WO2020255233A1

WO2020255233A1 - Inhalation device, power supply unit, and method

Info

Publication number: WO2020255233A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/023995
Authority: WO
Inventors: 創藤田; 寛手塚
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2019-06-18
Filing date: 2019-06-18
Publication date: 2020-12-24
Also published as: EP3987956A1; EP3987956A4; JPWO2020255233A1; US20220071300A1; JP7108790B2

Abstract

Provided is an inhalation device that appropriately ascertains the state of a power supply part and, in particular, quickly and reliably detects said state when a power supply abnormality has occurred during battery discharge.　An inhalation device that generates an aerosol and comprises a heating part that atomizes an aerosol source, a power supply part that performs an operation that supplies power to the heating part, a sensor that detects a voltage value for the power supply part, a control part that determines the state of the power supply part on the basis of a total power supply count and a normal power supply count that are tallied in accordance with the power supply operation, the normal power supply count being tallied when the voltage value for the power supply part is at or above a prescribed voltage threshold value throughout the power supply operation, and a notification part that gives notification of the state of the power supply part.

Description

Suction device, power supply unit, and method

This disclosure relates to a suction device, a power supply unit, and a method. Specifically, the present invention relates to a suction device for generating an aerosol, a power supply unit used for the suction device, and a method for operating a suction device for generating an aerosol.

Conventionally, electronic devices including a suction device such as an electronic cigarette that produces a suction component such as a flavored aerosol are known. Lithium-ion batteries are often used as batteries for such electronic devices. Then, the lithium ion battery may have a problem due to deterioration over time, for example. Therefore, when a problem related to the battery occurs, there is an electronic device that detects the fact.

In Patent Document 1, when the user is using the suction device (when the battery is discharged), when the power supply voltage falls below the threshold voltage, it is determined that an error has occurred in the battery and the number of times is counted. It is disclosed to do. Here, when the number of times exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the fact that the battery needs to be replaced is transmitted through the activation of the replacement indicator.

Special Table 2017-514463

If a problem occurs when the battery is discharged, it is desirable that the electronic device not only detect the power supply abnormality but also acquire more detailed information. Specifically, it is necessary to identify factors such as whether it is due to a sudden battery failure or due to aging such as battery life, and to present diagnostic information including such information to the user in an easy-to-understand manner. Is desirable. In particular, in the suction device, since the aerosol source is heated according to the power supply from the power supply, not only the detection of the power supply abnormality but also more detailed information should be obtained from the viewpoint of safety. ..

This disclosure has been made in view of this point. That is, one of the purposes of the present disclosure is to appropriately grasp the state of the power supply unit including the battery and notify the user of the use of the suction device. In particular, one of the purposes is for the suction device to determine the state of power failure when a problem occurs when the battery is discharged. Another object of the present invention is to appropriately control the operation of the suction device according to the determined power supply abnormality. Further, when it is determined that the power supply is abnormal, one of the purposes is to output diagnostic information for identifying the degree and cause of the power supply abnormality and to urge the user to deal with the power supply abnormality.

From the first aspect, a suction device that produces an aerosol is provided. Such a suction device includes a heating unit that atomizes the aerosol source, a power supply unit that performs a power supply operation to the heating unit, a sensor that detects the voltage value of the power supply unit, and a total number of power supply counts according to the power supply operation. A control unit that determines the state of the power supply unit based on the number of normal power supplies, and the number of normal power supplies is counted when the voltage value of the power supply unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold value through the power supply operation. , A notification unit for notifying the status of the power supply unit. By using two parameters, the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply, the suction device appropriately determines the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the suction device is used, especially when the battery is discharged during the suction operation by the user. It can be grasped and notified to the user.

In the suction device of the second viewpoint, in the suction device of the first viewpoint, the notification unit notifies the state of the power supply unit in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply. The user using the suction device can intuitively grasp the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged by perceiving the notification mode. In addition, the convenience of repairing the suction device can be improved.

The suction device of the third viewpoint is the state of the power supply unit in the suction device of the first viewpoint or the second viewpoint when the control unit does not count the normal power supply count and the total power supply count and the normal power supply count do not match. Determines that the power supply is abnormal. By using two parameters, the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply, the control unit of the suction device reliably determines the abnormal state of the power supply unit during battery discharge when a problem occurs during battery discharge. be able to.

In the suction device of the fourth aspect, in any of the suction devices of the first to the third viewpoints, the control unit does not count the number of normal feeds over a plurality of times, and the difference between the total number of feeds and the number of normal feeds is predetermined. When the threshold number of times is reached, it is determined that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal. As a result, the control unit of the suction device can more accurately determine the abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged.

In the suction device of the fifth aspect, the total number of times of feeding and the number of normal feedings are associated with each other in any of the suction devices of the first to the fourth viewpoints, and the control unit continuously performs a plurality of times of normal feeding. When the difference between the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply reaches a predetermined threshold number without being counted over, it is determined that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal. As a result, the control unit of the suction device can more accurately determine the abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged.

In the suction device of the sixth viewpoint, in any of the suction devices of the first to fifth viewpoints, the control unit stores the power supply abnormality information in the memory when the state of the power supply unit is determined to be a power supply abnormality. , Prohibits power supply operation by the power supply unit according to the storage of power supply abnormality information. The control unit of the suction device can enhance the safety to the user by prohibiting the power supply operation by the power supply unit.

In the suction device of the seventh aspect, in the suction device of the sixth aspect, the control unit further deletes the power supply abnormality information stored in the memory, and in response to the deletion of the power supply abnormality information, the prohibited power supply operation is performed. To give permission. The control unit of the suction device can improve the convenience of the user by re-permitting the once prohibited power feeding operation.

The suction device of the eighth viewpoint is the suction device of the seventh viewpoint, and the control unit deletes the power supply abnormality information in response to an instruction from an external device connected to the suction device. As a result, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the suction operation due to the erroneous operation of the user and enhance the safety for the user.

In the suction device of the ninth viewpoint, in any of the suction devices of the first to eighth viewpoints, the power supply operation by the power supply unit is started in response to the pressing of the power switch of the user, and is carried out for a predetermined time.

From the tenth aspect, a power supply unit used for a suction device that produces an aerosol is provided. Such a power supply unit includes a heating unit that atomizes the aerosol source, a power supply unit that performs a power supply operation to the heating unit, a sensor that detects the voltage value of the power supply unit, and a total number of power supply counts according to the power supply operation. A control unit that determines the state of the power supply unit based on the number of normal power supplies, and the number of normal power supplies is counted when the voltage value of the power supply unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold through the power supply operation. , A notification unit for notifying the status of the power supply unit. By using two parameters, the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies, the power supply unit can appropriately determine the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the power supply unit is used, especially when the battery is discharged during suction operation by the user. It can be grasped and notified to the user.

In the power supply unit of the eleventh viewpoint, in the power supply unit of the tenth viewpoint, the notification unit notifies the state of the power supply unit in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply. The user during the suction operation can intuitively grasp the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged by perceiving the notification mode. In addition, the convenience of repairing the power supply unit can be improved.

The power supply unit of the twelfth viewpoint is the state of the power supply unit in the tenth viewpoint or the eleventh viewpoint, when the control unit does not count the normal power supply count and the total power supply count and the normal power supply count do not match. Determines that the power supply is abnormal. The control unit of the power supply unit uses two parameters, the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies, to reliably determine the abnormal state of the power supply unit during battery discharge when a problem occurs during battery discharge. be able to.

