RU2774106C1 - Power supply unit for aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: aerosol production.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to power supply units of the aerosol generating device. The power supply unit for the aerosol generating device includes: a power source for supplying power to the aerosol heater, a socket for receiving power for charging the power source from an external power source, a charger for controlling the charging of the power source with electricity received by the socket, and a controller. According to the invention, the socket and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, and the charger is designed to supply power from the socket and the power supply to the controller through the charger.

EFFECT: ensuring the possibility of supplying power from an external power source to the controller of the power supply unit, even when the power source provided in the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device is in an excessively discharged state.

15 cl, 16 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply for an aerosol generating device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a direct heating mode in which, in a smoking system including a primary device that supplies power to a secondary device and a secondary device that heats an aerosol-forming article, power is supplied from a power source of the primary device to the load of the secondary device (a heating element that heats the aerosol-forming article).

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a solution in which power from a charger is supplied to a heating element provided in a tobacco cartridge.

[0004] Patent Document 1: WO 2018/167817

Patent Document 2: JP-T-2015-500647

[0005] However, in the above-described prior art, when the power supply (for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium battery) provided in the power supply for the aerosol generating device is in an over-discharged state, power cannot be supplied to the power supply controller even when the power supply is connected to an external power supply and the controller cannot be used. Therefore, when the power supply is in an excessively discharged state, even when the power supply is connected to an external power supply, a function in which at least a part of the power supply is controlled by the controller, such as charging the power supply, is impossible, and the aerosol generating device can not use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a power supply for an aerosol generating device that can supply power from an external power supply to a power supply controller even when a power supply provided in a power supply for an aerosol generating device is in an excessively discharged state.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, including: a power supply configured to supply power (power) to a heater configured to heat the aerosol source; a socket configured to receive power for charging the power source from the plug connector connected to the external power source; a charger configured to control the charging of the power supply by the power supply received by the socket; and a controller, wherein the socket and power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, and wherein the charger is configured to supply power from the socket and power supply to the controller via the charger.

[0008] According to the present invention, even when the power supply provided in the power supply for the aerosol generating device is in an over-discharged state, power from an external power supply can be supplied to the power supply controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. one.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. one.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. one.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the systems provided in the power supply of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. one.

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MCU (microcontroller unit) of the power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. one.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an over-discharged state.

Fig. 8 is a diagram (part 1) showing an example of power management.

Fig. 9 is a diagram (part 2) showing an example of power management.

Fig. 10 is a diagram (part 3) showing an example of power management.

Fig. 11 is a diagram (part 4) showing an example of power management.

Fig. 12 is a diagram (part 5) showing an example of power management.

Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing the main parts of the circuit configuration when the first surface of the circuit board of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1, looking to the right.

Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing the main parts of the circuit configuration when the ground layer of the circuit board of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1, looking to the right.

Fig. 15 is a schematic view showing the main parts of the circuit configuration when the power supply layer of the circuit board of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1, looking to the right.

Fig. 16 is a schematic view showing the main parts of the circuit configuration when the second surface of the circuit board of the aerosol inhaler shown in FIG. 1, looking to the right.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, with reference to FIG. 1-3, an aerosol inhaler will be described, which is an example of an aerosol generating device including a power supply unit of the present embodiment.

[0011] (Aerosol inhaler)

The aerosol inhaler 1 is a device for generating an aerosol to which flavor is added without burning and for drawing in the generated aerosol, preferably has a size that fits in the palm of your hand and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The aerosol inhaler 1 may have an ovaloid shape, an elliptical shape, or the like. In the following description, the three orthogonal directions relating to an aerosol inhaler having a substantially cuboid shape will be referred to as the top-down direction, the anteroposterior direction, and the left-to-right direction, in descending order of length. In addition, in the following description, for convenience, as shown in FIG. 1-3, front side, back side, left side, right side, top side and bottom side are given, and front side is shown as Fr, back side is shown as Rr, left side is shown as L, right side is shown as R, top side shown as U and underside shown as D.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1-3, the aerosol inhaler 1 includes a power supply 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30. The first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 can be attached to and detached from the power supply 10. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are replaceable.

[0013] (Power supply)

As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the power supply 10 accommodates various sensors and the like, such as a power supply 12, an internal holder 13, a circuit board 60, and a retraction sensor 15, in an interior space of the power supply housing 11 having a substantially cuboid shape ( also referred to in the following as the internal space of the housing). The power supply 12, the circuit board 60 (including the BMC 50, the discharge terminal assembly 41, the charging terminal assembly 43, and other components (to be described later) are co-located in the power supply housing 11 for ease of carrying and greater convenience for the user. .

[0014] The power supply case 11 is formed from the first case 11A and the second case 11B, which are connectable and detachable in the left-to-right direction (thickness direction), and the first case 11A and the second case 11B are assembled in the left-to-right direction (thickness direction). ) so that a front surface, a rear surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a bottom surface of the power supply unit 10 are formed. The upper surface of the power supply 10 is formed by the display 16.

[0015] In the upper surface of the power supply 10, in front of the display 16, a mouthpiece 17 is provided. In the mouthpiece 17, the tightening port 17a protrudes upward further than the display 16.

[0016] Between the top surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit 10, an inclined surface is provided at an angle downward towards the rear side. On the inclined surface, a control mechanism 18 is provided which can be manipulated by the user. The control mechanism 18 is configured as a push button switch, a touch panel, or the like. and is used when turning on or stopping the operation of the MCU 50 and various sensors in accordance with the user's intent for use or the like.

[0017] On the bottom surface of the power supply 10, a charging terminal assembly 43 is provided that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) that can charge the power supply 12. The charging terminal assembly 43 is, for example, a socket into which a mating plug connector (not shown) can be inserted. As the charging terminal assembly 43, a socket can be used into which various connectors (plug connectors) for a USB cable or the like can be inserted. As an example, in the present embodiment, the charging terminal assembly 43 is a socket in the form of a USB Type-C connector. Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate charging of the power supply unit 10 (that is, the aerosol inhaler 1) at various locations(s) and enable the power supply unit 10 to be charged. The charge terminal assembly 43 is an example of a socket in the present invention.

[0018] Charging terminal assembly 43 may include, for example, a power receiving coil, and may be configured to receive power supplied contactlessly from an external power source. In the present case, the wireless power transmission method may be an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method, or a combination of an electromagnetic induction method and a magnetic resonance method. As another example, the charge terminal assembly 43 may be connected to various connectors for a USB cable or the like, and may include the power receiving coil described above.

[0019] The inner holder 13 includes an inner wall 13r that extends along the rear surface of the power supply 10, a center wall 13c that is provided at a central portion in the anteroposterior direction inside the case and extends parallel to the inner wall 13r, a top wall 13u that extends along display 16 and connects the inner wall 13r with the center wall 13c, the dividing wall 13d, which is orthogonal to the inner wall 13r, the center wall 13c and the top wall 13u, and divides the space separated and formed by the inner wall 13r, the center wall 13c and the top wall 13u to the left space and right space, and a cartridge holding portion 13a connected to the center wall 13c and positioned in front of the center wall 13c and above the bottom surface of the power supply 10.

[0020] The power supply 12 is located in the left space of the inner holder 13. The power supply 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor or the like, and preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source 12 may be one or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolyte solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

[0021] The L-shaped circuit board 60 is located in the space formed by the right space of the inner holder 13 and the bottom space formed between the cartridge holding portion 13a and the bottom surface of the power supply 10. The circuit board 60 is formed by stacking a plurality of layers (four layers in the present embodiment) of the boards, and electronic components (elements) such as a microcontroller unit (MCU) 50 and a charging IC (integrated circuit 55 to be described later) are mounted on circuit board 60.

[0022] Although details will be set forth with reference to FIG. 5 and the like, the MCU 50 is a control device (controller) that connects to various sensor devices such as a retraction sensor 15 that detects a tightening (retraction) operation, a control mechanism 18, a notification unit 45, a memory 19 that stores the number of puffs, the energizing time of the load 21 or the like, and the like, and which performs various control operations of the aerosol inhaler 1, and is an example of a controller in the present invention. Specifically, the MCU 50 is primarily configured using a processor, and further includes a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) required for the operation of the processor and a read only memory (ROM) that stores various types of information. The processor in the present description is, for example, an electrical circuit in which circuit elements, such as semiconductor elements, are combined. Some of the elements (eg, retraction sensor 15 and memory 19) connected to MCU 50 in FIG. 5 may be provided as part of the MCU 50 as a function of the MCU 50 itself.

[0023] The charging IC 55 is an integrated circuit (IC) that controls the charging of the power supply 12 with the power supplied from the charging terminal assembly 43, and which supplies power from the power supply 12 to electronic components and the like. circuit board 60 and is an example of the charger in the present invention.

[0024] A cylindrical cartridge holder 14 that holds the first cartridge 20 is located on the cartridge holding portion 13a.

[0025] A through hole 13b that accommodates the bit terminal assembly 41 (see FIG. 3) provided to protrude from the circuit board 60 towards the first cartridge 20 is provided in the lower end portion of the cartridge holding portion 13a. The bit terminal assembly 41 is a connector that electrically connects the load 21 provided in the first cartridge 20. In addition, the bit terminal assembly 41 is a connector that removably (or easily removably) connects the load 21, and is formed, for example, using a contact or the like. in which the spring is embedded. The bit terminal assembly 41 is an example of a connector in the present invention.

[0026] The through hole 13b is wider than the bit terminal assembly 41, and is configured such that air flows into the inside of the first cartridge 20 through a gap formed between the through hole 13b and the bit terminal assembly 41.

[0027] A retraction sensor 15 that detects a puff is provided on an outer peripheral surface 14a of the cartridge holder 14 at a position facing the circuit board 60. The retraction sensor 15 may be formed by a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. In addition, the cartridge holder 14 is provided with an opening 14b that extends from top to bottom through which the residual amount of the aerosol source 22 contained within the first cartridge 20 can be visually inspected, and is configured so that the user can visually inspect the residual amount of the aerosol source 22, contained inside the first cartridge 20, through the opening portion 14b of the first cartridge 20 from the residual amount inspection window 11w, which has translucent properties and is provided in the power supply case 11.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the mouthpiece 17 is detachably attached to the upper end portion of the cartridge holder 14. The second cartridge 30 is releasably attached to the mouthpiece 17. The mouthpiece 17 includes a cartridge receiving portion 17b that receives a portion of the second cartridge 30 and a communication channel 17c that allows the first cartridge 20 and the cartridge receiving portion 17b to communicate with each other.

[0029] The power supply case 11 is provided with air inlet holes 11i that let outside air in. An air inlet 11i is provided, for example, in the window 11w to control the residual amount.

[0030] (First cartridge)

As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes, within the cylindrical cartridge body 27, a container 23 that stores the aerosol source 22, an electrical load 21 that atomizes the aerosol source 22, a wick 24 that sucks the aerosol source from the container 23 to the load 21, and a flow an aerosol channel 25 through which the aerosol formed by spraying the aerosol source 22 flows towards the second cartridge 30.

[0031] The container 23 is partitioned and shaped to encompass the outer boundary of the aerosol flow channel 25 and stores the aerosol source 22. The container 23 may contain a porous body such as a polymer fabric or cotton thread, and the porous body may be impregnated with an aerosol source 22. The container 23 can store only the aerosol source 22, without placing a porous body of polymer fabric or cotton thread. The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0032] The wick 24 is a liquid retaining member that sucks the aerosol source 22 from the container 23 to the load 21 using the phenomenon of capillarity. The wick 24 is made of, for example, fiberglass or porous ceramic or the like.

[0033] The load 21 is a fuel element (i.e., a heater) that heats the aerosol source 22 without combustion with the energy supplied from the power source 12 via the bit terminal assembly 41, and is formed, for example, from an electric heating wire (spiral) wound with a pre- given step. The load 21 heats the aerosol source 22 to spray the aerosol source 22. As the load 21, a resistance heater, a ceramic heater, an induction heating heater, or the like can be used. Load 21 is an example of a heater in the present invention.

[0034] The aerosol flow channel 25 is located on the downstream side of the load 21 and along the center line of the first cartridge 20.

[0035] (Second cartridge)

The second cartridge 30 stores the flavor source 31. The second cartridge 30 is releasably received in the cartridge receiving portion 17b provided in the mouthpiece 17.

[0036] The second cartridge 30 adds flavor to the aerosol as the aerosol generated by spraying the aerosol source 22 by the load 21 flows through the flavor source 31. As the raw material component that constitutes the flavor source 31, shredded tobacco or a compact obtained by molding the tobacco raw material into a bead shape can be used. The flavor source 31 may be formed from a plant (eg, mint, Chinese herb, or herbal medicine) other than tobacco. A flavor additive such as menthol can be added to the flavor source 31 .

[0037] The aerosol inhaler 1 can generate (i.e., produce) an aerosol to which a flavor is added by means of an aerosol source 22, a flavor source 31, and a load 21. That is, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 constitute an aerosol-generating source, which generates an aerosol to which a fragrance has been added.

[0038] The configuration of the aerosol-generating source applied to the aerosol inhaler 1 may be a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and flavor source 31 are integrally formed, a configuration in which there is no flavor source 31, and a substance that can be contained in the source 31 flavor added to the aerosol source 22, a configuration in which a drug or the like is added to the aerosol source 22 instead of the flavor source 31, or the like, in addition to the configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and flavor source 31 are separately formed.

[0039] In the aerosol inhaler 1 with the above configuration, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 3, the air that flows in from the air inlets 11i provided in the power supply case 11 flows through the space near the load 21 of the first cartridge 20 through the gap formed between the through hole 13b and the bit terminal assembly 41. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 sucked from the container 23 by the wick 24. The aerosol generated by the atomization flows through the aerosol flow channel 25 along with the air that flows in from the inlets and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 through the communication channel 17c. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 is flavored as it flows through the flavor source 31 and is supplied to the puff tip 32.

[0040] The aerosol inhaler 1 is provided with a notification unit 45 that communicates various information (see FIG. 5). The notification unit 45 may be implemented using a light emitting element, a vibration element, or a sound emitting element. In addition, the notification unit 45 may be a combination of two or more of a light emitting element, a vibration element, and a sound emitting element. The notification unit 45 may be provided in any component of the power supply 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably provided in the power supply 10, which is not a consumable component.

[0041] In the present embodiment, an organic light emitting diode (OSD) panel 46 and a vibrator 47 are provided as the notification unit 45. When the OLED in the OSD panel 46 emits light, various information about the aerosol inhaler 1 on the display 16 is reported to the user. In addition, the vibrator 47 vibrates so that various information about the aerosol inhaler 1 is communicated to the user through the power supply housing 11 . The notification unit 45 may be equipped with only one of the OSD panel 46 and the vibrator 47, or may be equipped with another light emitting element or the like. In addition, the information reported on the OSD panel 46 and the information reported by the vibrator 47 may be different or identical.

