HK40001800A - Battery unit, flavor aspirator, method for controlling battery unit, and program - Google Patents

Description

Battery pack, fragrance inhaler, method for controlling battery pack, and program

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising a connection unit connectable to an aerosol of an aerosol source, a fragrance inhaler comprising the battery pack, a method of controlling the battery pack, and a program for performing the method.

Background

There has been proposed a non-combustion type flavor inhaler (electronic cigarette) for inhaling flavor without combustion, instead of a cigarette (patent documents 1 to 6). The fragrance inhaler comprises: the aerosol control device includes at least one of an aerosol source and a flavor source, an atomizer that is an electrical load for atomizing a smoke component contained in at least one of the aerosol source and the flavor source, a power supply for supplying power to the atomizer, and a control unit for controlling the atomizer and the power supply.

Patent document 1 describes that the nebulizer is detachably configured in a battery pack including a power supply and a control unit. Patent document 1 discloses that a nebulizer connected to a battery pack can be identified using identification information such as an ID.

Patent document 2 discloses an electronic smoking device in which a nebulizer and a charger are replaceably connected to a common connection unit (interface) of a battery pack.

Patent document 3 discloses detecting an overcurrent and a short circuit flowing in an electronic circuit in an electronic cigarette. Patent document 4 discloses a fuse for preventing overheating of a nebulizer in an electronic cigarette. Patent document 5 discloses that, when a system in an aerosol generating device such as an electrical smoking device is abnormal, a fuse in an electronic circuit is blown to disable the system. Patent document 6 discloses detecting overcurrent and overvoltage in charging of a battery pack of an electronic cigarette.

Further, patent document 7 discloses a charge monitoring device that monitors a charged state of a battery when charging the battery. The charge monitoring device detects an abnormality in the state of charge by simultaneously using the monitoring of the change in the voltage of the charged battery with respect to time, the monitoring of the change in the voltage of the charged battery with respect to the amount of charge, and the monitoring of the measured voltage value of the battery obtained by the voltage measuring means.

Reference 8 discloses a user authentication technique based on an inhalation pressure at the time of a user's inhalation action in a fragrance inhaler.

The cited document 9 discloses a technique of simply making the fragrance inhaler unusable.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: specification of U.S. Pat. No. 2016/0174076

Patent document 2: international publication No. 2016/119626

Patent document 3: specification of U.S. Pat. No. 2014/0254055

Patent document 4: specification of U.S. Pat. No. 2014/0283856

Patent document 5: japanese Kohyo 2014-501106

Patent document 6: specification of U.S. Pat. No. 2015/0036250

Patent document 7: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2003-317811

Patent document 8: international publication No. 2015/167000 specification

Patent document 9: japanese Kohyo publication Hei No. 11-507718

Disclosure of Invention

The gist of the feature 1 is a battery module comprising: a power source; a detection unit that detects an output voltage of the power supply; a connection unit connectable to a load of an aerosol source or a heating scent source; and a control unit that can execute a power supply mode in which power is supplied from the power supply to the load, the control unit executing a specified control different from the power supply to the load based on a variation per a predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

The gist of the 2 nd feature is that, in the 1 st feature, the specified control is authentication of the load.

The gist of the 3 rd feature is that, in the 2 nd feature, the authentication of the load is continued when the amount of change per the predetermined period of the output voltage is included in a predetermined range.

The gist of the 4 th feature is that, in the 2 nd feature or the 3 rd feature, the authentication of the load is cancelled when the amount of change per the predetermined period of the output voltage is not included in a predetermined range.

The gist of the 5 th aspect is that, in the 4 th aspect, when the authentication of the load is canceled, the control means determines whether or not to perform the authentication of the load based on the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage, when detection of a reset operation is triggered.

The gist of the 6 th feature is characterized in that, in any one of the 1 st to 5 th features, the connection means may connect a charger that charges the power supply and the load, the control means may execute the power supply mode and a charging mode in which the power supply is charged from the charger, and the specified control is control for determining an abnormality in the charging mode.

The feature 7 is that, in the feature 6, the control unit determines that the charging mode is abnormal when a decrease amount per a predetermined period of the output voltage in the charging mode is equal to or smaller than a 1 st threshold set based on the decrease amount per a predetermined period of the output voltage in the power feeding mode.

The gist of the 8 th aspect is that, in the 7 th aspect, the 1 st threshold is set to be equal to or less than the amount of change per the predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

The gist of the 9 th feature is that, in any one of the 6 th to 8 th features, the battery module includes: and a switch that is electrically connectable to and disconnectable from the power supply for the load or the charger connected to the connection unit, wherein the control unit turns the switch on when a 1 st condition is satisfied in the power supply mode, and turns the switch on when a 2 nd condition different from the 1 st condition is satisfied in the charging mode.

The gist of the 10 th aspect is that, in the 9 th aspect, the battery module includes: a detection unit that detects an operation for use of the load, the 1 st condition being based on a condition for detecting the operation.

The gist of the 11 th feature is that, in the 9 th feature or the 10 th feature, the 2 nd condition is a condition based on connection of the charger to the connection unit.

The gist of the 12 th feature is an aroma inhaler including the battery pack of any one of the 1 st to 11 th features and the load.

The gist of the feature 13 is a method of controlling a battery pack including: a control unit operable to perform a power mode for supplying power from a power source to a load connectable to a source of aerosolized aerosol or a source of heated fragrance, the method comprising: detecting an output voltage of the power supply; and a step of executing a specified control different from the power supply to the load based on a variation per a predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

The gist of the 14 th feature is that it is a program for causing a battery pack to execute the method of the 13 th feature.

The terms of the claims are supplemented herein. The "amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage" indicates the degree of decrease in the output voltage during the predetermined period. In other words, the output voltage at the end of the predetermined period is an amount indicating to what degree the output voltage is smaller than the output voltage at the beginning of the predetermined period. For example, the "amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage" is obtained by subtracting the output voltage in the initial period of the predetermined period from the output voltage in the final period of the predetermined period. When the "decrease amount per predetermined period of the output voltage" indicates a negative value, the output voltage decreases during the predetermined period. On the other hand, when the "decrease amount per predetermined period of the output voltage" indicates a positive value, the output voltage increases during the predetermined period. When comparing 2 "decrease amount per predetermined period of output voltage" having different amounts, the small "decrease amount per predetermined period of output voltage" means that the output voltage in the predetermined period is decreased more, in other words, the output voltage in the end of the predetermined period is smaller than the output voltage in the beginning of the predetermined period.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing a fragrance inhaler according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an atomizing assembly according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an electric circuit provided in the battery pack.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the atomizing assembly and the battery assembly in a state where a load is connected.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the charger and the battery pack in a state where the charger is connected.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a control flow for shifting to the power supply mode and the charging mode.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a power supply mode according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the load authentication process according to the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a charging mode according to an embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the deterioration of the power supply and the output voltage of the power supply.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of exception processing according to an embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of exception handling according to the embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the fragrance inhaler according to embodiment 2.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are attached to the same or similar parts. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratio of the respective dimensions and the like may be different from the actual dimensions.

Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. It is needless to say that the relationship and the ratio of the dimensions of the drawings are different from each other.