In the power supply unit of the thirteenth viewpoint, in any of the power supply units from the tenth viewpoint to the twelfth viewpoint, the control unit does not count the number of normal power supplies over a plurality of times, and the difference between the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies is predetermined. When the threshold number of times is reached, it is determined that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal. As a result, the control unit of the power supply unit can more accurately determine the abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged.

In the power supply unit of the 14th viewpoint, the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply are associated with each other of the power supply unit of the 10th to 13th viewpoints, and the control unit has a plurality of times of normal power supply in succession. When the difference between the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply reaches a predetermined threshold number without being counted over, it is determined that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal. As a result, the control unit of the power supply unit can more accurately determine the abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged.

The power supply unit of the fifteenth viewpoint is any power supply unit from the tenth viewpoint to the fourteenth viewpoint, and the control unit stores the power supply abnormality information in the memory when it is determined that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal. It is stored, and the power supply operation by the power supply unit is prohibited according to the storage of power supply abnormality information. The control unit of the power supply unit can enhance safety for the user by prohibiting the power supply operation by the power supply unit.

In the power supply unit of the 16th viewpoint, in the power supply unit of the 15th viewpoint, the control unit further deletes the power supply abnormality information stored in the memory in response to an instruction from an external device connected to the power supply unit. Allows prohibited power supply operations according to the deletion of power supply error information. By requiring an instruction from the external device to delete the power supply abnormality information, the control unit of the suction device can prevent the suction operation from malfunctioning due to the user's erroneous operation and enhance the safety to the user. In addition, the convenience of the user can be enhanced by re-permitting the once prohibited power feeding operation.

In the power supply unit of the 17th viewpoint, in any of the power supply units of the 10th to 16th viewpoints, the sensor includes a suction sensor, and the power supply operation by the power supply unit is detected by the suction sensor, and a series of suction operations by the user. It is started according to the start of, and is carried out until the end of a series of suction operations.

From the eighteenth aspect, a method of operating a suction device that produces an aerosol is provided. In such a method, a step of causing the power supply unit to perform a power supply operation to the heating unit for atomizing the aerosol source, a step of causing the sensor to detect the voltage value of the power supply unit, a total number of power supply counts counted according to the power supply operation, and normality. A step of determining the state of the power supply unit based on the number of times of power supply, and the number of times of normal power supply is counted when the voltage value of the power supply unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold value through the power supply operation. Includes steps to notify the status of. By using two parameters, the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply, the method appropriately grasps the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the suction device is used, especially when the battery is discharged during the suction operation by the user. And can notify the user.

The method of the 19th viewpoint includes, in the method of the 18th viewpoint, the step of notifying is notifying the state of the power supply unit in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply. The user during the suction operation can intuitively grasp the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged by perceiving the notification mode. In addition, the convenience of repairing the suction device can be improved.

The method of the 20th viewpoint is the state of the power supply unit in the method of the 18th viewpoint or the 19th viewpoint when the determination step is that the normal power supply count is not counted and the total power supply count and the normal power supply count do not match. Includes determining that is a power failure. By using two parameters, the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply, it is possible to reliably determine the abnormal state of the power supply unit at the time of battery discharge when a problem occurs during battery discharge.

FIG. 1A is an overall perspective view of the suction device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is an overall perspective view of the suction device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of the suction device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of an operation method of the suction device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a detailed flow chart of the operation method of the suction device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of an operation method of the suction device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of an operation method of the suction device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a modified example of the detailed flow chart shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a modified example of the detailed flow chart shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of the suction device according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, the suction device, the power supply unit, and the method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail together with the attached drawings with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the suction device includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette and a nebulizer. In particular, the suction device may include various suction devices for producing aerosols that the user sucks or flavored aerosols. In addition to aerosols, the generated suction component source may also contain invisible vapors.

In the attached drawings, the same or similar elements are designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate explanations regarding the same or similar elements may be omitted in the description of each embodiment. In addition, the features shown in each embodiment can be applied to other embodiments as long as they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic and do not necessarily match the actual dimensions, ratios, etc. Even between drawings, parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios may be included.

<First Embodiment>
(1-1) Basic Structure of Suction Device FIG. 1A is an overall perspective view of the suction device 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1B is an overall perspective view of the suction device 10 in a state of holding the aerosol-forming base material according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the suction device 10 is detachably attached to, for example, an aerosol-generating base material such as a suction article 15 having a flavor-generating base material such as an aerosol source and a filler containing a flavor source. By heating the attached suction article 15, an aerosol containing a flavor is produced.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the aerosol-producing base material is an example of the suction article 15 (hereinafter, the aerosol-producing base material may be collectively referred to as the suction article). The aerosol source contained in the aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid or a liquid. The aerosol source may be, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may include a tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component by heating or an extract derived from the tobacco raw material. If the aspirator 10 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a drug for the patient to inhale. Depending on the application, the aerosol-forming substrate may not contain a flavor source.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the suction device 10 has a top housing 11A, a bottom housing 11B, a cover 12, a power button 13, and a lid 14. The top housing 11A and the bottom housing 11B are connected to each other to form the outermost housing 11 of the suction device 10. The housing 11 may be sized to fit in the user's hands. In this case, when the user uses the suction device 10, the user holds the suction device 10 by hand and sucks the aerosol.

The top housing 11A has an opening (not shown), and the cover 12 is coupled to the top housing 11A so as to close the opening. As shown in FIG. 1B, the cover 12 has an opening 12a into which the suction article 15 can be inserted. The lid portion 14 is configured to open and close the opening 12a of the cover 12. Specifically, the lid portion 14 is attached to the cover 12 and is configured to be movable along the surface of the cover 12 between the first position for closing the opening 12a and the second position for opening the opening 12a. ..

The power button 13 is used to switch the power of the suction device 10 on and off. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, the user presses the power button 13 with the suction article 15 inserted in the opening 12a to supply electric power from the power supply unit to the heating unit, which will be described later, for a certain period of time. Can be heated without burning. When the suction article 15 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the suction article 15, and the flavor of the flavor source is incorporated into the aerosol. The user can suck the aerosol containing the flavor by performing the suction operation from the portion of the suction article 15 (the portion shown in FIG. 1B) protruding from the suction device 10.

The bottom housing 11B is formed with a vent (not shown) for allowing air to flow into the inside of the heating assembly described later. Specifically, the vent is in fluid communication with one end of the heating assembly.

The configuration of the suction device 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is only an example of the configuration of the suction device according to the present disclosure. The suction device 10 according to the present disclosure is configured in various forms such that an aerosol can be generated by heating a suction article 15 including an aerosol source, and the user can suck the generated aerosol source. can do.

(1-2) Configuration of Suction Device FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the suction device 10 according to the present embodiment. The suction device 10 includes a power supply unit 20, a heating unit 40, a control unit 50, a notification unit 60, a sensor 70, and a memory 80, and is electrically connected.

The power supply unit 20 has a power supply that can be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. The power supply unit 20 supplies electric power to each component such as the heating unit 40, the control unit 50, the notification unit 60, the sensor 70, and the memory 80. In particular, when the user presses the power button 13, a power supply operation for supplying electric power from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40 is performed for a predetermined period, and the heating unit 40 is operated so as to heat the suction article 15. ..