[0042] (Wiring Diagram)

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the circuit diagram of the power supply 10 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply 10 includes, as main components, a power supply 12, a charging terminal assembly 43, a BMC 50, a charging IC 55, a protection IC 61, a low voltage dropout regulator (LDO regulator) 62 (indicated by "LDO" 4), a first DC/DC converter 63 (labeled "first DC/DC" in FIG. 4), a second DC/DC converter 64 (labeled "second DC/DC" in FIG. 4), a display control device 65, a retraction sensor 15, an OSD panel 46, and a vibrator 47.

[0043] The charge terminal assembly 43 is a socket into which a mating plug connector can be inserted as described above, and includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) electrically connected to the contacts of the inserted plug connector. Specifically, the charge terminal assembly 43 includes terminal A1 (labeled "A1" in FIG. 4), terminal A4 (labeled "A4" in FIG. 4), terminal A5 (labeled "A5" in FIG. 4), terminal A6 (labeled "A6" in Fig. 4), Pin A7 (labeled "A7" in Fig. 4), Pin A8 (labeled "A8" in Fig. 4), Pin A9 (labeled "A9" in Fig. 4) , pin A12 (labeled "A12" in Fig. 4), pin B1 (labeled "B1" in Fig. 4), pin B4 (labeled "B4" in Fig. 4), pin B5 (labeled "B5" in Fig. 4). 4), pin B6 (labeled "B6" in fig. 4), pin B7 (labeled "B7" in fig. 4), pin B8 (labeled "B8" in fig. 4), pin B9 (labeled "B9" in fig. 4), Fig. 4) and contact B12 (labeled "B12" in Fig. 4).

[0044] Pin A1, Pin A4, Pin A5, Pin A6, Pin A7, Pin A8, Pin A9, Pin A12, Pin B1, Pin B4, Pin B5, Pin B6, Pin B7, Pin B8, Pin B9, and Pin B12 located centrally symmetrically, while the center of the mating surface with the plug connector node 43 of the charging terminals is the center of symmetry. Accordingly, the plug connector can be inserted into the charge terminal assembly 43 regardless of the downward direction of the plug connector, and the user becomes more comfortable.

[0045] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided in the charging terminal assembly 43 are described. In addition, in the present embodiment, the charging terminal assembly 43 is provided with an A8 terminal and a B8 terminal, but as described hereinafter, these terminals are not used and can be omitted.

[0046] The protection IC 61 is an IC having a function of converting the voltage supplied by the charging terminal assembly 43 into a predetermined voltage, if necessary, and outputting the converted voltage. Specifically, the protection IC 61 converts the input voltage into a voltage ranging from a minimum value to a maximum value of the recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55. Accordingly, even when a high voltage is supplied from the charging terminal assembly 43 that exceeds the maximum value of the charging IC recommended input voltage 55, the protection IC 61 can serve as high voltage protection for the charging IC 55.

[0047] As an example, in the present embodiment, the recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55 has a minimum value of 4.35 [V] and a maximum value of 6.4 [V]. Therefore, the protection IC 61 converts the input voltage to 5.5±0.2 [V] and outputs the converted voltage to the charging IC 55. Accordingly, the protection IC 61 can supply the corresponding voltage to the charging IC 55. In addition, when from the charging terminal assembly 43 the above-described high voltage is applied, the protection IC 61 can protect the charging IC 55 by opening the circuit that connects the input terminal (labeled IN in FIG. 4) and the output terminal (labeled OUT in FIG. 4) of the protection IC 61. Additionally, the protection IC 61 can also perform various protection functions (for example, an overcurrent detection function and an overvoltage detection function) to protect the electric circuit of the power supply 10 .

[0048] Preferably, the protection IC 61 is connected between the charging terminal assembly 43 and the charging IC 55, that is, provided in the electrical circuit between the charging terminal assembly 43 and the charging IC 55. The protection IC 61 is connected between the charging terminal assembly 43 and the charging IC 55 so that the power supply 12 can be discharged through the charging IC 55 without passing current through the protection IC 61, and the power loss due to the transfer through the protection IC 61 can be reduced.

[0049] The protection IC 61 includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) for internal and external electrical connections of the protection IC 61. Specifically, the protection IC 61 includes an IN terminal (labeled "IN" in FIG. 4), a VSS terminal (labeled "VSS" in Fig. 4), the GND pin (labeled "GND" in Fig. 4), the OUT pin (labeled "OUT" in Fig. 4), the VBAT pin (labeled "VBAT" in Fig. 4), and the CE pin (labeled "CE" in Fig. 4).

[0050] In the protection IC 61, the IN terminal is the terminal to which the power supplied from the charging terminal assembly 43 is supplied. The VSS pin is the pin to which power is supplied to operate the protection IC 61. The GND pin is the ground pin. The OUT terminal is a terminal that supplies power to the charging IC 55. The VBAT terminal is a terminal for the protection IC 61 to detect the state of the power supply 12. The CE terminal is a terminal for turning on/off the protection function of the protection IC 61. The mutual dependence of these contacts will be described later. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided in the protection IC 61 are described.

[0051] The charging IC 55 is an IC having a charging control function of the power supply 12 and a function of supplying power from the power supply 12 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, the second DC/DC converter 64, and the like. For example, when power is supplied from the power supply 12, the charging IC 55 outputs the standard system voltage corresponding to the current output of the power supply 12 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, the second DC/DC converter 64, etc. .P. Here, the standard system voltage is a voltage higher than the low system voltage described hereinafter and lower than the first high system voltage and the second high system voltage. The standard system voltage is, for example, the output voltage of the power supply 12 itself, and may be about 3-4 [V].

[0052] The charging IC 55 also functions as a power supply circuit supplying power supplied by the charging terminal assembly 43 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, the second DC/DC converter 64, and the like.

[0053] When the power circuit function is used, even when the power supply 12 is being charged, the power supplied by the charging terminal assembly 43 can be supplied to the system of the power supply 10, such as the LDO stabilizer 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, and the second DC/ DC converter 64. Therefore, when the power supply system 10 is used while the power supply 12 is being charged, the power supply system 10 can serve while reducing the load on the power supply 12 (ie, preventing degradation of the power supply 12). At the same time, it is also possible to increase the charging speed of the power supply 12 and shorten the charging time.

[0054] Details will be set forth with reference to FIG. 7-11 and the like, but if the power supply circuit function is used, even when the power supply 12 is in an excessively discharged state, the MCU 50 can be turned on by power that is received from an external power source and supplied by the charging terminal assembly 43 , and restore the operation of the power supply unit 10 system. Here, the over-discharged state is, for example, a state in which the power supply 12 cannot supply power for operation (i.e., operation) of the MCU 50. In other words, when the power source 12 is in an over-discharged state, the MCU 50 cannot operate with power only from the power supply 12 and is in the stop state.

[0055] Charging IC 55 includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) for internal and external electrical connections of charging IC 55. In particular, charging IC 55 includes an IN terminal (labeled "IN" in FIG. 4), a BAT_1 terminal (labeled "BAT_1" in Fig. 4), BAT_2 pin (labeled "BAT_2" in Fig. 4), ISET pin (labeled "ISET" in Fig. 4), TS pin (labeled "TS" in Fig. 4), OUT_1 pin (labeled "OUT_1" in Fig. 4), the OUT_2 pin (labeled "OUT_2" in Fig. 4), the ILIM pin (labeled "ILIM" in Fig. 4), the CHG pin (labeled "CHG" in Fig. 4), and a CE pin (labeled "CE" in FIG. 4). Although details will be set forth hereinafter, the BAT_1 terminal, the BAT_2 terminal, the OUT_1 terminal, and the OUT_2 terminal of the charging IC 55 are examples of output terminals in the present invention.

[0056] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided in the charging IC 55 are described. In addition, in the present embodiment, the charging IC 55 is provided with a BAT_1 terminal and a BAT_2 terminal, however, the BAT_1 terminal and the BAT_2 terminal may be combined. as one contact. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the charging IC 55 is provided with an OUT_1 terminal and an OUT_2 terminal, however, an OUT_1 terminal and an OUT_2 terminal may be combined as one terminal.

[0057] The LDO regulator 62 is an IC having a function of generating a low system voltage from an input standard system voltage and outputting the generated low system voltage. In this case, the low voltage system voltage is a voltage lower than the above-described standard system voltage, and is, for example, a voltage suitable for operation of the MCU 50, the retract sensor 15, and the like. For example, the system low voltage voltage is 2.5 [V]. LDO regulator 62 is an example of a regulator in the present invention.

[0058] LDO 62 includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) for internal and external electrical connections of LDO 62. Specifically, LDO 62 includes an IN terminal (labeled "IN" in FIG. 4), an GND (labeled "GND" in Fig. 4), an OUT pin (labeled "OUT" in Fig. 4), and an EN pin (labeled "EN" in Fig. 4). Although details will be given later, the EN terminal in the LDO regulator 62 is an example of a turn-on terminal in the present invention. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided in the LDO stabilizer 62 are described.

[0059] The MCU 50 operates using the low voltage input of the system as a power source and performs various control actions on the aerosol inhaler 1. For example, the MCU 50 can control the heating of the load 21 by controlling the on/off switch SW4 described later and provided in the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10, and the operation of the first DC/DC converter 63. In addition, the MCU 50 can control the display of information on the display 16 by controlling the operation of the display control device 65. In addition, the MCU 50 can control the vibration of the vibrator 47 by controlling the on/off switch SW3 described later and provided in the electrical circuit of the power supply 10.

[0060] MCU 50 includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for internal and external electrical connections of MCU 50. Specifically, MCU 50 includes a VDD pin (labeled "VDD" in FIG. 4), a VDD_USB pin (labeled "VDD_USB" in Fig. 4), VSS pin (labeled "VSS" in Fig. 4), PC1 pin (labeled "PC1" in Fig. 4), PA8 pin (labeled "PA8" in Fig. 4), PB3 pin (labeled " PB3" in Fig. 4), pin PB15 (marked "PB15" in figure 4), pin PB4 (marked "PB4" in figure 4), pin PC6 (marked "PC6" in figure 4), pin PA0 ( labeled "PA0" in Figure 4), PC5 pin (labeled "PC5" in Figure 4), PA11 pin (labeled "PA11" in Figure 4), PA12 pin (labeled "PA12" in Figure 4), pin PC12 (labeled "PC12" in Fig. 4), PB8 (labeled "PB8" in Fig. 4), PB9 (labeled "PB9" in Fig. 4), and PB14 (labeled "PB14" in Fig. 4) .

[0061] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided on the MCU 50 are described. In addition, in the present embodiment, the MCU 50 is provided with a VDD pin and a VDD_USB pin, however, the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin can be combined as one contact.

[0062] The retraction sensor 15 is a sensor device that detects a puff as described above, and is, for example, a sensor device capable of outputting a signal indicative of a pressure change value (internal pressure) in the power supply 10 caused by the user being drawn through the handpiece 32 for tightening, as a detection result, as described later.

[0063] The retraction sensor 15 includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) for internal and external electrical connections of the retraction sensor 15. Specifically, the pull sensor 15 includes a VCC terminal (labeled "VCC" in FIG. 4), a GND terminal (labeled "GND" in FIG. 4), and an OUT terminal (labeled "OUT" in FIG. 4). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided in the retraction sensor 15 are described.

[0064] The vibrator 47 is provided in a state of being connected to a positive terminal 47a provided in the power supply line 60E and to a negative terminal 47b provided in the ground line 60N to be described later, and includes a motor (not shown) that rotates the rotating shaft depending on the voltage supplied from the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b, and an eccentric weight (not shown) attached to the rotating shaft of the motor. When the vibrator 47 is energized (eg, low voltage system voltage) from the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b, the motor and the eccentric weight rotate to generate vibrations.

[0065] In the present description, the term "positive pole" means a pole with a higher potential than the "negative pole". That is, in the following description, the term "positive pole" can be understood as "high potential pole". In addition, in the present description, the term "negative pole" means a pole with a potential lower than the "positive pole". That is, in the following description, the term "negative pole" can be understood as "low potential pole".

[0066] The vibrator 47 is provided in a state of being connected to the power supply unit 10. The positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b are connected to the terminals of the vibrator 47, for example by soldering. That is, the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b are connectors that connect the vibrator 47 such that the vibrator 47 is fixed (or hard to remove). Positive terminal 47a and negative terminal 47b are examples of the first connector in the present invention. The term non-removable (or hard-to-remove) refers to a mode in which the power supply 10 cannot be removed while the power supply 10 is supposed to be in use.

[0067] The first DC/DC converter 63 is an IC having a function of generating a first system high voltage from an input standard system voltage and outputting the generated first system high voltage. In this case, the first high system voltage is a voltage higher than the above-described standard system voltage. That is, the first DC/DC converter 63 raises the input standard system voltage to the first system high voltage and outputs the first system high voltage. The first high voltage system voltage is, for example, a voltage suitable for heating the load 21, and is 4.2 [V] as an example.

[0068] The first DC/DC converter 63 includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) for internal and external electrical connections of the first DC/DC converter 63. In particular, the first DC/DC converter 63 includes a VIN pin (denoted " VIN" in Fig. 4), the SW pin (labeled "SW" in Fig. 4), the GND pin (labeled "GND" in Fig. 4), the VOUT pin (labeled "VOUT" in Fig. 4), the MODE pin ( labeled "MODE" in Fig. 4) and the EN pin (labeled "EN" in Fig. 4). It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided in the first DC/DC converter 63 are described.

[0069] The second DC/DC converter 64 is an IC having a function of generating a second high system voltage from an input standard system voltage and outputting the generated second high system voltage. In this case, the second high system voltage is a voltage higher than the above-described standard system voltage. That is, the second DC/DC converter 64 raises the input standard system voltage to the second high system voltage and outputs the second high system voltage. In addition, the second high system voltage is a voltage even higher than the first high system voltage, and is, for example, a voltage suitable for operating the OLED panel 46. An exemplary second high system voltage is 15 [V].

[0070] The second DC/DC converter 64 includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) for internal and external electrical connections of the second DC/DC converter 64. In particular, the second DC/DC converter 64 includes a VIN pin (denoted " VIN" in Fig. 4), the SW pin (labeled "SW" in Fig. 4), the GND pin (labeled "GND" in Fig. 4), the VOUT pin (labeled "VOUT" in Fig. 4), and the EN pin ( marked "EN" in Fig. 4). It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided in the second DC/DC converter 64 are described.

[0071] The display driver 65 is an IC that performs a control function using the system low-voltage input voltage as a power source and supplies the second system high-voltage voltage to the OSD panel 46, while controlling the OSD panel 46 so as to control the display of information on display 16.

