KR20230161486A - Power unit of aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

Restart the controller safely. The suction device 100 has a heater connector Cn to which a heater HTR that heats the rod 500 by consuming power supplied from a power source BAT is connected, and a heater connector Cn of power from the power source BAT to the heater HTR. An MCU (1) configured to control supply and including a power terminal (VDD) through which power for operation is input, and an LSW (4) connecting the power supply (BAT) and the power terminal (VDD) of the MCU (1). ) and a switch driver 7 capable of controlling the opening and closing of the LSW 4, wherein the switch driver 7 performs a first operation of opening the LSW 4 when a restart condition is met, and this first operation After execution of , a second operation is performed to close LSW(4).

Description

Power unit of aerosol generating device

The present invention relates to a power unit of an aerosol generating device.

Patent Document 1 describes an electronic suction device that can return variables and parameters changed by the user to the factory default state through a reset operation.

Patent Document 2 describes the necessity of pressing the reset button in an e-cigarette when an error state is signaled to the user through a user interface.

Patent Document 3 describes an aerosol generating device that performs a reset (initialization setting) operation by pressing and holding a button.

Patent Document 4 describes an aerosol delivery device that automatically resets the device when the control component or the software running on it continues to become unstable.

Patent Document 5 describes resetting an electronic cigarette using a smartphone capable of communicating with the electronic cigarette.

Patent Document 6 describes permanently disabling the suction device until a reset sequence is performed.

Patent Document 7 describes a mechanism for providing maintenance services for smoking devices. This mechanism is configured to enable software reset of the smoking device.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-187428 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-518250 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-527053 Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-527945 Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent No. 6770579 Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-538408 Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent No. 6752220

The object of the present invention is to provide a power unit for an aerosol generating device that can safely restart the controller.

The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device of one aspect of the present invention includes a power source, a heater connector to which a heater that consumes power supplied from the power source to heat the aerosol source is connected, and A controller configured to control the supply of power to the heater and including a power terminal through which power for operation is input, a switch connecting the power supply and the power terminal of the controller, and controlling opening and closing of the switch. and a capable restart circuit, wherein the restart circuit executes a first operation of opening the switch when a restart condition is met, and executes a second operation of closing the switch after execution of the first operation.

According to the present invention, a controller restart can be performed stably.

[Figure 1] A perspective view of a non-combustion type aspirator.
[Figure 2] A perspective view of a non-combustion type aspirator showing the rod-mounted state.
[Figure 3] Another perspective view of a non-combustion type aspirator.
[Figure 4] An exploded perspective view of a non-combustion type aspirator.
[Figure 5] A perspective view of the internal unit of a non-combustion type aspirator.
[Figure 6] is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit of Figure 5.
[Figure 7] A perspective view of the internal unit with the power source and chassis removed.
[Figure 8] Another perspective view of the internal unit with the power source and chassis removed.
[Figure 9] A schematic diagram to explain the operation mode of the aspirator.
[FIG. 10] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of the electric circuit of the internal unit.
[FIG. 11] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of the electric circuit of the internal unit.
[FIG. 12] A diagram showing the schematic configuration of the electric circuit of the internal unit.
[FIG. 13] A diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit in sleep mode.
[FIG. 14] A diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit in active mode.
[FIG. 15] A diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in the heating initial setting mode.
[FIG. 16] A diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when heating the heater in the heating mode.
[FIG. 17] A diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when detecting the temperature of the heater in the heating mode.
[FIG. 18] A diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit in charging mode.
[FIG. 19] This is a diagram to explain the operation of the electric circuit when resetting (restarting) the MCU.
[FIG. 20] A diagram showing the schematic internal configuration of the charging IC.
[FIG. 21] A schematic circuit diagram showing major electronic components related to the reset operation among the electric circuits shown in FIG. 10.
[FIG. 22] A cross-sectional view taken along a cutting surface passing through the case thermistor of the suction device shown in FIG. 1.

Hereinafter, a suction system, which is one embodiment of the aerosol generating device in the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. This suction system includes a non-combustion type suction device 100 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “suction device 100”), which is an embodiment of the power unit of the present invention, and a rod 500 heated by the suction device 100. Equipped with In the following description, a configuration in which the suction device 100 non-detachably accommodates the heating portion will be described as an example. However, the heating portion of the suction device 100 may be configured to be removable. For example, the rod 500 and the heating unit may be integrated into the suction device 100 in a removable manner. That is, the power unit of the aerosol generating device may be configured not to include a heating unit as a component. In addition, non-detachable refers to an aspect in which separation cannot be performed within the scope of the intended use. Alternatively, the induction heating coil installed in the suction device 100 and the susceptor built into the rod 500 may cooperate to form a heating unit.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the suction device 100. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the suction device 100 showing a state in which the rod 500 is mounted. Figure 3 is another perspective view of the suction device 100. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the suction device 100. In addition, in the following description, for convenience, the three directions orthogonal to each other are explained using a rectangular coordinate system in a three-dimensional space in which the directions are forward-backward, left-right, and up-down. In the drawing, the front is indicated by Fr, the rear is indicated by Rr, the right is indicated by R, the left is indicated by L, upward is indicated by U, and downward is indicated by D.

The aspirator 100 is an elongated, substantially cylindrical rod 500 (FIG. 2) as an example of a flavor component generating base having an aerosol source and a filling containing a flavor source. It is configured to generate an aerosol containing flavor by heating (see reference).

＜Flavor ingredient generation base (load)＞

Rod 500 includes a charge containing an aerosol source that is heated to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol.

The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and extracts from various natural products and/or their constituent components can be selected depending on the application. The aerosol source may be a solid, for example, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or a liquid such as water. The aerosol source may contain a flavor source such as tobacco raw materials or extracts derived from tobacco raw materials that release flavor components when heated. The gas to which the flavor component is added is not limited to aerosol, and for example, invisible vapor may be generated.

The filling of the rod 500 may contain tobacco flesh as a flavor source. The material of the tobacco flesh is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina and core can be used. The filling may contain one or two or more types of fragrance. The type of the fragrance is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of providing a good taste, menthol is preferred. The flavor source may contain plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, oriental medicine, or herbs). Depending on the intended use, the rod 500 may not include a flavor source.

＜Overall composition of non-combustion type aspirator＞

Next, the overall configuration of the suction device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

The suction device 100 is provided with a case 110 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having a front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower surfaces. The case 110 includes a regular case body 112 with a bottom in which the front, rear, top, bottom, and right sides are integrally formed, and an opening 114 of the case body 112 (see FIG. 4). ) is sealed and is provided with an outer panel 115 and an inner panel 118 that constitute the seating surface, and a slider 119.

The inner panel 118 is fixed to the case body 112 with bolts 120. The outer panel 115 covers the outer surface of the inner panel 118 by a magnet 124 held in a later-described chassis 150 (see FIG. 5) accommodated in the case body 112. It is fixed to the case body 112. By fixing the outer panel 115 with the magnet 124, the user can replace the outer panel 115 according to his/her preference.

The inner panel 118 is provided with two through holes 126 formed to allow the magnet 124 to pass through. In the inner panel 118, a vertically elongated hole 127 and a circular round hole 128 are provided between the two through holes 126 arranged above and below. This long hole 127 is for transmitting light emitted from eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) (L1 to L8) built into the case body 112. A button-type operation switch (OPS) built into the case body 112 passes through the round hole 128. As a result, the user can detect the light emitted from the eight LEDs (L1 to L8) through the LED window 116 of the outer panel 115. Additionally, the user can press down on the operation switch (OPS) through the pressing portion 117 of the outer panel 115.

As shown in FIG. 2, an opening 132 through which a rod 500 can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the case body 112. The slider 119 is coupled to the case body 112 so as to be able to move in the front-back direction between a position that closes the opening 132 (see FIG. 1) and a position that opens the opening 132 (see FIG. 2). .

The operation switch (OPS) is used to perform various operations of the suction device 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the user operates the operation switch (OPS) through the pressing portion 117 while inserting and mounting the rod 500 into the opening 132. As a result, the rod 500 is heated by the heating unit 170 (see FIG. 5) without burning it. When the rod 500 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source included in the rod 500, and the flavor of the flavor source included in the rod 500 is added to the aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor by holding the mouth 502 of the rod 500 protruding from the opening 132 and sucking it in.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a charging terminal 134 is provided on the lower surface of the case body 112 for electrically connecting to an external power source such as an outlet or a mobile battery to receive power supply. In this embodiment, the charging terminal 134 is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) Type-C receptacle, but is not limited to this. The charging terminal 134 is hereinafter also referred to as a receptacle (RCP).

In addition, the charging terminal 134 may, for example, be provided with a power receiving coil and configured to be able to receive power transmitted from an external power source in a non-contact manner. The wireless power transfer method in this case may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of the electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic resonance type. As another example, the charging terminal 134 can be connected to various USB terminals and the like, and may also have the power receiving coil described above.

The configuration of the aspirator 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is only an example. The aspirator 100 holds the rod 500 and applies an action, such as heating, to generate gas to which a flavor component is added from the rod 500, and allows the user to inhale the generated gas. It can be configured in various forms.

＜Internal configuration of non-combustion type aspirator＞

The internal unit 140 of the aspirator 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 140 of the aspirator 100. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 140 of FIG. 5. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the internal unit 140 with the power source (BAT) and chassis 150 removed. Figure 8 is another perspective view of the internal unit 140 with the power source (BAT) and chassis 150 removed.

The internal unit 140 accommodated in the internal space of the case 110 includes a chassis 150, a power source (BAT), a circuit unit 160, a heating unit 170, a notification unit 180, and various Equipped with a sensor.

The sash 150 includes a plate-shaped sash body 151 disposed at approximately the center of the internal space of the case 110 in the front-back direction and extending in the up-down direction and the front-back direction, and the front-back direction. In the case 110, there is a plate-shaped front and rear dividing wall 152 disposed at approximately the center of the internal space and extending in the up and down directions and the left and right directions, and extending forward from approximately the center of the front and rear dividing walls 152 in the up and down directions. plate-shaped upper and lower dividing walls 153, front and rear dividing walls 152, and a plate-shaped sash upper wall 154 extending rearward from the upper edge of the sash main body 151, and front and rear division walls 154, It is provided with a partition wall 152 and a plate-shaped lower sash wall 155 extending rearward from the lower edge of the sash body 151. The seating surface of the chassis body 151 is covered by the inner panel 118 and the outer panel 115 of the case 110 described above.

The internal space of the case 110 is divided into a heater receiving area 142 at the front upper part by the chassis 150, a substrate receiving area 144 at the front lower part, and a vertical space at the rear. The power receiving space 146 is partitioned.

The heating unit 170 accommodated in the heating unit accommodation area 142 is composed of a plurality of regular members, and these are arranged concentrically to form a cylindrical body as a whole. The heating unit 170 includes a rod receiving unit 172 capable of storing a part of the rod 500 therein, and a heater (HTR) that heats the rod 500 from the outer periphery or the center (see FIGS. 10 to 19). has It is preferable that the rod accommodating part 172 is made of an insulating material or that an insulating material is installed inside the rod accommodating part 172 to insulate the surface of the rod accommodating part 172 and the heater HTR. The heater HTR may be any element capable of heating the rod 500. The heater HTR is, for example, a heat generating element. Examples of heating elements include heating resistors, ceramic heaters, and induction heating type heaters. As a heater (HTR), for example, one having a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the resistance value increases as the temperature increases is preferably used. Instead of this, a heater (HTR) having NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristics where the resistance value decreases as the temperature increases may be used. The heating unit 170 has a function of defining a flow path of air supplied to the rod 500 and a function of heating the rod 500. A vent (not shown) for introducing air is formed in the case 110, and is configured to allow air to be introduced into the heating unit 170.

The power source (BAT) accommodated in the power source accommodation space 146 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, etc., and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source (BAT) may be composed of one or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolyte solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

The notification unit 180 notifies various information such as SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the charging state of the power source (BAT), preheating time during suction, and suction possible period. The notification unit 180 of this embodiment includes eight LEDs (L1 to L8) and a vibration motor (M). The notification unit 180 may be comprised of a light-emitting element such as LEDs (L1 to L8), may be comprised of a vibration element such as the vibration motor M, or may be comprised of a sound output element. You can stay. The notification unit 180 may be a combination of two or more elements among a light emitting element, a vibration element, and a sound output element.