Further, the suction device 10 may have an external connection terminal 22 (terminal) that can be connected to an external power source (not shown). The external connection terminal 22 can be connected to, for example, a cable such as a micro USB (Universal Serial Bus). When the power source is a rechargeable battery, by connecting the external power source to the external connection terminal 22, a current can be passed from the external power source to the power source to charge the power source.

By connecting a data transmission cable such as a micro USB to the external connection terminal 22, data related to the operation of the suction device 10 may be transmitted / received to / from an external device (not shown). Specifically, by connecting to an external device through the external connection terminal 22, new data can be stored in the memory 80 of the suction device 10 by the external device, and the stored data can be updated and deleted. It may be configured in.

The heating unit 40 has a heating assembly, is configured to accommodate a part of the suction article 15 inside, has a function of defining a flow path of air supplied to the suction article 15, and has an outer circumference or a center of the suction article 15. Has the function of heating from. As a result, the aerosol source is atomized to produce an aerosol containing a flavor.

Further, the suction device 10 includes a concave holding portion 45 capable of receiving the suction article 15 and holding the filling. The heating unit 40 may have a shape that heats the suction article 15 received by insertion from the outer circumference or the center. That is, the heating unit 40 can heat the portion of the suction article 15 including the flavor source held by the holding unit 45 through the power supply of electric power from the power supply unit 20.

The control unit 50 is configured to control the operation of each component such as the power supply unit 20, the heating unit 40, the notification unit 60, the sensor 70, and the memory 80. Further, the control unit 50 is configured to exchange information with each component. The control unit 50 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 50 controls the operation of the suction device 10 according to a computer executable instruction stored in the memory 80. The control unit 50 reads data from the memory 80 as needed, uses the data for controlling the suction device 10, and stores the generated data in the memory 80 as needed.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 50 is configured to determine the state of the power supply unit 20 based on the total number of times of power supply and the number of normal power supplies counted according to the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40. .. Here, the number of normal power feeds is configured to be counted when the voltage value of the power supply unit 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold value through the power supply operation. That is, the control unit 50 uses two parameters, the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply, so that the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the suction device 10 is used, particularly when the battery is discharged during the suction operation by the user. Can be properly grasped.

The notification unit 60 operates so as to give an explicit notification to the user. Specifically, the notification unit 60 notifies the user in various modes by light emission, display, vocalization, vibration, and a combination thereof, as necessary. For example, the notification unit 60 may include one or more LEDs, and may be configured to emit light in one or more colors depending on the determined state of the power supply unit 20. In the present embodiment, the notification unit 60 is configured to notify the state of the power supply unit 20. For example, it may be configured to notify whether the power supply unit 20 is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and further notify the state of the power supply unit 20 in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply. That is, the user can intuitively grasp the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged by perceiving the notification mode. In addition, the convenience of repairing the suction device 10 can be improved. Specifically, for example, when the user inquires about the abnormal state to the manufacturer, the manufacturer decides whether the LED can be repaired or cannot be repaired by simply telling the light emitting mode (for example, the light emitting color) of the LED, and the user. You will be able to get guidance immediately.

The sensor 70 may include a pressure sensor that detects pressure fluctuations in the air intake flow path and / or aerosol flow path from the vent to the heating assembly or a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate. The sensor 70 may also include a weight sensor that detects the weight of the component in the suction article 15. The sensor 70 may also be configured to detect the height of the internal liquid level when the aerosol source is a liquid. The sensor 70 may also detect and / or calculate the SOC (System of Charge, charging state) of the power supply unit 20, the discharge state of the power supply unit 20, the current integrated value, and the like. The sensor 70 may also be an operation button or the like that can be operated by the user. In this embodiment, in particular, the sensor 70 is configured to detect the voltage value in the power supply unit 20 over the discharge state (that is, the power supply operation from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40). Further, the sensor 70 is configured to detect the pressing of the power button 13. Further, the sensor 70 may be configured to include a suction sensor, such as a microphone capacitor, to detect a suction action by the user and, in particular, to identify the start and end of a series of suction actions by the user. Good.

In addition, the sensor 70 may be a temperature detection unit configured to detect the temperature of the heating unit 40 (or the load included in the heating unit 40). For example, the temperature detection unit detects a value required to obtain the resistance value of the load of the heating unit 40 (current value flowing through the load of the heating unit 40, voltage value applied to the load of the heating unit 40, etc.). It may be configured. When the resistance value of the load of the heating unit 40 has a temperature dependence, the temperature of the heating unit 40 can be estimated based on the detected resistance value of the load of the heating unit 40. In another example, the temperature detection unit may include a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heating unit 40.

The memory 80 is a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a flash memory. The memory 80 can store various data related to the operation of the suction device 10. For example, the memory 80 may store data of a heating profile defined in advance for the heating unit 40. Further, the memory 80 may store computer executable instructions, setting data necessary for controlling the suction device 10, and programs such as firmware. For example, the memory 80 may store various data related to the control method of the notification unit 60 (modes such as light emission, vocalization, vibration, etc.), the value detected by the sensor 70, and the like. Further, the memory 80 enables a program for causing the suction device 10 to execute the entire operation described later, and the control unit 50 executes the program.

In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the memory 80 stores power supply usage history information including the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies, which are counted by the control unit 50 and used to determine the state of the power supply unit 20. Further, when the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality", the power supply abnormality information specified based on the total number of times of power supply is stored. Various information may be registered in the database in a table format.

(1-3) Operation of suction device FIGS. 3 to 6 are schematic flow charts showing a method of operating the suction device 10 according to the present embodiment. The operation in each flow diagram is mainly performed by the control unit 50. 3 and 4 are schematic flow charts for determining the state of the power supply unit 20 and setting the state of the suction device 10 to "normal power supply" or "abnormal power supply". Further, FIG. 5 is a schematic flow diagram for prohibiting the power supply operation of the power supply unit when it is determined that the state of the power supply unit 20 is “power supply abnormality”, and FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram for temporarily prohibiting the power supply operation. After that, it is a schematic flow diagram for permitting the power feeding operation again.

Before starting each operation shown in the flow chart of FIG. 3, the suction device 10 needs to be initialized by the control unit 50. The initialization process includes setting the values of the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply to "0". While the power supply unit 20 is in use, the values of the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply are continuously counted. On the other hand, for example, when the power supply unit 20 is replaced by repair, the initialization process is performed again and the values of the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply are reset to "0". In the present specification, "counting" the number of times includes setting the value of the number of times to a value incremented by +1.

The total number of times of power supply is the total number of times the power supply unit 20 has performed the power supply operation to the heating unit 40. For example, the total number of times of power supply may be counted each time the power supply operation is started. The normal power supply count is the power supply operation when the voltage value of the power supply unit 20 periodically detected by the sensor 70 is maintained at or above a predetermined voltage threshold value from the start to the end of the power supply operation. Is the number of times that is counted as normal. On the other hand, if the voltage value of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than the predetermined voltage threshold value even once through the power supply operation, the value of the normal power supply count is not counted.

That is, during the period during which the power supply unit 20 can operate normally, the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply are both counted, so that the respective values match. In one example, in this case, the control unit 50 may determine that the state of the power supply unit 20 is "normal power supply". On the other hand, if the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies do not match without counting the number of normal power supplies, the control unit 50 may determine that the state of the power supply unit 20 is "power supply abnormality". .. In this way, the suction device 10 can appropriately grasp the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit at the time of battery discharge during the suction operation by the user by using two parameters of the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply. ..