[0072] The display control device 65 includes a plurality of contacts (terminals) for internal and external electrical connections of the display control device 65 . Specifically, the display control device 65 includes a VDD pin (labeled "VDD" in FIG. 4), a VSS pin (labeled "VSS" in FIG. 4), a VCC_C pin (labeled "VCC_C" in FIG. 4), a SDA (labeled "SDA" in Fig. 4), an SCL pin (labeled "SCL" in Fig. 4), and an IXS pin (labeled "IXS" in Fig. 4). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, only the main contacts of the contacts provided in the display driver 65 are described.

[0073] The above-described components of the power supply 10 are electrically connected to each other by a conductive wire or the like provided on the circuit board 60 of the power supply 10. Hereinafter, the electrical connection of the components of the power supply 10 will be described in detail.

[0074] Pin A1, pin A12, pin B1, and pin B12 of charging terminal assembly 43 are ground pins. Pin A1 and pin B12 are connected in parallel and are grounded by the ground line 60N. Similarly, pin A12 and pin B1 are also connected in parallel and are grounded by the ground line 60N. In FIG. 4, a ground line 60N (that is, a line having a potential of substantially 0 [V]) is shown as a thick continuous line.

[0075] Pin A4, pin A9, pin B4, and pin B9 of charging terminal assembly 43 are terminals that receive input power from an external power supply plug connector inserted in charging terminal assembly 43 to power supply 10 . For example, when the plug connector is inserted into the charging terminal assembly 43, the predetermined USB bus power is supplied to the power supply 10 from the inserted plug connector through terminal A4 and terminal B9 or terminal A9 and terminal B4. Moreover, the power supply unit 10 can be supplied with power corresponding to USB bus power supply (USB PD) from the external power supply plug connector inserted into the charging terminal assembly 43 .

[0076] Specifically, terminal A4 and terminal B9 are connected in parallel and connected to the IN terminal of the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60A. The IN terminal of the protection IC 61 is the power supply contact of the protection IC 61 on the positive side. In addition, the A9 terminal and the B4 terminal are also connected in parallel and connected to the IN terminal of the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60A.

[0077] The power supply line 60A is connected to the ground line 60N via a variable resistor (non-linear resistive element) VR1. In this case, the variable resistor is an element that includes two terminals (electrodes), has a relatively high electrical resistance value when the voltage between the two terminals is lower than the preset voltage of the variable resistor (for example, 27 [V] in the case of of the present embodiment), and has the property of quickly reducing the electrical resistance value when the voltage between the two terminals is not lower than the voltage of the variable resistor.

[0078] Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR1 is connected to the node N11 provided in the power supply line 60A, and the other end of the variable resistor VR1 is connected to the ground line 60N. In this case, a node N11 is provided in the power supply line 60A from the side of the protection IC 61 with respect to the node connected to the A4 terminal and the B9 terminal and the node connected to the A9 terminal and the B4 terminal. Therefore, for example, even when terminal A4, terminal A9, terminal B4, or terminal B9 generate electrostatic charges due to friction between the charging terminal assembly 43 and the plug connector, when the plug connector is inserted into the charging terminal assembly 43, electrostatic charges can be discharged to the ground line 60N variable resistor VR1, which provides protection for the protection IC 61.

[0079] The power supply line 60A is connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD1, which functions as a decoupling capacitor (also called a coupling capacitor or a smoothing capacitor). Accordingly, the voltage supplied to the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60A can be stabilized. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD1 is connected to the node N12 provided in the power supply line 60A, and the other end of the capacitor CD1 is connected to the ground line 60N. In this case, the node N12 is provided in the power line 60A on the side of the protection IC 61 with respect to the node N11. Therefore, even when electrostatic charges are generated at terminal A4, terminal A9, terminal B4, or terminal B9, the variable resistor VR1 can serve as an electrostatic protection for the capacitor CD1. That is, by providing the node N12 on the side of the protection IC 61 with respect to the node N11 in the power supply line 60A, both the overvoltage protection of the protection IC 61 and the stable operation of the protection IC 61 can be ensured.

[0080] Pin A6, pin A7, pin B6, and pin B7 of charging terminal assembly 43 are pins used for signal input and output for communication between the power supply 10 and an external device. In the present embodiment, communication between the power supply 10 and an external device uses serial data transmission, in which signals are transmitted in a differential way on two signal lines Dp (also called D+) and Dn (also called D-).

[0081] Pin A6 and pin B6 are pins corresponding to the signal line on the Dp side. Pin A6 and pin B6 are connected in parallel and connected to pin PA12 on BMK 50 through resistor R1. The resistor R1 is an element that is made of a resistive element, a transistor or the like and has a predetermined electrical resistance value. In addition, the PA12 terminal on the MCU 50 is a terminal used to input and output a signal of the MCU 50. Therefore, a signal on the Dp side from an external device can be input to the MCU 50 via terminal A6 or terminal B6. In addition, the signal on the Dp side of the BMK 50 can be output to an external device via the A6 terminal or the B6 terminal.

[0082] Pin A6 and pin B6 are also connected to ground line 60N through a variable resistor VR2. Therefore, for example, even when electrostatic charges are generated at terminal A6 and terminal B6 due to friction between the charging terminal assembly 43 and the plug connector, when the plug connector is inserted into the charging terminal assembly 43, the electrostatic charges can be discharged to the ground line 60N through the variable resistor VR2, which provides protection for the BMK 50. In addition, since a resistor R1 is provided between terminals A6 and B6 and the BMK 50, the resistor R1 can also prevent high voltage being applied to the BMK 50 and protect the BMK 50.

[0083] Pin A7 and pin B7 are pins corresponding to the signal line on the Dn side. Pin A7 and pin B7 are connected in parallel and connected to pin PA11 on BMK 50 through resistor R2. The resistor R2 is an element that is made of a resistive element, a transistor or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value. In addition, the PA11 terminal on the MCU 50 is a terminal used to input and output a signal of the MCU 50. Therefore, a signal on the Dn side from an external device can be input to the MCU 50 via the A7 terminal or the B7 terminal. In addition, the signal on the Dn side of the MCU 50 can be output to an external device from terminal A7 or terminal B7.

[0084] Pin A7 and pin B7 are also connected to the ground line 60N through a variable resistor VR3. Therefore, for example, even when electrostatic charges are generated at terminal A7 or terminal B7 due to friction between the charging terminal assembly 43 and the plug connector, when the plug connector is inserted into the charging terminal assembly 43, the electrostatic charges can be discharged to the ground line 60N through the variable resistor VR3, which provides protection for the BMK 50. In addition, since a resistor R2 is provided between terminals A7 and B7 and the BMK 50, the resistor R2 can also prevent high voltage being applied to the BMK 50 and protect the BMK 50.

[0085] Pin A5 and pin B5 of the charging terminal assembly 43 are pins used to determine the downward direction of the plug connector inserted into the charging terminal assembly 43 . For example, terminal A5 is the terminal corresponding to the signal line of the first configuration signal (CC) signal (CC1 signal), and terminal B5 is the terminal corresponding to the signal line of the second CC signal (CC2 signal). Pin A5 is connected to ground line 60N through resistor R3, and pin B5 is connected to ground line 60N through resistor R4.

[0086] Pin A8 and pin B8 of the charging terminal assembly 43 are not connected to the circuitry of the power supply 10 . Therefore, pin A8 and pin B8 are not used and can be omitted as well.

[0087] As described above, the IN terminal of the protection IC 61 is the power supply terminal of the protection IC 61 on the positive side, and is connected to the power supply line 60A. The VSS terminal of the protection IC 61 is the power supply terminal of the protection IC 61 on the negative side, and is connected to the ground line 60N. In addition, the GND terminal of the protection IC 61 is the ground terminal of the protection IC 61 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Accordingly, when the external power supply plug connector is inserted into the charge terminal assembly 43, power supply (eg, USB bus power) is supplied to the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60A.

[0088] The OUT terminal of the protection IC 61 is a terminal from which the voltage applied to the IN terminal of the protection IC 61 is output without change, or the voltage (for example, 5.5 ± 0.2 [V]) converted by the protection IC 61 is output, and connects to the IN terminal of the charging IC 55 on the power supply line 60B. The IN terminal of the charging IC 55 is the power supply terminal of the charging IC 55 on the positive side. Accordingly, the charging IC 55 is supplied with the proper voltage converted by the protection IC 61.

[0089] Power supply line 60B is connected to ground line 60N via capacitor CD2, which functions as a decoupling capacitor. Accordingly, the voltage supplied to the charging IC 55 via the power supply line 60B can be stabilized.

[0090] The VBAT contact of the protection IC 61 is the contact used by the protection IC 61 to detect whether or not the power supply 12 is connected, and is connected to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 through a resistor R5. The resistor R5 is an element that is made of a resistive element, a transistor or the like and has a predetermined electrical resistance value. The protection IC 61 can determine that the power supply 12 is connected based on the voltage applied to the VBAT pin.

[0091] The CE terminal of the protection IC 61 is a contact for turning on/off the operation (various functions) of the protection IC 61. In particular, the protection IC 61 operates when a low-level voltage is applied to the CE terminal, and stops operating when a high-level voltage is applied to the CE terminal . In the present embodiment, the CE terminal of the protection IC 61 is connected to the ground line 60N, and therefore a low-level voltage is always supplied. Therefore, the protection IC 61 always operates at the time of power-up and performs conversion to a predetermined voltage, overcurrent detection, overvoltage detection, and the like.

[0092] Instead of the protection IC 61, in the present embodiment, a protection IC that operates when a high level voltage is applied to the CE terminal and stops operating when a low level voltage is applied to the CE terminal can be applied. However, in this case, it should be noted that the CE terminal of the protection IC should be connected to the power supply line 60B or the power supply line 60A instead of the ground line 60N.

[0093] As described above, the IN terminal of the charging IC 55 is the power supply terminal of the charging IC 55 on the positive side, and is connected to the power supply line 60B. In addition, the charging IC 55 is connected to the ground line 60N by, for example, a negative side power supply terminal (not shown). Accordingly, the voltage output from the protection IC 61 is supplied to the charging IC 55 via the power supply line 60B.

[0094] The BAT_1 terminal and the BAT_2 terminal of the charging IC 55 are terminals used for transmitting and receiving power between the charging IC 55 and the power supply 12, and are connected to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via the power supply line 60C. The negative terminal 12b of the power supply 12 is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0095] In particular, the contact BAT_1 and the contact BAT_2 are connected in parallel, connected to the positive terminal 12a, and connected to the ground line 60N through the capacitor CD3. When the power supply 12 is discharged, an electric charge is stored on the capacitor CD3, and the voltage from the output of the power supply 12 is applied to the BAT_1 terminal and the BAT_2 terminal. In addition, when the power supply 12 is being charged, a voltage for charging the power supply 12 is output from the BAT_1 terminal and the BAT_2 terminal, and is supplied to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via the power supply line 60C.

[0096] The power supply line 60C is connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD4, which functions as a decoupling capacitor. Accordingly, the voltage supplied to the power supply 12 via the power supply line 60C can be stabilized.

[0097] The ISET contact of the charging IC 55 is a contact for setting the value of the current supplied from the charging IC 55 to the power supply 12 . In the present embodiment, the ISET pin is connected to the ground line 60N through a resistor R6. In this case, the resistor R6 is an element that is made of a resistive element, a transistor or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value.

[0098] The charging IC 55 outputs to the power supply 12 a current having a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the resistor R6 connected to the ISET terminal.

[0099] The TS terminal of the charging IC 55 is a terminal that is supplied with a voltage having a value applied to a resistor connected to the TS terminal, and which serves to detect the electrical resistance value and temperature of the resistor connected to the TS terminal from the voltage value. In the present embodiment, the TS pin is connected to the ground line 60N through a resistor R7. In this case, the resistor R7 is an element that is made of a resistive element, a transistor or the like and has a predetermined electrical resistance value. Therefore, charging IC 55 can determine the electrical resistance value and temperature of resistor R7 from the voltage value applied to resistor R7.

[0100] The CHG terminal of the charging IC 55 is a terminal that outputs state of charge information of the power supply 12 (also referred to as charge state information hereinafter), for example, at the time of charging, at the time of stopping charging, and at the end of charging, and information about the remaining capacity of the power supply 12 (also referred to as residual capacity information hereinafter). The CHG terminal of the charging IC 55 is connected to the PB15 terminal on the MCU 50. The PB15 terminal on the MCU 50 is the terminal used to input the signal of the MCU 50. Therefore, the charging IC 55 can notify the MCU 50 of the state of charge, remaining capacity, and the like. power source 12 by issuing information about the degree of charge and information about the residual capacity from the CHG contact on the BMK 50.

[0101] The OUT_1 terminal and the OUT_2 terminal of the charging IC 55 are terminals from which the system standard voltage is output, and which are connected to the IN terminal of the LDO regulator 62, the VIN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63, and the VIN terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 on the power supply line 60D. The IN terminal of the LDO 62 is the power supply terminal of the LDO 62 on the positive side. In addition, the VIN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 is the power supply terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 on the positive side. Further, the VIN terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 is the power supply terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 on the positive side.

[0102] Specifically, the OUT_1 pin is connected to the ground line 60N and to the OUT_2 pin via a capacitor CD5, which functions as a decoupling capacitor. Further, the OUT_1 terminal and the OUT_2 terminal are connected to the ground line 60N through the capacitor CD6, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, and are connected to the IN terminal of the LDO regulator 62, the VIN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63, and the VIN terminal of the second DC/DC converter. 64. Accordingly, the charging IC 55 can supply a stable standard system voltage to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, and the second DC/DC converter 64.

[0103] In the present embodiment, immediately before the first DC/DC converter 63, a capacitor CD7 is also provided in the power supply line 60D, which functions as a decoupling capacitor. Accordingly, the first DC/DC converter 63 can be supplied with the standard system voltage, and the power supply from the first DC/DC converter 63 to the load 21 can be stabilized.

[0104] The ILIM pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin for setting an upper limit value of the current output from the charging IC 55 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, and the second DC/DC converter 64. In the present embodiment, the pin ILIM is connected to ground line 60N through resistor R7. In this case, the resistor R7 is an element that is made of a resistive element, a transistor or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value.

[0105] The charging IC 55 outputs to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 a current whose upper limit has a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin. More specifically, the charging IC 55 outputs a current having a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the resistor R6 connected to the ISET terminal from the OUT_1 terminal and the OUT_2 terminal, and stops outputting current from the OUT_1 terminal and the OUT_2 terminal when the current value reaches the current value corresponding to the value the electrical resistance of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM contact. That is, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1 can set the upper limit value of the current output from the charging IC 55 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, and the second DC/DC converter 64 by using the electrical resistance value of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM contact.

