JP7116853B2 - Suction component generator and system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inhalant generating device that includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhalant source with power from a power source.

Instead of cigarettes, there has been proposed an inhaled component generating device (electronic cigarette) that tastes inhaled components generated by vaporizing or atomizing a flavor source such as tobacco or an aerosol source with a load such as a heater (Patent Document 1- 8). The inhalant component generator includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes the flavor source and/or the aerosol source, a power source that supplies power to the load, and a control unit that controls the load and the power source.

Patent Literatures 2 to 7 disclose an attractive component generating device equipped with an LED (light emitting diode). In particular, Patent Documents 4 to 7 disclose changing the lighting number or lighting pattern of light emitting elements (LEDs) provided in the device according to the charging rate of the power supply.

Further, Patent Document 9 discloses setting a management voltage value according to deterioration information of the power supply before the voltage of the power supply reaches the final discharge voltage. The controller executes processing for terminating the discharge of the secondary battery when the voltage of the power source becomes equal to or lower than the management voltage value.

WO2015/165747 U.S. Patent No. 2013/0019887 WO2015/046386 WO2015/073975 U.S. Patent No. 2015/0272223 WO2015/119918 WO2015/161502 WO2014/150942 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-53097

The inhaled component generating device of the present invention includes:
a heating element for vaporizing or atomizing the source of inhaled ingredients with power from a power source;
a control unit that generates a command for supplying power to the heating unit;
a notification unit including a light emitting element;
The control unit
In a first state in which the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount lower than the value corresponding to full charge, the notification is made during a first period in which power is supplied from the power supply to the heating unit. changing the light emission of the part with the first light emission pattern,
In a second state in which the value representing the remaining power level of the power source is lower than the predetermined amount, the light emission of the notification unit is set to a second light emission during a second period in which power is supplied from the power source to the heating unit. change in a pattern ,
The control unit controls the notification unit so that the light emission form of the notification unit in the first state and the light emission form of the notification unit in the second state are part of the first period and part of the second period. controlled to be distinguishable only during the period of
The first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern are the same in the first and second periods except for the partial period .

In addition, the system of the present invention is
A system comprising a charger and an electrical unit connectable to the charger,
The electrical unit is
a first power supply;
a heating unit for vaporizing or atomizing an inhaled component source with power from the first power supply;
a control unit that generates a command for supplying power to the heating unit;
a notification unit including a light emitting element;
The control unit
In a first state in which a value representing the remaining amount of the first power supply is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount lower than a value corresponding to full charge, during a first period in which power is supplied from the first power supply to the heating unit. while changing the light emission of the notification unit with a first light emission pattern,
In a second state in which the value representing the remaining amount of the first power supply is lower than the predetermined amount, the notification unit is caused to emit light during a second period in which power is supplied from the first power supply to the heating unit. change with a second light emission pattern,
The control unit controls the notification unit so that the light emission form of the notification unit in the first state and the light emission form of the notification unit in the second state are part of the first period and the second period. controlled to be distinguishable only in the period,
the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern are the same in the first and second periods excluding the partial period ;
The charger is
a second power supply for charging the first power supply of the electrical unit when the electrical unit is connected to the charger;
a processor configured to control charging from the second power source to the first power source .

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an inhaled component generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an atomization unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the suction sensor according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the suction component generator. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing electric circuits of the atomization unit and the electrical unit with the load connected. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing electric circuits of the charger and the electrical unit with the charger connected. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method for the suction component generating device. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the number of puffing operations performed by the user and the value indicating the remaining amount of power. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of light emission patterns of the light emitting elements in the normal use mode and the charge request mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of light emission patterns of the light emitting elements in the anomaly notification mode. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of threshold change processing. FIG. 12 shows an example block diagram of a control unit for implementing the predetermined algorithm. FIG. 13 shows another example of a block diagram of a controller for implementing the predefined algorithm. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating another example of threshold change processing. FIG. 15 is a graph showing the voltage value of the power supply when charging is started before the voltage of the power supply reaches the discharge end voltage. FIG. 16 shows another example of a block diagram of a controller for implementing the predefined algorithm. FIG. 17 shows an example of a block diagram of a control unit for executing smoothing processing. FIG. 18 shows an example of a block diagram of a control unit for correcting the first threshold when the threshold changing process is performed after a long period of non-use. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of abnormality determination processing.

Embodiments will be described below. In addition, in the following description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar parts. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratio of each dimension may differ from the actual one.

Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, it is needless to say that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[Summary of Disclosure]
Patent Document 9 discloses setting a management voltage value according to deterioration information of a secondary battery before the voltage of the power supply reaches the final discharge voltage. This control voltage value is used as an index for terminating the discharge of the secondary battery. This management voltage value is set based on the deterioration information of the secondary battery, but it is difficult to accurately calculate the deterioration information of the secondary battery. Therefore, the calculated value of the deterioration information of the secondary battery may vary greatly each time it is calculated. Thus, it is not preferable to control the device based on values that can vary widely each time it is calculated.

According to one aspect, the attractive component generating device acquires a load that vaporizes or atomizes an attractive component source with power from a power source, a notification unit, and a value representing the remaining amount of the power source, and supplies power to the load. and a control unit that acquires an operation request signal and generates a command for operating the load. The control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform a second notification when a value representing the remaining amount of power is less than a first threshold and equal to or greater than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. Further, the control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform a third notification when the value representing the remaining amount of power is less than the second threshold. The first threshold is algorithmically variable. Based on a value derived by smoothing the first threshold derived by the algorithm to at least one of the plurality of previously modified first thresholds, It is configured to set the first threshold.

According to this aspect, the first threshold is set based on a value derived by smoothing to at least one of the previously modified plurality of first thresholds. Therefore, even if the accuracy of the primary first threshold derived by the above algorithm is not good, the smoothing process reduces the variation of the first threshold. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second notification from being given to the user at an unfavorable timing due to variations in the derived primary first threshold value, thereby preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[First embodiment]
(Suction component generator)
The suction component generating device according to the first embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing an inhalant component generating device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an atomization unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the suction sensor according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the suction component generator. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing electric circuits of the atomization unit and the electrical unit with the load connected. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing electric circuits of the charger and the electrical unit with the charger connected.

The inhaled component generating device 100 may be a non-combustion type flavor inhaler for inhaling inhaled components (fragrance and smoking taste components) without combustion. The suction component generating device 100 may have a shape extending along a predetermined direction A, which is the direction from the non-mouthpiece end E2 toward the mouthpiece end E1. In this case, the suction component generating device 100 may include one end E1 having a suction port 141 for sucking the suction component, and the other end E2 opposite to the suction port.

The inhalant component generating device 100 may have an electrical unit 110 and an atomizing 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, a load 121R in the atomization unit 120 is connected to the electrical unit 110 via the electrical connection terminals 110t, 120t. is electrically connected to the power supply 10 . In other words, the electrical connection terminals 110t and 120t form a connection portion that can electrically connect and disconnect the load 121R and the power supply 10. FIG.

The atomization unit 120 has an inhaled component source that is inhaled by the user, and a load 121R that vaporizes or atomizes the inhaled component source with power from the power supply 10 . The inhalant component source may include an aerosol generating aerosol source and/or a flavor component generating flavor source.

The load 121R may be any element capable of generating an aerosol and/or flavor component from an aerosol source and/or flavor source by receiving power. For example, the load 121R may be a heating element such as a heater or an element such as an ultrasonic generator. Heating elements include heating resistors, ceramic heaters, induction heaters, and the like.

A more detailed example of the atomization unit 120 will be described below 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 or flavor source. The reservoir 121P may be, for example, a porous body made of a material such as a resin web. Wick 121Q may be a liquid retaining member that draws an aerosol source or flavor source from reservoir 121P using capillary action. The wick 121Q can be made of glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like, for example.

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

The air that has flowed in from the inflow hole 122A passes through the vicinity of the load 121R in the atomization unit 120. As shown in FIG. The suction component produced by load 121R flows with the air toward the mouthpiece.

The aerosol source may be liquid at ambient temperature. For example, a polyhydric alcohol can be used as an aerosol source. The aerosol source itself may have a flavor component. Alternatively, the aerosol source may comprise a tobacco material or an extract derived from the tobacco material that releases flavor and taste components upon heating.

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

The atomization unit 120 may include a replaceably configured flavor unit 130 . Flavor unit 130 has a cylinder 131 containing a flavor source. The cylinder 131 may include a membrane member 133 and a filter 132 . A flavor source may be provided in the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132 .