After the above-mentioned initialization process, when the operation shown in FIG. 3 is started (START), in step S11, the control unit 50 determines whether the power supply unit 20 has started the power feeding operation. In the present embodiment, in response to the user pressing the power button 13, the control unit 50 causes the power supply unit 20 to perform a power supply operation to the heating unit 40. That is, in step S11, it is preferable to determine whether or not the sensor 70 has detected the pressing of the power button 13. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the sensor 70 has detected the start of the suction operation of the user.

When the power supply operation by the power supply unit 20 is started (step S11: Yes), in the subsequent operations until the power supply operation is completed, the total number of times of power supply and the number of normal power supplies are counted according to a predetermined condition regarding the power supply operation. That is, in step S12, the control unit 50 first acquires and counts the total number of power feeds stored in the memory 80. Specifically, for example, when the total number of times of power supply acquired from the memory 80 is 100, the control unit 50 counts the total number of times of power supply to 101. The counted value of the total number of power feeds is continuously held in the memory 80. If the power feeding operation has not been started (step S11: No), the processes after step S12 are not executed.

Next, in step S13, the control unit 50 acquires the voltage value V _batt of the power supply unit 20 by causing the sensor 70 to detect the voltage value V _batt of the power supply unit 20. Subsequently, in step S14, the control unit 50 uses the acquired voltage value V _batt to compare with the voltage threshold value stored in advance in the memory 80.

When the received voltage value V _batt is equal to or higher than the voltage threshold value (step S14: Yes), in step S15, the control unit 50 determines whether the power supply unit 20 has finished the power feeding operation. In the present embodiment, the power feeding operation is performed for a certain period of time (for example, 150 seconds), so that the control unit 50 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the power feeding operation by the power supply unit 20 was started in step S11. It is good to do.

If the power supply unit 20 has not completed the power supply operation (step S15: No), the process returns to step S13, the control unit 50 acquires the voltage value V _batt again, and whether it is equal to or higher than the power supply threshold value in the next step S14. Repeat the comparison. The repetition may be configured to be performed, for example, at intervals of about 1 second.

The case where it is determined that the power supply unit 20 has completed the power supply operation (step S15: Yes) is a case where the voltage value of the power supply unit 20 can be maintained at a predetermined voltage threshold value or higher through the power supply operation, so that the control unit 50 Deems that the power supply unit 20 has normally completed the power supply operation. In the next step S16, the control unit 50 acquires and counts the number of normal feedings stored in the memory 80. Specifically, for example, when the number of normal feedings acquired from the memory 80 is 100, the control unit 50 counts the number of normal feedings to 101. The counted value of the number of normal feedings is continuously held in the memory 80.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the voltage value V _batt of the power supply unit 20 is less than the voltage threshold value (step S14: No), the control unit 50 considers that the power supply unit 20 has some trouble. .. In this case, the control unit 50 does not count the number of normal feeding times. Next, in the next step S17, the control unit 50 may be configured to forcibly terminate the power feeding operation of the power supply unit 20. With such a configuration, it is possible to quickly prevent the deterioration of the defect that occurs in the power supply unit 20.

After that, in step S18, the control unit 50 determines the state of the power supply unit 20. Here, the state of the power supply unit 20 may be determined, for example, as "normal power supply" or "abnormal power supply" (described later). Next, in step S19, the control unit 50 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the state of the power supply unit in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply (described later).

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram detailing the state determination operation of the power supply unit 20 by the control unit 50 with respect to step S18. Specifically, the control unit 50 acquires the total number of feeds and the number of normal feeds from the memory 80 in step S181, and then determines in step S182 whether the values of the total number of feeds and the number of normal feeds match. .. When these values match (step S182: Yes), the state of the power supply unit is determined to be "normal power supply" and set in step S183. On the other hand, when the normal power supply count is not counted and the total power supply count and the normal power supply count do not match (step S182: No), the state of the power supply unit is determined to be "power supply abnormality" and set in step S184. To.

Table 1 below shows an example of the relationship between the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies for the state of the power supply unit determined in step S18. The information as shown in Table 1 is stored in the database in the memory 80 in a table format together with the time, and it is preferable that the record is inserted every time the data is updated. Here, these data are stored as power usage history information.

In the example of Table 1, when the total number of times of power supply is from 1 to 52, the number of times of normal power supply is also counted in the same manner, and the state of the power supply unit 20 is also determined to be "normal power supply". However, when the total number of power feedings is 53, the normal number of feedings is not counted and remains 52 times, so that the state of the power supply unit is determined to be "power supply abnormality". It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above table and its values are merely examples, and the items of power supply usage history information stored in the memory 80 are not limited thereto. For example, the time information when the state of the power supply unit is determined may also be managed in history.

The notification operation by the notification unit 60 in step S19 following step S18 is preferably configured to notify the state of the power supply unit in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply. For example, when the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "normal power supply" in step S18, the notification unit 60 lights one or a plurality of LEDs in white, and at that time, the larger the total number of times of power supply, the darker the LEDs. It is preferable that the number of LEDs to be lit in color or to be lit is reduced. As a result, the user can intuitively grasp the battery life of the power supply unit 20.

Further, when the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality" in step S18, the notification unit 60 may give a notification according to the range of the total power supply count (N). Specifically, when 1 ≦ N <100, the LED is turned red, and similarly, when 100 ≦ N <1000, it turns yellow, and when 1000 ≦ N <10000, it turns purple, 10,000. When ≦ N, the LED is turned on in blue. This is based on the finding that when the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality", the smaller the value of the total number of power feeds (N), the more severe the abnormal state.

It should be noted that the above is only an example, and those skilled in the art understand that, for example, the range of the total number of times of power supply may be further subdivided. In particular, the range of the total number of power feeds and the corresponding notification mode may be configured to be configurable and stored in the memory 80 as a notification rule.

In this way, by notifying the state of the power supply unit 20 in various modes, the user can intuitively grasp the state of the power supply unit 20. In particular, by making the notification mode based on the total number of times of power supply, for example, even when the state of the power supply unit 20 is "normal power supply", not only that fact but also the battery life is gradually approaching. Can be perceived by the user. Further, when the state of the power supply unit 20 is "power supply abnormality", the user can perceive the severity of the abnormal state. This also leads to improvement in convenience regarding repair of the suction device 10. For example, when a user makes an inquiry about an abnormal condition to a manufacturer, the manufacturer simply informs the LED emission mode (for example, emission color), and the manufacturer immediately determines whether repair is possible or not, and guides the user immediately. You will be able to do it.

Following the notification by the notification unit 60 in step S19 of FIG. 3, this operation flow proceeds to the prohibition process of the power feeding operation shown in steps S21 to S23 of FIG. More specifically, first, in step S21, the control unit 50 refers to the power supply usage history information stored in the memory 80 as to whether the state of the power supply unit 20 determined in step S18 is "power supply abnormality". To identify. When the state of the power supply unit 20 is "power supply abnormality" (step S21: Yes), in step S22, the control unit 50 stores the information as power supply abnormality information in the memory 80.

