JP7204820B2 - Suction Component Generating Device, Method and Program for Controlling Suction Component Generating Device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an inhalation component generating device including a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhalation component source with power from a power supply, a method of controlling the inhalation component generating device, and a program.

In place of conventional cigarettes, an inhalation component generating device (electronic cigarette or heated cigarette) has been proposed in which the inhalation component generated by vaporizing or atomizing a flavor source or an aerosol source such as tobacco with a load such as a heater is enjoyed. (Patent Documents 1 to 3). Such an inhalant generating device comprises a load for vaporizing or atomizing the flavor source and/or the aerosol source, a power source for powering the load, and a control unit for controlling the load and the power source. A load is, for example, a heater.

In such an attractive component generating device, there is room for improvement in electric control relating to electric power supplied to the load and charging/discharging of the power supply.

Patent Documents 4 to 6 disclose methods for estimating deterioration of a power supply. Patent Literatures 7 and 8 disclose a method of monitoring power source anomalies. Patent Literature 9 discloses a method of suppressing deterioration of a power supply. Patent Documents 10-12 disclose calibrating the state of charge (SOC) or charge capacity of a battery when the power supply reaches full charge under predetermined conditions. Patent Documents 4 to 12 do not explicitly apply those methods to the inhalant component generating device.

WO2014/150942 Special Table No. 2017-514463 JP-A-7-184627 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-251948 JP 2016-176709 JP-A-11-052033 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-317811 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-050045 JP 2017-005985 WO2014/046232 JP-A-7-128416 JP 2017-022852 A

A first feature is an attractive component generating device, which includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes an attractive component source with power from a power source, and a control unit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power source, The control unit is capable of estimating or detecting at least one of degradation and failure of the power supply based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to rise from a lower limit to an upper limit of a predetermined voltage range during charging of the power supply. The gist is that it is configured.

A second feature is the attraction component generating device according to the first feature, wherein the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply.

A third feature is the attraction component generating device according to the second feature, wherein the control unit controls the voltage value of the power supply to be a value equal to or higher than the lower limit value of the guaranteed operation voltage value of the control unit while the power supply is being charged. reaches a predetermined threshold within a predetermined time, and the control unit estimates that the power supply has failed if the voltage value of the power supply does not reach the predetermined threshold within the predetermined time. Alternatively, it is configured to be able to execute a failure diagnosis function to detect.

A fourth feature is the attraction component generating device according to the third feature, wherein the control unit activates the failure diagnosis function when the attraction component generating device is in a mode other than a charging mode in which the power source can be charged. The gist is that it is configured to be unexecutable.

A fifth feature is the attraction component generating device according to any one of the second feature to the fourth feature, wherein the control unit controls the voltage value of the power supply to exceed the discharge end voltage during charging of the power supply. The gist of the present invention is that it is configured to be able to execute a deterioration diagnosis function of estimating or detecting that the power supply has deteriorated when the voltage reaches from the lower limit to the upper limit of a predetermined voltage range within a predetermined time.

A sixth feature is the attraction component generating device according to the fifth feature, wherein the control unit is configured not to simultaneously execute the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function.

A seventh feature is the attraction component generating device according to the fifth feature or sixth feature, wherein the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range used in the failure diagnosis function is the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function. is smaller than the lower limit of the voltage range of

An eighth feature is the attraction component generating device according to any one of the fifth to seventh features, wherein the control unit controls the degradation in each of a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges equal to or higher than the discharge end voltage The gist is to be configured to be able to execute a diagnostic function.

A ninth feature is the attraction component generation device according to the eighth feature, wherein the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges used in the deterioration diagnosis function do not overlap each other.

A tenth feature is the attracted component generation device according to any one of the fifth to ninth features, wherein the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function does not include the discharge end voltage. This is the gist.

An eleventh feature is the attraction component generating device according to any one of the fifth to tenth features, wherein the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is the The gist is that the range is set to a range excluding a plateau range in which the change in the voltage value of the power supply is small compared to other voltage ranges.

A twelfth feature is the attraction component generating device according to any one of the fifth to eleventh features, wherein the power source voltage is not insufficient, and the a notifying unit for notifying a user when the remaining power is insufficient, and the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is determined by the notifying unit when the remaining power is insufficient; The gist is that it is set to a range that excludes the notification range.

A thirteenth feature is the attraction component generation device according to any one of the fifth to twelfth features, wherein the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is such that constant voltage charging is performed with respect to the power source. The gist is that it is set to a range excluding the range in which it is performed.

A fourteenth feature is the attraction component generating device according to the thirteenth feature, wherein the power source is configured to be rechargeable by an external charger separate from the attraction component generating device, and the external charger recognizes When the voltage of the power supply reaches the switching voltage, the power supply is charged by the constant voltage charging, and the voltage range of the power supply for executing the deterioration diagnosis function is set to a range lower than the voltage value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the switching voltage. It is intended to be set.

A fifteenth feature is the attraction component generating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth features, further comprising a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power source, and the control unit detects that the temperature of the power source is a threshold value. The gist of the invention is that an algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of degradation and failure of the power supply is configured to be changeable or modifiable when the power supply is lower.

A sixteenth feature is the attraction component generating device according to any one of the first to fifteenth features, wherein the control unit controls the voltage value of the power source during charging of the power source to fall within the predetermined voltage range. At least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply is estimated or detected based on a comparison of the time required to reach the upper limit from the lower limit to the upper limit and a predetermined time threshold, and if the temperature of the power supply is lower than the threshold, , wherein the control unit is configured to modify the predetermined time threshold based on the temperature of the power supply and perform the comparison based on the modified time threshold.

A seventeenth feature is the attractive component generating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth features, further comprising a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power source, and the control unit detects that the temperature of the power source is a threshold value. The gist of the invention is that it is configured not to perform the function of estimating or detecting at least one of degradation and failure of the power supply when the power supply is lower.

An eighteenth feature is the attractive component generating device according to any one of the first to fourteenth features, comprising a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power source and a heater that heats the power source, The gist is that the control unit is configured to heat the power supply by controlling the heater when the temperature of the power supply is lower than a threshold.

A nineteenth feature is a method for controlling an attractive component generating device including a load that vaporizes or atomizes an attractive component source by power from a power source, the method comprising: obtaining a voltage value of the power source; estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of a predetermined voltage range. .

A twentieth feature is an attractive component generating device, comprising: a load for vaporizing or atomizing an attractive component source with power from a power source; and a control unit configured to be able to acquire a voltage value of the power source, The control unit is configured to be capable of executing a failure diagnosis function of estimating or detecting a failure of the power supply when a voltage value of the power supply is lower than a discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply, and the control unit is configured to be able to execute a deterioration diagnosis function for estimating or detecting deterioration of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply is higher than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply. .

A twenty-first feature is the attracted component generation device according to the twentieth feature, wherein the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function are configured to be performed using the same variable value, and The gist is that the magnitude relationship between the variable value and the threshold value for estimating or detecting deterioration is reversed between the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function.

A twenty-second feature is the suction component generating device according to the twentieth feature or the twenty-first feature, wherein the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function are performed using the same variable value, The control unit estimates or detects that the power supply has failed when the variable value used for the failure diagnosis function is greater than a first threshold, and when the variable value used for the deterioration diagnosis function is less than a second threshold. (2) the control unit estimates or detects that the power supply has failed;

A twenty-third feature is a method for controlling an attractive component generating device including a load for vaporizing or atomizing an attractive component source by power from a power source, wherein the voltage value of the power source is changed to that of the power source while the power source is being charged. executing a failure diagnosis function for estimating or detecting a failure of the power supply when the voltage is lower than the end-of-discharge voltage; and C. executing a degradation diagnosis function to estimate or detect degradation of the power supply.

The gist of the twenty-fourth feature is that it is a program that causes the inhalant component generating device to execute the method according to the nineteenth feature or the twenty-third feature.

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. 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 in the power supply mode of the attraction component generator. FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example of controlling the amount of power supplied from the power supply to the load. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the first diagnosis process. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the predetermined voltage range in the first diagnostic function. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method by the processor of the charger. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an example of a control method of the control unit in charging mode. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the rise in voltage of a normal power supply and a deteriorated or faulty power supply during charging. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a voltage sensor. FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the process for calibrating the default correlation of the voltage sensor. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of default correlation calibration of a voltage sensor. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of default correlation calibration of a voltage sensor. FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a voltage sensor according to another embodiment;

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]
It is important to estimate or detect deterioration of rechargeable power sources for safety and more precise control of the device. However, it is difficult to accurately diagnose the deterioration state of the power supply. Complex electrical control is difficult, particularly in an attraction component generator that does not have a complicated control circuit, and no attempt has been made to estimate or detect the state of deterioration of the power supply.

