EA044427B1 - POWER UNIT FOR AEROSOL INHALER, AND ALSO CONTROL METHOD AND PROGRAM OF POWER UNIT FOR AEROSOL INHALER - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The invention relates to a power supply for an aerosol inhaler, as well as a control method and program for a power supply for an aerosol inhaler.

State of the art

There is an aerosol inhaler that includes an aerosol-generating source, a load for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating source, a power supply configured to discharge energy to the load, and a control unit for controlling the power source (see, for example, Patent Documents 1-4).

Patent document 1: US 2017/0250552 A1.

Patent document 2: US 2015/0173124 A1.

Patent Document 3: JP-T-2017-518733.

Patent Document 4: JP-A-2017-079747.

Since the aerosol inhaler is used frequently, the aging of the power supply of the aerosol inhaler needs to be delayed.

A device that performs charging control depending on the temperature of the power supply disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4 is known as a power supply charger.

For example, in a charger, if the temperature of the power supply becomes high, then charging is stopped to protect the power supply.

However, if charging is stopped early, the useful operating time of the aerosol inhaler will be reduced.

Consequently, the user's convenience is harmed.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose obtaining the temperature of a power supply, however, no specific method for controlling charging based on the obtained temperature is disclosed.

Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose that when the temperature of the power supply is high, charging is stopped, however, no method for preventing charging from stopping prematurely is disclosed.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply for an aerosol inhaler and a method for controlling and programming a power supply for an aerosol inhaler, allowing the power supply to continue charging as long as possible to extend the useful operating time of the aerosol inhaler.

The essence of the invention

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a power supply for an aerosol inhaler, the power supply comprising: a power source configured to discharge energy to a load for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating source; a temperature measuring unit configured to measure the temperature of the power source; and a control device configured to adjust a first power or a first amount of energy to be supplied to the power source in the case where a measured value of the temperature measuring unit is equal to or higher than the first threshold to a value less than the second power or a second amount of energy, to be supplied to the power source in the event that the measured value is below the first threshold.

Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhaler equipped with a power supply in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the power supply in the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a main part of a power supply in the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 6 is an electrical connection diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of a main part of a power supply in the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1.

Fig. 7 is a timing diagram for explaining the control content of the charging control unit shown in FIG. 5.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1, while charging the power supply.

Description of Embodiments

Next, a description will be made of a power supply for an aerosol inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, an aerosol inhaler equipped with a power supply will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and 2.

Aerosol inhaler.

The aerosol inhaler 1 is a device for inhaling an aerosol containing a flavor without combustion and has the shape of a rod extending along a certain direction (called

- 1 044427 hereinafter in the longitudinal direction A). The aerosol inhaler 1 includes a power supply 10, a first cartridge 20 and a second cartridge 30, which are arranged in order along the longitudinal direction A. The first cartridge 20 can be attached to and detached from the power supply 10. The second cartridge 30 can be attached to and detached from the first cartridge 20. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 can be replaced individually.

Power unit.

The power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment includes a power supply 12, a power supply 12, a charging IC 55, an MCU unit 50, a switch 19, a temperature sensor 17, various sensors and so on in a cylindrical unit housing 11 power supply, as shown in Fig. 3-6. The MCU 50 is an MCU whose shortest control cycle (the inverse of the maximum operating clock frequency) is longer than the shortest control cycle of the charging IC 55.

The power source 12 is a rechargeable battery, an electric double layer capacitor or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion battery.

The temperature sensor 17 is made, for example, using a temperature-sensitive element, the resistance value of which varies depending on the temperature, in particular, an NTC thermistor (negative temperature coefficient thermistor). The temperature sensor 17 is designed to determine the temperature of the power source 12 and is located near the power source 12.

On the upper portion 11a of the power supply housing 11 located on the side of one end in the longitudinal direction A (the side of the first cartridge (20)), a discharge terminal assembly 41 is provided. A discharge terminal assembly 41 is provided to project from an upper surface of the upper portion 11a toward the first cartridge 20, and is configured to be electrically connected to a load 21 of the first cartridge 20. Moreover, on a portion of the upper surface of the upper portion 11a near the assembly 41 terminals for discharge, an air supply portion 42 is provided for supplying air to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20.

On the lower portion 11b of the power supply housing 11 located on the other end side in the longitudinal direction A (the side opposite to the first cartridge 20), a charging terminal assembly 43 is provided that is electrically connectable to an external power supply. A charging terminal assembly 43 is provided on a side surface of the bottom portion 11b so that, for example, at least one of a USB interface terminal, a micro-USB interface terminal, and a Lightning connector terminal (registered trademark) can be connected to it.

However, the charging terminal assembly 43 may be a power receiving portion configured to receive power from an external power source in a non-contact manner. Here, the charging terminal assembly (power receiving portion) 43 may be composed of a power receiving coil. The wireless power transmission system may be of the induction type or may be of the magnetic resonance type. The charging terminal assembly 43 may also be a power receiving portion configured to receive power from an external power source without any contact. In another example, the charging terminal assembly 43 may be configured such that at least one of a USB interface terminal, a micro-USB interface terminal, and a Lightning connector terminal can be connected thereto, and contains the aforementioned power receiving portion.

On the side surface of the upper portion 11a of the power supply housing 11, an actuator unit 14 that can be controlled by the user is provided with an output on the side opposite to the charging terminal unit 43. Specifically, the actuator assembly 14 and the charging terminal assembly 43 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the intersection point of a straight line connecting the actuator assembly 14 and the charging terminal assembly 43 and the centerline of the power supply unit 10 in the longitudinal direction A. The actuating assembly 14 is composed of a push-button switch, touchpad or something similar. An inhalation sensor 15 is provided in the vicinity of the actuating unit 14 for detecting retraction actions.

The charging IC 55 is located, for example, in close proximity to the charging terminal assembly 43 and performs control to convert energy that is input from an external power supply to the charging terminal assembly 43 into charging energy for the power supply 12 and supplying charging energy to the source. 12 food.

The MCU 50 is connected to various sensor devices, such as an inhalation sensor 15 for detecting inhalation actions, a voltage sensor 16 for measuring the supply voltage of the power source 12, and a temperature sensor 17 provided for measuring the temperature of the power source 12, the actuator unit 14, the detector 45 and a memory 18 for storing the number of retraction actions, the time during which energy was supplied to the load 21, and so on, as shown in FIG. 5, and performs various controls of the aerosol inhaler 1. Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly composed of a processor and further includes storage media such as RAM (random access memory) necessary for operating the processor, and ROM (read-only memory) for storing various information. In the present description, the processor is, in particular,

- 2 044427 an electrical circuit configured by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

At the same time, an air inlet (not shown in the drawings) is formed in the power supply housing 11 for air intake. The air inlet hole may be formed around the actuator assembly 14 or may be formed around the charging terminal assembly 43 .

