 310 is pressed and the power is turned off while the state of the aerosol generation device 1 is in the active state, the state of the aerosol generation device 1 transitions from the active state to the dormant state.

  The power supply unit 320 is, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery, and its type is not limited. The power supply unit 320 supplies power to each unit of the aerosol generation device 1 based on the control of the control unit 340.

  The sensor unit 330 has at least a function of detecting a suction operation by a user (an operation of requesting the aerosol generation device 1 to generate an aerosol) and a function of detecting a malfunction of the function or the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor section 330 includes a microphone capacitor 331 as a first sensor and a PTC thermistor 332 as a second sensor.

  The microphone condenser 331 detects a suction operation by the user.

  The PTC thermistor 332 exerts a function (hereinafter, referred to as an “overcurrent protection function”) for preventing an excessive current from flowing in each element or the like constituting the sensor unit 330 when an excessive current flows. .

  The details of the sensor unit 330 will be described later.

  The control unit 340 causes the aerosol generation device 1 to transition to one of two operation states when the power button 310 is pressed. The two operating states are an active state in which power is supplied from the power supply unit 320 to each unit of the aerosol generation device 1, and power is not supplied or only minimal power is supplied from the power supply unit 320 to each unit in the aerosol generation device 1. The sleep state cannot be obtained. When the state of the aerosol generation device 1 is the active state, when the sensor unit 330 detects the suction operation by the user, the control unit 340 supplies power to the load 130 by the power supply unit 320 to atomize the aerosol source. . Further, when the state of the aerosol generation device 1 is in the resting state, the control unit 340 does not cause the power supply unit 320 to supply power to the load 130 even when the user performs the suction operation. Therefore, the aerosol source is not atomized.

  The control unit 340 executes a process of detecting whether the microphone capacitor 331 is in the normal state or the non-normal state (hereinafter, referred to as “state detection processing”). The state detection processing includes a first state detection processing for detecting a state of the microphone capacitor 331 based on a voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332, and a microphone capacitor 331 based on an output for detecting a suction operation from the microphone capacitor 331. There is a second state detection process for detecting the state of (1). Details of the first state detection processing and the second state detection processing will be described later.

  Here, the normal state refers to a state in which no trouble has occurred in the microphone condenser 331 and the microphone condenser 331 can normally detect a user's suction operation. In other words, the normal state refers to a state in which when the user performs a suction operation, the microphone capacitor 331 detects the suction operation, and power is supplied to the load 130 to generate an aerosol. The supply of power from the power supply unit 320 to the load 130 under the control of the control unit 340 is performed continuously when the sensor unit 330 detects a suction operation by the user.

  The non-normal state refers to a state in which a malfunction occurs in the microphone condenser 331 and the microphone condenser 331 cannot normally detect a user's suction operation. In other words, the non-normal state refers to a state in which the microphone condenser 331 does not detect the suction operation and the aerosol is not generated even if the user performs a suction operation while the aerosol generation device 1 is in the active state. In addition, the microphone capacitor 331 erroneously detects the user's suction operation even though the user is not performing the suction operation, and the power is supplied to the load 130 to generate an aerosol.

  Further, the control unit 340 includes a time measuring unit 341. The time measuring unit 341 is an instrument that can measure time, such as a clock or a stopwatch, and the type thereof is not limited. The time measurement unit 341 performs time measurement for the control unit 340 to detect the state of the microphone capacitor 331, as described later. In this embodiment, the case where the time measuring unit 341 is included in the control unit 340 will be described. However, the time measuring unit 341 may be provided outside the control unit 340.

  The storage unit 350 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory. The storage unit 350 stores various data and programs for operating the aerosol generation device 1. The storage unit 350 stores, for example, a program (or firmware) for executing the state detection process.

  The notification unit 360 is, for example, a light emitting diode. The notification unit 360 emits light based on the control of the control unit 340. For example, when the control unit 340 detects that the state of the sensor unit 330 is an abnormal state, the notification unit 360 emits light based on the control of the control unit 340. The emission color of the notification unit 360 may be a cold (blue) color or a warm (red) color, and is not particularly limited.