Various sensors include an intake sensor that detects the user's puff movement (suction movement), a power supply temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the power supply (BAT), a heater temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater (HTR), and a case ( 110), a cover position sensor that detects the position of the slider 119, and a panel detection sensor that detects attachment and detachment of the outer panel 115.

The intake sensor is mainly composed of a thermistor T2 disposed near the opening 132, for example. The power supply temperature sensor is mainly composed of, for example, a thermistor T1 disposed near the power supply BAT. The heater temperature sensor is mainly composed of, for example, a thermistor T3 disposed near the heater HTR. As described above, the rod receiving portion 172 is preferably insulated from the heater HTR. In this case, the thermistor T3 is preferably in contact with or close to the heater HTR inside the load receiving portion 172. If the heater (HTR) has PTC characteristics or NTC characteristics, the heater (HTR) itself may be used as a heater temperature sensor. The case temperature sensor is mainly composed of a thermistor T4 disposed near the seating surface of the case 110, for example. The thermistor T4 is preferably in contact with or close to the case 110. The cover position sensor is mainly composed of a Hall IC 14 including a Hall element disposed near the slider 119. The panel detection sensor is mainly composed of a Hall IC 13 including a Hall element disposed near the inner surface of the inner panel 118.

The circuit unit 160 includes four circuit boards, a plurality of ICs (Integrate Circuits), and a plurality of elements. The four circuit boards are an MCU mounting board 161 on which an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 1 and a charging IC 2, which will be described later, are mainly placed, and a receptacle mounting board 162 on which a charging terminal 134 is mainly placed. and an LED mounting board 163 on which an operation switch (OPS), LEDs (L1 to L8), and a communication IC 15 described later are arranged, and a Hall IC (described later) including a Hall element constituting a cover position sensor. 14) is provided with a hole IC mounting board 164 arranged thereon.

The MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 are arranged parallel to each other in the board receiving area 144. Specifically, the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 have their respective element placement surfaces arranged along the left-right and up-down directions, and the MCU mounting board 161 is longer than the receptacle mounting board 162. deployed at the front. Openings are provided in the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162, respectively. The MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 are connected to the substrate fixing portion 156 of the front and rear partition walls 152 with a cylindrical spacer 173 interposed between the peripheral portions of these openings. ) is fastened to the bolt 136. That is, the spacer 173 fixes the positions of the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 inside the case 110, and also holds the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162. ) is mechanically connected. As a result, it is possible to prevent the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 from contacting each other and generating a short circuit current between them.

For convenience, the forward-facing surfaces of the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 are designated as main surfaces 161a and 162a, respectively, and the opposite surfaces of the main surfaces 161a and 162a are designated as main surfaces 161a and 162a, respectively. Assuming each of the minor surfaces 161b and 162b, the minor surface 161b of the MCU mounting board 161 and the main surface 162a of the receptacle mounting board 162 face each other through a predetermined gap. )do. The main surface 161a of the MCU mounting board 161 faces the front of the case 110, and the minor surface 162b of the receptacle mounting board 162 faces the front and rear dividing walls 152 of the chassis 150. face it The elements and ICs mounted on the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 will be described later.

The LED mounting board 163 is disposed on the left side of the chassis body 151 and between two magnets 124 disposed above and below. The element placement surface of the LED mounting board 163 is arranged along the vertical and front-back directions. In other words, the element placement surfaces of each of the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 and the element placement surfaces of the LED mounting board 163 are orthogonal to each other. In this way, it is preferable that the element arrangement surfaces of each of the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 and the element arrangement surfaces of the LED mounting board 163 are not limited to being perpendicular but intersect (non-parallel). do. Additionally, the vibration motor M, which constitutes the notification unit 180 together with the LEDs L1 to L8, is fixed to the lower surface of the chassis lower wall 155 and is electrically connected to the MCU mounting board 161.

The hole IC mounting board 164 is disposed on the upper surface of the chassis upper wall 154.

＜Aspirator operation mode＞

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation mode of the suction device 100. As shown in Fig. 9, the operation modes of the suction device 100 include charging mode, sleep mode, active mode, heating initial setting mode, heating mode, and heating end mode.

The sleep mode is a mode that mainly seeks to save power by stopping the supply of power to electronic components necessary for heating control of the heater (HTR).

The active mode is a mode in which most functions except heating control of the heater (HTR) are effective. The suction device 100, while operating in sleep mode, switches its operation mode to the active mode when the slider 119 is opened. The suction device 100, while operating in the active mode, switches the operation mode to the sleep mode when the slider 119 is closed or the non-operation time of the operation switch (OPS) reaches a predetermined time.

The heating initial setting mode is a mode for performing initial setting of control parameters for starting heating control of the heater (HTR). When the suction device 100 detects operation of the operation switch (OPS) while operating in the active mode, it switches the operation mode to the heating initial setting mode, and when the initial setting is completed, the operation mode switches to the heating mode. do.

The heating mode is a mode in which heating control of the heater HTR (heating control for aerosol generation and heating control for temperature detection) is performed. When the operation mode is switched to the heating mode, the suction device 100 starts heating control of the heater HTR.

The heating termination mode is a mode in which termination processing (heating history storage processing, etc.) of heating control of the heater HTR is performed. The suction device 100, while operating in the heating mode, switches the operation mode to the heating termination mode when the energization time to the heater (HTR) or the number of suctions by the user reaches the upper limit or the slider 119 is closed. And when the termination process is completed, the operation mode is switched to active mode. The suction device 100, while operating in the heating mode, switches the operation mode to the heating end mode when a USB connection is made, and switches the operation mode to the charging mode when the end process is completed. As shown in Fig. 9, in this case, the operation mode may be switched to the active mode before switching the operation mode to the charging mode. In other words, when the suction device 100 is operating in the heating mode and a USB connection is made, the operation mode may be switched in the following order: heating end mode, active mode, and charging mode.

The charging mode is a mode in which the power source (BAT) is charged using power supplied from an external power source connected to the receptacle (RCP). The suction device 100, while operating in sleep mode or active mode, switches its operation mode to charging mode when an external power source is connected (USB connection) to the receptacle (RCP). The suction device 100, while operating in the charging mode, switches the operation mode to the sleep mode when charging of the power source (BAT) is completed or the connection between the receptacle (RCP) and the external power supply is disconnected.

＜Outline of the circuit of the internal unit＞

10, 11, and 12 are diagrams showing the schematic configuration of the electric circuit of the internal unit 140. FIG. 11 shows, among the electric circuits shown in FIG. 10, a range 161A mounted on the MCU mounting board 161 (range surrounded by a thick broken line) and a range 163A mounted on the LED mounting board 163 (bold solid line). It is the same as Figure 10, except that a range surrounded by ) was added. In FIG. 12, among the electric circuits shown in FIG. 10, a range 162A mounted on the receptacle mounting board 162 and a range 164A mounted on the Hall IC mounting board 164 are added. Same as Figure 10.

The wiring shown with a thick solid line in FIG. 10 is a wiring (wire connected to the ground installed in the internal unit 140) that has the same potential as the reference potential (ground potential) of the internal unit 140, and this wiring is Hereinafter, it is referred to as a ground line. In Figure 10, an electronic component in which a plurality of circuit elements are chipped is shown as a rectangle, and symbols for various terminals are written inside the rectangle. The power supply terminal (VCC) and power supply terminal (VDD) mounted on the chip respectively represent power terminals on the high potential side. The power supply terminal (VSS) and the ground terminal (GND) mounted on the chip respectively represent power supply terminals on the low potential side (reference potential side). In electronic components made into chips, the difference between the potential of the power terminal on the high potential side and the potential of the power terminal on the low potential side becomes the power supply voltage. Chip-type electronic components use this power supply voltage to perform various functions.

As shown in FIG. 11, the MCU mounting board 161 (range 161A) includes the MCU 1, which controls the entire suction device 100 as the main electronic component, and charging control of the power supply (BAT). A load switch (LSW) (3, 4, 5) composed of a combination of a charging IC (2), a condenser, a resistor, a transistor, etc., a ROM (Read Only Memory) (6), and a switch driver (7) ), a step-up and step-down DC/DC converter (8) (in the drawing, indicated as step-up and step-down DC/DC (8)), an operational amplifier (OP2), and an operational amplifier (OP3) , a connector (Cn(t2)) electrically connected to the flip-flop (hereinafter, FF) (16, 17) and the thermistor (T2) constituting the intake sensor (in the drawing, the thermistor (T2) connected to this connector is described), a connector (Cn(t3)) electrically connected to the thermistor (T3) constituting the heater temperature sensor (in the drawing, the thermistor (T3) connected to this connector is shown), and a connector (Cn(t3)) that constitutes the case temperature sensor. A connector Cn(t4) electrically connected to the thermistor T4 (the figure shows the thermistor T4 connected to this connector) and a voltage dividing circuit Pc for USB connection detection are provided.

Each of the charging IC (2), LSW (3), LSW (4), LSW (5), switch driver (7), step-up and step-down DC/DC converter (8), FF (16), and FF (17). The ground terminal (GND) is connected to the ground line. The power supply terminal (VSS) of the ROM 6 is connected to the ground line. Each negative power terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 and OP3 is connected to the ground line.

As shown in FIG. 11, the LED mounting board 163 (range 163A) includes, as main electronic components, a Hall IC 13 including a Hall element constituting a panel detection sensor, LEDs (L1 to L8), and , an operation switch (OPS) and a communication IC 15 are installed. The communication IC 15 is a communication module for communicating with electronic devices such as smartphones. The power terminal (VSS) of the Hall IC 13 and the ground terminal (GND) of the communication IC 15 are each connected to a ground line. The communication IC 15 and the MCU 1 are configured to enable communication through a communication line LN. One end of the operation switch OPS is connected to the ground line, and the other end of the operation switch OPS is connected to the terminal P4 of the MCU 1.

As shown in FIG. 12, the receptacle mounting board 162 (range 162A) includes a main electronic component, a power supply connector electrically connected to a power source (BAT) (in the drawing, a power supply (BAT) connected to this power supply connector). is shown), a connector electrically connected to the thermistor T1 constituting the power supply temperature sensor (in the drawing, the thermistor T1 connected to this connector is shown), and a step-up DC/DC converter 9 (in the drawing) , a switch (S3) consisting of a step-up DC/DC (described as 9), a protection IC (10), an overvoltage protection IC (11), a residual meter IC (12), a receptacle (RCP), and a MOSFET. A pair of heater connectors (Cn) (anode side and cathode side) that are electrically connected to the switch S6, the operational amplifier (OP1), and the heater (HTR) are provided.

The two ground terminals (GND) of the receptacle (RCP), the ground terminal (GND) of the step-up DC/DC converter (9), the power supply terminal (VSS) of the protection IC (10), and the residual meter IC (12) The power supply terminal (VSS), the ground terminal (GND) of the overvoltage protection IC 11, and the negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 are each connected to the ground line.

As shown in Fig. 12, a Hall IC 14 including a Hall element constituting a cover position sensor is installed on the Hall IC mounting board 164 (range 164A). The power supply terminal (VSS) of Hall IC 14 is connected to the ground line. The output terminal (OUT) of the Hall IC 14 is connected to the terminal P8 of the MCU 1. The MCU 1 detects the opening and closing of the slider 119 based on a signal input to the terminal P8.

As shown in FIG. 11, a connector electrically connected to the vibration motor M is installed on the MCU mounting board 161.

＜Details of the internal unit circuit＞

Hereinafter, the connection relationship of each electronic component will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

The two power input terminals (V _BUS ) of the receptacle (RCP) are each connected to the input terminal (IN) of the overvoltage protection IC 11 via a fuse (Fs). When a USB plug is connected to the receptacle (RCP) and a USB cable including this USB plug is connected to an external power source, the USB voltage (V _USB ) is supplied to the two power input terminals (V _BUS ) of the receptacle (RCP). ..

One end of a voltage dividing circuit (Pa) consisting of a series circuit of two resistors is connected to the input terminal (IN) of the overvoltage protection IC 11. The other end of the voltage dividing circuit Pa is connected to the ground line. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage dividing circuit Pa is connected to the voltage detection terminal OVLo of the overvoltage protection IC 11. The overvoltage protection IC 11 outputs the voltage input to the input terminal IN from the output terminal OUT when the voltage input to the voltage detection terminal OVLo is less than the threshold value. The overvoltage protection IC 11 stops the voltage output from the output terminal OUT (LSW3) and the receptacle (RCP) when the voltage input to the voltage detection terminal OVLo becomes above the threshold (overvoltage). ), thereby protecting electronic components downstream from the overvoltage protection IC 11. The output terminal (OUT) of the overvoltage protection IC (11) is connected to the input terminal (VIN) of the LSW (3) and one end of the voltage dividing circuit (Pc) (a series circuit of two resistors) connected to the MCU (1). It is done. The other end of the voltage dividing circuit Pc is connected to the ground line. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage dividing circuit Pc is connected to the terminal P17 of the MCU 1.