[0106] The terminal CE of the charging IC 55 is a terminal for turning on/off the charging of the power supply 12. Specifically, when a low-level voltage is applied to the CE terminal while power is being supplied from an external power supply through the charging terminal assembly 43, the charging IC 55 charges the power supply 12 with the power supplied from the external power supply. In other words, the charging IC 55 does not charge the power supply 12 when a high level voltage is supplied to the CE terminal even when power is supplied from the external power supply via the charging terminal assembly 43 .

[0107] In the present embodiment, the CE terminal of the charging IC 55 is connected to the PB14 terminal on the MCU 50. Therefore, the MCU 50 can turn on/off the charging of the power supply 12 by the charging IC 55 based on the voltage signal output from the PB14 terminal.

[0108] The charging IC 55 is configured to supply, from the OUT_1 terminal and the OUT_2 terminal, the power obtained by summing the energy that does not charge the power supply 12 from the energy obtained by the IN terminal from an external power supply and the energy obtained by the BAT_1 terminal and the BAT_2 from the power source 12 when power is supplied from an external power source through the charging terminal assembly 43 . That is, the charging IC 55 includes an OUT_1 terminal and an OUT_2 terminal, which are output terminals capable of outputting, in combination, the power that is received by the charging terminal assembly 43 and does not charge the power supply 12 and the power supplied from the power supply 12.

[0109] Accordingly, since the charging IC 55 can output, in combination, the power that does not charge the power supply 12 from the power from the external power supply and the power from the power supply 12, the power supply system 10 can be supplied with power while preventing reducing the residual capacity of the power supply 12 . Therefore, various functions of the power supply 10 can be used while preventing the residual capacity of the power supply 12 from decreasing. The OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin are examples of an output terminal in the present invention.

[0110] The above-described function of the power supply circuit serves so that the charging IC 55 can also output power to charge the power supply 12 from the BAT_1 terminal and the BAT_2 terminal to the power supply 12, and output power not to charge the power supply 12 from the OUT_1 terminal and the OUT_2 terminal to the system of the power supply unit 10 taken from the energy of the external power source received through the charge terminal assembly 43 . That is, the charging IC 55 can also distribute and supply power obtained from an external power supply to the power supply 12 and the power supply 10 system. Accordingly, it is possible to operate the power supply system 10 while charging the power source 12 with energy obtained from an external power source.

[0111] An LED-containing circuit (LED circuit) C1 is provided as a branch from the power supply line 60D. The LED circuit C1 is made by connecting resistor R8, LED 70 and switch SW1 in series. In this case, the resistor R8 is an element that is made of a resistive element, a transistor or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value. The resistor R8 mainly serves to limit the voltage supplied to the LED 70 and/or the current supplied to the LED 70. The LED 70 is a light emitting portion provided in the position corresponding to the window 11w to control the residual amount inside the power supply 10, and is made with the ability to illuminate the area outside the power supply 10 from inside the power supply 10 through the window 11w to control the residual amount. When the LED 70 emits light, the visual observability of the residual amount in the first cartridge 20 (in particular, the residual amount of the aerosol source 22 contained in the first cartridge 20) through the residual amount control window 11w is improved. The switch SW1 is, for example, a switch made with a MOSFET or the like.

[0112] One end of the CD circuit C1 on the side of the resistor R8, that is, one end of the resistor R8, is connected to the node N21 provided in the power supply line 60D. The other end of the resistor R8 forms a connector 70a and is connected to the anode side terminal of the LED 70. One end of the switch SW1 forms a connector 70b and is connected to the cathode side terminal of the LED 70. The other end of the LED circuit C1 on the side of the switch SW1, that is, the other end of the switch SW1, is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0113] Switch SW1 is also connected to MCU 50 as described hereinafter, turned on by an on command from MCU 50 and turned off by an off command from MCU 50. LED circuit C1 is in a conductive state when switch SW1 is turned on. In such a case, the LED 70 emits light when the LED circuit C1 is conducting, and allows the user to easily and clearly determine the remaining capacity of the first cartridge 20.

[0114] The voltage generation system for ensuring the operation (i.e., operation) of the LED 70 by supplying a standard system voltage (i.e., the output voltage of the power supply 12 or the voltage supplied through the charging terminal assembly 43), is also referred to hereinafter as a direct-coupled system. The direct link system will be described again in the following with reference to FIG. 5 etc.

[0115] As described above, the IN terminal of the LDO regulator 62 is the power supply terminal of the LDO regulator 62 on the positive side, and is connected to the power supply line 60D. The GND terminal of the LDO 62 is the ground terminal of the LDO 62 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Accordingly, the standard system voltage outputted by the charging IC 55 is supplied to the LDO regulator 62 via the power supply line 60D.

[0116] The OUT terminal of the LDO regulator 62 is a terminal that outputs the low-voltage system voltage generated by the LDO regulator 62, and is connected to the VDD terminal and the VDD_USB terminal of the BMK 50, the VCC terminal of the retract sensor 15, the VDD terminal, and the IXS terminal of the control device 65 a display and a positive terminal 47a connected to the vibrator 47 via a power supply line 60E. The VDD contact and the VDD_USB contact on the BMK 50 are the power supply contacts on the BMK 50 on the positive side. In addition, the VCC terminal of the retraction sensor 15 is the power supply terminal of the retraction sensor 15 on the positive side. Further, the VDD terminal of the display driver 65 is the power supply terminal of the display driver 65 on the positive side. Accordingly, LDO stabilizer 62 can supply low system voltage to MCU 50, retraction sensor 15, display driver 65, and vibrator 47.

[0117] A voltage generating system for ensuring the functioning (ie, operation) of the BMK 50, the retraction sensor 15, the vibrator 47, and the like. by supplying a low-voltage system voltage obtained by lowering the standard system voltage (that is, the output voltage of the power supply 12 or the voltage supplied through the charging terminal assembly 43), hereinafter also referred to as a step-down system. The step-down system will be re-described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 5 etc.

[0118] The EN terminal of the LDO 62 is a terminal for turning on/off the operation (operation) of the LDO 62. In particular, the LDO 62 operates when a high level voltage is applied to the EN terminal, and stops operating when the EN terminal is not high voltage is applied.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the EN terminal of the LDO stabilizer 62 is connected to the power supply line 60D, and is also connected to the ground line 60N through the capacitor CD8. Therefore, when the standard system voltage is output from the charging IC 55, an electric charge accumulates on the capacitor CD8, a high voltage is applied to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62, the LDO regulator 62 operates, and the low voltage system voltage is output from the LDO regulator 62.

[0120] That is, in the power supply 10, the capacitor CD8 connected to the EN terminal of the LDO regulator 62 can be charged with power from the charging IC 55, and a high level signal can be supplied to the EN terminal of the LDO regulator 62. Accordingly, even when the LDO 62 and the MCU 50 are in the shutdown state due to a lack of power from the power supply 12, the LDO 62 can be turned on again by the power supply from the external power supply, and the MCU 50 can also be turned on again by the power from the LDO- stabilizer 62. The EN contact of LDO stabilizer 62 is an example of an enable contact in the present invention.

[0121] As described above, the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin on the MCU 50 are the power supply pins of the MCU 50 on the positive side, and are connected to the power supply line 60E. The VSS contact on the BMK 50 is the power supply contact of the BMK 50 on the negative side and is connected to the ground line 60N. Accordingly, the low voltage system voltage output from the LDO 62 is supplied to the MCU 50 via the power supply line 60E. The VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin can be combined as one pin.

[0122] The thermistor circuit C2 is provided as a branch from the power supply line 60E. The thermistor circuit C2 is made by connecting the switch SW2, the resistor R9 and the thermistor TH in series. One end of the thermistor circuit C2 on the side of the switch SW2 is connected to a node N31 provided in the power supply line 60E. In addition, the other end of the thermistor circuit C2 on the side of the thermistor TH is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0123] In this case, the switch SW2 is a switch made with a MOSFET or the like. Switch SW2 is connected to MCU 50 as described below, turned on by an ON command from MCU 50 and turned off by an off command from MCU 50. Thermistor circuit C2 is conducting when switch SW2 is turned on.

[0124] Resistor R9 is an element that is made of a resistive element, a transistor, or the like, and has a predetermined electrical resistance value. The thermistor TH includes an element having a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic or a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic, that is, an element exhibiting a correlation between an electrical resistance value and a temperature, or the like. The thermistor TH is located near the power supply 12, in a state in which the temperature of the power supply 12 can be determined.

[0125] The PC1 terminal on the BMC 50 is connected to the node N32 provided between the resistor R9 and the thermistor TH in the thermistor circuit C2. When the thermistor circuit C2 is conductive (that is, when switch SW2 is on), PC1 is energized divided by resistor R9 and thermistor TH. The MCU 50 can detect the temperature of the thermistor TH, that is, the temperature of the power supply 12, from the value of the voltage applied to the PC1 terminal.

[0126] The contact PA8 on the BMC 50 is a contact that is connected to the switch SW2 and issues an on command to turn on the switch SW2 and an off command to turn off the switch SW2. The MCU 50 may turn on switch SW2 to make the thermistor circuit C2 conductive by outputting a turn-on command from terminal PA8. In addition, the MCU 50 can turn off the switch SW2 to make the thermistor circuit C2 non-conductive by outputting a turn-off command from the PA8 terminal. In a specific example, when the switch SW2 is a MOSFET switch, the PA8 pin on the BMC 50 is connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. In such a case, the MCU 50 can control the on/off switch SW2 by controlling the gate voltage (that is, the output from the PA8 terminal) supplied to the gate terminal.

[0127] A switch SW3 in the power supply line 60E is provided in front of the positive terminal 47a. In this case, the switch SW3 is a switch made with a MOSFET or the like. The SW3 switch is connected to the BMK 50, is turned on by the on command from the BMK 50 and is turned off by the off command from the BMK 50.

[0128] In particular, the PC6 terminal on the MCU 50 is a terminal that is connected to the switch SW3 and issues an on command to turn on the switch SW3 and an off command to turn off the switch SW3. When an ON command is output from PC6, the MCU 50 may turn on switch SW3, supply power to vibrator 47 via power supply line 60E, and cause vibrator 47 to oscillate. power supply to the vibrator 47 via the power supply line 60E (ie, vibration of the vibrator 47). In a specific example, when the switch SW3 is a MOSFET switch, the PC6 terminal on the BMC 50 is connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. In such a case, the MCU 50 can control the on/off switch SW3 by controlling the gate voltage (that is, the output from the PC6 terminal) supplied to the gate terminal.

[0129] The Zener diode D is connected to the power supply line 60E. In this case, a zener diode is a diode that includes two terminals (electrodes) on the anode side and a cathode side, and in which current flows rapidly from the cathode side to the anode side when the voltage at the anode side terminal exceeds a predetermined voltage. Zener voltage (also called p-n junction tunnel breakdown voltage, for example, in the present embodiment, the voltage is lower than the above-described variable resistor voltage).

[0130] Specifically, one end of the anode-side zener diode D is connected to the ground line 60N, and the other end of the cathode-side zener diode D is connected to a node N41 provided in the power supply line 60E. In this case, the node N41 is provided between the switch SW3 and the positive terminal 47a in the power supply line 60E. Accordingly, even when a back electromotive force with a voltage higher than the Zener voltage of the Zener diode D is generated by the vibrator 47, when the vibrator 47 is turned on/off, indicated by the arrow at C3 in FIG. 4, the current caused by the back electromotive force can flow through the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the zener diode D. Therefore, the flow of the current caused by the back electromotive force outside the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the zener diode D can be blocked and provide protection for electronic components. a power supply 10 such as a power supply 12 and an LDO regulator 62 provided outside the closed circuit.

[0131] The capacitor CD9 may be connected to the power supply line 60E. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD9 is connected to the node N42 provided in the power supply line 60E, and the other end of the capacitor CD9 is connected to the ground line 60N. In this case, the node N42 is provided on the positive terminal 47a side with respect to the node N41 in the power supply line 60E. Thus, the capacitor CD9 can be located in the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the above-described zener diode D, and the capacitor CD9 can also protect the electronic components of the power supply 10, such as the power supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62, provided outside the closed circuit formed a vibrator 47 and a zener diode D. The capacitor CD9 may not be provided in the circuit described above, but may be provided in the vicinity of the circuit. In a specific example, a capacitor CD9 may be provided between the switch SW3 and the zener diode D. Even so, the capacitor D9 and the zener diode D may protect the electronic components of the power supply 10, such as the power supply 12 and the LDO 62.

[0132] The PB3 terminal on the BMC 50 is a terminal that is connected to the EN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 and outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The BMC 50 can turn on/off the operation of the first DC/DC converter 63 with a voltage signal output from the PB3 pin. In particular, the MCU 50 may cause the first DC/DC converter 63 to operate (ie, turn on the first DC/DC converter 63) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin. In addition, the MCU 50 can stop the operation of the first DC/DC converter 63 (that is, turn off the first DC/DC converter 63) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PB3 terminal.

[0133] The PB4 terminal on the MCU 50 is a terminal that is connected to the switch SW4 described later and provided between the first DC/DC converter 63 and the bit terminal assembly 41, and which outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW4 and an off command to turn off switch SW4. The BMC 50 can supply power to the load 21, as described hereinafter, by outputting a turn-on command from the PB4 terminal to turn on the switch SW4. In addition, the MCU 50 can turn off the power supply to the load 21 by issuing a turn-off command from the PB4 terminal to turn off the switch SW4. In a particular example, when the switch SW4 is a MOSFET switch, the PB4 pin on the BMC 50 is connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. In such a case, the MCU 50 can control the on/off switch SW4 by controlling the gate voltage (ie, the output from terminal PB4) supplied to the gate terminal.

[0134] As described above, the PB15 terminal on the BMC 50 is a terminal that is connected to the CHG terminal of the charging IC 55 and receives the input of charge state information and residual capacity information output from the charging IC 55.

[0135] The contact PA0 on the MCU 50 is a contact that is connected to the switch SW1 of the LED circuit C1 and issues an on command to turn on the switch SW1 and an off command to turn off the switch SW1. The BMC 50 can make the LED circuit C1 conductive so that the LED 70 emits light (turned on) by issuing a turn-on command from the PA0 terminal to turn on the switch SW1. In addition, the MCU 50 can turn off the LED circuit C1 to turn off the LED 70 by issuing a turn-off command from the PA0 terminal to turn off the switch SW1. In a specific example, when the switch SW1 is a MOSFET switch, the PA0 pin on the MOS 50 is connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. In such a case, the MCU 50 can control the on/off switch SW1 by controlling the gate voltage (that is, the output from the PA0 terminal) supplied to the gate terminal. In addition, the MCU 50 can switch the LED circuit C1 between the conductive state and the non-conductive state at a high speed to cause the LED 70 to blink by issuing an on command and an off command from the PA0 terminal at the same time at high speed switching.