As the power supply abnormality information, a part of the above-mentioned power supply usage history information may be used. Specifically, the power supply abnormality information is configured to include the total number of power supplies, the number of normal power supplies, the state of the power supply unit 20, the time when the state of the power supply unit 20 is specified, and the like included in the power supply usage history information. Is good. In addition, the power supply abnormality information may include a corresponding assumed failure code and contents that are assumed from the total number of times of power supply. As for the assumed failure code and the contents, the master information is stored in the memory 80 as defined in advance.

By storing the power supply abnormality information in the memory 80 in this way, the maintenance company and / or the repair company of the suction device 10 can refer to the contents recorded in the memory 80 of the suction device 10 to the suction device 10. The details of the failure that has occurred can be easily identified. That is, it is possible to quickly deal with failures, including shortening the repair time.

Then, in accordance with step S22, in the next step S23, the control unit 50 controls the power supply unit 20 so as to prohibit at least the power supply operation by the power supply unit 20 while the power supply abnormality information is stored in the memory 80. To do. Here, it is preferable that the flag indicating that the power feeding operation by the power supply unit 20 is "invalid" is also stored in the memory 80 as a part of the power supply abnormality information. The control unit 50 is configured to refer to the flag each time the power supply unit 20 is to perform the power supply operation, and to control so as to prohibit the power supply operation when the flag indicates "invalid". Good.

In this way, the control unit 50 not only makes it possible to determine that the power supply unit 20 is in the "normal power supply" or "abnormal power supply" state when performing the power supply operation, but also particularly when the power supply is abnormal. The power supply operation by the power supply unit 20 is prohibited. In this respect, even if the user mistakenly operates the suction device 10 thereafter, the power supply unit 20 cannot perform the power feeding operation. That is, the safety of the suction device 10 can be enhanced, and the user can use the suction device 10 more safely.

FIG. 5 shows a flow in which the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 is prohibited by the control unit 50 when the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be “power supply abnormality”, whereas FIG. 6 shows a flow of the power supply unit 20. The flow for allowing the power feeding operation to be resumed by the control unit 50 after the power feeding operation is once prohibited is shown. For example, when the suction device 10 is newly made operable after dealing with the power supply unit 20 in an abnormal state (for example, repairing or replacing the battery), the operation shown in the flow chart of FIG. 6 is performed. Is good. In this regard, the operation of FIG. 6 should be performed together with the above-mentioned initialization process. Alternatively, the operation of FIG. 6 may be performed after the initialization process is completed and before the start of the process after step S12 of FIG.

For example, when the power button 13 is pressed (START), in step S31, the control unit 50 specifies that the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 is prohibited. This identification is performed by referring to the power supply abnormality information stored in the memory 80. In particular, it is carried out by identifying whether the corresponding power supply abnormality information exists in the memory 80. As a result, when the power feeding operation of the power supply unit 20 is prohibited (step S31: Yes), in step S32, the control unit 50 connects the suction device 10 to the external device via the external connection terminal 22 (for example,). Detects that it is connected via USB).

Next, in step S33, the control unit 50 deletes the power supply abnormality information from the memory 80. Here, it is preferable that the access right is set so that the power supply abnormality information can be deleted only through the instruction from the external device detected in step S32. When the power supply abnormality information is deleted from the memory 80, the flag indicating that the power supply operation by the power supply unit 20, which is a part of the power supply abnormality information, is "invalid" is cleared. The deletion here includes not only physically deleting the data from the memory 80, but also logically deleting the data from the database, deactivating the data with a flag, and the like.

The control unit 50 is prohibited in step S34 in response to the fact that the power supply abnormality information is deleted from the memory 80 in step S33 and the flag indicating that the power supply operation by the power supply unit 20 is "invalid" is cleared. The power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 is permitted again to the power supply unit 20. On the other hand, when the power feeding operation of the power supply unit 20 is not prohibited (step S31: No), it is not necessary to perform the operations of steps S32 to S34 described above, and the control unit 50 is shown in the flow chart of FIG. The operation may be terminated as it is.

In FIG. 6, after the power supply operation is permitted in step S34, or when the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 is not prohibited in step S31 (step S31: No), the control unit 50 continues to be described in FIG. It is preferable to carry out the operation after step S12 shown in. If the power feeding operation is permitted in step S34, the control unit 50 may also perform the above-mentioned initialization process again.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the once prohibited power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 is permitted again, the operation condition is an instruction from an external device. That is, it is not possible to enable the power supply unit 20 to perform the power supply operation again simply by the user operating the suction device 10. As a result, the safety of the suction device 10 and the convenience of the user can be enhanced, and the user can use the suction device 10 more safely.

(1-4) Example of changing the operation of the suction device The operation contents and / or the order thereof shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 are not necessarily uniquely limited. An example of changing the operation of the suction device 10 is shown below.

(I) Example of changing the determination operation regarding the state of the power supply unit 20 In the above description, the control unit 50 is based on whether the values of the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies match, and if they do not match, the power supply unit 50. The state of 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality" (steps S18 in FIG. 3 and steps S181 to S184 in FIG. 4). Here, the normal power supply frequency is not counted when the voltage value of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than a predetermined power supply threshold value during the power supply operation (steps S14 and S16 in FIG. 3).

However, when the sensor 70 detects the voltage value of the power supply unit 20, it is assumed that noise is generated due to a malfunction of the sensor 70 or the like, resulting in erroneous detection. Therefore, instead of simply determining whether the values of the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply match, the control unit 50 states the power supply unit according to the flow charts shown in the modified examples of FIGS. 7 and 8. May be configured to determine.

In steps S18a and S18b of the modified examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, the operations of steps S181, S183, and S184 are all the same as those shown in FIG. 4, and the description thereof will be omitted. Here, a modification example (step S182a in FIG. 7 and step S182b in FIG. 8) corresponding to the determination operation in step S182 in FIG. 4 will be described. By applying the modified examples of FIGS. 7 and 8, it is possible to more reliably and highly accurately determine that the state of the power supply unit 20 is "power supply abnormality" as compared with the operation of FIG.

(I-1) In the modified example shown in FIG. 7, in step S182a, the control unit 50 determines whether the difference between the total number of times of energization and the number of times of normal power supply (non-counting number) has reached a predetermined threshold number. That is, when the voltage V _batt of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than the voltage threshold value and the number of normal feedings is not counted over a plurality of times and the number of non-counting times reaches a predetermined threshold number (step S182a: No). , The state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality".

An example of the relationship between the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies is shown in Table 2 below, following Table 1 above.

In the example of Table 2 above, it is assumed that the threshold number is set to "3". That is, when the number of non-counting counts reaches "3", the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality" for the first time. More specifically, when the total number of times of power supply is from 1 to 52, the number of times of normal power supply is similarly counted, and the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "normal power supply". When the total number of times of power supply is 53, the number of times of normal power supply is 52, and since it was not counted, the number of non-counting times is counted as one. However, since the number of non-counting times (1 time) has not yet reached the threshold number of "3" times, the state of the power supply unit 20 is still determined to be "normal power supply".

From 54 to 91 times of total power supply, the normal power supply state is also counted, and the number of non-counting times remains 1 time. When the total number of feedings is 92, the number of normal feedings is 90, and since it was not counted, the number of non-counting is counted as 2. However, also in this case, the state of the power supply unit 20 is still determined to be "normal power supply" (because the number of non-counting times has not reached "3" times). Then, when the total number of times of power supply reaches 93, the number of times of normal power supply remains 90 times and is not counted. As a result, the number of non-counting times reaches 3 times. At this time, the state of the power supply unit 20 is "power supply". It will be judged as "abnormal".