  The notification unit 360 may be provided, for example, along the circumferential direction of the upstream end of the power supply unit 10, and may be installed so that the entire end emits light. Further, for example, the notification unit 360 may be provided along the circumferential direction of the power button 310, and may be installed so that the area around the power button 310 emits light.

(Detailed description of first state detection processing)
Next, the details of the sensor unit 330 and the details of the first state detection processing for detecting the state of the microphone capacitor 331 based on the voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a circuit configuration of the sensor unit 330. As shown in FIG. 2, the circuit includes a microphone capacitor 331, a PTC thermistor 332, and a P-type MOSFET 333. When the power button 310 is pressed and the aerosol generation device 1 transitions from the rest state to the active state, a base voltage is applied to the P-type MOSFET 333 and a drain current flows. Then, a current flows through the PTC thermistor 332 and the microphone capacitor 331, and the PTC thermistor 332 and the microphone capacitor 331 are brought into a state in which the respective functions can be exhibited.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the microphone capacitor 331.

  The microphone capacitor 331 includes a diaphragm 331A that is a metal plate that vibrates due to a change in sound, pressure, or the like caused by a user's suction operation, and a back plate 331B that is a fixed metal plate. When there is no change in sound or pressure due to the user's suction operation, the diaphragm 331A does not vibrate, so that the capacitance defined by the diaphragm 331A and the back plate 331B does not change. On the other hand, when a change in sound, pressure, or the like due to the suction operation of the user occurs, the diaphragm 331A vibrates based on the change in the sound, pressure, or the like, and the electrostatic force defined by the diaphragm 331A and the back plate 331B. The capacity changes. The suction operation by the user is detected based on the change in the capacitance.

  FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams for explaining the characteristics of the PTC thermistor 332.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the resistance-temperature characteristic of the PTC thermistor 332, where the vertical axis indicates the resistance value and the horizontal axis indicates the temperature. As shown in FIG. 4, the resistance value of the PTC thermistor 332 is substantially constant when the temperature of the PTC thermistor 332 is low (for example, at about room temperature). Above the point). Therefore, when the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the temperature at the point A, the PTC thermistor 332 functions to increase its resistance value and prevent an excessive current from flowing. That is, the PTC thermistor 332 performs an overcurrent protection function.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the current-voltage characteristics of the PTC thermistor 332, where the vertical axis indicates the current value and the horizontal axis indicates the voltage value. As shown in FIG. 5, in the PTC thermistor 332, the current value also increases according to Ohm's law up to a certain voltage value, but when the voltage exceeds a certain voltage value (hereinafter referred to as “point B”), the resistance value sharply increases. , The current value decreases. In other words, when the voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332 exceeds the point B, the PTC thermistor 332 increases its resistance value and functions to prevent an excessive current from flowing. That is, the PTC thermistor 332 performs an overcurrent protection function.

  As shown in FIG. 3, since the PTC thermistor 332 is electrically connected to the microphone capacitor 331, the voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332 is affected by an electrical change in the microphone capacitor 331. Therefore, when the voltage value of the PTC thermistor 332 exceeds the point B, it means that a problem that the excessive current flows is generated in the microphone capacitor 331. The defect is, for example, a short circuit in the microphone capacitor 331. The influence of the electrical change in the microphone capacitor 331 includes a change in a voltage value applied to the microphone capacitor 331, a change in a current value flowing through the microphone capacitor 331, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 340 performs a first state detection process based on such characteristics of the sensor unit 330. Specifically, the control unit 340 acquires a voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332 by, for example, an output from the PTC thermistor 332. Then, control unit 340 compares the voltage value with a preset voltage threshold at point B or higher to detect whether the state of microphone capacitor 331 is the normal state or the non-normal state. Specifically, when the voltage value applied to PTC thermistor 332 is equal to or greater than the above-described voltage threshold, control unit 340 detects that microphone capacitor 331 is in an unusual state. That is, control unit 340 detects that a failure (short circuit) has occurred in microphone capacitor 332.

(Detailed description of the second state detection process)
Next, details of the second state detection processing for detecting the state of the microphone capacitor 331 based on the output from the microphone condenser 331 that detects the user's suction operation will be described. The following four examples are examples in which the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is detected to be an abnormal state in the second state detection processing.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first example in which the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state based on the second state detection processing. In the first example, the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state based on the interval of the suction operation.

