JP6891357B2 - Suction component generator, method of controlling the suction component generator, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a suction component generating device including a load for vaporizing or atomizing a suction component source by electric power from a power source, a method for controlling the suction component generating device, and a program.

Instead of conventional cigarettes, a suction component generator (electronic cigarette or heat-not-burn tobacco) has been proposed that allows you to taste the suction components generated by vaporizing or atomizing a flavor source such as cigarettes or an aerosol source with a load such as a heater. (Patent Documents 1 to 3). Such a suction component generating device includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes a flavor source and / or an aerosol source, a power source that supplies electric power to the load, and a control unit that controls the load and the power source. The load is, for example, a heater.

In such a suction component generator, there is room for improvement in the electric control regarding the electric power supplied to the load and the charging / discharging of the power source.

Patent Documents 4 to 6 disclose a method for estimating deterioration of a power source. Patent Documents 7 and 8 disclose a method for monitoring abnormalities in a power source. Patent Document 9 discloses a method of suppressing deterioration of a power source. Patent Documents 10 to 12 disclose that the state of charge (SOC) and charge capacity of a battery are calibrated when the power supply reaches full charge under predetermined conditions. Patent Documents 4 to 12 do not explicitly indicate that these methods are applied to a suction component generator.

International Publication No. 2014/150942 Special table 2017-514463 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-184627 JP 2000-251948 JP-A-2016-176709 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-052033 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-317811 JP-A-2010-050045 JP-A-2017-005985 International Publication No. 2014/0462332 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-128416 JP-A-2017-022852

The first feature is a suction component generator, which includes a load for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by electric power from a power source, and a control unit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power source. The control unit can estimate or detect at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range while charging the power supply. The gist is that it is composed.

The second feature is the suction component generation device in the first feature, and the gist is that the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply.

The third feature is the suction component generation device according to the second feature, in which the voltage value of the power supply is equal to or higher than the lower limit value of the operation guarantee voltage value of the control unit while the power supply is being charged. The control unit determines whether or not the predetermined threshold value is reached within the predetermined time, and estimates that the power supply has failed if the voltage value of the power supply does not reach the predetermined threshold value within the predetermined time. Alternatively, the gist is that the fault diagnosis function to be detected can be executed.

The fourth feature is the suction component generation device according to the third feature, and when the suction component generation device is in a mode other than the charging mode in which the power supply can be charged, the control unit performs the failure diagnosis function. The gist is that it is configured to be infeasible.

The fifth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the second to fourth features, wherein the control unit has a voltage value of the power supply equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage during charging of the power supply. The gist is that the deterioration diagnosis function for presuming or detecting that the power supply has deteriorated when the lower limit to the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range is reached within a predetermined time can be executed.

The sixth feature is the suction component generation device according to the fifth feature, and the gist is that the control unit is configured not to execute the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function at the same time.

The seventh feature is the suction component generator in the fifth feature or the sixth feature, and the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range used in the failure diagnosis function is the default used in the deterioration diagnosis function. The gist is that it is smaller than the lower limit of the voltage range of.

The eighth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the fifth to seventh features, wherein the control unit deteriorates in each of a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage. The gist is that the diagnostic function is configured to be executable.

The ninth feature is the suction component generator according to the eighth feature, and the gist is that the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges used in the deterioration diagnosis function do not overlap with each other.

The tenth feature is the suction component generator in any of the fifth to ninth features, and the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function does not include the discharge end voltage. It is a summary.

The eleventh feature is the suction component generator in any one of the fifth to tenth features, and the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is the said with respect to the change in the amount of electricity stored in the power supply. The gist is that the change in the voltage value of the power supply is set in the range excluding the plateau range, which is small compared to other voltage ranges.

The twelfth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the fifth to eleventh features, and the case where the remaining amount of the power supply is not insufficient at least based on the voltage of the power supply and the above. The default voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function includes a notification unit that notifies the user when the remaining amount of power is insufficient, and the notification unit indicates that the remaining amount of power is insufficient. The gist is that it is set to a range excluding the range to be notified.

The thirteenth feature is the suction component generator in any one of the fifth to twelfth features, and the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is a constant voltage charge for the power supply. The gist is that it is set to a range excluding the range where it is performed.

The fourteenth feature is the suction component generating device according to the thirteenth feature, wherein the power supply is configured to be rechargeable by an external charger separate from the suction component generating device, and the external charger recognizes it. When the voltage of the power supply reaches the switching voltage, it is charged by the constant voltage charging, and the voltage range of the power supply that executes the deterioration diagnosis function is set to a range lower than the voltage value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value from the switching voltage. The gist is that it is set.

A fifteenth feature is a suction component generator according to any one of the first to fourteenth features, including a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power supply, and the control unit has a threshold value of the temperature of the power supply. The gist is that the algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply can be changed or corrected when the temperature is lower.

The sixteenth feature is the suction component generator according to any one of the first to fifteenth features, in which the control unit has a voltage value of the power supply in the predetermined voltage range while the power supply is being charged. When at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply is estimated or detected based on a comparison between the required time required from the lower limit to the upper limit and a predetermined time threshold value, and the temperature of the power supply is lower than the threshold value. The gist is that the control unit is configured to modify the predetermined time threshold value based on the temperature of the power supply and perform the comparison based on the corrected time threshold value.

The seventeenth feature is a suction component generator in any one of the first to fourteenth features, including a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power supply, and the control unit has a threshold value of the temperature of the power supply. The gist is that the function of estimating or detecting at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply is not executed when the temperature is lower.

The eighteenth feature is a suction component generator according to any one of the first to fourteenth features, including a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power supply and a heater that heats the power supply. It is a gist that the control unit is configured to heat the power supply by controlling the heater when the temperature of the power supply is lower than the threshold value.

A nineteenth feature is a method of controlling a suction component generator including a load that vaporizes or atomizes a suction component source by electric power from a power source, in which a step of acquiring a voltage value of the power source and charging of the power source are performed. The gist includes a step of estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range. ..

The twentieth feature is a suction component generator, which includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by electric power from the power source, and a control unit configured to be able to acquire the voltage value of the power source. The control unit is configured to be capable of executing a failure diagnosis function that estimates or detects a failure of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply. Is configured to be able to execute a deterioration diagnosis function that estimates or detects deterioration of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply is higher than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply. ..

The twenty-first feature is the suction component generation device in the twentieth feature, in which the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function are configured to be performed using the same variable value, and the power supply fails or the power supply fails. The gist is that the magnitude relationship between the variable value and the threshold value for estimating or detecting deterioration is reversed between the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function.

The 22nd feature is the suction component generator in the 20th feature or the 21st feature, and the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function are configured to be performed using the same variable value. When the variable value used for the failure diagnosis function is larger than the first threshold value, the control unit estimates or detects that the power supply has failed, and when the variable value used for the deterioration diagnosis function is smaller than the second threshold value. The gist is that the control unit presumes or detects that the power supply has failed.

The 23rd feature is a method of controlling a suction component generator including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by electric power from the power source, and the voltage value of the power source is changed to that of the power source during charging of the power source. The step of executing a failure diagnosis function for estimating or detecting a failure of the power supply when the voltage is lower than the discharge end voltage, and the step of executing the failure diagnosis function when the voltage value of the power supply is higher than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply. The gist is to include a step of executing a deterioration diagnosis function for estimating or detecting deterioration of a power supply.

The twelfth feature is a program that causes the suction component generator to execute the method in the nineteenth feature or the twenty-third feature.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a suction component generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the atomization unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of the suction sensor according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the suction component generator. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the atomization unit and the electrical equipment unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of a charger and an electrical unit in a state where the charger is connected. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method in the power supply mode of the suction component generator. FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of controlling the amount of electric power supplied from the power source to the load. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the first diagnostic process. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a predetermined voltage range in the first diagnostic function. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method by the processor of the charger. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method of the control unit in the charging mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an increase in voltage between a normal power supply and a deteriorated or failed power supply during charging. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a block of a voltage sensor. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process related to calibration of a default correlation of a voltage sensor. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of calibration of the default correlation of the voltage sensor. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of calibration of the default correlation of the voltage sensor. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a block of a voltage sensor according to another embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. In the description of the drawings below, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratio of each dimension may differ from the actual one.

Therefore, the specific dimensions should be determined in consideration of the following explanation. In addition, it goes without saying that there may be parts in which the relations and ratios of the dimensions of the drawings are different from each other.

[Summary of disclosure]
For device safety and more accurate control, it is important to estimate or detect deterioration of the chargeable power supply. However, it is difficult to accurately diagnose the deterioration state of the power supply. In particular, in a suction component generator that does not have a complicated control circuit, complicated electrical control is difficult, and no attempt has been made to estimate or detect the deterioration state of the power supply.

A power supply that can be charged and discharged is generally controlled so that the voltage value of the power supply does not fall below the discharge end voltage. However, due to natural discharge or dark current, the voltage of the power supply may drop to the over-discharge region or the deep discharge region in the voltage range lower than the over-discharge region. If the power supply is left in a state where the voltage value of the power supply is less than the discharge end voltage, the deterioration of the power supply progresses remarkably. Therefore, it is desirable to determine whether or not the power supply has been damaged when the voltage of the power supply becomes less than the discharge end voltage.

The suction component generating device according to one embodiment includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by electric power from the power source, and a control unit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power source. The control unit is configured to be able to estimate or detect at least one of power supply degradation and failure based on the time it takes for the power supply voltage value to reach the upper and lower limits of the default voltage range while the power supply is charging. ..

The method of controlling the suction component generation device according to one aspect relates to a method of controlling a suction component generation device including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by electric power from a power source. This method is based on the step of obtaining the voltage value of the power supply and the time it takes for the voltage value of the power supply to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range while charging the power supply, and at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply. Includes steps to estimate or detect.

The amount of increase in the voltage value of the power supply with respect to the charge amount of the power supply changes according to the deterioration of the power supply. Therefore, deterioration or failure of the power supply can be estimated or detected based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range while charging the power supply.

According to the above aspect, deterioration or failure of the power supply can be estimated or detected from the voltage value of the power supply and the charging time, so that there is an advantage that another additional sensor is not required. That is, at least one of power supply deterioration and failure can be estimated or detected with the minimum number of sensors. However, the suction component generator may include other additional sensors that acquire other parameters that differ from the voltage value of the power supply and the charging time.

The suction component generation device according to another aspect includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by electric power from the power source, and a control unit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power source. The control unit is configured to be able to execute a failure diagnosis function that estimates or detects a failure of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply. Further, the control unit is configured to be able to execute a deterioration diagnosis function that estimates or detects deterioration of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply is higher than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply.

A method of controlling a suction component generator according to another aspect relates to a method of controlling a suction component generator including a load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by electric power from a power source. This method includes a step of executing a failure diagnosis function that estimates or detects a power failure when the voltage value of the power supply is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply while charging the power supply, and a voltage value of the power supply while charging the power supply. Includes a step of performing a degradation diagnostic function that estimates or detects degradation of the power supply when is higher than the discharge cutoff voltage of the power supply.

According to the above aspect, the failure diagnosis function is executed at a voltage value lower than the discharge end voltage, and the deterioration diagnosis function is executed at a voltage value higher than the discharge end voltage. , Deterioration of the power supply that does not lead to failure of the power supply can be detected separately. This makes it possible to operate different controls (protection control), for example, in the case of failure and deterioration of the power supply.

[First Embodiment]
(Suction component generator)
Hereinafter, the suction component generation device according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing a suction component generating device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an atomization unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of the suction sensor according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the suction component generator. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the atomization unit and the electrical equipment unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of a charger and an electrical unit in a state where the charger is connected.