A chargeable/dischargeable power supply is generally controlled so that the voltage value of the power supply does not fall below the discharge end voltage. However, due to natural discharge or dark current, the voltage of the power supply may drop to the overdischarge region or the deep discharge region, which is a lower voltage range than the overdischarge region. If the power supply is left in a state where the voltage value of the power supply is less than the discharge end voltage, the deterioration of the power supply progresses remarkably. Therefore, it is desirable to determine if the power supply is damaged when the voltage of the power supply falls below the discharge termination voltage.

An attractive component generating device according to one aspect includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes an attractive component source using power from a power source, and a control unit that is configured to acquire a voltage value of the power source. The control unit is configured to estimate or detect at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to rise from the lower limit to the upper limit of a predetermined voltage range during charging of the power supply. .

A method of controlling an inhalant-producing device according to one aspect relates to a method of controlling an inhalant-producing device including a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhalant-producing source with power from a power supply. The method includes obtaining a voltage value of the power supply and determining at least one of degradation and failure of the power supply based on the time it takes for the voltage value of the power supply to rise from the lower limit to the upper limit of a predetermined voltage range while the power supply is being charged. and estimating or sensing the

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

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

An attractive component generating device according to another aspect includes a load that vaporizes or atomizes an attractive component source using power from a power source, and a control unit that is configured to acquire a voltage value of the power source. The control unit is configured to be capable of executing a failure diagnosis function of estimating or detecting failure of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to be capable of executing a deterioration diagnosis function of estimating or detecting deterioration of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply is higher than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply.

A method of controlling an inhalant-producing device according to another aspect relates to a method of controlling an inhalant-producing device including a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhalant-producing source with power from a power supply. This method comprises the steps of: executing a failure diagnosis function for estimating or detecting failure of the power supply when the voltage value of the power supply is lower than the discharge end voltage of the power supply during charging of the power supply; and executing a degradation diagnostic function to estimate or detect degradation of the power supply when is higher than the discharge termination voltage of the power supply.

According to the above aspect, the failure diagnosis function is executed at a voltage value lower than the discharge end voltage, and the deterioration diagnosis function is executed at a voltage value higher than the discharge end voltage. , deterioration of the power supply that does not lead to failure of the power supply can be detected separately. As a result, for example, different control (protection control) can be operated in each of failure and deterioration of the power supply.

[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 showing the electrical configuration of the attraction component generator. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing electric circuits of the atomization unit and the electrical unit. 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 suctioning the suction component, and the other end E2 opposite to the suction port 141 .

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 atomization unit 120 and electrical unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, load 121R in atomization unit 120, which will be described later, is provided in electrical unit 110 via electrical connection terminals 110t and 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 source 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, as an aerosol source, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, water, and the like can be used. 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 replaceable flavor unit (cartridge) 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. In one 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 the power source 10 , the notification section 40 and the control unit 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.

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

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 control unit 50 .

Control unit 50 may include a request sensor capable of outputting a signal requesting operation of load 121R. The 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 source 10 to the load 121R, the load 121R vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source.

Moreover, the attractive component generating device 100 may include a stopping unit 180 that cuts off or reduces the charging current to the power source 10 as necessary. Stop unit 180 may be configured by, for example, a MOSFET switch. The control unit 50 can forcibly cut off or reduce the charging current to the power source 10 by turning off the stopping unit 180 even if the electrical unit 110 is connected to the charger 200 . It should be noted that the charging current to the power supply 10 may be forcibly cut off or reduced by turning off the switch 140 by the control unit 50 without providing the dedicated stopping unit 180 .

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

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

The attractive component generating device 100 may have a heater 70 that heats the power source 10 as necessary. The heater 70 may be provided in the vicinity of the power source 10 and is configured to be operable according to commands from the control unit 50 .

The suction sensor 20 may be configured to output an output value that varies according to suction from the mouthpiece. Specifically, the suction sensor 20 outputs a value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) that changes according to the flow rate of air sucked from the non-suction side toward the suction side (that is, the user's puffing action). It may be a sensor that 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 . A pair of electrical terminals 110t of the electrical unit 110 for electrically connecting the charger 200 can also serve as a pair of electrical terminals of the electrical unit 110 for electrically connecting the load 121R.

If external power supply 210 is an AC power supply, charger 200 may have an inverter that converts AC to DC. Charger 200 may include a processor 250 that controls charging to power source 10 . Furthermore, the charger 200 may have an ammeter 230 and a voltmeter 240 as required. Ammeter 230 acquires the charging current supplied from charger 200 to power supply 10 . Voltmeter 240 obtains the voltage between a pair of electrical terminals to which charger 200 is connected. Processor 250 of charger 200 uses output values from ammeter 230 and/or voltmeter 240 to control charging of power source 10 . Note that charger 200 may further include a voltage sensor that acquires the DC voltage output by the inverter, and a converter capable of stepping up and/or stepping down the DC voltage output by the inverter.

For the purpose of simplifying the structure of attractive component generating device 100 , processor 250 of charger 200 may be configured to be unable to communicate with control unit 50 of electrical unit 110 . That is, a communication terminal for communicating between the processor 250 of the charger 200 and the control unit 50 is not required. In other words, the electrical equipment unit 110 has only two electrical terminals for the main positive bus line and the main negative bus line at the connection interface with the charger 200 .

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 notification unit 40 may be configured to notify the user when the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is sufficient and when the remaining amount of the power supply 10 is insufficient based on the voltage of the power supply 10 . . For example, when the power supply 10 has insufficient remaining power, the notification unit 40 issues a different notification than when the power supply 10 has no remaining power. Insufficient remaining capacity of the power supply 10 can be determined, for example, by checking that the voltage of the power supply 10 is near the final discharge voltage.

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

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

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

The control unit 50 determines whether the end timing of power supply to the load 121R has been detected (step S106). When detecting the end timing, the control unit 50 ends power supply to the load (step S108). When the control unit 50 terminates the power supply to the load (step S108), it acquires a value (ΔCo) related to the amount of operation of the load 121R (step S110). The value (ΔC
o) is a value during steps S104 to S108. The value (ΔCo) related to the amount of operation of the load 121R is, for example, the amount of power supplied to the load 121R during steps S104 to S108, the operation time of the load 121R, or the amount of power consumed during the predetermined time. consumption of the inhalant component source.

Next, a cumulative value “Co=Co+ΔCo” of values related to the amount of operation of the load 121R is obtained (step S112). Control unit 50 then performs a first diagnostic function (step S114), if necessary.

The end timing of the power supply to the load 121R may be the timing when the suction sensor 20 detects the end of the operation for using the load 121R. For example, the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R may be the timing when the user's end of the suction operation is detected. Alternatively, the timing at which the power supply to the load 121R ends may be the timing at which the release of the depression of the push button 30 is detected. Furthermore, the end timing of the power supply to the load 121R may be the timing when it is detected that a predetermined cutoff time has elapsed from the start of the power supply to the load 121R. The predetermined cutoff time may be set in advance based on the period required for one suction operation by a typical user. For example, the predetermined cutoff time may range from 1 to 5 seconds, preferably from 1.5 to 3 seconds, more preferably from 1.5 to 2.5 seconds.

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

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

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

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

If the suction sensor 20 outputs an output value that varies according to suction, the control unit 50 may be configured to detect suction according to the output value of the suction sensor 20 . For example, the control unit 50 may be configured to detect the user's suction operation when the output value of the suction sensor 20 becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined value O1. Therefore, the control unit 50 can determine that the operation request signal to the load 121R has been acquired when the output value of the suction sensor 20 becomes equal to or greater than the first predetermined value O1 (step S102). On the other hand, the control unit 50 may determine that the end timing of power supply to the load 121R is detected when the output value of the suction sensor 20 becomes equal to or less than the second predetermined value O2 (step S106). In this way, the control unit 50 is configured to be able to derive a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R based on the output of the suction sensor 20; you can More specifically, the control unit 50 is configured to derive a value related to the amount of movement of the load 121R based on at least one of the detected duration of suction and the amount of suction.