  The control unit 340 acquires an output for detecting a suction operation from the microphone capacitor 331, and acquires information on time associated with the output from the time measuring unit 341. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the microphone condenser 331 calculates an interval t1 between the previous suction operation and the current suction operation based on the output and the time information. Specifically, the interval t1 is calculated by taking the difference between the end time of the previous suction operation and the start time of the current suction operation.

  Then, the control unit 340 determines whether the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is the normal state or the non-normal state based on whether the interval t1 is equal to or less than the threshold time T1 (for example, 0.1 second). Is determined. The control unit 340 determines that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is the normal state when the interval t1 exceeds the threshold time T1, and determines the state of the microphone capacitor 331 when the interval t1 is equal to or less than the threshold time T1. It is determined that the state is the non-normal state.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second example in which the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state based on the second state detection processing. In the second example, the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state based on the duration of one suction operation.

  The control unit 340 acquires an output for detecting the suction operation from the sensor unit 330, and acquires information on the time associated with the output from the time measuring unit 341. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the sensor unit 330 calculates the duration t2 of one suction operation defined from the difference between the start time and the end time of the suction operation based on the output and the information on the time. I do.

  Then, the control unit 340 determines whether the state of the sensor 330 is the normal state or the non-normal state based on whether the duration t2 of the suction operation is equal to or shorter than the threshold time T2 (for example, 0.1 second). It is determined whether or not there is. The control unit 340 determines that the state of the sensor 330 is the normal state when the duration t2 exceeds the threshold time T2, and determines that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is non-active when the duration t2 is equal to or less than the threshold time T2. It is determined that the state is normal.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third example in which the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state based on the second state detection processing. In the third example, the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone condenser 331 is an abnormal state based on the accumulated heating time of the aerosol source by the load 130 within a predetermined time.

  The control unit 340 acquires an output for detecting the suction operation from the sensor unit 330, and acquires information on the time associated with the output from the time measuring unit 341. Then, based on the output and the information on the time, the control unit 340 calculates the total time during which the microphone condenser 331 detects the suction operation within the predetermined time Ta (for example, 30 seconds), that is, the cumulative heating of the aerosol source by the load 130. Time t3 is calculated.

  Then, the control unit 340 sets the state of the microphone capacitor 331 to the normal state or the non-normal state based on whether the integrated heating time t3 within the predetermined time Ta is equal to or longer than the threshold time T3 (for example, 20 seconds). It is determined whether or not. When the integrated heating time t3 within the predetermined time Ta is less than the threshold time T3, the control unit 340 determines that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is the normal state, and determines that the integrated heating time t3 within the predetermined time Ta is the threshold time. When it is T3 or more, it is determined that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state. Specifically, for example, the control unit 340 determines that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state when the integrated heating time within 30 seconds exceeds 20 seconds.

  The predetermined time Ta described above may be repeatedly measured, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, starting from the time when the aerosol generation device 1 transitions from the rest state to the normal state by pressing the power button 310. With such a configuration, the state of the sensor unit 330 can be always detected in the normal state in which the user's suction operation can be detected. Therefore, the control unit 340 changes the state of the sensor unit 330 to the non-normal state. Can be detected without omission.

  In addition, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the sensor unit 330 detects the suction operation for the first time after the aerosol generation device 1 has transitioned from the rest state to the normal state by pressing the power button 310 as illustrated in FIG. 10. The measurement may be repeated starting from the time. With such a configuration, the control unit 340 can detect that the state of the sensor unit 330 has changed to the non-normal state without omission. In addition, since the activation time of the time measurement unit 341 can be minimized, energy saving can be realized.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example in which the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state based on the second state detection processing. In the fourth example, the control unit 340 detects that the microphone capacitor 331 is in the non-normal state based on the number of times the microphone capacitor 331 detects the suction operation within the predetermined time.

  The control unit 340 acquires an output for detecting a suction operation from the microphone capacitor 331, and acquires information on time associated with the output from the time measuring unit 341. Then, the control unit 340 calculates the number of times the microphone condenser 331 has detected the suction operation within the predetermined time Tb (for example, 50 seconds) based on the output and the information on the time.