The suction component generation device 100 may be a non-combustion type flavor suction device for sucking the suction component (flavor component) without burning. The suction component generation device 100 may have a shape extending along a predetermined direction A, which is a direction from the non-mouthpiece end E2 to the mouthpiece end E1. In this case, the suction component generation device 100 may include one end E1 having a suction port 141 for sucking the suction component and the other end E2 on the opposite side of the suction port 141.

The suction component generation device 100 may have an electrical unit 110 and an atomization unit 120. The atomization unit 120 may be configured to be detachable from the electrical unit 110 via mechanical connection portions 111 and 121. When the atomization unit 120 and the electrical unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, the load 121R described later in the atomization unit 120 is provided on the electrical unit 110 via the electrical connection terminals 110t and 120t. It is electrically connected to the power supply 10. That is, the electrical connection terminals 110t and 120t form a connection portion capable of electrically connecting and disconnecting the load 121R and the power supply 10.

The atomization unit 120 has a suction component source sucked by the user and a load 121R that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by electric power from the power source 10. The suction component source may include an aerosol source that produces an aerosol and / or a flavor source that produces a flavor component.

The load 121R may be an element capable of generating an aerosol and / or a flavor component from the aerosol source and / or the flavor source by receiving electric power. For example, the load 121R may be a heating element such as a heater or an element such as an ultrasonic generator. Examples of the heat generating element include a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, and the like.

In the following, a more detailed example of the atomization unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The atomization unit 120 may have a reservoir 121P, a wick 121Q, and a load 121R. Reservoir 121P may be configured to store a liquid aerosol source or flavor source. The reservoir 121P may be, for example, a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. The wick 121Q may be a liquid holding member that draws an aerosol source or a flavor source from the reservoir 121P by utilizing the capillary phenomenon. The wick 121Q can be made of, for example, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like.

The load 121R atomizes the aerosol source held in the wick 121Q or heats the flavor source. The load 121R is composed of, for example, a resistance heating element (for example, a heating wire) wound around the wick 121Q.

The air flowing in from the inflow hole 122A passes near the load 121R in the atomization unit 120. The suction component generated by the load 121R flows toward the mouthpiece together with the air.

The aerosol source may be liquid at room temperature. For example, as the aerosol source, 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 by heating.

In the above embodiment, an example of an aerosol source that is liquid at room temperature has been described in detail, but instead, an aerosol source that is solid at room temperature can be used.

The atomizing unit 120 may include a replaceable flavor unit (cartridge) 130. The flavor unit 130 has a tubular body 131 that houses the flavor source. The tubular body 131 may include a film member 133 and a filter 132. A flavor source may be provided in the space composed of the film member 133 and the filter 132.

The atomization unit 120 may include a destruction unit 90. The breaking portion 90 is a member for breaking a part of the film member 133 of the flavor unit 130. The breaking portion 90 may be held by a partition member 126 for partitioning the atomization unit 120 and the flavor unit 130. The partition member 126 is, for example, a polyacetal resin. The breaking portion 90 is, for example, a cylindrical hollow needle. By piercing the tip of the hollow needle into the membrane member 133, an air flow path that air-communicates the atomization unit 120 and the flavor unit 130 is formed. Here, it is preferable that the inside of the hollow needle is provided with a mesh having a roughness so that the flavor source does not pass through.

According to an example of a preferred embodiment, the flavor source within the flavor unit 130 imparts a flavor component to the aerosol produced by the load 121R of the atomization unit 120. The flavor imparted to the aerosol by the flavor source is carried to the mouthpiece of the suction component generator 100. As described above, the suction component generation device 100 may have a plurality of suction component sources. Instead, the suction component generator 100 may have only one suction component source.

The flavor source in the flavor unit 130 may be solid at room temperature. As an example, the flavor source is composed of raw material pieces of plant material that impart a flavor component to the aerosol. As the raw material piece constituting the flavor source, a molded product obtained by granulating a tobacco material such as chopped tobacco or a tobacco raw material can be used. Instead, the flavor source may be a molded body obtained by molding the tobacco material into a sheet. In addition, the raw material piece constituting the flavor source may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). A fragrance such as menthol may be added to the flavor source.

The suction component generation device 100 may include a mouthpiece 142 having a suction port 141 for the user to suck the suction component. The mouthpiece 142 may be detachably configured to be attached to or detached from the atomization unit 120 or the flavor unit 130, or may be integrally inseparably configured.

The electrical unit 110 may include a power supply 10, a notification unit 40, and a control unit 50. The power supply 10 stores the electric power required for the operation of the flavor aspirator 100. The power supply 10 may be detachable from the electrical unit 110. The power supply 10 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The control unit 50 may include, for example, a control unit 51 such as a microcomputer, a suction sensor 20, and a push button 30. Further, the suction component generation device 100 may include a voltage sensor 150, a current sensor 160, and a temperature sensor 170, if necessary. The control unit 51 performs various controls necessary for the operation of the suction component generation device 100 according to the output values from the voltage sensor 150, the current sensor 160, and the temperature sensor 170. For example, the control unit 51 may constitute a power control unit that controls the power from the power supply 10 to the load 121R.

When the atomization unit 120 is connected to the electrical unit 110, the load 121R provided on the atomization unit 120 is electrically connected to the power supply 10 of the electrical unit 110 (see FIG. 5).

The suction component generation device 100 may include a switch 140 capable of electrically connecting and disconnecting the load 121R and the power supply 10. The switch 140 is opened and closed by the control unit 50. The switch 140 may be composed of, for example, a MOSFET.

When the switch 140 is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 121R. On the other hand, when the switch 140 is turned off, the power supply from the power supply 10 to the load 121R is stopped. ON / OFF of the switch 140 is controlled by the control unit 50.

The control unit 50 may include a request sensor capable of outputting a signal requesting the operation of the load 121R. The request sensor may be, for example, a push button 30 pressed by the user, or a suction sensor 20 that detects the suction operation of the user. The control unit 50 acquires an operation request signal to the load 121R and generates a command for operating the load 121R. In a specific example, the control unit 50 outputs a command for operating the load 121R to the switch 140, and the switch 140 is turned on in response to this command. In this way, the control unit 50 is configured to control the power supply from the power supply 10 to the load 121R. When power is supplied from the power source 10 to the load 121R, the suction component source is vaporized or atomized by the load 121R.

Further, the suction component generation device 100 may include a stop unit 180 that cuts off or reduces the charging current to the power supply 10 as needed. The stop unit 180 may be composed of, for example, a MOSFET switch. By turning off the stop unit 180, the control unit 50 can forcibly cut off or reduce the charging current to the power supply 10 even if the electrical unit 110 is connected to the charger 200. Even if the dedicated stop unit 180 is not provided, the control unit 50 may forcibly cut off or reduce the charging current to the power supply 10 by turning off the switch 140.

The voltage sensor 150 may be configured to output the voltage of the power supply 10. The control unit 50 can obtain the output value of the voltage sensor 150. That is, the control unit 50 is configured to be able to acquire the voltage value of the power supply 10.

The current sensor 160 may be configured to be able to detect the amount of current flowing out of the power supply 10 and the amount of current flowing into the power supply 10. The temperature sensor 170 may be configured to be capable of outputting, for example, the temperature of the power supply 10. The control unit 50 is configured to be able to acquire the outputs of the voltage sensor 150, the current sensor 160, and the temperature sensor 170. The control unit 50 performs various controls using these outputs.

The suction component generation device 100 may have a heater 70 for heating the power supply 10, if necessary. The heater 70 may be provided in the vicinity of the power supply 10, and is configured to be operable by a command from the control unit 50.

The suction sensor 20 may be configured to output an output value that fluctuates according to suction from the suction port. Specifically, the suction sensor 20 outputs a value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) that changes according to the flow rate of air sucked from the non-suction side to the suction side (that is, the user's puff operation). It may be a sensor that does. Examples of such a sensor include a condenser microphone sensor and a known flow rate sensor.

FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the suction sensor 20. The suction sensor 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a sensor body 21, a cover 22, and a substrate 23. The sensor body 21 is composed of, for example, a capacitor. The electric capacity of the sensor body 21 changes due to vibration (pressure) generated by air sucked from the air introduction hole 125 (that is, air sucked from the non-suction side toward the suction side). The cover 22 is provided on the suction port side with respect to the sensor main body 21, and has an opening 22A. By providing the cover 22 having the opening 22A, the electric capacity of the sensor main body 21 is likely to change, and the response characteristics of the sensor main body 21 are improved. The substrate 23 outputs a value (here, a voltage value) indicating the electric capacity of the sensor main body 21 (capacitor).

The suction component generation device 100, more specifically, the electrical unit 110 may be configured to be connectable to a charger 200 that charges the power supply 10 in the electrical unit 110 (see FIG. 6). When the charger 200 is connected to the electrical unit 110, the charger 200 is electrically connected to the power supply 10 of the electrical unit 110.

The electrical unit 110 may have a determination unit for determining whether or not the charger 200 is connected. The determination unit may be a means for determining whether or not the charger 200 is connected, for example, based on a change in the potential difference between the pair of electric terminals to which the charger 200 is connected. The determination unit is not limited to this means, and may be any means as long as it can determine whether or not the charger 200 is connected.

The charger 200 has an external power supply 210 for charging the power supply 10 in the electrical unit 110. The pair of electrical terminals 110t of the electrical unit 110 for electrically connecting the charger 200 can also serve as the pair of electrical terminals of the electrical unit 110 for electrically connecting the load 121R.

When the external power supply 210 is an AC power supply, the charger 200 may have an inverter that converts AC to DC. The charger 200 may include a processor 250 that controls charging of the power source 10. Further, the charger 200 may have an ammeter 230 and a voltmeter 240, if necessary. The ammeter 230 acquires the charging current supplied from the charger 200 to the power source 10. The voltmeter 240 acquires the voltage between the pair of electrical terminals to which the charger 200 is connected. The processor 250 of the charger 200 controls the charging of the power supply 10 using the output values from the ammeter 230 and / or the voltmeter 240. The charger 200 may further include a voltage sensor that acquires a DC voltage output by the inverter, and a converter that can boost and / or step down the DC voltage output by the inverter.

For the purpose of simplifying the structure of the suction component generation device 100, the processor 250 of the charger 200 may be configured to be incommunicable with the control unit 50 of the electrical unit 110. That is, a communication terminal for communicating between the processor 250 of the charger 200 and the control unit 50 is unnecessary. In other words, in the connection interface with the charger 200, the electrical unit 110 has only two electric terminals, one for the main positive bus and one for the main negative bus.

The notification unit 40 issues a notification for notifying the user of various types of information. The notification unit 40 may be a light emitting element such as an LED. Instead, the notification unit 40 may be an element that generates sound or a vibrator.

The notification unit 40 may be configured to notify the user when at least the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is not insufficient and when the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient based on the voltage of the power supply 10. .. For example, the notification unit 40 issues a notification when the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient, which is different from the case where the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is not insufficient. The shortage of the remaining amount of the power supply 10 can be determined by, for example, the voltage of the power supply 10 being near the discharge end voltage.

(Power supply mode)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control method in the power supply mode according to the embodiment. The power supply mode is a mode in which power can be supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 121R. The power feeding mode can be implemented at least when the atomization unit 120 is connected to the electrical unit 110.

The control unit 50 sets the counter (Co) for measuring the value related to the load operation amount to “0” (step S100), and determines whether or not the operation request signal for the load 121R has been acquired (step S102). ). The operation request signal may be a signal acquired from the suction sensor 20 when the suction sensor 20 detects the user's suction operation. That is, the control unit 50 may perform PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control on the switch 140 when the suction sensor 20 detects the suction operation of the user (step S104). Instead, the operation request signal may be a signal acquired from the push button 30 when it is detected that the push button 30 has been pressed. That is, when the control unit 50 detects that the push button is pressed by the user, the control unit 50 may perform PWM control on the switch 140 (step S104). In step S104, PFM (Pulse Fluorescence Modulation) control may be performed instead of PWM control. The duty ratio in PWM control and the switching frequency in PFM control may be adjusted by various parameters such as the voltage of the power supply 10 acquired by the voltage sensor 150.