In the above-mentioned example of Table 1, when the total number of times of power supply is 53, it is determined as "power supply abnormality", whereas in this modified example, when the total number of times of power supply is 93 times, it is determined as "power supply abnormality". In this respect, if this modification is applied, it is possible to determine the state of the power supply unit 20 in consideration of noise and the like caused by a malfunction of the sensor 70 and the like. That is, the state of the power supply unit 20 can be determined more accurately.

(I-2) In the modified example shown in FIG. 8, in step S182b, the control unit 50 stores the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply in association with each other in the memory 80. Then, the control unit 50 determines whether the difference between the total number of feeds and the number of normal feeds (continuous non-counting number) reaches a predetermined threshold number without counting the number of normal feeds continuously over a plurality of times. That is, when the voltage V _batt of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than the voltage threshold value, the number of times of normal feeding is not continuously counted over a plurality of times, and the number of times of continuous non-counting reaches a predetermined number of times (step S182b:: In No), the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality".

Here, the fact that the normal power supply count is not measured "continuously" means that the event that the voltage V _batt of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than the voltage threshold value occurs during one power supply operation and the next one power supply. It corresponds to the continuous occurrence during operation. The power supply operation here is an operation in which the user presses the power button 13 to supply power from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40 for a predetermined period of time.

An example of the relationship between the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies is shown in Table 3 below, following Tables 1 and 2 described above.

In the example of Table 3 above, it is assumed that the threshold number is set to "3" times. That is, when the number of continuous non-counts reaches "3", the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality" for the first time. More specifically, when the total number of times of power supply is from 1 to 52, the number of times of normal power supply is similarly counted, and the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "normal power supply". When the total number of times of power supply is 53, the number of times of normal power supply is 52 times, and since it was not counted, the number of times of continuous non-counting is one. However, since the number of consecutive non-counts (1 time) has not yet reached the threshold number of "3" times, the state of the power supply unit 20 is still determined to be "normal power supply". Then, since the normal power supply count is counted to 53 when the total power supply count is 54, the continuous non-counting count is reset to 0 again.

From 55 to 91 times of total power supply, the normal power supply state is also counted, and the number of continuous non-counting times remains 0. When the next total number of feedings was 92 and 93, the number of normal feedings was 90 and was not counted. That is, when the total number of times of power supply is 93, the number of continuous non-counting times is 2. However, also in this case, the state of the power supply unit 20 is still determined to be "normal power supply" (since the number of consecutive non-counts has not yet reached "3" times). Since the normal power supply count was counted to 91 when the total power supply count was the next 94 times, the continuous non-counting count is reset to 0 again.

From 95 to 218 total power supply times, the normal power supply state is also counted, and the continuous non-counting number remains 0 times. When the next total number of times of power supply was 219 to 221 times, the number of times of normal power supply was 215 times and was not counted. That is, when the total number of times of power supply is 221 times, the number of consecutive non-counts is 3 times, which means that the threshold number is reached. At this time, the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality".

In Table 1 above, when the total number of power supplies is 53, it is determined as "power supply abnormality", and in Table 2 above, when the total number of power supplies is 93, it is determined as "power supply abnormality". In the modified example, when the total number of times of power supply is 221 times, it is determined as "power supply abnormality". That is, by applying this modification, it is possible to determine the state of the power supply unit 20 in consideration of noise and the like caused by a malfunction of the sensor 70. That is, the state of the power supply unit 20 can be determined more accurately.

(Ii) Example of changing the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 In the above description, the control unit 50 causes the notification unit 60 to notify the state of the power supply unit 20 in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply (step S19), and then. When the state of the power supply unit 20 is "power supply abnormality", the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 is prohibited (step S23). However, instead of uniformly prohibiting the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20, the control unit 50 may be configured to control the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20 in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply.

For example, in the case of 1 ≦ N <100 described above, the control unit 50 considers that the power supply unit 20 has a serious problem such as damage to the battery cell due to dropping or impact, and the battery is replaced. The operation of the power supply unit 20 may be stopped so that the power is not permanently supplied until the power supply is performed. Further, in the case of 10000 ≦ N, the control unit 50 may consider that the problem of battery life due to aging deterioration or the like has occurred, and may not dare to stop the operation of the power supply unit 20. This makes it possible to provide the inhalation device 10 with further consideration for safety and convenience to the user.

(Iii) Example of changing the notification operation of the notification unit 60 In the above description, the notification operation (step S19) of the notification unit 60 of the suction device 10 is configured to emit different colors by using one or a plurality of LEDs. It was supposed to be. However, the mode of notification is not limited to this, and any mode may be used as long as it operates to give explicit notification to the user. Specifically, it can be realized by light emission, display, vocalization, vibration, and a combination thereof. As a result, a flexible notification mode for the user can be realized.

For example, the notification unit 60 may include one or more vibrators, and may be configured to generate vibrations of one or more vibration types based on the range of the counted total number of times of feeding. In another example, the notification unit 60 may include one or more speakers and may be configured to generate sound based on a range of counted total feed count values. In addition, the notification unit 60 may include one or more displays, and may be configured to display on the display based on the range of the counted total number of feeds. Further, when displaying on the display, the control unit 50 may also display at least a part of the power supply abnormality information (for example, the above-mentioned abnormality code) on the display.

<Second Embodiment>
The suction device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. The configurations and functions already described in relation to the first embodiment are designated by substantially the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the suction device 100 of the present embodiment, when the sensor 70 (for example, the suction sensor) detects the start of a series of suction operations by the user (for example, eight times), the suction device 100 is turned on and the power is supplied. The power feeding operation by the unit 20 is started, and the aerosol is generated. This power feeding operation is performed until the sensor 70 detects the end of a series of suction operations.

(2-1) Configuration and Operation of Suction Device FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the configuration of the suction device 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the suction device 100 includes a first member 102, a second member 104, and a third member 126, and the entire structure is configured by mounting these members. To. Specifically, the second member 104 is detachably fitted into the first member 102, and the third member 126 is detachably fitted into the second member 104. Further, in the present embodiment, the second member 104 is a suction article containing an aerosol source, and the third member 126 is a suction article containing a flavor source.

For example, the first member 102 may be a power supply unit used for the suction device 100, and includes a power supply unit 20, a control unit 50, a notification unit 60, a sensor 70, a memory 80, and a connection unit (not shown), and is electric. Is connected. The suction article (accommodating the aerosol source), which is the second member 104, may be a cartridge and includes a reservoir 116, an atomizing section 118, an air intake flow path 120, and an aerosol flow path 121. The suction article (containing the flavor source), which is the third member 126, may be a capsule and includes a flavor source holding portion 128 and a mouthpiece portion 122. When the suction device 100 is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source holding portion 128 may contain a flavor component contained in the cigarette.

(I) Configuration of Power Supply Unit With respect to the power supply unit, which is the first member 102, the power supply unit 20 performs a power supply operation to the atomization unit 118 in order to atomize the aerosol source in response to the suction operation of the user. Hereinafter, the "heating part" described in the first embodiment may be referred to as an "atomization part" in the second embodiment).

Similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 50 determines the state of the power supply unit 20 based on the total number of times of power supply and the number of normal power supplies counted according to the power supply operation of the power supply unit 20. Here, the number of normal power feeds is counted when the voltage value of the power supply unit 20 is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold value through the power supply operation. In this way, by using the two parameters of the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies, the control unit 50 of the power supply unit is normal in the power supply unit when the power supply unit is used, especially when the battery is discharged during the suction operation by the user. Alternatively, the abnormal state can be appropriately grasped.

Further, the control unit 50 determines that the state of the power supply unit 20 is "power supply abnormality" when the normal power supply count is not counted and the total power supply count and the normal power supply count do not match. Then, the control unit 50 stores the power supply abnormality information in the memory 80 when the state of the power supply unit 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality", and the power supply operation by the power supply unit 20 according to the storage of the power supply abnormality information. Is prohibited. Further, the control unit 50 deletes the power supply abnormality information stored in the memory 80 from the memory 80 in response to an instruction from an external device (not shown) connected to the power supply unit, and responds to the deletion of the power supply abnormality information. , Allow prohibited power supply operations.

In this way, by using the two parameters of the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies, when a problem occurs during battery discharge, the control unit 50 of the power supply unit determines the abnormal state of the power supply unit during battery discharge. It can be determined with certainty. Further, by prohibiting the power supply operation by the power supply unit 20, the safety for the user can be enhanced. Further, by requiring an instruction from an external device for deleting the power supply abnormality information, it is possible to prevent the suction operation from malfunctioning due to the user's erroneous operation and enhance the safety to the user. In addition, the convenience of the user can be enhanced by allowing the once prohibited power feeding operation to be permitted again.

The notification unit 60 operates so as to give an explicit notification to the user. Specifically, the notification unit 60 notifies the user in various modes by light emission, display, vocalization, vibration, and a combination thereof, as necessary. For example, the notification unit 60 may include one or more LEDs, and may be configured to emit light in one or more colors depending on the determined state of the power supply unit 20.

In the present embodiment, the notification unit 60 is configured to notify the status of the power supply unit 20. For example, it is preferable to notify whether the power supply unit 20 is in a normal state or an abnormal state, and further notify the state of the power supply unit 20 in different modes based on the total number of times of power supply. That is, the user during the suction operation can intuitively grasp the normal or abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged by perceiving the notification mode. In addition, the convenience of repairing the power supply unit can be improved.

The sensor 70 is composed of various sensors. The sensor 70 is configured to detect the voltage value of the power supply unit 20 over the discharge state (that is, the power feeding operation to the atomization unit 118). The sensor 70 is also configured to include a suction sensor, such as a microphone capacitor, to detect a suction action by the user and, in particular, to identify the start and end of a series of suction actions by the user.

The connection portion may be an external connection terminal (22) as in the first embodiment, and when connected to the external device, the suction device 100 stored in the memory 80 based on a command from the external device. It should be configured so that various setting data and / or firmware can be rewritten.

(Ii) Structure of Cartridge With respect to the cartridge which is the second member 104 ((aerosol source containing) suction article), the reservoir 116 holds the aerosol source. For example, the reservoir 116 is composed of a fibrous or porous material and holds an aerosol source as a liquid in the gaps between the fibers and in the pores of the porous material. For the above fibrous or porous material, for example, cotton, glass fiber, tobacco raw material, or the like can be used. The reservoir 116 may be configured as a tank for containing the liquid. The reservoir 116 may have a configuration capable of replenishing the consumed aerosol source. Alternatively, the reservoir 116 may be configured so that the reservoir 116 itself can be replaced when the aerosol source is consumed. Further, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. When the aerosol source is a solid, the reservoir 116 may be, for example, a hollow container without a fibrous or porous material.

The atomizing unit 118 is configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol source. Specifically, the atomizing unit 118 produces an aerosol by atomizing or vaporizing the aerosol source. When the suction device 100 is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the atomizing unit 118 produces an aerosol by atomizing or vaporizing an aerosol source containing a drug. When the suction operation is detected by the sensor 70, the atomizing unit 118 receives the electric power supplied from the power supply unit 20 to generate an aerosol. For example, a wick (not shown) may be provided to connect the reservoir 116 and the atomizing section 118. In this case, a portion of the wick passes through the interior of the reservoir 116 and contacts the aerosol source. The other part of the wick extends to the atomization section 118. The aerosol source is carried from the reservoir 116 to the atomizer 118 by the wick's capillary effect. For example, the atomizing unit 118 includes a heater electrically connected to the power supply unit 20. The heater is placed in contact with or in close proximity to the wick. When the suction operation is detected, the control unit 50 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118 and atomizes the aerosol source by heating the aerosol source carried through the wick. Another example of the atomizing unit 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source by ultrasonic vibration.

The cartridge, which is the second member 104, is formed with a vent for allowing air to flow into the reservoir 116. Then, the air intake flow path 120 connected from the vent is connected to the atomizing unit 118, and the air intake flow path 120 leads to the outside of the suction device 100. The aerosol produced in the atomizing section 118 is mixed with the air taken in through the air intake flow path 120. The mixed fluid of aerosol and air is pumped into the aerosol flow path 121, as indicated by arrow 124. The aerosol flow path 121 extends over the second member 104 and the third member 126, and transports the mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated in the atomizing portion 118 to the mouthpiece 122 of the third member 126. Has a tubular structure for.

(Iii) Capsule Structure With respect to the capsule which is the third member 126 ((flavor source containing) suction article), the flavor source holding portion 128 is a component for imparting flavor to the aerosol. The flavor source holding portion 128 is arranged in the middle of the aerosol flow path 121. The mixed fluid of aerosol and air generated by the atomizing unit 118 (hereinafter, the mixed fluid may be simply referred to as aerosol) flows through the aerosol flow path 121 to the mouthpiece 122. As described above, the flavor source holding portion 128 is provided downstream of the atomizing portion 118 with respect to the flow of the aerosol. In other words, the flavor source holding portion 128 is located closer to the mouthpiece 122 in the aerosol flow path 121 than the atomizing portion 118. Therefore, the aerosol produced by the atomizing unit 118 passes through the flavor source holding unit 128 and then reaches the mouthpiece 122. When the aerosol passes through the flavor source holding portion 128, the flavor component contained in the flavor source holding portion 128 is imparted to the aerosol.

For example, when the suction device 100 is an electronic cigarette, the flavor source holding unit 128 may be derived from tobacco, such as a processed product obtained by molding chopped tobacco or a tobacco raw material into a granular, sheet-like or powder-like form. The flavor source holder 128 may also be of non-tobacco origin made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, herbs, etc.). For example, the flavor source holding portion 128 contains a nicotine component. The flavor source holding portion 128 may contain a fragrance component such as menthol. In addition to the flavor source holding portion 128, the reservoir 116 may also have a substance containing a flavor component. For example, the suction device 100 may be configured to hold a tobacco-derived flavoring substance in the flavor source holding portion 128 and to include a non-tobacco-derived flavoring substance in the reservoir 116.

(2-2) Example of changing the operation of the power supply unit In the above description, the control unit 50 is based on whether the values of the total number of power supplies and the number of normal power supplies match, and if they do not match, the power supply unit 20 The configuration is such that the state is determined to be "power supply error". Here, the normal power supply frequency is not counted when the voltage value of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than a predetermined power supply threshold value during the power supply operation.