Atomization unit 120 may include a breaker 90 . The destruction part 90 is a member for partially destroying the film member 133 of the flavor unit 130 . The breaking part 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, polyacetal resin. The destruction part 90 is, for example, a cylindrical hollow needle. By piercing the membrane member 133 with the tip of the hollow needle, an air flow path for pneumatically connecting the atomization unit 120 and the flavor unit 130 is formed. Here, it is preferable that a mesh having a degree of roughness that does not allow the flavor source to pass through is provided inside the hollow needle.

According to one preferred embodiment, the flavor source in flavor unit 130 imparts a flavored taste component to the aerosol produced by load 121R of atomization unit 120 . The flavor imparted to the aerosol by the flavor source is conveyed to the mouthpiece of the inhalant generating device 100 . Thus, the inhalant-generating device 100 may have multiple inhalant-component sources. Alternatively, the inhalant generating device 100 may have only one inhalant component source.

The flavor sources in flavor unit 130 may be solid at room temperature. By way of example, the flavor source is constituted by raw pieces of plant material that impart flavor components to the aerosol. As raw material pieces constituting the flavor source, a molded body obtained by molding a tobacco material such as shredded tobacco or tobacco raw material into granules can be used. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a molded article formed by molding tobacco material into a sheet. Also, the raw material pieces that constitute the flavor source may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mints, herbs, etc.). Flavor sources such as menthol may be added to the flavor source.

The inhalant-generating device 100 may include a mouthpiece 142 having a suction port 141 for the user to inhale the inhalant. Mouthpiece 142 may be configured to be detachable from atomization unit 120 or flavor unit 130, or may be configured integrally and inseparably.

The electrical unit 110 may have a power supply 10 , a suction sensor 20 , a push button 30 , a notification section 40 and a control section 50 . The power source 10 stores power necessary for operating the flavor inhaler 100 . The power supply 10 may be detachable from the electrical unit 110 . Power source 10 may be a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

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

The attractive component generating device 100 may include a switch 140 capable of electrically connecting and disconnecting the load 121R and the power source 10 . Switch 140 is opened and closed by 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, power supply from the power supply 10 to the load 121R is stopped. ON/OFF of the switch 140 is controlled by the controller 50 .

The controller 50 may include an actuation request sensor that detects motion associated with the user's actuation request. The actuation demand sensor may be, for example, a push button 30 pressed by a user, or a suction sensor 20 that detects a user's suction action. The control unit 50 acquires an operation request signal to the load 121R and generates a command for operating the load 121R. As 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. Thus, the control unit 50 is configured to control power supply from the power supply 10 to the load 121R. When power is supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 121R, the load 121R vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source.

Additionally, attractive component generating device 100 may include at least one of voltage sensor 150, current sensor 152, and temperature sensor 154, if desired. Note that the temperature sensor 154 is not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for convenience.

Voltage sensor 150 may be configured to detect the voltage of power supply 10 . The current sensor 152 may be configured to detect the amount of current flowing out of the power source 10 and the amount of current flowing into the power source 10 . The temperature sensor 154 may be configured to detect the temperature near the power supply 10, for example. The control unit 50 is configured to be able to acquire the outputs of the voltage sensor 150 , the current sensor 152 and the temperature sensor 154 . The control unit 50 performs various controls using these outputs.

The suction sensor 20 is a sensor that 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 toward the suction side (that is, the user's puffing action). good. Such sensors include, for example, condenser microphone sensors and known flow sensors.

FIG. 3 shows a specific example of the suction sensor 20. As shown in FIG. The suction sensor 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 has a sensor body 21 , a cover 22 and a substrate 23 . The sensor main body 21 is composed of, for example, a capacitor. The electric capacity of the sensor main body 21 changes due to vibration (pressure) caused by air sucked from the air introduction hole 125 (that is, air sucked from the non-suction port side toward the suction port side). The cover 22 is provided on the mouthpiece side of 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 body 21 is easily changed, and the response characteristics of the sensor body 21 are improved. The board 23 outputs a value (here, a voltage value) indicating the electric capacity of the sensor body 21 (capacitor).

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

The electrical unit 110 may have a determination section that determines whether or not the charger 200 is connected. The determining unit may be, for example, means for determining whether or not the charger 200 is connected based on a change in potential difference between a pair of electrical 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.

Charger 200 has an external power source 210 for charging power source 10 in electrical unit 110 . The attractive component generating device 100 may be able to communicate with the processor 250 of the charger 200 . Processor 250 may be configured to be able to control at least one of discharging from power supply 10 to external power supply 210 and charging power supply 10 from external power supply 210 . Moreover, the charger 200 may have a current sensor 230 that acquires the value of the charging current and a voltage sensor 240 that acquires the value of the charging voltage.

The control unit 50 may have a counter 52 that counts the number of times the user's puffing action is detected. Further, the control unit 50 may have a timer 54 that measures the elapsed time from the detection of the user's puffing action, that is, the acquisition of the action request signal to the load 121R.

The notification unit 40 issues notifications for informing the user of various types of information. The notification unit 40 may be, for example, a light-emitting element such as an LED. Alternatively, the notification unit 40 may be an element that generates sound or a vibrator. The control unit 50 may be configured to be able to control the notification unit 40 so as to operate in any one of the normal use mode, charge request mode, and abnormality notification mode. The normal use mode, charge request mode, and abnormality notification mode will be described later.

If the notification portion 40 includes a light emitting element, the light emitting element is preferably provided on the side surface 124 extending between the mouth end E1 and the non-mouth end E2 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the length from the mouth end E1 to the light emitting element is preferably 58 mm or longer, more preferably 100 mm or longer. Furthermore, the length from one end E1 to the other end E2 is preferably 135 mm or less.

Further, the light-emitting element may be provided over the non-mouthpiece end E2 of the attractive component generating device 100 and part of the side surface 124 extending between the mouthpiece end E1 and the non-mouthpiece end E2. In this case, the length from one end E1 to the other end E2, that is, the approximate length from the mouth end E1 to the light emitting element is preferably 58 mm or more, more preferably 100 mm or more. Furthermore, the length from one end E1 to the other end E2 is preferably 135 mm or less. This length may be set from the viewpoint of imitating the shape of a widely distributed cigarette and from the viewpoint that the notification section 40 is within the user's field of view when the user holds the end E1 in his/her mouth. .

Thereby, when the user holds the mouthpiece end E1 and uses the attractive component generating device 100, it is possible to secure a distance from the user's eyes to the other end E2 of the attractive component generating device 100, that is, the light emitting element. . Assuming that the distance between the eyes of a general user is 100 mm, and considering the concept of peripheral vision, when the light emitting element emits purple light, the length from the mouthpiece E1 to the light emitting element is 58 mm or more, and the line of sight of the user is 100 mm. The user can start to recognize the color of the light-emitting element even in a state in which the is directed to the front center. In other words, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize the difference in color of the light-emitting elements without looking carefully at the light-emitting elements. Further, when the length from the mouth end E1 to the light emitting element is 100 mm or more, the user's recognition rate for purple exceeds 50%. Note that color recognition refers to being able to distinguish a specific color from other colors. Further, it is not always necessary to be able to distinguish between a plurality of colors belonging to the same family of colors.

By the way, it should be noted that the length at which the user starts to recognize the color of the light-emitting element and the length at which the user's color recognition rate exceeds 50% are values in an example in which the light-emitting element emits light in purple. . In other words, the length from the mouth end E1 to the light emitting element may be determined based on the color that the user particularly wants to recognize among the emitted colors of the light emitting element.

Further, when the light-emitting element is provided on a part of the side surface 124 extending between the suction end E1 and the non-suction end E2, the user can easily recognize the color of the light-emitting element while holding the attraction component generating device in his/her mouth. There are merits.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method for the suction component generating device. FIG. 8 shows the relationship between the number of puffing operations by the user and the value indicating the remaining amount of power.

It is preferable that the counter 52 counts the number of times the user performed the puffing action during the following series of processes.

The controller 50 monitors whether the power source 10 has been charged by the charger 200 (step S100). Determining whether charging has occurred can be done by monitoring a value that indicates the amount of power remaining in power supply 10 . For example, the control unit 50 can determine that charging has been performed when the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 has increased to a predetermined amount or more. Alternatively, when the current sensor 152 provided in the electrical unit 110 detects the charging current for charging the power supply 10, it may be determined that charging has been performed. Alternatively, when the fact that charging is being performed is communicated from the charger 200 to the electrical unit 110 by communication means (not shown) that enables communication between the electrical unit 110 and the charger 200, You may judge that charging was performed. Alternatively, when a signal requesting charging is transmitted from electrical unit 110 to charger 200, it may be determined that charging has been performed. Communication between electrical unit 110 and charger 200 may be performed by power line communication (PLC) via a circuit without using dedicated communication means.