When PWM control is performed on the switch 140 by the control unit 50, an aerosol is generated.

The control unit 50 determines whether or not it has detected the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R (step S106). When the control unit 50 detects the end timing, the control unit 50 ends the power supply to the load (step S108). When the control unit 50 ends the power supply to the load (step S108), the control unit 50 acquires a value (ΔCo) related to the operating amount of the load 121R (step S110). The value (ΔCo) related to the operation amount of the load 121R acquired here is a value between steps S104 and S108. The value (ΔCo) related to the operating amount of the load 121R is consumed, for example, in a predetermined time, that is, the amount of power supplied to the load 121R between steps S104 to S108, the operating time of the load 121R, or the predetermined time. It may be the consumption of the suction component source.

Next, the cumulative value “Co = Co + ΔCo” of the value related to the operation amount of the load 121R is acquired (step S112). After that, the control unit 50 executes the first diagnostic function (step S114) as needed.

The end timing of the power supply to the load 121R may be the timing when the suction sensor 20 detects the end of the operation for using the load 121R. For example, the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R may be the timing when the end of the suction operation by the user is detected. Instead, the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R may be the timing when the release of the push button 30 is detected. Further, the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R may be the timing when it is detected that a predetermined cutoff time has elapsed from the start of the power supply to the load 121R. The predetermined cutoff time may be preset based on the period required for one suction operation by a general user. For example, the predetermined cutoff time may be in the range of 1-5 seconds, preferably 1.5-3 seconds, more preferably 1.5-2.5 seconds.

When the control unit 50 does not detect the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R, the control unit 50 executes PWM control for the switch 140 again and continues the power supply to the load 121R (step S104). After that, when the control unit 50 detects the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R, it acquires the value related to the operation amount of the load 121R (step S110) and derives the cumulative value of the value related to the operation amount of the load 121R (step S110). Step S112).

As a result, when the power supply to the load is completed (step S108), the control unit 50 performs from the acquisition of the operation request signal to the load to the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R, that is, in one puff operation. A value related to the operation amount of the load 121R can be acquired. The amount of operation of the load 121R in one puff operation may be, for example, the amount of electric power supplied to the load 121R in one puff operation. Instead, the amount of operation of the load 121R in one puff operation may be, for example, the operation time of the load 121R in one puff operation. The operation time of the load 121R may be the sum of the power pulses (see also FIG. 8) supplied to the load 121R in one puff operation, that is, the time required for one puff operation, that is, the operation request to the load 121R. It may be the time from the acquisition of the signal to the detection of the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R. Further, the operating amount of the load 121R in one puffing operation may be the consumption amount of the suction component source consumed in one puffing operation. The consumption amount of the suction component source can be estimated from, for example, the amount of electric power supplied to the load 121R. When the suction component source is a liquid, the consumption amount of the suction component source can be obtained by a sensor that measures the weight of the suction component source remaining in the reservoir or the height of the liquid level of the suction component source. it can. Further, the operating amount of the load 121R in one puff operation may be the temperature of the load 121R, for example, the maximum temperature of the load 121R in one puffing operation, or the amount of heat generated by the load 121R. The temperature and heat quantity of the load 121R can be acquired or estimated by using, for example, a temperature sensor.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of controlling the amount of electric power supplied from the power source 10 to the load 121R. FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the output value of the suction sensor 20 and the supply voltage to the load 121R.

The suction sensor 20 is configured to output an output value that fluctuates according to suction from the suction port 141. As shown in FIG. 8, the output value of the suction sensor 20 may be a value corresponding to the flow velocity or flow rate of the gas in the flavor suction device (for example, a value indicating a pressure change in the suction component generation device 100). It is not limited to this.

When the suction sensor 20 outputs an output value that fluctuates according to the suction, the control unit 50 may be configured to detect the suction according to the output value of the suction sensor 20. For example, the control unit 50 may be configured to detect a suction operation by the user when the output value of the suction sensor 20 becomes the first predetermined value O1 or more. Therefore, the control unit 50 may determine that the operation request signal to the load 121R has been acquired when the output value of the suction sensor 20 becomes the first predetermined value O1 or more (step S102). On the other hand, the control unit 50 may determine that it has detected the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R when the output value of the suction sensor 20 becomes the second predetermined value O2 or less (step S106). In this way, the control unit 50 is configured to be able to derive a value related to the operation amount of the load 121R, for example, the total time for supplying electric power to the load 121R in one puff operation, based on the output of the suction sensor 20. You can. More specifically, the control unit 50 is configured to be able to derive a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R based on at least one of the detected suction period or suction amount.

Here, the control unit 50 is configured to detect suction only when the absolute value of the output value of the suction sensor 20 is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value (predetermined threshold value) O1. As a result, it is possible to prevent the load 121R from operating due to the noise of the suction sensor 20. Further, the second predetermined value O2 for detecting the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R is a value for executing the transition from the state in which the load 121R is already operating to the state in which the load 121R is not operating. Therefore, it may be smaller than the first predetermined value O1. This is because a malfunction due to picking up noise from the suction sensor 20 as in the first predetermined value O1, that is, a transition from a state in which the load 121R is not operating to a state in which the load 121R is operating cannot occur.

Further, the control unit 50 may have a power control unit that controls the amount of power supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 121R. The power control unit adjusts, for example, the amount of power supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 121R by pulse width modulation (PWM) control. The duty ratio with respect to the pulse width may be less than 100%. The power control unit may control the amount of power supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 121R by pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control instead of pulse width control.

For example, when the voltage value of the power supply 10 is relatively high, the control unit 50 narrows the pulse width of the voltage supplied to the load 121R (see the graph in the middle of FIG. 8). For example, when the voltage value of the power supply 10 is relatively low, the control unit 50 widens the pulse width of the voltage supplied to the load 121R (see the lower graph of FIG. 8). The pulse width can be controlled, for example, by adjusting the time from the ON of the switch 140 to the OFF of the switch 140. Since the voltage value of the power supply 10 decreases as the charge amount of the power supply decreases, the power amount may be adjusted according to the voltage value. When the control unit 50 executes pulse width modulation (PWM) control in this way, the effective value of the voltage supplied to the load 121R is about the same in both the case where the voltage of the power supply 10 is relatively high and the case where the voltage is relatively low. It becomes.

As described above, it is preferable that the power control unit is configured to control the voltage applied to the load 121R by pulse width modulation (PWM) control having a larger duty ratio as the voltage value of the power supply 10 becomes lower. .. As a result, the amount of aerosol generated during the puff operation can be made substantially uniform regardless of the remaining amount of the power supply 10. More preferably, the power control unit controls the duty ratio of pulse width modulation (PWM) control so that the amount of power per pulse supplied to the load 121R is constant.

(1st diagnostic function)
FIG. 9 shows an example of a flowchart of the first diagnostic function. The first diagnostic function is for estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operated while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the predetermined voltage range. It is the processing of. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a predetermined voltage range in the first diagnostic function.

Specifically, the control unit 50 first acquires the voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 (step S200). The voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 can be obtained by using the voltage sensor 150. The voltage of the power supply 10 may be an open circuit voltage (OCV, Open Circuit Voltage) obtained without electrically connecting the load 121R to the power supply 10, and the load 121R is electrically connected to the power supply 10. It may be the acquired closed circuit voltage (CCV, Closed Circuit Voltage). However, in order to eliminate the influence of the voltage drop due to the electrical connection of the load 121R and the change in internal resistance and temperature due to discharge, the voltage of the power supply 10 is based on the open circuit voltage (OCV) rather than the closed circuit voltage (CCV). It is preferable to be specified. The open circuit voltage (OCV) is obtained by acquiring the voltage of the power supply 10 with the switch 140 turned off. The open circuit voltage (OCV) may be estimated from the closed circuit voltage (CCV) by various known methods without acquiring the open circuit voltage (OCV) by using the voltage sensor 150.

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the acquired voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range (step S202). When the voltage of the power supply 10 is higher than the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range, the process ends without estimating or detecting the deterioration and failure of the power supply.

When the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or less than the upper limit of the default voltage range, it is determined whether or not the voltage value of the power supply acquired during the puff operation one time before, that is, the previous puff operation is not more than the upper limit value of the above-mentioned default voltage range. (Step S204). When the voltage value of the power supply 10 acquired during the previous puff operation, that is, the previous puff operation, is higher than the upper limit value of the above-mentioned predetermined voltage range, the voltage value of the power supply 10 is set to the above-mentioned default value only by the latest puff operation. It can be judged that the voltage range is below the upper limit. In this case, the cumulative counter (ICо) that counts the cumulative value of the value related to the operation amount of the load 121 is set to “0” (step S206). When the cumulative counter (ICо) is set to “0”, the process proceeds to step S208 below.

When the voltage value of the power supply acquired one time before, that is, during the previous puff operation is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the above-mentioned predetermined voltage range (step S204), or the cumulative counter (ICо) is set to "0". When set (step S206), it is determined whether or not the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range (step S208).

When the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or greater than the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range, the integrated value “ICо = ICо + Cо” of the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R is derived (step S210). Here, “Cо” is a value cumulatively acquired in step S112 shown in FIG. Then, the process is terminated without estimating or detecting the deterioration or failure of the power supply 10.

When this process is completed, the control unit 50 waits until the operation request signal to the load 121R is acquired again (step S102 in FIG. 7). When the control unit 50 acquires the operation request signal to the load 121R again, the control unit 50 derives a value (Cо) related to the operation amount of the load 121R in one puff operation, and starts the first diagnostic function S114 again.

When the voltage of the power supply 10 is in the predetermined voltage range in the first diagnostic function, the control unit 50 integrates the values related to the operating amount of the load 121R (step S210). As a result, the control unit 50 can acquire a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R that has been operated while the acquired voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the predetermined voltage range.

In step S208, when the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range, the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operated while the acquired voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the predetermined voltage range, That is, it is determined whether or not the integrated value of the ICо described above is larger than the predetermined threshold value (step S220). When the integrated value of ICо described above is larger than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the power supply 10 is normal, and the process of the first diagnostic function is terminated.

When the integrated value of the ICо described above is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated or failed (step S220), and the control unit 50 notifies the user of the abnormality through the notification unit 40 (step S224). The notification unit 40 can notify the user of the deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 by a predetermined light, sound, or vibration. Further, the control unit 50 may be controlled so as to disable the power supply to the load 121R, if necessary, when it is determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated or failed. In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range (step S208), the operation of the load 121R is set to the integrated value ICо of the value related to the operation amount of the load 121R. Do not add the value Cо related to the quantity. In other words, if step S208 is determined to be positive, step S210 is not executed. Instead, when it is determined that the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range (step S208), the integrated value ICо of the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R is related to the operating amount of the load 121R. The value Cо to be used may be added. In other words, even if step S208 is determined to be positive, the same steps as in step S210 may be executed. In this case, the same step as step S210 can be executed before step S220.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the power supply 10 deteriorates, the voltage of the power supply 10 rapidly decreases as the value related to the operating amount of the load, for example, the amount of electric power to the load 121 or the operating time of the load 121 increases. Therefore, the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operated while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the predetermined voltage range decreases as the power supply deteriorates. This is shown in FIG. 10 by the relationship "Q1 <Q2". Note that Q1 in FIG. 10 is a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R that was operated while the voltage value of the voltage 10 was in the predetermined voltage range when the power supply 10 was a deteriorated product. On the other hand, Q2 in FIG. 10 is a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R that was operated while the voltage value of the voltage 10 was in the predetermined voltage range when the power supply 10 was new. Therefore, as described above, the control unit 50 can estimate or detect the deterioration of the power supply 10 based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R that operates while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the predetermined voltage range. is there. When the power supply 10 fails, the voltage of the power supply 10 rapidly increases as the value related to the operation amount of the load, for example, the amount of power to the load 121R or the operation time of the load 121 increases, as in the case where the power supply 10 deteriorates. Decreases to. Therefore, the control unit 50 can estimate or detect the failure of the power supply 10 based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R that operates while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the predetermined voltage range. That is, the control unit 50 can estimate or detect at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10 based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operated while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the predetermined voltage range. Is.