[ summary of the invention ]

A scent inhaler such as an electronic cigarette includes an electrical load that atomizes the aerosol source or heats the scent source. The electrical load atomizes the aerosol source or heats the fragrance source using power supplied from a power source. Since the electric load electrically connected to the electronic circuit in the fragrance inhaler is supplied with electric power from the power supply, the output voltage of the power supply decreases. The present inventors have paid attention to the fact that the amount of change in the output voltage varies according to the specifications of the electrical load, etc., and have found that the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply can be effectively used for controlling the battery pack and the fragrance inhaler.

According to an aspect of the invention, a battery pack includes: a power source; a detection unit that detects an output voltage of the power supply; a connection unit connectable to a load of an aerosol source or a heating scent source; and a control unit that can execute a power supply mode in which power is supplied from the power supply to the load. The control unit executes a specified control different from the power supply to the load based on the amount of change per a predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

[ embodiment 1 ]

(non-combustion type fragrance inhaler)

Hereinafter, a fragrance inhaler of embodiment 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is an exploded view showing a fragrance inhaler according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an atomizing assembly according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an electric circuit provided in the battery pack. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the load and the electrical circuit of the battery pack in a state where the load is connected. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an electric circuit of the charger and the battery pack in a state where the charger is connected.

The flavor inhaler 100 may be a non-combustion type flavor inhaler for inhaling inhalation components (flavor components) without combustion. The inhaler 100 may have a shape extending in a predetermined direction a, which is a direction from the non-suction end E2 toward the suction end E1.

The scent inhaler 100 may also have a battery assembly 112 and an aerosolizing assembly 111. Aerosolization assembly 111 may also have an aerosol source that generates aerosol, and/or a flavor source that generates flavor components, and an electrical load 111R that aerosolizes the aerosol source or heats the flavor source. The load 111R may be any element that can generate an aerosol and/or a flavor component from an aerosol source and/or a flavor source by receiving electric power.

The battery assembly 112 has a power source 40 and a control unit 51. The power supply 40 stores power required for the operation of the scent inhaler 100. The power supply 40 supplies power to the control unit 51 and the load of the atomizing member (assembly) 120. The power source 40 may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

The battery pack 112 has a connection unit 120 to which a load 111R of the atomizing assembly 111 and a charger 200 for charging the power source 40 can be connected. The connection unit 120 of the battery pack 112 alternatively connects the load 111R and the charger 200. In other words, on the connection unit 120 of the battery pack 112, the charger 200 or the load 111R is exclusively connected, not simultaneously connecting the charger 200 and the load 111R. However, the case where the battery assembly 112 has the plurality of connection units 120 is not limited thereto.

The connection unit 120 of the battery pack 112 has an electrical terminal 120t for electrically connecting the load 111R of the atomizer assembly 111 and the charger 200. The electric terminal 120t is electrically connected to the power source 40 and the control unit 51 (see fig. 3).

When the atomizing assembly 111 is connected to the connection unit 120 of the battery assembly 112, the load 111R provided in the atomizing assembly 111 is electrically connected to the power source 40 of the battery assembly 112 through the electrical terminal 120t (refer to fig. 4). When charger 200 is connected to connection unit 120 of battery pack 112, charger 200 is electrically connected to power supply 40 of battery pack 112 through electrical terminal 120t (see fig. 5).

The battery assembly 112 may also have an inflow hole 112A for inflow of air from the outside. The air flowing from the inflow hole 112A reaches the mouthpiece provided at the mouthpiece end E1 of the inhaler 100 via the flow path provided inside the atomizing unit 111. Further, instead of or in addition to the inflow opening 112A, an additional inflow opening may be provided in the atomizing member 111. As another modification, the atomizing unit 111 and the battery unit 112 may be configured such that the inlet is formed at a connection portion (boundary portion) when the atomizing unit 111 and the battery unit 112 are connected.

An example of the atomizing unit 111 will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 1 and 2. The nebulizer 111 may also have a liquid reservoir (reservoir) 111P; a core (wick) 111Q; and a load 111R. The reservoir 111P stores an aerosol source in liquid form. For example, the reservoir 111P may be a porous body made of a material such as a resin mesh. The wick 111Q is a liquid holding member that sucks the aerosol source from the reservoir 111P by utilizing capillary phenomenon or the like. For example, the core 111Q is made of glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like.

The load 111R may be a resistance heater. The resistive heater atomizes the aerosol source held by the wick 111Q. The resistance heating body is constituted by, for example, a resistance heating body (for example, a heating wire) wound on the core 111Q.

The air flowing from the inflow hole 112A passes near the load 111R inside the atomizing assembly 111. The aerosol generated by the load 111R flows toward the mouthpiece together with the air.

The aerosol source may also be a liquid at ambient temperature. For example, as an aerosol source, a polyol may be used. The aerosol source itself may also have a fragrance component. Alternatively, the aerosol source may also comprise a tobacco material or an extract derived from a tobacco material that emits a flavorful component upon heating.

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

The atomizing assembly 111 may also include a replaceable fragrance assembly 130. The scent assembly 130 can also have a cartridge 131, a scent source 132, a mesh 133A, and a filter 133B. The cylindrical body 131 has a cylindrical shape extending in the predetermined direction a. The barrel 131 has a holding portion 134 that holds the fragrance source 132.

The fragrance source 132 is disposed on the suction side in the flow path of the air drawn from the suction opening than the atomizing assembly 111. The fragrance source 132 imparts a flavorful element to the aerosol atomized by the load 111R of the atomizing assembly 111. The fragrance imparted to the aerosol by fragrance source 132 is delivered to the mouthpiece of the scented inhaler 100.

The fragrance source 132 may also be a solid at ambient temperature. As an example, the fragrance source 132 is composed of a raw material sheet of a plant material that imparts a fragrant flavor component to the aerosol. As the material sheet constituting the flavor source 132, a tobacco material such as cut tobacco or tobacco material can be used, and the tobacco material can be formed into a granular compact. Alternatively, the flavor source 132 may be a formed body formed by forming a tobacco material into a sheet shape. The material sheet constituting the flavor source 132 may be made of a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, vanilla, etc.). The flavor source 132 may be imparted with a flavor such as menthol.

The mesh 133A is provided to block the opening of the cylinder 131 on the non-suction port side against the fragrance source 132. The filter 133B is provided to block the opening of the cylinder 131 on the suction port side against the fragrance source 132. The mesh 133A has a roughness to the extent that the raw material sheet constituting the fragrance source 132 does not pass through. The filter 133B is made of a material having air permeability. The filter 133B has a roughness to the extent that the raw material sheet constituting the fragrance source 132 does not pass through.

In this embodiment, the atomizing assembly 111 has both an aerosol source and a fragrance source. Alternatively, the atomizing assembly 111 may have only one of an aerosol source and a fragrance source.

In the present embodiment, the fragrance assembly 130 has the function of a so-called mouthpiece, since the user of the fragrance inhaler 100 inhales the aerosol by touching the mouth to the vicinity of the filter 113B. Alternatively, a mouthpiece separate from the flavor assembly 130 may be provided.