The value indicating the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 may be, for example, the voltage of the power supply 10, the state of charge (SOC) of the power supply 10, or the remaining capacity of the power supply. The voltage of the power supply 10 may be an open circuit voltage (OCV) obtained without electrically connecting the load 121R to the power supply 10, or a closed circuit voltage obtained with electrically connecting a load to the power supply. (CCV). However, from the viewpoint of the accuracy of estimating the remaining amount of the power supply 10, the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is indicated in order to eliminate the effects of changes in internal resistance and temperature due to voltage drop and discharge due to electrical connection of the load 121R. Values are preferably defined by open circuit voltage (OCV) rather than closed circuit voltage (CCV).

Preferably, the controller 50 sets the value of the counter 52 to "0" when charging is performed (step S102). Thereby, the counter 52 can count the number of puffing operations from the time charging is performed to the present.

Moreover, the control part 50 may perform threshold value change process S104 as needed, when charging is performed. The threshold change processing S104 will be described in detail below.

Further, the control unit 50 waits until it acquires an operation request signal to the load 121R (step S106). An operation request signal to the load 121R is input to the control unit 50 from the operation request sensor described above according to the user's operation.

When acquiring the operation request signal to the load 121R, the control unit 50 acquires a value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 (step S108). Examples of the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 are as described above. The obtained value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is stored in the memory 58 .

When the obtained value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is less than the second threshold value, the control unit 50 controls the notification unit 40 in the abnormality notification mode and causes the notification unit 40 to perform the third notification (steps S110 and S112). . The abnormality notification mode is a mode indicating that the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is 0 or extremely low and the load 121R cannot normally generate the suction component from the suction component source.

The second threshold may be defined by, for example, a value corresponding to 0 or near 0 remaining power. When the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is the voltage of the power supply 10, the second threshold may be defined by, for example, the discharge end voltage or a voltage slightly higher than the discharge end voltage. When the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 is the charging rate or remaining capacity of the power supply 10, the second threshold is defined by, for example, the end-of-discharge voltage or the charge rate or remaining capacity corresponding to a voltage slightly higher than the end-of-discharge voltage. It can be.

The control unit 50 may wait in the abnormality notification mode without supplying power to the load 121R. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may automatically turn off the inhalant component generating device 100 when entering the abnormality notification mode.

Preferably, when entering the abnormality notification mode, the control unit 50 executes the threshold changing process (step S114) as necessary. Details of the threshold change processing S114 will be described later.

When the obtained value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, which is larger than the second threshold, the control unit 50 controls the notification unit 40 in the normal use mode, and causes the notification unit 40 to perform the first notification. (Steps S110, S116, S118). The normal use mode is a mode in which the power supply 10 has a sufficiently large remaining amount and the load 121R can generate the suction component from the suction component source. The first threshold is used to distinguish between the normal use mode and the charging request mode described below.

In the normal use mode, control unit 50 acquires an operation request signal to load 121R and generates a command for operating load 121R. Based on this command, the switch 140 is turned on, thereby supplying power to the load 121R (step S120). This causes the load 121R to generate a suction component from the suction component source. The generated suction component is sucked by the user through the mouthpiece. The control unit 50 may control the amount of power supplied to the load 121R by pulse width control (PWM).

When the control unit 50 determines that the user's operation request operation (sucking operation) is completed based on the operation request signal from the operation request sensor, the control unit 50 turns off the switch 140 to stop the power supply to the load 121R (step S122, step S124). In addition, the control unit 50 may forcibly stop the power supply to the load 121R when the user's actuation request motion (suction motion) continues beyond a predetermined period. The predetermined period for forcibly stopping the power supply to the load 121R may be set based on the period of one normal user's sucking action, and is set in the range of 2 to 4 seconds, for example. It can be.

When the controller 50 detects the user's puff action based on the action request signal from the action request sensor, the controller 50 increments by one the value of the counter 52 that measures the number of puff actions. Further, the controller 50 resets the timer 54 and measures the elapsed time with the timer 54 (step S128). Thereby, the control unit 50 can use the timer 54 to measure the idle time, which is the period during which power is not supplied to the load 121R.

When the power supply to the load 121R is stopped, it returns to the standby state, and the control unit 50 again monitors whether charging has been performed (step S100) and whether an operation request signal to the load 121R has been acquired. (Step S106).

When the value indicating the remaining amount of power acquired in step S108 is less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the control unit 50 controls the notification unit 40 in the charge request mode to send the second notification to the notification unit 40. (Steps S110, S116, S119). The charging request mode is provided to notify the user that the remaining amount of the power source 10 has decreased and request charging to the user, although the attraction component can be generated by supplying power to the load 121R.

Also in the charge request mode, control unit 50 acquires an operation request signal to load 121R and generates a command for operating load 121R, as in the normal use mode. Based on this command, the switch 140 is turned on, thereby supplying power to the load 121R (step S120). This causes the load 121R to generate a suction component from the suction component source. The steps (steps S120, S122, S124) from the start to the end of power supply to the load 121R in the charge request mode can be performed in the same manner as in the normal use mode, as described above. Further, when the user's puff action is detected, the control unit 50 increases the value of the counter 52 by one even in the charging request mode (step S126). Further, the controller 50 resets the timer 54 and measures the elapsed time with the timer 54 (step S128). Thereby, the control unit 50 can use the timer 54 to measure the idle time, which is the period during which power is not supplied to the load 121R.

The first threshold described above is a variable value that can be changed based on the operation request signal to the load 121R acquired by the control unit 50 . That is, the conditions for switching between the normal use mode and the charging request mode are changed based on the operation request signal. The change of the first threshold is automatically performed by the control unit 50 in, for example, the threshold change process described above. Preferably, the first threshold is changed based on the value associated with power supply from power supply 10 to load 121R. The value related to this power supply may be the voltage of the power supply 10, the charging rate of the power supply 10, the remaining capacity of the power supply, or the like. More specifically, the first threshold is changed based on, for example, the amount of voltage drop in the power supply 10 for each puff, the amount of decrease in the charging rate of the power supply 10 for each puff, or the amount of decrease in the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 for each puff. All you have to do is

Here, the curve representing the relationship between the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply shown in FIG. Change.

The operation request signal outputs a signal according to usage by the user. For example, the suction sensor 20 outputs an output signal (operation request signal) corresponding to the user's suction amount per puff and suction time (see the upper graphs in FIGS. 9 and 10).

Therefore, if the first threshold can be changed based on an operation request signal to the load 121R, for example, a value related to power supply to the load 121R, the first threshold can be changed according to how the load 121R is used. As a result, the timing of notifying the second notification can be changed according to how the user uses the inhaled component generating device. Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to notify the second notification at a more appropriate timing depending on how the user uses the inhaled component generating device.

(Aspect of Notification by Notification Unit)
The first notification, second notification and third notification described above are different from each other. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the notifications from the notification unit 40 in the normal use mode, the charging request mode, and the abnormality notification mode are different from each other. Therefore, the notification unit 40 can make the user recognize the remaining amount of the power supply 10 and/or the distinction between the modes through at least three different types of notifications according to the remaining amount of the power supply 10 .

Thereby, the notification unit 40 can notify the user of the difference between the normal use mode, the charging request mode, and the abnormality notification mode by different notifications. An inhalant component generating device such as an electronic cigarette includes a reservoir 121P for storing or containing an aerosol source and/or a flavor source, a flavor unit 130, and parts that are difficult to miniaturize, such as the power supply 10, as essential components. , must imitate the shape and weight of a widely distributed cigarette. Therefore, restrictions on the user interface (U/I) and layout (L/O) are particularly severe. In such an attractive component generating device, the notification unit 40 effectively informs the user of the difference between the normal use mode, the charge request mode, and the abnormality notification mode by using different notifications, for example, differences in notification modes. can be recognized.

Furthermore, by notifying that the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is low by the second notification before the third notification, the user is given a notification requesting charging of the power supply 10 before the remaining amount of the power supply 10 runs out. can be done. Here, it is known that deterioration of the power supply 10 is accelerated when the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is exhausted. According to this aspect, by prompting charging of the power supply 10 before the remaining amount of the power supply 10 runs out, it is possible to suppress acceleration of deterioration of the power supply 10 .

