阅读说明：本技术 抽吸成分生成装置用的外部单元、抽吸成分生成系统、控制抽吸成分生成装置用的外部单元的方法以及程序 (External unit for suction component generation device, suction component generation system, method for controlling external unit for suction component generation device, and program ) 是由 山田学 竹内学 赤尾刚志 藤田创 于 2018-02-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：抽吸成分生成装置用的外部单元包含：连接部,其能够电连接于抽吸成分生成装置的电源单元；传感器,其能够输出与电源单元所具备的电阻的电阻值相关的输出值；以及第一控制部,其构成为,基于该输出值,判断是否变更对于被连接于连接部的电源单元的既定的控制或者执行所述既定的控制。(The external unit for the suction component generating device includes: a connection portion electrically connectable to a power supply unit of the suction component generation device; a sensor capable of outputting an output value related to a resistance value of a resistor provided in the power supply unit; and a first control unit configured to determine whether to change or execute a predetermined control for the power supply unit connected to the connection unit, based on the output value.)

1. An external unit for a suction composition generating device, comprising:

a connection portion electrically connectable to a power supply unit of the suction component generation device;

a sensor capable of outputting an output value related to a resistance value of a resistor provided in the power supply unit; and

and a first control unit configured to determine whether to change a predetermined control for the power supply unit connected to the connection unit or whether to execute the predetermined control, based on the output value.

2. The external unit for a suction components generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein,

the external unit is a charger for the battery pack,

the predetermined control is control for charging the power supply provided in the power supply unit.

3. The external unit for a suction components generating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,

the first control unit is configured to change at least one of a current value, a rate, and a charging time for charging the power supply in the predetermined control, based on the output value.

4. The external unit for a suction components generating apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein,

the first control unit is configured not to perform charging of the power supply or output an abnormal signal when the output value is out of a predetermined range or when a predetermined condition is not satisfied,

the first control unit is configured to execute charging of the power supply or not output the abnormality signal when the output value is within the predetermined range or when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

5. The external unit for a suction components generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein,

the first control unit is configured to be able to sense connection of the power supply unit to the connection unit,

the first control unit is configured to determine whether to change the predetermined control or execute the predetermined control based on the output value output after sensing connection of the power supply unit.

6. A smoking composition generation system comprising:

an external unit for the aspirated component generation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5; and

the power supply unit.

7. The pumped ingredient generation system of claim 6, wherein,

the resistance value of the resistor is constant regardless of the state of the power supply.

8. The pumped ingredient generation system of claim 6 or 7, wherein,

the resistor has a known resistance value.

9. The suction composition generation system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein,

the power supply unit has:

a first electrical path electrically connected to the external unit through the resistor;

a second electrical path that bypasses the resistor and is electrically connected to the external unit; and

a shutter configured to open and close the second electrical path,

the shutter is configured to be closed during execution of the predetermined control.

10. The suction composition generation system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein,

the power supply unit has a second control section,

the second control unit is configured to be capable of controlling in a first mode in which the connection unit is electrically disconnected from the power source or the second control unit, and in a second mode in which the connection unit is electrically connected to the power source or the second control unit,

the first control unit is configured to determine whether to change the predetermined control or execute the predetermined control based on the output value acquired in the first mode.

11. The pumped ingredient generation system of claim 10, wherein,

the second control unit is configured to change the power supply unit from the first mode to the second mode after a predetermined period has elapsed since the connection of the external unit is sensed.

12. The pumped ingredient generation system of claim 11, wherein,

the first control unit is configured to determine whether to change the predetermined control or execute the predetermined control based on the output value output before the predetermined period elapses from the sensing of the connection of the power supply unit or the resistance value of the resistance acquired by the sensor before the predetermined period elapses from the sensing of the connection of the power supply unit.

13. The pumped ingredient generation system of claim 11 or 12, wherein,

the predetermined period is equal to or longer than a period required from when the first control unit senses connection of the power supply unit until the resistance value of the resistor is obtained.

14. The suction composition generation system of any one of claims 11 to 13,

comprises a notification part for notifying the user of the operation of the vehicle,

the first control unit or the second control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to function during at least a part of the predetermined period.

15. The suction composition generation system of any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein,

comprises a notification part for notifying the user of the operation of the vehicle,

the first control unit or the second control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to function differently between after the predetermined period has elapsed and during the predetermined period, or to cause the notification unit to function only between after the predetermined period has elapsed and during the predetermined period.

16. The suction composition generation system of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein,

the control cycle of the first control unit is shorter than the control cycle of the second control unit.

17. A smoking composition generation system comprising:

an external unit for the aspirated component generation apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5; and

a plurality of said power supply units are provided,

the sensor is capable of outputting an output value related to a resistance value of the resistor provided in each of the power supply units,

the resistor is connected in parallel with the power supply of the power supply unit with the connection part as a reference,

the external unit is a charger for the battery pack,

the power supply unit includes a switch configured to be capable of electrically connecting and disconnecting the power supply to and from the external unit and to be closed during execution of the predetermined control,

among the resistance values of the resistors of the plurality of power supply units, the resistance value of the resistor of the power supply unit that can be charged at a higher rate is larger.

18. A method of controlling an external unit for a suction composition generating device, comprising:

a step of acquiring, by the external unit, an output value related to a resistance value of a resistor provided in the power supply unit; and

and determining whether to change predetermined control for the power supply unit electrically connected to the external unit or whether to execute the predetermined control, based on the output value.

19. In a program for executing a program,

causing an external unit for a suction composition generating device to perform the method of claim 18.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an external unit for a suction component generation device, a suction component generation system, a method of controlling an external unit for a suction component generation device, and a program.

Background

Instead of conventional tasting cigarettes, there has been proposed a smoking component generation device (e-cigarette or heated tobacco) that tastes a smoking component generated by vaporizing or atomizing a flavor source such as tobacco or a smoke source (aerosol) with a load such as a heater (patent documents 1 to 3). Such a pumped component generating device includes a load for vaporizing or atomizing the flavor source and/or the aerosol source, a power supply for supplying power to the load, and a control unit for controlling charging and discharging of the power supply and the load. Since the power supply for supplying electric power to the load is constituted by a secondary battery or the like, it can be charged by a charger.

Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose that a charging mode is selected by a current or a voltage during charging. Patent document 3 discloses changing a charging mode by communication between a battery unit having a power supply and a charger.

Further, patent documents 4 to 6 disclose techniques related to a change of the charging mode in a technical field different from the suction component generating device.

Disclosure of Invention

The first feature is summarized as the external unit for a suction component generation device, including: a connection portion electrically connectable to a power supply unit of the suction component generation device; a sensor capable of outputting an output value related to a resistance value of a resistor provided in the power supply unit; and a first control unit configured to determine whether to change or execute a predetermined control for the power supply unit connected to the connection unit, based on the output value.

A second aspect of the present invention is the external unit for a suction component generation device according to the first aspect, wherein the external unit is a charger, and the predetermined control is control for charging a power supply provided in the power supply unit.

A third aspect of the present invention is the external unit for an aspirated component generation device according to the second aspect, wherein the first control unit is configured to change at least one of a current value, a rate, and a charging time for charging the power supply in the predetermined control, based on the output value.

A fourth feature of the present invention is the external unit for a suction component generation device according to the second or third feature, wherein the first control unit is configured not to perform charging of the power supply or output an abnormality signal when the output value is outside a predetermined range or when a predetermined condition is not satisfied, and the first control unit is configured to perform charging of the power supply or not output the abnormality signal when the output value is within the predetermined range or when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

A fifth feature is the external unit for a suction component generation apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth features, wherein the first control unit is configured to be able to sense connection of the power supply unit to the connection unit, and the first control unit is configured to determine whether to change the predetermined control or execute the predetermined control based on the output value output after sensing connection of the power supply unit.