One end of a voltage dividing circuit Pf consisting of a series circuit of two resistors is connected to the input terminal VIN of the LSW 3. The other end of the voltage dividing circuit Pf is connected to the ground line. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage dividing circuit Pf is connected to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3). The collector terminal of the bipolar transistor S2 is connected to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3). The emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor (S2) is connected to the ground line. The base terminal of the bipolar transistor S2 is connected to the terminal P19 of the MCU 1. When the signal input to the control terminal (ON) becomes high level, the LSW (3) outputs the voltage input to the input terminal (VIN) from the output terminal (VOUT). The output terminal (VOUT) of the LSW (3) is connected to the input terminal (VBUS) of the charger IC (2). The MCU 1 turns on the bipolar transistor S2 while the USB connection is not made. Accordingly, since the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3) is connected to the ground line through the bipolar transistor (S2), a low level signal is input to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3).

The bipolar transistor (S2) connected to the LSW (3) is turned off by the MCU (1) when the USB connection is established. When the bipolar transistor S2 is turned off, the USB voltage V _USB divided by the voltage dividing circuit Pf is input to the control terminal ON of the LSW 3. For this reason, when the USB connection is established and the bipolar transistor S2 is turned off, a high level signal is input to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3). Thereby, LSW 3 outputs the USB voltage (V _USB ) supplied from the USB cable from the output terminal (VOUT). Additionally, even if the USB connection is made while the bipolar transistor S2 is not turned off, the control terminal (ON) of the LSW 3 is connected to the ground line through the bipolar transistor S2. For this reason, please note that a low-level signal continues to be input to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3) unless the MCU (1) turns off the bipolar transistor (S2).

The positive terminal of the power supply (BAT) is connected to the power supply terminal (VDD) of the protection IC 10, the input terminal (VIN) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9, and the charging terminal (bat) of the charge IC 2. You are connected. Accordingly, the power supply voltage V _BAT of the power source BAT is supplied to the protection IC 10, the charge IC 2, and the boost DC/DC converter 9. To the negative terminal of the power source BAT, a resistor Ra, a switch Sa made of a MOSFET, a switch Sb made of a MOSFET, and a resistor Rb are connected in series in this order. The current detection terminal CS of the protection IC 10 is connected to the connection point of the resistor Ra and the switch Sa. Each control terminal of the switch Sa and switch Sb is connected to the protection IC 10. Both ends of the resistor Rb are connected to the remaining fuel meter IC 12.

The protection IC 10 acquires the current value flowing through the resistor Ra during charging and discharging of the power source BAT from the voltage input to the current detection terminal CS, and when this current value becomes excessive ( In case of overcurrent), the opening and closing control of the switch Sa and the switch Sb is performed to stop the charging or discharging of the power source BAT, thereby protecting the power source BAT. More specifically, when an excessive current value is obtained when charging the power source BAT, the protection IC 10 turns off the switch Sb to stop charging the power source BAT. When an excessive current value is acquired during discharge of the power source BAT, the protection IC 10 turns off the switch Sa to stop the discharge of the power source BAT. In addition, the protection IC 10 protects the switch Sa and the switch when the voltage value of the power source BAT becomes abnormal (in the case of overcharge or overvoltage) from the voltage input to the power supply terminal VDD. By controlling the opening and closing of (Sb) to stop charging or discharging of the power source (BAT), protection of the power source (BAT) is achieved. More specifically, when the protection IC 10 detects overcharging of the power source BAT, it turns off the switch Sb to stop charging of the power source BAT. When the protection IC 10 detects overdischarge of the power source BAT, it turns off the switch Sa to stop the discharge of the power source BAT.

A resistor Rt1 is connected to a connector connected to a thermistor T1 disposed near the power source BAT. The series circuit of the resistor Rt1 and the thermistor T1 is connected to the ground line and the regulator terminal TREG of the remaining fuel meter IC 12. The connection point of the thermistor T1 and the resistor Rt1 is connected to the thermistor terminal THM of the remaining mass meter IC 12. The thermistor T1 may be a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor whose resistance value increases as temperature increases, or may be a NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor whose resistance value decreases as temperature increases.

The remaining charge meter IC 12 detects the current flowing through the resistor Rb, and based on the detected current value, determines the remaining capacity of the power supply (BAT), the state of charge (SOC) indicating the charging state, and the healthy state. Battery information such as SOH (State of Health) is derived. The residual quantity meter IC 12 supplies voltage to the voltage dividing circuit of the thermistor T1 and the resistor Rt1 from a built-in regulator connected to the regulator terminal TREG. The remaining energy meter IC 12 acquires the voltage divided by this voltage dividing circuit from the thermistor terminal THM, and based on this voltage, acquires temperature information regarding the temperature of the power source BAT. The residual quantity meter IC 12 is connected to the MCU 1 through a communication line LN for serial communication, and is configured to be capable of communicating with the MCU 1. The remaining power meter IC 12 transmits the derived battery information and the acquired temperature information of the power source (BAT) to the MCU 1 in accordance with a request from the MCU 1. Additionally, in order to perform serial communication, a plurality of signal lines, such as a data line for data transmission and a clock line for synchronization, are required. Note that in FIGS. 10-19, only one signal line is shown for simplicity.

The remaining fuel meter IC 12 is provided with a notification terminal 12a. The notification terminal 12a is connected to the terminal P6 of the MCU 1 and the cathode of the diode D2, which will be described later. When the remaining energy meter IC 12 detects an abnormality such as the temperature of the power supply (BAT) becoming excessive, it notifies the MCU 1 of the occurrence of the abnormality by outputting a low level signal from the notification terminal 12a. . This low level signal is also input to the CLR(￣) terminal of the FF(17) via the diode D2.

One end of the reactor Lc is connected to the switching terminal SW of the step-up DC/DC converter 9. The other end of this reactor (Lc) is connected to the input terminal (VIN) of the step-up DC/DC converter (9). The step-up DC/DC converter 9 performs on-off control of a built-in transistor connected to the switching terminal SW, thereby boosting the input voltage and outputting the voltage from the output terminal VOUT. Additionally, the input terminal (VIN) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9 constitutes a power supply terminal on the high potential side of the step-up DC/DC converter 9. The step-up DC/DC converter 9 performs a step-up operation when the signal input to the enable terminal EN is at a high level. In the USB-connected state, the signal input to the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9 may be controlled to a low level by the MCU 1. Alternatively, in the USB-connected state, the MCU 1 does not control the signal input to the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9, thereby negating the potential of the enable terminal (EN). You can set it to (non-definite).

The source terminal of the switch S4 comprised of a P-channel type MOSFET is connected to the output terminal (VOUT) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9. The gate terminal of the switch S4 is connected to the terminal P15 of the MCU 1. One end of the resistor Rs is connected to the drain terminal of the switch S4. The other end of the resistor Rs is connected to the heater connector Cn on the anode side, which is connected to one end of the heater HTR. A voltage dividing circuit Pb consisting of two resistors is connected to the connection point between the switch S4 and the resistor Rs. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage dividing circuit Pb is connected to the terminal P18 of the MCU 1. The connection point of the switch S4 and the resistor Rs is also connected to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1.

The source terminal of the switch S3 made of a P-channel type MOSFET is connected to the connection line between the output terminal (VOUT) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9 and the source terminal of the switch S4. The gate terminal of the switch S3 is connected to the terminal P16 of the MCU 1. The drain terminal of the switch S3 is connected to the connection line between the resistor Rs and the heater connector Cn on the anode side. In this way, between the output terminal (VOUT) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9 and the anode side of the heater connector Cn, a circuit including a switch S3, a switch S4, and a resistor Rs are provided. The circuits included are connected in parallel. Since the circuit including the switch S3 does not have a resistor, it is a circuit with lower resistance than the circuit including the switch S4 and the resistor Rs.

The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the connection line between the resistor Rs and the heater connector Cn on the anode side. The inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the heater connector Cn on the cathode side, which is connected to the other end of the heater HTR, and the drain terminal of the switch S6 comprised of an N-channel type MOSFET. The source terminal of switch S6 is connected to the ground line. The gate terminal of the switch S6 is connected to the terminal P14 of the MCU 1, the anode of the diode D4, and the enable terminal EN of the step-up DC/DC converter 9. The cathode of diode D4 is connected to the Q terminal of FF (17). One end of the resistor R4 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. The other end of the resistor R4 is connected to the terminal P9 of the MCU 1 and the drain terminal of the switch S5 comprised of an N-channel type MOSFET. The source terminal of switch S5 is connected to the ground line. The gate terminal of the switch S5 is connected to the connection line between the resistor Rs and the heater connector Cn on the anode side.

The input terminal (VBUS) of the charging IC 2 is connected to each anode of the LEDs (L1 to L8). Each cathode of the LEDs (L1 to L8) is connected to the control terminals (PD1 to PD8) of the MCU (1) through a resistor for current limitation. That is, LEDs (L1 to L8) are connected in parallel to the input terminal (VBUS). The LEDs (L1 to L8) can be operated by the USB voltage (V _USB ) supplied from the USB cable connected to the receptacle (RCP) and the voltage supplied from the power source (BAT) via the charge IC 2. Consists of. The MCU 1 has a built-in transistor (switching element) connected to each of the control terminals PD1 to PD8 and the ground terminal (GND). The MCU 1 turns on the transistor connected to the control terminal PD1 to energize the LED L1 and turns it on, and turns off the transistor connected to the control terminal PD1 to turn off the LED L1. By switching the transistor connected to the control terminal PD1 on and off at high speed, the brightness and emission pattern of the LED L1 can be dynamically controlled. The lighting of LEDs (L2 to L8) is similarly controlled by the MCU (1).

The charging IC 2 has a charging function that charges the power source (BAT) based on the USB voltage (V _USB ) input to the input terminal (VBUS). The charging IC 2 acquires the charging current and charging voltage of the power source BAT from terminals and wiring not shown, and controls the charging of the power source BAT based on these (from the charging terminal bat). Control the power supply to BAT). In addition, the charging IC 2 acquires the temperature information of the power supply (BAT) transmitted from the remaining charge meter IC 12 to the MCU 1 from the MCU 1 through serial communication using the communication line LN, It can also be used for charging control.

The charging IC 2 also has a V _BAT power path function and an OTG function. The V _BAT power pass function is a function that outputs a system power supply voltage (Vcc0) that approximately matches the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) input to the charging terminal (bat) from the output terminal (SYS). The OTG function is a function that outputs the system power supply voltage (Vcc4) obtained by boosting the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) input to the charging terminal (bat) from the input terminal (VBUS). Turning on and off the OTG function of the charging IC 2 is controlled by the MCU 1 through serial communication using a communication line (LN). Additionally, in the OTG function, the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) input to the charging terminal (bat) may be output as is from the input terminal (VBUS). In this case, the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) and the system power supply voltage (Vcc4) are approximately equal.

The output terminal (SYS) of the charging IC (2) is connected to the input terminal (VIN) of the step-up/down-voltage DC/DC converter (8). One end of the reactor La is connected to the switching terminal SW of the charging IC 2. The other terminal of the reactor La is connected to the output terminal (SYS) of the charger IC 2. The charging enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charging IC 2 is connected to the terminal P22 of the MCU 1 through a resistor. Additionally, the collector terminal of the bipolar transistor S1 is connected to the charge enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charger IC 2. The emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor S1 is connected to the output terminal VOUT of the LSW 4, which will be described later. The base terminal of the bipolar transistor (S1) is connected to the Q terminal of the FF (17). Additionally, one end of the resistor Rc is connected to the charge enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charger IC 2. The other end of the resistor Rc is connected to the output terminal (VOUT) of the LSW (4).