  Then, the control unit 340 sets the microphone capacitor 331 in the normal state based on whether the number of times the sensor unit 330 has detected the suction operation within the predetermined time Tb is N times (for example, 30 times) or more. It is determined whether or not there is an abnormal state. When the number of times that the microphone capacitor 331 has detected the suction operation within the predetermined time Tb is less than N times, the control unit 340 determines that the state of the sensor 330 is the normal state, and the sensor unit 330 within the predetermined time Tb. When the number of times of detecting the suction operation is N or more, it is determined that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is the non-normal state. The predetermined time Tb is repeatedly measured by, for example, the same method as that of Ta described above. With such a configuration, the control unit 340 can detect that the state of the sensor unit 330 has changed to the non-normal state without omission. In addition, since the activation time of the time measurement unit 341 can be minimized, energy saving can be realized.

  Here, in the first example, since the interval of the suction operation is short and the load 130 is maintained at a high temperature, the supply unit 120 sucks up and holds the aerosol source from the storage unit 110 to supply the load 130 to the load 130. Is expected to continue to be heated. Therefore, it is assumed that the aerosol source is depleted, that is, the aerosol is not gradually generated.

  In the second example, since the duration of the suction operation is short and the load 130 does not warm sufficiently, it is assumed that the load 130 does not generate an aerosol.

  In the third example and the fourth example, since the aerosol source is excessively heated by the load 130, the aerosol source sucked and held by the supply unit 120 from the storage unit 110 to supply the load 130 is depleted. It is assumed that Therefore, it is assumed that the aerosol is not gradually generated. When the state of the sensor unit 330 is the normal state, the aerosol source held by the supply unit 120 is not depleted because the load 130 does not excessively heat the aerosol source.

  The behavior of the sensor unit 330 shown in the first to fourth examples is a behavior that is unlikely to occur when the user uses the aerosol generation device 1 in normal use. That is, in the first to fourth examples, the suction operation detected by the sensor unit 330 is not a suction operation by the user but a suction operation caused by a defect of the sensor unit 330. In other words, the suction operation detected by the sensor unit 330 in the first to fourth examples is the suction operation generated and detected by the sensor unit 330 in which the malfunction has occurred. Therefore, it is determined that a malfunction has occurred in the sensor unit 330 that has exhibited the behavior shown in the above-described first to fourth examples.

  From the above, the output value from the sensor unit 330 that the control unit 340 determines that the state of the sensor unit 330 is the normal state, and the output value from the sensor unit 330 that the control unit 340 determines that the state of the sensor unit 330 is the non-normal state. It can be said that the value is different from the output value.

(Detailed Description of Storage Unit 350 and Notification Unit 360)
Next, the storage unit 350 and the notification unit 360 will be described in more detail. FIG. 12 is an example of control information stored in the storage unit 350, and the control information is used when the control unit 340 controls the notification unit 360. As shown in FIG. 12, the control information of the notification unit 360 by the control unit 340 is associated with each content and cause in which the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state. The contents are stored.

  Specifically, for example, when the control unit 340 detects that the voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332 is equal to or higher than the threshold voltage based on the first state detection processing, the control unit 340 stores the voltage value in the storage unit 350. With reference to the control information, an error signal corresponding to the detected content is generated. Then, based on the generated error signal, the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 350 to alternately emit light of a warm color system and light of a cool color system four times.

  Further, for example, when the control unit 340 detects that the suction operation interval t1 is equal to or less than the threshold time T1 based on the second state detection processing, the control unit 340 refers to the control information stored in the storage unit 350. Then, an error signal corresponding to the detected content is generated. Then, based on the generated error signal, the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 350 to alternately emit light of a warm color system and light of a cool color system six times.

  Further, for example, when the control unit 340 detects that the duration t2 of one suction operation is equal to or less than the threshold time T2 based on the second state detection processing, the control information stored in the storage unit 350 And generates an error signal corresponding to the detected content. Then, based on the generated error signal, the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 350 to alternately emit the warm color system and the cool color system eight times.