The sixth feature is summarized as the suction component generation system including: an external unit for the aspirated component generating device according to any one of the first to fifth features; and the power supply unit.

The seventh feature is the aspirated component generation system according to the sixth feature, wherein a resistance value of the resistor is constant regardless of a state of the power supply.

The eighth feature is the aspirated component generating system according to the sixth or seventh feature, wherein the resistor has a known resistance value.

The ninth feature is the aspirated component generating system according to any one of the sixth to eighth features, wherein the power supply unit includes: a first electrical path electrically connected to the external unit through the resistor; a second electrical path that bypasses the resistor and is electrically connected to the external unit; and a switch configured to open and close the second electrical path, wherein the switch is configured to close during execution of the predetermined control.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the aspirated component generation system of any one of the sixth to ninth aspects, wherein the power supply unit includes a second control unit that is controllable in a first mode in which the connection unit is electrically disconnected from the power supply or the second control unit and a second mode in which the connection unit is electrically connected to the power supply or the second control unit, and the first control unit is configured to determine whether to change the predetermined control or execute the predetermined control based on the output value obtained in the first mode.

The eleventh feature is the aspirated component generating system of the tenth feature, wherein the second control unit is configured to switch the power supply unit from the first mode to the second mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after sensing connection of the external unit.

A twelfth feature is the aspirated component generation system of the eleventh feature, wherein the first control unit is configured to determine whether to change the predetermined control or execute the predetermined control based on the output value output before the predetermined period elapses after the connection of the power supply unit is sensed or a resistance value of the resistance acquired by the sensor before the predetermined time elapses after the connection of the power supply unit is sensed.

The thirteenth feature is the aspirated component generation system according to the eleventh or twelfth feature, wherein the predetermined period is equal to or longer than a period required until the first control unit senses connection of the power supply unit and then obtains a resistance value of the resistor.

A fourteenth feature is the aspirated component generation system according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth features, wherein the first control unit or the second control unit includes a notification unit configured to cause the notification unit to function during at least a part of the predetermined period.

A fifteenth feature is the aspirated component generation system according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth features, wherein the first control unit or the second control unit includes a notification unit, and the notification unit is configured to function differently between the predetermined period and the predetermined period after the predetermined period has elapsed, or to function only between the predetermined period and the predetermined period after the predetermined period has elapsed.

A sixteenth feature is the aspirated component generation system according to any one of the tenth to fifteenth features, wherein a control cycle of the first control unit is shorter than a control cycle of the second control unit.

A seventeenth feature is summarized as a suction component generation system including: an external unit for the aspirated component generating device according to any one of the first to fifth features; and a plurality of power supply units, each of which includes a sensor capable of outputting an output value related to a resistance value of the resistor provided in each of the power supply units, the resistor being connected in parallel to a power supply of the power supply unit with reference to the connection portion, the external unit being a charger, the power supply unit including a switch configured to be capable of connecting and disconnecting an electrical connection between the power supply and the external unit and to be closed during execution of the predetermined control, the resistance value of the resistor of the power supply unit being larger as the resistance value of the resistor increases, the resistance value of the resistor being capable of being charged at a high rate.

The eighteenth feature is summarized as a method of controlling an external unit for a suction component generating apparatus, including the steps of: acquiring, by the external unit, an output value related to a resistance value of a resistor included in the power supply unit; and determining whether to change or execute a predetermined control for the power supply unit electrically connected to the external unit based on the output value.

The nineteenth feature is summarized as the method of the eighteenth feature, wherein the program causes an external unit for the aspirated component generation apparatus to execute the method of the eighteenth feature.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a suction component generation device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an atomizing unit according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the suction component generating device.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a circuit of the power supply unit.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a circuit of the suctioned component generation apparatus including the power supply unit and the atomizing unit.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sensing portion that senses the voltage drop amount of the second resistor in the power supply unit.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit of the aspirated component generation system including a power supply unit for the aspirated component generation device and a charger 200.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the charger.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the charger.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the power supply unit in the charging control.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing characteristics of a parasitic diode of the shutter.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an equivalent circuit of an electric circuit in a power supply unit to which the atomizing unit and the external unit are not connected.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic, and it should be noted that the ratio of the respective dimensions and the like are different from those in reality.

Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. It is needless to say that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios from each other.

[ brief summary of disclosure ]

Devices such as a power supply unit of the aspirated component generating apparatus may be designed and changed from various viewpoints. Even when the design is changed in this manner, the power supply unit after the design change may be configured to be connectable to the same external unit as the external unit to which the power supply unit before the design change is connected, from the viewpoint of ensuring compatibility and sharing of components. In this case, the external unit may not necessarily be able to perform optimal control for various types of power supply units. Alternatively, even if the external unit of the suction component generation device is designed to be changed from various viewpoints, the external unit is not always capable of performing optimal control for various types of power supply units.

An external unit for a suction component generation device according to an aspect includes: a connection portion electrically connectable to a power supply unit of the suction component generation device; a sensor capable of outputting an output value related to a resistance value of a resistor provided in the power supply unit; and a first control unit configured to determine whether to change or execute a predetermined control for the power supply unit connected to the connection unit, based on the output value.

An aspirated component generation system of one aspect includes the external unit for the aspirated component generation device of the above aspect and the power supply unit.

A method of controlling a power supply unit of a suction component generation device according to one aspect includes the steps of: acquiring, by the external unit, an output value related to a resistance value of a resistor included in the power supply unit; and determining whether to change or execute a predetermined control for the power supply unit electrically connected to the external unit based on the output value.

According to the above aspect, the external unit can identify the power supply unit or the type of power supply in the power supply unit using the value related to the resistance value of the resistor in the power supply unit. That is, by changing the resistance value of the output resistor according to different types of power supply units or power supplies, the external unit can recognize the type of the power supply unit or power supply without communicating with the power supply unit. Further, the type of the power supply unit or the power supply can be identified without providing a memory in which information corresponding to the type of the power supply unit or the power supply is stored in the power supply unit. Thus, the external unit can perform optimal control for the power supply unit according to the kind of the power supply unit or the power supply.

(suction component generating device)

Hereinafter, the aspirated component generating device of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a suction component generation device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an atomizing unit according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the suction component generating device. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a circuit of the power supply unit. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a circuit of the suctioned component generation apparatus including the power supply unit and the atomizing unit. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sensing portion that senses the voltage drop amount of the second resistor in the power supply unit.

The smoke component generation device 100 may be a non-combustion type aroma extractor for extracting smoke components (aroma flavor components) without involving combustion. The suction component generating device 100 may also extend in a direction from the non-suction end E2 toward the suction end E1. In this case, the suctioned component generation apparatus 100 may include one end E1 having the suction port 141 for suctioning the suctioned component, and the other end E2 on the side opposite to the suction port 141.

The inhalation composition generating apparatus 100 may also have a power supply unit 110 and an atomizing unit 120. The atomizing unit 120 may be detachably attached to the power supply unit 110 via the connection portions 111 and 121. When the atomizing unit 120 and the power supply unit 110 are mechanically connected to each other, a load 121R, which will be described later, in the atomizing unit 120 is electrically connected to the power supply 10 provided in the power supply unit 110 via the electrical terminals 111t and 121 t. That is, the electrical terminals 111t and 121t constitute a connection portion that can electrically connect and disconnect the load 121R to and from the power source 10. In addition, as described later, the connection portion 111 of the power supply unit 110 may be configured to be connectable to an external unit different from the atomizing unit 120.

The atomizing unit 120 has a suction component source to be sucked by a user and a load 121R to vaporize or atomize the suction component source by power from the power source 10. The source of smoking composition may also comprise a source of smoke that produces smoke and/or a source of flavour that produces a flavour composition.