The default threshold value used in step S220 may be experimentally determined in advance according to the type of the power supply 10. This default threshold is set lower than the value associated with the amount of operation of the load 121R that the new power supply 10 can operate in the predetermined voltage range.

As described above, the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R may be the amount of electric power supplied to the load 121R, the operating time of the load 121R, the consumption amount of the suction component source, or the like.

Here, when the pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the power supplied to the load 121R is performed based on the voltage of the power supply 10 acquired by the voltmeter 150 as described above, the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R is , The operating time of the load 121R is more preferable. In this case, the operation time of the load 121R is the time required for one puff operation, that is, the time from the acquisition of the operation request signal to the load 121R to the detection of the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R. .. Since the amount of power supplied to the load 121R per unit time is made uniform by the pulse width modulation (PWM) control, the operating time of the load 121R is proportional to the total amount of power supplied to the load 121R in the predetermined voltage range. To do. Therefore, when pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the power supplied to the load 121R is performed, the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R is defined by the operating time of the load 121R, so that the control is relatively simple and highly accurate. The power supply 10 can be diagnosed.

Instead of the example described above, the value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R may be the number of operations of the load 121R that has operated in the predetermined voltage range. In this case, steps S110 and S112 are unnecessary in the flowchart of FIG. Then, in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the number of times the voltage of the power supply 10 enters the predetermined voltage range may be counted. Specifically, in step S210, "ICо = ICо + Cо" may be replaced with "ICо = ICо + 1".

Further, instead of the above-mentioned example, the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R may be the number of replacements of a replaceable cartridge containing the suction component source, for example, the flavor unit 130. In the suction component generation device 100, which needs to replace the cartridge a plurality of times before the charge of the power supply 10 is consumed, the number of cartridge replacements can be used as a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R.

The control unit 50 executes an algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10, that is, the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the first temperature threshold value. The algorithm may be configured to be modifiable or modifiable. Specifically, it is preferable that the control unit 50 is modified so that the predetermined threshold value in step S220 is reduced, and the comparison in step S220 is performed based on the modified threshold value. The first temperature threshold may be set in the range of, for example, 1 to 5 ° C.

It is known that when the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, the internal resistance (impedance) of the power supply 10 increases. As a result, even if the power supply 10 is not deteriorated, the operating amount of the load 121R that operates while it is in the predetermined voltage range is reduced. Therefore, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, by modifying the threshold value in step S220 to be small, the influence of the temperature is mitigated and the deterioration or failure detection accuracy of the power supply 10 is suppressed from being lowered. be able to.

Further, the control unit 50 may be configured not to perform estimation or detection of at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the second temperature threshold value. That is, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the second temperature threshold value, the control unit 50 does not have to execute the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. Here, the second temperature threshold value may be smaller than the first temperature threshold value. The second temperature threshold may be set, for example, in the range of −1 to 1 ° C.

Further, the control unit 50 may heat the power supply 10 by controlling the heater 70 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the third temperature threshold value. When the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, raising the temperature of the power supply 10 can prevent the deterioration or failure detection accuracy of the power supply 10 from being lowered. The third temperature threshold may be set, for example, in the range of −1 to 1 ° C.

(Default voltage range in the first diagnostic function)
The default voltage range used in the first diagnostic function will be further described with reference to FIG. The default voltage range may be a predetermined interval (voltage range) between the end-of-discharge voltage and the full charge voltage. Therefore, the first diagnostic function is not executed when the voltage value of the power supply 10 is less than the discharge end voltage.

The default voltage range is preferably set to a range excluding the plateau range in which the change in the voltage value of the power supply 10 with respect to the change in the stored amount or the charging state of the power supply 10 is small as compared with other voltage ranges. The plateau range is defined by, for example, a voltage range in which the amount of change in the voltage of the power supply 10 with respect to a change in the charging state (SOC) is 0.01 to 0.005 (V /%) or less.

Since the plateau range has a large storage capacity in a relatively small voltage range, the value related to the operation of the load 121R may fluctuate greatly in the relatively small voltage range. Therefore, there is an increased possibility that a false detection will occur in the first diagnostic function described above. Therefore, it is preferable that the default voltage range is set to a range excluding the plateau range.

The plateau range in which the default voltage range is not set is the plateau range in which the change in the voltage value of the power supply 10 with respect to the change in the stored amount or the charging state of the power supply 10 in the new state is small compared to other voltage ranges, and the power supply in the deteriorated state. The change in the voltage value of the power supply 10 with respect to the change in the stored amount or the charging state of the 10 may be defined by a plateau range in which the change in the voltage value of the power supply 10 is small as compared with other voltage ranges, and a range including both. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneous detection of both the new power supply 10 and the deteriorated power supply 10.

Further, the first diagnostic function may be performed in a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges. It is preferred that the plurality of default voltage ranges do not overlap each other. The control unit 50 can perform the first diagnostic function in exactly the same flow as the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 in each predetermined voltage range.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, three predetermined voltage ranges (first section, second section, and third section) are set. In one example, the upper limit of the first section may be 4.1V and the lower limit of the first section may be 3.9V. The upper limit of the second section may be 3.9V, and the lower limit of the second section may be 3.75V. The upper limit of the third section may be 3.75 V, and the lower limit of the third section may be 3.7 V.

The control unit 50 compares step S220 in each of the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges, and the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R in at least one of the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges is the above-mentioned default value. When it is equal to or less than the threshold value (see step S220), it may be determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated or failed.

It is preferable that the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges are set narrower as the change in the voltage value of the power supply 10 with respect to the change in the stored amount or the charging state of the power supply 10 is smaller. As a result, the values related to the operating amount of the load 121R operating in each predetermined voltage range are made uniform, so that the accuracy of the first diagnostic function performed in each predetermined voltage range is made uniform.

Further, the control unit 50 operates while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the specific voltage range even in a specific voltage range including one or more predetermined voltage ranges among the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges. It may be configured so that at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated or detected based on the value related to the operation amount of the 121R. Specifically, the control unit 50 sets, for example, a voltage range including at least two, preferably three sections of the first section, the second section, and the third section shown in FIG. 10 as a specific voltage range. Then, the diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9 may be executed.

When performing the diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9 in a specific voltage range including two or more predetermined voltage ranges adjacent to each other among a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges, the default threshold value used in step S220 is each default. It is preferably smaller than the sum of the default thresholds used in step S220 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 executed in the voltage range of. For example, when the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is executed in the entire section including the first section, the second section, and the third section, the default threshold value used in step S220 is the first section, the second section, and the third section. It may be smaller than the sum of the default threshold values used in step S220 when the flowcharts shown in FIG. 9 are executed separately for each. As a result, even if at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 cannot be estimated or detected in each of the first section, the second section, and the third section depending on the state of the power supply 10 and the usage of the suction component generation device 100. , At least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated or detected in the whole section. Therefore, the accuracy of estimation or detection of at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 can be improved.

(Irregular processing of the first diagnostic function)
When charging the power supply 10 causes the power supply 10 to be charged to a value greater than the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range and less than the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range, typically not to the full charge voltage, the entire defined voltage range. Since it is not possible to acquire a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operated in, the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9 described above may not function normally.

Further, if a long period of time elapses after the suction component source is vaporized or atomized by the load 121R, the power supply 10 may spontaneously discharge due to a dark current or the like, and the voltage of the power supply 10 may naturally decrease. In such a case, the voltage range that contributes to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source may not be 100%, but may be a predetermined ratio or less than the predetermined voltage range described above. For example, it is assumed that the voltage of the power supply 10 drops from 3.9V to 3.8V due to vaporization or atomization of the suction component source, and then the voltage of the power supply 10 becomes 3.65V after being left for a long time. To do. In this case, the voltage range that contributes to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source is about 40% of the predetermined voltage range (second section in FIG. 10). When the voltage of the power supply 10 drops significantly regardless of the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source in this way, the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9 described above may not function normally.

Such long-term leaving can be detected based on the elapsed time from the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source by the load 121R. That is, the control unit 50 may start the timer for counting the elapsed time at step S108 in FIG. 7. Instead, the long-term standing can be detected based on the voltage change of the power supply 10 after the suction component source is vaporized or atomized by the load 121R. In this case, the control unit 50 may acquire the difference between the current voltage of the power supply 10 and the voltage of the power supply 10 acquired before that at step S200 of FIG. When the voltage difference exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 50 can determine that it has been left for a long time.

Therefore, as described above, when a situation occurs in which the first diagnostic function does not function normally, it is preferable to modify the algorithm of the first diagnostic function or not perform the first diagnostic function.

For example, the control unit 50 determines deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 in the predetermined voltage range when the range contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source in the predetermined voltage range is equal to or less than the predetermined ratio or width. It is preferable not to do so. As a result, when the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R that has operated in the entire predetermined voltage range cannot be acquired due to halfway charging, natural discharge, etc., the control unit 50 erroneously detects by the first diagnostic function. It can be prevented from doing so.

Instead, the control unit 50 reduces the default threshold in step S220 shown in FIG. 9 when the range contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source in the predetermined voltage range is less than or equal to the predetermined ratio or width. You may modify it. For example, the first diagnostic function is executed while suppressing erroneous detection of the first diagnostic function by making a small correction to the predetermined threshold value according to the range that contributed to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source in the predetermined voltage range. can do.

Further, as described above, when the first diagnostic function is executed in a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges, the control unit 50 contributes to vaporization or atomization of the suction component source in the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges. In the irregular range where the range is less than the predetermined ratio or width, it is not necessary to judge the deterioration or failure of the power supply. That is, in each predetermined voltage range (for example, the first section, the second section, or the third section), a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R is sufficiently acquired by halfway charging, natural discharge, or the like. In the section (irregular range) where the discharge is not possible, the control unit 50 does not judge the deterioration or failure of the power supply.

Even in this case, the control unit 50 is in a specific voltage range including one or more predetermined voltage ranges out of a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the specific voltage range. At least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10 may be estimated or detected based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R that has been operated. In this case, it is preferable that the specific voltage range including one or more predetermined voltage ranges is set excluding the irregular range.

For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, when the power supply 10 is charged until the voltage of the power supply 10 reaches 4.05V, the first diagnostic function may not be executed in the first section. In this case, at least one of the deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 is based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operated in the voltage range of the combined section (3.7V to 3.9V) of the second section and the third section. One may be estimated or detected.

In this case, the default threshold value used in step S220 when the first diagnostic function is performed based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operating in the voltage range of the combined section of the first section and the second section is the first threshold value. A default threshold value (specification) used in step S220 when the first diagnostic function is performed based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operated in the voltage range of the entire section including the first section, the second section, and the third section. The threshold value) is subtracted from the value below the predetermined threshold value used in step S220 when the first diagnostic function is performed based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R operated in the voltage range of the third section. It may have been done.

Further, as described above, when there are irregular ranges in a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges, the first in a wider range including the irregular ranges, for example, the entire section (first section, second section and third section). When performing the diagnostic function, the default threshold used in step S220 may be modified to be smaller.