In the present embodiment, the load 111R is an element of the aerosol source. Alternatively, the load 111R may be an element that heats the fragrance source 132. Further, the load 111R may also be provided as an element that atomizes the aerosol source and heats the fragrance source 132.

Further, in the present embodiment, the load 111R is disposed in the vicinity of the reservoir 111P that stores the aerosol source. Alternatively, the load 111R may be disposed adjacent to the scent assembly 130 that houses the scent source 132. The number of the loads 111R is not limited to 1, and may be provided in the vicinity of the liquid reservoir 111P and the fragrance member 130.

The load 111R is not limited to the resistance heater, and may be any element that can atomize the aerosol source or heat the fragrance source. For example, the load 111R 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.

Next, a specific example of the structure of the battery module 112 will be described. The battery assembly 112 includes a switch 140 that can electrically connect and disconnect the power source 40 to the load 111R or the charger 200 connected to the connection unit 120. The switch 140 is turned on and off by the control unit 51. The switch 140 may be formed of, for example, a MOSFET.

When the switch 140 is turned ON (ON) in a state where the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120, electric power is supplied from the power source 40 to the load 111R (see fig. 4). When switch 140 is turned on in a state where charger 200 is connected to connection unit 120, power supply 40 is charged by charger 200 (see fig. 5).

The battery pack 112 has a determination unit that determines whether the charger 200 is connected to the connection unit 120. For example, the determination unit may be a component that determines whether or not the charger is connected based on the potential difference between the electrical terminals 120t provided in the connection unit 120. In the present embodiment, the determination unit includes a pair of resistors 150 and 152 arranged in series. One of the pair of resistors 150 is disposed at a position connected between the connection terminals 120 t. The other 152 of the pair of resistors is connected to one terminal of a control block constituting the control unit 51.

The resistance values 150, 152 of a pair of resistors may also be known. The pair of resistors 150, 152 has a resistance value much higher than the load 111R, and may be, for example, 10k Ω.

The potentials at the point between the pair of resistors 150 and 152 are different from each other in the case where nothing is connected to the electrical terminal 120t and in the case where the charger 200 is connected to the electrical terminal 120 t. Therefore, the control unit 51 can estimate which of the state in which nothing is connected on the connection unit 120 and the state in which the charger 200 is connected to the connection unit 120 is by receiving a signal (hereinafter, referred to as "wake-up signal") from the other resistor 152 of the pair of resistors. Specifically, if the 1 st level (e.g., HIGH) wake-up signal is detected, the control unit 51 may estimate that the charger 200 is not connected to the connection unit 120. In addition, if the 2 nd level (e.g., LOW) wake-up signal is detected, the control unit 51 may estimate that the charger 200 is connected to the connection unit 120.

Further details are given of the difference between the wake-up signal in the case where the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120 and the wake-up signal in the case where the charger 200 is connected to the connection unit 120.

As shown in fig. 3, in the case where the switch 140 is turned off and the charger 200 is not connected to the connection unit 120, the dark current discharged as standby power by the power supply 40 flows through the resistors 150, 152. The control unit 51 detects the voltage drop in the resistors 150, 152 at this time as a 1 st level wake-up signal.

On the other hand, as shown in fig. 5, in the case where charger 200 is connected to connection unit 120, the current charged from charger 200 to power supply 40 preferentially charges power supply 40 having a low resistance value among the parallel circuit of resistor 150 and power supply 40. Since the potential in the terminal of the resistor 152 connected to the resistor 150 at this time drops to the equivalent of ground, a voltage drop in the resistor 152 hardly occurs, and the control unit 51 detects the 2 nd level wake-up signal.

The 1 st level and the 2 nd level may have values within a predetermined range that do not overlap with each other.

In the present embodiment, the determination unit determines whether or not charger 200 is connected to connection unit 120. Alternatively, the determination unit may determine a state in which neither charger 200 nor load 111R is connected to connection unit 120, a state in which charger 200 is connected to connection unit 120, and a state in which load 111R is connected to connection unit 120. By setting the resistance value of the load 111R to be much larger than the resistance value of the resistor 150, the wake-up signal detected by the control unit 51 represents different levels in these 3 states.

As shown in fig. 4, in the case where the switch 140 is turned off and the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120, the current discharged from the power source 40 flows through the resistor 152 after preferentially flowing through the load 111R having a low resistance value among the parallel circuit of the load 111R and the resistor 150. The control unit 51 detects the voltage drop in the load 111R and the resistor 152 at this time as a wake-up signal of level 3 that does not overlap with the level 1 and the level 2.

The battery assembly 112 may also have a detection unit 160 that detects the output voltage of the power source 40. The detection unit 160 may also be disposed in an electrical circuit within the battery assembly 112. The detection unit 160 may be formed of any known electric module. In the present embodiment, the control unit 51 and the detection unit 160 are each configured by different modules. Alternatively, the control unit 51 and the detection unit 160 may be constituted by one module.

Battery assembly 112 may also have a disconnect 170 that at least temporarily disables power from power source 40 to load 111R. Disconnect member 170 may also be disposed in the electrical circuit of battery assembly 112 between power source 40 and electrical terminal 120 t.

It is preferable that the disconnection part 170 can switch between a 1 st mode in which the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R can be restarted by the control unit 51 for a while and a 2 nd mode in which the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R can be restarted by the control unit 51 for an irreversible time. The control unit 51 may also control the disconnection part 170 in the 1 st and 2 nd modes.

As an example of a specific configuration, the breaking member 170 may include a fuse 172. The disconnection block 170 may also branch in parallel from a line L1 where the fuse 172 is provided into a normal line L2 and an abnormal line L3. In the normal line L2, the 1 st resistor 174 and the 1 st switch 175 may also be connected in series with each other. In the abnormal line L3, the 2 nd resistor 176 and the 2 nd switch 177 may also be connected in series with each other.

When both 1 st switch 175 and 2 nd switch 177 are off, power cannot be supplied from power supply 40 to load 111R, and power supply 40 cannot be charged by charger 200. In normal operation, i.e., during a period in which no abnormal condition is caused, 1 st switch 175 is on, and 2 nd switch 177 is off. Thereby, the load 111R or the charger 200 connected to the connection unit 120 is connected to the power source 40 through the normal line L2.

In mode 1, both 1 st switch 175 and 2 nd switch 177 are off. Thus, since the power source 40 and the load 111R connected to the connection unit 120 are electrically disconnected, power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is temporarily disabled.

In mode 2, 1 st switch 175 and 2 nd switch 177 are on. As a result, a current flows through both the normal line L2 and the abnormal line L3, and a current larger than that during normal operation flows through the fuse 172, and as a result, the fuse 172 is blown. When the fuse 172 is blown, the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is irreversibly disabled, so that the control unit 51 cannot start the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R again.

In addition, instead of the foregoing manner, in the 2 nd mode, the 1 st switch 175 may be turned off, and the 2 nd switch 177 may be turned on. Even in such a case, if the resistance value of the 2 nd resistor 176 is sufficiently smaller than the resistance value of the 1 st resistor 174, a current larger than that in the normal operation flows through the fuse 172, and as a result, the fuse 172 can be blown.

Further, the resistance value of the 1 st resistor 174 and the resistance value of the 2 nd resistor 176 may be set so as not to blow the fuse 172 in the 1 st mode and to blow the fuse 172 in the 2 nd mode.