First cartridge.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes a container 23 for containing the aerosol source 22, an electrical load 21 for evaporating the aerosol source 22, a wick 24 for sucking the aerosol source from the container 23 to the load 21, an aerosol channel 25 for flowing the aerosol generated by evaporation of the aerosol source 22 , towards the second cartridge 30 and an end cap 26 for retaining a portion of the second cartridge 30, inside the cylindrical cartridge body 27.

The container 23 is formed to cover the aerosol channel 25 and accommodates the aerosol source 22. A porous element, such as a polymeric fabric or cotton thread, may be placed in the container 23, and the porous element may be impregnated with an aerosol source 22. The aerosol source 22 includes a liquid, such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

The wick 24 is a liquid holding member for sucking the aerosol source 22 from the container 23 to the load 21 using capillary action and is made of, for example, fiberglass, porous ceramic or the like.

Load 21 evaporates aerosol source 22 without combustion, using energy supplied from power source 12 through discharge terminal assembly 41. Load 21 is made of heating wire wound with a predetermined pitch (spiral). However, the load 21 must only be an element capable of spraying the aerosol source 22, thereby producing an aerosol, and is, for example, a heating element or an ultrasonic generator. Examples of the heating element include resistance heater, ceramic heater, induction heating heater and so on.

An aerosol channel 25 is provided on the output side of the load 21 along the centerline L of the power supply unit 10.

The end cap 26 includes a cartridge housing portion 26a for receiving a portion of the second cartridge 30 and a connecting passage 26b for connecting the aerosol channel 25 and the cartridge housing portion 26a.

Second cartridge.

The second cartridge 30 houses a flavor source 31 . An end portion of the second cartridge 30 on the side of the first cartridge (20) is removably inserted into a cartridge receiving portion 26a provided in the end cap 26 of the first cartridge 20. The other end portion of the second cartridge 30 on the side opposite to that of the first cartridge (20) made in the form of an inhalation channel 32 for the user. However, the inhalation channel 32 does not have to be integral with the second cartridge 30, without the possibility of separation from the second cartridge, and can be configured to be connected and disconnected with the second cartridge 30. If the inhalation channel 32 is made separately from the power supply unit 10 and the first cartridge 20 as described above, the inhalation channel 32 can be stored under hygienic conditions.

The second cartridge 30 adds flavor to the aerosol generated by evaporation of the aerosol source 22 by the load 21 as the aerosol flows through the flavor source 31 . As a raw material product that provides a source of flavor, a compact made by molding cut tobacco or fresh tobacco leaves into the form of granules can be used. The flavoring source 31 may be made from a plant (eg, mint or herbal remedy or aromatic herbs) other than tobacco. A flavoring agent such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 31.

The aerosol inhaler 1 of the present embodiment can produce a flavor-containing aerosol due to the aerosol source 22, the flavor source 31, and the load 21. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 constitute an aerosol-forming source for generating the aerosol.

The aerosol generating source in the aerosol inhaler 1 is a part that can be replaced by the user for use. This portion may provide, for example, one first cartridge 20 and one or more (eg, five) second cartridges 30 in one set for the user.

The configuration of the aerosol source that can be used in the aerosol inhaler 1 is not limited to the configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are formed separately, and may be the configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are formed as one piece, the configuration , in which the flavor source 31 is absent, and the aerosol source 22 contains a substance that may be contained in the flavor source 31, a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 contains a medical substance or the like instead of the flavor source 31, and so on.

For an aerosol inhaler 1 including an aerosol-forming source made by integrally forming an aerosol source 22 and a flavoring source 31, for example, it is possible

- 3 044427 provide one or more (eg 20) aerosol generating sources in one set for the user.

In the body of the aerosol inhaler 1 including only the aerosol source 22 as the aerosol source, for example, it is possible to provide one or more (eg, 20) aerosol sources as one set to the user.

In the aerosol inhaler 1 constructed in the above-described manner, as shown by arrow B in FIG. 3, air flowing from an inlet (not shown in the drawings) formed in the power supply housing 11 flows through the air supply portion 42 and flows near the load 21 of the first cartridge 20. The load 21 evaporates the aerosol source 22 sucked from the container 23 by the wick 24. The aerosol generated by evaporation flows through the aerosol channel 25 along with the air flowing from the inlet and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 through the connecting passage 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 flows through the flavor source 31 and is thereby supplemented with flavor, and is supplied to the inhalation channel 32.

The aerosol inhaler 1 is also provided with a detector 45 for presenting various information (see FIG. 5). The detector 45 may be configured with a light-emitting element, or may be configured with a vibration element, or may be configured with a sound-emitting element. The detector 45 may be a combination of at least two elements of light emitting elements, vibration elements and sound emitting elements. The detector 45 may be provided in any component of the power supply 10, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30; however, in a preferred embodiment, the detector is provided in the power supply 10. For example, the area around the actuator 14 is designed to be light-transmitting to allow the through passage of light that is emitted by a light-emitting element, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Electrical diagram.

Next, a detailed description will be given of the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10 with reference to FIGS. 6.

The power supply 10 includes, as main components, a power supply 12, a temperature sensor 17, a switch 19, a positive pole electrode discharge terminal 41a and a negative pole electrode discharge terminal 41b, which constitute a discharge terminal assembly 41, a discharge terminal 43a a positive pole electrode charging terminal and a negative pole electrode charging terminal 43b, which constitute a charging terminal assembly 43, an MCU 50, a charging IC 55, resistors 61 and 62 consisting of elements having resistance values, such as resistive elements or transistors, switches 63 and 64, consisting of transistors, such as MOSFETs or similar devices, and resistive elements 65.

The present embodiment provides an example using a BQ24040DSQT chip from Texas Instruments Inc. as the charging IC 55; however, the charging IC is not limited to the above-mentioned chip. The charging IC 55 has a plurality of contact pins (hereinafter referred to as pins) including an IN pin (labeled IN in FIG. 6), an OUT pin (labeled OUT in FIG. 6), a TS pin (labeled TS in FIG. 6), a #CHG pin (labeled #CHG in FIG. 6), and an EP pin (labeled EP in FIG. 6), as contacts for electrical connection with external components. However, it should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts that are provided in the charging IC 55 are described.