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

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

For example, when the voltage value of the power supply 10 is relatively high, the control unit 50 narrows the pulse width of the voltage supplied to the load 121R (see middle graph in FIG. 8). For example, when the voltage value of the power supply 10 is relatively low, the control unit 50 widens the pulse width of the voltage supplied to the load 121R (see the lower graph in FIG. 8). Control of the pulse width can be implemented, for example, by adjusting the time from when the switch 140 is turned on to when the switch 140 is turned off. Since the voltage value of the power supply 10 decreases as the amount of charge in the power supply decreases, the amount of electric power may be adjusted according to the voltage value. If the control unit 50 performs pulse width modulation (PWM) control in this manner, the effective value of the voltage supplied to the load 121R is about the same both when the voltage of the power supply 10 is relatively high and when it is relatively low. becomes.

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

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

Specifically, the control unit 50 first acquires the voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 (step S200). The voltage (Vbatt) of power supply 10 can be obtained by utilizing voltage sensor 150 . 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 with the load 121R electrically connected to the power supply 10. It may be the closed circuit voltage (CCV, Closed Circuit Voltage) that is obtained. However, in order to eliminate the effects of voltage drop due to electrical connection of the load 121R and changes in internal resistance and temperature due to discharge, the voltage of the power supply 10 is controlled by the open circuit voltage (OCV) rather than the closed circuit voltage (CCV). preferably defined. Open circuit voltage (OCV) turns switch 140 OFF.
obtained by acquiring the voltage of the power supply 10 with the It should be noted that the open circuit voltage (OCV) may be estimated from the closed circuit voltage (CCV) by various known methods without acquiring the open circuit voltage (OCV) using the voltage sensor 150 .

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the acquired voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or lower than the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range (step S202). If the voltage of the power supply 10 is higher than the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range, the process ends without estimating or detecting power supply degradation and failure.

If the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than or equal to the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range, determine whether the voltage value of the power supply obtained during the previous puff operation was less than or equal to the upper limit of the aforementioned predetermined voltage range. (step S204). If the voltage value of the power supply 10 obtained in the previous puff operation, that is, the voltage value of the power supply 10 obtained during the previous puff operation is higher than the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range described above, the voltage value of the power supply 10 is changed to the predetermined voltage value described above for the first time by the latest puff operation. It can be determined that the voltage has fallen below the upper limit of the voltage range. In this case, an accumulative counter (ICо) for counting the accumulative value related to the amount of operation of the load 121 is set to "0" (step S206). When the cumulative counter (ICо) is set to "0", the process proceeds to step S208 below.

If the voltage value of the power source acquired during the previous puff operation, that is, the previous puff operation is equal to or lower than the upper limit value of the predetermined voltage range (step S204), or the cumulative counter (ICо) is set to "0" If so (step S206), it is determined whether the voltage of the power supply 10 is below the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range (step S208).

When the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or higher than the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range, an integrated value "ICO=ICO+Co" of values related to the amount of operation of the load 121R is derived (step S210). Here, "C?" is the value cumulatively acquired in step S112 shown in FIG. Then, the process ends without inferring or detecting deterioration or failure of power supply 10 .

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

If the voltage of power supply 10 is within the predetermined voltage range in the first diagnostic function, control unit 50 integrates values related to the amount of movement of load 121R (step S210). Thereby, the control unit 50 can acquire the value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R operated while the acquired voltage value of the power supply 10 is within the predetermined voltage range.

In step S208, if the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range, a value related to the operation amount of the load 121R operated while the acquired voltage value of the power supply 10 is within the predetermined voltage range; That is, it is determined whether or not the aforementioned integrated value of ICо is greater than a predetermined threshold value (step S220). If the aforementioned integrated value of ICо is greater than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the power supply 10 is normal, and the process of the first diagnostic function is terminated.

If the integrated value of ICо is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, it is determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated or failed (step S220), and the control unit 50 notifies the user of the abnormality through the notification section 40 (step S224). The notification unit 40 can notify the user of the deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 using predetermined light, sound, or vibration. Further, when the control unit 50 determines that the power supply 10 has deteriorated or failed, the control unit 50 may perform control to disable power supply to the load 121R as necessary. Note that in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range (step S208), the integrated value I
A value Co related to the amount of movement of the load 121R is not added to Co. In other words, if step S208 is affirmative, step S210 is not executed. Alternatively, when it is determined that the voltage of the power supply 10 is less than the lower limit value of the predetermined voltage range (step S208), the integrated value ICо of the values related to the amount of operation of the load 121R is added to A value Co may be added. In other words, steps similar to step S210 may be performed even when step S208 is determined to be affirmative. In this case, those steps similar to step S210 may be performed before step S220.

As shown in FIG. 10, as the power supply 10 degrades, the voltage of the power supply 10 drops rapidly with increasing values related to the amount of load activity, such as the amount of power delivered to the load 121 or the operating time of the load 121 . Therefore, the value associated with the amount of operation of the load 121R operated while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is within the predetermined voltage range decreases as the power supply deteriorates. This is illustrated by the relationship "Q1<Q2" in FIG. Note that Q1 in FIG. 10 is a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R that operates while the voltage value of the voltage 10 is within the predetermined voltage range when the power supply 10 is a deteriorated product. On the other hand, Q2 in FIG. 10 is a value related to the operation amount of the load 121R operated while the voltage value of the voltage 10 is within the predetermined voltage range when the power supply 10 is new. Therefore, as described above, the control unit 50 can estimate or detect deterioration of the power supply 10 based on values related to the amount of operation of the load 121R operated while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is within the predetermined voltage range. be. Note that when the power supply 10 fails, the voltage of the power supply 10 rises rapidly as the value related to the amount of operation of the load, such as the amount of power supplied to the load 121R or the operation time of the load 121, increases, similarly to the case where the power supply 10 deteriorates. to Therefore, the control unit 50 can estimate or detect the failure of the power supply 10 based on the value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R operated while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is within the predetermined voltage range. That is, the control unit 50 can estimate or detect at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 based on a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R operated while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is within the predetermined voltage range. is.

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

The value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R may be the amount of power supplied to the load 121R, the operation time of the load 121R, or the consumption of the source of the attractive component, as described above.

Here, when the pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the power supplied to the load 121R is performed based on the voltage of the power supply 10 obtained by the voltmeter 150 as described above, the value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R is , the operating time of the load 121R. In this case, the operating time of the load 121R is the time required for one puff operation, that is, the time from obtaining the operation request signal to the load 121R to detecting the end timing of power supply to the load 121R. . Pulse width modulation (PWM) control equalizes the amount of power supplied to the load 121R per unit time, so the operating time of the load 121R is proportional to the total amount of power supplied to the load 121R within a predetermined voltage range. do. Therefore, when pulse width modulation (PWM) control of the power supplied to the load 121R is performed, by defining a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R by the operation time of the load 121R, relatively simple control and high accuracy can be achieved. diagnostics of the power supply 10 becomes possible.

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

Further, as an alternative to the examples given above, the value associated with the amount of activity of the load 121R may be the number of replacements of the replaceable cartridge containing the source of the inhalant, such as the flavor unit 130 . In the attractive component generating device 100 that needs to replace the cartridge multiple times until the charge of the power supply 10 is consumed, the number of replacement times of the cartridge can be used as a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R.

The control unit 50 executes an algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of degradation and failure of the power supply 10 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is below a first temperature threshold, namely a first diagnostic function shown in FIG. It may be configured so that the algorithm can be changed or modified. Specifically, the control unit 50 preferably modifies the default threshold in step S220 to be smaller, and performs the comparison in step S220 based on the modified threshold. The first temperature threshold may be set in the range of 1-5° C., for example.

It is known that the internal resistance (impedance) of the power supply 10 increases when the temperature of the power supply 10 is low. As a result, even if the power supply 10 is not degraded, the amount of operation of the load 121R operating while in the predetermined voltage range is reduced. Therefore, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, by correcting the predetermined threshold in step S220 so as to be small, the effect of the temperature is mitigated, and deterioration in the accuracy of detection of deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 is suppressed. be able to.

The control unit 50 may also be configured not to estimate or detect at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the second temperature threshold. That is, if the temperature of power supply 10 is lower than the second temperature threshold, control unit 50 may not perform the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. Here, the second temperature threshold may be smaller than the first temperature threshold. The second temperature threshold may be set in the range of -1 to 1°C, for example.