The abnormal line L3 may be a so-called short-circuited line having no 2 nd resistor 176 but only a lead wire resistance of a lead wire.

Instead of the mode shown in fig. 3 to 5, the disconnection unit 170 may be a unit that executes only the 1 st mode in which the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is temporarily disabled, so that the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R can be restarted by the control unit 51. In this case, the breaking member 170 may be constituted by only a single switch, and may not include the fuse 172.

Further, the disconnection unit 170 may be a unit that can execute only the 2 nd mode in which the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is irreversibly disabled so that the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R cannot be restarted by the control unit 51. In this case, the disconnecting member 170 may not include the 1 st switch 175.

As another example of the disconnection part 170, a DC-DC converter may also be used. When the fuse 172 is blown, the output current of the DC-DC converter is controlled, and a current equal to or larger than the current value of the blown fuse 172 may flow through the fuse 172.

The fragrance inhaler 100 may also have a power supply degradation estimation means that estimates the degradation condition (lifetime) of the power supply 40. The power supply degradation detection means may be any known means such as a current integration method. As a specific example, the deterioration condition of the power supply 40 can be estimated by calculating the total integrated value of the currents charged and discharged by the power supply 40. The power supply degradation estimating means may estimate the degradation state of the power supply 40 from a change accompanying an increase in impedance of the power supply 40, such as an increase in the internal temperature of the power supply 40 or a decrease in the power value or voltage value output by the power supply 40, instead of the current integration method.

The control unit 51 may be configured to execute a plurality of operation modes. The operation mode includes a power feeding mode and a charging mode. The power supply mode is a mode in which power can be supplied from the power source 40 to the charge 111R. The charging mode is a mode in which the power supply 40 is chargeable from the charger 200.

The scent inhaler 100 may also contain a detection unit 20 that detects operation for use of the load 111R. Preferably, the detection unit 20 is provided in the battery assembly 112. The signal from the detection unit 20 may be detected by the control unit 51.

The detection unit 20 may also be, for example, an inhalation sensor that detects inhalation from a mouthpiece of the user's scented inhaler 100. The suction sensor may be a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) sensor having a capacitor, and outputs a value (for example, a voltage value) indicating a capacitance of the capacitor corresponding to a pressure difference generated in the flow path by the suction operation. The output value can be identified as pressure, and also as flow rate and flow velocity per unit time. Instead of the inhalation sensor, the detection unit 20 may also be constituted by a button that detects a push button of a user, for example.

The scented inhaler 100 may also have a notification member 30. Preferably, the notification member 30 is disposed within the battery assembly 112. Examples of the notification member 30 include a light emitting element such as an LED, a voice output device, and a tactile feedback device such as a tactile (Haptics) device. In the case of using the sensory feedback device as the notification means, for example, including an oscillation element or the like, the notification can be made by transmitting vibration to the user. The control unit 51 may control the notification section 30 to notify the user of a difference in operation mode of the fragrance inhaler, an abnormality generated in the fragrance inhaler, and the like.

(transition to Power supply mode or charging mode)

Fig. 6 shows an example of a control flow for shifting to the power supply mode M1 and the charging mode M2.

The control unit 51 monitors the wake-up signal, and when the wake-up signal is at the 1 st level, the process proceeds to step S30 (step S10). The detection unit 20 then determines whether an operation for use of the load 111R is detected (step S30), shifts to the power supply mode M1 in the case where the detection unit 20 detects an operation for use of the load 111R (the case of yes at step S30), and returns to the determination of step S10 in the case where the detection unit 20 does not detect an operation for use of the load 111R (the case of no at step S30).

Further, when the wake-up signal is at the 2 nd level, the control unit 51 shifts to the charge mode M2 (step S20).

Further, without being limited to this example, the control unit 51 may shift to the power supply mode M1 based on an arbitrary signal indicating that the load 111R is attached to the connection unit 120 of the battery module 112. Similarly, control section 51 may transit to charge mode M2 based on an arbitrary signal indicating that charger 200 is attached to connection section 120 of battery pack 112.

(Power supply mode)

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a power supply mode according to an embodiment. When the 1 st condition is satisfied in the power supply mode M1, the control unit 51 turns on the switch 140 (step S102). When the switch 140 is turned on, power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is started. Before the switch 140 is turned on, the output voltage of the power supply 40 may be stored in the control unit 51 (step S100). The amount of power supplied from power source 40 to load 111R may be arbitrarily controlled. For example, the amount of power supplied from the power source 40 to the load 111R may be adjusted by pulse width control. The duty cycle related to the pulse width may also be a value less than 100%. Further, instead of the pulse width control, the amount of power supplied from the power source 40 to the load 111R may be adjusted by the pulse frequency control.

In the present embodiment, the 1 st condition may also be a condition based on an operation of detecting use for the load 111R. As a specific example, the 1 st condition may also be the operation itself of detecting the use for the load 111R. That is, when the detection unit 20 detects an operation for use of the load 111R, the control unit 51 may set the switch 140 to on. For example, when the detection unit 20 is an inhalation sensor, the control unit 51 may turn on the switch 140 when the inhalation sensor detects an inhalation operation of the user. In the case where the detection means 20 is a button, the control means 51 may turn on the switch 140 when detecting that the user has pressed the button.

Instead of the above specific example, the 1 st condition may also be a condition that detects an operation for use of the load 111R while also satisfying another condition. For example, when the detection unit 20 detects an operation for using the load 111R, the control unit 51 may turn on the switch 140 if a condition that the user has pressed a button is satisfied. As another example, when the detection unit 20 detects an operation for use of the load 111R, the control unit 51 may turn on the switch 140 when a condition that the load 111R is authenticated is satisfied, as described later.

Before power is supplied to the load 111R (the power source is in a no-load state) and during power supply to the load 111R (the power source is in a load state), the output voltage of the power source 40 is detected at predetermined time intervals by the detection unit 160, and the detected output voltage of the power source 40 is stored in the control unit 51 (steps S100, S104, S106, and S108). The output voltage of the power supply 40 detected by the detection unit 160 in the power supply mode M1 is stored in a memory included in the control unit 51.

In the present embodiment, in the power supply mode M1, the control unit 51 may execute a designated control different from the power supply to the load 111R based on the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 in the power supply mode M1. As an example, the designated control may be, for example, an authentication process of the load 111R (step S110).

As shown in fig. 8, in the authentication process of the load 111R, specifically, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is included in a predetermined range (step S200). Here, it should be noted that the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power source 40 corresponds to the difference between the output voltage at the time of energization to the load 111R and the output voltage at the time of non-energization to the load 111R.

When the amount of change per predetermined period in the output voltage of the power supply 40 is within the predetermined range, the authentication of the load 111R is continued (step S202), and the process proceeds to step S112 of the power supply mode.

When the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is not within the predetermined range, the switch 140 is turned off (step S206), and the authentication of the load 111R is cancelled (step S208). When the authentication of the load 111R is released, the control unit 51 may notify the user of the release (step S210). The notification to the user can be made by the notification section 30.