[0136] The PC5 terminal on the MCU 50 is a terminal that is connected to the OUT terminal of the retraction sensor 15 and receives an output signal of the retraction sensor 15 (that is, a signal indicating a determination result of the retraction sensor 15).

[0137] Pin PA11 and pin PA12 on the BMC 50 are pins used for signal input and output for communication between the power supply 10 and an external device. Specifically, as described above, the PA11 terminal is connected to the A7 terminal and the B7 terminal of the charging terminal assembly 43 via a resistor R2, and serves to input and output a signal on the Dn side. In addition, as described above, the PA12 terminal is connected to the A6 terminal and the B6 terminal of the charging terminal assembly 43 via a resistor R1, and serves to input and output a signal on the Dp side.

[0138] The PC12 terminal on the BMC 50 is a terminal that is connected to the EN terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 and outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU 50 can turn on/off the operation of the second DC/DC converter 64 with a voltage signal output from the PC12 pin. In particular, the MCU 50 can cause the second DC/DC converter 64 to operate (ie, turn on the second DC/DC converter 64) by outputting a high voltage signal from the PC12 pin. In addition, the MCU 50 stops the operation of the second DC/DC converter 64 (that is, turns off the second DC/DC converter 64) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PC12 terminal.

[0139] Pin PB8 and pin PB9 on the MCU 50 are pins used to output a signal for communication between the MCU 50 and another IC, and are used for communication between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65 in the present embodiment. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the BMC 50 and the display driver 65 perform inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication. The PB8 pin is used to output the I2C communication signal on the SCL (clock) line, and the PB9 pin is used to output the I2C communication signal on the SDA (data) line. The MCU 50 can control the display control device 65 with the signals output from the PB8 terminal and the PB9 terminal to control the contents of the displayed information on the display 16 (OSD panel 46).

[0140] As described above, the VCC terminal of the retraction sensor 15 is the power supply terminal of the retraction sensor 15 on the positive side, and is connected to the power supply line 60E. The GND terminal of the retract sensor 15 is the ground terminal of the retract sensor 15 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Accordingly, the retraction sensor 15 is supplied via the power supply line 60E with low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62.

[0141] As described above, the OUT terminal of the retraction sensor 15 is a terminal that outputs a signal indicating the detection result of the retraction sensor 15, and is connected to the PC5 terminal on the MCU 50. Accordingly, the retraction sensor 15 can notify the MCU 50 of the determination result.

[0142] As described above, the VIN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 is the positive side power supply terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63, and is connected to the power supply line 60D. In addition, the VIN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 is also connected to the SW (switching contact) terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 through the coil CL1. The GND terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 is the ground terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 and is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0143] The VOUT terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 is a terminal that outputs the first high-voltage system voltage generated by the first DC/DC converter 63, and is connected to the terminal 41a for discharging the positive pole of the bit terminal assembly 41 through the power supply line 60F. The negative pole discharge terminal 41b of the discharge terminal assembly 41 is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0144] A switch SW4 is provided in the power supply line 60F. The switch SW4 is, for example, a switch made with a MOSFET or the like, and more specifically, it is a power MOSFET having a fast switching speed. The switch SW4 is connected to the BMK 50 as described above, turned on by an ON command from the BMK 50, and turned off by an off command from the BMK 50. 60F power lines.

[0145] The voltage generation system for operating (i.e., operating) the load 21 by supplying the first high-voltage system voltage obtained by increasing the standard system voltage (i.e., the output voltage of the power supply 12 or the voltage supplied through the charging terminal assembly 43) is hereinafter also referred to as the first boost system. The first boost system will be re-described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 5 etc.

[0146] The variable resistor VR4 is connected to the power supply line 60F. Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR4 is connected to the node N51 provided in the power supply line 60F, and the other end of the variable resistor VR4 is connected to the ground line 60N. In this case, the node N51 is provided on the side of the positive discharge terminal 41a with respect to the switch SW4, that is, on the output side of the switch SW4 in the power supply line 60F. In other words, a variable resistor VR4 is connected between the bit terminal assembly 41 and the power supply 12, more specifically, between the bit terminal assembly 41 and the first DC/DC converter 63 (more specifically, the switch SW4).

[0147] Therefore, for example, even when electrostatic charges are generated in the discharge terminal assembly 41 due to friction between the discharge terminal assembly 41 and the load 21, when the first cartridge 20 is replaced, the electrostatic charges can be discharged to the ground line 60N through the variable resistor VR4 to provide protection. for switch SW4, first DC/DC converter 63, power supply 12, and the like. Also, even when variable resistor VR4 fails, switch SW4 and first DC/DC converter 63 can act as a noise barrier (in this case, electrostatic charges generated in bit terminal assembly 41) to another element (e.g., charging IC 55) on the side of the power supply 12 with respect to the switch SW4 and the first DC/DC converter 63 and may provide protection to another element.

[0148] The capacitor CD10, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, is connected to the power supply line 60F. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD10 is connected to the node N52 provided in the power supply line 60F, and the other end of the capacitor CD10 is connected to the ground line 60N. In this case, node N52 is provided between node N51 and switch SW4 in power supply line 60F. In other words, capacitor CD10 is connected to the output side of switch SW4. Accordingly, the power supply from the switch SW4 to the load 21 can be stabilized, and even when electrostatic charges are generated in the bit terminal assembly 41, the variable resistor VR4 can ensure that the capacitor CD10 is protected from electrostatic charges.

[0149] A capacitor CD11 that functions as a decoupling capacitor may be connected to the power supply line 60F. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD11 is connected to the node N53 provided in the power supply line 60F, and the other end of the capacitor CD11 is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, a node N53 is provided between the switch SW4 and the first DC/DC converter 63 in the power supply line 60F. In other words, the capacitor CD11 is connected to the output side of the first DC/DC converter 63. Accordingly, the power supply from the first DC/DC converter 63 to the switch SW4 (for example, a power MOSFET) can be stabilized. As a result, the power supply to the load 21 can be stabilized.

[0150] As described above, the EN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 is a terminal for setting the on/off operation of the first DC/DC converter 63 and is connected to the PB3 terminal on the MCU 50.

[0151] The MODE pin of the first DC/DC converter 63 is a pin for setting the operation mode of the first DC/DC converter 63. The first DC/DC converter 63 is, for example, a switching regulator and may have a pulse width modulation mode (also referred to as hereinafter PWM mode) and pulse frequency modulation mode (also referred to as PWM mode hereinafter) as operating modes. In the present embodiment, when the first DC/DC converter 63 can operate, the MODE terminal is connected to the power supply line 60D so that a high level voltage is supplied to the MODE terminal, and the first DC/DC converter 63 is set to operate in PWM mode.

[0152] As described above, the VIN terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 is the power supply terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 on the positive side, and is connected to the power supply line 60D. In addition, the VIN terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 is also connected to the SW (switching contact) terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 via the coil CL2. The GND terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 is the ground terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 and is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0153] The VOUT terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 is a terminal that outputs the second high-voltage system voltage generated by the second DC/DC converter 64, and is connected to the VCC_C terminal of the display driver 65 via the power supply line 60G. Accordingly, the second DC/DC converter 64 can supply the second high system voltage to the display driver 65 .

[0154] The variable resistor VR5 is connected to the power supply line 60G. Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR5 is connected to the node N61 provided in the power supply line 60G, and the other end of the variable resistor VR5 is connected to the ground line 60N. In other words, a variable resistor VR5 is connected between a connector portion connected to the VCC_C terminal of the display driver 65 and the second DC/DC converter 64 in the power supply line 60G.

[0155] Therefore, even when electrostatic charges are generated in the display 16 as a result of the contact of the display 16 exposed to the external environment of the aerosol inhaler 1 with any object (for example, the user's hand), and the electrostatic charges flow back towards the second DC/DC converter 64 through the OSD panel 46 and through the display driver 65, electrostatic charges can be discharged to the ground line 60N through the variable resistor VR5, and the second DC/DC converter 64 or the like. can be protected from electrostatic charges. In addition, even when the variable resistor VR5 fails, the second DC/DC converter 64 can act as a barrier against noise (in this case, electrostatic charges generated on the display 16) for another element (for example, LDO regulator 62) from the source 12 power supply relative to the variable resistor VR5 and can provide protection for another element. That is, by providing the node N62 in the power supply line 60G from the second DC/DC converter side with respect to the node N61, both the overvoltage protection of the display driver 65 and the stable operation of the display driver 65 can be ensured.

[0156] Based on the same, the variable resistor VR6 is also connected to the power supply line 60E. Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR6 is connected to the node N43 provided in the power supply line 60E, and the other end of the variable resistor VR6 is connected to the ground line 60N. In this case, a node N43 is provided between the LDO stabilizer 62 and the switch SW3 in the power supply line 60E. Therefore, even when electrostatic charges are generated on the display 16 as a result of the display 16 exposed to the outer environment of the aerosol inhaler 1 being in contact with any object, and the electrostatic charges flow back towards the LDO stabilizer 62 through the OSD panel 46 and through the display control device 65, static charges can be discharged to ground line 60N through variable resistor VR6, and LDO 62 can be protected from static charges.

[0157] The capacitor CD12, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, is connected to the power supply line 60G. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD12 is connected to the node N62 provided in the power supply line 60G, and the other end of the capacitor CD12 is connected to the ground line 60N. In this case, the node N62 is provided on the side of the second DC/DC converter 64 with respect to the node N61 in the power line 60G. Accordingly, the display driver 65 can be supplied with a stable second high-voltage system voltage, and even when electrostatic charges are generated on the display 16, the variable resistor VR5 can protect the capacitor CD12 from electrostatic charges.

[0158] The EN terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 is a terminal for setting the on/off operation of the second DC/DC converter 64 and is connected to the PC12 terminal on the MCU 50 as described above.

[0159] As described above, the VDD terminal of the display driver 65 is the power supply terminal of the display driver 65 on the positive side, and is connected to the power supply line 60E. In addition, the VSS terminal of the display driver 65 is a power supply terminal of the display driver 65 on the negative side, and is connected to the ground line 60N. Accordingly, the display driver 65 is supplied with the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO 62 via the power supply line 60E. The low-voltage system voltage supplied to the display driver 65 is used as a power source for operating the display driver 65.

[0160] The VCC_C terminal of the display control device 65 is a terminal that receives the second high-voltage system voltage, and is connected to the VOUT terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64 via the power supply line 60G as described above. Upon receiving the second high system voltage from the VCC_C terminal, the display driver 65 supplies the received second high system voltage to the OSD panel 46 via the power supply line 60H. Accordingly, the display driver 65 may cause the OSD panel 46 to operate. The display driver 65 and the OSD panel 46 may also be connected via another line (not shown).

[0161] The voltage generating system for operating (i.e., operating) the OSD panel 46 by supplying the second high-voltage system voltage obtained by increasing the standard system voltage (i.e., the output voltage of the power supply 12 or the voltage supplied through the charging terminal assembly 43) is hereinafter also referred to as second boost system. The second boost system will be described again in the following with reference to FIG. 5 etc.

[0162] The SCL pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives the I2C communication line SCL signal between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65, and is connected to the PB8 pin on the MCU 50 as described above. In addition, the SDA pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives the I2C communication line SDA signal between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65, and is connected to the PB9 pin on the MCU 50 as described above.

[0163] The IXS pin of the display driver 65 is a pin for setting which of I2C communication and Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) communication should be used to communicate between the display driver 65 and another IC (BMC 50 in the present embodiment). In the present embodiment, when the IXS pin is connected to the power supply line 60E, a high level voltage is applied to the IXS pin, and communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU 50 is set to the I2C communication mode. By applying a low voltage to the IXS pin, the communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU 50 can be set to the SPI communication mode.

[0164] (Power Supply Systems 10)

Next, with reference to FIG. 5 is a summary of the systems of the power supply unit 10 described above. In FIG. 5 does not show the protection IC 61 or the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply 10 includes a first boost system Gr1, a second boost system Gr2, a direct coupled system Gr3, and a buck system Gr4. The first boost system Gr1, the second boost system Gr2, the direct-coupled system Gr3, and the buck system Gr4 are provided in parallel with the charging IC 55. In addition, the power supply 12 and the charging terminal assembly 43 are also provided in parallel with the charging IC 55. In other words, the first boost system Gr1, the second boost system Gr2, the direct coupled system Gr3, and the buck system Gr4 are provided in parallel with the power supply 12 and the charging terminal assembly 43 through the charging IC 55.

[0165] The first step-up system Gr1 includes a first DC/DC converter 63 that steps up the standard system voltage to the first system high voltage, switch SW4, which is a power MOSFET that supplies the first system high voltage generated by the first DC /DC converter 63 to the load 21, and the load 21, which is the load that operates (that is, operates) when the first high voltage of the system is applied. In the first step-up system Gr1, the load driven by the first system high voltage is the only load 21. That is, in the first step-up system Gr1, the number of installed loads driven by the first system high voltage is 1. It should be noted that since the switch SW4 is operated by an on command and an off command issued from terminal PB4 on the BMK 50 as described above, the switch SW4 is not contained in the load which is operating (ie operating) when the first high voltage of the system is applied.

[0166] Accordingly, in the first step-up system Gr1 in which there is a relatively large power consumption due to the increase in voltage, by setting one load, it is possible to reduce the possibility of forced operation of the first step-up system Gr1, the time during which the first step-up system Gr1 continuously operates, and the power consumed by the first step-up system Gr1 per unit time, compared with the case where a plurality of loads are provided. Accordingly, the power consumption of the first boost system Gr1 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to improve the power consumption efficiency of the aerosol inhaler 1, and, for example, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol generated by the energy from a single charge of the power supply 12 and the flavor of the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0167] The second boost system Gr2 includes a second DC/DC converter 64 that boosts the standard system voltage to a second system high voltage, a display driver 65 that supplies a second system high voltage generated by the second DC/DC converter 64, to the OSD panel 46, and the OSD panel 46, which is a load that functions (ie, operates) when the second high voltage system voltage is applied. As described above, the VDD terminal, which is the positive terminal of the display driver 65, is connected to the OUT terminal of the LDO stabilizer 62 via the N43 node. Therefore, in the second step-up system Gr2, the load driven by the second system high voltage is only the OSD panel 46. That is, in the second step-up system Gr2, the number of installed loads driven by the second system high voltage is 1.

[0168] Accordingly, compared with the case where a plurality of loads are provided in the second boost system Gr2, it is possible to reduce the possibility of forced operation of the second boost system Gr2, the time during which the second boost system Gr2 continuously operates, and the power consumed by the second boost system Gr2 per unit of time. Accordingly, the power consumption of the second boost system Gr2 can be reduced. Therefore, the power consumption efficiency of the aerosol inhaler 1 can be improved, and, for example, the amount of aerosol generated by the energy from a single charge of the power supply 12 and the flavor of the aerosol inhaler 1 can be increased.