  Further, for example, when the control unit 340 detects that the integrated heating time t3 within the predetermined time Ta is equal to or longer than the threshold time T3 based on the second state detection processing, the control stored in the storage unit 350 is performed. With reference to the information, an error signal corresponding to the detected content is generated. Then, based on the generated error signal, the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 350 to alternately emit the warm color system and the cool color system ten times.

  Further, for example, when the control unit 340 detects that the number of times the suction operation has been detected within the predetermined time Tb is N or more based on the second state detection process, the control unit 340 stores the number of suction operations in the storage unit 350. An error signal corresponding to the detected content is generated with reference to the control information. Then, based on the generated error signal, the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 350 to alternately emit the warm color system and the cool color system 12 times.

  As described above, when detecting the state of the microphone capacitor 331 to be the non-normal state, the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 350 to emit light according to the content and cause of the non-normal state. In other words, the control unit 340 generates an error signal based on the content and cause of the non-normal state, and causes the notification unit 350 to perform notification according to the error signal. With such a configuration, a user or the like can easily grasp the content and cause of a problem that has occurred in the microphone capacitor 331 that is a sensor that detects a suction operation.

  Next, a series of processes in which the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state and notifies the user of the content and cause of the abnormal state will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the series of processes.

  The control unit 340 determines whether or not the power button 310 has been pressed when the state of the aerosol generation device 1 is in the pause state (ST101). If it is determined that power button 310 has not been pressed (ST101: NO), the process of ST101 is executed again. That is, until the power button 310 is pressed, the state of the aerosol suction device 1 is in a rest state.

  When it is determined that power button 310 has been pressed (ST101: YES), control unit 340 causes the state of aerosol generation device 1 to transition from the sleep state to the active state (ST102).

  The control unit 340 detects whether the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is the normal state or the non-normal state based on the comparison between the voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332 and the voltage threshold, as described above. (ST103).

  When the voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332 is equal to or higher than the voltage threshold (ST103: YES), that is, when the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is detected to be an unusual state, the control unit 340 stores the storage unit. Based on the control information stored in 350, the notification unit 350 causes the warm color system and the cool color system to emit light alternately four times (ST104).

  When the voltage value applied to the PTC thermistor 332 is less than the voltage threshold (ST103: NO), as described above, the control unit 340 sets the interval t1 between the previous suction operation and the current suction operation to the threshold time. It is determined whether the state of the sensor 330 is the normal state or the non-normal state based on whether it is T1 or less (ST105).

  When the interval t1 is equal to or shorter than the threshold time T1 (ST105: YES), that is, when it is detected that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an unusual state, the control unit 340 is stored in the storage unit 350. Based on the control information, the notification unit 350 causes the warm color system and the cool color system to emit light alternately six times (ST106).

  When the interval t1 exceeds the threshold time T1 (ST105: NO), as described above, the control unit 340 determines whether or not the duration t2 of one suction operation is equal to or less than the threshold time T2. It is determined whether or not the state is the normal state or the non-normal state (ST107).

  When the duration t2 of one suction operation is equal to or shorter than the threshold time T2 (ST107: YES), that is, when it is detected that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state, the control unit 340 sets the storage unit. Based on the control information stored in 350, the notification unit 350 causes the warm color system and the cool color system to emit light eight times alternately (ST108).

  When the duration t2 of one suction operation exceeds the threshold time T2 (ST107: NO), the control unit 340 determines whether the integrated heating time t3 within the predetermined time Ta is equal to or longer than the threshold time T3, as described above. Then, it is determined whether the state of the sensor unit 330 is the normal state or the non-normal state (ST109).

  When the accumulated heating time t3 within the predetermined time Ta is equal to or longer than the threshold time T3 (ST109: YES), that is, when it is detected that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state, the control unit 340 stores the information. Based on the control information stored in the section 350, the notification section 350 causes the warm-color system and the cool-color system to emit light 10 times alternately (ST110).

  When the cumulative heating time t3 within the predetermined time Ta is less than the threshold time T3 (ST109: NO), as described above, the control unit 340 determines whether the number of times the sensor unit 330 has detected the suction operation within the predetermined time Tb is It is determined whether the state of the sensor unit 330 is the normal state or the non-normal state based on whether or not the number is N or more (ST111).