In a state where the authentication of the load 111R is released, it is preferable that the control unit 51 does not turn on the switch 140, that is, does not supply power to the load 111R, even if the detection unit 20 detects an operation for use of the load 111R.

After the authentication of the load 111R is released, the control unit 51 may perform the re-authentication processing of the load 111R when the reset operation (reset signal) is detected (step S214). Specifically, when the control unit 51 detects the reset signal (step S212), the switch 140 is turned on (step S213), and the output voltage of the power supply 40 is detected at predetermined intervals. When the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is not within the predetermined range, the authentication of the load 111R is released as it is, and the user is notified (step S210). When the switch is turned on in step S213 to detect a change in the output voltage of the power supply 40, it is preferable to shorten the energization time or limit the power supplied from the power supply 40 to the load 111R by pulse width control or pulse frequency control so that the aerosol source is not atomized by the current flowing through the load 111R. In other words, it is preferable that the switch 140 is turned on for a short time to supply less power than the power supplied to the load 111R when the aerosol source is atomized in the power supply mode.

When the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is within a predetermined range, the authentication load 111R shifts to the power supply start mode (step S216). Here, it should be noted that the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 corresponds to the difference between the output voltage at the time of energization to the load 111R and the output voltage at the time of non-energization to the load 111R after detection of the reset signal.

The reset operation (signal) may be a signal for detecting the reconnection of the load 111R, a signal for detecting the pressing of a button in a predetermined mode, a signal for detecting the suction operation in a predetermined mode, a signal for detecting the end of 1 suction operation, or the like.

Authentication of the load 111R may also be performed, for example, for whether the atomizing assembly 111 connected to the battery assembly 112 is usable. In the above-described aspect, for example, when the authentication of the load 111R is canceled, the control unit 51 determines that the load 111R connected to the battery pack 112 is unusable, and can notify replacement of the load 111R. For example, when the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 exceeds the allowable range, the control unit 51 determines that the load 111R is degraded, and can cancel the authentication and prompt replacement of the load 111R. Instead, in the event that a non-standard atomizing assembly having a different voltage drop amount than the standard atomizing assembly 111 is connected to the battery assembly 112, the control unit 51 may de-authenticate and prompt the replacement of the non-standard load with the standard load 111R.

In the load authentication process, when the authentication of the load 111R is continued (step S202), the process proceeds to step S112 of the power supply mode (see fig. 7). In step S112, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the end timing of the power supply to the load 111R is detected. When the end timing is detected, the control unit 51 turns off the switch 140, maintains the power supply mode M1, and waits until the next power supply to the load 111R is started. When the above-described condition 1 is satisfied again, the control unit 51 turns on the switch 140 (steps S100 and S102), and repeats the processes after the steps S100 and S102.

The end timing of the power supply to the load 111R may be a timing at which a predetermined time period has elapsed since the start of the power supply to the load 111R is detected. Alternatively, the end timing of the power supply to the load 111R may also be a timing at which the detection unit 20 detects the end of the operation for use of the load 111R. For example, when the detection means 20 is an inhalation sensor, the end timing of the power supply to the load 111R may be a timing at which the end of the inhalation operation by the user is detected.

(specified Range)

The predetermined range is set based on the voltage drop amount of the load 111R in a normal state. Specifically, the lower limit value in the predetermined range may be set to a value smaller than the difference (voltage drop amount) between the voltage at the time of non-power supply to the load 111R and the voltage at the time of power supply to the load 111R. Alternatively, the lower limit value in the predetermined range may be set to a value smaller than the amount of decrease in the power supply output voltage per predetermined period in the power supply mode in a state where normal load 111R is connected to connection section 120. In this case, when normal load 111R is connected to connection section 120, the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply is greater than the lower limit value in the predetermined range and is included in the predetermined range, so that the power supply mode can be continued.

On the other hand, when a non-standard load or a rapidly-degraded load is connected to connection section 120, the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply tends to have a value different from that in the case where standard normal load 111R is connected to connection section 120. For example, when a non-standard load is used, the amount of change in the output voltage of the power supply indicates a specific value due to a point at which the resistance value of the load itself differs from that of the standard load or a contact failure in the connection unit 120. If the predetermined range is set so that these inherent values are excluded and the amount of decrease in the power supply output voltage per predetermined period in the power supply mode included in the state where the standard normal load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120 is reduced, the authentication of the non-standard load can be cancelled. In addition, the resistance value of the load that is rapidly degraded represents an abnormal value that is a value greatly different from a normal load, regardless of the standard load. If the predetermined range is set so that the abnormal value is excluded and the amount of decrease in the power supply output voltage per predetermined period in the power supply mode included in the state where the normal load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120 is included, the authentication of the load that is rapidly deteriorated can be cancelled.

(charging mode)

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a charging mode according to an embodiment. Preferably, in the charging mode M2, the control unit 51 turns on the switch when the 2 nd condition different from the 1 st condition is satisfied. That is, the conditions for turning on the switch in the charging mode and the power supply mode are different. Since the conditions for turning on the switch 140 are different between the charging mode and the power supply mode, malfunction is easily suppressed.

The 2 nd condition may be a condition based on the connection of charger 200 to connection unit 120. Here, the condition based on the connection of charger 200 to connection section 120 may be a condition itself indicating that a signal (wake-up signal of level 2) for detecting the connection of charger 200 to connection section 120 is detected. For example, the condition that the 2 nd level wake-up signal is detected 1 time or a plurality of consecutive times may be set based on the connection condition of the charger 200 to the connection unit 120.

Alternatively, the connection condition based on the charger 200 to the connection unit 120 may also be a combination of detection of a signal (wake-up signal of level 2) indicating connection of the charger 200 to the connection unit 120 and detection of still another signal. As still another signal, for example, a signal for detecting the pressing of a button by the user may be used. Further, the button may be provided in either one of the battery pack 112 and the charger 200, or may be provided in both the battery pack 112 and the charger 200.

When the control unit 51 turns on the switch 140, if the charger 200 is connected to the connection unit 120 of the battery pack 112, a current flows from the charger 200 to the power source 40, and the power source 40 is charged (step S300). Further, the control unit 51 sets the switch 140 to on, and starts a timer built in the battery pack (step S302). The timer is set to "0" at startup. The timer measures the time since the start.

The control unit 51 determines whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the timer (step S304), and turns off the switch 140 when the predetermined period has elapsed (step S306). The predetermined period may be, for example, 100 ms.

When a predetermined waiting time elapses after the switch 140 is turned off, the control unit 51 turns the switch 140 on again (step S310). Here, the predetermined waiting time may be, for example, 400 μ s. The control unit 51 stores the value of the wake-up signal between step S308 and step S310 (step S309).

The control unit 51 repeats steps S306 to S310 a predetermined number of times. In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of times is 10 times. Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the wake-up signal is not at the 2 nd level for all the consecutive predetermined times (here, 10 times) (step S314).

If the wake-up signal is not at the 2 nd level for all the consecutive predetermined times, the control unit 51 recognizes that the charger 200 is detached from the battery pack 112, turns off the switch 140 (step S316), and then ends the series of control flows. When the wake-up signal is at the 2 nd level for at least 1 of the consecutive predetermined times, the control unit 51 continues the charging mode M2.