The control unit 50 corrects at least one of the lower limit value and the predetermined threshold value of the predetermined voltage range based on the voltage of the power supply 10 that contributes to vaporization or atomization of the suction component source after being left for a long time in the predetermined voltage range. You may. As an example, the control unit 50 is modified so that the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range is small (close to 0V), and the first diagnosis is made in the predetermined voltage range without modifying the default threshold value. You may perform the function. As another example, the control unit 50 performs the first diagnostic function in the predetermined voltage range by modifying the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range so as to be smaller without modifying the lower limit value. You may. As another example, the control unit 50 may modify both the lower limit value and the predetermined threshold value of the predetermined voltage range to execute the first diagnostic function in the predetermined voltage range.

In the control unit 50, the voltage of the power supply 10 that contributed to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source after being left for a long time in the predetermined voltage range and the voltage of the power supply 10 from the voltage to the lower limit of the default voltage range A new default voltage range and the corresponding default threshold in step S220 shown in FIG. 9 may be set based on the value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R that has been operated before the descent. This newly set default voltage range will be used in the first diagnostic function after the next charge.

The control unit 50 corrects at least one of the lower limit value and the predetermined threshold value of the predetermined voltage range based on the voltage of the power supply 10 that contributes to vaporization or atomization of the suction component source after being left for a long time in the predetermined voltage range. You may. As an example, the control unit 50 is modified so that the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range is small (close to 0V), and the first diagnosis is made in the predetermined voltage range without modifying the default threshold value. You may perform the function. As another example, the control unit 50 performs the first diagnostic function in the predetermined voltage range by modifying the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range so as to be smaller without modifying the lower limit value. You may. As another example, the control unit 50 may modify both the lower limit value and the predetermined threshold value of the predetermined voltage range to execute the first diagnostic function in the predetermined voltage range.

Further, the control unit 50 may continue to monitor the voltage of the power supply 10 even when the suction component generation device 100 is not in use, for example, while the load 121R is not operating. In this case, even if the voltage of the power supply 10 falls below the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range without contributing to vaporization or atomization of the suction component source such as natural discharge, FIG. 9 as described above shows. The first diagnostic function may be executed while correcting the default threshold value in step S220 shown.

Instead, the control unit 50 may acquire an integrated value obtained by integrating the time during which the voltage of the power supply 10 drops without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source. If this integrated value is converted into a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R based on a predetermined relationship, the first diagnosis is performed without correcting the default threshold value in step S220 shown in FIG. 9 as described above. Can perform functions. That is, the control unit 50 integrates the time when the voltage of the power supply drops as an integrated value without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source in a predetermined range, and corrects the integrated value based on the predetermined relationship. , It may be added to the value related to the operation amount of the load. As an example, the current value or power consumption per unit time when the voltage of the power supply 10 drops without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source, and the power consumption of the power supply 10 while contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source. Based on the current value when the voltage drops or the ratio of the power consumption per unit time, the integrated value may be corrected to be small and converted into a value related to the operating amount of the load 121R. The current value or power consumption per unit time when the voltage of the power supply 10 drops without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source, and the voltage of the power supply 10 while contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source. The current value or the power consumption per unit time when the voltage drops may be measured by a voltage sensor 150, a current sensor 160, or the like. Alternatively, instead of this, these values may be stored in advance in a memory or the like in the control unit 50, and the control unit 51 may read these values as needed. Instead of these values, the current value or power consumption per unit time when the voltage of the power supply 10 drops without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source, and the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source. The current value or the ratio of the power consumption per unit time when the voltage of the power supply 10 drops while contributing may be directly stored in the memory.

(Charge control by the charger processor)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method by the processor of the charger 200. The processor 250 determines whether or not it is connected to the electrical unit 110 (step S300). The processor 250 waits until the charger 200 is connected to the electrical unit 110.

The connection between the processor 250 and the electrical unit 110 can be detected by a known method. For example, the processor 250 can determine whether or not it is connected to the electrical unit 110 by detecting the change in voltage between the pair of electric terminals of the charger 200 with the voltmeter 240.

When the charger 200 is connected to the electrical unit 110, the processor 250 determines whether the power supply 10 is deeply discharged (step S302). Here, the deep discharge of the power supply 10 means a state in which the voltage of the power supply 10 is lower than the deep discharge determination voltage lower than the discharge end voltage. The deep discharge determination voltage may be in the range of 3.1 V to 3.2 V, for example.

The processor 250 of the charger 200 can estimate the voltage of the power supply 10 by the voltmeter 240. The processor 250 can determine whether or not the power supply 10 is deeply discharged by comparing the estimated value of the voltage of the power supply 10 with the deep discharge determination voltage.

When the processor 250 determines that the power supply 10 is deeply discharged, the processor 250 charges the power supply 10 with a low rate of power (step S304). As a result, the power source 10 can recover from a deeply discharged state to a voltage state higher than the discharge end voltage.

When the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage, the processor 250 determines whether or not the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or higher than the switching voltage (step S306). The switching voltage is a threshold value for partitioning the section of constant current charging (CC charging) and the section of constant voltage charging (CV charging). The switching voltage may be, for example, in the range of 4.0 V to 4.1 V.

When the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than the switching voltage, the processor 250 charges the power supply 10 by the constant current charging method (step S308). When the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or higher than the switching voltage, the processor 250 charges the power supply 10 by a constant voltage charging method (step S310). In the constant voltage charging method, the voltage of the power supply 10 increases as the charging progresses, so that the charging current decreases.

When the power source 10 is started to be charged by the constant voltage charging method, the processor 250 determines whether or not the charging current is equal to or less than the predetermined charging completion current (step S312). Here, the charging current can be acquired by the ammeter 230 in the charger 200. When the charging current is larger than the predetermined charging completion current, the power supply 10 is continuously charged by the constant voltage charging method.

When the charging current is equal to or less than the predetermined charging completion current, the processor 250 determines that the power supply 10 is in a fully charged state and stops charging (step S314).

(Control by control unit in charging mode)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method of the control unit in the charging mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an increase in voltage between a normal power supply and a deteriorated or failed power supply during charging. The charging mode is a mode in which the power supply 10 can be charged.

The control unit 50 may perform a second diagnostic function of estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 while charging the power supply 10 by the charger 200. In the present embodiment, the second diagnostic function may include a failure diagnosis function for diagnosing a failure of the power supply 10 and a deterioration diagnosis function for diagnosing deterioration of the power supply 10. As will be described in detail below, the control unit 50 causes deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply 10 to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range while charging the power supply 10. At least one of them may be configured so that it can be estimated or detected. Since the voltage value of the power supply 10 can be obtained by using the voltage sensor 150, the control unit 50 can perform the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function described later without communicating with the processor 250 of the charger 200. it can.

Specifically, first, if the control unit 50 is not activated during charging, the control unit 50 is automatically activated (step S400). More specifically, when the voltage of the power supply 10 exceeds the lower limit of the operation guarantee voltage of the control unit 50, the control unit 50 is automatically started. Here, the lower limit of the operation guarantee voltage may be within the range of the deep discharge voltage. The lower limit of the operation guarantee voltage may be, for example, in the range of 2.0V to 2.5V.

The control unit 50 determines whether or not it is in the charging mode (step S402). The charging mode can be determined by detecting the connection of the charger 200 to the electrical unit 110. The connection of the charger 200 to the electrical unit 110 can be detected by acquiring a change in voltage between the pair of electrical terminals 110t.

When the control unit 50 detects the connection of the charger 200 to the electrical unit 110, the timer is activated and the time from the start of charging or the activation of the control unit is measured (step S404).

Next, the control unit 50 executes the failure diagnosis function of the power supply 10. Specifically, the control unit 50 acquires the voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 and determines whether the voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 is larger than the deep discharge determination voltage (step S406). The voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 can be obtained by using the voltage sensor 150. The deep discharge determination voltage is as described above, and may be, for example, in the range of 3.1 V to 3.2 V (discharge end voltage). While charging the power supply 10, the control unit 50 periodically acquires the voltage of the power supply 10.

When the electrode structure and electrolyte of the power supply 10 are irreversibly changed due to deep discharge, the electrochemical reaction during normal charging does not proceed inside the power supply 10 even if the power supply 10 is charged. Therefore, when the time during which the voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 is equal to or lower than the deep discharge determination voltage exceeds a predetermined time from the start of the timer, for example, 300 msec, the control unit 50 fails due to the deep discharge of the power supply 10. Is estimated or detected (steps S408 and S410). Further, even when the time required for the voltage value of the power supply 10 from the start of the timer to the deep discharge determination voltage exceeds a predetermined time, for example, 300 msec, the control unit 50 states that the power supply 10 has failed due to the deep discharge. Judgment (steps S412 and S410).

When it is estimated or detected that the power supply 10 has failed due to deep discharge, the control unit 50 may execute a predetermined protection operation (step S414). The protection operation may be, for example, an operation in which the control unit 50 forcibly stops or limits the charging of the power supply 10. The forced stop or restriction of charging can be achieved by disconnecting the electrical connection between the power supply 10 and the charger 200 within the electrical unit 110. For example, the control unit 50 may turn off at least one of the switch 140 and the stop unit 180. When the control unit 50 estimates or detects that the power supply 10 has failed due to deep discharge, the control unit 50 may notify the user of the abnormality through the notification unit 40.

As described above, the control unit 50 may execute the failure diagnosis function based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply 10 to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range while charging the power supply 10.

The lower limit of the predetermined voltage range may be, for example, the lower limit of the operation guarantee voltage of the control unit 50. In this case, as described above, if the control unit 50 executes the failure diagnosis function based on the time required from the start of the timer after the start of the control unit 50 to the deep discharge determination voltage (predetermined threshold value). Good. Instead, the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range may be set to a value lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply 10 and larger than the lower limit of the operation guarantee voltage of the control unit 50. In this case, the timer may be started when the voltage of the power supply 10 reaches the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range.

It is preferable that the above-mentioned failure diagnosis function is configured to be infeasible when the suction component generation device 100 is in a mode other than the charging mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the possibility that the failure diagnosis function is erroneously executed when the voltage of the power supply 10 temporarily drops to a deep discharge due to a factor such as falling into an extremely low temperature state in the power supply mode.

Further, the above-mentioned failure diagnosis function may be configured to estimate or detect a failure of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply 10 is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply 10 during charging of the power supply 10.

If the time required for the voltage value of the power supply 10 from the start of the timer to the deep discharge determination voltage is a predetermined time, for example, 300 msec or less, it is judged that the influence of the deep discharge is small, and the power supply 10 is continuously charged. It may be done (step S416). In this case, the control unit 50 may further execute the deterioration diagnosis function described below. In order to prevent hunting of the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function, the control unit 50 is preferably configured so as not to execute the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function at the same time.

In the deterioration diagnosis function, first, the control unit 50 acquires the voltage value of the power supply 10 during charging, and determines whether or not the voltage of the power supply is equal to or higher than the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range (step S420). Here, it is preferable that the upper limit value of the default voltage range used in the above-mentioned failure diagnosis function is smaller than the lower limit value of the default voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function. On the other hand, the default voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function preferably does not include the discharge end voltage. By setting the predetermined voltage range used for each of the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function in this way, the hunting of the above-mentioned failure diagnosis function and deterioration diagnosis function can be prevented more effectively.

The control unit 50 is configured to be able to execute a deterioration diagnosis function that estimates or detects deterioration of the power supply 10 when the voltage value of the power supply 10 is higher than the discharge end voltage of the power supply 10 during charging of the power supply 10. More preferred. As a result, hunting of the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function can be prevented. In order to prevent hunting of the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function, the control unit 50 is configured not to execute both the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function when the voltage of the power supply 10 is the discharge end voltage. You may be.