A resistor is connected to the input terminal (VIN) and the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up/download DC/DC converter (8). The system power supply voltage (Vcc0) is input from the output terminal (SYS) of the charging IC (2) to the input terminal (VIN) of the step-up/download DC/DC converter (8), thereby The signal input to the evil terminal (EN) becomes high level, and the step-up or step-down DC/DC converter (8) starts a step-up operation or step-down operation. The step-up/download DC/DC converter 8 boosts or steps down the system power supply voltage (Vcc0) input to the input terminal (VIN) by controlling the switching of the built-in transistor connected to the reactor (Lb) to provide the system power supply voltage (Vcc1). ) is generated and output from the output terminal (VOUT). The output terminal (VOUT) of the step-up/download DC/DC converter (8) is connected to the feedback terminal (FB) of the step-up/download DC/DC converter (8), the input terminal (VIN) of the LSW (4), and the switch driver (7). )'s input terminal (VIN), and the power terminal (VCC) and D terminal of FF (16). The wiring through which the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) output from the output terminal (VOUT) of the step-up/down DC/DC converter 8 is supplied is referred to as the power line (PL1).

When the signal input to the control terminal (ON) becomes high level, the LSW (4) outputs the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) input to the input terminal (VIN) from the output terminal (VOUT). The control terminal (ON) of the LSW (4) and the power supply line (PL1) are connected through a resistor. For this reason, when the system power supply voltage Vcc1 is supplied to the power line PL1, a high level signal is input to the control terminal ON of the LSW 4. The voltage output by LSW (4) is the same as the system power supply voltage (Vcc1), ignoring wiring resistance, etc., but in order to distinguish it from the system power supply voltage (Vcc1), the voltage output from the output terminal (VOUT) of LSW (4) is the same as the system power supply voltage (Vcc1). The voltage is hereinafter referred to as the system power supply voltage (Vcc2).

The output terminal (VOUT) of the LSW (4) is connected to the power terminal (VDD) of the MCU (1), the input terminal (VIN) of the LSW (5), and the power terminal (VDD) of the remaining fuel meter IC 12, It is connected to the power supply terminal (VCC) of the ROM (6), the emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor (S1), the resistor (Rc), and the power supply terminal (VCC) of the FF (17). The wiring through which the system power voltage (Vcc2) output from the output terminal (VOUT) of the LSW (4) is supplied is referred to as the power line (PL2).

When the signal input to the control terminal ON becomes high level, the LSW 5 outputs the system power supply voltage Vcc2 input to the input terminal VIN from the output terminal VOUT. The control terminal (ON) of the LSW (5) is connected to the terminal (P23) of the MCU (1). The voltage output by LSW (5) is the same as the system power supply voltage (Vcc2) if wiring resistance, etc. are ignored, but in order to distinguish it from the system power supply voltage (Vcc2), the voltage output from the output terminal (VOUT) of LSW (5) is the same as the system power supply voltage (Vcc2). The voltage is hereinafter referred to as the system power supply voltage (Vcc3). The wiring through which the system power voltage (Vcc3) output from the output terminal (VOUT) of the LSW (5) is supplied is referred to as the power line (PL3).

A series circuit of a thermistor T2 and a resistor Rt2 is connected to the power supply line PL3, and the resistor Rt2 is connected to the ground line. The thermistor T2 and the resistor Rt2 constitute a voltage dividing circuit, and their connection points are connected to the terminal P21 of the MCU 1. The MCU 1 detects temperature fluctuations (resistance value fluctuations) of the thermistor T2 based on the voltage input to the terminal P21, and determines the presence or absence of a puff operation based on the amount of temperature fluctuations.

A series circuit of a thermistor T3 and a resistor Rt3 is connected to the power supply line PL3, and the resistor Rt3 is connected to the ground line. The thermistor T3 and the resistor Rt3 constitute a voltage dividing circuit, and their connection points are connected to the terminal P13 of the MCU 1 and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The MCU 1 detects the temperature of the thermistor T3 (corresponding to the temperature of the heater HTR) based on the voltage input to the terminal P13.

A series circuit of a thermistor T4 and a resistor Rt4 is connected to the power supply line PL3, and the resistor Rt4 is connected to the ground line. The thermistor T4 and the resistor Rt4 constitute a voltage dividing circuit, and their connection points are connected to the terminal P12 of the MCU 1 and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3. The MCU 1 detects the temperature of the thermistor T4 (corresponding to the temperature of the case 110) based on the voltage input to the terminal P12.

The source terminal of the switch S7 comprised of a MOSFET is connected to the power supply line PL2. The gate terminal of the switch S7 is connected to the terminal P20 of the MCU 1. The drain terminal of the switch S7 is connected to one side of a pair of connectors to which the vibration motor M is connected. The other side of this pair of connectors is connected to the ground line. The MCU 1 can control the opening and closing of the switch S7 and vibrate the vibration motor M in a specific pattern by manipulating the potential of the terminal P20. Instead of the switch S7, a dedicated driver IC may be used.

Connected to the power supply line PL2 is a positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 and a voltage dividing circuit Pd (a series circuit of two resistors) connected to a non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage dividing circuit Pd is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The operational amplifier OP2 outputs a signal according to the temperature of the heater HTR (a signal according to the resistance value of the thermistor T3). In this embodiment, since a thermistor T3 having NTC characteristics is used, the higher the temperature of the heater HTR (temperature of the thermistor T3), the lower the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP2. This means that the negative power terminal of the operational amplifier (OP2) is connected to the ground line, and the voltage value (divided voltage value by the thermistor (T3) and resistor (Rt3)) input to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP2) is, When it becomes higher than the voltage value input to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP2) (divided voltage value by the voltage dividing circuit (Pd)), the value of the output voltage of the operational amplifier (OP2) becomes approximately the same as the value of the ground potential. Because it becomes. That is, when the temperature of the heater (HTR) (the temperature of the thermistor (T3)) becomes high, the output voltage of the operational amplifier (OP2) becomes low level.

Additionally, when using a thermistor (T3) having PTC characteristics, connect the output of the voltage dividing circuit of the thermistor (T3) and resistor (Rt3) to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP2), Just connect the output of the voltage dividing circuit (Pd) to the inverting input terminal of OP2).

The power supply line PL2 is connected to a positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP3 and a voltage dividing circuit Pe (a series circuit of two resistors) connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage dividing circuit Pe is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3. The operational amplifier OP3 outputs a signal according to the temperature of the case 110 (a signal according to the resistance value of the thermistor T4). In this embodiment, since a thermistor T4 having NTC characteristics is used, the higher the temperature of the case 110, the lower the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP3. This means that the negative power terminal of the operational amplifier (OP3) is connected to the ground line, and the voltage value (divided voltage value by the thermistor (T4) and resistor (Rt4)) input to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP3) is, When it becomes higher than the voltage value input to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP3) (divided voltage value by the voltage dividing circuit (Pe)), the value of the output voltage of the operational amplifier (OP3) becomes approximately the same as the value of the ground potential. Because it becomes. That is, when the temperature of the thermistor T4 becomes high, the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP3 becomes low level.

Additionally, when using a thermistor (T4) having PTC characteristics, connect the output of the voltage dividing circuit of the thermistor (T4) and resistor (Rt4) to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP3), Just connect the output of the voltage dividing circuit (Pe) to the inverting input terminal of OP3).

A resistor (R1) is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP2). The cathode of the diode D1 is connected to the resistor R1. The anode of the diode D1 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP3, the D terminal of the FF17, and the CLR(￣) terminal of the FF17. A resistor R2 connected to the power supply line PL1 is connected to the connection line between the resistor R1 and the diode D1. Additionally, the CLR(￣) terminal of FF(16) is connected to this connection line.

One end of the resistor R3 is connected to the connection point of the anode of the diode D1 and the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP3, and the connection line of the D terminal of the FF 17. The other end of resistor R3 is connected to power line PL2. Additionally, on this connection line, the anode of diode D2, which is connected to the notification terminal 12a of residual quantity meter IC 12, the anode of diode D3, and the CLR(￣) terminal of FF 17 are connected to this connection line. You are connected. The cathode of diode D3 is connected to terminal P5 of MCU 1.

FF(16) is connected to the Q(￣) terminal when the temperature of the heater (HTR) becomes excessive, the signal output from the operational amplifier (OP2) decreases, and the signal input to the CLR (￣) terminal becomes low level. A high level signal is input to the terminal (P11) of the MCU (1). A high-level system power supply voltage (Vcc1) is supplied to the D terminal of the FF (16) from the power line (PL1). For this reason, in the FF(16), unless the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal, which operates in negative logic, becomes low level, a low level signal is continuously output from the Q(￣) terminal.

The signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal of the FF(17) is when the temperature of the heater (HTR) becomes excessive, when the temperature of the case 110 becomes excessive, and when the remaining fuel meter IC 12 notifies the signal. In any case where a low level signal indicating abnormality detection is output from the terminal 12a, it becomes low level. FF(17) outputs a low level signal from the Q terminal when the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal becomes low level. This low-level signal is sent to the terminal (P10) of the MCU (1), the gate terminal of the switch (S6), the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up DC/DC converter (9), and the charger IC (2). Each is input to the base terminal of the connected bipolar transistor (S1). When a low-level signal is input to the gate terminal of switch S6, the gate-source voltage of the N-channel type MOSFET constituting switch S6 becomes less than the threshold voltage, so switch S6 is turned off. . When a low-level signal is input to the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9, the boost operation is stopped because the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up DC/DC converter 9 is positive logic. . When a low-level signal is input to the base terminal of the bipolar transistor (S1), the bipolar transistor (S1) turns on (the amplified current is output from the collector terminal). When the bipolar transistor (S1) is turned on, a high-level system power voltage (Vcc2) is input to the CE (￣) terminal of the charger IC (2) through the bipolar transistor (S1). Since the CE(￣) terminal of the charging IC 2 is negative logic, charging of the power supply BAT is stopped. Due to these, heating of the heater HTR and charging of the power source BAT are stopped. Additionally, even if the MCU (1) attempts to output a low-level enable signal from the terminal (P22) to the charge enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charger IC (2), the bipolar transistor (S1) is turned on. Then, the amplified current is input from the collector terminal to the terminal (P22) of the MCU (1) and the charge enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charger IC (2). Please note that, as a result, a high level signal is input to the charging enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charging IC 2.

A high-level system power supply voltage (Vcc2) is supplied to the D terminal of the FF (17) from the power supply line (PL2). For this reason, in FF17, a high level signal is continuously output from the Q terminal unless the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal, which operates in negative logic, becomes low level. When a low-level signal is output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP3), a low-level signal is output to the CLR (￣) terminal of the FF (17), regardless of the level of the signal output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP2). is entered. When a high-level signal is output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP2), the low-level signal output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP3) is affected by the high-level signal by the diode D1. Please note that this is not accepted. Additionally, when a low-level signal is output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP2), even if a high-level signal is output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier (OP3), this high-level signal is transmitted through the diode D1. is replaced with a low-level signal.

The power supply line PL2 is further branched from the MCU mounting board 161 toward the LED mounting board 163 and the hole IC mounting board 164. To this branched power supply line PL2, the power supply terminal (VDD) of the Hall IC 13, the power supply terminal (VCC) of the communication IC 15, and the power supply terminal (VDD) of the Hall IC 14 are connected. there is.

The output terminal (OUT) of the Hall IC 13 is connected to the terminal P3 of the MCU 1 and the terminal SW2 of the switch driver 7. When the outer panel 115 is separated, a low level signal is output from the output terminal (OUT) of the Hall IC 13. The MCU 1 determines whether the outer panel 115 is mounted or not based on a signal input to the terminal P3.

The LED mounting board 163 is provided with a series circuit (series circuit of a resistor and a condenser) connected to an operation switch (OPS). This series circuit is connected to the power supply line PL2. The connection point of the resistor and capacitor of this series circuit is connected to the terminal P4 of the MCU 1, the operation switch OPS, and the terminal SW1 of the switch driver 7. When the operation switch (OPS) is not depressed, the operation switch (OPS) does not conduct, and the signals input to the terminal (P4) of the MCU (1) and the terminal (SW1) of the switch driver (7) are: It becomes high level by the system power voltage (Vcc2). When the operation switch (OPS) is depressed and the operation switch (OPS) becomes conductive, the signals input to the terminal (P4) of the MCU (1) and the terminal (SW1) of the switch driver (7) are connected to the ground line. Because of this, it becomes a low level. The MCU 1 detects the operation of the operation switch OPS based on a signal input to the terminal P4.