Next, the control unit 51 performs a step of determining an abnormality in the charging mode (step S318). Here, even in the case where it is determined based on the wake-up signal that the charger 200 is connected to the connection unit 120, the determination may be erroneous. For example, if load 111R is attached to connection unit 120, it is assumed that a malfunction occurs due to a phenomenon such as self-excitation (charging), and the operation erroneously shifts to charging mode M2. Assuming that the charging mode is erroneously shifted in this manner, step S318 of determining an abnormality in the charging mode M2 determines the abnormality.

Specifically, in the step of determining an abnormality in the charging mode, when the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 in the charging mode M2 is equal to or less than the 1 st threshold value set based on the corresponding amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode M1, the control unit 51 determines an abnormality in the charging mode. That is, in this case, control unit 51 estimates that load 111R connected to connection unit 120 is erroneously determined as charger 200. In other words, the control unit 51 determines that the charging mode is executed in a state where the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120. In the charging mode, the output voltage of the power supply 40 may be measured and stored at predetermined intervals.

When the control unit 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode, the process proceeds to a designation process, for example, a designation process described later as shown in fig. 11 and 12. Alternatively, when the control unit 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode, the control unit 51 may stop the switch 140 and notify the user of the abnormality by the notification means.

In the case where the control unit 51 determines that there is no abnormality in the charging mode, the control unit 51 continues the charging mode. Specifically, the control unit 51 resets the timer and restarts the timer, and repeats the processes after step S302.

(about the 1 st threshold)

When the load 111R is connected to the connection means 120, the output voltage of the power supply 40 decreases every predetermined period when the switch 140 is turned on, depending on the resistance value of the load 111R. On the other hand, when charger 200 is connected to connection section 120, the output voltage of power supply 40 per predetermined period ideally does not decrease. Since the power source 40 is in the charging state of the charger 200 or in the no-load state in the case where the charger 200 is connected to the connection unit 120, the inter-terminal voltage of the power source 40 increases in the former case, and the inter-terminal voltage of the power source 40 ideally does not change in the latter case. Therefore, the 1 st threshold may be equal to or less than a reduction amount per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charging mode executed in a state where charger 200 is connected to connection unit 120.

Strictly speaking, when charger 200 is connected to connection section 120, the output voltage of power supply 40 per predetermined period decreases due to the voltage drop caused by the dark current in the natural discharge of power supply 40. In this case, the 1 st threshold is preferably larger than a value corresponding to a voltage drop by a dark current. It is preferable to set the 1 st threshold value in consideration of an error in the value of the detected output voltage.

Further, although the load 111R is connected, in the case of erroneously shifting to the charging mode, the power supplied to the load 111R may be larger than the power supplied to the load 111R in the power supply mode M1. In this case, the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage is smaller than the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode. In consideration of this, the 1 st threshold may be the same as or set smaller than the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

The 1 st threshold may be set in advance at the time of manufacturing the battery assembly 112. However, the 1 st threshold value does not always maintain a predetermined value.

For example, the 1 st threshold may be changed according to the history of charge and discharge and deterioration of the power source 40. Specifically, as shown in fig. 10, in general, the power supply 40 deteriorates, that is, the number of cycles of charge and discharge increases, and the output voltage of the power supply 40 decreases, and the voltage drop amount also increases. This is because the storage capacity decreases due to irreversible decomposition of the electrolyte solution, and the internal resistance increases due to changes in the electrode structure caused by aggregation of the active material and the conductive auxiliary material. Therefore, when the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120, the power supply 40 deteriorates, and the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 in the predetermined period is smaller. In consideration of this, by appropriately changing the 1 st threshold value in accordance with deterioration of the power supply 40, the accuracy of determination of an abnormality in the charging mode can be improved.

Specifically, the 1 st threshold is preferably decreased with deterioration of the power supply 40. In general, the amount of decrease in the output voltage in the predetermined period when load 111R is connected to connection section 120 increases with the deterioration of power supply 40. Therefore, even if the 1 st threshold is further reduced, abnormality in the charging mode can be determined. On the other hand, although charger 200 is connected to connection section 120, by decreasing threshold 1, it is possible to suppress a problem that the amount of decrease in the output voltage of power supply 40 during the predetermined period detected in the charging mode becomes lower than threshold 1 due to an error in the detected value of the output voltage or the like.

When the lithium ion secondary battery is used as the power source 40, it is known that SEI (Solid Electrolyte interface) derived from decomposition of the Electrolyte is formed to cover the surface of the negative electrode in the relatively early charge/discharge cycle. Since the SEI stabilizes the electrochemical reaction, it is expected to improve the decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 during a predetermined period. Even in such a case, if the 1 st threshold is changed according to the history and the number of times of discharge, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination of the abnormality in the charging mode.

As still another example, the 1 st threshold may be changed based on the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the power feeding mode. As described above, the output voltage in the power supply mode is stored for each period in the control unit 51. Therefore, the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode can be calculated using the output voltage of the power supply 40 stored in the power supply mode. The control unit 51 may feed back the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode to the 1 st threshold. Thus, even when the atomizing assembly 111 (load 111R) is replaced, an appropriate 1 st threshold value can be set based on the value of the voltage drop associated with the new load 111R to be replaced. Further, even when the power supply 40 deteriorates and the amount of decrease in the output voltage increases, the 1 st threshold value reflecting the amount of decrease in the output voltage accompanying the deterioration of the power supply 40 can be set, so that the accuracy of detection of an abnormality in the charging mode can be improved.

The control unit 51 can judge the misdetection in the charging mode even in the case where the misdetection is that the charger 200 is connected to the connection unit 120, by judging the abnormality in the charging mode, although the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120. Therefore, the switch 140 in the battery module 112 can be prevented from being turned on by mistake, and unnecessary consumption of electric power of the power supply can be reduced.

(concrete example of step S318 for determining abnormality in charging mode)

In the step of determining an abnormality in the charging mode, when the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charging mode is equal to or less than a threshold value set based on the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode, the control unit 51 determines an abnormality in the charging mode. In order to calculate the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply in the charging mode, the output voltage of the power supply 40 is detected per predetermined period in the charging mode.

For example, in step S318, the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charge mode is calculated from the difference between the output voltage value in the latest detection and the output voltage value in the last detection in the latest detection. That is, in step S318, the difference between the latest detection value and the detection value 1 last time thereof is compared with the 1 st threshold value. The detection value that is different from the latest detection value does not necessarily have to be the latest previous detection value, and may be the detection value immediately before the latest previous detection value, or may be the detection value before the switch 140 is turned on (before the execution of step S300) at the start of the charging mode.

As another example, the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charging mode may be defined by a predicted value derived from a plurality of output voltage values of the power supply detected for each predetermined period, that is, a predicted value obtained from an approximate straight line or an approximate curve. For example, the decrease in the output voltage may be approximated by a straight line according to the least square method from a plurality of output voltage values of the power supply detected for each predetermined period, and the predicted value of the amount of decrease in the output voltage per predetermined period in the charging mode may be calculated from the approximated straight line. The number of data (values of output voltages) used for the least square method is arbitrary, and is preferably large to the extent that the influence of detection errors can be sufficiently small. In this way, if the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charge mode is derived from the predicted value obtained from the approximate straight line or the approximate curve, if the slope of the approximate straight line and the differential value of the approximate curve have values other than "0", the values are likely to be caused by the dark current due to self-discharge when the power supply 40 is unloaded, so that the influence of the detection error can be reduced.