However, in the present embodiment, an example is presented using a PIC16F18346 chip from Microchip Technology Inc. as the MCU 50; however, the MCU is not limited to the above-mentioned chip. The MCU 50 has a plurality of pins including a Vdd pin (labeled Vdd in FIG. 6), a RA4 pin (labeled RA4 in FIG. 6), a #RC3 pin (labeled #RC3 in FIG. 6), a #RC4 pin (labeled #RC3 in FIG. 6), a #RC4 pin (labeled #RC3 in FIG. #RC4 in FIG. 6), pin #RC5 (labeled #RC5 in FIG. 6), pin RB7 (labeled RB7 in FIG. 6), and pin EP (labeled EP in FIG. 6), as contacts for electrical connection with external components. However, it should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts that are provided in the MCU 50 are described.

The IN pin of charging IC 55 is an input for energy that is supplied from the charging terminal assembly 43 (energy for generating charging energy). The IN pin of charging IC 55 is connected to pin 43A to charge the positive pole electrode.

The OUT pin of Charge IC 55 is the output for charging energy generated by Charge IC 55. The 60V power supply line is connected to the OUT pin of Charge IC 55. This 60V power supply line is connected to terminal 41a for discharging the positive pole electrode through switch 19.

The EP pin of charger IC 55 is the ground pin. The EP terminal of charging IC 55 is connected to a ground line 60E, which connects the negative electrode charging terminal 43b and the negative electrode discharging terminal 41b.

The #CHG pin of charger IC 55 is a pin for outputting charging status information indicating that charging is in progress, charging has stopped, or charging has been completed. The #CHG pin of charging IC 55 is connected to the #RC5 pin of MCU 50.

- 4 044427

The TS pin of charging IC 55 is a pin for outputting a voltage value that is applied to a resistor that is connected to this pin (voltage value depending on the resistance value of the corresponding resistor). From the voltage applied to the TS pin, you can determine the resistance value of the resistor that is connected to the TS pin (in other words, the temperature of the corresponding resistor). When a thermistor is used as a resistor that is connected to the TS terminal, the temperature of the resistor that is connected to the TS terminal can be determined from the voltage value applied to the TS terminal.

Charging IC 55 performs the function of controlling the charging voltage to be output from the OUT pin based on the voltage value supplied to the TS pin. Specifically, charging IC 55 outputs a first charging voltage from the OUT terminal in the case where the temperature based on the voltage value supplied to the TS terminal is below the threshold TH1, and outputs a second charging voltage lower than the first charging voltage in case when the temperature has a value that is equal to or higher than the threshold of TH1 and lower than the threshold of TH2, and performs control to prevent the charging voltage from being output from the OUT contact, i.e. stop charging if the temperature is equal to or higher than the TH2 threshold. The threshold TH1 is, for example, 45°C, and the threshold TH2 is, for example, 60°C.

The voltage value across the resistor, which is connected to the TS contact, in the case when the temperature of the resistor becomes equal to the TH1 threshold, is denoted by Vmax, and the voltage value across the resistor, which is connected to the TS contact, in the case when the resistor temperature becomes equal to the TH2 threshold, is denoted by Vmin . In the case where the resistor that is connected to the TS pin is an NTC thermistor, as the temperature of the resistor increases, the resistance value of the resistor decreases. Therefore, the relation Vmax > Vmin is established. This fact should be noted. In view of the above description, charging IC 55 outputs a second charging voltage from the OUT pin in the case where the voltage value supplied to the TS pin is contained in a predetermined range from above Vmin to equal to or below Vmax, and outputs a first charging voltage from OUT contact when the voltage value supplied to the TS contact exceeds Vmax, and stops charging in the case when the voltage value supplied to the TS contact is lower than Vmin.

One end of a resistor 61 is connected to the TS terminal of charging IC 55 of the present embodiment. The other end of the resistor 61 is connected to a ground line 60E. Also connected to the TS pin of charge IC 55 is one end of switch 63. Also connected to the other end of switch 63 is one end of resistor 62. The other end of resistor 62 is connected to ground line 60E.

Each of resistor 61 and resistor 62 has a predetermined constant resistance value. Resistor 61 and the series circuit of switch 63 and resistor 62 are connected to the TS pin in parallel. Therefore, when switch 63 is off (in a non-conducting state), the TS pin is supplied with a voltage value V1, which is created across resistor 61 by the current flowing from TS pin into resistor 61.

The voltage value V1 takes a fixed value because the resistance value of the resistor 61 has a constant value. The resistance value of the resistor 61 is set in advance so that the voltage value V1 takes an arbitrary value in the above-mentioned coverage range (above Vmin and equal to or less than Vmax). The resistance value of the resistor 61 is desirably set in advance so that when the median value of the preset range is Vc, the voltage value V1 is closer to Vmax than to Vc. In this case, even if the voltage value supplied to the TS pin changes due to noise or errors, it is possible to continue charging the power supply 12 from the charging IC 55. As described above, the resistance value of the resistor 61 is set so that the voltage value V1 took the value to output the second charging voltage from the OUT pin of charging IC 55. Specifically, the resistance value of resistor 61 is 4.7 kΩ.

However, the resistance value of the resistor 62 is set to a value that is sufficiently less than the resistance value of the resistor 61. Therefore, when the switch 63 is turned on (in a conducting state), current preferably flows from the TS terminal to the resistor 62, and a voltage value is applied to the TS terminal V2, which is created on resistor 62 by current.

This voltage value V2 takes on a fixed value because the value of resistor 62 has a constant value. The resistance value of the resistor 62 is set in advance so that the voltage value V2 takes an arbitrary value below Vmin. As described above, the resistance value of the resistor 62 is set in advance so that the voltage V2 becomes the value to stop charging the power supply 12 from the charging IC 55.

However, resistor 62 is optional and can be omitted. In other words, the other end of switch 63 can be connected directly to ground line 60E. Here, when the switch 63 is turned on, the TS pin is grounded. Therefore, the voltage value to be applied to the TS pin can be made lower than Vmin. Therefore, by turning on the switch 63, it is possible to stop charging the power source 12 from the charging IC 55. Moreover, by eliminating the resistor 62, the cost and weight can be reduced.

- 5 044427

The positive pole electrode of the power supply 12 is connected to the power supply line 60V, and the negative pole electrode of the power supply 12 is connected to the ground line 60E. Therefore, the power supply can be charged by the charging voltage supplied from the OUT pin of charging IC 55 to the 60V line of the power supply.