The switch driver 7 is provided with a reset input terminal (RSTB). The reset input terminal (RSTB) is connected to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (4). The switch driver 7 operates when the levels of signals input to the terminal SW1 and the terminal SW2 both become low levels (the outer panel 115 is separated and the operation switch OPS is depressed). state), a low-level signal is output from the reset input terminal (RSTB) to stop the output operation of the LSW 4. That is, when the operation switch (OPS), which is originally pressed through the pressing portion 117 of the outer panel 115, is pressed directly by the user with the outer panel 115 separated, the terminal of the switch driver 7 The levels of signals input to (SW1) and terminal (SW2) both become low levels.

<Operation for each operation mode of the suction device>

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19, the operation of the electric circuit shown in FIG. 10 will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in sleep mode. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in the active mode. Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in the heating initial setting mode. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when heating the heater HTR in the heating mode. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when detecting the temperature of the heater HTR in the heating mode. Fig. 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in charging mode. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when the MCU 1 is reset (restarted). In each of FIGS. 13 to 19, among the terminals of the chipized electronic components, the terminals surrounded by the broken oval have inputs or outputs such as power supply voltage (V _BAT ), USB voltage (V _USB ), and system power supply voltage. Indicates the terminal in which progress is being made.

In any operation mode, the power supply voltage _V It is input into the terminal (bat).

＜Sleep mode: Figure 13＞

The MCU (1) validates the V _BAT power path function of the charger IC (2) and invalidates the OTG function and the charge function. Since the USB voltage (V _USB ) is not input to the input terminal (VBUS) of the charging IC 2, the V _BAT power pass function of the charging IC 2 becomes effective. Since the signal for validating the OTG function from the communication line LN is not output from the MCU 1 to the charging IC 2, the OTG function becomes invalid. For this reason, the charging IC 2 generates the system power supply voltage Vcc0 from the power supply voltage V _BAT input to the charging terminal bat and outputs it from the output terminal SYS. The system power supply voltage (Vcc0) output from the output terminal (SYS) is input to the input terminal (VIN) and the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8. The step-up/download DC/DC converter 8 is enabled by inputting a high-level system power supply voltage (Vcc0) to the enable terminal (EN), which is positive logic, and is converted from the system power supply voltage (Vcc0) to the system power supply voltage (Vcc1). ) is generated and output from the output terminal (VOUT). The system power supply voltage (Vcc1) output from the output terminal (VOUT) of the step-up/download DC/DC converter (8) is connected to the input terminal (VIN) of the LSW (4), the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (4), It is supplied to the input terminal (VIN) of the switch driver (7), the power terminal (VCC), and the D terminal of the FF (16), respectively.

LSW(4) receives the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) input to the control terminal (ON), thereby converting the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) input to the input terminal (VIN) to the system power supply voltage (Vcc2) from the output terminal (VOUT). It is output as The system power supply voltage (Vcc2) output from LSW (4) is connected to the power supply terminal (VDD) of MCU (1), the input terminal (VIN) of LSW (5), and the power supply terminal (VDD) of Hall IC (13). and is input to the power supply terminal (VCC) of the communication IC 15 and the power supply terminal (VDD) of the Hall IC 14. Additionally, the system power supply voltage (Vcc2) is connected to the power supply terminal (VDD) of the remaining charge meter IC 12, the power supply terminal (VCC) of the ROM 6, and the charge enable terminal (CE) of the charger IC 2 ( The resistor (Rc) and bipolar transistor (S1) connected to It is supplied to the positive power terminal of OP2) and the voltage dividing circuit (Pd), respectively. The bipolar transistor S1 connected to the charger IC 2 is turned off unless a low level signal is output from the Q terminal of the FF 17. Therefore, the system power supply voltage (Vcc2) generated by the LSW (4) is also input to the charge enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charger IC (2). Since the charging enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charging IC 2 is negative logic, in this state, the charging function by the charging IC 2 is turned off.

In this way, in the sleep mode, the LSW 5 stops outputting the system power supply voltage Vcc3, and therefore the supply of power to the electronic components connected to the power supply line PL3 is stopped. Additionally, in the sleep mode, the OTG function of the charger IC 2 is stopped, so power supply to the LEDs L1 to L8 is stopped.

＜Active mode: Figure 14＞

When the MCU 1 detects that the signal input to the terminal P8 is at a high level from the sleep mode state in FIG. 13 and the slider 119 is opened, the control terminal of the LSW 5 is transferred from the terminal P23. Input a high level signal to (ON). Accordingly, the LSW 5 outputs the system power supply voltage Vcc2 input to the input terminal VIN as the system power supply voltage Vcc3 from the output terminal VOUT. The system power supply voltage (Vcc3) output from the output terminal (VOUT) of the LSW (5) is supplied to the thermistor (T2), thermistor (T3), and thermistor (T4).

Additionally, when the MCU 1 detects that the slider 119 is open, it activates the OTG function of the charger IC 2 through the communication line LN. Thereby, the charging IC 2 outputs the system power supply voltage Vcc4 obtained by boosting the power supply voltage V _BAT input from the charging terminal bat from the input terminal V _BUS . The system power voltage (Vcc4) output from the input terminal (V _BUS ) is,

It is supplied to LEDs (L1 to L8).

＜Heating initial setting mode: Figure 15＞

From the state in FIG. 14, when the signal input to the terminal P4 becomes low level (when the operation switch (OPS) is pressed), the MCU 1 performs various settings necessary for heating and then connects the terminal ( From P14), a high-level enable signal is input to the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up DC/DC converter (9). Thereby, the step-up DC/DC converter 9 outputs the driving voltage (V _bst ) obtained by boosting the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) from the output terminal (VOUT). The driving voltage V _bst is supplied to the switch S3 and switch S4. In this state, switches S3 and S4 are turned off. Additionally, the switch S6 is turned on by the high-level enable signal output from the terminal P14. As a result, the cathode terminal of the heater HTR is connected to the ground line, and the heater HTR can be heated when the switch S3 is turned ON. After the enable signal of the high level signal is output from the terminal (P14) of the MCU (1), it transitions to the heating mode.

<Heater heating in heating mode: Figure 16>

In the state of FIG. 15, the MCU 1 starts switching control of the switch S3 connected to the terminal P16 and the switching control of the switch S4 connected to the terminal P15. These switching controls may be started automatically when the heating initial setting mode described above is completed, or may be started by pressing a new operation switch (OPS). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the MCU (1) turns on the switch (S3) and turns off the switch (S4) to supply the driving voltage (V _bst ) to the heater (HTR) and to generate aerosol. Heating control is performed to heat the heater HTR, and temperature detection control is performed to detect the temperature of the heater HTR by turning off the switch S3 and turning on the switch S4, as shown in FIG. 17.

As shown in FIG. 16 , during heating control, the driving voltage V _bst is also supplied to the gate of the switch S5, and the switch S5 is turned on. Additionally, during heating control, the driving voltage V _bst passing through the switch S3 is also input to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 through the resistor Rs. The resistance value of the resistor Rs is so small that it can be ignored compared to the internal resistance value of the operational amplifier OP1. Therefore, during heating control, the voltage input to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 becomes substantially equal to the driving voltage V _bst .

Additionally, the resistance value of the resistor R4 is greater than the on-resistance value of the switch S5. The operational amplifier OP1 operates even during heating control, but the switch S5 is turned on during heating control. When the switch S5 is on, the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP1 is divided by the voltage dividing circuit of the resistor R4 and the switch S5, and is input to the terminal P9 of the MCU 1. Since the resistance value of the resistor R4 is greater than the on-resistance value of the switch S5, the voltage input to the terminal P9 of the MCU 1 becomes sufficiently small. As a result, it is possible to prevent a large voltage from being input to the MCU 1 from the operational amplifier OP1.

<Heater temperature detection in heating mode: Figure 17>

As shown in Fig. 17, during temperature detection control, the driving voltage V _bst is input to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 and is input to the voltage dividing circuit Pb. The voltage divided by the voltage dividing circuit Pb is input to the terminal P18 of the MCU 1. Based on the voltage input to the terminal P18, the MCU 1 acquires the reference voltage V _temp applied to the series circuit of the resistor Rs and the heater HTR during temperature detection control.

Additionally, during temperature detection control, the driving voltage V _bst (reference voltage V _temp ) is supplied to the series circuit of the resistor Rs and the heater HTR. Then, the voltage (V heat ) divided by the driving voltage (V _bst ) (reference voltage (V _temp )) by the resistor (Rs) and the heater ( _HTR ) is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier (OP1). do. Since the resistance value of the resistor Rs is sufficiently greater than the resistance value of the heater HTR, the voltage V _heat is sufficiently lower than the driving voltage V _bst . During temperature detection control, this low voltage (V _heat ) is also supplied to the gate terminal of switch S5, thereby turning switch S5 off. The operational amplifier OP1 amplifies and outputs the difference between the voltage input to the inverting input terminal and the voltage (V _heat ) input to the non-inverting input terminal.

The output signal of the operational amplifier (OP1) is input to the terminal (P9) of the MCU (1). The MCU 1 determines the signal input to the terminal P9, the reference voltage V _temp obtained based on the input voltage of the terminal P18, and the electrical resistance value of the known resistor Rs. Based on this, the temperature of the heater (HTR) is acquired. The MCU 1 performs heating control of the heater HTR (for example, control such that the temperature of the heater HTR becomes the target temperature) based on the acquired temperature of the heater HTR.

In addition, the MCU 1 can acquire the temperature of the heater (HTR) even during the period when the switch S3 and the switch S4 are each turned off (a period when electricity is not supplied to the heater (HTR)). You can. Specifically, the MCU 1 acquires the temperature of the heater HTR based on the voltage input to the terminal P13 (the output voltage of the voltage dividing circuit consisting of the thermistor T3 and the resistor Rt3). .

Additionally, the MCU 1 is also capable of acquiring the temperature of the case 110 at any timing. Specifically, the MCU 1 acquires the temperature of the case 110 based on the voltage input to the terminal P12 (the output voltage of the voltage dividing circuit consisting of the thermistor T4 and the resistor Rt4). .

＜Charging mode: Figure 18＞

Figure 18 illustrates a case where USB connection is established in sleep mode. When the USB connection is established, the USB voltage (V _USB ) is input to the input terminal (VIN) of the LSW (3) through the overvoltage protection IC (11). The USB voltage (V _USB ) is also supplied to the voltage dividing circuit (Pf) connected to the input terminal (VIN) of the LSW (3). Immediately after the USB connection is established, the bipolar transistor S2 is turned on, so the signal input to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3) remains at a low level. The USB voltage V _USB is also supplied to the voltage dividing circuit Pc connected to the terminal P17 of the MCU 1, and the voltage divided by this voltage dividing circuit Pc is input to the terminal P17. The MCU 1 detects that a USB connection has been established based on the voltage input to the terminal P17.

When the MCU 1 detects that a USB connection has been established, it turns off the bipolar transistor S2 connected to the terminal P19. When a low-level signal is input to the gate terminal of the bipolar transistor (S2), the USB voltage (V _USB ) divided by the voltage dividing circuit (Pf) is input to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3). As a result, a high-level signal is input to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (3), and the LSW (3) outputs the USB voltage (V _USB ) from the output terminal (VOUT). The USB voltage (V _USB ) output from LSW (3) is input to the input terminal (VBUS) of the charger IC (2). Additionally, the USB voltage (V _USB ) output from LSW3 is supplied to the LEDs (L1 to L8) as the system power supply voltage (Vcc4).

When the MCU 1 detects that the USB connection has been established, it further outputs a low-level enable signal from the terminal P22 to the charge enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charger IC 2. Thereby, the charging IC 2 activates the charging function of the power source BAT and starts charging the power source BAT using the USB voltage V _USB input to the input terminal VBUS.

Additionally, when the USB connection is made in the active mode state, when the MCU 1 detects that the USB connection has been made, it turns off the bipolar transistor S2 connected to the terminal P19, and also turns off the bipolar transistor S2 connected to the terminal P22. From there, a low-level enable signal is output to the charge enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charger IC 2, and further, the OTG of the charger IC 2 is transmitted through serial communication using the communication line (LN). Turn off the function. As a result, the system power supply voltage (Vcc4) supplied to the LEDs (L1 to L8) is derived from the voltage (voltage based on the power supply voltage (V _BAT )) generated by the OTG function of the charger IC (2). ) is converted to the output USB voltage (V _USB ). LEDs (L1 to L8) do not operate unless on-control of the built-in transistor is performed by the MCU (1). For this reason, unstable voltage is prevented from being supplied to the LEDs (L1 to L8) during the transition period from on to off of the OTG function.