As still another example, in step S318, the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charging mode may be changed when the number of times the output voltage is detected, which is counted from the start of the charging mode, is less than the predetermined number of times, or when the number of times the output voltage is detected, which is counted from the start of the charging mode, is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times. For example, when the number of times the output voltage is detected is less than the predetermined number of times, the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charge mode may be calculated from the difference between the output voltage value in the latest detection and the output voltage value in the last detection in the latest detection, as described above. However, when the number of times the output voltage is detected is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times, the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charge mode may be calculated from the difference between the output voltage value that is newly detected and the predicted value obtained based on the plurality of output voltages detected from the start of the charge mode. The predicted value can be obtained by the least square method as described above.

Here, when the predicted value is used a predetermined number of times, the accuracy of the predicted value increases as the number of data (values of the output voltage) used to calculate the predicted value increases. As is well known, the least square method has a property that deviation of actual data from an approximate line or an approximate curve decreases in proportion to the reciprocal of the square root of the number of data. Therefore, the predetermined number of times is arbitrary, but is preferably large enough to make the influence of the detection error of the output voltage sufficiently small. Thus, in the determination in step S318, the influence of the detection error of the output voltage of the power supply can be suppressed.

In another example, without using the approximate straight line or the approximate curve, a slope may be derived from a plurality of output voltage values of the power supply detected for each predetermined period, and the slope may be used as a decrease amount of the output voltage in the charging mode for each predetermined period. Alternatively, the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply in the charging mode may be estimated based on a moving average value derived from the values of the plurality of output voltages.

(concrete example of specifying processing 1)

In step S318 of determining an abnormality in the charging mode, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the charging mode, the control unit 51 performs a designation process (fig. 11) of selectively performing at least a process of disabling the supply of power from the power source 40 to the load 111R at least temporarily. Fig. 11 shows an example of such a designation process.

First, when the designation processing is started, the value of the designated variable is set to "1" (step S400). In the present example, the specified variable indicates the number of times a specific condition is satisfied. In the present example, the specific condition is such that the amount of decrease in the output voltage per predetermined period in the charge mode is equal to or less than the 1 st threshold.

Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the specified variable is equal to or greater than the 2 nd threshold value (step S402). The 2 nd threshold may be any natural number not less than 1. As an example, the 2 nd threshold may be "1". Alternatively, the 2 nd threshold may be a natural number of 2 or more. In this case, in the designation process, the control unit 51 may reconfirm whether or not the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120 before the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is disabled at least temporarily. Reconfirmation of whether the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120 may be determined again by whether a specific condition is satisfied.

As a specific example, when the value of the specified variable is not equal to or greater than the 2 nd threshold, the output voltage of the power supply 40 is measured (step S404), and the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage is calculated again. Then, it is determined whether or not the above-described specific condition, in this case, whether or not the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is equal to or less than the 1 st threshold is satisfied (step S406). Here, if the decrease amount per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 exceeds the 1 st threshold, there is a possibility that an abnormality in the charging mode does not exist, so that the charging mode can be restarted from the start of the charging mode. Further, instead of restarting from the start of the charge mode, if the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is larger than the 1 st threshold, the restart may be performed from the middle of the charge mode. For example, the process may return to step S302 in which the timer in the charging mode is started.

On the other hand, when the decrease amount per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is again equal to or smaller than the 1 st threshold, the value of the specified variable is increased by "1" (step S408), and then it is determined whether or not the value of the specified variable is equal to or larger than the 2 nd threshold (step S402).

If the value of the specified variable is equal to or greater than the 2 nd threshold value, if the control unit 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode, the 1 st mode in which power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is temporarily disabled is implemented so that power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R can be restarted by the control unit 51 (step S410). Further, the 1 st mode can be realized by controlling the aforementioned disconnection part 170 by the control unit 51. Then, the control unit 51 notifies the user that the 1 st mode is implemented (step S412). The notification to the user can be made by the notification section 30.

After the 1 st mode is performed, the switch 140 and the switch 175 are turned on (step S413), the output voltage of the power supply 40 is measured (step S414), and it may be determined again whether or not the above-described specific condition is satisfied, in this case, whether or not the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 per predetermined period is equal to or less than the 1 st threshold (step S416). After the notification to the user is performed (step S412), if the reset operation (reset signal) is detected, the output voltage of the power supply 40 may be measured (step S414).

Here, if the decrease amount per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is larger than the 1 st threshold, there is a possibility that the abnormality in the charging mode does not exist or the abnormality is cancelled after the 1 st mode is implemented, so the 1 st mode may be cancelled (step S418) and the charging mode may be restarted from the start. Further, instead of restarting from the start of the charging mode, the charging mode may be restarted from the middle thereof.

On the other hand, when the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 is equal to or less than the 1 st threshold, the value of the specified variable is increased by "1" (step S420), and then it is determined whether or not the value of the specified variable is equal to or greater than the 3 rd threshold (step S422). Here, the 3 rd threshold is a natural number greater than the 2 nd threshold. As an example, the 3 rd threshold may be a natural number "1" larger than the 2 nd threshold.

When the value of the specified variable is lower than the 3 rd threshold value, the output voltage of the power supply 40 is measured (step S414), and it is determined again whether or not the above-described specific condition is satisfied, in this case, whether or not the amount of decrease in the output voltage of the power supply 40 per predetermined period is equal to or less than the 1 st threshold value (step S416).

When the value of the specified variable is equal to or greater than the 3 rd threshold value, the control unit 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode or that it is difficult to eliminate the abnormality, and performs the 2 nd mode in which the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is irreversibly disabled so that the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is disabled again by the control unit 51 (step S424). Still further, the 2 nd mode can be realized by controlling the aforementioned disconnection part 170 by the control unit 51. Then, the control unit 51 notifies the user that the 2 nd mode is implemented (step S426). The notification to the user can be made by the notification section 30.

As described above, the 1 st condition (step S402) and the 2 nd condition (step S422) for determining whether to execute the 1 st mode and the 2 nd mode, respectively, may also be set. In this case, the 2 nd condition is stricter than the 1 st condition. In other words, the 2 nd condition is harder to satisfy than the 1 st condition. For example, if the value of the specified variable is equal to or higher than the 2 nd threshold and lower than the 3 rd threshold, there is a case where the 2 nd condition is not satisfied even if the 1 st condition is satisfied. Thus, the control unit 51 can implement the 1 st mode in which the power supply from the power supply to the load is temporarily disabled when it is found that there is a possibility of an abnormality, and implement the 2 nd mode in which the power supply from the power supply to the load is irreversibly disabled when there is a very high possibility of an abnormality.

(concrete example of specifying processing 2)

Fig. 12 shows another example of the replacement of the designation processing of fig. 11. First, when the designation process is started, the value of the designated variable is set to "the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the latest output voltage" (step S500). As described above, in the present example, the specified variable includes the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage.

Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the specified variable is equal to or less than the 4 th threshold (step S502). The 4 th threshold may be, for example, the same value as the 1 st threshold, or may be set based on the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 in the power supply mode.

If the value of the specified variable is greater than the 4 th threshold, there is a possibility that an abnormality in the charging mode does not exist, so that it is possible to restart from the start of the charging mode. Further, instead of restarting from the start of the charging mode, the charging mode may be restarted from the middle thereof.

If the value of the specified variable is not more than the 4 th threshold value, it is determined whether the value of the specified variable is not more than the 5 th threshold value (step S504). Here, the 5 th threshold is a value smaller than the 4 th threshold. For example, the 5 th threshold may be set to a value lower than the lower limit of the decrease amount per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 when the normal load 111R is used, for example, the decrease amount per predetermined period of the output voltage of the power supply 40 when the power supply 40 is fully charged and power is supplied to the load 111R at a duty ratio of 100%.

If the value of the specified variable is equal to or less than the 4 th threshold and is greater than the 5 th threshold, if the control unit 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode, the 1 st mode in which power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is temporarily disabled is implemented so that power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R can be restarted by the control unit 51 (step S510). Then, the control unit 51 notifies the user that the 1 st mode is implemented (step S512).

When the value of the specified variable is equal to or less than the 5 th threshold, the control unit 51 determines that there is an abnormality in the charging mode, and performs the 2 nd mode in which the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is irreversibly disabled so that the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is disabled again by the control unit 51 (step S524). Then, the control unit 51 notifies the user that the 2 nd mode is implemented (step S526).

As described above, the 1 st condition (step S502) and the 2 nd condition (step S504) for determining whether to execute the 1 st mode and the 2 nd mode, respectively, may also be set. In this case, the 2 nd condition is stricter than the 1 st condition. In other words, the 2 nd condition is harder to satisfy than the 1 st condition. For example, as in the case where the value of the specified variable is equal to or less than the 4 th threshold and is greater than the 5 th threshold, there is a case where the 2 nd condition is not satisfied even if the 1 st condition is satisfied.

(timing of control of the disconnecting means)

In the above example, when the charging mode is executed when the load 111R is connected to the connection unit 120, in other words, when the load 111R connected to the connection unit 120 is erroneously determined as the charger 200, the control unit 51 performs the designation process of selectively executing the power supply from the power supply 40 to the load 111R at least temporarily at least (see fig. 11 and 12).

Not limited to the foregoing example, the control unit 51 may perform a designation process of selectively executing at least a process of disabling the supply of power from the power source 40 to the load 111R at least temporarily, in a case where any abnormality of the load 111R or the power source 40 is detected. Examples of the abnormality of the load 111R or the power supply 40 include connection of a non-standard load to the connection unit 120, use of a battery pack of a non-standard user (user authentication release), and failure of another battery pack. The connection of a non-standard load to the connection unit 120 can be detected by, for example, the aforementioned authentication process of the load.

For example, in the case where the probe unit 20 is a button, the user authentication may be performed by pressing the button in a predetermined pattern (pattern). As another example, in the case where the detection unit 20 is an inhalation sensor, user authentication may be performed by pressing an inhalation action in a predetermined pattern.

(program and storage Medium)

The control unit 51 may execute the aforementioned flow shown in fig. 6 to 9, 11, and 12. That is, the control unit 51 may have a program for causing the battery pack 112 and the fragrance inhaler 100 to execute the above-described method, and a storage medium storing the program.

[ 2 nd embodiment ]

Next, a description is given of a fragrance inhaler of embodiment 2 with reference to fig. 13. Note that the same components as those in the above-described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted. Hereinafter, a structure different from the above-described embodiment will be described in detail.

In the present embodiment, the aforementioned cut-off member 170 is provided not in the battery pack 112 but in the atomizing assembly 111, i.e., the load 111R. The 1 st switch 175 and the 2 nd switch 177 constituting the disconnecting member 170 may be electrically connected to the control unit 51 through an unillustrated electrical terminal provided in the connecting unit 120. When the load 111R is connected to the connection terminal 120t, the control unit 51 may control the 1 st and 2 nd switches 175 and 177 of the disconnection part 170. Thereby, the control unit 51 can execute the designation processing shown in fig. 11 and 12.

According to the present embodiment, when the mode 2 in which the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R is irreversibly disabled is executed so that the power supply from the power source 40 to the load 111R cannot be restarted by the control unit 51, the load 111R, that is, the atomizing unit 111 is replaced with a new one, whereby the inhaler 100 can be returned to the usable state. The atomizing assembly 111 tends to be inexpensive compared to a conventional battery assembly 112 having expensive components such as the power source 40. Therefore, the present embodiment is advantageous from the viewpoint of cost. Further, the disconnect member 170 may also be provided in both the battery assembly 112 and the atomizing assembly 111.

[ other embodiments ]

The present invention is described in the above embodiments, but the description and drawings constituting a part of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and application techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

For example, the structures described in the above embodiments may be combined with and/or substituted for each other as much as possible.

Claims (14)

1. A battery assembly, comprising:

a power source;

a detection unit that detects an output voltage of the power supply;

a connection unit connectable to a load of an aerosol source or a heating scent source; and

a control unit that can perform a power supply mode of supplying power from the power source to the load,

the control unit executes a specified control different from the power supply to the load based on a variation per a predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack,

the specified control is authentication of the load.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein the battery pack,

when the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage is within a predetermined range, the authentication of the load is continued.

4. The battery pack according to claim 2 or 3,

and releasing the authentication of the load when the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage is not within a predetermined range.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the battery pack,

when the authentication of the load is canceled, the control means determines whether or not to perform the authentication of the load based on the amount of change per predetermined period of the output voltage, with detection of a reset operation as a trigger.

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the connection unit may connect a charger that charges the power source and the load,

the control unit may perform the power supply mode and a charging mode of charging the power supply from the charger,

the specified control is control of determining an abnormality in the charging mode.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the battery pack,

the control unit determines an abnormality in the charging mode when the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the charging mode is equal to or less than a 1 st threshold value set based on the amount of decrease per predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the battery pack,

the 1 st threshold is set to be equal to or less than the amount of change per the predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

9. The battery module according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising:

a switch electrically connectable to the power source and disconnectable from the power source for the load or the charger connected to the connection unit,

the control unit turns on the switch when a 1 st condition is satisfied in the power supply mode, and turns on the switch when a 2 nd condition different from the 1 st condition is satisfied in the charging mode.

10. The battery assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a detection unit that detects an operation for use of the load,

the 1 st condition is a condition based on detection of the operation.

11. The battery pack according to claim 9 or 10,

the 2 nd condition is a condition based on connection of the charger to the connection unit.

12. A fragrance inhaler comprising the battery assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11 and the load.

13. A method of controlling a battery assembly, the battery assembly comprising: a control unit operable to perform a power mode for supplying power from a power source to a load connectable to a source of aerosolized aerosol or a source of heated fragrance, the method comprising:

detecting an output voltage of the power supply; and

and a step of executing a specified control different from the power supply to the load based on a variation per a predetermined period of the output voltage in the power supply mode.

14. A program for causing a battery pack to execute the method of claim 13.