The Vdd pin of the MCU 50 is the power supply pin and is connected to the 60V line of the power supply.

The EP pin of MCU 50 is a ground terminal and is connected to ground line 60E.

The RA4 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the switch 63 and serves as an output for performing on/off control of the switch 63.

The RB7 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the switch 19 and serves as an output for executing control to turn the switch 19 on and off.

Pin #RC5 of MCU 50 serves as an output to receive the charging status of Charger IC 55 from Pin #CHG of Charger IC 55.

Pin #RC4 of the MCU 50 is connected to the switch 64 and serves as an output for performing on and off control of the switch 64. One end of the switch 64 is connected to the 60V line of the power supply, and its other end is connected to one end of the resistive element 65. The other end of the resistive element 65 is connected to one end of an NTC thermistor forming a temperature sensor 17. The other end of the NTC thermistor forming the temperature sensor 17 is connected to the ground line 60E.

Pin #RC3 of the MCU 50 serves as an output for detecting the temperature of the power supply 12. Contact #RC3 of the MCU 50 is connected to the connection point of the resistive elements 65 with the temperature sensor 17.

When the switch 64 is turned on (in the conducting state), the voltage on the 60V line of the power supply is shared by the resistive element 65 and the temperature sensor 17, and the voltage value that is applied to the temperature sensor 17 is applied to pin #RC3 of the MCU 50. The MCU 50 performs the function of measuring the temperature of the power supply 12 based on the voltage value that is supplied to pin #RC3, as explained below.

Meanwhile, when the switch 64 is turned off (in a non-conducting state), no voltage is supplied to the temperature sensor 17. Therefore, in this case, the MCU 50 switches to a state in which it cannot receive the temperature of the power supply 12.

The switch 19 consists of a semiconductor element, such as a MOSFET, and is turned on and off under control from the MCU 50.

In the electrical circuit of the power supply 10 shown in FIG. 6, a switch 19 is provided between the positive electrode of the power supply 12 and the terminal 41a for discharging the positive electrode. Instead of this so-called positive control type, the switch 19 may be a negative control element that is provided between the negative electrode discharge terminal 41b and the negative electrode of the power supply 12.

MCU block.

The following is a detailed description of the MCU 50 configuration.

As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 includes an aerosol generation request determination unit 51, a charging control unit 52, a power control unit 53, and a temperature measurement unit 54 as function blocks that are implemented by the processor when executing a program stored in the ROM.

Block 51 for determining the request for the formation of an aerosol determines the request for the formation of an aerosol based on the output signal of the inhalation sensor 15. The inhalation sensor 15 is configured to output a pressure change value in the power supply unit 10 (internal pressure) caused by the user's inhalation through the inhalation channel 32. The inhalation sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor for outputting an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) at according to the internal pressure, which varies depending on the flow rate of air that is sucked from the inlet (not shown in the drawings) towards the inhalation channel 32 (ie, the drawing action of the user). The inhalation sensor 15 may be configured using a capacitive microphone or the like.

The power control unit 53 controls the discharge of the power supply 12 through the discharge terminal unit 41 by turning on and off the switch 19 if the aerosol generation request determining unit 51 detects the aerosol generation request.

The power control unit 53 performs control in such a way that the amount of aerosol that is formed by evaporation of the aerosol source through the load 21 is in the desired range, i.e. so that the power or amount of energy that is supplied from the power source 12 to the load 21 is within a predetermined range. In particular, the power control unit 53 controls the turning on and off of the switch 19, for example, using a PWM (pulse width modulation) method. Alternatively, power control unit 53 may control switch 19 on and off using PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) techniques.

- 6 044427

After power supply to the aerosol generation load 21 begins, if a predetermined period passes, the power control unit 53 stops supplying power from the power source 12 to the load 21. In other words, even though the user actually performs the pulling action, if the period puff exceeds a certain period, the power control unit 53 stops supplying power from the power source 12 to the load 21. A certain period is set to eliminate variation in the user's puff period.

Due to the control of the power control unit 53, the current that flows in the load 21 during one retracting action takes on a substantially fixed value, which is determined depending on the substantially fixed effective voltage that is supplied to the load 21 by PWM and the values resistance of the discharge terminal assembly 41 and the load 21. In the aerosol inhaler 1 of the present embodiment, when the user inhales the aerosol using one unused second cartridge 30, the total time during which energy can be supplied to the load 21 is controlled to a maximum , for example, 120 s. Therefore, it is possible to obtain in advance the maximum amount of energy required to empty (completely use) one second cartridge 30.

The temperature measurement unit 54 measures the temperature of the power source 12 based on the voltage value from the temperature sensor 17, which is supplied to pin #RC3.

The charging control unit 52 controls the charging voltage to be supplied to the power supply 12 by performing on and off control of the switch 63 based on the temperature of the power supply 12 measured by the temperature measuring unit 54 .

Fig. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the control content of the charging control unit 52. As shown in FIG. 7, if the temperature Tbatt of the power supply 12 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold TH2 (in the example of FIG. 7, 45°C), then the charging control unit 52 maintains the switch control signal to be input to the switch 63 at a high level, holding, thereby, the switch 63 is in the on state. When switch 63 is maintained in the on state, the TS pin of charging IC 55 is continuously supplied with a voltage value V2 to stop charging. Therefore, charging of the power supply 12 is stopped, and the charging current for the power supply 12 becomes zero.

In the case where the temperature Tbatt of the power supply 12 is below the threshold TH3, the charging control unit 52 maintains the switch control signal to be input to the switch 63 at a low level, thereby keeping the switch 63 in the off state. Threshold TH3 has a value below threshold TH2 and above threshold TH1 (eg 40°C), and in the example of FIG. 7, the threshold TH3 is 43°C. When the switch 63 is maintained in the OFF state, the TS pin of charging IC 55 is continuously supplied with a voltage value V1 to supply a second charging voltage. Therefore, the second charging voltage is supplied to the power supply 12, and the charging current for the power supply 12 takes a preset value greater than zero.

In the case where the temperature Tbatt of the power supply 12 is in the range of values equal to or higher than the threshold TH3 and lower than the threshold TH2, the charging control unit 52 performs control to switch the switch control signal to be input to the switch 63 between a low level and a high level, with thereby switching switch 63.