When the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or higher than the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range, the control unit 50 resets the timer and restarts the timer (step S422). The control unit 50 measures the elapsed time with a timer until the voltage of the power supply 10 becomes equal to or higher than the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range (step S424).

When the power supply 10 deteriorates, the voltage values that the power supply 10 can take, such as the full charge voltage and the discharge end voltage, do not change, but the full charge capacity of the power supply 10 tends to decrease. Therefore, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the elapsed time required for the voltage of the power supply 10 to reach the upper limit value from the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range is larger than the predetermined time (step S426). The control unit 50 estimates or detects that the power supply 10 has deteriorated when the voltage value of the power supply 10 reaches the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range within a predetermined time while charging the power supply 10 (step S428). ..

When it is estimated or detected that the power supply 10 has deteriorated, the control unit 50 may perform a predetermined protection operation (step S430). The protection operation may be, for example, an operation in which the control unit 50 forcibly stops or limits the charging of the power supply 10. The forced stop or restriction of charging can be achieved by disconnecting the electrical connection between the power supply 10 and the charger 200 within the electrical unit 110. For example, the control unit 50 may turn off at least one of the switch 140 and the stop unit 180. Further, when it is estimated or detected that the power supply 10 has deteriorated, the control unit 50 may notify the user of the abnormality through the notification unit 40.

If the voltage value of the power supply 10 does not reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range within the predetermined time while the power supply 10 is being charged, the control unit 50 determines that the deterioration of the power supply 10 is minor, and the power supply 10 as it is. Charging is continued (step S432).

The failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function may be configured to be performed using the same variable value, in the above-mentioned example, the elapsed time from the lower limit to the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range. In this case, it is preferable that the magnitude relationship between the variable value and the threshold value for estimating or detecting that the power supply has failed or deteriorated is reversed between the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function. More specifically, when the variable value used for the failure diagnosis function, in the above-mentioned example, the above-mentioned elapsed time is larger than the first threshold value, for example, 300 msec, the control unit 50 determines that the power supply 10 has failed. On the other hand, when the variable value used for the deterioration diagnosis function, in the above-mentioned example, the above-mentioned elapsed time is smaller than the second threshold value (predetermined time), the control unit 50 determines that the power supply 10 has deteriorated. As shown in FIG. 13, in the voltage range below the discharge end voltage, the voltage of the normal power supply 10 rises earlier than that of the deteriorated or failed power supply 10 during charging. On the other hand, in the voltage range equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage, the voltage of the deteriorated or failed power supply 10 rises earlier than that of the normal power supply 10 during charging. By reversing the magnitude relationship between the variable value and the threshold value in the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function, deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated or detected in both the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function.

The control unit 50 executes an algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10, that is, a second diagnostic function shown in FIG. 12, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the fourth temperature threshold value. The algorithm may be configured to be modifiable or modifiable. Specifically, it is preferable that the control unit 50 corrects the predetermined time in step S412 and / or step S426, and makes a comparison in step S412 and / or step S426 based on the corrected time threshold value. The fourth temperature threshold may be set in the range of, for example, 1 to 5 ° C.

It is known that when the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, the internal resistance of the power supply 10 increases. As a result, even if the power supply 10 is not deteriorated, the time until the voltage of the power supply 10 reaches the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range changes. Therefore, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, by modifying the predetermined time in step S412 and / or step S426, the influence of the temperature is mitigated and the deterioration or failure detection accuracy of the power supply 10 is suppressed from being lowered. can do.

Further, the control unit 50 may be configured not to perform estimation or detection of at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the fifth temperature threshold value. That is, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the fifth temperature threshold value, the control unit 50 is set in FIG.
It is not necessary to execute the failure diagnosis function and / or the deterioration diagnosis function shown in. Here, the fifth temperature threshold value may be smaller than the fourth temperature threshold value. The fifth temperature threshold may be set, for example, in the range of −1 to 1 ° C.

Further, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the sixth temperature threshold value, the control unit 50 may heat the power supply 10 by controlling the heater 70. When the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, raising the temperature of the power supply 10 can prevent the deterioration or failure detection accuracy of the power supply 10 from being lowered. The sixth temperature threshold may be set, for example, in the range of −1 to 1 ° C.

(Default voltage range for deterioration diagnosis function)
The default voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function will be further described with reference to FIG. The default voltage range may be a predetermined interval (voltage range) between the end-of-discharge voltage and the full charge voltage.

The default voltage range is preferably set to a range excluding the plateau range in which the change in the voltage value of the power supply 10 with respect to the change in the stored amount or the charging state of the power supply 10 is small as compared with other voltage ranges. The plateau range is defined by, for example, a voltage range in which the amount of change in the voltage of the power supply 10 with respect to a change in the charging state is 0.01 to 0.005 (V /%) or less.

In the plateau range, the fluctuation of the voltage of the power supply with respect to the elapsed charging time is small, so that a significant difference between a normal power supply and a deteriorated power supply is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the possibility of erroneous detection occurring in the deterioration diagnosis function described above increases. Therefore, it is preferable that the default voltage range is set to a range excluding the plateau range.

Further, the default voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is preferably set to a range excluding the range in which constant voltage charging is performed on the power supply 10. Since the range in which constant voltage charging is performed corresponds to the end of the charging sequence, it corresponds to the range in which the fluctuation of the voltage of the power supply with respect to the elapsed time of charging is small. Therefore, the accuracy of the deterioration diagnosis function can be improved by setting the default voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function to a range excluding the range in which constant voltage charging is performed.

Here, the processor 250 of the charger 200 estimates the voltage of the power supply 10 using the voltmeter 240 in the charger 200. On the other hand, the control unit 50 acquires the voltage of the power supply 10 by using the voltage sensor 150 in the electrical unit 110. By the way, the voltage of the power supply 10 recognized by the charger 200 is a voltage drop in the contact resistance of the connection terminal 110t or the resistance of the lead wire that electrically connects the charger 200 and the power supply 10 with respect to the true value of the voltage of the power supply 10. Is added. On the other hand, the voltage of the power supply 10 recognized by the control unit 50 is not affected by the voltage drop at least in the contact resistance of the connection terminal 110t. Therefore, there may be a discrepancy between the voltage of the power supply 10 recognized by the charger 200 and the voltage of the power supply 10 recognized by the control unit 50. Considering this deviation, it is preferable that the voltage range of the power supply 10 for executing the deterioration diagnosis function is set to a range lower than the voltage value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value from the switching voltage described above.

Further, the default voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is preferably set to a range excluding the range in which the notification unit 40 notifies that the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient. When the default voltage range is set near the discharge end voltage, if the power supply 10 is charged before the voltage drops to the discharge end voltage, the power supply 10 cannot be charged over the entire predetermined voltage range. The above deterioration diagnosis function may not function normally. By setting the default voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function except for the range where the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient, even if the voltage of the power supply 10 is charged before it drops to the discharge end voltage. The deterioration diagnosis function can be made to function normally.

Further, the deterioration diagnosis function may be performed in a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges. It is preferred that the plurality of default voltage ranges do not overlap each other. The control unit 50 can perform the deterioration diagnosis function in exactly the same flow as the deterioration diagnosis function part of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 in each predetermined voltage range. In the example shown in FIG. 13, two predetermined voltage ranges (first section and second section) are set.

(Relationship between the first diagnostic function and the second diagnostic function)
As described above, the control unit 50 has a first diagnostic function that estimates or detects at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 during the operation of the load 121R, and deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 during charging of the power supply 10. A second diagnostic function that estimates or detects at least one of them is configured to be feasible.

Here, it is preferable that the first diagnostic function and the second diagnostic function include algorithms different from each other. Thereby, in order to estimate or detect at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10, an optimum algorithm can be applied according to the charge and discharge of the power supply 10.

The first diagnostic function, that is, the diagnostic function executed during the operation of the load 121R, may include at least one algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10. In the above embodiment, the first diagnostic function includes only one algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10.

For example, in a small and portable suction component generation device 100 such as an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, it is desired to mount a control unit 50 having a simple control function. When the power supply to the load 121R is controlled in the power supply mode by using the control unit 50 having such a simple control function, the computing capacity of the control unit 50 is limited in the power supply mode. When the first diagnostic function includes only one algorithm, the control unit 50 estimates or estimates at least one of the deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 within a range that does not affect other controls, for example, power control to the load 121R. Can be detected.

The second diagnostic function, that is, the diagnostic function performed while charging the power supply 10, may include at least one algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10. In the above embodiment, the second diagnostic function includes the above-mentioned failure diagnosis function and deterioration diagnosis function. In addition to the above embodiments, the second diagnostic function may further include another one or more algorithms for estimating or detecting at least one of the deterioration and failure of the power supply 10.

Preferably, the number of algorithms included in the second diagnostic function is greater than the number of algorithms included in the first diagnostic function. The charging of the power source 10 is controlled by an external charger 200 that is separate from the suction component generating device 100. Therefore, the control unit 50 has a margin of computing power in the charging mode as compared with the power feeding mode. By increasing the number of algorithms included in the second diagnostic function in the charging mode by utilizing this margin of computing power, at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated with higher accuracy in the charging mode. Can be detected.

For the purpose of simplifying the structure of the suction component generation device 100, the processor 250 of the charger 200 may be configured to be incommunicable with the control unit 50 of the electrical unit 110. When the suction component generation device 100 is configured in this way, not only the structure can be simplified, but also the control unit 50 does not need to devote the computing power for communication with the processor 250 of the charger 200. Therefore, since more computing power can be assigned to the second diagnostic function in the charging mode, at least one of the deterioration and the failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated or detected with higher accuracy in the charging mode.

More preferably, the number of simultaneously executable algorithms included in the second diagnostic function is greater than the number of concurrently executable algorithms included in the first diagnostic function. In the example shown in the above embodiment, the above-mentioned failure diagnosis function and deterioration diagnosis function may be executed at the same time. Alternatively, in the charging mode, a diagnostic function for detecting an internal short circuit of the power supply 10 as a failure when the voltage of the power supply 10 drops may be executed at the same time as the deterioration diagnosis function described above.

The number of sensors required to perform the second diagnostic function is preferably less than the number of sensors required to perform the first diagnostic function. In the above embodiment, the second diagnostic function can be performed by using the voltage sensor 150 that acquires the voltage of the power supply 10 and the temperature sensor 170 if necessary. On the other hand, the first diagnostic function can be performed by using the voltage sensor 150 that acquires the voltage of the power supply 10, the request sensor (suction sensor 20 or the push button 30), and the temperature sensor 170 if necessary. The timer for measuring the time is not included in the sensor.

The sensor required to perform the second diagnostic function preferably does not include the request sensor (suction sensor 20 or push button 30). It is unlikely that the request sensor is operated during charging from the normal usability of the suction component generator 100. In other words, if the sensor required to execute the second diagnostic function includes a request sensor that is not originally operated, some inconvenience may occur in the second diagnostic function. As described above, it is preferable that the second diagnostic function performed during charging can be performed without using a request sensor that requires power supply to the load 121R.

The default voltage range used for the above-mentioned failure diagnosis function and deterioration diagnosis function in the second diagnosis function, for example, the total of the section from the lower limit of the operation guarantee voltage shown in FIG. 13 to the deep discharge determination threshold, the first section, and the second section. The value is preferably wider than the predetermined voltage range used in the first diagnostic function, for example, the total value of the first section, the second section, and the third section shown in FIG. In the charging mode, the range of values that the voltage of the power supply 10 can take is wider than that in the power supply mode. Therefore, by increasing the predetermined voltage range used in the second diagnostic function, the accuracy of diagnosing deterioration or failure of the power supply in the charging mode is increased. Can be raised.