[0169] A configuration is adopted in which one DC/DC boost converter is provided per load that requires voltage boost, for example, provide the first DC/DC converter 63 for the load 21 and provide the second DC/DC converter 64 for the OLED panel 46, and therefore, it is possible to apply a suitable DC/DC converter for each load, so as to reduce the loss during the voltage rise of each DC/DC converter and improve the power consumption efficiency of the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0170] The Gr3 direct-coupled system includes a LED 70, which is a load that functions (ie, operates) when a standard system voltage is applied. Furthermore, in the Gr3 direct-coupled system, a switch SW1 is provided before the LED 70, that is, between the charging IC 55 and the LED 70.

[0171] Although details will be set forth hereinafter, SD 70 is a load that operates more frequently than other loads of the aerosol inhaler 1, such as load 21, OSD panel 46, and vibrator 47. Accordingly, by providing a load that operates more frequently than other loads in the direct-coupled system Gr3, which has no voltage conversion losses, it is possible to reduce the power consumption when the load is in operation and improve the power consumption efficiency of the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0172] The CD 70 is a load that consumes less power when operated than other loads of the aerosol inhaler 1 such as load 21, OSD panel 46, and vibrator 47. Accordingly, by assigning a load that operates more frequently than other loads, in in the form of a load having a low power consumption, it is possible to reduce the power consumption in the operation of the load and improve the power consumption efficiency of the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0173] Step-down system Gr4 includes an LDO stabilizer 62 that steps down the standard system voltage to a low system voltage, a BMC 50, a vibrator 47, and a pull-in sensor 15, which are loads that operate when the low system voltage is applied. In the Gr4 buck system, the MCU 50, the vibrator 47 and the retraction sensor 15 are provided in parallel with the LDO stabilizer 62. In addition, in the Gr4 buck system, a switch SW3 is provided between the LDO stabilizer 62 and the vibrator 47.

[0174] In the step-down system Gr4, the low-voltage loads of the system are the BMK 50, the vibrator 47, and the retraction sensor 15. That is, in the step-down system Gr4, the number of loads operating from the system low voltage exceeds the number of loads in the first step-up system Gr1, the second step-up system Gr2, and the direct-coupled system Gr3.

[0175] Accordingly, in the step-down system Gr4, in which the power consumption is relatively reduced due to lowering the voltage, by providing a plurality of loads, it is possible to achieve wide functionality of the aerosol inhaler 1 while reducing the power consumption of the aerosol inhaler 1. In addition, by reducing the power consumption of the aerosol inhaler 1, it is possible to increase the amount of aerosol generated by energy from one charge of the power source 12, and the flavor of the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0176] (BMC)

Next, with reference to FIG. 6 describes the configuration of the MCU 50 As shown in FIG. 6, the MCU 50 includes an aerosol request detector 51, a temperature detection unit 52, a power control unit 53, and a notification control unit 54 as functional units implemented by a processor executing a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) (not shown) .

[0177] The aerosol generation request detector 51 determines the aerosol production request from the received output of the retraction sensor 15 . The retraction sensor 15 is configured to output a pressure change (internal pressure) value in the power supply 10 caused by a user puffing through the puff tip 32. The retraction sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor that provides an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to an internal pressure that varies depending on the flow rate of air drawn in from an inlet (not shown) towards the tip 32 for tightening (i.e., from user tightening). The retraction sensor 15 may be made with a capacitive microphone or the like. The retraction sensor 15 may output an analog value or a digital value converted from an analog value. In addition, the retraction sensor 15 may output to the aerosol request detector 51 using the above-described I2C communication, SPI communication, or a similar communication mode.

[0178] The temperature detection unit 52 detects the temperature of the power supply 12 from the input signal from the thermistor circuit C2. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 52 supplies voltage to the thermistor circuit C2 by turning on switch SW2, and detects the temperature of the thermistor TH, i.e., the temperature of the power supply 12, from the voltage value supplied from the thermistor circuit C2 to the input of the MCU 50 (for example, terminal PC1) at this moment. In addition, for example, the electrical resistance value of the load 21 can be made detectable, and the temperature detection unit 52 can determine the temperature of the load 21.

[0179] The power control unit 53 controls the power supply to the electronic components of the aerosol inhaler 1. For example, when the aerosol generation request detector 51 detects an aerosol production request, the power control unit 53 causes the first DC/DC converter 63 to operate and controls the switching of switch SW4 to supply the first high voltage of the system to the load 21 through terminal 41a to discharge the positive pole. Accordingly, the MCU 50 can supply the load 21 with the first high-voltage system voltage, cause the load 21 to heat up (operate), and cause the aerosol to be generated. In such a case, therefore, the power supply voltage from the charging IC 55 (that is, the standard system power supply voltage) is raised to the first high voltage system voltage by the first DC/DC converter 63 and supplied to the load 21 so that the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 and flavor may be increased compared to the case where the power from the charging IC 55 is supplied to the load 21 without boosting the voltage.

[0180] The power control unit 53 supplies the standard system voltage to the vibrator 47 via the positive terminal 47a by turning on the switch SW3 at a predetermined time. Accordingly, the MCU 50 can supply standard system voltage power supplies to the vibrator 47 to cause the vibrator 47 to oscillate (operate).

[0181] The power control unit 53 supplies the second high-voltage system voltage to the OSD panel 46 via the display driver 65 by commanding the second DC/DC converter 64 to operate at a predetermined time. Accordingly, the MCU 50 can supply power with the second high system voltage to the OSD panel 46 to operate the OSD panel 46.

[0182] When the aerosol generation request detector 51 detects the aerosol generation request, the power control unit 53 further turns on the switch SW1 to put the LED circuit C1 into a conductive state and put the LED 70 into a light emission (operation) state. In this case, the voltage obtained by lowering the standard system voltage from the charging IC 55 through the resistor R8 is supplied to the connector 70a. That is, when the switch SW1 is turned on, the power control unit 53 can supply the power supply voltage obtained by lowering the standard system voltage through the resistor R8 to the LED 70 via the connector 70a.

[0183] As described above, when the power supply 12 is in an over-discharged state, the MCU 50 cannot operate with power from the power supply 12 alone and is in a stop state. The BMC 50, which is in the stop state as described above, is turned on again when power is additionally supplied from an external power source through the charging terminal assembly 43 . Then, the resumed operation of the MCU 50 performs predetermined power management to restore the operation of the power supply unit 10 system with the function of the power control unit 53 or the like. A specific example of power management will be described later with reference to FIG. 7-12 etc.

[0184] The notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify various information messages. For example, the notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to report the replacement time of the second cartridge 30 in response to detecting the replacement time of the second cartridge 30. The notification control unit 54 detects and reports the replacement time of the second cartridge 30 by the cumulative number of puffs or the total time of applying voltage to the load 21, which is stored in the memory 19. The notification control unit 54 can notify not only the time to replace the second cartridge 30, but also the time to replace the first cartridge 20, the time to replace the power source 12, the time to charge power source 12 and the like.

[0185] In a state in which one unused second cartridge 30 is installed, when puffing is performed a predetermined number of times, or when the total time of applying voltage to the puff load 21 reaches a predetermined value (for example, 120 seconds), the notification control unit 54 may determine that the second cartridge 30 has been used up (i.e., the remaining amount is zero or exhausted) and may notify that the replacement of the second cartridge 30 is due.

[0186] When it is determined that all of the second cartridges 30 included in one set have been used up, the notification control unit 54 may determine that one first cartridge 20 included in one set has been used up (i.e., its residual amount is zero or has been used up). ) and may notify when it is time to replace the first cartridge 20. In addition or instead, the notification control unit 54 may also notify the remaining amount in the first cartridge 20, the remaining amount in the second cartridge 30, a remaining capacity of the power supply 12, etc. P.

[0187] (Specific example of power management)

Next, with reference to FIG. 7-12 describes a specific example of the above-described power management. In FIG. 7-12, a portion to which power is supplied is shown by a continuous line, and a portion to which power is not supplied is indicated by a dotted line or hatched. In FIG. 7-12, the protection IC 61, the switch SW1, the vibrator 47, the pull-in sensor 15, and the like are not shown.

[0188] When the power supply 12 is in an excessively discharged state, the switch 121 electrically connected to the power supply 12 is turned off, as shown in FIG. 7 to prevent degradation of the power supply 12. Accordingly, the power supply 12 is electrically disconnected from the power supply 10 system. In this case, the switch 121 is, for example, a switch provided in conjunction with a battery pack that implements the power supply 12 with a MOSFET built into the charging IC 55 or the like. When the power supply 12 is electrically disconnected from the power supply 10 system, power from the output of the power supply 12 is not supplied to the VBAT pin of the protection IC 61 and the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin of the charging IC 55. As a result, the protection IC 61 and the charging IC 55 cannot detect the source. 12 power.

[0189] Then, when the plug connector connected to the external power supply is inserted into the charge terminal assembly 43 as shown in FIG. 8, power supplied to the charging terminal assembly 43 from an external power supply is supplied to the charging IC 55. Accordingly, the charging IC 55 is turned on. When the power supply 12 is electrically disconnected from the power supply 10 system as described above, since power from the output of the power supply 12 is not supplied to the BAT_1 terminal and the BAT_2 terminal of the charging IC 55, the charging IC 55 cannot detect the power supply 12. In addition, at this time, since the BMC 50 is not turned on, the potential of the CE contact of the charging IC 55 becomes uncertain. Therefore, the charging IC 55 currently turned on does not charge the power supply 12 .

[0190] As shown in FIG. 9, the active charging IC 55 supplies power obtained from an external power supply to the LDO regulator 62 using the power circuit function. Accordingly, an electric charge accumulates on the capacitor CD8, and the LDO regulator 62 is turned on.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 9, at present, power is not supplied to the MCU 50, and the MCU 50 is not in operation. Meanwhile, when the MCU 50 is not in operation, the charging IC 55 does not supply power to the power source 12. Accordingly, when the MCU 50 is not turned on, that is, when the MCU 50 cannot control the charging IC 55, power supply to the power supply 12 (that is, charging of the power supply 12) can be blocked, and improper charging, which leads to deterioration of the characteristics of the power supply 12 . Therefore, deterioration of the performance of the power supply 12 due to improper charging can be prevented, and the operation of the power supply 12 can be safely restored from an over-discharged state.

[0192] Charging IC 55 does not supply power to load 21 when MCU 50 is idle. In particular, at the time shown in FIG. 9, the input voltage at the EN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63 is undefined. Therefore, since the first DC/DC converter 63, that is, the first step-up system Gr1, does not function, the load 21 is not supplied with power. Accordingly, when the MCU 50 is idle, that is, when the MCU 50 cannot control the charging IC 55, the power supply to the load 21 may be blocked, and improper heating or the like may be prevented by the load 21.

[0193] Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the LDO stabilizer 62, powered by the power from the charging IC 55, supplies low-voltage system voltage power to the MCU 50. Accordingly, the MCU 50 in the stop state is turned on (turned on again). Then, the newly powered MCU 50 controls the charging IC 55 to start charging the power supply 12, as indicated by the arrow indicated by (A) in FIG. 10. In particular, the MCU 50 outputs a low-level voltage signal to the CE terminal of the charging IC 55. Accordingly, the power supply 12 is charged with power obtained from an external power supply. The switch 121 is turned on (in a conductive state) when the power supply from the charging IC 55 to the power supply 12 starts.

[0194] At this stage, the charging IC 55 gradually charges the power supply 12. For example, the MCU 50 alternately switches the signal output to the CE terminal of the charging IC 55 between a low level and a high level. Accordingly, the power supply 12 can be charged gradually, and the power supply 12 can be charged while preventing the load on the power supply 12 (that is, degradation of the power supply 12). As another example, when the output voltage of the power supply 12, which is supplied to the BAT_1 terminal and the BAT_2 terminal by the switch 121 turned on when the power supply to the power supply 12 starts, indicates that the power supply 12 is in an over-discharged state, the charging IC 55 may periodically turn on/off the switch 121 to gradually charge the power supply 12.

[0195] Next, the MCU 50 outputs a high-level voltage signal to the EN terminal of the second DC/DC converter 64, as indicated by the arrow indicated at (B) in FIG. 11. Accordingly, the second DC/DC converter 64, i.e., the second step-up system Gr2, operates and the OSD panel 46 can be energized. In addition, the MCU 50 can also set the operation of the AN 70 (ie, the Gr3 direct link system) as indicated by the arrow indicated at (C) in FIG. 11. To set the operation of the LED 70, the switch SW1 provided in the LED circuit C1 may be turned on.

[0196] Preferably, the MCU 50 does not supply power to the load 21 while the power source 12 is being charged. That is, the load 21 generates heat when energized. Therefore, if power is supplied to the load 21 while the power supply 12 is being charged, the temperature of the power supply 12 also rises under the influence of heat from the load 21, and the power supply 12 having a high temperature can be charged (which may cause the performance of the power supply 12 to deteriorate).

[0197] Therefore, degradation of the performance of the power supply 12 can be prevented by not supplying power to the load 21 while charging the power supply 12. In order not to supply power to the load 21, the MCU 50 may output a low-level voltage signal to the EN pin of the first DC/DC converter 63.

[0198] Then, when the charging of the power source 12 ends (for example, when the plug connector is disconnected from the charging terminal assembly 43), the MCU 50 may output a high-level voltage signal to the EN terminal of the first DC/DC converter 63, as indicated by the arrow indicated by ( D) in FIG. 12. Accordingly, the first DC/DC converter 63, that is, the first step-up system Gr1 is operated, and the load 21 can be energized.

[0199] Preferably, the MCU 50 does not supply power to the load 21 until the over-discharged condition of the power supply 12 is corrected. That is, if the over-discharged state of the power source 12 is not eliminated, the MCU 50 is in a stop state at the time the plug connector is disconnected from the charge terminal assembly 43 . Therefore, if the power is supplied to the load 21, even when the over-discharged state of the power supply 12 is not eliminated, power supply control to the load 21 cannot be performed at the moment when the plug connector is disconnected from the charging terminal assembly 43, improper heating or the like may be performed by the load 21. , and an aerosol having an undesirable odor may be formed. Therefore, by blocking the power supply to the load 21 until the over-discharged state of the power supply 12 is removed, improper heating or the like by the load 21 and generation of an aerosol having an undesirable odor can be prevented.