As shown in FIG. 7, assuming that the switching cycle is a predetermined unit time interval T, during time T1, which is part of the unit time interval T, the charging control unit 52 performs control to maintain the switch 63 in the on state and during time T2 of the unit interval at a time T other than time T1, the charging control unit performs control to maintain the switch 63 in the off state. Since the switch 63 is switched with the above-described control, the charging current for the power supply 12 alternately changes between a preset value and zero.

When the ratio of time T1 (the time during which control is performed to maintain the on state) to a unit time interval T is set as a duty cycle, in the state in which the temperature Tbatt is below the threshold TH3, control is performed using a duty cycle of 0%, and in the state , in which the temperature Tbatt has a value equal to or above the threshold TH3 and below the threshold TH2, control is performed using a duty cycle greater than 0% and less than 100% (in the example of Fig. 7, the duty cycle is 60%), and in a state in which the temperature Tbatt is above the threshold TH2, control is performed using a duty cycle of 100%.

However, if the control of the switch 63 ensures that it is on, the charging current for the power source 12 is zero. Therefore, it should be noted that the value obtained by subtracting the duty cycle of the switch 63 from 100% corresponds to the duty cycle of the charging current. For example, when the duty cycle of switch 63 is 0%, the duty cycle of the charging current becomes 100%, and when the duty cycle of switch 63 is 60%, the duty cycle of the charging current becomes 40%. In the following description, unless otherwise noted, duty cycles refer to the duty cycles of switch 63.

During periods when control is performed using 0% duty cycle, the effective power

- 7 044427 capacity (average amount of work per unit time interval T charging current) P1, which is supplied to power source 12, takes on the maximum value. During periods when control is performed using a duty cycle greater than 0% and less than 100%, the effective power P2 that is supplied to the power supply 12 has a value lower than the effective power P1. During periods when control is performed using a duty cycle of 100%, the effective power P3, which is supplied to the power supply 12, has a value (minimum value) lower than the effective power P2. In addition, the effective power P2 has a value obtained by subtracting the duty cycle from 100% and multiplying the effective power P1 by the difference (in the example in Fig. 7, a value equal to 0.4 of the effective power P1).

For periods when it is necessary to perform control using a duty cycle greater than 0% and less than 100%, a sufficiently small duty cycle value is preset so that the temperature Tbatt of the power supply 12 does not reach the threshold TH2. For such a duty cycle, a value of at least 50% is preferred, and a value of at least 60% is more preferably. By setting this value, the probability that the temperature Tbatt can reach the threshold TH2 can be sufficiently reduced.

Alternatively, the charging control unit 52 may control the amount of power to be supplied to the power source 12 for a predetermined period (eg, a unit time interval T) instead of the effective power. In the case where the power supply 10 includes a DC-DC converter and a smoothing capacitor, the charging control unit 52 may control the amount of power to be supplied to the power supply 12 instead of the effective power. In this case, for example, over a predetermined period, the charging control unit 52 reduces the amount of charging current while continuously supplying charging current to the power source 12, thereby reducing the amount of energy to be supplied to the power source 12 for a predetermined period. period. In other words, the charging control unit regulates the charging current for the power supply 12 to any of a preset value, an intermediate value less than the preset value, and zero. Here, in a state in which the charging current is adjusted to a predetermined value, it is possible to bring the energy amount to a maximum value, and in a state in which the charging current is adjusted to an intermediate value, it is possible to bring the energy amount to a value less than the maximum value, and in state in which the charging current is adjusted to zero, the amount of energy can be reduced to a minimum value.

The duty cycle may have a constant value or may be a variable value that changes according to the magnitude of the temperature change Tbatt. For example, in the case where the temperature increase Tbatt over a unit time interval T is not less than a predetermined value, the duty cycle is set to be greater than the duty cycle in the case where the increase over a unit time interval is less than a preset value. In this way, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the temperature of the power supply 12 may reach the threshold of TH2 and prolong the charging time of the power supply 12.

However, it is preferable that the value obtained by subtracting the threshold TH3 from the threshold TH2 is not less than the absolute values of the errors of the temperature measurement unit 54 when measuring the temperature of the power source 12. An error in the temperature measurement unit 54 when measuring the temperature of the power source 12 means an error that includes an error in the amount of change in the resistance value of the temperature sensor 17 depending on temperature and an error in the amount of voltage supplied to contact #RC3. Preferably, such measurement errors include gain errors, offset errors, and hysteresis errors of the temperature sensor 17. Such measurement errors range from approximately -2 to 2°C.

The MCU 50 includes a notification control unit in addition to the above-described units. The notification control unit controls the detector 45 so that the detector provides a variety of information. For example, the notification control unit controls the detector 45 in response to determining the due date for replacing the second cartridge 30 so that the detector notifies that it is time to replace the second cartridge 30. The notification control unit determines and notifies the due date for replacing the second cartridge 30 based on the cumulative number of retracting actions. or the total time during which energy was supplied to the load 21, stored in the memory 18. The notification control unit is not limited to notification of the deadline for replacing the second cartridge 30 and can notify the deadline for replacing the first cartridge 20, the deadline for replacing the power source 12, the charging deadline power source 12 and so on.

In the state in which one unused second cartridge 30 is installed, if a predetermined number of retracting actions is performed, or if the total time during which power is supplied to the load 21 as a result of retracting actions reaches a predetermined value (for example, 120 s), the unit The notification control determines that the second cartridge 30 becomes fully used (i.e., the remaining quantity is zero, or the second cartridge is empty), and notifies that the second cartridge 30 is due for replacement.

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However, if it is determined that all of the second cartridges 30 included in one set are completely used up, the notification control unit may determine that one first cartridge 20 included in a single set is completely used up (i.e., the remaining quantity is zero , or the first cartridge is empty), and notify when it is time to replace the first cartridge 20.

Power supply charging operation.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8 is a description of the operation of the aerosol inhaler 1 having the above-described configuration in the process of charging the power supply 12.

If a charging cable is connected to the charging terminal assembly 43, and the charging cable is connected to an external power supply, a charging start signal is supplied from the #CHG pin of the charging IC 55 to the #RC5 pin of the MCU 50. However, in the state before the charging start signal is supplied to pin #RC5 of the MCU 50, the switch 63 and switch 64 are turned off. In other words, if charging starts, the voltage value V1 is applied to the TS terminal of the charging IC 55 according to the resistance value of the resistor 61, and the power supply 12 is charged with the second charging voltage.