  If the number of times the sensor unit 330 has detected the suction operation within the predetermined time Tb is N or more (ST111: YES), that is, if the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is detected to be an abnormal state, the control is performed. Based on the control information stored in storage unit 350, unit 340 causes notification unit 350 to alternately emit a warm color system and a cool color system 12 times (ST112).

  If the number of times that the sensor unit 330 has detected the suction operation within the predetermined time Tb is less than N (ST111: NO), the processing after ST103 is executed again. Therefore, when the state of the aerosol generation device 1 is the active state, the process of determining whether the state of the sensor unit 330 is the non-normal state is always performed.

  Here, when the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is detected to be an unusual state by the control unit 340 and the notification unit 350 emits light (ST104, ST106, ST108, ST110, or ST112), the control unit 340 sets the aerosol The state of the generating device 1 is changed from the active state to the dormant state (ST113). Then, the process ends.

  As described above, in the aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 that is a sensor for detecting the suction operation is in the non-normal state, the control unit 340 sets the non-normal state. The notification according to the content or the cause is made to the notification unit 350. In other words, the control unit 340 generates an error signal based on the content and cause of the non-normal state, and causes the notification unit 350 to perform notification according to the error signal. With such a configuration, a user or the like can easily grasp the content and cause of a defect that has occurred in the microphone capacitor 331. In addition, according to the aerosol generation device in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to separately perform an electrical inspection in order to identify the content and the cause of the problem, so that an energy saving effect can be realized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, there are five states of the microphone capacitor 331 classified into the non-normal state, and the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 360 to emit light in a different manner for each of the five states. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, there are five types of error signals that can be generated by the control unit 340, and the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 360 to emit light in a different manner for each error signal, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 340 provides the notification unit 350 with a warm color system and a cool color system for both when the interval t1 is equal to or less than the threshold time T1 and when the duration t2 of one suction operation is equal to or less than the threshold time T2. Light emission may be alternately performed four times. In this case, there are five states of the microphone capacitor 331 classified into the non-normal state, and there are four types of light emission modes of the notification unit 360. As described above, in the aerosol generation device 1 according to the present embodiment, there are n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) states of the microphone condenser 331 classified into the non-normal state, and the control unit 340 can generate an error signal. The types (the light emission modes of the notification unit 340) are configured to be n types at the maximum. With such a configuration, it is possible to unify the notification mode of the notification unit 360 for each system of the content and cause of the problem that has occurred in the microphone capacitor 331, and to determine the content and cause of the problem that has occurred in the microphone capacitor 331. It can satisfy the needs of the user who wants to understand roughly.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the aerosol generation device 1 generates the aerosol in accordance with the suction operation of the user has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the aerosol generation device 1 may be configured to generate invisible vapor in response to a user's suction operation. Even with such a configuration, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as a light emission pattern of a different aspect, a case where light emission of a warm color system and light emission of a cool color system are alternately repeated and the number of times of alternately emitting light is different has been described. is not. The notifying unit emits light of four systems of two intermediate colors (for example, yellow-green and magenta) of a cool color system, a warm color system, and a hue therebetween, so that the five non-color systems described above are emitted. The notification unit 360 may emit light of a different system color according to the content and cause of the normal state, thereby notifying the content and cause of the non-normal state.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the notification unit 360 emits light in a different manner under the control of the control unit 340 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the notification unit 360 may vibrate in a different manner according to the content / cause of the non-normal state of the microphone capacitor 331 detected by the control unit 340, or may emit a sound in a different manner. In addition, the notification unit 360 may provide a notification combining the above. Specifically, for example, the notification unit 360 may perform notification combining light and vibration, or may perform notification combining light, vibration and sound.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an unusual state, the control unit 340 may cause the storage unit 350 to store the content and cause of the unusual state. Thereby, when the power button 310 is pressed again after the aerosol generation device 1 is changed from the active state to the sleep state (corresponding to ST113 described above) and the user's suction operation is detected, the control unit 340 sets the The notification unit 360 can emit light in a manner based on the content and cause of the non-normal state stored in the storage unit 350. That is, the control unit 350 causes the notification unit 360 to emit light in the same manner when detecting that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state and when detecting the user's suction operation. With such a configuration, the number of opportunities for notifying a user or the like of a malfunction of the microphone capacitor 331 increases, and thus the occurrence of the malfunction and the content and cause of the malfunction can be reliably notified to the user.