[0200] When the first step-up system Gr1 and the second step-up system Gr2 operate simultaneously, that is, when the power supply to the load 21 and the power supply to the OSD panel 46 are performed simultaneously, the discharge current of the power supply 12 may be large. When the discharging current of the power supply 12 becomes, as a result, large, the load on the power supply 12 increases, which may lead to deterioration of the performance of the power supply 12. Therefore, in order to prevent the power supply 12 from being discharged with a large current, the MCU 50 may not assign the first boost system Gr1 and the second boost system Gr2 to operate at the same time. Accordingly, degradation of the performance of the power supply 12 due to discharging the power supply 12 with a large current can be prevented.

[0201] (Example of location of charging IC 55)

When power is also supplied to the LDO stabilizer 62 or the like using the power circuit function at the time of charging the power supply 12, it can be assumed that the load on the charging IC 55 is increased and the charging IC 55 generates heat while charging the power supply 12. Therefore, if the charging IC 55 is located close to the power supply 12, the power supply 12 may be heated by the heat from the charging IC 55 while the power supply 12 is being charged, and the power supply 12 may be charged at a high temperature (which may lead to deterioration in the performance of the power supply 12). ).

[0202] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the charging IC 55 is provided on the second surface of the circuit board 60 having a first surface that faces the power supply 12 and a second surface located on the reverse side of the first surface. Accordingly, heat from the charging IC 55 can be prevented from heating the power supply 12 during charging of the power supply 12. That is, the effect of heat from the charging IC 55 on the temperature of the power supply 12 can be weakened. Further, with reference to FIG. 2 and 13-16, an example of a circuit board 60 on which a plurality of elements are mounted is described. It should be noted that FIG. 13-16 only disclose the main circuit configuration parts of the circuit board 60.

[0203] (Circuit board)

As shown in FIG. 2, the circuit board 60 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 on the reverse side of the first surface 71. The first surface 71 and the second surface 72 are surfaces substantially perpendicular to the left to right direction. In such a case, the first surface 71 is the right surface of the circuit board 60 and the second surface 72 is the left surface of the circuit board 60. In this case, the second surface 72 faces the power supply 12 and/or the second surface 72 is located closer to the power supply 12, than the first surface 71. In the present embodiment, the second surface 72 faces the power source 12.

[0204] On the first surface 71, which is the right surface of the circuit board 60, and the second surface 72, which is the left surface of the circuit board 60, a plurality of elements are mounted.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 7-10, the circuit board 60 further includes a ground layer 73 and a power supply layer 74, and a ground layer 73 and a power supply layer 74 are provided between the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. That is, in the present embodiment, the circuit board 60 is four-layer a multilayer board in which the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 are stacked. In the present embodiment, the circuit board 60 is formed by stacking the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 in that order on the right side. Instead of the present embodiment, the circuit board 60 may be a multi-layer board containing five or more layers, due to the fact that at least one of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 contains several layers. In addition, the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 can be divided into two or more groups and can only be stacked in the same group. It should be noted that, in this case, the circuit board 60 is physically divided into two or more, but the order in which the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 are arranged in the direction from left to right does not change.

[0206] The circuit board 60 is substantially L-shaped as a whole, viewed from left to right, substantially perpendicular to the first surface 71 and second surface 72 on which the plurality of elements are mounted. Specifically, when viewed from a left to right direction, the circuit board 60 includes a connection section 600 having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first section 601 that extends forward from a front end surface of the connection section 600, and a second section 602 that extends upward from the upper end surface of the connection portion 600. The first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 are substantially the same shape and are substantially L-shaped when viewed from left to right. Specifically, when viewed from a left to right direction, the first surface 71 includes a connecting portion 710 having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first portion 711 that extends forward from the front end surface of the connecting portion 710, and a second portion 712 that extends upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 710. Viewed from left to right, the second surface 72 includes a connecting portion 720 having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first portion 721 that extends forward from the front end portion of the connecting portion 720, and a second portion 722 that extends upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 720. Viewed from left to right, the ground layer 73 includes a connecting portion 730 having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first portion 731 that extends forward from the front end plot with connecting section 730, and a second section 732 that extends upward from the upper end surface of the connecting section 730. Viewed from left to right, the power supply layer 74 includes a connection section 740 having a substantially quadrangular shape, the first section 741, which extends forward from the front end portion of the connecting portion 740, and a second portion 742 that extends upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 740. The connecting portion 600 of the circuit board 60 is formed by the connecting portions 710, 730, 740, and 720, respectively, of the first surface 71, layer 73, the ground layer 74, and the second surface 72. The first section 601 of the circuit board 60 is formed by the first sections 711, 731, 741, and 721, respectively, of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power layer 74, and the second surface 72. The second section 602 is formed second sections 712, 732, 742 and 722, respectively o, the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72.

[0207] As shown in FIG. 13, elements such as the display driver 65, the second DC/DC converter 64, the BMC 50, the charging IC 55, the LDO stabilizer 62, the protection IC 61, the first DC/DC converter 63, and the power supply connector 81 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60. In addition, on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, a pull-in sensor connection section 82, a switch connection section 83, and a vibrator connection section 84 are formed.

[0208] The display control device 65 is mounted above the center of the second section 712 in the downward direction. The OSD panel 46 is located above the circuit board 60, and the display driver 65 and the OSD panel 46 are connected by a power supply line 60H.

[0209] The second DC/DC converter 64 is mounted slightly above the center of the second portion 712 from top to bottom and in front of and below the display driver 65 .

[0210] BMC 50 is mounted in a position that spans the lower end portion of the second portion 712 and the upper end portion of the connecting portion 710.

[0211] The charging IC 55 is mounted on the rear end portion of the first portion 711.

[0212] Accordingly, the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71, located on the reverse side of the second surface 72, which faces the power source 12 and/or is located near the power source 12. Accordingly, the power supply 12 can be protected from heat generated by the charging IC 55 during charging of the power supply 12.

[0213] The LDO stabilizer 62 is mounted between the BMC 50 and the charging IC 55 in the anteroposterior direction on a substantially central portion of the connecting portion 710 in the downward direction.

[0214] Accordingly, the LDO stabilizer 62 is mounted on the first surface 71, located on the reverse side of the second surface 72, which faces the power source 12 and/or is located near the power source 12. Accordingly, the power supply 12 can be protected from heating by the heat generated by the LDO stabilizer 62 during charging of the power supply 12.

[0215] The protection IC 61 is mounted at a position that is below the charging IC 55 and the LDO stabilizer 62 and surrounds the connection section 710 and the first section 711.

[0216] The first DC/DC converter 63 is mounted in front of the upper end portion of the first portion 711.

[0217] Accordingly, the first DC/DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71, located on the reverse side of the second surface 72, which faces the power source 12 and/or is located near the power source 12. Therefore, the power supply 12 can be protected from being heated by the heat generated when the first DC/DC converter 63 is operating.

[0218] The power supply connector 81 is a connector for electrically connecting the circuit board 60 to the power supply 12 and is mounted below the first DC/DC converter 63 and at the lower end portion of the first section 711. The power line connected to the power supply 12 is connected to the connector 81 power supplies.

[0219] The retraction sensor connection portion 82 is formed at a substantially central portion in the downward direction of the front end portion of the second portion 712. The power supply line connected to the retraction sensor 15 is soldered to the retraction sensor connection portion 82.

[0220] The switch connection portion 83 is formed at a substantially central portion in the downward direction of the rear end portion of the second portion 712. The power supply line connected to the control mechanism 18 is soldered to the switch connection portion 83.

[0221] A vibrator connecting portion 84 is formed at the rear lower end portion of the connecting portion 710. A power line connected to the positive terminal 47a and a negative terminal 47b of the vibrator 47 are soldered to the vibrator connecting portion 84.

[0222] Therefore, the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 are mounted on the circuit board 60 such that the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 are separated from each other. More specifically, the first DC/DC converter 63 is mounted on the first section 601 of the circuit board 60, and the second DC/DC converter 64 is mounted on the second section 602 of the circuit board 60. In addition, the first DC/DC converter 63 is mounted on the first section 601 circuit board 60, the second DC/DC converter 64 is mounted on the second section 602 of the circuit board 60, and the BMC 50 is mounted in a position, in a position that spans the lower end portion of the second portion 712 and the upper end portion of the connection portion 710 of the circuit board 60. Accordingly, , the distance between the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 exceeds the distance between the first DC/DC converter 63 and BMK 50 and exceeds the distance between the second DC/DC converter 64 and BMK 50. The term "distance" in this case, refers to the shortest distance along a straight line that connects two objects (i.e., straight-line distance). The same applies to the following description.

[0223] Accordingly, since the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 are mounted on the circuit board 60 such that the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 are separated from each other, then the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 can reduce the effect of switching heat or noise generated by one of the DC/DC converters on the other DC/DC converter.

[0224] Since both the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 are located on the same surfaces. The second surface 72, on which neither the first DC/DC converter 63 nor the second DC/DC converter 64 is mounted, may be less likely to be affected by heat or switching noise generated by the DC/DC converter.

[0225] As shown in FIG. 16, the LED 70, the bit terminal assembly 41, the power module 85, the charging terminal assembly 43, and the thermistor TH are mounted on the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60.

[0226] The LED 70 is mounted on a substantially central portion in the downward direction of the rear end portion of the second portion 722.

[0227] The bit terminal assembly 41 is mounted so as to protrude upwardly from the upper end portion of the first portion 721. The bit terminal assembly 41 is a contact or the like with an embedded spring, connected to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20, and power from the power source 12 is supplied from node 41 bit outputs to load 21.

[0228] The power module 85 is mounted in the first section 721 under the bit terminal assembly 41. The power supply module 85 includes a switch SW4, a capacitor CD10, and a variable resistor VR4. In addition, although the power module 85 includes switch SW4, the power module 85 may not include either the capacitor CD10 or the variable resistor VR4. In this case, a capacitor CD10 and a variable resistor VR4 may be provided between the bit terminal assembly 41 and the power supply unit 85 .

[0229] The charge terminal assembly 43 is mounted to protrude downward from the lower end portion of the second surface 72, at a position that engages the connecting portion 720 and the first portion 721 in an anteroposterior direction.

[0230] In addition, when viewed from the direction from left to right, on the first surface 71 located on the reverse side of the second surface 72, mounted at least part of the protective IC 61 in the area overlapping the node 43 charging terminals mounted on the second surface 72 (see Fig. 13).

[0231] Accordingly, the elements can be mounted on the circuit board 60 at a high density, and the circuit board 60 can be further reduced in size.

[0232] The thermistor TH is mounted in a region on the rear side and the bottom side of the connecting portion 720. Therefore, the thermistor TH is mounted on the rear lower end portion of the entire second surface 72.

[0233] Because the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72 that faces the power supply 12 and/or is located closer to the power supply 12 than the first surface 71, the thermistor TH may be positioned to face the power supply 12 and/or located near the power source 12. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0234] The thermistor TH and resistor R9 form the thermistor circuit C2 on the second surface 72. Resistor R9 is mounted on the second surface 72 before the thermistor TH. The thermistor TH is located at a distance from the resistor R9, and at least one of the plurality of elements is mounted in a position where the straight-line distance starting from the resistor R9 is shorter than the straight-line distance between the resistor R9 and the thermistor TH. In the present embodiment, the switch SW2 is mounted in a position where the straight-line distance starting from the resistor R9 is shorter than the straight-line distance between the resistor R9 and the thermistor TH.

[0235] Accordingly, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72 away from the resistor R9, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the resistor R9. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0236] Since the thermistor TH is mounted on a second surface 72 different from the first surface 71 on which the MCU 50 is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the MCU resistor 50. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can more accurately determine the temperature of the source 12 nutrition.

[0237] Since the first DC/DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71 different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the first DC/DC converter 63. Accordingly, , the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0238] Since the LDO 62 is mounted on the first surface 71 different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the LDO 62. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can more accurately determine the temperature of the power source 12.

[0239] Since the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71 different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the charging IC 55. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the source 12 power.

[0240] Both the first DC/DC converter 63 and the bit terminal assembly 41 connected to the load 21 that operates by consuming power output from the first DC/DC converter 63 are mounted on the first portion 601 of the circuit board 60 Both the second DC/DC converter 64 and the display driver 65 connected to the OSD panel 46, which operates by consuming power obtained from the output of the second DC/DC converter 64, are mounted on the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60.

[0241] The bit terminal assembly 41 is optionally mounted on the first section 601 of the circuit board 60. For example, the bit terminal assembly 41 may be mounted on a section of the circuit board 60 other than the first section 601 and connected to the element mounted on the first section 601. In addition, the display driver 65 is not necessarily mounted on the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60. For example, the display driver 65 may be mounted on a portion of the circuit board 60 that is different from the second portion 602 and connected to a member mounted on the second portion 602.

[0242] Accordingly, since the bit terminal assembly 41 is mounted on or connected to the first section 601 of the circuit board 60, and the display driver 65 is mounted on or connected to the second section 602 of the circuit board 60, the bit terminal assembly 41 may be located near the first DC/DC converter 63, and the display driver 65 may be located near the second DC/DC converter 64. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the path for supplying the power supply with the voltage lowered by the first DC/DC converter 63 to the load 21, and it is possible to shorten the length of the conductive path for supplying the power supply with the voltage lowered by the second DC/DC converter 64 to the OSD panel 46. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the power loss when the voltage is lowered by the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64. In such a case, it is possible to prevent the influence of energy losses when the voltage is lowered by the first DC/DC converter 63 and the second DC/DC converter 64 to other cells, and the decrease in the amount of aerosol that can be generated per charge can be prevented.

[0243] The first DC/DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71, and the power module 85 is mounted on the second surface 72. Accordingly, since the first DC/DC converter 63 and the power module 85 are mounted on different surfaces of the circuit board 60, it is possible to prevent the heat generated by the first DC/DC converter 63 and the heat generated by the power module 85 from concentrating at the time of energizing the load 21.

[0244] Since the power module 85 and the bit terminal assembly 41 are both mounted on the first portion 721 of the second surface 72, the power module 85 and the bit terminal assembly 41 are mounted close to one another. Accordingly, the length of a portion of the power supply line 60F that electrically connects the power supply module 85 and the bit terminal assembly 41 can be shortened, and the power loss between the power module 85 and the bit terminal assembly 41 can be reduced. In addition, a portion of the power supply line 60F that electrically connects the power supply unit 85 and the bit terminal assembly 41 carries a pulsed current. Therefore, by shortening the length of a portion of the power supply line 60F that electrically connects the power supply unit 85 and the bit terminal assembly 41, it is possible to prevent the surge current from affecting other elements.

[0245] In the area overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72, no element is mounted on the first surface 71 located on the reverse side of the second surface 72, when viewed in the direction from left to right.