After the switching control signal is applied to pin #RC5 of the MCU 50, the MCU 50 regularly measures the temperature of the power supply 12. In particular, the MCU 50 receives the temperature of the power supply 12 over a cycle longer than the shortest control cycle of the power supply (preferably at the same time intervals as the aforementioned unit time interval T), or at a frequency lower than the maximum operating frequency of the power supply , or with an operating clock frequency below the maximum operating clock frequency. When it is time to obtain the temperature of the power supply 12, the MCU 50 turns on the switch 64 and obtains the temperature Tbatt of the power supply 12 from the voltage value supplied to pin #RC3, and turns off the switch 64 (step S1).

Next, the MCU 50 determines whether or not the received temperature Tbatt has a value below the threshold TH2 (step S2). If the temperature Tbatt is equal to or higher than the threshold TH2 (No in step S2), then the MCU 50 maintains the switch 63 in the on state, i.e. performs control using a duty cycle of 100% (step S6). According to this control, the TS pin of the charging IC 55 is supplied with a voltage value V2 corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor 62. Then, the charging IC 55 stops supplying the charging voltage to the power supply 12.

After step S6, the MCU 50 notifies the charging IC 55 that the temperature of the power supply 12 has reached the protection temperature (step S7). If Charger IC 55 receives this message, it issues a charging stop signal from the #CHG pin. Then, the MCU 50 receives this signal and returns the switch 63 to the off state. However, the order of step S6 and step S7 may be reversed, or step S6 and step S7 may be performed simultaneously.

In the case where the temperature Tbatt is below the threshold TH2 (Yes in step S2), the MCU 50 determines whether the temperature Tbatt is below the threshold TH3 (step S3). If the temperature Tbatt is below the threshold TH3 (Yes in step S3), then the MCU 50 maintains the switch 63 in the off state, i.e. performs control using a duty cycle of 0% (step S4).

In the case where the temperature Tbatt is equal to or higher than the threshold TH3 (No in step S3), the MCU 50 controls the switching of the switch 63, for example, using a duty cycle of 60% (step S5). After step S4 and step S5, if the next temperature acquisition time is suitable, the processing returns to step S1.

As described above, according to the power supply 10 shown in FIG. 6, in the case where the measured temperature value of the power supply 12 becomes equal to or higher than the threshold TH3, the effective power that is supplied to the power supply 12 becomes lower than in the case when the temperature Tbatt has a value lower than the threshold TH3. Therefore, the probability that the temperature of the power supply 12 may reach the threshold TH2 can be sufficiently reduced, and the time during which the power supply 12 can be continuously charged can be extended. As a result, the useful operating time of the aerosol inhaler 1 can be extended.

Moreover, according to the power supply 10 shown in FIG. 6, in the case where the measured temperature value of the power source 12 is equal to or lower than the threshold TH2, charging of the power source 12 is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to protect the power supply 12.

However, according to the power supply 10 shown in FIG. 6, in a state in which the temperature of the power supply 12 is below the threshold TH3, the charging IC 55 charges the power supply 12 with a second charging voltage lower than the first charging voltage, which is the maximum charging voltage that the charging IC can output. As described above, it is possible to continuously charge the power supply 12 with a low charging voltage. Therefore, it is possible to delay the aging of the power supply 12.

However, according to the power supply 10 shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to reduce the effective power to be supplied to the power supply 12 by controlling the switching of the switch 63, while allowing the power supply 12 to be charged with a low charging voltage as described above. Therefore, even if you use an inexpensive charger

IC 55 can provide highly precise charging control to limit the temperature rise of the power supply 12.

However, according to the power supply 10 shown in FIG. 6, even in the case of using the charging IC 55, which requires a resistor connected to the TS terminal, control to charge the power supply 12 only with a low charging voltage becomes possible. Therefore, it is not necessary to redesign the charging IC to generate a low charging voltage, and the manufacturing cost of the power supply 10 can be reduced.

Meanwhile, in the power supply 10 shown in FIG. 6, since the resistance value of the resistor that is connected to the TS pin of the charging IC 55 is constant, the temperature of the power supply 12 cannot be sensed by the charging IC 55. However, the MCU 50 receives the temperature of the power supply 12 and controls charging of the power supply 12 based on the received temperature. . Therefore, it is possible to prolong the charging time of the power supply 12 and prevent the aging process of the power supply 12 caused by an increase in temperature.

In addition, the MCU 50 receives the temperature of the power supply 12 in a cycle longer than the shortest control cycle of the power supply. Therefore, the frequency of obtaining the temperature of the power supply 12 is not too high, and therefore power consumption can be reduced. The computing resources of the MCU 50 can also be used for other purposes.

The MCU 50 can also switch between a state in which the temperature of the power supply 12 can be obtained and a state in which the temperature of the power supply 12 cannot be obtained by controlling the on and off control of the switch 64. Because obtaining the temperature becomes possible by simply controlling the switch 64 as described above, the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Since the temperature of the power supply 12 can also be obtained only during periods of time when required, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

In the above-described electrical circuit shown in FIG. 6, ground line 60E is a ground connection; however, this line is sufficient to represent the connection having the lowest potential (the main negative bus) in the power supply 10 and may not be a ground connection.

At least the following inventions (1)-(19) are disclosed herein. In addition, although the corresponding constituent elements, etc. are given in parentheses. in the above-described embodiments, the invention is not limited to them.

(1) A power supply for an aerosol inhaler, the power supply comprising a power source (power supply 12) configured to discharge energy to a load (load 21) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating source;

a temperature measuring unit (temperature measuring unit 54) configured to measure the temperature of the power source; and a control device (MCU (microcontroller unit) 50) configured to adjust a first power (effective power P2) or a first amount of energy to be supplied to the power source in the case where the measured value of the temperature measuring unit is equal to or higher than the first threshold (threshold TH3), to a value less than the second power (effective power P1) or the second amount of energy to be supplied to the power source in the case where the measured value is lower than the first threshold.

According to paragraph (1), in the case where the measured temperature value of the power supply is equal to or higher than the first threshold, the power or amount of energy to be supplied to the power supply is reduced. Therefore, the temperature rise of the power supply can be limited, and the time during which the power supply 12 can be continuously charged can be extended. As a result, the useful operating time of the aerosol inhaler can be extended.

(2) The power supply according to claim (1), wherein in the case where the measured value is equal to or higher than the second threshold (threshold TH2) exceeding the first threshold, the control device stops charging the power supply.

According to paragraph (2), even in the case where charging of the power supply is performed by supplying low power or small amount of energy, if the measured value of the temperature of the power supply becomes equal to or higher than the second threshold, charging of the power supply can be stopped, and therefore protection is possible power supply.