Furthermore, the control unit 50 may heat the power supply 10 by controlling the heater 70 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the third temperature threshold. When the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, by increasing the temperature of the power supply 10 , it is possible to suppress deterioration in the accuracy of detection of deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 . The third temperature threshold may be set in the range of -1 to 1°C, for example.

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

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

Since the plateau range has a lot of storage capacity within a relatively small voltage range, the values for the operation of the load 121R can vary greatly within a relatively small voltage range. Therefore, the possibility of erroneous detection occurring in the above-described first diagnostic function increases. Therefore, the predetermined voltage range is preferably set to a range excluding the plateau range.

The plateau range in which the predetermined voltage range is not set includes the plateau range in which the change in the voltage value of the power supply 10 with respect to the change in the amount of charge or the state of charge of the power supply 10 in the new state is small compared to other voltage ranges, and the power supply in the deteriorated state. and a plateau range in which changes in the voltage value of the power supply 10 with respect to changes in the state of charge or state of charge of the power supply 10 are small relative to other voltage ranges. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of erroneous detection of both the new power supply 10 and the deteriorated power supply 10 .

Also, the first diagnostic function may be performed at multiple predetermined voltage ranges. Preferably, the multiple predefined voltage ranges do not overlap each other. The control unit 50 can perform the first diagnostic function with exactly the same flow as the flow chart shown in FIG. 9 in each predetermined voltage range.

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

The control unit 50 performs the comparison of step S220 in each of the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges, and the value associated with the amount of operation of the load 121R in at least one voltage range among the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges is the above-described predetermined voltage range. If it is equal to or less than the threshold value (see step S220), it may be determined that the power supply 10 has deteriorated or failed.

It is preferable that the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges be set narrower as the change in the voltage value of the power supply 10 with respect to the change in the amount of charge or the state of charge of the power supply 10 becomes smaller. This equalizes the values associated with the amount of operation of the load 121R operating in each predetermined voltage range, thereby equalizing the accuracy of the first diagnostic function performed in each predetermined voltage range.

Furthermore, the control unit 50 can control the load operating while the voltage value of the power supply 10 is in the specific voltage range even in a specific voltage range including one or more predetermined voltage ranges among a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges. At least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 may be estimated or detected based on the value related to the amount of operation of 121R. Specifically, the control unit 50 sets, for example, a voltage range including at least two, preferably three, of the first, second, and third intervals shown in FIG. 10 as the specific voltage range. and the diagnostic functions shown in FIG. 9 may be performed.

When performing the diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9 in a particular voltage range that includes two or more adjacent predefined voltage ranges among multiple predefined voltage ranges, the predefined threshold used in step S220 is is preferably less than the sum of the predetermined thresholds used in step S220 of the flow chart shown in FIG. For example, the default threshold used in step S220 when executing the flowchart shown in FIG. Each may be smaller than the total sum of the predetermined thresholds used in step S220 when the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is executed separately. As a result, even if at least one of the deterioration and failure of the power source 10 cannot be estimated or detected in each of the first, second, and third intervals depending on the state of the power source 10 or the usage of the attraction component generating device 100. , at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated or detected in the entire section. Therefore, the accuracy of estimation or detection of at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 can be improved.

(Irregular processing of the first diagnostic function)
When charging the power supply 10 charges the power supply 10 to a value greater than the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range and less than the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range, typically not to the full charge voltage, the entire predetermined voltage range , the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9 may not function properly.

In addition, when a long period of time elapses after vaporization or atomization of the attraction component source by the load 121R, the power supply 10 may spontaneously discharge due to dark current or the like, and the voltage of the power supply 10 may naturally drop. In such a case, the voltage range that contributed to the vaporization or atomization of the inhalant source may not be 100% of the predetermined voltage range discussed above, but may be less than the predetermined percentage or extent. For example, assume that the voltage of the power source 10 drops from 3.9V to 3.8V due to vaporization or atomization of the source of the inhalant, and then the voltage of the power source 10 drops to 3.65V after being left for a long time. do. In this case, the voltage range that contributed to the vaporization or atomization of the inhalation component source is approximately 40% of the predetermined voltage range (the second interval in FIG. 10). If the voltage of the power supply 10 drops significantly in this manner regardless of the vaporization or atomization of the source of the inhaled component, the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. 9 described above may not function properly.

Such long-term neglect can be detected based on the elapsed time measured after vaporization or atomization of the suction component source by the load 121R. That is, the control unit 50 may start a timer that counts the elapsed time at step S108 in FIG. Alternatively, prolonged exposure can be detected based on the voltage change in power supply 10 after vaporization or atomization of the source of the inhaled component by load 121R. In this case, the control unit 50 may obtain the difference between the current voltage of the power supply 10 and the previously obtained voltage of the power supply 10 in step S200 of FIG. When the voltage difference exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 50 can determine that there has been a long period of neglect.

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

For example, the control unit 50 determines deterioration or failure of the power source 10 in a predetermined voltage range when the range contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the inhaled component source in the predetermined voltage range is equal to or less than a predetermined rate or extent. preferably not. As a result, when a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R operating in the entire predetermined voltage range cannot be obtained due to incomplete charging, natural discharging, or the like, the control unit 50 detects an erroneous detection by the first diagnostic function. can be prevented.

Alternatively, the control unit 50 reduces the predetermined threshold in step S220 shown in FIG. You can fix it. For example, the first diagnostic function is executed while suppressing erroneous detection of the first diagnostic function by correcting the predetermined threshold to be smaller according to the range that contributed to the vaporization or atomization of the inhaled component source in the predetermined voltage range. can do.

Also, as described above, when performing the first diagnostic function with multiple predetermined voltage ranges, the control unit 50 determines which of the multiple predetermined voltage ranges contributed to the vaporization or atomization of the inhaled component source. It is not necessary to determine whether the power supply has deteriorated or failed in an irregular range in which the range is equal to or less than a predetermined ratio or width. That is, in each predetermined voltage range (for example, the first section, the second section, or the third section), sufficient values related to the amount of operation of the load 121R can be obtained due to halfway charging, natural discharging, or the like. The control unit 50 does not judge deterioration or failure of the power supply in the section (irregular range) in which it is not possible.

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

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

In this case, the predetermined threshold value used in step S220 when performing the first diagnosis function based on the value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R operated in the voltage range of the combined voltage range of the first section and the second section is A predetermined threshold value (specified (threshold of), by subtracting a value below the predetermined threshold used in step S220 when performing the first diagnostic function based on a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R operated in the voltage range of the third section. may have been

Furthermore, as described above, when an irregular range exists in a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges, a wider range including the irregular range, for example, the first The default threshold used in step S220 may be modified to be smaller when performing diagnostic functions.

The control unit 50 modifies at least one of the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range and the predetermined threshold based on the voltage of the power supply 10 that contributed to the vaporization or atomization of the inhaled component source after being left in the predetermined voltage range for a long time. You may As an example, the control unit 50 corrects the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range to be smaller (closer to 0 V), and corrects the predetermined threshold without modifying the predetermined voltage range. function may be performed. As another example, the control unit 50 corrects the predetermined threshold to be smaller without correcting the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range, and executes the first diagnostic function in the predetermined voltage range. may As yet another example, the control unit 50 may modify both the lower limit of the predefined voltage range and the predefined threshold to perform the first diagnostic function in the predefined voltage range.

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

The control unit 50 modifies at least one of the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range and the predetermined threshold based on the voltage of the power supply 10 that contributed to the vaporization or atomization of the inhaled component source after being left in the predetermined voltage range for a long time. You may As an example, the control unit 50 corrects the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range to be smaller (closer to 0 V), and corrects the predetermined threshold without modifying the predetermined voltage range. function may be performed. As another example, the control unit 50 corrects the predetermined threshold to be smaller without correcting the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range, and executes the first diagnostic function in the predetermined voltage range. may As yet another example, the control unit 50 may modify both the lower limit of the predefined voltage range and the predefined threshold to perform the first diagnostic function in the predefined voltage range.

Further, the control unit 50 may continue to monitor the voltage of the power supply 10 even when the attractive component generating device 100 is not in use, for example, while the load 121R is not operating. In this case, the control unit 50 does not contribute to the vaporization or atomization of the source of the attracted components, such as natural discharge, and even if the voltage of the power supply 10 falls below the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range, the control unit 50 will continue to operate as shown in FIG. 9 as described above. The first diagnostic function may be executed while correcting the default threshold in step S220 shown in FIG.