[0246] Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the elements mounted on the first surface 71 located on the reverse side of the second surface 72. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0247] The second surface 72 includes high density regions 72A in which a large number of elements are mounted and the mounting density of mounted elements is high, and low density regions 72B in which the mounting density of mounted elements is lower than in high density regions 72A. In the present embodiment, the first section 721, the area on the upper side of the connection section 720, the area near the center in the downward direction of the connection section 720 between the connection section 720 and the first section 721 are high density areas 72A. In the present embodiment, the thermistor TH is mounted in a region on the rear side and underside of the connection portion 720, which is one of the low density regions 72B where the mounting density of the mounted members is lower than in the high density regions 72A. In the present embodiment, in addition to the area on the back side and bottom side of the connecting section 720, the low density areas 72B are the area on the bottom side of the second section 722 and the area on the back side and top side of the second section 722.

[0248] Therefore, since the TH thermistor is mounted in a region where the mounting density of the mounted elements is low, the TH thermistor is less likely to be affected by heat generated by other elements mounted on the circuit board 60. Accordingly, the TH thermistor can more accurately detect the source temperature. 12 power.

[0249] As shown in FIG. 14, a ground line 60N is formed on the ground layer 73 of the circuit board 60. In the present embodiment, the ground line 60N is a conductive thin film formed on the ground layer 73 of the circuit board 60, and has a reference potential of the circuit board 60.

[0250] The ground line 60N is not formed in the region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed in the direction from left to right. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the ground line 60N. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0251] The ground line 60N is not formed in the area of the rear lower end of the ground layer 73 including the area overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed in the direction from left to right. In other words, the ground line 60N has a shape obtained by cutting out the region of the rear lower end of the ground layer 73 when viewed from the direction from left to right. Therefore, when viewed from the direction from left to right, the ground line 60N is not formed in the area overlapping the thermistor TH, and is formed so as to surround the thermistor TH. Therefore, the TH thermistor is even less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the ground line 60N. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0252] As shown in FIG. 15, a power supply path 743 for supplying power to the members mounted on the circuit board 60 is formed on the power supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60. The power supply path 743 is formed along lines 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60G, etc. P. power supply. The power supply path 743 is a conductor circuit wiring formed on the power supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60 by lithography or the like.

[0253] The power supply path 743 is not formed in the area overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed in the direction from left to right. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the power supply path 743 . Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0254] The power supply path 743 is not formed in the region of the rear lower end of the power supply layer 74 including the region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed in the direction from left to right. In addition, the power supply path 743 is formed to surround the thermistor TH when viewed in the direction from left to right. Therefore, the thermistor TH is even less likely to be affected by the heat generated by the power supply path 743 . Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0255] Accordingly, neither the ground line 60N of the ground layer 73 nor the power supply path 743 of the power supply layer 74 is formed in the region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left to right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by heat generated by both the ground line 60N and the power supply path 743. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0256] As shown in FIG. 2, the inner holder 13 holds the circuit board 60 on the right side of the partition wall 13d and holds the power supply 12 on the left side of the partition wall 13d. Accordingly, since both the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 are fixed by the inner holder 13, the thermistor TH can be held in a position suitable for detecting the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0257] The inner holder 13 can only hold the part of the circuit board 60 on the right side of the partition wall 13d and only hold the part of the power supply 12 on the left side of the partition wall 13d. Specifically, the inner holder 13 can hold the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 such that the position of the power supply 12 that faces the thermistor TH comes out of the inner holder 13 in a left-to-right direction from the thermistor TH. Thus, since the temperature of the power supply 12 is transmitted to the thermistor TH without being transmitted through the separating wall 13d, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately and at high speed.

[0258] As described above, in the present embodiment, of the power supply connector 81, the MCU 50, the charging IC 55, and the charging terminal assembly 43, the power supply connector 81, the MCU 50, and the charging IC 55 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, and the charging terminal assembly 43 is mounted on the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60. Accordingly, the charging terminal assembly 43 and the elements for charging the power supply 12 are mounted dispersed on both the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60, and therefore the heat generated by the charging terminal assembly 43 and the cells during charging of the power supply 12 may be dissipated. The present invention is not limited to the example described in the present embodiment. When the charging terminal assembly 43 and the cells for charging the power source 12 are mounted separately on both the first surface 71 and the second surface 72, the heat generated by the charging terminal assembly 43 and the cells during charging of the power source 12 can be dissipated. That is, for example, from the power supply connector 81, the MCU 50, the charging IC 55, and the charging terminal assembly 43, the MCU 50 and the charging IC 55 can be mounted on the first surface 71, and the power supply connector 81 and the charging terminal assembly 43 can be mounted on the second surface 72.

[0259] As described above, according to the power supply 10 of the present embodiment, even when the power supply 12 of the power supply 10 of the aerosol inhaler 1 is in an over-discharged state, power from an external power supply can be supplied to the MCU 50, which is a controller, provided in the power supply 10, and the power supply 12 can be restored from an over-discharged state. Therefore, even when the power supply 12 is in an excessively discharged state, an unusable state of the power supply 10 (that is, the aerosol inhaler 1) can be prevented, which improves user convenience.

[0260] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified, improved, and the like, as appropriate.

[0261] In the present description, at least the following issues are considered. The corresponding components in the above embodiment are shown in brackets. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0262]

(1) A power supply (power supply 10) for an aerosol generating device (aerosol inhaler 1) comprising:

a power supply (power supply 12) configured to supply electric power to a heater (load 21) configured to heat the aerosol source;

a socket (charging terminal assembly 43) configured to receive electricity for charging the power supply from the plug connector connected to the external power supply;

a charger (charger IC 55) configured to control the charging of the power supply with electric power received by the socket; and

controller (BMK 50),

while the socket and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger,

moreover, the charger is configured to supply power from the socket and the power source to the controller through the charger.

[0263] According to (1), the socket and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, and power from the socket and the power supply can be supplied to the controller through the charger. Therefore, even when the power supply is in an excessively discharged state, power from an external power supply can be supplied to the controller.

[0264]

(2) The power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (1), further comprising:

a protection IC (protection IC 61) connected between the socket and the charger,

wherein the power supply is connected between the protection IC and the charger.

[0265] According to (2), since the power supply is connected between the protection IC and the charger, the power supply can be discharged through the charger without passing through the protection IC, and the power loss due to the passage through the protection IC can be reduced.

[0266]

(3) A power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), further comprising:

a regulator (LDO-stabilizer 62) connected between the charger and the controller and containing an enable pin (terminal EN),

while the regulator converts the power supplied from the charger into power that powers the controller in response to a high-level signal being applied to the enable pin,

wherein the positive pole further comprises a capacitor (capacitor CD8) connected to the turn-on terminal and the output side of the charger.

[0267] According to item (3), the capacitor connected to the enable terminal of the regulator can be charged with power from the charger, and the charged capacitor can supply a high level signal to the enable terminal of the regulator. Accordingly, even when the regulator and the controller are in the stop state due to lack of power from the power supply, the regulator and the controller can be powered up again by power from the external power supply.

[0268]

(4) Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. (1)-(3),

wherein the charger comprises an output terminal capable of outputting, in combination, the power that is received by the socket and does not charge the power supply and the power supplied from the power supply.

[0269] According to (4), since the charger can output, in combination, the power that is received by the socket and does not charge the power supply and the power supplied from the power supply, the power supply function can be used while preventing the reduction remaining capacity of the power supply while charging the power supply or connecting the plug connector to the socket.

[0270]

(5) Power supply for generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. (1)-(4), additionally containing:

load (OSD panel 46, SD 70), made with the ability to work when consuming the supplied electricity,

while the charger is configured to output the electricity received by the socket, simultaneously to the load and power source.

[0271] According to paragraph (5), since the charger can output the power received by the socket to both the load and the power supply at the same time, it is possible to ensure the operation of the load while charging the power supply with energy from an external power supply.

[0272]

(6) Power supply for generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. (1)-(5),

wherein the controller is configured to perform control so as not to supply power that is received by the socket and does not charge the power supply to the heater.

[0273] According to item (6), since the controller performs control so as not to supply power that is received by the socket and does not charge the power supply to the heater, the heater does not function during charging of the power supply. Accordingly, the temperature of the power supply can be prevented from rising due to heat from the heater, and degradation due to charging of the power supply having a high temperature can be prevented.

[0274]

(7) The power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (6), further comprising:

a connector (bit terminal assembly 41) connected to the heater; and

a housing (power supply housing 11) configured to accommodate a power supply, a socket, a charger, a controller, a connector, and a heater connected to the connector.

[0275] According to (7), since a case is provided that houses a power supply, a socket, a charger, a controller, a connector, and a heater connected to the connector together, user convenience can be improved. In addition, even when the housing accommodates the components mentioned together, charging of the power supply having a high temperature can be prevented, so that, in addition to convenience, safety can be improved.

[0276]

(8) The power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (6) or (7), further comprising:

a connector (bit terminal assembly 41) connected to the heater; and

A DC/DC converter (first DC/DC converter 63) connected between the connector and the charger.

[0277] According to item (8), since a DC/DC converter is provided between the connector to which the heater is connected and the charger, the power supply voltage from the charger can be increased and supplied to the heater, and the amount of generated aerosol and fragrance may increase. In addition, since the DC/DC converter is an element that generates heat at the time when the heater is supplied with high-voltage power, the power supply can be charged without being affected by heat generation. Therefore, safety can be improved in addition to increasing the amount of aerosol and flavor generated.

[0278]

(9) Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. (1)-(3),

wherein the charger is configured to restart the operation of the controller in a power stop state received by the socket when the power supply is in an over-discharged state in which the power supply cannot supply power for the operation of the controller.

[0279] According to (9), even when the power supply is in an excessively discharged state and the controller is in the stop state, the controller (ie, the power supply) can be turned on again by the power supplied by the socket.

[0280]

(10) Power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (9),

wherein the charger does not supply power to the power supply in an over-discharged state until the controller is put back into operation after the over-discharged state occurs.

[0281] In accordance with paragraph (10), since power is not supplied to the power supply in an excessively discharged state until the controller is put into operation again, improper charging can be prevented so as to prevent deterioration of the power supply due to improper charging. and safely restore the power supply in an over-discharged state.

[0282]

(11) Power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (10),

wherein the reactivated controller is configured to perform control such that the charger intermittently supplies power to the power supply in an over-discharged state.

[0283] According to (11), the power supply can be charged gradually, and the power supply can be charged and restored, while preventing the load on the power supply (i.e., degradation of the power supply).

[0284]

(12) Power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (9),

wherein the charger is configured to not supply power to the heater until the controller is put back into operation.

[0285] According to item (12), since power is not supplied to the heater until the controller is reactivated, it can be prevented from supplying power to the heater when the controller is not reactivated, and improper heating by the heater or the volume can be prevented. similar.

[0286]

(13) Power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (12),

wherein the reactivated controller is configured to perform control so as not to energize the heater until the over-discharged condition is removed.

[0287] In the case where the power supply is in an excessively discharged state, when the plug connector connected to the external power supply is disconnected from the socket, the controller is in a stop state. Therefore, if power is supplied to the heater even when the over-discharged state of the power supply is not eliminated, power supply control to the heater cannot be performed at the time the plug connector is disconnected from the jack, and improper heating by the heater or the like may occur. According to item (13), since the control is performed such that power is not supplied to the heater until the over-discharged state is corrected, improper heating by the heater or the like can be prevented as described above, and recovery from the over-discharged state can be be more secure. In addition, it is possible to prevent the generation of an aerosol containing an undesirable flavor due to improper heating or the like.

[0288]

(14) Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. (1)-(13), additionally containing:

a circuit board (circuit board 60) comprising a first surface (first surface 71) that faces the power supply and a second surface (second surface 72) that is the reverse surface of the first surface, or that is located on the reverse side of the first surface on which the charger is mounted.

[0289] According to (14), since the charger is provided on the reverse side of the first surface that faces the power supply or the second surface located on the reverse side of the first surface, heating of the power supply can be prevented. heat from the charger and prevent degradation of the power supply.

[0290]

(15) The power supply for the aerosol generating device according to (14), further comprising:

a regulator (LDO stabilizer 62) connected between the charger and the controller and configured to convert the power supplied from the charger into power to ensure the operation (i.e., operation) of the controller,

wherein the regulator is mounted on a second surface (second surface 72).

[0291] According to item (15), since the regulator is provided on the second surface, it is possible to prevent the power supply from being heated by the heat from the regulator and to prevent deterioration of the performance of the power supply.

Claims (42)

1. A power supply for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a power supply configured to supply electricity to a heater configured to heat the aerosol source; a socket configured to receive electricity for charging the power source from the plug connector connected to the external power source; a charger configured to control the charging of the power supply with electricity received by the socket; and a controller configured to control the charger, while the socket and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, moreover, the charger is configured to supply power from the socket and the power source to the controller through the charger. 2. A power supply for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1, further comprising: a protective integrated circuit (IC) connected between the socket and the charger, wherein the power supply is connected between the protection IC and the charger. 3. A power supply for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a regulator connected between the charger and the controller and containing an enable pin, the controller converts the power supplied from the charger into power that enables the controller to operate, in response to a high-level signal being applied to the enable pin, wherein the positive pole further comprises a capacitor connected to the turn-on terminal and the output side of the charger. 4. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein the charger comprises an output terminal capable of outputting an electric power which is the sum of the electric power that is received by the socket and does not charge the power supply and the electric power supplied from the power supply. 5. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, additionally containing: load, made with the ability to work with the consumption of the supplied electricity, while the charger is configured to output the electricity received by the socket, simultaneously to the load and power source. 6. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, wherein the controller is configured to perform control so as not to supply power that is received by the socket and does not charge the power supply to the heater. 7. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to claim 6, further comprising: a connector connected to the heater; and a housing configured to accommodate a power supply, a socket, a charger, a controller, a connector, and a heater connected to the connector. 8. A power supply for an aerosol generating device according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising: a connector connected to the heater; and DC/DC converter connected between connector and charger. 9. Power supply for generating aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, wherein the charger is configured to restart the operation of the controller in the stop state by power received by the socket when the power supply is in an over-discharged state in which the power supply cannot supply power to operate the controller. 10. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to claim 9, wherein the charger does not supply power to the power supply in an over-discharged state until the controller is put back into operation after the over-discharged state occurs. 11. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to claim 10, wherein the reactivated controller is configured to perform control such that the charger intermittently supplies power to the power source in an over-discharged state. 12. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to claim 9, wherein the charger is configured to not supply power to the heater until the controller is put back into operation. 13. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to claim 12, wherein the reactivated controller is configured to perform control so as not to supply power to the heater until the over-discharged condition is removed. 14. Power supply for generating an aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-13, additionally containing: a circuit board containing a first surface that faces the power source, and a second surface that is the reverse surface with respect to the first surface, or which is located on the reverse side of the first surface, and on which the charger is installed. 15. A power supply for an aerosol generating device according to claim 14, further comprising: a regulator connected between the charger and the controller and configured to convert the electricity supplied from the charger into electricity to ensure the operation of the controller, while the regulator is installed on the second surface.

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