(Implementation of the second diagnostic function by the charger)
In the above-mentioned example, the control unit 50 of the electrical equipment unit 110 performed the second diagnostic function (fault diagnosis function and deterioration diagnosis function). Instead, at least one of the degradations and failures of the power supply 10 is based on the time it takes for the processor 250 of the charger 200 to reach the upper limit of the voltage value of the power supply 10 while charging the power supply 10. A second diagnostic function that estimates or detects one may be performed. In this case, the processor 250 of the charger 200 may execute the algorithm in the same manner as the flowchart shown in FIG.

However, since the processor 250 of the charger 200 executes the second diagnostic function, step S400 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 becomes unnecessary. Further, the voltage of the power supply 10 acquired by the processor 250 is estimated by a voltmeter 240 provided in the charger 200. In the protection operation (steps S414 and S430), the processor 250 of the charger 200 may stop the charging current. Other processes are the same as when the control unit 50 of the electrical unit 110 executes the second diagnostic function, and thus the description thereof will be omitted. In this way, if the processor of the charger 200 electrically connected to the power supply 10 performs at least a part of the second diagnostic function that the control unit 50 should originally perform, the control unit 50 executes yet another algorithm. Since it can be executed as the second diagnostic function, the accuracy of diagnosing deterioration or failure of the power supply in the charging mode can be improved.

(Voltage sensor)
First, the details of the voltage sensor 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 14. The voltage sensor 150 is configured to convert the analog voltage value of the power supply 10 into a digital voltage value using a predetermined correlation and output the digital voltage value. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 14, the voltage sensor 150 may have an A / D converter 154 that converts an analog input value into a digital output value. The A / D converter 154 has a conversion table 158 that converts analog input values into digital output values.

The resolution associated with the conversion to the digital voltage value is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.05 V / bit. In this case, the output value from the voltage sensor 150 is converted every 0.05V.

The conversion table 158 shown in FIG. 14 shows the correlation when the reference voltage (Vref) 156, which will be described later, is larger than the voltage of the power supply 10, for example, the full charge voltage of the power supply 10. In this case, the default correlation 158 is associated with a larger digital voltage value as the analog voltage value increases.

The voltage of the power supply 10 (analog voltage (Vanalоg)) is higher at the inverting input terminal 150-2 of the operational amplifier 150-1, and the voltage of the power supply 10 (analog voltage (Vanalоg)) is higher at the non-inverting input terminal 150-3. A reference voltage (Vref) 156 (eg, 5.0V), which is a high constant voltage, is input. The operational amplifier 150-1 inputs the difference between these voltages or the value obtained by amplifying the difference (Vinput) to the A / D converter 154. The A / D converter 154 converts an analog voltage value (Vinput) into a digital voltage value (Vоuput) based on a predetermined correlation (conversion table) 158 and outputs it. When the control unit 50 (control unit 51) acquires the voltage of the power supply 10 in all the processes described above, the control unit 50 (control unit 51) acquires the digital voltage value (Vоuput) output from the voltage sensor 150.

Here, the default correlation (conversion table) 158 outputs a digital voltage value (Vоuput) corresponding to the full charge voltage when the voltage of the power supply 10 (analog voltage (Vanalоg) is the full charge voltage), and the power supply 10 It is preferable that the voltage (Vanolоg) is set to output a digital voltage value (Vоuput) corresponding to the discharge end voltage when the discharge end voltage is used.

However, an error may occur in the output digital voltage value (Vоuput) due to a product error such as a reference voltage or deterioration of the power supply 10. Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately calibrate the default correlation (conversion table) 158 of the voltage sensor 150.

Next, the calibration of the default correlation (conversion table) 158 of the voltage sensor 150 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process relating to calibration of the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150. The control unit 50 may be configured so that the correlation 158 can be calibrated based on the change in the analog voltage value or the digital voltage value acquired during the charging of the power supply 10.

First, the threshold voltage is set to the initial value (step S500). Here, it is preferable that the initial value of the threshold voltage is set to a value smaller than the full charge voltage of the digital voltage value. For example, the initial value of the threshold voltage is 4.05V.

The control unit 50 detects the start of charging (step S502). The start of charging may be detected by connecting the charger 200 to the electrical unit 110. When charging is started, the control unit 50 acquires the voltage of the power supply 10 at predetermined time intervals (step S504). The acquired voltage of the power supply 10 may be a digital voltage value output from the voltage sensor 150.

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the acquired voltage of the power supply 10 is higher than the threshold voltage (step S506). If the acquired voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or less than the threshold voltage, the voltage of the power supply 10 is acquired again after a lapse of a predetermined time (step S504), and the process returns to step S506.

When the acquired voltage of the power supply 10 is larger than the threshold voltage, the value of the threshold voltage is updated to the voltage value of the acquired power supply 10 (step S508). The control unit 50 then calibrates the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150, if necessary (step S510).

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not charging is completed (step S512). If charging is not completed, the voltage of the power supply 10 is acquired again (step S504), and the process returns to step S506. The control unit 50 may calibrate the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 each time the voltage of the power supply 10 becomes larger than the threshold voltage in the period until the charging is completed. In this case, the control unit 50 does not need to perform the process of calibrating the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 (step S520) after the charging is completed.

Instead, the control unit 50 does not have to calibrate the default correlation 158 during the period from the start of charging to the end of charging. That is, the control unit 50 does not need to perform step S510. In this case, the control unit 50 performs a process of calibrating the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 after charging is completed (step S520).

As described above, the control unit 50 may perform a process of calibrating the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 at the timing of either step S510 or step S520.

When the predetermined reset condition is satisfied after the charging of the power supply 10 is completed, the threshold voltage is reset to the initial value, for example, 4.05V again (step S522). The reset condition may be, for example, that the suction component generation device 100 is turned off. This is because factors that cause an error in the digital voltage value (Voutput) output by the voltage sensor 150, such as product error and deterioration of the power supply 10, change every time a reset condition such as turning off the suction component generator 100 is satisfied. This is because there is a possibility of doing so.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, it is preferable that the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generating device 100 is set to a value smaller than the full charge voltage of the power supply 10. Considering that an error may occur in the digital output value of the voltage sensor 150, even if the voltage of the power supply 10 (analog voltage value) reaches the full charge voltage during the initial charging of the power supply 10, the digital output value of the voltage sensor 150 is digital. The output value may stay below the full charge voltage. Therefore, by setting the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generating device 100 to a value smaller than the full charge voltage, the voltage sensor is used at the time of manufacturing or the first charging of the suction component generating device 100 from the time of starting. It is possible to prevent the 150 default correlations 158 from being uncalibrated.

More specifically, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generator 100 is derived from the full charge voltage (for example, 4.2 V) of the power supply 10 among the plurality of digital voltage values that can be output by the voltage sensor 150. It is preferable that the value is set to be equal to or less than the value obtained by subtracting the absolute value of the product error. For example, when an error of about ± 0.11 V can occur in the voltage sensor 150, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generator 100 may be set to 4.09 V or less.

Further, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generator 100 is an absolute product error from the full charge voltage (for example, 4.2 V) of the power supply 10 among the plurality of digital voltage values that can be output by the voltage sensor 150. It is more preferable to set the maximum value within the range equal to or less than the value obtained by subtracting the value. If the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generating device 100 is set in this way, the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 at the time of manufacturing or the first charging of the suction component generating device 100 from the time of starting is set. It is possible to prevent the calibration from being lost. Further, among a plurality of digital voltage values that the voltage sensor 150 can output, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting of the suction component generating device 100 is absolutely product error from the full charge voltage (for example, 4.2 V) of the power supply 10. It is possible to suppress frequent calibration of the voltage sensor 150 as compared with the case where the value is set to a value other than the maximum value within the range of the value obtained by subtracting the value or less.

For example, when the resolution of the digital voltage value is 0.05 V / bit and an error of about ± 0.11 V can occur in the voltage sensor 150, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generator 100 is 4. It may be 0.05V. This is a voltage value of 4.09 V or less, which is the value obtained by subtracting the absolute value of the product error from the full charge voltage of the power supply 10, and is a digital voltage value that can be output by the voltage sensor 150 (for example, 3.95 V, 4. Of 00V, 4.05V), the maximum digital voltage value is 4.05V, which is clear.

In the flowchart described above, the control unit 50 calibrates the default correlation 158 when the digital voltage value acquired during charging of the power supply 10 becomes larger than the threshold voltage. Instead, the control unit 50 may calibrate the default correlation 158 when the digital voltage value acquired during charging of the power source 10 reaches the maximum or maximum value.

By recording the history of the digital voltage value output from the voltage sensor 150, the control unit 50 can extract the maximum value of the digital voltage value acquired from the start to the end of charging.

Further, by detecting a decrease in the digital voltage value output from the voltage sensor 150 during charging, the control unit 50 can extract the maximum value of the digital voltage value acquired from the start to the end of charging.

It should be noted that the calibration of the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 does not need to be performed at the timing shown in the flowchart described above, for example, during charging, after charging, or at the next activation of the suction component generating device 100. In addition, both may be performed at the timing.

(Calibration of default correlation)
Next, the calibration of the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 will be described. The control unit 50 correlates 158 so that the maximum or maximum value of the digital voltage value acquired during charging of the power supply 10 or the digital voltage value larger than the threshold voltage corresponds to the full charge voltage value of the power supply 10. Calibrate. Here, even when the correlation 158 is calibrated so that the digital voltage value larger than the threshold voltage corresponds to the full charge voltage value of the power supply 10, if the power supply 10 is charged to the full charge voltage, it will finally be completed. The correlation 158 is calibrated so that the maximum value or the maximum value of the digital voltage value acquired in at least a part of the section during charging of the power supply 10 corresponds to the full charge voltage value of the power supply 10.

When the power supply 10 is fully charged, the voltage of the power supply 10 has reached the full charge voltage. Further, the full charge voltage of the power supply 10 is not easily affected by product errors such as the reference voltage and factors that cause an error in the digital voltage value (Voutput) output by the voltage sensor 150 such as deterioration of the power supply 10, so that when calibrating. It is especially useful as a standard for. Therefore, when the correlation 158 is calibrated as described above, when the analog voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage is input to the voltage sensor 150, the voltage sensor 150 outputs the digital voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage value. Will be. This allows the voltage sensor 150 to be properly calibrated.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of calibration of the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150. As shown in FIG. 16, the default correlation 158 may be calibrated to gain-adjust the association of analog and digital voltage values. The gain adjustment can be performed, for example, by increasing or decreasing the value on the vertical axis (analog voltage value) or the value on the horizontal axis (digital voltage value) of the predetermined correlation 158 at a constant rate. That is, in the gain adjustment, the slope of the default correlation 158, more specifically, the slope of the approximate straight line of the default correlation 158 is adjusted.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing another example of calibration of the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150. As shown in FIG. 17, the default correlation 158 may be calibrated to offset the analog voltage value to digital voltage value association. The offset adjustment can be performed, for example, by increasing or decreasing the value (analog voltage value) on the vertical axis of the default correlation 158 by a certain value. Since the offset adjustment only increases or decreases the intercept of the default correlation 158, specifically, the intercept of the approximate straight line of the default correlation 158 by a certain value, there is an advantage that the adjustment is easy.

Both before and after the offset adjustment, the relationship between the analog voltage value and the digital voltage value must be defined in the range from the discharge end voltage to the full charge voltage. Therefore, the default correlation 158 is the association between the digital voltage value and the analog voltage value that are smaller than the discharge end voltage of the power supply 10 and the association between the digital voltage value and the analog voltage value that are larger than the full charge voltage of the power supply 10. It is preferable that at least one of the above is contained.

The default correlation 158, once calibrated, may remain unchanged until the next calibration. Instead, the default correlation 158 may revert to the initial correlation upon shutdown or subsequent activation of the suction component generator 100. Here, the initial correlation may be a predetermined correlation at the time of manufacturing the suction component generation device 100.