In Figure 18, the supply state of the system power supply voltage in the charging mode is the same as that in the sleep mode. However, it is desirable that the supply state of the system power supply voltage in the charging mode is the same as that in the active mode shown in FIG. 14. That is, in the charging mode, it is preferable that the system power supply voltage (Vcc3) is supplied to the thermistors (T2 to T4) for temperature management, which will be described later.

＜Reset of MCU: Figure 19＞

When the outer panel 115 is separated and the output of the Hall IC 13 becomes low level and the operation switch (OPS) is turned on and the signal input to the terminal P4 of the MCU 1 becomes low level, Both the terminal (SW1) and the terminal (SW2) of the switch driver (7) are at low level. As a result, the switch driver 7 outputs a low-level signal from the reset input terminal (RSTB). The low level signal output from the reset input terminal (RSTB) is input to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (4). As a result, LSW 4 stops outputting the system power supply voltage Vcc2 from the output terminal VOUT. When the output of the system power supply voltage (Vcc2) is stopped, the system power supply voltage (Vcc2) is not input to the power supply terminal (VDD) of the MCU (1), so the MCU (1) stops.

The switch driver 7 outputs a low-level signal from the reset input terminal (RSTB) when the preset time is reached, or when the signal input to either the terminal (SW1) or the terminal (SW2) is reached. When becomes high level, the signal output from the reset input terminal (RSTB) returns to high level. As a result, the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (4) becomes high level, and the system power supply voltage (Vcc2) returns to the state where it is supplied to each part.

Hereinafter, for ease of understanding, the above-described thermistor T1 is also referred to as a power thermistor T1, the above-described thermistor T2 is also referred to as a puff thermistor T2, and the above-described thermistor T3 is referred to as a heater thermistor. It is also written as (T3), and the thermistor (T4) described above is also written as a case thermistor (T4).

＜Details of the functions of the charging IC)

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the charging IC 2. The charging IC 2 includes a processor 21, a gate driver 22, and switches Q1 to Q4 comprised of N-channel type MOSFETs.

The source terminal of switch Q1 is connected to the input terminal VBUS. The drain terminal of switch Q1 is connected to the drain terminal of switch Q2. The source terminal of the switch Q2 is connected to the switching terminal SW. The drain terminal of the switch Q3 is connected to the connection node of the switch Q2 and the switching terminal SW. The source terminal of the switch Q3 is connected to the ground terminal (GND). The drain terminal of the switch Q4 is connected to the output terminal SYS. The source terminal of the switch Q4 is connected to the charging terminal bat.

The gate driver 22 is connected to the gate terminal of the switch Q2 and the gate terminal of the switch Q3, and performs on-off control of the switches Q2 and Q3 based on instructions from the processor 21. .

The processor 21 is connected to the gate driver 22, the gate terminal of the switch Q1, the gate terminal of the switch Q4, and the charging enable terminal (CE) (￣). The processor 21 performs on-off control of the switches Q2 and Q3 and on-off control of the switches Q1 and Q4 through the gate driver 22.

The charging IC 2 has a V USB power _{path function and a V USB &} V _BAT power path function in addition to the above-described charging function, V _BAT power path function, and OTG function. Below, the internal control contents of the charging IC 2 when each of these functions are effective will be explained. In addition, the specific values of the various voltages described above are preferably the values shown below.

Power supply voltage (V _BAT ) (full charge voltage) = 4.2V

Power supply voltage (V _BAT ) (nominal voltage) = 3.7V

System power voltage (Vcc1)=3.3V

System power voltage (Vcc2)=3.3V

System power voltage (Vcc3)=3.3V

System power voltage (Vcc4)=5.0V

USB voltage (V _USB )=5.0V

Driving voltage (V _bst )=4.9V

(Charging function)

The processor 21 performs on-off control of the switch Q2 and Q4 while controlling the switch Q1 to be on and the switch Q3 to be off. The on-off control of the switch Q4 is performed to adjust the charging current of the power supply BAT. The processor 21 performs on-off control of the switch Q2 so that the voltage at the output terminal SYS becomes the same as the voltage suitable for charging the power source BAT. Thereby, the USB voltage (V _USB ) input to the input terminal (VBUS) is stepped down and output from the output terminal (SYS). The voltage output from the output terminal (SYS) is input as the system power supply voltage (Vcc0) to the input terminal (VIN) of the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8, and is also input from the charging terminal (bat) of the charger IC 2. It is output. In this way, charging of the power supply (BAT) using the voltage obtained by reducing the USB voltage (V _USB ) is performed. Additionally, when the charging function is effective, the system power supply voltage Vcc0 ultimately becomes the same value as the full charge voltage of the power supply BAT. For this reason, the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8 steps down the 4.2V system power supply voltage (Vcc0) input to the input terminal (VIN), generates and outputs a 3.3V system power supply voltage (Vcc1). . When the charging function is valid, the potential of the input terminal (VBUS) of the charger IC 2 becomes higher than the potential of the output terminal (SYS), so the power from the power supply (BAT) flows to the input terminal (VBUS). There is no output from .

(V _USB Power Pass function)

The V _USB Power Pass function is effective when, for example, the power source (BAT) is unavailable due to overdischarge or the like. The processor 21 controls switch Q1 to be on, switch Q2 to be on, switch Q3 to be off, and switch Q4 to be off. As a result, the USB voltage (V _USB ) input to the input terminal (VBUS) is output as is from the switching terminal (SW) without being reduced. The voltage output from the switching terminal (SW) is input to the input terminal (VIN) of the step-up/down-boost DC/DC converter 8 as the system power supply voltage (Vcc0). In this case as well, the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8 steps down the 5V system power supply voltage (Vcc0) input to the input terminal (VIN), generates and outputs a 3.3V system power supply voltage (Vcc1). . Moreover, even when the V _USB power path function is enabled, the processor 21 controls the switch Q2 to be turned on, the switch Q3 to be turned on, and the switch Q4 to be turned on. On/off control may be performed. In this way, the step-down from the USB voltage (V _USB ) of 5.0 V to the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) of 3.3 V can be performed separately between the charger IC 2 and the step-up/down-boost DC/DC converter 8. For this reason, it is possible to suppress load and heat generation from being concentrated in the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8.

(V _USB & V _BAT power pass function)

The V _USB & V _BAT power pass function becomes effective, for example, when charging of the power source (BAT) is completed and the USB connection continues. The processor 21 performs on-off control of the switch Q2 while controlling the switch Q1 to be on, the switch Q3 to be off, and the switch Q4 to be on. The processor 21 controls the switch Q2 so that the voltage of the output terminal SYS is equal to the voltage of the power supply BAT (power supply voltage V _BAT ). Thereby, the USB voltage (V _USB ) input to the input terminal (VBUS) is stepped down and output from the output terminal (SYS). The USB voltage (V _USB ) input to the input terminal (VBUS) is stepped down and output from the output terminal (SYS), and the voltage output from the output terminal (SYS) from the power source (BAT) via the charging terminal (bat) becomes the same value. For this reason, power including the voltage obtained by stepping down the USB voltage (V _USB ) and power including the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) output from the output terminal (SYS) are synthesized, and a step-up/down-voltage DC/DC converter (8 ) is supplied to the input terminal (VIN). When the V _USB & V _BAT power path function is effective, the potential of the input terminal (VBUS) of the charger IC 2 becomes higher than the potential of the output terminal (SYS), so the power from the power supply (BAT) There is no output from this input terminal (VBUS).

When the V _USB & V _BAT power path function is effective, the step-up or step-down DC/DC converter 8 determines whether to perform step-up or step-down depending on the size of the power supply voltage (V _BAT ). When the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) is 3.3 V or more, the step-up/down-boost DC/DC converter 8 steps down the system power supply voltage (Vcc0) input to the input terminal (VIN) and increases the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) of 3.3 V. ) is generated and output. When the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) is less than 3.3V, the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8 boosts the system power supply voltage (Vcc0) input to the input terminal (VIN) and increases the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) of 3.3V. ) is generated and output.

(V _BAT Power Pass function)

The V _BAT power pass function is effective in modes other than charging mode (for example, sleep mode). The processor 21 controls the switch Q1 and switch Q3 to be turned off. As a result, the power supply voltage V _BAT input to the charging terminal bat is output as is from the output terminal SYS, and is output as the system power supply voltage Vcc0 to the input terminal of the step-up/down-voltage DC/DC converter 8. (VIN) is entered. By this control, the power transmission path between the input terminal (VBUS) of the charging IC 2 and the switching terminal (SW) is blocked by the parasitic diode of the switch Q1. For this reason, the power supply voltage V _BAT output from the output terminal SYS is not output from the input terminal VBUS.

When the V _BAT power path function is effective, the step-up or step-down DC/DC converter 8 determines whether to perform step-up or step-down depending on the size of the power supply voltage (V _BAT ). The step-up/download DC/DC converter 8 steps down the power supply voltage (V _{BAT) when the power supply voltage (V BAT} ) input to the input terminal (VIN) is 3.3 V or more, and increases the system power supply voltage ( _Vcc1 ) of 3.3 V. ) is generated and output. When the power supply voltage (V BAT ) input to the input terminal (VIN) _is less than 3.3 V, the step-up/down DC/DC converter 8 boosts the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) and increases the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) of 3.3 V. ) is generated and output.

(OTG function)

The OTG function becomes effective simultaneously with the V _BAT power path function, for example, in active mode. When both the OTG function and the V _BAT power path function are valid, the processor 21 controls the switch Q3 on and off while the switch Q1 is controlled to be on. As a result, the power supply voltage V _BAT input to the charging terminal bat is output as is from the output terminal SYS, and is output as the system power supply voltage Vcc0 to the input terminal of the step-up/down-voltage DC/DC converter 8. (VIN) is entered. Additionally, the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) output from the output terminal (SYS) is input to the switching terminal (SW) of the charger IC (2). The processor 21 controls the switch Q3 so that the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) input to the switching terminal (SW) is equal to the system power supply voltage (Vcc4). As a result, the power supply voltage (V _BAT ) input to the switching terminal (SW) is boosted and output from the input terminal (VBUS). The voltage output from the input terminal (VBUS) is input to the LEDs (L1 to L8) as the system power supply voltage (Vcc4).

In this way, the charger IC 2 has both a function as a step-down converter that steps down the USB voltage (V _USB ) and a function as a step-up converter that steps up the power supply voltage (V _BAT ). The voltage input from the charger IC 2 to the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8 varies in various ways depending on the function that the charger IC 2 is validating. However, even if there is such variation, the system power supply voltage Vcc1 (power including the system power supply voltage Vcc1) can be kept constant by the step-up and step-down DC/DC converter 8 selectively performing step-up and step-down. . In addition, if the voltage of the system power supply voltage (Vcc0) input to the input terminal (VIN) of the step-up DC/DC converter 8 is equal to 3.3V, which is the voltage of the system power supply voltage (Vcc1), the step-down DC/DC converter (8) outputs the system power supply voltage (Vcc0) as the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) from the output terminal (VOUT) without performing any step-up or step-down.

(protective control)

In the suction device 100, the temperature of the power supply BAT (hereinafter referred to as power supply temperature T _BAT ) can be obtained from the resistance value (output value) of the power thermistor T1, and the resistance value of the heater thermistor T3. The temperature of the heater (HTR) (hereinafter referred to as heater temperature (T _HTR )) can be obtained by (output value), and the temperature of case 110 (hereinafter described as heater temperature (T HTR)) can be obtained by the resistance value (output value) of the case thermistor (T4). Case temperature (described as T _CASE ) can be obtained. And, in the suction machine 100, at least one of the power supply temperature (T _BAT ), heater temperature (T _HTR ), and case temperature (T _CASE ) is far from the value under the recommended environment in which the suction machine 100 is used. In this case, protection control is implemented to prohibit charging of the power source (BAT) and discharging (hereinafter also referred to as charging and discharging) from the power source (BAT) to the heater (HTR), thereby improving safety. This protection control is implemented by MCU (1) and FF (17).

Protective control that prohibits charging and discharging refers to controlling electronic components so that charging and discharging is impossible. In order to disable discharge from the power supply (BAT) to the heater (HTR), input a low-level signal to the enable terminal (EN) of the step-up DC/DC converter (9) (or change the potential of the enable terminal (EN)). is set to negative) to stop the boosting operation, and a low level signal is input to the gate terminal of switch S6 (or the potential of the gate terminal is set to negative) to connect the heater connector (Cn) (-) on the cathode side. Just block the connection to the ground. In addition, discharge from the power source (BAT) to the heater (HTR) can be prevented by only stopping the boost operation of the step-up DC/DC converter (9) or disconnecting the heater connector (Cn) (-) and the ground. It is possible to make it impossible. In order to disable charging of the power source (BAT), a high-level signal is input to the charging enable terminal (CE) (￣) of the charging IC (2) to stop the charging operation of the charging IC (2). .