The notification unit 40 preferably includes a light emitting element. In this case, the first notification, the second notification and the third notification may be composed of the first emission color, the second emission color and the third emission color of the light emitting element, respectively. Here, the first emission color, the second emission color and the third emission color are different from each other.

More preferably, the first emission color comprises a cool color, the second emission color comprises a neutral color and the third emission color comprises a warm color. Here, the “intermediate color” as the second emission color is defined by a color positioned between the “cool” first emission color and the “warm” third emission color on the color wheel.

A “hue circle” is defined by, for example, a hue circle in which hues in the Munsell color system are ordered and arranged in an annular shape. A “warm color” may be defined by light having a spectral peak in the region of 10RP to 10Y hue in the Munsell color system, or a wavelength band of 570 nm to 830 nm. "Warm color" can be exemplified by red, for example. "Cool" may be defined by light having a spectral peak in the region of 5BG to 5PB hue in the Munsell color system, or a wavelength band of 450 nm to 500 nm. "Cool color" can be exemplified by blue, for example. A “neutral color” may be defined by light having a spectral peak in the region of 5PB-10RP in the Munsell color system, or a wavelength band of 380-450 nm. "Intermediate color" can be exemplified by purple, for example.

By including a warm color in the third emission color in the abnormality notification mode, it is possible to effectively impress the user that an abnormality has occurred, specifically that the power supply 10 has run out of power. On the other hand, since the first emission color in the normal use mode includes a cool color, it is possible to impress the user that the attractive component generating device 100 is operating without problems. Further, since the second luminescent color in the charge request mode is an intermediate color between the first luminescent color and the third luminescent color, the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is exhausted from the normal use mode in which the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is sufficient. This effectively impresses the user that the system is transitioning to the normal abnormality notification mode.

Preferably, the distance on the color wheel between the complementary color of the first emission color and the third emission color is shorter than the distance on the color wheel between the complementary color of the first emission color and the second emission color. Alternatively or additionally, the distance on the color wheel between the complementary color of the third emission color and the first emission color is equal to the distance on the color wheel between the complementary color of the third emission color and the second emission color is preferably shorter than the distance of

Here, the “complementary color” of a certain color means a color that is positioned opposite (in other words, diagonally) to the color on the color wheel. A combination of a color and its complementary color corresponds to a combination of colors that make each other stand out. Therefore, when the third emission color is closer to the complementary color of the first emission color on the color wheel than the second emission color, the user can more easily distinguish the third emission color from the first emission color. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively impress the user that the mode associated with the third emission color is a mode opposite to the normal use mode associated with the first emission color, that is, the abnormality notification mode.

Further, the wavelength of the light corresponding to the second emission color may be closer to the wavelength of the light corresponding to the third emission color than the wavelength of the light corresponding to the first emission color. In particular, when the light-emitting element has a prominent optical spectrum peak in a specific wavelength band, such as an LED, it is preferable that the wavelength of light in each emission color satisfy such a relationship.

As an example of a preferred embodiment, the first notification may consist of blue light from the light emitting element, the second notification may consist of violet light from the light emitting element, and the third notification may consist of red light from the light emitting element.

Next, examples of light emission patterns of the light emitting elements will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of light emission patterns of the light emitting elements in the normal use mode and the charge request mode. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of light emission patterns of the light emitting elements in the anomaly notification mode. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the upper graphs show the time dependence of the output value of the action request sensor, for example, the suction sensor 20. In FIG. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the middle graph shows the time dependence of power supply to the light emitting element. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the lower graphs show the time dependence of power supply to the load 121R.

In each of the normal use mode, the charging request mode, and the abnormality notification mode, the light emitting element may continuously emit light, or may blink by repeating light emission and non-light emission. In the illustrated example, the light emitting element emits light for desired periods in the normal use mode and the charge request mode. On the other hand, the light-emitting element repeats light emission and non-light emission in the abnormality notification mode.

In each of the normal use mode, the charge request mode, and the abnormality notification mode, the control unit 50 may start the light emitting element to emit light with the operation request signal as a trigger. For example, when the operation request sensor is the suction sensor 20 that outputs a value related to the flow velocity in the suction component generating device 100, as shown in FIGS. When it exceeds, the control unit 50 may start supplying power to the light emitting element to cause the light emitting element to emit light.

Furthermore, in the normal use mode and the charge request mode, the control unit 50 may terminate the light emission of the light emitting element when determining that the user's operation requesting operation (suction operation) is completed. For example, if the operation request sensor is the suction sensor 20 that outputs a value related to the flow velocity in the suction component generating device 100, as shown in FIG. When this occurs, the control unit 50 should stop supplying power to the light emitting element to make the light emitting element non-emitting. That is, the control unit 50 variably controls the period of the first notification and the second notification performed by the notification unit 40 according to the period during which the operation request signal from the suction sensor 20 is continuously acquired. Although the method of controlling the notification unit 40 based on the operation request signal from the suction sensor 20 has been described here, the operation request signal may be output from a sensor other than the suction sensor 20 . For example, when the push button 30 is used, the control unit 50 determines the period of the first notification and the second notification performed by the notification unit 40 according to the period during which the operation request signal from the push button 30 is continuously acquired. may be variably controlled.

It is preferable that the light emission pattern of the light emitting element is the same in the first notification in the normal use mode and the second notification in the charging request mode (see FIG. 9). Specifically, at least one, more preferably both, of the notification timing and the notification period of the first notification and the second notification when the control unit 50 detects the operation request signal may be the same. While setting the light emission color in the second notification to be different from that in the first notification, by making the notification pattern (light emission pattern) the same for the first notification and the second notification, the second notification, that is, in the charging request mode can make it easier for the user to recognize that an inhaled component can be generated from the inhaled component source, similar to the first notification, the normal use mode.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the timing to start and end the first notification and the second notification by the notification unit 40 may be the same as the timing to start and end the supply of power to the load 121R. .

Alternatively, the timing of ending the second notification in the charge request mode may be longer than the timing of ending the power supply to the load 121R, more preferably the timing of ending the puff operation.

The control unit 50 may be configured to control the notification unit 40 to perform the third notification only for a predetermined period that does not depend on the period during which the operation request signal is continuously acquired (see FIG. 10). That is, the notification unit 40 may perform the third notification only for a predetermined period of time without being affected by the puffing time of the user. In this case, the period during which the notification unit 40 performs the first notification and the second notification is preferably shorter than the predetermined period during which the third notification is performed. For example, the predetermined period of time during which the third notification is made may be set longer than the period of one normal suction action of the user, and may be set in the range of 4.5 to 6 seconds, for example.

The above aspect makes it easier to distinguish the third notification in the abnormality notification mode from the first notification in the normal use mode and the second notification in the charging request mode. In addition, since the third notification continues for a longer period than the first notification in the normal use mode and the second notification in the charging request mode, the user can be effectively notified that charging is required.

In this embodiment, the first notification in the normal use mode is composed of blue light from the light emitting element, the second notification in the charge request mode is composed of purple light from the light emitting element, and the third notification in the abnormality notification mode is composed of the light emitting element. has been described for embodiments configured with red light. Instead of this aspect, the light-emitting element may be configured with a plurality of luminescent colors in each notification. More specifically, even within the same mode, the light emission color of the light emitting element may be changed according to the elapsed time from the start of each notification. Also, the light emitting element may emit light in a plurality of colors at the same time.

That is, at least part of the light emitting element is configured with blue light during at least part of the period of the first notification in the normal use mode, and at least part of the light emitting element is configured with blue light during at least part of the period of the second notification in the charge request mode. At least a portion of the light emitting element may be configured with violet light, and at least a portion of the light emitting element may be configured with red light during at least a portion of the third notification in the anomaly notification mode.

(Threshold changing process)
The above-described threshold change processing will be described in detail. FIG. 11 shows an example of a flowchart of threshold change processing. The control unit 50 preferably executes the threshold changing process S114 when the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10 becomes equal to or less than the second threshold.

In the threshold change process, a primary first threshold is derived based on a predetermined algorithm (step S200). FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of the controller for implementing the predefined algorithm according to this example.

In the example shown in FIG. 12 , the value indicating the remaining capacity of power supply 10 is defined by the voltage of power supply 10 . In this case, the full charge may be defined by the full charge voltage, and the second threshold may be defined by the discharge end voltage. Also, in this case, in the flowchart shown in FIG. The voltage of power supply 10 is preferably an open circuit voltage (OCV) taken with switch 140 turned off. The open circuit voltage (OCV) will be stored in memory 58 each time a puff operation is performed.