The load 121R may be any element that can receive electric power and generate smoke components, i.e., smoke and/or flavor components, from the smoke source and/or flavor source. For example, the load 121R may be a heating element such as a heater or an element such as an ultrasonic generator. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heating type heater.

Hereinafter, a more detailed example of the atomizing unit 120 will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. The atomizing unit 120 may also have a reservoir 121P, a core 121Q, and a load 121R. The storage portion 121P may be configured to store a liquid smoke source or a fragrance source. The reservoir 121P may be a porous body made of a material such as a resin net, for example. The core portion 121Q may be a liquid holding member that introduces the aerosol source or the fragrance source from the reservoir portion 121P by utilizing capillary action. The core 121Q may be made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

The load 121R atomizes the smoke source held in the core 121Q or heats the fragrance source. The load 121R is constituted by, for example, a resistance heating element (e.g., an electric heating wire) wound around the core 121Q.

The air flowing from the inflow hole 122A passes through the vicinity of the load 121R in the atomizing unit 120. The suction component generated by the load 121R flows to the suction port side together with the air.

The source of fumes may be liquid at ambient temperature. For example, as the source of smoke, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, water, and the like can be used. The smoke itself may also have a flavour component. Alternatively, the smoke source may contain a tobacco material that releases aroma and flavor components by heating, or an extract derived from a tobacco material.

In the above-described embodiment, an example of the mist source that is liquid at normal temperature is described in detail, but instead, a mist source that is solid at normal temperature may be used.

The atomizing unit 120 may include a fragrance unit (cartridge) 130 configured to be replaceable. The fragrance unit 130 has a cartridge 131 that houses a fragrance source. The cylinder 131 may also include a membrane unit 133 and a filter 132. A fragrance source may be provided in the space formed by the membrane member 133 and the filter 132.

The atomizing unit 120 may also include a breaking portion 90. The breaking portion 90 is a member for breaking a part of the film member 133 of the fragrance unit 130. The breaking portion 90 may also be held by a spacer member 126 that separates the atomizer unit 120 from the fragrance unit 130. The spacer member 126 is, for example, polyacetal resin. The breaking portion 90 is, for example, a cylindrical hollow needle. By inserting the tip of the hollow needle into the film member 133, an air flow path that air-communicates the atomizing unit 120 and the fragrance unit 130 is formed. Here, it is preferable that a mesh having a thickness to the extent that the fragrance source cannot pass through is provided inside the hollow needle.

According to a preferred example, the aroma source within the aroma unit 130 imparts aroma and flavor to the smoke generated by the load 121R of the atomizer unit 120. The fragrance imparted to the smoke by the fragrance source is carried to the suction port 141 of the smoking component generating apparatus 100. In this way, the smoking component generation device 100 may have a plurality of smoking component sources, i.e., a smoke source and a fragrance source. Instead, the suction component generation device 100 may have only one suction component source.

The fragrance source within fragrance unit 130 may also be a solid at ambient temperature. As an example, the aroma source is constituted by a raw material sheet of a plant material that imparts an aroma flavor component to smoke. As the material sheet constituting the flavor source, a tobacco material, such as cut tobacco or tobacco material, can be used as a granular molded body. Alternatively, the flavor source may be a formed body formed by forming a tobacco material into a sheet shape. The material sheet constituting the flavor source may be made of a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, herb, etc.). The flavor source may be provided with a flavor such as menthol.

The suction component generation apparatus 100 may also include a mouthpiece 142, and the mouthpiece 142 has a suction port 141 through which a user sucks the suction component. The mouthpiece 142 may be detachably attached to the atomizing unit 120 or the flavor unit 130, or may be integrally and inseparably attached to the atomizing unit 120 or the flavor unit 130.

The power supply unit 110 may include the power supply 10, the notification unit 40, and the control unit 50. The power supply 10 stores electric power necessary for the operation of the aspirated component generation device 100. The power supply 10 may be detachable from the power supply unit 110. The power source 10 may be a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

For example, a microcomputer is used for the control unit 50. The control unit 50 may be connected to the suction sensor 20 and the button 30 to constitute a control unit. The aspirated component generation apparatus 100 may include a sensor, not shown, that obtains the voltage of the power supply 10 as necessary. The pumping component generation device may include a protection IC180 for protecting the power supply 10 from overvoltage and overdischarge, if necessary. The control unit 50 performs various controls necessary for the operation of the aspirated component generation apparatus 100. For example, the control unit 50 may constitute a power control unit that controls power supplied from the power source 10 to the load 121R.

When the atomizing unit 120 is connected to the power supply unit 110, the load 121R provided in the atomizing unit 120 is electrically connected to the power supply 10 of the power supply unit 110 (see fig. 5).

The pumped component generation device 100 may include a first shutter 172 that can electrically connect and disconnect the load 121R to and from the power supply 10. The first shutter 172 may be formed of, for example, a MOSFET.

When the first shutter 172 is closed, i.e., turned ON (conductive) in a state where the atomizing unit 120 is connected to the power supply unit 110, power is supplied from the power supply 10 to the load 121R. On the other hand, when the first shutter 172 is turned OFF, the power supply from the power source 10 to the load 121R is stopped. The ON/OFF of the first shutter 172 is controlled by the control unit 50.

The control unit 50 may include a request sensor capable of outputting a signal for requesting the operation of the load 121R. The request sensor is, for example, a button 30 pressed by the user, or a suction sensor 20 detecting a suction action of the user. The suction sensor 20 may be a sensor that outputs a value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) that changes in accordance with the flow rate of air sucked from the non-suction port side toward the suction port side (i.e., a suction (puff) operation by the user). Examples of such a sensor include a capacitor microphone sensor and a known flow sensor.

The control unit 50 acquires an operation request signal to the load 121R from the request sensor, and generates a command for operating the load 121R. In a specific example, the control unit 50 outputs a command for operating the load 121R to the first shutter 172. In response to this command, the first shutter 172 is turned ON. In this manner, the control unit 50 is configured to control the supply of power from the power source 10 to the load 121R. When power is supplied from the power source 10 to the load 121R, the suction component source is vaporized or atomized by the load 121R. The smoking composition containing the vaporized or aerosolized source of smoking composition is drawn by the user through mouthpiece 141.

The control unit 50 may perform PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of the first shutter 172 when acquiring the operation request signal. Instead of the PWM control, PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control may be performed. The DUTY ratio in PWM control and the switching frequency in PFM control may be adjusted by various parameters such as the voltage of the power supply 10.

Next, an example of a detailed configuration of the circuit in the power supply unit 110 will be described. In the present embodiment, the power supply unit 110 may have a first resistor 150 and a second resistor 152 electrically connected in series with each other. The first resistor 150 is electrically connected to the power supply 10.

The resistance values of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 are preferably known. That is, the first resistor 150 may be a known resistor for the control unit 50 and the external unit. More preferably, the resistance value of the first resistor 150 is constant regardless of the state of the power supply 10. Similarly, the second resistor 152 may be a known resistor for the control unit 50 and the external unit. More preferably, the resistance value of the second resistor 152 is constant regardless of the state of the power supply 10.

The circuit in the power supply unit 110 may include a first electrical path (hereinafter, also referred to as an "authentication circuit") 190 electrically connected to an external unit through the first resistor 150, and a second electrical path (hereinafter, also referred to as a "charging circuit") 192 electrically connected to the external unit while bypassing the first resistor 150. More specifically, the first resistor 150 is provided in the first electrical path 190 extending from one of the pair of electrical terminals 111t to the other of the pair of electrical terminals 111 t. The second electrical path 192 branches from the first electrical path 190. The second electrical path 192 bypasses the first resistor 150 from one of the pair of electrical terminals 111t to the other of the pair of electrical terminals 111 t. That is, the other of the pair of electrical terminals 111t is electrically connected to the first node 154 between the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152. One of the pair of electric terminals 111t is electrically connected to a second node 156 on the opposite side of the first node 154 with respect to the first resistor 150. Second electrical path 192 may also branch from first electrical path 190 at first node 154 and second node 156. That is, the second electrical path (charging circuit) 192 is electrically connected in parallel to the first electrical path 190 (authentication circuit) with reference to the pair of electrical terminals 111 t. In other words, the first electrical path 190 (authentication circuit) and the second electrical path (charging circuit) 192 are electrically connected in parallel to each other by the first node 154 and the second node 156.