  Further, in connection with the above, when the power button 310 is pressed a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) after the aerosol generation device 1 is changed from the active state to the dormant state (corresponding to ST113 described above), Control unit 350 may cause notification unit 360 to emit light in the same manner as when detecting that the state of microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state. With such a configuration, for example, even when the sensor 330 cannot detect any suction operation due to a problem, the user can press the power button 310 a predetermined number of times to prevent the occurrence of the problem and the occurrence of the problem. The content and cause can be easily grasped. Further, since the number of opportunities for notifying the user or the like of the problem of the microphone capacitor 331 increases, it is possible to reliably notify the user of the occurrence of the problem and the content and cause of the problem.

  The control unit 340 causes the notification unit 360 to emit light in the same manner as when the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is detected to be an unusual state, triggered by an operation other than the operation of pressing the power button 310 a predetermined number of times. Is also good. Specifically, for example, the control unit 340 detects that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is in an unusual state, triggered by the fact that the power supply unit 320 is connected to an external power supply and charging is started. May cause the notification unit 360 to emit light. That is, the control unit 340 may cause the notification unit 360 to emit light in the same manner as when detecting that the state of the microphone capacitor 331 is an abnormal state, based on various operations in which the sensor unit 330 is not involved. With such a configuration, even when the sensor 330 cannot detect any suction operation due to a failure, the user can easily grasp the occurrence of the failure and the content and cause of the failure.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the state of each of the microphone capacitors 331 classified into the non-normal state may be set to a high degree. For example, the state of the microphone capacitor 331 detected in the above-described first state detection processing is set to a high level, and the state of the microphone condenser 331 shown in FIG. 6 detected in the above-described second state detection processing is set. May be set low in severity.

  Then, the control unit 340 may cause the notification unit 360 to notify in a different manner according to the severity. Specifically, for example, when the control unit 340 detects an abnormal state of the microphone capacitor 331 that is set to have a high degree of severity, the control unit 340 causes the notification unit 360 to perform a notification combining light, vibration, and sound. When the abnormal state of the microphone capacitor 331 set to a low degree is detected, the notification unit 360 may be notified of only light, only vibration, or only sound. That is, the control unit 340 causes the notifying unit 360 to notify the state of the microphone capacitor 331 that is set to a higher degree in a manner that the power consumption of the combined light, vibration, sound, and the like is larger. In other words, the control unit 340 generates an error signal in which different severities are set according to the state of the microphone capacitor 331, and causes the notification unit 360 to notify the error signals of different severities in a different manner. In addition, various information regarding the severity is stored in the storage unit 350, for example.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the content and cause of the malfunction that has occurred in the microphone capacitor 331, the severity of the malfunction can also be notified. Further, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user overlooks the occurrence of a severe malfunction in the microphone capacitor 331.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements in an implementation stage without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiment. Further, configurations of different embodiments may be combined.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... aerosol generation apparatus, 100 ... cartridge unit, 110 ... storage part, 120 ... supply part, 130 ... load, 140 ... atomization part, 200 ... capsule unit, 210 ... flavor source, 300 ... power supply unit, 310 ... power button , 320 ... power supply unit, 330 ... sensor unit, 331 ... microphone capacitor, 331 A ... diaphragm, 331 B ... back plate, 332 ... PTC thermistor, 333 ... P-type MOSFET, 340 ... control unit, 341 ... time measurement unit, 350 ... storage Section, 360: notification section, AR: air flow path

Claims (22)