Alternatively, the control unit 50 may acquire an integrated value that integrates the time during which the voltage of the power source 10 has dropped without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the source of the inhaled component. If this integrated value is converted into a value related to the operation amount of the load 121R based on a predetermined relationship, the first diagnosis can be performed without correcting the predetermined threshold in step S220 shown in FIG. 9 as described above. function can be performed. That is, the control unit 50 integrates the time during which the voltage of the power source drops without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the inhaled component source within a predetermined range as an integrated value, and corrects the integrated value based on a predetermined relationship. , to the value associated with the amount of movement of the load. As an example, the current value or power consumption per unit time when the voltage of the power source 10 drops without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source, and the power consumption of the power source 10 while contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the suction component source Based on the ratio of the current value or power consumption per unit time when the voltage drops, the integrated value may be corrected to be smaller and converted into a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R. The current value or power consumption per unit time when the voltage of the power source 10 drops without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the attraction component source, and the voltage of the power source 10 while contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the attraction component source The current value or the power consumption per unit time when V drops may be actually measured by the voltage sensor 150, the current sensor 160, or the like. Alternatively, these values may be stored in advance in a memory or the like in the control unit 50, and the control section 51 may read these values as needed. In place of these values, the current value or the power consumption per unit time when the voltage of the power source 10 drops without contributing to the vaporization or atomization of the attraction component source, and the vaporization or atomization of the attraction component source. The current value or ratio of power consumption per unit time when the voltage of the power supply 10 drops while contributing may be stored directly in memory.

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

The connection between processor 250 and electrical unit 110 can be detected by a known method. For example, the processor 250 can determine whether the electrical unit 110 is connected by detecting a change in voltage between the pair of electrical terminals of the charger 200 with the voltmeter 240 .

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

Processor 250 of charger 200 can estimate the voltage of power supply 10 by means of voltmeter 240 . Processor 250 can determine whether power supply 10 is deeply discharged by comparing the estimated value of the voltage of power supply 10 with the deep discharge determination voltage.

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

If the voltage of power supply 10 is greater than or equal to the discharge termination voltage, processor 250 determines whether the voltage of power supply 10 is greater than or equal to the switching voltage (step S306). The switching voltage is a threshold value for separating a section of constant current charging (CC charging) and a section of constant voltage charging (CV charging). The switching voltage may be in the range of 4.0V to 4.1V, for example.

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

When charging the power supply 10 by the constant voltage charging method, the processor 250 determines whether the charging current is less than or equal to a predetermined charging completion current (step S312). Here, the charging current can be obtained by ammeter 230 in charger 200 . If the charging current is greater than the predetermined charging completion current, continue to charge the power source 10 by the constant voltage charging method.

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

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

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

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

The control unit 50 determines whether it is in charging mode (step S402). The charging mode can be determined by detecting connection of charger 200 to electrical unit 110 . Connection of the charger 200 to the electrical unit 110 can be detected by obtaining a voltage change between the pair of electrical terminals 110t.

When the control unit 50 detects the connection of the charger 200 to the electrical unit 110, it starts a timer to measure the time from the start of charging or the start of the control unit (step S404).

The control unit 50 then performs a fault diagnosis function for the power supply 10 . Specifically, the control unit 50 acquires the voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 and determines whether the voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 is higher than the deep discharge determination voltage (step S406). The voltage (Vbatt) of power supply 10 can be obtained by utilizing voltage sensor 150 . The deep discharge determination voltage is as described above, and may range, for example, from 3.1 V to 3.2 V (end of discharge voltage). Note that the control unit 50 periodically acquires the voltage of the power supply 10 while the power supply 10 is being charged.

When the electrode structure and electrolyte of the power source 10 are irreversibly changed by deep discharge, the electrochemical reaction during normal charging does not progress inside the power source 10 even after charging. Therefore, when the time period during which the voltage (Vbatt) of the power supply 10 is equal to or lower than the deep discharge determination voltage exceeds a predetermined time period, for example, 300 msec from the start of the timer, the control unit 50 determines that the power supply 10 has failed due to deep discharge. is estimated or detected (steps S408 and S410). Also, when the time required for the voltage value of the power supply 10 to reach the deep discharge determination voltage after the timer is started exceeds a predetermined time, for example, 300 msec, the control unit 50 determines that the power supply 10 has failed due to deep discharge. decision (steps S412 and S410).

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

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

The lower limit of the predetermined voltage range may be, for example, the lower limit of the guaranteed operation voltage of the control unit 50 . In this case, as described above, the control unit 50 executes the failure diagnosis function based on the time required for the timer to reach the deep discharge judgment voltage (predetermined threshold) after the start of the control unit 50. good. Alternatively, the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range may be set to a value lower than the final discharge voltage of power supply 10 and higher than the lower limit of the guaranteed operation voltage of control unit 50 . In this case, the timer may be started when the voltage of power supply 10 reaches the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range.

It is preferable that the above-described failure diagnosis function be disabled when the attraction component generating device 100 is in a mode other than the charging mode. As a result, when the voltage of the power supply 10 temporarily drops to deep discharge due to factors such as falling into an extremely low temperature state in the power supply mode, it is possible to prevent the risk of the failure diagnosis function being erroneously executed.

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

If the time required for the voltage value of the power source 10 to reach the deep discharge determination voltage after the timer is started is less than a predetermined time, for example, 300 msec, it is determined that the effect of deep discharge is small, and charging of the power source 10 is continued. (step S416). In this case, the control unit 50 may additionally perform a deterioration diagnosis function described below. In order to prevent hunting between the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function, the control unit 50 is preferably configured so as not to execute the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function at the same time.

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

The control unit 50 can execute a deterioration diagnosis function of estimating or detecting deterioration of the power supply 10 when the voltage value of the power supply 10 is higher than the discharge end voltage of the power supply 10 during charging of the power supply 10. more preferred. This makes it possible to prevent hunting in the failure diagnosis function and deterioration diagnosis function. In order to prevent hunting of the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function, the control unit 50 is configured not to execute both the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function when the voltage of the power supply 10 is the discharge end voltage. It's okay.

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

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

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

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

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

The control unit 50 executes an algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than a fourth temperature threshold, namely the second diagnostic function shown in FIG. It may be configured so that the algorithm can be changed or modified. Specifically, the control unit 50 preferably modifies the default time in steps S412 and/or S426 and performs the comparison in steps S412 and/or S426 based on the modified time thresholds. The fourth temperature threshold may be set in the range of 1-5° C., for example.

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

The control unit 50 may also be configured not to estimate or detect at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the fifth temperature threshold. That is, when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the fifth temperature threshold, the control unit 50 does not need to perform the failure diagnosis function and/or deterioration diagnosis function shown in FIG. 12 . Here, the fifth temperature threshold may be smaller than the fourth temperature threshold. The fifth temperature threshold may be set in the range of -1 to 1°C, for example.

Furthermore, the control unit 50 may heat the power supply 10 by controlling the heater 70 when the temperature of the power supply 10 is lower than the sixth temperature threshold. When the temperature of the power supply 10 is low, by increasing the temperature of the power supply 10 , it is possible to suppress deterioration in the accuracy of detection of deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 . The sixth temperature threshold may be set in the range of -1 to 1°C, for example.

(Default voltage range for deterioration diagnosis function)
A predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function will be further described with reference to FIG. 13 . The predetermined voltage range may be a predetermined section (voltage range) between the discharge end voltage and the full charge voltage.

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

In the plateau range, the fluctuation of the voltage of the power supply with respect to the elapsed time of charging is small, so it is difficult to produce a significant difference between the normal power supply and the degraded power supply. Therefore, the possibility of erroneous detection occurring in the deterioration diagnosis function described above increases. Therefore, the predetermined voltage range is preferably set to a range excluding the plateau range.

Also, the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is preferably set to a range excluding the range in which the power supply 10 is charged with a constant voltage. The range in which constant-voltage charging is performed corresponds to the final stage of the charging sequence, and therefore corresponds to a range in which the fluctuation of the voltage of the power supply with respect to the elapsed charging time is small. Therefore, by setting the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function to a range excluding the range in which constant voltage charging is performed, the accuracy of the deterioration diagnosis function can be improved.