The predetermined algorithm according to this example is executed when the voltage of the power supply 10 becomes equal to or lower than the final discharge voltage. In this algorithm, the first threshold is changed based on the value of the voltage of the power supply 10 when the load 121R is operated a predetermined number of times before the voltage of the power supply 10 reaches the final discharge voltage. Specifically, the control unit 50 _{controls the voltage (OCV(N−N re )} ) is obtained from the memory 58 and is set as the primary 1 threshold (see FIG. 12).

If the first predetermined condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 sets the primary first threshold to a new first threshold (steps S202 and S208). When the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 50 sets a value obtained by smoothing the primary first threshold as the first threshold (steps S202, S204, S206). Here, the first predetermined condition may be, for example, a condition that the deterioration state of the power supply 10 does not exceed a predetermined determination state, as will be described later. The smoothing process will be described later.

The predetermined number of times (N _re ) may be a preset fixed value or a user-configurable variable value. As a specific example, the predetermined number of times (N _re ) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 15 to 35 times, more preferably 20 to 30 times.

The predetermined number of times (N _re ) is preferably less than the number of times an unused suction component source can be used. When the suction component generating device 100 has a plurality of suction component sources, the predetermined number of times is preferably smaller than the minimum number of times the suction component sources can be used from unused. For example, when the inhalant component generating device 100 includes an atomization unit 120 including an aerosol source and a flavor unit 130 including a flavor source, the preset number of times is the smaller of the atomization unit 120 and the flavor unit 130 that can be used. It may be set smaller than the value of the other.

Here, the usable number of times may be a preset value according to the design of the atomization unit 120 or the flavor unit 130 . The usable number of times is, for example, the maximum number of times of use when the amount of smoke sucked per puff is within the design range for each suction component source, or the maximum number of uses when the suction component of each puff is within the design range. good.

Since the predetermined number of times (N _re ) is smaller than the number of times that an unused suction component source can be used, it is possible to prevent the time to replace the atomization unit 120 or the flavor unit 130 during the charging request mode. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the recognition that the puff operation can be performed about a predetermined number of times in the charge request mode is overturned.

If necessary, the control unit 50 preferably performs smoothing processing to bring the primary first threshold derived by the predetermined algorithm closer to at least one of the plurality of previously changed first thresholds ( step S204). In this case, the control unit 50 sets the first threshold based on the value derived by performing the smoothing process (step S206).

Note that the first threshold is preferably stored in the memory 58 each time it is changed (step S210). That is, the memory 58 stores the history of the first threshold. The value of the first threshold used in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is changed by the threshold changing process described above.

When the first threshold value is changed, it is preferable to carry out the abnormality diagnosis processing S300 as necessary. The abnormality diagnosis processing S300 will be described later.

By changing the first threshold by the threshold change processing according to the present example, it is possible to ensure the puff operation about the predetermined number of times before the transition from the charge request mode to the abnormality notification mode. That is, the number of possible puffing operations in the charging request mode can be ensured regardless of how the user performs the puffing operation (pattern of the operation request signal) or deterioration of the power supply 10 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the attraction component generating device 100 from suddenly becoming unusable after entering the charging request mode, and to provide the attraction component generating device 100 that is highly convenient for the user.

(another example of the default algorithm)
Another example of the default algorithm will now be described. FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of the controller for implementing the predefined algorithm according to this example.

In the example shown in FIG. 13 , the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 is defined by the state of charge (SOC) or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 . In this case, the second threshold may be the charging rate or remaining capacity of the power supply when the voltage of the power supply reaches the final discharge voltage. Also, in this case, in the flowchart shown in FIG. The acquired charging rate or remaining capacity is stored in the memory 58 each time the puff operation is performed. Further, when the state of charge (SOC) of the power source 10 is used as the value representing the remaining amount of the power source 10, the second threshold in step S110 and the first threshold in step S116 are values suitable for comparison with the state of charge (SOC). and its dimension (unit) is (%). On the other hand, when the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 is used as the value representing the remaining capacity of the power supply 10, the first threshold in step S110 and the second threshold in step S116 are values suitable for comparison with the remaining capacity. ) becomes (Wh).

The predetermined algorithm according to this example is preferably executed when the charging rate of the power supply 10 becomes equal to or lower than the charging rate corresponding to the discharge end voltage. In this algorithm, the first threshold is changed based on the second threshold plus the charging rate or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 required to operate the load 121R by an amount corresponding to the predetermined number of times described above.

The state of charge (SOC) or remaining capacity of the power source 10 can be estimated, for example, by a known SOC-OCV method, current integration method (coulomb counting method), or the like. FIG. 13 shows an example using the SOC-OCV method. In this method, the control unit 50 has a deterioration state estimation unit 70 that estimates the deterioration state of the power supply 10 . Further, the control unit 50 has an integrated discharging current deriving unit 62 , an integrated charging current deriving unit 64 , an impedance measuring unit 66 and an integrated consumed capacity deriving unit 68 . The integrated discharging current deriving unit 62 and the integrated charging current deriving unit 64 use the current sensor 152 to calculate the integrated value of the current flowing out of the power source 10 and the integrated value of the current flowing into the power source 10, respectively. The impedance measurement unit 66 uses the voltage sensor 150 and the current sensor 152 to measure impedance (internal resistance). The deterioration state estimating unit 70 uses a known method to determine the power supply 10 based on the integrated value of the current flowing out of the power supply 10, the integrated value of the current flowing into the power supply 10, the impedance, and the temperature measured using the temperature sensor 154. state of deterioration (SOH).

The control unit 50 acquires the full charge capacity of the power supply 10 from the state of deterioration (SOH) of the power supply 10 by mapping 72 . Using the integrated consumption capacity and the full charge capacity of the power supply 10 derived by the integrated consumption capacity deriving unit 68, the charging rate or remaining charge of the power supply 10 required to operate the load 121R by the amount corresponding to the predetermined number of times described above is calculated. Derive capacity. From the required power source 10 state-of-charge or remaining capacity derived using the mapping 74 of the power source 10 state-of-charge (SOC) to the power source 10 open-circuit voltage, open-circuit voltage (V _th1 ) as the primary one threshold: to derive

Since it is known that the mapping 74 between the state of charge (SOC) of the power supply 10 and the open circuit voltage of the power supply 10 depends on the state of deterioration of the power supply 10, a plurality of mappings 74 corresponding to the state of deterioration of the power supply are prepared in advance. Preferably stored in memory 58 .

As described above, the SOC-OCV method utilizes the one-to-one relationship between the charging rate and the voltage of the power supply, and uses the mapping between the charging rate and the voltage of the power supply in advance according to the type of power supply. , the charging rate can be estimated from the voltage of the power supply obtained during use. Here, the voltage of the power supply is preferably an open circuit voltage.

In this example, the algorithm for deriving the open circuit voltage as the first order 1 threshold has been detailed. Instead of this, when the state of charge (SOC) or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 is used as the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10, the "load corresponding to the predetermined number of times" derived in the preceding stage of the mapping 74 shown in FIG. The charging rate or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 required to operate the 121R may be used as the primary first threshold. or alternatively, the "power supply 10 required to operate the load 121R a predetermined number of times" derived using the mapping 74 or/and the full charge capacity and the open circuit voltage derived in the mapping 74. The charging rate or remaining capacity of the battery" may be used as the primary first threshold.

In this example, although the algorithm for deriving the primary 1 threshold is different from the example described above, the threshold changing process can be executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

(Another example of threshold change processing)
Another example of threshold change processing will be described in detail. FIG. 14 shows an example of a flowchart of threshold change processing. The control unit 50 preferably executes the threshold changing process S104 when the power supply 10 is charged before the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10 becomes less than the second threshold. Note that FIG. 15 shows the voltage value of the power supply when charging is started before the voltage of the power supply 10 reaches the second threshold, for example, the discharge end voltage.

In the threshold changing process according to this example, if the second predetermined condition is not satisfied, it is preferable to end the threshold changing process without changing the first threshold (steps S220 and S222).

In one aspect, the second predetermined condition is a condition that the amount of operation of the load 121R or the amount of the attraction component generated by the load 121R before or at the start of charging of the power supply 10 is equal to or greater than a reference amount. That is, when the amount of operation of the load 121R or the amount of the attraction component generated by the load 121R before or at the start of charging of the power supply 10 is less than the reference amount, the first threshold is not changed. Here, the amount of operation of the load 121R or the amount of the attraction component generated by the load 121R is calculated from the previous charging.

In another aspect, the second predetermined condition is that the value acquired by the control unit 50 at or before the start of charging of the power supply 10 is less than the first threshold. That is, when the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 acquired by the control unit 50 at or before the start of charging of the power supply 10 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the first threshold is not changed. More specifically, when the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is equal to or greater than the first threshold, it is preferable that the first threshold is not changed even if the power supply 10 is charged.