The power supply 10 and the control unit 50 are provided in the second electrical path 192. The power supply unit 110 may have the first and second switches 172 and 174 provided in the second electric path 192. The first and second switches 172 and 174 may be formed of MOSFETs, for example. The control of the first shutter 172 and the second shutter 174 is performed by the control unit 50. Each of the first and second switches 172 and 174 may function as a so-called discharge FET and a charge FET.

The first shutter 172 can be switched to an open state and a closed state. The open state is a state in which the current output from the power supply 10 and flowing into the first shutter 172 via the first node 154 is cut off when an external unit such as the charger 200 is not connected to the connection portion 111. The closed state is a state in which a current, which is output from the power supply 10 and flows into the first shutter 172 via the first node 154, flows when an external unit such as the charger 200 is not connected to the connection portion 111. The first shutter 172 is electrically connected to the first node 154. Further, first switch 172 may have a parasitic diode in which the direction in which the current output from power supply 10 flows through first node 154 is reversed when an external unit such as charger 200 is not connected to connection unit 111.

In other words, the first switch 172 can be switched to an open state in which the current from the high potential side to the low potential side of the power supply 10 is interrupted, and a closed state in which the current from the high potential side to the low potential side of the power supply 10 is caused to flow. The first shutter 172 is electrically connected to the first node 154. The first switch 172 may have a parasitic diode that reverses the direction from the high potential side to the low potential side of the power supply 10.

The second switch 174 may be switched to an open state in which the charging current input from the connection unit 111 and charging the power source 10 is interrupted, and a closed state in which the charging current input from the connection unit 111 and charging the power source 10 is caused to flow. The second switch 174 is electrically connected to the first node 154 via the first switch 172. The second switch 174 may have a parasitic diode that is input from the connection unit 111 and reverses the direction in which the charging current charged by the power supply 10 flows.

In other words, the second switch 174 may be switched to an open state in which the current from the low potential side to the high potential side of the power supply 10 is interrupted, and a closed state in which the current from the low potential side to the high potential side of the power supply 10 is caused to flow. The first shutter 172 is electrically connected to the first node 154. The second shutter 174 may have a parasitic diode that is forward in the direction from the high potential side to the low potential side of the power supply 10.

The control unit 50 is configured to be able to sense the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152. That is, the control unit 50 may have a sensing unit for acquiring the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152. An example of the sensing unit will be described with reference to fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows a configuration of a part of the first resistor 150, the second resistor 152, and the control unit 50.

The sensing portion of the control portion 50 has a comparator 162, a capacitor 164, and a reference voltage source 166. The capacitor 164 may also be connected to the second resistor 152 and the inverting input terminal of the comparator 162. Reference voltage source 166 may also be connected to the non-inverting input terminal of comparator 162. Reference voltage source 166 may also be generated from power supply 10 by using a voltage divider circuit, an ldo (linear dropout) regulator. The comparator 162 converts the difference between the voltage value input to the inverting input terminal and the voltage value input to the non-inverting input terminal or an analog voltage value obtained by amplifying the difference into a digital voltage value V based on a predetermined management (conversion table)_wakeAnd output. Digital voltage value V of output_wakeIndicating the amount of voltage drop in the second resistor 152. The resolution involved in the conversion to the digital voltage value is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.05V/bit. Although the example in which the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152 is obtained using the sensing portion that converts an analog voltage value into a digital voltage value has been described, a sensing portion that directly obtains the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152 as a digital voltage value may be used instead of this.

The voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152 differs between the case where no component is connected to the pair of electrical terminals 111t and the case where an external unit such as the charger 200 or the atomizing unit 120 is connected to the pair of electrical terminals 111 t. Therefore, by obtaining the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152, the control unit 50 can sense the connection between the external unit such as the charger 200 and the atomizing unit 120.

For example, if the control part 50 senses the digital voltage value V of high level_wakeThen, it can be estimated that charger 200 is not connected to connection unit 111. In addition, if the control part 50 senses the digital voltage value V of the low level_wakeThen, it can be estimated that charger 200 is connected to connection unit 111.

More specifically, in a state where the charger 200 is not connected to the connection unit 111, a current flows from the power supply 10 to the control unit 50 through the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152. Accordingly, a voltage drop is generated in the second resistor 152 by the current flowing through the second resistor 152, and thus the control part 50 senses the digital voltage value V of the high level_wake. On the other hand, when the main negative bus of charger 200 connected to the electric terminal of pair of electric terminals 111t having the same potential as first node 154 is lowered to the ground potential due to the ground, first node 154 is lowered to the ground potential due to the connection of charger 200 to connection portion 111. Accordingly, in a state where the charger 200 is connected to the connection part 111, the current no longer flows through the second resistor 152, and thus the control part 50 senses the digital voltage value V of the low level_wake。

As described above, the power supply unit 110 of the inhalation component generation apparatus 100 may be configured to be connectable to an external unit different from the atomizing unit 120. The external unit may be, for example, a charger 200 (see fig. 7) for charging the power supply 10 in the power supply unit 110. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit of charger 200 and power supply unit 100. Fig. 8 is a block diagram of charger 200.

Charger 200 may have connection portion 211 electrically connectable to power supply unit 110. The connection portion 211 may have a pair of electrical terminals 211 t. Here, the pair of electrical terminals 111t of the power supply unit 110 for electrically connecting the load 121R can also serve as the pair of electrical terminals 111t of the power supply unit 110 for electrically connecting the charger 200. That is, the pair of electric terminals 211t of the charger 200 may be configured to be connectable to the pair of electric terminals 111t of the power supply unit 110. More preferably, the connection portion 111 of the power supply unit 110 is configured to be able to be exclusively connected to one of a load 121R that vaporizes or atomizes the suction component source by the electric power from the power supply 10 and an external unit such as the charger 200. In other words, although connection unit 111 of power supply unit 110 is configured to be connectable to load 121R and each of the external units such as charger 200, when load 121R is connected to one of the external units such as charger 200, the other external unit cannot be connected.

The charger 200 may also have an external power supply 210 for charging the power supply 10 in the power supply unit 110. Instead, the charger 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to and disconnected from the external power supply 210, and to electrically connect the power supply 10 of the power supply unit 110 to the external power supply 210. External power supply 210 that can be electrically connected to and disconnected from charger 200 may be a battery that outputs a direct current. External power supply 210, which can be electrically connected to and disconnected from charger 200, may be an ac commercial power system output from a general household outlet. Charger 200 may have any shape. As an example, the charger 200 may have a shape similar to a USB memory having a USB terminal connectable to a USB (universal serial Bus) port. As another example, charger 200 may have a cradle shape for holding power supply unit 110 and a housing shape for accommodating power supply unit 110 therein. When charger 200 is formed in a cradle shape or a housing shape, external power supply 210 is preferably built into charger 200 and has a size and weight that can be carried by a user.

Charger 200 may include a control unit 250 that controls charging to power supply 10. Further, charger 200 may have current sensor 230 and voltage sensor 240 as necessary. The current sensor 230 obtains a charging current supplied from the charger 200 to the power supply 10. Voltage sensor 240 obtains a voltage difference between a pair of electric terminals 211t of charger 200. Control unit 250 of charger 200 controls charging of power supply 10 of power supply unit 110 using the output values from current sensor 230 and/or voltage sensor 240.