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

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

Also, the degradation diagnosis function may be implemented in multiple predetermined voltage ranges. Preferably, the multiple predefined voltage ranges do not overlap each other. The control unit 50 can perform the deterioration diagnosis function in the same flow as the deterioration diagnosis function portion of the flow chart shown in FIG. 12 in each predetermined voltage range. In the example shown in FIG. 13, two predetermined voltage ranges (first section and second section) are set.

(Relationship between first diagnostic function and second diagnostic function)
As described above, the control unit 50 has a first diagnostic function of estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 during operation of the load 121R, and a diagnosis of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 during charging of the power supply 10. and a second diagnostic function of estimating or detecting at least one of them.

Here, the first diagnostic function and the second diagnostic function preferably include different algorithms. Thereby, in order to estimate or detect at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10, an optimum algorithm can be applied according to charging and discharging of the power supply 10. FIG.

A first diagnostic function, ie, a diagnostic function performed during operation of load 121 R, may include at least one algorithm for estimating or detecting degradation and/or failure of power supply 10 . In the embodiments described above, the first diagnostic function includes only one algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of degradation and failure of the power supply 10 .

For example, in a small and portable inhalant component generating device 100 such as an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, it is desirable to mount a control unit 50 having a simple control function. If the control unit 50 having such a simple control function is used to control the power supply to the load 121R in the power feeding mode, the computing capability of the control unit 50 will be limited in the power feeding mode. If the first diagnostic function includes only one algorithm, the control unit 50 estimates or predicts at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 to the extent that other controls, such as power control to the load 121R, are not affected. can be detected.

A second diagnostic function, ie a diagnostic function performed while the power supply 10 is charging, may include at least one algorithm for estimating or detecting deterioration and/or failure of the power supply 10 . In the above embodiment, the second diagnostic function includes both the fault diagnostic function and the deterioration diagnostic function described above. In addition to the above embodiments, the second diagnostic function may further include another algorithm or algorithms for estimating or detecting at least one of degradation and failure of power supply 10 .

Preferably, the number of algorithms included in the second diagnostic function is greater than the number of algorithms included in the first diagnostic function. Charging of the power source 10 is controlled by an external charger 200 that is separate from the attractive component generating device 100 . Therefore, the control unit 50 has more computing power in the charge mode than in the power supply mode. By increasing the number of algorithms included in the second diagnostic function in the charging mode using this margin of computing power, in the charging mode, at least one of the deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 can be more accurately estimated or can be detected.

For the purpose of simplifying the structure of attractive component generating device 100 , processor 250 of charger 200 may be configured to be unable to communicate with control unit 50 of electrical unit 110 . By configuring the attractive component generating device 100 in this manner, not only can the structure be simplified, but the control unit 50 does not need to allocate computing power for communication with the processor 250 of the charger 200 . Therefore, since more computing power can be allocated to the second diagnostic function in the charging mode, at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated or detected with higher accuracy in the charging mode.

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

Preferably, the number of sensors required to perform the second diagnostic function is less than the number of sensors required to perform the first diagnostic function. In the above embodiment, the second diagnostic function can be implemented by using the voltage sensor 150 to acquire the voltage of the power supply 10 and, optionally, the temperature sensor 170 . On the other hand, the first diagnostic function can be implemented by using a voltage sensor 150 that acquires the voltage of the power supply 10, a demand sensor (suction sensor 20 or push button 30), and optionally a temperature sensor 170. FIG. Note that the sensor does not include a timer for measuring time.

The sensors required to perform the second diagnostic function preferably do not include the demand sensor (suction sensor 20 or push button 30). It is difficult to imagine that the demand sensor is operated during charging from the normal usability of the attraction component generating device 100 . In other words, the inclusion of required sensors that would otherwise never be manipulated in the sensors necessary to perform the second diagnostic function may cause some inconvenience to the second diagnostic function. Thus, the second diagnostic function performed during charging is preferably operable without the use of a request sensor requesting power to the load 121R.

Predetermined voltage range used for the failure diagnosis function and the deterioration diagnosis function described above in the second diagnosis function, for example, the section from the lower limit of the guaranteed operating voltage to the deep discharge determination threshold value shown in FIG. 13 and the sum of the first section and the second section The value is preferably wider than the predetermined voltage range used in the first diagnostic function, eg, the sum of the first, second and third intervals shown in FIG. Since the range of possible values for the voltage of the power supply 10 is wider in the charge mode than in the power supply mode, by increasing the predetermined voltage range used in the second diagnosis function, the accuracy of diagnosing deterioration or failure of the power supply in the charge mode is improved. can be raised.

(Implementation of the second diagnostic function by the charger)
In the example described above, the control unit 50 of the electrical unit 110 performed the second diagnostic function (failure diagnostic function and deterioration diagnostic function). Alternatively, processor 250 of charger 200 determines at least one of degradation and failure of power source 10 based on the amount of time it takes for power source 10 voltage value to rise from the lower limit to the upper limit of a predetermined voltage range while charging power source 10 . A second diagnostic function may be implemented to estimate or detect one. In this case, processor 250 of charger 200 may execute an algorithm similar to the flowchart shown in FIG.

However, since processor 250 of charger 200 executes the second diagnostic function, step S400 in the flow chart shown in FIG. 12 is not required. Also, the voltage of power supply 10 acquired by processor 250 is estimated by voltmeter 240 provided in charger 200 . The protective action (steps S414, S430) may be an action in which the processor 250 of the charger 200 stops the charging current. Other processes are the same as those in the case where the control unit 50 of the electrical unit 110 executes the second diagnostic function, so description thereof will be omitted. In this way, if the processor of the charger 200 electrically connected to the power source 10 instead performs at least a part of the second diagnostic function that the control unit 50 should perform, the control unit 50 may execute another algorithm. Since it can be executed as the second diagnostic function, it is possible to improve the accuracy of diagnosing deterioration or failure of the power supply in the charging mode.

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

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

Note that the conversion table 158 shown in FIG. 14 indicates the correlation when the reference voltage (Vref) 156, which will be described later, is higher than the voltage of the power supply 10, for example, the full charge voltage of the power supply 10. FIG. In this case, the default correlation 158 associates higher analog voltage values with higher digital voltage values.

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

Here, the predetermined correlation (conversion table) 158 outputs a digital voltage value (Vooutput) corresponding to the full charge voltage when the voltage (analog voltage (Vanalog)) of the power supply 10 is the full charge voltage, When the voltage (analog voltage (Vanalog)) is the discharge final voltage, it is preferably set to output a digital voltage value (Vooutput) corresponding to the discharge final voltage.

However, due to product errors such as the reference voltage, deterioration of the power supply 10, and the like, an error may occur in the output digital voltage value (Vooutput). Therefore, it is preferable to calibrate the predefined correlation (conversion table) 158 of the voltage sensor 150 accordingly.

Calibration of the predefined correlation (conversion table) 158 of the voltage sensor 150 will now be described. FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating the process involved in calibrating the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150. As shown in FIG. Control unit 50 may be configured to calibrate correlation 158 based on analog voltage values obtained during charging of power supply 10 or changes in said digital voltage values.

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

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

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the acquired voltage of the power supply 10 is higher than the threshold voltage (step S506). If the acquired voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or less than the threshold voltage, the voltage of the power supply 10 is acquired again after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S504), and the process returns to step S506.

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

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

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

As described above, the control unit 50 may perform the process of calibrating the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 at either one of steps S510 and S520.

After the charging of the power supply 10 is completed, the threshold voltage is reset again to the initial value, for example 4.05 V, when a predetermined reset condition is satisfied (step S522). The reset condition may be, for example, turning off the attractive component generating device 100 . This is because factors that cause errors in the digital voltage value (Voutput) output by the voltage sensor 150, such as product errors and deterioration of the power supply 10, change each time a reset condition such as the attraction component generating device 100 is turned off is satisfied. This is because there is a possibility that

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 , the threshold voltage at the time of manufacture or startup of the attractive component generating device 100 is preferably set to a value smaller than the full charge voltage of the power source 10 . Considering that an error may occur in the digital output value of the voltage sensor 150, even if the voltage (analog voltage value) of the power supply 10 reaches the full charge voltage during the initial charging of the power supply 10, the digital output of the voltage sensor 150 The output value may remain below the full charge voltage. Therefore, by setting the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting up the attractive component generating device 100 to a value smaller than the full charge voltage, the voltage sensor voltage sensor 150 default correlations 158 can be prevented from becoming uncalibrated.