At the time of manufacture or startup of the suction component generator 100, the default correlation 158 is that the analog voltage value smaller than the analog voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage value when there is no error in the voltage sensor 150 is a fully charged digital. It is preferably calibrated or set to correspond to the voltage value. That is, at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generation device 100, when a predetermined analog voltage value smaller than the full charge voltage is input to the voltage sensor 150, the voltage sensor 150 is a digital corresponding to the full charge voltage. Designed to output voltage values. For example, at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generator 100, when an analog voltage value of 4.1 V, which is smaller than the full charge voltage (4.2 V), is input to the voltage sensor 150, the voltage sensor 150 is full. It may be designed to output a digital voltage value (4.2 V) corresponding to the charging voltage. As a result, the voltage sensor 150 is configured to output a digital voltage value equal to or higher than the actual analog voltage value at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generating device 100 even if there is a manufacturing error.

In this case, in the first charge from the time of manufacture or start of the suction component generation device 100, the analog voltage value of the actual power supply 10 sets the full charge voltage before the control unit 50 recognizes that the full charge voltage has been reached. It can be prevented from exceeding. In other words, when the voltage sensor 150 outputs a small digital voltage value with respect to the actual value of the voltage of the power supply 10 due to a manufacturing error or the like, the voltage sensor 150 outputs the digital voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage of the power supply 10. At that time, it is possible to prevent the voltage value of the power supply 10 from exceeding the full charge voltage and falling into overcharging. Therefore, if the control unit 50 has a process of forcibly stopping charging when the output voltage value from the voltage sensor 150 exceeds the full charge voltage, overcharging of the power supply 10 can be prevented.

The default correlation 158 at the time of manufacturing or starting of the suction component generator 100 is from the full charge voltage of the power supply 10 when the voltage sensor 150 has no product error among the plurality of digital voltage values that can be output by the voltage sensor 150. More preferably, the analog voltage value corresponding to the value closest to the value obtained by subtracting the absolute value of the product error is calibrated or set to correspond to the full charge voltage value. As a result, it is possible to prevent the power supply 10 from being overcharged by underestimating the voltage of the power supply 10 due to product error or the like. Further, in the initial state of the default correlation 158, the difference between the analog voltage value and the digital voltage value becomes large, and it is possible to suppress the deviation between the actual value of the power supply 10 and the corresponding digital voltage. it can.

(Another aspect of the default correlation)
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a block of the voltage sensor 150 according to another embodiment. The configuration of the voltage sensor 150 is the same as that shown in FIG. 14, except for the voltage input to the inverting input terminal 150-2 and the non-inverting input terminal 150-3 and the default correlation (conversion table) 158.

In this embodiment, the conversion table 158 shows the correlation when the reference voltage (Vref) 156, which will be described later, is smaller than the voltage of the power supply 10, for example, the discharge end voltage of the power supply 10. In this case, the default correlation 158 is associated with a smaller analog voltage value and a larger digital voltage value.

In a general A / D converter using an operational amplifier, the digital value of the value input to the non-inverting input terminal corresponds to the maximum digital value that can be output. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, since a constant reference voltage (Vref) 156 is input to the non-inverting input terminal 150-3, the maximum digital value that can be output is constant. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, since the voltage of the power supply 10 (analog voltage (Vanalоg)) that varies depending on the amount of electricity stored in the power supply 10 is input to the non-inverting input terminal 150-3, the maximum digital value that can be output. Is variable. Further, the analog value corresponding to the maximum digital value is determined by the computing power of the control unit 50 and the voltage sensor 150 regardless of the maximum digital value.

That is, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the analog voltage value (Vinput) is converted into a digital value of the voltage of the power supply 10 input to the inverting input terminal 150-2, and this is output as a digital output value (Vоuput). .. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the analog voltage value (Vinput) is converted into the digital value of the power supply of the power supply 10 input to the non-inverting input terminal 150-3, and this is output as a digital output value (Vоuput). ..

Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, first, the conversion table 158 is derived from a constant maximum digital value and a constant analog value corresponding thereto. Next, the analog voltage value (Vinput) input to the conversion table 158 is converted into the corresponding digital voltage value (Vоuput) and output. This digital voltage value (Vоuput) corresponds to the digital value of the voltage of the power supply 10 input to the inverting input terminal 150-2.

On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, first, the conversion table 158 is derived from a constant digital value and the corresponding analog voltage value (Vinput). Next, using the conversion table 158, a constant analog value corresponding to the maximum digital value is converted into a digital voltage value (Vоuput) and output. This digital voltage value (Vоuput) corresponds to the digital value of the voltage of the power supply 10 input to the non-inverting input terminal 150-3.

Specifically, a coordinate consisting of a measured or known digital value and a corresponding analog value, and a predetermined relationship between a digital voltage value (Vоuput) and an analog voltage value (Vinput) are linked. It may be set as a conversion table 158. As an example, when the relationship between the digital voltage value (Vоuput) and the analog voltage value (Vinput) approximates a straight line passing through a predetermined intercept, the conversion table 158 is set so that these coordinates and the intercept are located on the approximate straight line. You may. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the relationship between the digital voltage value (Vоuput) and the analog voltage value (Vinput) can be approximated not only by a straight line but also by a curved line.

In both embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 18, the measured or known digital value and the corresponding analog value are the digital value of the reference voltage (Vref) 156 and the corresponding analog value. .. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, since the reference voltage (Vref) 156 is input to the non-inverting input terminal 150-3, it is not necessary to measure the analog value corresponding to the reference voltage (Vref) 156. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, since the reference voltage (Vref) 156 is input to the inverting input terminal 150-2, it should be noted that it is necessary to measure the analog value corresponding to the reference voltage (Vref) 156. I want to.

As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the analog voltage value (Vinput) is converted into a digital value of the value input to the inverting input terminal 150-2 of the operational amplifier 150-1, and the digital voltage value (Vоuput) is obtained. It is known that the larger the analog voltage value, the larger the digital voltage value is associated with the format output as. On the other hand, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the analog voltage value (Vinput) is converted into a digital value of the value input to the non-inverting input terminal 150-3 of the operational amplifier 150-1, and the digital voltage value (Vоuput) is obtained. Note that in the format output as, the smaller the analog voltage value, the larger the digital voltage value.

Here, the default correlation (conversion table) 158 outputs a digital voltage value (Vоuput) corresponding to the full charge voltage when the 10 voltage (analog voltage (Vanalоg)) of the power supply is the full charge voltage, and outputs the power supply. It is preferable that the voltage of 10 (Vanolоg) is set to output a digital voltage value (Vоuput) corresponding to the end-of-discharge voltage when the end-of-discharge voltage is used.

However, an error may occur in the output digital voltage value (Vоuput) due to a product error, deterioration of the power supply 10, or the like. Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately calibrate the default correlation (conversion table) 158 of the voltage sensor 150.

Control of the calibration of the default correlation (conversion table) 158 can be performed in the same manner as in the flowchart described above (see FIG. 15). As described above, the calibration of the default correlation (conversion table) 158 may be performed by the gain correction shown in FIG. 16 or the offset correction shown in FIG. 17, both of which are analogs corresponding to the maximum digital value. Note that the values are calibrated.

However, the default correlation 158 at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generator 100 is that the analog voltage value (Vinput) larger than the analog voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage value when there is no error in the voltage sensor 150 is set. It is preferably calibrated or set to correspond to the full charge voltage value. That is, at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generating device 100, when the analog voltage value corresponding to the voltage of the predetermined power supply 10 smaller than the full charge voltage is input to the voltage sensor 150, the voltage sensor 150 Is designed to output a digital voltage value that corresponds to the full charge voltage. For example, at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generator 100, when an analog voltage value corresponding to 4.1 V, which is smaller than the full charge voltage (4.2 V), is input to the voltage sensor 150, the voltage sensor The 150 may be designed to output a digital voltage value (4.2 V) corresponding to the full charge voltage. As a result, the voltage sensor 150 is configured to output a digital voltage value equal to or higher than the actual analog voltage value at the time of manufacturing or starting the suction component generating device 100 even if there is a manufacturing error.

(Power supply voltage acquired by the control unit)
When the control unit 50 (control unit 51) acquires the voltage of the power supply 10 in all the processes described above, the control unit 50 (control unit 51) may acquire the digital voltage value (Vоuput) output from the voltage sensor 150. That is, it is preferable that the control unit 50 (control unit 51) performs the various controls described above based on the digital voltage value output by the voltage sensor 150 using the calibrated predetermined correlation 158. As a result, the control unit 50 (control unit 51) can accurately execute the various controls described above.

For example, the power control unit described above may control the power supply from the power supply 10 to the load 121R based on the digital voltage value output from the voltage sensor 150. More specifically, the power control unit may perform PWM control of the power supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 121R based on the digital voltage value.

In another example, the control unit 50 may estimate or detect at least one of the deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 based on the digital voltage value output by the voltage sensor 150 using the calibrated correlation 158. (1st diagnostic function and / or 2nd diagnostic function).

(Program and storage medium)
The above-mentioned flow shown in FIGS. 7, 9, 12 and 15 can be executed by the control unit 50. That is, the control unit 50 may have a program for causing the suction component generation device 100 to execute the above-mentioned method, and a storage medium in which the program is stored. Further, the above-mentioned flow shown in FIG. 11 and optionally FIG. 12 can be performed by the processor 250 of the external charger 200. That is, the processor 250 may have a program that causes the system including the suction component generation device 100 and the charger 200 to execute the above-mentioned method, and a storage medium in which the program is stored.

[Other Embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by embodiments described above, the statements and drawings that form part of this disclosure should not be understood to limit the invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

For example, in the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 50 of the power supply 10 is based on the value related to the operating amount of the load 121R that was operated while the acquired voltage value of the power supply 10 was in the predetermined voltage range. It is configured so that at least one of deterioration and failure can be estimated or detected. Instead, the control unit 50 estimates or estimates at least one of the deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 based on the voltage of the power supply 10 that changes while the acquired value related to the operating amount of the load 121R is in the predetermined range. It may be configured to be detectable. It should be noted that even in this case, deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated or detected as in the case described in the above embodiment. Similarly, the power supply 10 is based on the step of acquiring the value related to the operation amount of the load 121R and the voltage of the power supply 10 changed while the value related to the operation amount of the acquired load 121R is within the predetermined range. A method having a step of estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the present invention is also included in the scope of the present invention. Further, it should be noted that a program for causing the suction component generator 100 to execute such a method is also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (4)

A load that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source with electric power from the power source,
Including a control unit configured to be able to acquire the voltage value of the power supply,
The control unit has a deterioration diagnosis function that estimates or detects that the power supply has deteriorated based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range while charging the power supply, and the power supply. It is configured to be able to execute at least one of the failure diagnosis functions that presume or detect a failure.
The lower limit of the predetermined voltage range used in the failure diagnosis function is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply.
When the voltage value of the power supply reaches the lower limit to the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage within a predetermined time while the power supply is being charged. It is configured to be able to execute the deterioration diagnosis function.
The control unit is a suction component generation device configured to be able to execute the deterioration diagnosis function in each of a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage. The suction component generating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges used in the deterioration diagnosis function do not overlap with each other. The control unit determines whether or not the voltage value of the power supply reaches a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time from a value equal to or higher than the lower limit value of the operation guarantee voltage value of the control unit during charging of the power supply.
The suction component generation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to execute the failure diagnosis function when the voltage value of the power supply does not reach the predetermined threshold value within the predetermined time. apparatus. The suction component generation device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to be unable to execute the failure diagnosis function when the suction component generation device is in a mode other than the charging mode in which the power supply can be charged.

Images