When external power supply 210 is an ac power supply, charger 200 may include an inverter that converts ac power to dc power. Further, charger 200 may further include a voltage sensor for acquiring a dc voltage output from the inverter, and a converter for boosting and/or stepping down the dc voltage output from the inverter.

The configuration of charger 200 is not limited to the above, and may be configured by or include a voltage divider circuit, LDO, and the like.

Charger 200 includes a sensor capable of outputting an output value related to the resistance value of first resistor 150 included in power supply unit 110. The output value related to the resistance value may be the resistance value itself or may be a physical quantity that can be converted into the resistance value. For example, the output value related to the resistance value may be a voltage drop amount (potential difference) in the first resistor 150 or may be a current value of a current passing through the first resistor 150. Examples of the sensor that can output an output value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 include the current sensor 230 and the voltage sensor 240.

For example, the voltage sensor 240 can output the value of the voltage applied to the first resistor 150 of the power supply unit 110 when the second shutter 174 of the power supply unit 110 is opened. In addition, the current sensor 230 can output the value of the current passing through the first resistor 150 of the power supply unit 110 when the second shutter 174 of the power supply unit 110 is opened. The values of these voltages applied to the first resistor 150 and the value of the current passing through the first resistor 150 are output values related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150.

The charger 200 can identify the type of the power supply 10 in the power supply unit 110 or the power supply unit by using the value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 in the power supply unit. That is, the resistance value of the first resistor 150 is changed according to the different kinds of the power supply unit 110 or the power supply 10 so that the charger 200 can recognize the kind of the power supply unit 110 or the power supply 10 without communicating with the power supply unit 110.

In this way, the first resistor 150 of the power supply unit 110 can function as a known resistor for use in authentication.

Control unit 250 of charger 200 may be configured to sense whether or not power supply unit 110 is connected to connection unit 211. The sensing of the connection of the power supply unit 110 to the connection portion 211 can be performed by a well-known method. For example, the control unit 250 can sense the connection of the power supply unit 110 by sensing a voltage difference between the pair of connection terminals 211 t.

For the purpose of simplifying the structure of the aspirated component generation apparatus 100, the control unit 250 of the charger 200 may be configured so as not to be able to communicate with the control unit 50 of the power supply unit 110. In this case, a communication terminal for performing communication between the control unit 250 of the charger 200 and the control unit 50 of the power supply unit 110 is not required. In other words, in the connection interface to be connected to charger 200, the electric terminals of power supply unit 110 may be only two terminals, i.e., a main positive bus and a main negative bus. By simplifying the configuration of the suction component generation apparatus 100, the weight, cost, and production efficiency thereof are improved. Since the control unit 250 of the charger 200 and the control unit 50 of the power supply unit 110 are configured to be unable to communicate with each other, the standby power of each transmitter and receiver can be reduced, and as a result, the utilization efficiency of the power stored in the power supply 10 of the power supply unit 110 and the external power supply 210 of the charger 200 is improved. In addition, since the malfunction accompanying the communication between the control unit 250 of the charger 200 and the control unit 50 of the power supply unit 110 does not occur, the quality of the suction component generation device 100 is improved.

(charger-based charging control)

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method of control unit 250 of charger 200. The control section 250 first senses the connection of the power supply unit 110 to the charger 200 (step S300). Control unit 250 waits until power supply unit 110 is connected to connection unit 211 of charger 200.

When sensing the connection of the power supply unit 110 to the charger 200, the control unit 250 obtains a value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 in the power supply unit 110 (step S301). The value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 may be the resistance value of the first resistor 150 itself, a voltage drop amount (potential difference) in the first resistor 150, or a current value of a current passing through the first resistor 150.

Preferably, the second shutter 174 of the power supply unit 110 is opened when a value correlated with the resistance value of the first resistor 150 is acquired. More specifically, it is preferable that the connection unit 111 is electrically disconnected from the power supply 10 in the first mode when a value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 is obtained. In this state, by supplying a minute current from the charger 200 to the power supply unit 110, the authentication circuit 190 including the first resistor 150 used for authentication functions, and a value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 can be obtained.

The control unit 250 may acquire values related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 a plurality of times, and derive a value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 used in step S303 described later from a moving average value, a simple average value, a weighted average value, and the like of the values. In addition, a plurality of values related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 may be obtained from one or more pulses of the minute current.

However, at the timing when the supply of the minute current to the power supply unit 110 is stopped immediately after the minute current is supplied to the power supply unit 110, the surge current and the surge voltage are dominant factors in the outputs of the current sensor 230 and the voltage sensor 240. Therefore, the control unit 250 may not instantaneously supply the minute current to the power supply unit 110, but may supply the minute current for a predetermined duration. Further, it is preferable that the control unit 250 obtain the value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 without using the values output by the current sensor 230 and the voltage sensor 240 at the timing when the supply of the minute current to the power supply unit 110 is stopped immediately after the minute current is supplied to the power supply unit 110. In other words, it is preferable that the control unit 250 obtains a value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 using the values output from the current sensor 230 and the voltage sensor 240 at a time intermediate or near the predetermined duration.

In addition, by incorporating a delay circuit in the current sensor 230 and the voltage sensor 240 for acquiring the value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150, a time lag may be provided before the value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 is sensed by the current sensor 230 and the voltage sensor 240 and then output to be acquired by the control unit 250. In the case where the charger 200 is configured as described above, in the first mode in step S301, it is sufficient that the current sensor 230 and the voltage sensor 240 sense the value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 before a predetermined time elapses after the connection of the power supply unit 110 is sensed. That is, it should be noted that it is not necessary for the control unit 250 to obtain the value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 before the connection of the power supply unit 110 is sensed and a predetermined time elapses.

Next, the control unit 250 determines whether to change the predetermined control for the power supply unit 110 or execute the predetermined control, based on the output value of the sensor, that is, the value related to the resistance value acquired in step S301 (step S303). As in the present embodiment, when the external unit connected to power supply unit 110 is charger 200, the predetermined control may be control for charging power supply 10 of power supply unit 100.

In this case, the first resistor 150 can be used as a known resistor for authentication. That is, the control section 250 can perform optimal control according to the kind of the power supply unit 110 by changing the resistance value of the first resistor 150 according to the kind of the power supply unit 110.

For example, when the output value is out of the predetermined range or when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, control unit 250 does not perform charging of power supply 10. On the other hand, control unit 250 may be configured to perform charging of power supply 10 when the output value is within a predetermined range or when a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, the change of the predetermined control to the power supply unit 110 in step S301 includes a change to not perform the charging process in steps S304 to S314, which will be described later. Thus, when it is determined that the power supply unit 110 is abnormal or a non-authorized power supply unit 110, the charging current is not supplied, and therefore, occurrence of an abnormal situation can be suppressed. Alternatively, or in addition to the above-described embodiment, the control unit 250 may be configured to output an abnormality signal when the output value is outside a predetermined range or when a predetermined condition is not satisfied.

Instead of the above example, the change of the predetermined control to the power supply unit 110 in step S301 may be a change of at least one of a current value, a rate, and a charging time for charging the power supply. As a specific example, the change of the predetermined control may be a change of the rate of the charging current. That is, the control unit 250 can change the rate of the charging current according to the type of the power supply unit 110 or the power supply 10. Thus, the control unit 50 can perform electric control with a high rate of charging current of, for example, 2C or more if the power supply 10 is capable of rapid charging, and can perform charging control with a low rate of charging current of, for example, 1C or less if the power supply 10 is not capable of rapid charging. Note that the rate of the charging current is changed mainly in CC charging described later. In order to change the predetermined control, the control unit 250 of the charger 200 may have a memory in which a database relating values related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150, the power supply unit 110 or the power supply 10, and charging conditions such as the rate of the charging current are stored.