A power supply unit of an aerosol generation device that supplies power to a load that generates an aerosol,
Includes a normal state and an operation state of the plurality of non-normal state, and a sensor in which the power supply unit that detects at aerosol generation request is active,
Detecting the state of the sensor, when the state of the sensor is at least one of the first and second non-normal state included in the plurality of non-ordinary state, said first and second non-normal state A control unit for generating a distinguishable error signal;
Notifying unit for notifying a different aspect for each type of the error signal,
The control unit, after the generation of the error signal, transitions the power supply unit from the active state to a sleep state ,
The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device, wherein the plurality of abnormal states include a state in which power supply to the load is not required for detection by the control unit. The plurality of non-normal states include a state in which power needs to be supplied to the load for detection by the control unit.
A power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to claim 1. There are n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) states of the sensor classified as the non-normal state,
The type of error signal control unit may generate the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2 which is the maximum n type. The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit generates a different type of error signal for each state of the sensor. The controller, when the error signal is generated, and when the sensor detects the aerosol generation request after generating the error signal, causes the notification unit to notify a mode based on the generated error signal. A power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The control unit is configured to notify the notification unit of a mode based on the generated error signal to the notification unit when the error signal is generated and when a predetermined operation that does not involve the sensor is detected after the generation of the error signal. The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein: The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to claim 6 , wherein the predetermined operation is an operation in which an instruction to transition the aerosol generation device to an active state is performed a predetermined number of times. Wherein the non-normal state, any one of claims 1 to 7 voltages applied to other elements that vary based on the electrical state of the sensor include state when equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device described in. Wherein the non-normal state, the sensor certain aerosol generation request from the detection of claims 1 to 8 time interval until include condition if less than a predetermined threshold value to detect the next aerosol generation request A power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to any one of the preceding claims. The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the non-normal state includes a state in which a duration of an aerosol generation request detected by the sensor is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold. . The aerosol generation according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the non-normal state includes a state in which a total time during which the sensor detects an aerosol generation request within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Power supply unit for the device. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the non-normal state includes a state in which the number of aerosol generation requests detected by the sensor within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. Power supply unit. The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to generate light of a different mode for each type of an error signal. The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to generate vibration in a different mode for each type of error signal. The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the control unit causes the notification unit to generate a sound having a different mode for each type of an error signal. Severity is set for each type of the error signal,
The power supply of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the control unit causes the notifying unit to notify the notification based on the error signal set to be higher in power consumption as the notification is higher. unit. The non-normal state refers to a case where the aerosol source is not atomized by a load that is supplied with power from the power supply unit, or the load is such that the aerosol source held by a supply unit that supplies the aerosol source to the load is depleted. The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein the sensor is in a state of transition when atomizing the aerosol source. The normal state means that when the sensor receiving the supply of power from the power supply unit atomizes the aerosol source so that the aerosol source held by the supply unit that supplies the aerosol source to the load is not depleted, the sensor is used. The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 17 , which is in a transition state. A method of controlling a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device that supplies power to a load that generates an aerosol,
A sensor including a normal state and an operation state of the plurality of non-normal state, the steps of the power supply unit to detect the at aerosol generation request is active,
When the state of the sensor is at least one of the first and second non-normal states included in the plurality of non-normal states , an error signal that can distinguish the first and second non-normal states is generated. Steps and
Notifying a different mode for each type of the error signal,
Transitioning the power supply unit from the active state to a dormant state after the generation of the error signal;
Equipped with a,
The method of controlling a power supply unit of an aerosol generating apparatus, wherein the plurality of abnormal states include a state in which power supply to the load is not required for detection . The plurality of non-normal states include a state that requires supply of power to the load for detection.
A method for controlling a power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to claim 19. A sensor including an operation state of the non-normal state, the computer to a normal state and a plurality of power supply units of the aerosol generating device for supplying electric power to the load to produce an aerosol, sometimes detect aerosol generation request with the power supply unit is active Processing,
When the state of the sensor is at least one of the first and second non-normal states included in the plurality of non-normal states , an error signal that can distinguish the first and second non-normal states is generated. Processing,
A process of notifying a different mode for each type of the error signal;
A process of causing the power supply unit to transition from the active state to a sleep state after the generation of the error signal;
Was executed,
The program for a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device, wherein the plurality of non-normal states include a state in which supply of power to the load is not required for detection . The plurality of non-normal states include a state that requires supply of power to the load for detection.
A program for a power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to claim 21.

Images