However, when the sensor 70 detects the voltage value of the power supply unit 20, it is assumed that noise is generated due to a malfunction of the sensor 70 or the like, resulting in erroneous detection. Therefore, the control unit 50 shows in each of the modified examples of FIGS. 7 and 8 shown in the first embodiment, instead of simply determining whether the values of the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply match. The state of the power supply unit 20 may be determined in the same manner as in the flow chart.

For example, in the same modification as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 determines whether the difference between the total number of times of energization and the number of times of normal power supply (non-counting number) has reached a predetermined threshold number. That is, when the voltage V _batt of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than the voltage threshold value, the normal power supply number is not counted over a plurality of times, and the non-counting number reaches a predetermined threshold number, the state of the power supply unit 20 Is determined to be "power supply error".

Further, in the same modification as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 50 stores the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply in association with each other in the memory 80. Then, the control unit 50 determines whether the difference between the total number of feeds and the number of normal feeds (continuous non-counting number) reaches a predetermined threshold number without counting the number of normal feeds continuously over a plurality of times. That is, when the voltage V _batt of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than the voltage threshold value, the normal power supply count is not continuously counted over a plurality of times, and the continuous non-counting count reaches a predetermined threshold value. The state of 20 is determined to be "power supply abnormality".

Here, the fact that the normal power supply count is not measured "continuously" means that the event that the voltage V _batt of the power supply unit 20 becomes less than the voltage threshold value occurs during one power supply operation and the next one power supply. It corresponds to the continuous occurrence during operation. The power supply operation here is an operation in which the user performs a series of suction operations to supply electric power from the power supply unit 20 to the heating unit 40 over a period from the start to the end of the series of suction operations. That is.

According to the same modification as shown in each of the modification of FIGS. 7 and 8, the control unit 50 of the power supply unit determines more accurately the abnormal state of the power supply unit when the battery is discharged. Can be done.

<Other embodiments>
In the above description, suction devices, power supply units, and methods according to some embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings. It is understood that the present disclosure, when executed by a processor, can also be implemented as a program that causes the processor to execute a method of operating a suction device, or as a computer-readable storage medium containing the program.

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

10,100 ... Suction device, 11 (11A, 11B) ... Housing, 12 ... Cover, 12a ... Opening, 13 ... Power button, 14 ... Lid, 15 ... Suction article (aerosol generation base material), 22 ... External connection terminal , 40 ... heating unit, 45 ... holding unit, 50 ... control unit, 60 ... notification unit, 70 ... sensor, 80 ... memory, 102 ... first member (power supply unit), 104 ... second member (cartridge / aerosol) Source accommodating suction article), 126 ... Third member (capsule / flavor source accommodating suction article)), 116 ... Reservoir, 118 ... Atomizing part (heating part), 120 ... Air intake flow path, 121 ... Aerosol flow path , 122 ... Mouthpiece, 128 ... Flavor source holder

Claims

A heating unit that atomizes the aerosol source,
A power supply unit that performs a power supply operation to the heating unit and
A sensor that detects the voltage value of the power supply unit and
It is a control unit that determines the state of the power supply unit based on the total number of power supplys and the number of normal power supplys counted according to the power supply operation, and the normal power supply number is determined by the voltage value of the power supply unit through the power supply operation. A control unit that counts when the voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold.
A notification unit that notifies the status of the power supply unit and
A suction device that produces an aerosol.
The suction device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the state of the power supply unit in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply.
In the suction device according to claim 1 or 2, when the normal power supply count is not counted and the total power supply count and the normal power supply count do not match, the state of the power supply unit is abnormal. A suction device that determines that there is.
In the suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the control unit does not count the number of normal feedings over a plurality of times, and the difference between the total number of feedings and the number of normal feedings is a predetermined threshold number. A suction device that determines that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal.
In the suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply are associated with each other.
When the difference between the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply reaches a predetermined threshold number without counting the number of times of normal power supply continuously over a plurality of times, the control unit causes the state of the power supply unit to be abnormal. A suction device that determines that.
In the suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the control unit is
A suction device that stores power supply abnormality information in a memory when it is determined that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal, and prohibits the power supply operation by the power supply unit in response to the storage of the power supply abnormality information.
In the suction device according to claim 6, the control unit further deletes the power supply abnormality information stored in the memory, and permits the prohibited power supply operation in response to the deletion of the power supply abnormality information. , Suction device.
In the suction device according to claim 7, the control unit deletes the power supply abnormality information in response to an instruction from an external device connected to the suction device.
The suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power supply operation by the power supply unit is started in response to a user's pressing of a power switch and is carried out for a predetermined time.
A heating unit that atomizes the aerosol source,
A power supply unit that performs a power supply operation to the heating unit and
A sensor that detects the voltage value of the power supply unit and
It is a control unit that determines the state of the power supply unit based on the total number of power supplys and the number of normal power supplys counted according to the power supply operation, and the normal power supply number is determined by the voltage value of the power supply unit through the power supply operation. A control unit that counts when the voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage threshold.
A notification unit that notifies the status of the power supply unit and
A power supply unit used in an aerosol-producing suction device.
The power supply unit according to claim 10, wherein the notification unit notifies the state of the power supply unit in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply.
In the power supply unit according to claim 10 or 11, when the normal power supply count is not counted and the total power supply count and the normal power supply count do not match, the state of the power supply unit is abnormal. A power supply unit that determines that it exists.
In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 10 to 12, the control unit does not count the normal power supply count over a plurality of times, and the difference between the total power supply count and the normal power supply count is a predetermined threshold number. A power supply unit that determines that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal.
In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 10 to 13.
The total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply are associated with each other.
When the difference between the total number of times of power supply and the number of times of normal power supply reaches a predetermined threshold number without counting the number of times of normal power supply continuously over a plurality of times, the control unit causes the state of the power supply unit to be abnormal. A power supply unit that determines that it exists.
The power supply unit according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the control unit is
A power supply unit that stores power supply abnormality information in a memory when it is determined that the state of the power supply unit is abnormal, and prohibits the power supply operation by the power supply unit in response to the storage of the power supply abnormality information.
In the power supply unit according to claim 15, the control unit further deletes the power supply abnormality information stored in the memory in response to an instruction from an external device connected to the power supply unit, and the power supply abnormality information. A power supply unit that allows the prohibited power supply operation in response to the deletion of.
In the power supply unit according to any one of claims 10 to 16.
The sensor includes a suction sensor
A power supply unit in which the power supply operation by the power supply unit is started in response to the start of a series of suction operations by the user detected by the suction sensor, and is carried out until the end of the series of suction operations.
A method of operating a suction device that produces aerosols.
A step to make the power supply unit perform a power supply operation to the heating unit that atomizes the aerosol source,
The step of causing the sensor to detect the voltage value of the power supply unit,
It is a step of determining the state of the power supply unit based on the total number of times of power supply and the number of normal power supplies counted according to the power supply operation, and the voltage value of the power supply unit is predetermined in the normal power supply number of times The step and, which are counted when the voltage threshold value of
The step of notifying the state of the power supply unit and
Including methods.
The method according to claim 18, wherein the notification step includes notifying the state of the power supply unit in a different manner based on the total number of times of power supply.
In the method according to claim 18 or 19, when the determination step does not count the normal power supply count and the total power supply count and the normal power supply count do not match, the state of the power supply unit is abnormal. A method that involves determining that.