Below, an example of prohibiting charging and discharging as protection control will be described. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety, the protection control may be a control that prohibits only charging or a control that prohibits only discharging.

When protective control is implemented, it is desirable for further restrictions on operating modes to be implemented. In the following, when protection control is implemented, the operation mode is limited. However, since the operation mode is managed by the MCU 1, the operation mode does not need to be restricted when the MCU 1 is not operating for some reason.

The protection control implemented in the suction device 100 includes manual return protection control that can be terminated by resetting the MCU 1 through user operation, and improvement of the temperature environment without requiring a reset of the MCU 1. It includes automatic reset protection control that can be terminated automatically and non-return protection control that cannot be terminated. The operation mode of the suction device 100 includes an error mode and a permanent error mode in addition to those described in FIG. 9. In this specification, when referring to “all operating modes of the aspirator,” it means all operating modes (all operating modes shown in FIG. 9) except these error modes and permanent error modes.

When manual return protection control or automatic return protection control is implemented, the suction device 100 transitions to the error mode, and transition to other operation modes becomes impossible. Additionally, in the error mode, the state of the power supply voltage (supply state of the system power supply voltage) in the immediately preceding operation mode is maintained. That is, in the error mode, functions executable in the immediately previous operation mode (for example, acquisition of temperature information, etc.) except charging and discharging become executable. In the error mode, when the MCU 1 is reset, the manual return protection control is terminated. In the error mode, when the temperature environment is improved, the automatic recovery protection control is terminated. When the manual return protection control or automatic return protection control ends, the restrictions on the operation mode are released, and the operation mode transitions to the sleep mode. After that, the operation mode can be changed by user operation, etc.

When non-return protection control is implemented, the suction device 100 transitions to permanent error mode. In the permanent error mode, all functions of the suction device 100 become unusable, and the suction device 100 requires repair or disposal.

The MCU (1) outputs a low-level signal from the terminal (P14) to stop the boosting operation of the step-up DC/DC converter (9) and to block the connection between the heater connector (Cn) (-) on the cathode side and the ground. At the same time, a high-level signal is output from the terminal P22 to stop the charging operation of the charger IC 2, thereby performing protection control. When only charging is prohibited, there is no need to output a low-level signal from the terminal P14, and when only discharging is prohibited, there is no need to output a high-level signal from the terminal P22.

FF (17) outputs a low level signal from the Q terminal, stops the boosting operation of the step-up DC/DC converter (9), cuts off the connection between the heater connector (Cn) (-) on the cathode side and the ground, and By stopping the charging operation of the charger IC 2 by turning on the polar transistor S1, protection control is performed without going through the MCU 1.

FF(17) outputs a low-level signal from the Q terminal when the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal switches from high level to low level. This low level signal is also input to the P10 terminal of MCU (1). While a low level signal is input to the terminal P10, the MCU 1 does not switch the signal input to the CLK terminal (not shown) of the FF 17 from low level to high level. In other words, while a low level signal is input to the terminal P10, the CLK signal of the FF (17) does not occur. Additionally, when the MCU 1 is, for example, in a frozen state, the signal input to the CLK terminal (not shown) of the FF 17 remains at a low level. Therefore, regardless of whether the MCU (1) is operating normally or is down, a low-level signal is output from the Q terminal of FF (17) and then input to the CLR (￣) terminal of FF (17). Even if the signal changes from low level to high level, the low level signal continues to be output from the Q terminal of FF (17). As explained in FIG. 19, when the MCU 1 is reset, the FF 17 is restarted (the system power supply voltage Vcc2 is reapplied). Since the reset MCU (1) operates in sleep mode, the system power voltage (Vcc3) is not input to the heater thermistor (T3) and case thermistor (T4), and the output of the operational amplifier (OP2) and the operational amplifier (OP3) are not input. All outputs become high level. As a result, a high level signal is input to the D terminal and the CLR (￣) terminal of the FF (17). At this timing, since no low-level signal is input to the terminal P10 due to the restart of the FF (17), the MCU (1) generates the CLK signal of the FF (17). This makes it possible to return the output of the Q terminal of the FF (17) to the high level. When the output of the Q terminal of the FF (17) returns to the high level, the protection control by the FF (17) ends.

As described above, the signal output from the Q terminal of the FF 17 is also input to the terminal P10 of the MCU 1. For this reason, the MCU 1 can detect that the FF 17 has performed protection control based on the low level signal input to the terminal P10. When the MCU 1 detects that the FF 17 has performed protection control, it is desirable to have the notification unit 180 issue a reset request notification of the MCU 1 and transition to the error mode.

(Details of reset of MCU(1))

If the operation mode shifts to error mode due to execution of manual return protection control, or if the MCU(1) does not operate normally (down) for some reason, reset (restart) the MCU(1). ) is required.

FIG. 21 is a main circuit diagram showing major electronic components related to the reset operation of the MCU 1 among the electric circuits shown in FIG. 10. In FIG. 21, a motor connector (Cn(m)) and a resistor (R7), which were not labeled in FIG. 10, are additionally shown. A vibration motor M is connected to the motor connector Cn(m). The motor connector Cn(m) is connected in parallel to the power supply terminal VDD of the MCU 1 through the switch S7. Accordingly, when the supply of the system power voltage (Vcc2) to the power terminal (VDD) of the MCU (1) is stopped, the supply of the operating voltage to the vibration motor (M) is also stopped. The resistor R7 has one end connected to a node connecting the control terminal (ON) of the LSW 4 and the reset input terminal (RSTB) of the switch driver 7, and is connected to the input terminal (VIN) of the switch driver 7. The other end is connected to .

Resetting the MCU (1) is performed by stopping the supply of the system power supply voltage (Vcc2), which is the operating voltage of the MCU (1), to the power supply terminal (VDD) of the MCU (1), and then resuming the supply. . As shown in FIG. 20, the system power supply voltage Vcc2 is LSW(4) when LSW(4) is closed (electrical connection between input terminal (VIN) and output terminal (VOUT) is closed). ) is output from the output terminal (VOUT). In other words, the system power supply voltage (Vcc2) is that of the LSW (4) when the LSW (4) is open (the electrical connection between the input terminal (VIN) and the output terminal (VOUT) is cut off). There is no output from the output terminal (VOUT). And, the opening and closing control of the LSW 4 is performed by the switch driver 7. In this way, in the suction device 100, the switch driver 7 controls the opening and closing of the LSW 4, thereby enabling the MCU 1 to be reset.

The system power supply voltage (Vcc1) is input to each input terminal (VIN) of the LSW (4) and the switch driver (7). For this reason, in a state where the system power supply voltage Vcc1 is generated in the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8, the LSW 4 and the switch driver 7 operate simultaneously. The switch driver 7 includes, for example, a switch installed between the reset input terminal (RSTB) and the ground terminal (GND), and when this switch is closed, the potential of the reset input terminal (RSTB) is ground. It becomes a level (low level). The input terminal (VIN) and the reset input terminal (RSTB) of the switch driver 7 are connected in parallel through a resistor R7. For this reason, as long as the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) is generated in the step-up/download DC/DC converter 8 and the switch built into the switch driver 7 is open, the potential of the reset input terminal (RSTB) is high. It becomes a level. The control terminal (ON) for controlling the opening and closing of the LSW (4) is connected to the output terminal (VOUT) of the step-up/down-voltage DC/DC converter (8) through a resistor (R7), and is connected to the output terminal (VOUT) of the switch driver (7). It is connected to the reset input terminal (RSTB). Accordingly, when the switch built into the switch driver 7 is open, a high-level voltage based on the system power supply voltage Vcc1 is input to the control terminal (ON) of the LSW (4). On the other hand, when the switch built into the switch driver 7 is closed, one end of the resistor R7 is connected to the ground, so a high-level signal based on the system power supply voltage Vcc1 is transmitted to the control terminal of the LSW 4. (ON) is not input, and the signal input to the control terminal (ON) of LSW (4) is at low level. In this way, the switch driver 7 controls the opening and closing of the LSW 4 by controlling the potential of the reset input terminal (RSTB).

The switch driver 7 controls the potential of the reset input terminal RSTB based on the voltage input to the terminal SW1 and the voltage input to the terminal SW2. The voltage input to the terminal SW1 becomes a low level (ground level) when the operation switch OPS is pressed, and becomes a high level when the operation switch OPS is not pressed. The voltage input to the terminal SW2 is at a low level when the outer panel 115 is separated from the inner panel 118, and is at a high level when the outer panel 115 is mounted on the inner panel 118. It becomes a level.

The switch driver 7 satisfies the panel condition that the outer panel 115 is separated from the inner panel 118, and the pressure of the operation switch (OPS) continues for a predetermined period of time (hereinafter referred to as the reset operation time). When the switch operation condition is met, a reset process to reset the MCU 1 is started. A state in which both panel conditions and switch operation conditions are met is defined as a state in which the restart condition is met. A state in which the operation switch (OPS) continues to be pressed after both the panel condition and the switch operation condition are satisfied is defined as a state in which the restart condition continues to be satisfied.

The reset process means that after waiting for a predetermined delay time (td) of 0 seconds or more, the switch built into the switch driver 7 is closed to control the LSW 4 in an open state, and the time for which the switch is closed thereafter is When the preset time is reached, the switch is opened to return LSW (4) to the closed state. The switch driver 7 operates after the start of pressing the operation switch (OPS) in a state in which the panel conditions are satisfied, when the panel conditions are not satisfied while waiting for the reset operation time to elapse, or when the user switches the operation switch (OPS). When the pressing of OPS is stopped, it returns to the standby state without executing reset processing. After starting the reset process, the switch driver 7 opens the built-in switch and resets it when the closing time of the built-in switch reaches the preset time, regardless of whether the restart condition is met. terminates. In other words, even if the panel conditions are met and the restart conditions are met by continuing to press the operation switch (OPS) until the time for which the switch built into the switch driver 7 is closed reaches the preset time, , the switch driver (7) opens the built-in switch and returns the LSW (4) to the closed state.

The above reset operation time is the duration of pressing the operation switch (OPS) required to transition from the active mode to the heating setting mode (to instruct the start of heating of the rod 500 by the heater (HTR)). It is preferable to set it to a different value from (hereinafter referred to as heating start operation time). By doing this, in order to reset the MCU 1, a different operation is required from the operation for performing aerosol generation, which will be performed frequently. For this reason, it is possible to reset the MCU 1 under the clear intention of the user. Additionally, it is more preferable to set the reset operation time to a value longer than the heating start operation time. By doing this, it becomes possible to reset the MCU 1 under the clearer intention of the user.

As an example, the heating start operation time is 1 second, and the reset operation time is 5 seconds. These figures are examples and are not limited thereto.

If the MCU 1 is not down, when the reset process is started by the switch driver 7 (in other words, when the restart condition is met), the MCU 1 sends the notification unit 180 (vibration motor M) and LEDs (L1 to L8) are preferably controlled to cause the notification unit 180 to notify the user. As a method of notification, the LEDs L1 to L8 may be lit in a predetermined pattern, the vibration motor M may be vibrated, or a combination thereof may be used. With this notification, the user can recognize that the MCU 1 will be reset by continuing the current operation. Additionally, the MCU 1 may execute this notification or a notification different from this notification while waiting for the reset operation time to elapse.

In addition, when the delay time (td) is set to a value greater than 0, the MCU 1 does not receive the notification by the notification unit 180 according to the start of the reset process even if the delay time (td) has elapsed. It is advisable to complete it beforehand. By doing this, the user can recognize that the reset of the MCU 1 will soon begin upon completion of the notification. Of course, the above notification by the notification unit 180 may be continued until the delay time td elapses. In this case as well, since the vibration motor M operates by the system power supply voltage Vcc2, the notification is completed at the same time as the supply of the system power supply voltage Vcc2 to the MCU 1 is stopped. It becomes possible to recognize that a reset has been initiated.

As a result of the MCU 1 being down, for example, a situation may be considered in which the heater (HTR) is excessively heated.