More specifically, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacture or start-up of the attractive component generating device 100 is the full charge voltage (for example, 4.2 V) of the power supply 10 to It is preferably set to a value equal to or less than the value obtained by subtracting the absolute value of the product error. For example, when an error of about ±0.11V can occur in the voltage sensor 150, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacture or startup of the attractive component generating device 100 may be set to 4.09V or less.

Furthermore, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacture or startup of the attraction component generating device 100 is the absolute value of the product error from the fully charged voltage (eg, 4.2 V) of the power supply 10 among the plurality of digital voltage values that the voltage sensor 150 can output. It is more preferable to set the maximum value within the range below the value obtained by subtracting the value. If the threshold voltage at the time of manufacturing or starting up the attraction component generating device 100 is set in this way, the predetermined correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 is obtained during the initial charging after manufacturing or starting up the attraction component generating device 100 described above. It is possible to prevent it from going out of calibration. Furthermore, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacture or startup of the attraction component generating device 100 is determined from the fully charged voltage (for example, 4.2 V) of the power supply 10 among the plurality of digital voltage values that the voltage sensor 150 can output. Frequent calibration of the voltage sensor 150 can be suppressed compared to the case where the value is set to a value other than the maximum value within the range equal to or less than the subtracted value.

For example, when the resolution of the digital voltage value is 0.05 V/bit and an error of about ±0.11 V can occur in the voltage sensor 150, the threshold voltage at the time of manufacture or startup of the attraction component generating device 100 is 4. 05V. This voltage value is 4.09 V or less, which is the value obtained by subtracting the absolute value of the product error from the full charge voltage of the power supply 10, and is a digital voltage value that the voltage sensor 150 can output (for example, 3.95 V, 4.0 V). 00V, 4.05V), the maximum digital voltage value is 4.05V.

In the flow chart described above, the control unit 50 performs the default correlation 158 calibration when the digital voltage value obtained while the power source 10 is charging is greater than the threshold voltage. Alternatively, the control unit 50 may calibrate the predefined correlation 158 when the digital voltage values obtained during charging of the power source 10 reach a maximum or local maximum.

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

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

It should be noted that the calibration of the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150 does not need to be performed at the timing shown in the flowchart above, for example during charging, after charging, or at the next start-up of the attractive component generating device 100. Also, it doesn't matter if both are done at the right time.

(default correlation calibration)
Calibration of default correlation 158 of voltage sensor 150 will now be described. Control unit 50 performs correlation 158 such that the maximum or local maximum of the digital voltage values obtained during charging of power source 10 or the digital voltage value greater than the threshold voltage corresponds to the fully charged voltage value of power source 10 . Calibrate. Note that even if the correlation 158 is calibrated such that any digital voltage value greater than the threshold voltage corresponds to the full charge voltage value of the power source 10, charging the power source 10 to the full charge voltage will eventually result in , the correlation 158 is calibrated such that the maximum or local maximum value of the digital voltage values obtained during at least part of the charging of the power source 10 corresponds to the fully charged voltage value of the power source 10 .

When the power supply 10 has been charged to full charge, the voltage of the power supply 10 has reached the full charge voltage. In addition, the full charge voltage of the power supply 10 is less likely to be affected by product errors such as the reference voltage and factors that cause errors in the digital voltage value (Voutput) output by the voltage sensor 150 such as deterioration of the power supply 10. is particularly useful as a criterion for Therefore, with the correlation 158 calibrated as described above, when an analog voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage is input to the voltage sensor 150, the voltage sensor 150 will output a digital voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage value. become. This allows the voltage sensor 150 to be properly calibrated.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of calibrating the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the predefined correlation 158 may be calibrated to gain adjust the correspondence between analog and digital voltage values. Gain adjustment can be performed, for example, by increasing or decreasing the vertical axis value (analog voltage value) or the horizontal axis value (digital voltage value) of the predetermined correlation 158 at a constant rate. That is, in gain adjustment, the slope of the predetermined correlation 158, more specifically, the slope of the approximation straight line of the predetermined correlation 158 is adjusted.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating another example of calibrating the default correlation 158 of the voltage sensor 150. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the predefined correlation 158 may be calibrated to offset the correspondence between analog and digital voltage values. Offset adjustment can be performed, for example, by increasing or decreasing the vertical axis value (analog voltage value) of the predefined correlation 158 by a constant value. Since the offset adjustment only increases or decreases the intercept of the predetermined correlation 158, specifically the intercept of the approximate straight line of the predetermined correlation 158, by a constant value, it has the advantage of being easy to adjust.

The relationship between the analog voltage value and the digital voltage value must be specified in the range from the discharge end voltage to the full charge voltage both before and after the offset adjustment. Thus, the predefined correlation 158 is a mapping between digital and analog voltage values less than the end-of-discharge voltage of the power supply 10 and between digital and analog voltage values greater than the full charge voltage of the power supply 10. preferably contains at least one of

Once the default correlation 158 is calibrated, it may remain unchanged until the next time it is calibrated. Alternatively, the default correlation 158 may revert to the initial correlation upon shutdown or subsequent startup of the inhalant generating device 100 . Here, the initial correlation may be a predetermined correlation when the inhalant component generating device 100 is manufactured.

At the time of manufacture or start-up of the attractive component generating device 100, the default correlation 158 is such that an analog voltage value smaller than the analog voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage value when the voltage sensor 150 has no error is the full charge digital value. It is preferably calibrated or set to correspond to voltage values. That is, when the attraction component generating device 100 is manufactured or started, when a predetermined analog voltage value lower than the full charge voltage is input to the voltage sensor 150, the voltage sensor 150 detects a digital voltage corresponding to the full charge voltage. Designed to output a voltage value. For example, when the analog voltage value of 4.1 V, which is lower than the full charge voltage (4.2 V), is input to the voltage sensor 150 at the time of manufacture or startup of the attraction component generating device 100, the voltage sensor 150 It may be designed to output a digital voltage value (4.2V) corresponding to the charging voltage. Accordingly, the voltage sensor 150 is configured to output a digital voltage value equal to or higher than the actual analog voltage value when the attractive component generating device 100 is manufactured or activated, even if there is a manufacturing error.

In this case, during the first charge after manufacturing or starting up the attraction component generating device 100, the actual analog voltage value of the power supply 10 reaches the full charge voltage before the control unit 50 recognizes that the full charge voltage has been reached. can be prevented from exceeding In other words, when the voltage sensor 150 outputs a digital voltage value that is smaller than the actual value of the voltage of the power supply 10 due to a manufacturing error or the like, the voltage sensor 150 outputs a digital voltage value corresponding to the fully charged voltage of the power supply 10. At this time, it is possible to prevent the voltage value of the power supply 10 from exceeding the full charge voltage and falling into overcharge. Therefore, if the control unit 50 has a process of forcibly stopping charging when the output voltage value from the voltage sensor 150 exceeds the full charge voltage, overcharging of the power supply 10 can be prevented.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Specifically, a coordinate consisting of a measured or known digital value and a corresponding analog value, and a predetermined relationship between the digital voltage value (Vooutput) and the analog voltage value (Vinput) are associated with each other, It may be set as the conversion table 158 . As an example, if the relationship between the digital voltage value (Vooutput) and the analog voltage value (Vinput) approximates a straight line passing through a predetermined intercept, the conversion table 158 is set so that the coordinates and the intercept are positioned on the approximate straight line. You may It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the relationship between the digital voltage value (Vooutput) and the analog voltage value (Vinput) is not limited to a straight line and can be approximated by a curved line.

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

As in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the analog voltage value (Vinput) is converted into the digital value of the value input to the inverting input terminal 150-2 of the operational amplifier 150-1, and the digital voltage value (Vooutput) , it is known that a larger analog voltage value corresponds to a larger digital voltage value. On the other hand, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the analog voltage value (Vinput) is applied to the non-inverting input terminal 150- of the operational amplifier 150-1.
3 is converted into a digital value and output as a digital voltage value (Vooutput), it should be noted that a smaller analog voltage value corresponds to a larger digital voltage value.

Here, the predetermined correlation (conversion table) 158 outputs a digital voltage value (Vooutput) corresponding to the full charge voltage when the 10 voltage (analog voltage (Vanalog)) of the power supply is the full charge voltage, and the power supply 10 voltages (Vanalog) is preferably set to output a digital voltage value (Vooutput) corresponding to the discharge end voltage when the discharge end voltage is the discharge end voltage.