Preferably, control unit 250 of charger 200 is configured to determine whether or not to change the predetermined control or to execute the predetermined control, based on an output value output before a predetermined period described later elapses after the connection of power supply unit 110 is sensed, that is, a value related to the resistance value of first resistor 150. The predetermined period corresponds to a period until the control unit 50 of the power supply unit 110 senses the connection of the charger 200 and closes the second shutter 174.

Next, control unit 250 performs predetermined control, in this embodiment, charging control. For example, when charging the power supply 10 of the power supply unit 110, the control unit 250 of the charger 200 first estimates the voltage of the power supply 10 using the voltage sensor 240 (step S304).

Although described later, the second shutter 174 may be closed during execution of the predetermined control, that is, in the steps after step S304. If the resistance value of first resistor 150 is sufficiently larger than the internal resistance (impedance) of power supply 10, the charging current from charger 200 mainly flows through charging circuit 192 including power supply 10, and hardly flows through authentication circuit 190. In this manner, the second shutter 174 is preferably configured to selectively function either the charging circuit 192 or the authentication circuit 190. Accordingly, as compared with the case where the first resistor 150 is turned on by most of the charging current from the charger 200, the loss of power in the power supply unit 110 can be suppressed during the charging of the power supply 10.

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

When the voltage of the power supply 10 is smaller than the switching voltage, the control unit 250 charges the power supply 10 by the constant current charging method (step S308). When the voltage of the power supply 10 is equal to or higher than the switching voltage, the control unit 250 charges the power supply 10 by the constant voltage charging method (step S310). In the constant voltage charging method, the charging current decreases because the voltage of the power supply 10 increases and the difference between the voltage of the power supply 10 and the charging voltage decreases as the charging progresses.

When the charging of the power supply 10 is started by the constant voltage charging method, the control unit 250 determines whether or not the charging current is equal to or less than a predetermined charging completion current (step S312). Here, the charging current can be acquired by a current sensor 230 in the charger 200. When the charging current is larger than the predetermined charging completion current, the charging of the power supply 10 is continued by the constant voltage charging method.

When the charging current is equal to or less than the predetermined charging completion current, control unit 250 determines that power supply 10 is in the fully charged state and stops the charging (step S314). In addition, in the condition for stopping the charging, in addition to the charging current, a time after starting the charging by the constant current charging method or the charging by the constant voltage charging method, a voltage of the power supply 10, a temperature of the power supply 10, or the like may be used.

(control based on control section of power supply unit in charging mode)

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method by control unit 50 of power supply unit 110 in the charging mode. The charging mode is a mode in which charging of the power supply 10 is possible.

First, control unit 50 senses the connection of charger 200 to power supply unit 110 (step S400). The connection of the charger 200 can be sensed based on the voltage drop amount (Wake signal) in the second resistor 152, for example, as described above. Second shutter 174 is configured to be maintained in an open state when charger 200 is not connected to connection unit 111 of power supply unit 110. When the second shutter 174 is opened, the connection unit 111 is electrically disconnected from the power supply 10 in a standby mode (first mode).

When control unit 50 senses connection of charger 200 to power supply unit 110, the timer is started (step S404). The timer measures the time elapsed after the detection of the connection of charger 200.

Further, the control unit 50 preferably causes the notification unit 40 to function in the first manner as necessary (step S406). For example, when the notification unit 40 is a light emitting element such as an LED, the control unit 50 may cause the notification unit to emit light in a predetermined first light emission manner. The control unit 50 may be configured to cause the notification unit 40 to function during at least a part of the predetermined period. Note that, notification unit 40 may be provided in charger 200, and charger control unit 250 may control notification unit 40 provided in charger 200. When the control unit 250 of the charger controls the notification unit 40, the control unit 250 of the charger may cause the notification unit 40 to function in the first manner when the control unit 250 of the charger senses the connection of the power supply unit 110.

Control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the detection of the connection of charger 200 (step S412). The second shutter 174 is maintained in the open state for a predetermined period of time after the connection of the charger 200 is sensed. That is, a standby mode (first mode) in which the connection unit 111 and the power supply 10 are electrically disconnected is maintained.

When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the detection of connection of charger 200, control unit 50 closes second shutter 174 (step S414). When the second shutter 174 is closed, the power supply unit 110 shifts to an operation mode (second mode) in which the connection portion 111 and the power supply 10 are electrically conducted. In the operation mode in which second shutter 174 is closed, control unit 250 of charger 200 starts charging as described above (step S308 and step S310), and then starts charging power supply 10.

The sensing of charger 200 by control unit 50 is a condition for shifting from the first mode in which authentication circuit 190 functions to the second mode in which charging circuit 192 functions. However, in the present embodiment, after the predetermined period of time has elapsed after the condition for shifting from the first mode to the second mode is satisfied, the shift from the first mode to the second mode is performed by the control of the second shutter 174.

As described above, control unit 50 of power supply unit 110 maintains the standby mode (first mode) for a predetermined period of time after sensing connection of charger 200. The predetermined period is preferably equal to or longer than a period required for the control unit 250 of the charger 200 to acquire a value related to the resistance value of the first resistor 150 in the power supply unit 110 from the connection of the sensing power supply unit 110. Thus, control unit 250 of charger 200 can obtain a value related to the resistance value of first resistor 150 while power supply unit 110 is in the standby mode (first mode).

Preferably, when the operation mode (second mode) for closing the second shutter 174 is set, the control unit 50 causes the notification unit 40 to function in the second mode (step S420). For example, when notification unit 40 is a light emitting element such as an LED, control unit 50 may cause notification unit 40 to emit light in a predetermined second light emission manner. As described above, notification unit 40 may be provided in charger 200, and charger control unit 250 may control notification unit 40 provided in charger 200. When the control unit 250 of the charger controls the notification unit 40, the control unit 250 may cause the notification unit 40 to function in the second mode after the control unit 250 of the charger senses the connection of the power supply unit 110 and the predetermined period elapses.

Preferably, control unit 50 and/or control unit 250 causes notification unit 40 to function differently after the predetermined period has elapsed from the predetermined period. That is, the first aspect, for example, the first light emission aspect of the notification unit 40 is preferably different from the second aspect, for example, the second light emission aspect of the notification unit 40. Thus, the notification unit 40 can notify the user whether or not the predetermined period has elapsed.

Alternatively, control unit 50 and/or control unit 250 may be configured to cause notification unit 40 to function only after the predetermined period has elapsed and only during the predetermined period. That is, the notification unit 40 may be caused to function only at the timing of either one of steps S406 and S420. Thus, the notification unit 40 can notify the user whether or not the predetermined period has elapsed.

Control unit 50 determines whether or not the end of charging is sensed (step S426). Sensing of the end of charging is performed by sensing, for example, that the connection of the charger 200 is released. In addition, sensing of the end of charging may be performed by sensing that the charging current from charger 200 is stopped, for example. When the control unit 50 senses the end of charging, the function of the notification unit 40 and the timer are stopped, and the second shutter 174 is opened (step S430, step S432, and step S434).

The control unit 50 of the power supply unit 110 executes the control flow described above at a predetermined control cycle. On the other hand, control unit 250 of charger 200 may execute the control flow at a control cycle different from that of control unit 50. In this case, control unit 50 can promptly end steps S301 and S303 described above by control unit 250 of charger 200 during a period from the start of the timer until the predetermined period elapses (step S412).

The control unit 50 is configured to shift from the first mode to the second mode by the control of the second shutter 174 when a condition for shifting from the second mode in which the charging circuit 192 functions to the first mode in which the authentication circuit 190 functions is satisfied. For example, in the flowchart, when the control unit 50 senses the end of charging, the control unit shifts from the first mode to the second mode by the control of the second shutter 174. In this case, the control unit 50 preferably controls the second shutter such that a time (corresponding to the predetermined period) from when the condition for shifting the first mode to the second mode is satisfied until when the first mode is shifted to the second mode is longer than a time (corresponding to the predetermined period) from when the condition for shifting the second mode to the first mode is satisfied until when the second mode is shifted to the first mode.