As described above, when the temperature of the heater HTR (temperature of the heater thermistor T3) becomes excessive, the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP2 becomes low level. This low level voltage is input to the CLR(￣) terminal of FF(16). FF(16) sets the output of the Q terminal to low level when the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal becomes low level. The Q(￣) terminal of the FF(16) is a terminal that outputs a voltage that is the inverted output of the Q terminal of the FF(16). Therefore, when the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal becomes low level, the FF(16) outputs a high level signal from the Q(￣) terminal. Additionally, in a normal state where the temperature of the heater (HTR) (the temperature of the heater thermistor (T3)) is not excessive, the signal input to the CLR (￣) terminal of the FF (16) is at a high level. For this reason, in a normal state, the FF16 outputs a low-level voltage obtained by inverting the high-level voltage (system power supply voltage Vcc1) input to the D terminal from the Q(￣) terminal.

Assume that the MCU 1 is down due to noise. When the MCU 1 is down, the user separates the outer panel 115 from the inner panel 118 and continues to press the operation switch (OPS) to reset the MCU 1. . Even while the MCU (1) is being reset, the system power supply voltage (Vcc1) continues to be supplied to the power supply terminal (VCC) of the FF (16). For this reason, before and after resetting the MCU 1, the FF 16 continues to hold information (high level output of the Q(￣) terminal) indicating that the temperature of the heater HTR has become excessive.

When the voltage input to the terminal (P11) becomes high, the restarted MCU (1) detects that the temperature of the heater (HTR) has become excessive, executes protective control, and changes the operation mode to permanent error. Transition to mode. That is, the protection control executed here is non-return protection control. In this way, even when overheating of the heater (HTR) occurs as a result of the MCU (1) being shut down, the MCU (1) can be restored to normal operation by reset and the operation mode can be transitioned to the permanent error mode. As a result, the suction device 100 can be rendered unusable and safety can be improved.

As described above, in the suction machine 100, the switch driver 7 determines both the switch operation condition, which is a condition related to the operation of the operation switch OPS, and the panel condition, which is a different condition from the operation of the operation switch OPS. If satisfied, the LSW (4) is opened and closed to reset the MCU (1). Techniques for resetting a controller when a single condition is met are well known. However, in the suction device 100, the MCU 1 is reset when a plurality of conditions are met. For this reason, reset of the MCU 1 due to erroneous operation or any shock is suppressed, and the MCU 1 can be reset only when necessary.

Additionally, in the suction device 100, when the outer panel 115 is mounted on the inner panel 118, the MCU 1 is not reset even if the operation switch (OPS) is continuously pressed. The MCU 1 is reset by continuously pressing the operation switch (OPS) only in a state in which the outer panel 115 is separated from the inner panel 118. In this way, by switching the functions that can be realized with the same operating member depending on whether the outer panel 115 is mounted or not, the number of operating members can be reduced, improving operability and reducing costs.

Additionally, it is preferable that the MCU 1 notifies the notification unit 180 when it detects that the outer panel 115 has been separated from the inner panel 118. In this way, in order to reset the MCU 1, it is necessary to further operate the operation switch (OPS) while the panel conditions are being notified that they are met. For this reason, the MCU 1 can be reset under the clear intention of the user.

Additionally, when the MCU 1 detects that the outer panel 115 has been separated from the inner panel 118, it is desirable to disable discharge from the power source BAT to the heater HTR. When the outer panel 115 is not mounted, the heat generated by the heating unit 170 is easily transmitted to the user, so by doing this, safety can be improved.

(Preferred form of heating unit 170)

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting surface passing through the case thermistor T4 of the suction device 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 22, the heating unit 170 includes a cylindrical rod receiving portion 172 having an insulating function, a cylindrical heater support member 174 disposed inside the rod receiving portion 172, and a heater support member. It is provided with a normal heater (HTR) supported on the inner peripheral surface of the member 174.

The heater HTR has a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the vertical direction. Specifically, the heater HTR includes flat portions H1 and H2 extending in the vertical direction, spaced apart in the front-back direction and facing each other, and the right end of the flat portion H1 and the right end of the flat portion H2. It is composed of a curved portion (H3) connecting the curved portion (H3) and a curved portion (H4) connecting the left end of the flat portion (H1) and the left end of the flat portion (H2). Additionally, a substantially elliptical shape may be formed by using a curved part with a different curvature from the curved part H3 and H4 instead of the flat parts H1 and H2.

A part of the rod 500 is accommodated in the space 170A surrounded by this elliptical heater HTR. The external shape of the rod 500 is circular, and the diameter of the rod 500 is larger than the distance between the flat portion H1 and the flat portion H2 in the front-back direction. For this reason, the rod 500 inserted into the space 170A is pressed in the front-back direction by the flat portions H1 and H2. By having the heating unit 170 configured as shown in FIG. 21, the contact area between the rod 500 and the heater HTR can be increased, and the rod 500 can be heated efficiently. Reset of the MCU 1 can be performed regardless of whether the load 500 is inserted into this space 170A.

For example, assume that the MCU 1 is down before the rod 500 inserted through the opening 132 (see FIG. 2) is heated, and aerosol generation is not performed. In this case, without performing operations such as taking out the rod 500 from the opening 132 and closing the slider 119, the outer panel 115 is removed with the rod 500 inserted, and the operation switch ( The MCU (1) can be reset just by pressing the OPS. After the MCU 1 returns to the active mode by reset, the user mounts the outer panel 115 and then presses the operation switch OPS for the heating start operation time. As a result, the generation of aerosol that was not performed is performed. In this way, the MCU 1 can be reset without having to insert or remove the load 500, or in other words, open or close the slider 119, thereby reducing the burden on the user and improving usability. You can do it.

Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the scope described in the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

At least the following matters are described in this specification. In addition, in parentheses, corresponding components, etc. in the above-described embodiment are shown, but it is not limited thereto.

(One)

Power (BAT) and

A heater connector (heater connector (Cn)) to which a heater (HTR) that heats the aerosol source (rod 500) by consuming power supplied from the power source is connected,

A controller (MCU(1)) configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater and including a power terminal (power terminal (VDD)) through which power for operation is input;

a switch (LSW(4)) connecting the power supply and a power terminal of the controller;

Provided with a restart circuit (switch driver 7) capable of controlling opening and closing of the switch,

The restart circuit performs a first operation of opening the switch when a restart condition is met, and performs a second operation of closing the switch after execution of the first operation.

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (1), the controller can be restarted by controlling the opening and closing of the switch by the restart circuit, so even if a failure occurs in the controller, it can be reliably reset and return to normal operation.

(2)

As a power unit of the aerosol generating device described in (1),

The restart circuit executes the second operation even if the restart condition continues to be met after execution of the first operation.

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (2), regardless of changes in the situation after power supply to the controller is cut off, power is supplied to the controller again, so the controller can be reliably restarted without requiring user intervention.

(3)

As a power unit of the aerosol generating device described in (1),

In order for the above restart conditions to be satisfied, a predetermined operation by the user (pressing the operation switch (OPS)) needs to be continued for a predetermined period of time.

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (3), the restart condition becomes difficult to meet due to erroneous operation or any shock. For this reason, a situation in which the controller is restarted by mistake is prevented, and the controller can be restarted only by clear operation by the user.

(4)

As a power unit of the aerosol generating device described in (3),

Provided with a notification unit (notification unit 180) capable of executing notifications to users,

The controller is,

Capable of detecting the predetermined operation,

After the predetermined operation continues for the predetermined period and the restart condition is satisfied, and before the first operation is executed (before the delay time td elapses after the restart condition is satisfied), the notification unit is notified. configured to execute,

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (4), the notification before restarting the controller can make the user aware that the controller will restart if the operation continues. Because of this, the user can accurately determine the status of the aerosol generating device.

(5)

As a power unit of the aerosol generating device described in (4),

Provided with a connector (motor connector (Cn(m))) to which the notification unit (vibration motor (M)) is connected,

The connector is connected in parallel to the power terminal of the controller,

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (5), the power source of the notification unit and the power source of the controller are common. As a result, the notification unit does not operate when the controller is restarted, making it easier for the user to recognize that the controller is being restarted.

(6)

As a power unit of the aerosol generating device according to (4) or (5),

The controller is configured to complete the notification to the notification unit after the restart condition is satisfied and before the first operation is performed (before a delay time td elapses after the restart condition is satisfied).

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (6), since notification is completed when the controller is restarted, it becomes easy for the user to understand that the restart is being performed.

(7)

A power unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (6),

The switch is

It includes an input terminal (input terminal (VIN)) connected to the power supply, an output terminal (output terminal (VOUT)) connected to the power terminal of the controller, and a control terminal (control terminal (ON)),

When a high-level voltage is input to the control terminal, it is configured to close the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal,

The input terminal is connected in parallel to the control terminal,

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (7), when the restart circuit is not functioning, a high level voltage can be input to the control terminal of the switch by the power supply. For this reason, when the restart circuit is not functioning, it becomes difficult for the power supply to the controller to be cut off.

(8)

As a power unit of the aerosol generating device described in (7),

The restart circuit is,

It includes a restart terminal (reset input terminal (RSTB)) connected to the control terminal of the switch,

When the restart conditions are met, setting the potential of the restart terminal to a low level,

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (8), a low-level signal is input to the control terminal of the switch only when the restart circuit functions. For this reason, the situations in which the power supply to the controller is cut off can be limited.

(9)

As a power unit of the aerosol generating device described in (8),

The restart circuit includes a first input terminal (terminal SW1) and a second input terminal (terminal SW2),

In order to satisfy the restart condition, a first level voltage needs to be input to the first input terminal and a second level voltage needs to be input to the second input terminal,

The user's operation (pressing the operation switch (OPS)) required to input the voltage of the first level to the first input terminal is the user's operation required to input the voltage of the second level to the second input terminal. Different from the operation (removal of the outer panel 115),

Power unit of the aerosol generating device.

According to (9), when attempting to restart the controller, complex operations are required. For this reason, a situation in which the controller is restarted by mistake is prevented, and the controller can be restarted only by clear operation by the user.

Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the scope described in the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Additionally, each component in the above embodiments may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In addition, this application is based on the Japanese patent application (Patent Application 2021-079905) filed on May 10, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in this application.

100 aspirator
112 case body
115 outer panel
118 inner panel
119 slider
170 heating unit
1 MCU
8 Step-down DC/DC converter
16 flip flops
HTR heater
BAT power
Cn heater connector
Cn(m) motor connector
OPS operation switch
M vibration motor

Claims (9)

Power and
a heater connector to which a heater that heats the aerosol source by consuming power supplied from the power source is connected;
A controller configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater and including a power terminal through which power for operation is input;
a switch connecting the power source and a power terminal of the controller;
Provided with a restart circuit capable of controlling opening and closing of the switch,
The restart circuit performs a first operation of opening the switch when a restart condition is met, and performs a second operation of closing the switch after execution of the first operation.
Power unit of the aerosol generating device. In claim 1,
The restart circuit executes the second operation even if the restart condition continues to be met after execution of the first operation.
Power unit of the aerosol generating device. In claim 1,
In order for the above restart conditions to be met, certain operations by the user need to continue for a certain period of time.
Power unit of the aerosol generating device. In claim 3,
Provided with a notification unit capable of executing notification to the user,
The controller is,
Capable of detecting the predetermined operation,
configured to cause the notification unit to execute a notification after the predetermined operation continues for the predetermined period and the restart condition is satisfied, but before the first operation is executed,
Power unit of the aerosol generating device. In claim 4,
Provided with a connector to which the notification unit is connected,
The connector is connected in parallel to the power terminal of the controller,
Power unit of the aerosol generating device. In claim 4 or claim 5,
The controller is configured to complete notification to the notification unit after the restart condition is satisfied and before the first operation is executed.
Power unit of the aerosol generating device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The switch is
It includes an input terminal connected to the power supply, an output terminal connected to the power terminal of the controller, and a control terminal,
When a high-level voltage is input to the control terminal, it is configured to close the electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal,
The input terminal is connected in parallel to the control terminal,
Power unit of the aerosol generating device. In claim 7,
The restart circuit is,
It includes a restart terminal connected to the control terminal of the switch,
When the restart conditions are met, setting the potential of the restart terminal to a low level,
Power unit of the aerosol generating device. In claim 8,
The restart circuit includes a first input terminal and a second input terminal,
In order to satisfy the restart condition, a first level voltage needs to be input to the first input terminal and a second level voltage needs to be input to the second input terminal,
The user's operation required to input the first level voltage to the first input terminal is different from the user's operation required to input the second level voltage to the second input terminal,
Power unit of the aerosol generating device.