However, due to product errors, deterioration of the power supply 10, and the like, an error may occur in the output digital voltage value (Vooutput). Therefore, it is preferable to calibrate the predefined correlation (conversion table) 158 of the voltage sensor 150 accordingly.

Control regarding calibration of the predefined correlation (conversion table) 158 can be implemented in the same manner as the flow chart (see FIG. 15) described above. As previously mentioned, calibration of the predefined correlation (conversion table) 158 may be done by gain correction as shown in FIG. 16 or offset correction as shown in FIG. Note that the values are calibrated.

However, the default correlation 158 at the time of manufacture or startup of the attraction component generating device 100 is that if the analog voltage value (Vinput) is greater than the analog voltage value corresponding to the fully charged voltage value when the voltage sensor 150 has no error, It is preferably calibrated or set to correspond to a full charge voltage value. That is, when the attraction component generating device 100 is manufactured or started, when an analog voltage value associated with a predetermined voltage of the power supply 10 that is lower than the full charge voltage is input to the voltage sensor 150, the voltage sensor 150 is designed to output a digital voltage value corresponding to the full charge voltage. For example, when the analog voltage value associated with 4.1 V, which is lower than the full charge voltage (4.2 V), is input to the voltage sensor 150 at the time of manufacture or startup of the attraction component generating device 100, the voltage sensor 150 may be designed to output a digital voltage value (4.2V) corresponding to the full charge voltage. Accordingly, the voltage sensor 150 is configured to output a digital voltage value equal to or higher than the actual analog voltage value when the attractive component generating device 100 is manufactured or activated, even if there is a manufacturing error.

(the voltage of the power supply obtained by the control unit)
The control unit 50 (control section 51) may acquire a digital voltage value (Vooutput) output from the voltage sensor 150 when acquiring the voltage of the power supply 10 in all the processes described above. That is, it is preferable that the control unit 50 (control section 51) perform the various controls described above based on the digital voltage value output by the voltage sensor 150 using the calibrated predetermined correlation 158. FIG. Accordingly, the control unit 50 (control section 51) can accurately perform the various controls described above.

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

Also, in another example, control unit 50 may estimate or detect degradation and/or failure of power supply 10 based on digital voltage values output by voltage sensor 150 using calibrated correlation 158. (first diagnostic function and/or second diagnostic function).

(Program and storage medium)
The aforementioned flows illustrated in FIGS. 7, 9, 12 and 15 can be performed by the control unit 50. FIG. That is, the control unit 50 may have a program that causes the inhalant component generating device 100 to execute the above-described method, and a storage medium that stores the program. 11, and optionally FIG. 12, may be executed by the processor 250 of the external charger 200. FIG. That is, processor 250 may have a program that causes a system including inhalant component generating device 100 and charger 200 to execute the above-described method, and a storage medium that stores the program.

[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, in the first diagnostic function shown in FIG. At least one of deterioration and failure can be estimated or detected. Alternatively, the control unit 50 estimates or determines at least one of degradation and failure of the power supply 10 based on the voltage of the power supply 10 that has changed while the obtained value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R is within a predetermined range. It may be configured to be detectable. Note that even in this case, deterioration or failure of the power supply 10 can be estimated or detected in the same manner as described in the above embodiment. Similarly, in the step of acquiring a value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R, and based on the voltage of the power supply 10 that has changed while the acquired value related to the amount of operation of the load 121R is within the predetermined range, estimating or detecting at least one of degradation and failure of the . Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the present invention also includes a program that causes the inhalant component generating device 100 to execute such a method.

Claims (18)

a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhaled component source with power from a power source;
a control unit configured to be able to acquire the voltage value of the power supply,
The control unit includes a deterioration diagnosis function for estimating or detecting deterioration of the power supply based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of a predetermined voltage range during charging of the power supply, and the power supply. is configured to be able to execute a failure diagnosis function that estimates or detects that the has failed ,
The deterioration diagnosis function can be executed after execution of the failure diagnosis function,
The attraction component generating device , wherein the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range used in the failure diagnosis function is lower than the discharge termination voltage of the power supply . The control unit determines whether the voltage value of the power supply reaches a predetermined threshold value within a predetermined time from a value equal to or higher than a lower limit value of an operation-guaranteed voltage value of the control unit during charging of the power supply;
2. The attraction component generating device according to claim 1 , wherein said control unit is configured to be able to execute said failure diagnosis function when the voltage value of said power supply does not reach said predetermined threshold value within said predetermined time. 3. The attraction component generating device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit is configured to disable the failure diagnosis function when the attraction component generating device is in a mode other than a charging mode in which the power source can be charged. When the voltage value of the power supply during charging of the power supply reaches from the lower limit to the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function, which is equal to or higher than the end-of-discharge voltage, within a predetermined time The inhaled component generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , configured to be capable of executing the deterioration diagnosis function. 5. The attraction component generating device according to claim 4 , wherein said control unit is configured not to execute said failure diagnosis function and said deterioration diagnosis function at the same time. 6. The attraction component generating device according to claim 4 , wherein an upper limit value of said predetermined voltage range used in said failure diagnosis function is smaller than a lower limit value of said predetermined voltage range used in said deterioration diagnosis function. 7. The attraction component generating device according to claim 5 , wherein said control unit is configured to be able to execute said deterioration diagnosis function in each of a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges equal to or higher than said discharge termination voltage. The attraction component generating device according to claim 7 , wherein the plurality of predetermined voltage ranges used in the deterioration diagnosis function do not overlap each other. The attraction component generator according to any one of claims 4 to 8 , wherein said predetermined voltage range used in said deterioration diagnosis function does not include said discharge termination voltage. The predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is set to a range excluding a plateau range in which a change in the voltage value of the power supply with respect to a change in the amount of charge in the power supply is small compared to other voltage ranges. Item 10. The suction component generating device according to any one of Items 4 to 9 . a notification unit that notifies a user that the remaining amount of the power supply is not insufficient and that the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient based on the voltage of the power supply;
11. The predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is set to a range excluding a range in which the notification unit notifies that the remaining amount of the power supply is insufficient. 3. The sucking component generating device according to . The attraction component generation according to any one of claims 4 to 11 , wherein the predetermined voltage range used in the deterioration diagnosis function is set to a range excluding a range in which constant voltage charging is performed on the power supply. Device. The power source is configured to be chargeable by an external charger separate from the attractive component generating device, and is charged by the constant voltage charge when the voltage of the power source recognized by the external charger reaches the switching voltage,
13. The attraction component generating device according to claim 12 , wherein the voltage range of said power supply for executing said deterioration diagnosis function is set to a range lower than a voltage value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from said switching voltage . including a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power supply;
14. The control unit is configured to change or modify an algorithm for estimating or detecting at least one of deterioration and failure of the power supply when the temperature of the power supply is lower than a threshold. The suction component generating device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3. The control unit determines the voltage value of the power supply based on a comparison of the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to reach from the lower limit to the upper limit of the predetermined voltage range during charging of the power supply and a predetermined time threshold. Estimate or detect at least one of deterioration and failure of
2. The control unit is configured to modify the predetermined time threshold based on the temperature of the power supply and perform the comparison based on the modified time threshold, if the temperature of the power supply is lower than the threshold. 15. The inhalant component generating device according to any one of 14 to 14 . including a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power supply;
14. Any of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the control unit is configured not to perform the function of estimating or detecting at least one of degradation and failure of the power supply when the temperature of the power supply is below a threshold. 2. The suction component generating device according to item 1. a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of the power supply;
a heater that heats the power supply,
14. The attraction component generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the control unit is configured to heat the power supply by controlling the heater when the temperature of the power supply is lower than a threshold. 1. A method of controlling an inhalant producing device including a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhalant source with power from a power source, comprising:
obtaining a voltage value of the power supply;
Degradation diagnosis function for estimating or detecting that the power supply has deteriorated based on the time required for the voltage value of the power supply to reach the upper limit from the lower limit of a predetermined voltage range during charging of the power supply, and estimating that the power supply has failed or performing a fault diagnosis function to detect ,
the deterioration diagnosis function is executed after execution of the failure diagnosis function;
The method , wherein the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range used in the fault diagnosis function is lower than the end-of-discharge voltage of the power supply .

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