(3) The power supply according to claim (1) or (2), wherein the first threshold is below 45°C.

According to item (3), before the temperature of the power supply reaches 45°C, at which the power supply is expected to age, the power or amount of energy can be reduced. Therefore, aging of the power supply can be prevented.

(4) The power supply according to any one of paragraphs (1) to (3), wherein the control device controls the first power or the first amount of energy to 50% or less of the second power or the second amount of energy.

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According to item (4), the temperature rise of the power supply can be effectively limited.

(5) The power supply according to claim (4), wherein the control device controls the first power or the first amount of energy to 40% or less of the second power or the second amount of energy.

According to item (5), the temperature rise of the power supply can be effectively limited.

(6) The power supply according to claim (1), wherein in the case when the measured value is equal to or higher than the second threshold (threshold TH2) exceeding the first threshold, the control device stops charging the power supply, and in the case when the measured value is equal to or above the first threshold and below the second threshold, the control device controls the first power or the first amount of energy such that the measured value does not become equal to or above the second threshold.

In accordance with paragraph (6), it is possible to prevent the temperature of the power supply from reaching the second threshold. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that charging of the power supply might stop, and it is possible to continue charging as long as possible.

(7) The power supply according to claim (1), wherein in the case when the measured value is equal to or higher than the second threshold (threshold TH2) exceeding the first threshold, the control device stops charging the power supply, and the value that is obtained by subtracting the first threshold from the second threshold, not less than the absolute value of the error of the temperature measurement unit when measuring temperature.

According to paragraph (7), even in the case where it is unclear whether the true temperature is equal to the second threshold or not, due to the existence of a measurement error, when the measured value becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold, i.e. at least before the true temperature exceeds the second threshold, the power or amount of energy can be reduced. Therefore, the temperature of the power supply can be prevented from exceeding the second threshold, and charging can be continued for as long as possible.

(8) The power supply according to claim (1), wherein the first threshold does not exceed 43°C, and the control device controls the first power or the first amount of energy to 40% or less of the second power or the second amount of energy.

According to item (8), it is possible to reduce the power or amount of energy before the temperature of the power supply reaches 45°C, at which the power supply is expected to age. Therefore, aging of the power supply can be prevented.

(9) The power supply according to any one of paragraphs (1) to (8), further comprising a charger (charging chip (IC) 55) configured to convert energy that is input into energy for charging the power supply, wherein charger and control device, only the charger contains a temperature measurement unit.

According to item (9), since the temperature of the power supply can be sensed by a control device generally having higher processing capacity than chargers, the temperature can be accurately obtained at a high frequency, and it is possible to perform high-precision charging and discharging control using the resulting temperature.

(10) The power supply unit as set forth in (9), wherein the control device performs switching control between a state in which the temperature of the power supply can be obtained and a state in which the temperature of the power source cannot be obtained.

According to item (10), since the temperature of the power supply can be obtained at times when the temperature is required, the power consumption can be reduced. The control device's computing resources can also be used for other purposes. In addition, control accuracy can be improved using the power supply temperature.

(11) The power supply according to claim (9) or (10), wherein the charger includes an information input part (TS contact) and is configured to supply any one of the first charging voltage and the second charging voltage lower than the first charging voltage voltage into the power supply, based on the input value that is input from the information input part, a fixed value (V1 voltage value) that is preset as one input value can be input to the information input part, and the fixed value is a value to supply second charging voltage into the power supply.

According to item (11), in the state in which a fixed value is input into the information input portion, the power supply can be charged with a second charging voltage lower than the first charging voltage. For example, by realizing a state in which a fixed value is continuously input into the information input portion, it becomes possible to continuously charge the power supply with a low charging voltage, and it becomes possible to delay the aging of the power supply.

(12) The power supply according to claim (11), further comprising a switch (switch 63) configured to perform switching between a state in which a fixed value is input to the information input portion and a state in which no fixed value is input to the information input portion meanings,

- 11 044427 wherein the control device controls the energy to be supplied to the power source by controlling the switch on and off.

In accordance with paragraph (12), input values other than a fixed value can be entered into the information input part. For example, by turning on the switch, charging with the second charging voltage can be performed such that a first power or a first amount of energy is supplied to the power supply, and charging with the second charging voltage can be stopped by turning off the switch. Therefore, it becomes possible to supply a second power or a second amount of energy less than the first power or a first amount of energy by alternately and repeatedly turning the switch on and off.

(13) The power supply according to item (12), in which, in a state in which a fixed value is not input into the information input portion, the switch causes the charger to input a value (voltage value V2) into the information input portion to stop charging the power supply .

According to item (13), by turning on the switch, charging with the second charging voltage can be performed, so that a first power or a first amount of energy is supplied to the power supply, and by turning off the switch, charging with the second charging voltage can be stopped. Therefore, it becomes possible to supply a second power or a second amount of energy less than the first power or a first amount of energy by alternately and repeatedly turning the switch on and off. However, in a case where the temperature of the power supply is so high that protection of the power supply is required, a value for stopping charging of the power supply may be entered into the information input portion, thereby protecting the power supply.

(14) The power supply for the aerosol inhaler according to claim (12) or (13), wherein the input value is a value related to a voltage to be supplied to a resistor that is connected to the information input portion, the power supply including a fixed resistor ( resistor 61) having a constant resistance value and connected to the information input part, a switch is provided between the information input part and the main negative bus or ground line (ground line 60E), and the information input part and the main negative bus or ground line are directly connected by the switch, due to whereby a fixed value is not supplied to the information input part.

According to item (14), since the information input part and either the main negative bus or the ground line are directly connected, the voltage-related values to be input to the information input part can be made to be sufficiently small values. In the case of using, as a charger, a device having a charging stop function, if a value that is input to the information input part becomes below a threshold, in the corresponding state, the charger can stop charging, and therefore the power supply can be protected.

(15) A power supply for an aerosol inhaler, the power supply comprising a power source (power supply 12) configured to discharge energy to a load (load 21) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating source;

a charger (charging chip (IC) 55) configured to convert energy that is input into energy for charging the power supply; and a control device (MCU (microcontroller unit) 50) configured to perform a first control for stopping the charger from supplying power to the power source and a second control for causing the charger to supply power to the power source, wherein the control device controls the period ratio (duty factor), when the first control is executed, and the period when the second control is executed, for a predetermined unit time interval (unit time interval T).