The above-described second predetermined condition means that the power supply 10 has a large remaining amount, that is, the condition that the number of puffing operations is small. Therefore, it is considered that the first threshold for distinguishing between the normal use mode and the charge request mode remains set to a relatively appropriate value even if it is not changed.

In still another aspect, the second predetermined condition is that the idle time, which is a period during which power is not supplied to the load 121R, is less than a predetermined time. That is, when the idle time, which is a period during which power is not supplied to the load 121R, is longer than or equal to the predetermined time, the first threshold is not changed. The standing time can be measured by the timer 54 described above.

If the standing time is longer than the predetermined time, a significant voltage drop may occur due to spontaneous discharge. Therefore, the accuracy of the value of the first order 1 threshold derived by the threshold modification process, and more specifically by the default algorithm, may be degraded. When the first threshold is changed using such a primary first threshold, there is a possibility that the first threshold for distinguishing between the normal use mode and the charging request mode will deviate from an appropriate value. Therefore, as described above, it is preferable not to change the first threshold value in cases where a significant voltage drop occurs due to natural discharge.

In the threshold changing process, if the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the primary first threshold is derived based on a predetermined algorithm (step S200). In this example, the first threshold is changed based on a value larger than the second threshold by an amount corresponding to the amount of voltage drop of the power supply 10 when the load 121R is operated by an amount corresponding to the predetermined number of times. Here, the amount of voltage drop of the power supply 10 when the load 121R is operated by an amount corresponding to the predetermined number of times may be a value estimated by the control unit 50 . That is, the amount of voltage drop of the power supply 10 is estimated based on the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10 acquired by the control unit 50 at or before the start of charging of the power supply. That is, in this example, the first threshold is changed so as to allow the puff operation about the predetermined number of times in the charge request mode.

Specifically, the control unit 50 acquires the voltage of the power supply 10 as a value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10 for each puff operation. Thereby, the control unit 50 can acquire the voltage drop amount ΔV(i) for each puff operation. Here, "i" is an index representing the number of puff actions.

When the power supply 10 is charged, the control unit 50 acquires the average value ΔV _AVE of the amount of voltage drop for each puff operation. Here, the average value ΔV _AVE of the amount of voltage drop per puff operation may be calculated over the number of puff operations performed since the power supply 10 was previously charged.

Alternatively, the average amount of voltage drop per puff, ΔV _AVE , may be calculated over the number of puffs that have occurred since the voltage of power supply 10 fell below a predetermined value. In this case, the predetermined value may be the currently set first threshold. In this case, when charging of power supply 10 is started before the voltage of power supply 10 falls below the first threshold, control unit 50 does not need to change the first threshold.

The control unit 50 estimates the remaining number of puffs at the start of charging using the voltage drop average value ΔV _AVE . The number of remaining puffs is an index of how many more puffs can be performed with the remaining amount of power at the start of charging. The number of remaining puffs can be estimated, for example, by assuming that the voltage of power supply 10 decreases linearly with puffing. In this case, the remaining number of puffs (puff _remain ) can be obtained by the following formula: puff _remain =(V(N)-discharge end voltage)/ΔV _AVE . Here, V(N) means the voltage of the power supply 10 at the start of charging.

Using the estimated remaining number of puffs puff _remain , the control unit 50 calculates the sum of the number of puff actions (N) measured after charging and the remaining number of puffs (puff _remain ). The voltage (OCV (N+puff _remain -N _re )) of the power supply 10 obtained a predetermined number of times (N _re ) before may be obtained from the memory 58 and set as the first threshold value.

As described above, when the first predetermined condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 sets the primary first threshold to a new first threshold (steps S202 and S208). When the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 50 sets a value obtained by smoothing the primary first threshold as the first threshold (steps S202, S204, S206). Here, the first predetermined condition may be, for example, a condition that the deterioration state of the power supply 10 does not exceed a predetermined determination state.

The predetermined number of times (N _re ) is as described above, and may be a preset fixed value or a variable value that can be set by the user.

(Another example of the default algorithm)
Next, another example of the predefined algorithm will be described. FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of the controller for implementing the predefined algorithm according to this example.

In the example shown in FIG. 16 , the value indicating the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 is defined by the state of charge (SOC) or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 . In this case, the second threshold may be the charging rate or remaining capacity of the power supply when the voltage of the power supply reaches the discharge end voltage. Also, in this case, in the flowchart shown in FIG. The acquired charging rate or remaining capacity is stored in the memory 58 each time the puff operation is performed. Further, when the state of charge (SOC) of the power source 10 is used as the value representing the remaining amount of the power source 10, the second threshold in step S110 and the first threshold in step S116 are values suitable for comparison with the state of charge (SOC). and its dimension (unit) is (%). On the other hand, when the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 is used as the value representing the remaining capacity of the power supply 10, the first threshold in step S110 and the second threshold in step S116 are values suitable for comparison with the remaining capacity. ) becomes (Wh).

The predetermined algorithm according to this example is preferably executed when the charging rate of the power supply 10 becomes equal to or lower than the charging rate corresponding to the discharge end voltage or the remaining capacity. In this algorithm, the first threshold is based on a value that is greater than the second threshold by an amount corresponding to the amount of decrease in the charging rate or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 when the load 121R is operated by an amount corresponding to a predetermined number of times. Be changed. The amount of decrease in the charging rate or remaining capacity of the power source 10 may be estimated based on the charging rate or remaining capacity acquired by the control unit 50 at the start or before charging of the power source 10 .

The state of charge (SOC) or remaining capacity of the power source 10 can be estimated, for example, by a known SOC-OCV method, current integration method (coulomb counting method), or the like. FIG. 16 shows an example using the SOC-OCV method. In this method, the control unit 50 has a deterioration state estimation unit 70 that estimates the deterioration state of the power supply 10 . Further, the control unit 50 has an integrated discharging current deriving unit 62, an integrated charging current deriving unit 64, an impedance measuring unit 66, and a power consumption deriving unit 69 for each puff.

The integrated discharging current deriving unit 62 and the integrated charging current deriving unit 64 use the current sensor 152 to calculate the integrated value of the current flowing out of the power source 10 and the integrated value of the current flowing into the power source 10, respectively. The impedance measurement unit 66 uses the voltage sensor 150 and the current sensor 152 to measure impedance (internal resistance). The deterioration state estimating unit 70 uses a known method to determine the power supply 10 based on the integrated value of the current flowing out of the power supply 10, the integrated value of the current flowing into the power supply 10, the impedance, and the temperature measured using the temperature sensor 154. state of deterioration (SOH).

The control unit 50 acquires the full charge capacity of the power supply 10 from the state of deterioration (SOH) of the power supply 10 by mapping 72 . Also, the control unit 50 derives the charging rate (%) of the power supply 10 from the voltage value of the power supply 10 at the start of charging using an appropriate mapping 74 based on the state of deterioration (SOH) of the power supply 10 . Control unit 50 can estimate the remaining capacity of power source 10 at the start of charging by multiplying the obtained full charge capacity by the state of charge (SOC) of power source 10 .

Further, the control unit 50 divides the cumulative value of power consumption for each puff derived by the power consumption derivation unit 69 for each puff by the number of puffs, and calculates the estimated power consumption required for one puff operation. to derive The control unit 50 can estimate the remaining number of _puffs (puff remaining) by dividing the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 at the start of charging by the estimated power consumption required for one puff operation.

Using the estimated remaining number of puffs puff _remain , the control unit 50 calculates the sum of the number of puff actions (N) measured after charging and the remaining number of puffs (puff _remain ). The voltage (OCV (N+puff _remain -N _re )) of the power supply 10 obtained a predetermined number of times (N _re ) before may be obtained from the memory 58 and set as the first threshold value.

As described above, when the first predetermined condition is not satisfied, the control unit 50 sets the primary first threshold to a new first threshold (steps S202 and S208). When the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 50 sets a value obtained by smoothing the primary first threshold as the first threshold (steps S202, S204, S206). Here, the first predetermined condition may be, for example, a condition that the deterioration state of the power supply 10 does not exceed a predetermined determination state.

The predetermined number of times (N _re ) may be a fixed value set in advance as described above, or may be a variable value that can be set by the user.