(program and storage Medium)

The aforementioned flow shown in fig. 9 can be executed by control unit 250 of charger 200. That is, the control unit 250 may have a program for causing the charger 200 for the suction component generation device to execute the aforementioned flow shown in fig. 9. Further, it is desirable to note that a storage medium storing the program is also included in the scope of the present invention.

The aforementioned flow shown in fig. 10 can be executed by the control section 50 of the power supply unit 110. That is, the control unit 50 may have a program for causing the power supply unit 110 of the aspirated component generation device to execute the aforementioned flow shown in fig. 10. Further, it is desirable to note that a storage medium storing the program is also included in the scope of the present invention.

(resistance values of the first resistor and the second resistor)

(1) In relation to parasitic diodes of the shutter

The inventors of the present application have found that there are preferable values for the resistance values of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 from various viewpoints. In the example shown in fig. 4, first switch 172 includes a parasitic diode (also referred to as a body diode) in which the direction in which a current output from power supply 10 flows through first node 154 is reversed when an external unit such as charger 200 is not connected to connection unit 111. In other words, the first switch 172 has a parasitic diode in which the direction from the high potential side to the low potential side of the power source 10 is reversed. The second switch 174 has a parasitic diode that is input from the connection unit 111 and reverses the direction in which the charging current charged by the power supply 10 flows. In other words, the parasitic diode is provided in a forward direction from the high potential side to the low potential side of the power supply 10. Therefore, when the first and second switches 172 and 174 are open while no component is connected to the connection unit 110 of the power supply unit 110, the circuit in the power supply unit 110 is substantially equivalent to the circuit shown in fig. 12. In the equivalent circuit shown in fig. 12, reference numeral 172a shows a parasitic diode in which the direction in which the current output from the power supply 10 flows via the first node 154 becomes the reverse direction. In other words, reference numeral 172a shows a parasitic diode in which the direction from the high potential side to the low potential side of the power supply 10 is reversed.

In the equivalent circuit shown in fig. 12, a first resistor 150 and a second resistor 152 are connected in series. The parasitic diode 172a is connected in parallel with the second resistor 152. If the resistance value of the parasitic diode 172a is assumed to be very large, the voltage value V applied to the parasitic diode 172a_diodeRepresented by the following equation:

V_diode＝V_Batt×R₂/(R₁+R₂)＝V_batt/(1+R₁/R₂)。

here, V_BattIs the output voltage, R, of the power supply 10 that can vary from a full charge voltage to a discharge termination voltage₁Is the resistance value, R, of the first resistor 150₂Is the resistance value of the second resistor 152. Note that, in the above numerical expression, the parasitic diode or the like of the second shutter 174 is omitted because it has a sufficiently smaller value than the parasitic diode 172 a.

In addition, the parasitic diode 172a is known to have the characteristics as shown in fig. 11. Fig. 11 shows the relationship between the voltage applied to the parasitic diode 172a and the current flowing through the parasitic diode 172 a. In fig. 11, it is desirable to note that the sign of the current flowing in the forward direction to the parasitic diode 172a and the sign of the voltage applied to generate the current flowing in the forward direction are defined as + (positive), and the sign of the current flowing in the reverse direction to the parasitic diode 172a and the sign of the voltage applied to generate the current flowing in the reverse direction are defined as- (negative). In addition, it is desirable to note that, in the case where the magnitude of the voltage is referred to in the following description, the absolute value of the two voltages to be compared is handled. A specific breakdown voltage V is applied to the parasitic diode 172a_BreakAt a high reverse voltage, i.e. a specific breakdown voltage V is applied in FIG. 11_BreakAt a voltage on the left, the current will flow toThe parasitic diode 172a flows in the reverse direction, and loses its function as a diode. In addition, even if the parasitic diode 172a is applied with the specific breakdown voltage V_BreakLow reverse voltage, i.e. in fig. 11 at a voltage V above the breakdown voltage_BreakWhen a voltage in the right reverse direction is applied to the parasitic diode 172a, a minute leakage current (leakage current) due to the quantum effect also flows in the reverse direction in the parasitic diode 172 a.

When a leakage current flows through the parasitic diode 172a of the first switch 172, the leakage current flows into the control unit 50, and therefore the control unit 50 may not operate normally. Therefore, it is preferable to make the value of the current leaking through the parasitic diode 172a, i.e., the first switch 172 in the open state, as small as possible. As shown in fig. 11, the leakage current has a correlation with the voltage applied to the parasitic diode 172a in the reverse direction. In addition, even when a specific breakdown voltage V is applied_BreakIn the case of a low voltage, when the voltage applied in the reverse direction is increased, the potential of electrons causing a leakage current is also increased. Therefore, it is preferable to set the value V of the voltage applied to the parasitic diode 172a, that is, the first switch 172_diodeAs small as possible.

Therefore, considering the above numerical expression, it is preferable that the resistance value R of the second resistor 152 is the resistance value R₂Is smaller than the resistance R of the first resistor 150₁. This can reduce the value V of the voltage applied to the parasitic diode 172a, i.e., the first switch 172_diodeAnd reduces leakage current.

More preferably, the resistance value R of the first resistor 150₁And the resistance R of the second resistor 152₂The ratio of the voltage to the breakdown voltage is designed so that a voltage smaller than the breakdown voltage is applied to the parasitic diode 172a when the external unit is not connected to the connection portion 111. This can prevent the function of the parasitic diode 172a from being destroyed.

(2) Dark current consideration

When the external unit is not connected to the connection portion 111 of the power supply unit 110, a weak dark current flows from the power supply 10 through the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152. The dark current is preferably designed to be lower than the load 1 on the atomizer unit 12021R is connected to connection portion 111, and the value of the current that can be discharged by power supply 10 is small. That is, the resistance R of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152₁、R₂It is preferable that the value of the current flowing through the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 when the external unit is not connected to the connection portion 111 is set to be smaller than the value of the current that can be discharged by the power supply 10 when the load 121R is connected to the connection portion 111. This can suppress power consumption of the power supply unit 110 in the standby state. The current that can be discharged by the power supply 10 when the load 121R is connected to the connection unit 111 may be adjusted by the PWM control and the PFM control.

In addition, the dark current also relates to the accuracy of connection sensing of the external unit by the sensing portion of the control portion 50. That is, as described above, the sensing unit of the control unit 50 senses the connection of the external unit by distinguishing the voltage drop amount of the second resistor 152 when the external unit is connected to the connection unit 111 from the voltage drop amount of the second resistor 152 when the external unit is not connected to the connection unit 111. However, if the resistance values of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 are extremely large, the dark current becomes an extremely small current value. Therefore, the voltage drop of the second resistor 152 depends on the resistance values of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152. Therefore, the first resistor 150 is preferably a resistance value at which the sensing unit having the control unit 50 can distinguish between the voltage drop amount of the second resistor 152 when the external unit is connected to the connection unit 111 and the voltage drop amount of the second resistor 152 when the external unit is not connected to the connection unit 111.

In addition, for the purpose of suppressing the error of connection sensing, it is desirable that the voltage drop amount V of the second resistor 152 when the external unit is not connected is reduced_WakeMaintained at a predetermined threshold V_thHigh level. When the external unit is not connected to the power supply unit 110, the voltage drop amount V of the second resistor 152 is reduced_WakeFrom "V_Wake＝V_Batt×R₂/(R₁+R₂) "means.