According to item (15), by controlling only the ratio of the period when the first control is performed and the period when the second control is performed in a predetermined unit time interval, it is possible to control the effective power to be supplied to the power supply. Therefore, even if a low-cost charger is used, high-precision charging control can be performed. For example, by controlling the above ratio depending on the temperature of the power supply, it is possible to limit the increase in the temperature of the power supply, and it is possible to continue charging the power supply as long as possible.

(16) A method for controlling a power supply for an aerosol inhaler, the control method comprising a temperature measuring step for measuring the temperature of a power supply (power supply 12) configured to discharge energy to a load (load 21) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating source; and a step of adjusting a first power or a first amount of energy to be supplied to the power source in the case where the measured temperature value is equal to or higher than the first threshold, to

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Claims (12)

a value less than a second power or a second amount of energy to be supplied to the power source in the event that the measured value is below the first threshold. (17) A power supply control program for an aerosol inhaler for causing a computer to perform a temperature measurement step for measuring the temperature of a power supply (power supply 12) configured to discharge energy to a load (load 21) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating source; and a step of adjusting the first power or the first amount of energy to be supplied to the power source in the case where the measured temperature value is equal to or higher than the first threshold, to a value less than the second power or the second amount of energy to be supplied to the source power in the case when the measured value is below the first threshold. (18) A method for controlling a power supply for an aerosol inhaler, wherein the power supply contains a power source (power supply 12) configured to discharge energy into a load (load 21) for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating source, and a charger (charging IC 55), configured to convert the energy that is input into energy for charging the power source, the control method comprising a control step for performing a first control to stop the charger supplying energy to the power source and a second control to cause the charger to supply energy to the power source, wherein the step The control controls the ratio (duty duty) of the period when the first control is executed and the period when the second control is executed, for a predetermined unit time interval (unit time interval T). (19) A power supply control program for an aerosol inhaler, the power supply comprising a power source (power supply 12) configured to discharge energy to a load (load 21) to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating source, and a charger (charging IC 55) , configured to convert the energy that is input into energy to charge the power source, wherein the control program has the purpose of causing the computer to execute a control step for performing a first control to stop the charger supplying energy to the power source and a second control to cause the charger to supply energy to the power source. a power supply, wherein the control step controls the ratio (duty factor) of the period when the first control is performed and the period when the second control is performed, over a predetermined unit time interval (unit time interval T). CLAIM 1. A power supply for an aerosol inhaler, comprising a housing; a power source that is configured to discharge energy into a load to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating source and that is housed in the housing; a terminal assembly for discharging, configured to electrically connect the load to the power source; a charging terminal assembly configured to electrically connect the power supply to an external power source and separate from the discharging terminal assembly; a temperature measuring unit housed in the housing for measuring the temperature of the power supply; and a control device configured to adjust an effective value of the first charging current to a value less than the effective value of the second charging current, wherein the first charging current is supplied to the power supply in the case where the measured the value of the temperature measurement unit is equal to or higher than the first threshold, and a second charging current is supplied to the power source in the case where the measured value is lower than the first threshold. 2. The power supply according to claim 1, in which the temperature measurement unit is placed in the housing so as to be located near the power source. 3. The power supply according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the measured value is equal to or higher than a second threshold greater than the first threshold, the control device stops charging the power supply. 4. Power supply according to any one of claims 1-3, in which the first threshold has a value below 45°C. 5. The power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device regulates the first power or the first amount of energy that is supplied to the power source in the case where the measured value is equal to or higher than the first threshold, to 50% or less of second power or second- - 13 044427 th amount of energy that is supplied to the power source in the case when the measured value is below the first threshold. 6. The power supply according to claim 5, wherein the control device controls the first power or the first amount of energy to 40% or less of the second power or the second amount of energy. 7. The power supply according to claim 1, wherein in the case when the measured value is equal to or higher than the second threshold exceeding the first threshold, the control device stops charging the power supply, and in the case when the measured value is equal to or higher than the first threshold and below the second threshold , the control device controls the first power or the first amount of energy that is supplied to the power source in the case where the measured value is equal to or higher than the first threshold, such that the measured value does not become equal to or higher than the second threshold. 8. A power supply for an aerosol inhaler, comprising a power source configured to discharge energy into a load to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating source; a terminal assembly for discharge, configured to electrically connect the load to the power source; a charging terminal assembly configured to electrically connect the power supply to an external power source and separate from the discharging terminal assembly; a temperature measuring unit configured to measure the temperature of the power source; and a control device configured to adjust the effective value of the first charging current to a value less than the effective value of the second charging current, the first charging current being supplied to the power source in the case where the measured value of the temperature measuring unit is equal to or higher than the first threshold, and the second charging current current is supplied to the power supply in the case where the measured value is lower than the first threshold, and in the case when the measured value is equal to or higher than the second threshold, exceeding the first threshold, the control device stops charging the power supply, and the value that is obtained by subtracting the first threshold from the second threshold , is equal to or greater than the absolute value of the temperature measurement unit error when measuring temperature. 9. The power supply according to claim 1, wherein the first threshold is 43°C or lower and the control device regulates the first power or the first amount of energy that is supplied to the power source in the event that the measured value is equal to or higher than the first threshold, up to 40% or less of the second power or second amount of energy that is supplied to the power source in the event that the measured value is below the first threshold. 10. The power supply according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a charger configured to convert input energy into energy for charging the power source, wherein of the charger and control device, only the control device contains a temperature measuring unit. 11. The power supply unit as set forth in claim 10, wherein the control device controls switching between a state in which the temperature of the power supply can be obtained and a state in which the temperature of the power supply cannot be obtained. 12. A power supply for an aerosol inhaler, comprising a power source configured to discharge energy into a load to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating source; a terminal assembly for discharge, configured to electrically connect the load to the power source; a charging terminal assembly configured to electrically connect the power supply to an external power source and separate from the discharging terminal assembly; a temperature measuring unit configured to measure the temperature of the power source; a control device configured to adjust the effective value of the first charging current to a value different from the effective value of the second charging current, wherein the first charging current is supplied to the power source in the case where the measured value of the temperature measuring unit is equal to or higher than the first threshold, and the second charging current current is supplied to the power source when the measured value is below the first threshold; a charger configured to convert energy input from a charging terminal assembly into energy to charge a power supply, wherein the charger comprises an input portion and is configured to change an effective value of a charging current that is supplied to the power source based on the input value , which is input from the information input part, from the charger and the control device, only the control device receives the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit, and -