In this example, the algorithm for deriving the open circuit voltage as the first order 1 threshold has been detailed. Instead of this, when the state of charge (SOC) or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 is used as the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10, the "load corresponding to the predetermined number of times" derived in the preceding stage of the mapping 74 shown in FIG. The charging rate or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 required to operate the 121R may be used as the primary first threshold. or alternatively, the "power supply 10 required to operate the load 121R a predetermined number of times" derived using the mapping 74 or/and the full charge capacity and the open circuit voltage derived in the mapping 74. The charging rate or remaining capacity of the battery" may be used as the primary first threshold.

In this example, although the algorithm for deriving the primary 1 threshold is different from the example described above, the threshold changing process can be executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, for example.

(Controlled by an external processor)
In the example described above, the control unit 50 performs all of the processing of changing the first threshold using a predetermined algorithm using the value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 . Alternatively, at least part of the processing may be performed by the processor 250 of the external power source, such as the processor of the charger 200 .

As an example, the attractive component generating device 100 may be able to communicate with an external power source processor 250 that can estimate the amount of power remaining in the power source 10 at or before the start of discharge. The processor 250 is capable of estimating the remaining power level of the power supply 10 at or before charging of the power supply 10 , and may transmit a value representing the estimated remaining power level of the power supply 10 to the attraction component generating device 100 .

Processor 250 estimates the remaining amount of power supply 10 based on at least one of a value representing the amount of power discharged from power supply 10 to external power supply 210 and a value representing the amount of power charged from external power supply 210 to power supply 10 . be able to. These power quantities can be derived using current sensor 230 and voltage sensor 240 .

Estimation of the remaining capacity of power supply 10 by processor 250 may be performed by any known method. For example, when the power source 10 is connected to the charger 200, the ratio of the discharged power amount when the power source 10 is discharged to the discharge end voltage and the charged power amount when the power source 10 is charged from the discharge end voltage to the full charge voltage , the remaining capacity of the power supply 10 can be estimated. In this case, the discharge power amount and the charge power amount can be derived, for example, by discharging the one-end power source 10 to the discharge end voltage and then charging it to the full charge voltage.

When the processor 250 estimates the remaining amount of the power supply 10 , the control unit 50 may change the first threshold based on the remaining amount of the power supply 10 acquired from the processor 250 . Specifically, the control unit 50 can derive the primary 1 threshold by applying any of the predetermined algorithms described above using the remaining amount of the power supply 10 obtained from the processor 250 .

(smoothing process)
FIG. 17 shows an example of a block diagram of a control unit for executing smoothing processing. The smoothing process may be, for example, a process of taking a moving average of a predetermined number of most recent first thresholds among a plurality of first thresholds changed in the past. That is, the smoothing process is the average value of a predetermined number of first threshold values extracted in order from the newest one out of the plurality of first threshold values (V _th1 ) stored in the memory 58 .

As previously mentioned, the default algorithm derives a linear 1 threshold based on the value of the voltage of power supply 10 . However, the value of the voltage of the power supply 10 may include changes and errors due to various environments such as temperature conditions. It can change a lot. By setting a value obtained by performing smoothing processing on the primary first threshold value as the new first threshold value, it is possible to reduce changes and errors due to various environments such as temperature conditions. At the same time, it is possible to reduce the influence of fine differences in the user's way of inhaling for each inhalation, product errors of the inhalant component generating device 100, and changes over time on the new first threshold. In addition, by suppressing a large change in the newly set first threshold value, it is possible to reduce discomfort given to the user.

In one example, the strength of the smoothing process may be changed based on the number of previously changed first thresholds, specifically the number of first thresholds stored in memory 58 . For example, if the number of first thresholds already stored in the memory 58 is 0, the control unit 50 uses the primary 1st threshold derived by the predetermined algorithm as the first threshold without performing smoothing processing. set. That is, in this case, the number of first threshold values (n1) used for smoothing is zero.

Further, when the number of first threshold values already stored in the memory 58 is one, the control unit 50 averages the first threshold values stored in the memory 58 and the primary first threshold value derived by the predetermined algorithm. value can be set as the first threshold. That is, in this case, the number of first threshold values (n1) used for smoothing is one.

Furthermore, when the number of first thresholds already stored in the memory 58 is two or more, the control unit 50 stores the two first thresholds stored in the memory and the first threshold derived by the predetermined algorithm. is set as the first threshold value. That is, in this case, the number of first threshold values (n1) used for smoothing is two.

In this way, by changing the number of values used for calculating the moving average according to the number of first thresholds stored in the memory 58, the strength of the smoothing process can be appropriately set. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first threshold value from being properly changed due to the smoothing process being too strong, and prevent the process from functioning due to the smoothing process being too weak.

Additionally, the strength of the smoothing process may be varied based on the state of health (SOH) of the power supply 10 . Specifically, the strength of the smoothing process is preferably weakened as the deterioration state of the power supply 10 progresses. Specifically, as the deterioration state of the power supply 10 progresses, the number (n2) of the first threshold values used for smoothing may be decreased. More preferably, the number of first thresholds used in the smoothing process is obtained based on the number (n1) corresponding to the number of first thresholds stored in the memory 58 and the state of deterioration (SOH) of the power supply 10. It may be the smaller of the numbers (n2) (see FIG. 17).

For example, if the state of health (SOH) of the power supply 10 is less than or equal to the first determination state, the control unit 50 selects the two first thresholds already stored in the memory 58 and the primary 1 derived by the predetermined algorithm. An average value with the threshold may be set as the first threshold. However, if the number of first thresholds stored in the memory 58 is less than two, the number of first thresholds used in the smoothing process is reduced according to the number of first thresholds stored in the memory 58. good too. Similarly, if the memory 58 does not store the first threshold value, the smoothing process need not be performed.

Further, when the state of deterioration (SOH) of the power supply 10 progresses beyond the first determination state and is equal to or less than the second determination state, the control unit 50 sets the one first threshold already stored in the memory 58 and the default The average value of the primary first threshold value derived by the algorithm of (1) may be set as the first threshold value. However, if the memory 58 does not store the first threshold value, the smoothing process need not be performed.

Furthermore, when the state of deterioration (SOH) of the power supply 10 progresses beyond the second determination state, the control unit 50 preferably sets the first threshold to the primary 1 threshold derived by a predetermined algorithm ( Steps S202, S208).

As the power supply 10 deteriorates, values indicating the remaining capacity of the power supply 10, such as the voltage of the power supply 10, the charging rate of the power supply 10, and the remaining capacity of the power supply 10, may suddenly change. In such a case, by weakening the strength of the smoothing process or not performing the smoothing process, the first threshold can be set to a value that reflects the deterioration state of the power supply 10 in the threshold changing process.

The control unit 50 preferably uses only the first threshold value obtained after the load 121R is attached to the connection portion 120t in the smoothing process. Also, the control unit 50 may disable or erase at least a part, preferably all, of the first threshold values stored in the memory 58 based on attachment/detachment of the load 121R to/from the connection portion 120t. Thereby, the control unit 50 can avoid using the first threshold obtained before the load 121R is attached to the connection unit 120t in the smoothing process.

In this example, as the smoothing process for the first primary threshold, the process of taking the moving average of the first first threshold and the first threshold stored in the memory 58 has been described in detail. Alternatively, a plurality of first thresholds stored in the memory 58 or a data group obtained by adding a first threshold to the plurality of first thresholds may be smoothed by the least-squares method. Alternatively, in the smoothing process, a weighted moving average or an exponential moving average may be performed in which the most recent first threshold value stored in the memory 58 is weighted larger.

Also, in this example, the algorithm that treats the primary 1st threshold value as a temporary variable in the control flow without storing the primary 1st threshold value derived in step S200 of FIGS. . Alternatively, the primary 1 threshold derived in step S200 of FIGS. 11 and 14 may be stored in memory 58 prior to smoothing. That is, in FIG. 17, the newest data V _th1 (n) stored in the memory 58 is the primary 1 threshold derived in step S200 of FIGS. 11 and 14 before the smoothing process is performed. Therefore, when setting the strength of the smoothing process based on the number of first thresholds stored in the memory 58 and the state of deterioration (SOH) of the power supply 10, at least one piece of data is stored in the memory 58. It is In this case, in the smoothing process, the number (n1) corresponding to the number of first thresholds stored in the memory 58 should be increased by one over all the first thresholds stored in the memory 58 . Similarly, the number (n2) obtained based on the state of health (SOH) of the power supply 10 should be increased by one over all states of health (SOH) of the power supply 10 . Furthermore, it should be noted that the primary 1st threshold value V _th1 (n) stored in memory 58 must be overwritten with the new first threshold value obtained by the smoothing process.