Here, it is preferable to satisfy "V" in consideration of the fact that_Wake＞V_th"the resistance value of the first resistor 150 preferably satisfies the following relationThe following relationships: r₁＜(V_Batt/V_th－1)×R₂。

This relation may also be considered to define an upper limit value of the first resistor 150.

In view of the above results, specifically, the resistance values of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 may be designed such that the value of the current (dark current) flowing through the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 when the external unit is not connected to the connection portion 111 is preferably 0.200mA or less. This can more effectively suppress dark current. In addition, connection sensing errors can also be effectively suppressed. The resistance values of the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 may be designed such that the rate of current (dark current) flowing through the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152 when the external unit is not connected to the connection portion 111 is preferably 0.07mC or less. Accordingly, connection sensing using the dark current through the second resistor 152 can be performed, and power consumption accompanying the dark current is effectively reduced. In addition, connection sensing errors can also be effectively suppressed.

(3) Resolution of voltage sensor considering external unit

As described above, the control unit 250 of the external unit such as the charger 200 may include the voltage sensor 240 capable of acquiring the resistance value of the first resistor 150 in the power supply unit 110. In this case, it is desirable that the voltage sensor 240 accurately output the resistance value of the first resistor 150. Therefore, when the voltage sensor 240 obtains the resistance value of the first resistor 150, the voltage drop amount in the first resistor 150 is preferably larger than the resolution of the voltage sensor 240.

Thus, the resistance R of the first resistor 150₁It is preferable that the voltage drop amount in the first resistor when the external unit discharges to the power supply unit at a predetermined current value is designed to be larger than the resolution of the sensor of the external unit that outputs the voltage drop amount in the first resistor 150.

(4) Relation with internal resistance of power supply 10

When charger 200 is connected to connection unit 111 of power supply unit 110, charging current from charger 200The power source 10 (see fig. 7) mainly flows from the second node 156. However, a part of the current does not flow into the power supply 10, but passes through the first resistor 150. Since the current through the first resistor 150 becomes a loss, it is preferable to reduce the current through the first resistor 150 as much as possible. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the resistance value R of the first resistor 150₁Greater than the internal resistance value R of the power supply 10_impedance。

(5) Relation to the load of the atomizer unit

When the load 121R for vaporizing or atomizing the suction component source by the electric power from the power supply 10 is connected to the connection portion 111 of the power supply unit 110, the current discharged from the power supply 10 flows back to the power supply 10 mainly in the order of the second node 156, the load 121R, the first node 154, and the first shutter 172 (see fig. 5).

However, a part of the current does not pass through the load 121R, but passes through the first resistor 150. The current passing through the first resistor 150 becomes a loss, and therefore it is preferable to reduce the current passing through the first resistor 150 as much as possible. From this viewpoint, the resistance value R of the first resistor 150₁Preferably greater than the resistance value R of the load 121R_load。

(6) Relation to time constant of RC circuit

As shown in fig. 6, the second resistor 152 is connected in series with the capacitor 164. That is, the electric path including the second resistor 152 and the capacitor 164 constitutes a so-called RC circuit.

Here, when an external unit such as the charger 200 is connected to the first node 154 between the first resistor 150 and the second resistor 152, the potential at the first node 154 fluctuates. Since the second resistor 152 and the capacitor 164 form an RC circuit, the voltage output by the RC circuit follows the circuit equation "V" in the RC circuit₀×exp(－t/τ)+V₁". The voltage output from the RC circuit corresponds to a variation in the potential of the first node 154, that is, a variation in the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152.

Here, "V₀"is an initial value of the potential difference, that is, the potential difference when t is 0. The control unit 50 senses the connection of the charger 200In example (1), "V₀"corresponds to the voltage drop amount (potential difference) of the second resistor 152 when no connection member is provided to the power supply unit 110. ' V₁"is the final value of the potential difference. Where first node 154 is grounded with charger 200, V₁＝0。

"t" represents time. In an example in which the control section 50 senses the connection of the charger 200, "t" represents a time after the charger 200 is physically connected to the power supply unit 110.

In general, τ is called a time constant and is defined by an expression "τ ═ R × C". Here, "R" is a resistance value of a resistor in the RC circuit, and "C" is an electrostatic capacitance of a capacitor in the RC circuit. In the example shown in fig. 6, "R" is the resistance value of the second resistor 152, and "C" is the electrostatic capacitance of the capacitor 164.

In the case where the control portion 50 senses the connection of the external unit to the connection portion 111, the control portion 50 needs to detect the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152 after the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152 is sufficiently close to the final value. From this viewpoint, the time constant τ is preferably small. That is, the resistance value of the second resistor 152 is preferably small.

More specifically, the resistance value of the second resistor 152 is preferably designed such that the time constant τ of the RC circuit formed by the second resistor 152 and the capacitor 164 is shorter than the period in which the sensing portion of the control portion 50 senses the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152. Thus, the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152 varies to a value sufficiently close to the final value in a period shorter than the sensing period of the sensing unit of the control unit 50. Thus, the control section 50 can quickly and more accurately sense the connection of the external unit to the connection section 111 of the power supply unit 110.

In addition, the sensing of the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152 in the sensing unit of the control unit 50 may be continuously performed a plurality of times in a single sequence, and the control unit 50 may use the average value of these as the voltage drop amount in the second resistor 152. In this case, it is preferable to design the resistance value of the second resistor 152 so that the time constant τ of the RC circuit formed by the second resistor 152 and the capacitor 164 is shorter than the period in which the sequence is performed.

In particular, as described above, when the control unit 50 of the power supply unit 110 and the control unit 250 of the external unit such as the charger 200 cannot communicate with each other, it is difficult to synchronize the control units 50 and 250 with each other. In this case, it is preferable that the control section 50 promptly senses the connection of the external unit in order to avoid a deviation between the control of the control section 50 of the power supply unit 110 and the control of the control section 250 of the external unit like the charger 200.

(suction component generating System having a plurality of Power supply units)

The present invention is also applicable to an aspirated component generation system including an external unit for an aspirated component generation device and a plurality of power supply units electrically connectable to a connection portion of the external unit. The external unit is preferably a charger 200. The charger 200 and the power supply units 110 are configured as described above. Therefore, the detailed configuration of charger 200 and each power supply unit 110 will not be described. However, the resistance values of the first resistors 150 in the power supply unit 110 may be different from each other.

Preferably, the resistance value of the first resistor 150 of the plurality of power supply units 110 is larger as the power supply unit 110 having the power supply 10 capable of being charged at a high rate is provided. That is, the resistance value of the first resistor 150 included in the plurality of power supply units 110 is selected to be a larger value as the power supply unit 110 having the power supply 10 capable of being charged at a high rate is provided.

When the charger 200 supplies the charging current to the power supply 10 of the power supply unit 110, if the charging current is supplied at a high rate, a relatively large current is likely to flow through the authentication circuit 190 including the first resistor 150. That is, the higher the charging current, the more the amount of useless current that does not contribute to charging of the power supply 10 increases, and the more the loss of electric power increases.

Therefore, by selecting the resistance value of the first resistor 150 to be a larger value as the power supply unit 110 having the power supply 10 that can be charged at a high rate is used, the amount of the unnecessary current that does not contribute to the charging of the power supply 10 can be suppressed even in the power supply unit 110 having the power supply 10 that can be charged at a high rate.

[ other embodiments ]

While the present invention has been described in the above embodiments, the discussion and drawings constituting a part of this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

For example, in the above embodiment, the external unit connected to the power supply unit 110 for the inhalation component generation device is mainly the charger 200. However, the external unit is not limited to the charger 200. The external unit may be any device that can output a value related to the resistance value of the resistor in the power supply unit and perform predetermined control on the power supply unit. In this case, the external unit can also recognize the type of the power supply unit or the power supply within the power supply unit, and perform optimal control for the power supply unit according to the type of the power supply unit or the power supply.