Further, in this example, the smoothing process when the voltage of the power supply 10 is used as the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10, the primary first threshold value, and the first threshold value has been described in detail. Instead of this, the state of charge (SOC) or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 may be used as a value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10, the primary first threshold and the first threshold.

(Measures against long-term storage)
If the above-described threshold change processing is performed after the power supply 10 has been left unused for a long period of time, spontaneous discharge may reduce the accuracy of the above-described predetermined algorithm. Therefore, it is preferable that the control unit 50 corrects the first threshold changed based on the operation request signal according to the idle time. Here, the idle time is defined by the period during which power is not supplied to the load 121R as described above, and can be measured by the timer 54. FIG.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a block diagram of a control unit for correcting the first threshold when the threshold changing process is performed after a long period of non-use. In this example, the control unit 50 corrects the primary 1 threshold (V _th1 ) derived by a predetermined algorithm by the following correction formula: V th1 — _amend = V _th1 - α1 + α2 x α3.

Here, V _{th1_amend} is the primary 1 threshold after correction. V _th1 is the primary 1st threshold before correction, that is, the primary 1st threshold obtained by the predetermined algorithm described above. α1, α2, and α3 are correction coefficients, respectively.

The correction coefficient α1 is a coefficient for compensating for the natural voltage drop of the power supply 10 that accompanies the power supply 10 being left unused. According to the above-described predetermined algorithm, the first threshold may be set to a value higher by the voltage drop due to natural discharge if correction is not made according to the time left unattended. Therefore, the correction coefficient α1 may be set so as to cancel the voltage drop due to natural discharge. That is, it is preferable that the control unit 50 first corrects the first threshold value to a smaller value according to the idle time.

The correction coefficients α2 and α3 are coefficients for compensating for capacity degradation of the power supply 10 (in other words, decrease in full charge capacity) that accompanies the power supply 10 being left unused. It is generally known that if the power supply 10 is left unused for a long period of time, deterioration progresses and the full charge capacity decreases. Furthermore, the degree of this decrease depends on the remaining amount of the power supply 10 when left unattended. According to the above-described predetermined algorithm, the first threshold value may be set to a lower value by the decrease in the full charge capacity if correction is not performed according to the standing time. Therefore, it is preferable to perform correction based on the correction coefficients α2 and α3 so as to take into account the decrease in full charge capacity that accompanies long-term storage.

The correction coefficient α3 is a value corresponding to the remaining amount of the power supply 10 when the load 121R generates an action or attraction component. More specifically, correction coefficient α3 is a value corresponding to the remaining amount of power supply 10 when load 121R is operated after power supply 10 has been left unused. As described above, the decrease in the full charge capacity of the power supply 10 due to long-term non-use depends on the remaining amount of the power supply during the long-term non-use. In particular, if the power supply 10 is left for a long period of time near the remaining amount corresponding to the full charge voltage or the final discharge voltage, the full charge capacity of the power supply 10 tends to decrease. From this point of view, it is preferable to first correct the first threshold value to a larger value as the remaining amount of the power supply 10 when left is closer to the full charge voltage or the final discharge voltage.

A decrease in the storage capacity (≈the number of possible puffing operations) accompanying the leaving of the power supply 10 is also affected by the length of the leaving time. Therefore, the control unit 50 may correct the primary 1 threshold by adding the product of the correction coefficient α2 and the correction coefficient α3 based on the remaining power of the power supply 10 when left unattended to the primary 1 threshold.

Note that the relationship between the correction coefficients α1 and α2 and the standing time is determined by the type (design) of the power supply 10 to be used. Similarly, the relationship between the correction coefficient α3 and the discharge voltage, charging rate or remaining capacity of the power supply is determined by the type (design) of the power supply 10 to be used. Therefore, the correction coefficients α1, α2, and α3 can be derived in advance by experiments for the power supply 10 to be used.

The control unit 50 sets the corrected value as the first threshold. Further, as described above, a value obtained by smoothing the thus corrected value may be set as the first threshold value.

Further, in this example, the smoothing process when the voltage of the power supply 10 is used as the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10, the primary first threshold value, and the first threshold value has been described in detail. Instead of this, the state of charge (SOC) or remaining capacity of the power supply 10 may be used as a value representing the remaining amount of the power supply 10, the primary first threshold and the first threshold.

(abnormality determination processing)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of abnormality determination processing. If the changed first threshold is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination value, the control unit 50 detects deterioration or abnormality of the power supply 10 (step S302).

In a degraded power supply 10, the value indicative of the remaining power of the power supply 10 drops rapidly with the number of puffs. Therefore, if an attempt is made to change the first threshold based on a value that allows the load 121R to operate or generate the attraction component by an amount corresponding to the predetermined number of times, the first threshold increases as the power supply 10 deteriorates. Therefore, if the changed first threshold is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination value, it can be considered that the power supply 10 has deteriorated or has become abnormal.

Here, the predetermined determination value may be set to a predetermined value at which deterioration of the power supply 10 or abnormality of the power supply 10 can be considered. The value indicating the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is the voltage of the power supply, and when a lithium ion secondary battery is used as the power supply 10, the predetermined judgment value may be in the range of 3.7 to 3.9V, for example.

When the control unit 50 detects deterioration or abnormality of the power supply 10, the control unit 50 controls the notification unit 40 to make a fourth notification (step S306). The fourth notification is preferably different from the first, second and third notifications described above. When the notification unit 40 is a light emitting element, the light emitting color and/or light emitting pattern of the light emitting element in the fourth notification are different from the light emitting colors and/or light emitting patterns of the light emitting elements in the first, second and third notifications. good.

The control unit 50 may stop all operations of the attraction component generating device 100 when an abnormality is detected.

[Other embodiments]
Although the present invention has been described by the above-described embodiments, the statements and drawings forming part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, implementations and operational techniques will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

For example, the configurations described in each of the above embodiments can be combined and/or replaced with each other wherever possible.

Also, it should be noted that the scope of the present invention also includes a program that causes the suction component generating device to execute the above-described various methods performed by the control unit 50 .

Claims (6)

a heating element for vaporizing or atomizing the source of inhaled ingredients with power from a power supply;
a control unit that generates a command for supplying power to the heating unit;
a notification unit including a light emitting element;
The control unit
In a first state in which the value representing the remaining amount of the power supply is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount lower than the value corresponding to full charge, the notification is made during a first period in which power is supplied from the power supply to the heating unit. changing the light emission of the part with the first light emission pattern,
In a second state in which the value representing the remaining power level of the power source is lower than the predetermined amount, the light emission of the notification unit is set to a second light emission during a second period in which power is supplied from the power source to the heating unit. change in a pattern,
The control unit controls the notification unit so that the light emission form of the notification unit in the first state and the light emission form of the notification unit in the second state are part of the first period and the second period. controlled to be distinguishable only in the period,
The attraction component generating device, wherein the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern are the same in the first and second periods except for the partial period. 2. The attractive component generating device according to claim 1, wherein said first light emission pattern and said second light emission pattern include repetition of light emission and non-light emission. 3. The attractive component generating device according to claim 1, wherein light emission of said notification unit in said second state is controlled so as to notify that the remaining amount of said power source is less than in a fully charged state. The attractive component generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern are such that detection of an operation request is a condition for starting notification by light emission. When the deterioration or abnormality of the power supply is detected, the control unit emits light in a light emission pattern different from the first light emission pattern and/or in a color different from the light emission color of the notification unit in the first state. 5. The attractive component generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the notification unit emits light. A system comprising a charger and an electrical unit connectable to the charger,
The electrical unit is
a first power supply;
a heating unit for vaporizing or atomizing an inhaled component source with power from the first power supply;
a control unit that generates a command for supplying power to the heating unit;
a notification unit including a light emitting element;
The control unit
In a first state in which a value representing the remaining amount of the first power supply is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount lower than a value corresponding to full charge, during a first period in which power is supplied from the first power supply to the heating unit. while changing the light emission of the notification unit with a first light emission pattern,
In a second state in which the value representing the remaining amount of the first power supply is lower than the predetermined amount, the notification unit is caused to emit light during a second period in which power is supplied from the first power supply to the heating unit. change with a second light emission pattern ,
The control unit controls the notification unit so that the light emission form of the notification unit in the first state and the light emission form of the notification unit in the second state are part of the first period and part of the second period. controlled to be distinguishable only during the period of
the first light emission pattern and the second light emission pattern are the same in the first and second periods excluding the partial period ;
The charger is
a second power supply for charging the first power supply of the electrical unit when the electrical unit is connected to the charger;
a processor configured to control charging from the second power source to the first power source.

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