WO2022239514A1

WO2022239514A1 - Power supply unit of aerosol generation device

Info

Publication number: WO2022239514A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/014088
Authority: WO
Inventors: 達也青山; 拓嗣川中子; 徹長浜; 貴司藤木; 亮吉田
Original assignee: 日本たばこ産業株式会社
Priority date: 2021-05-10
Filing date: 2022-03-24
Publication date: 2022-11-17

Abstract

This power supply unit of an aerosol generation device comprises: a connector to which a heater for heating an aerosol source using power supplied from a power supply is connected; a control unit that has a terminal to which a potential corresponding to the potential of a positive electrode of the power supply is suppled, and that controls the supply of power to the heater and charging of the power supply; a switch disposed in a path, through which current output from the power supply flows, so as to be able to cut off discharge of the power supply; and a protective circuit that opens the switch to cut off the discharge of the power supply in response to the potential of the positive electrode falling below a first level. The control unit increases the charging current of the power supply in response to the potential of the positive electrode detected on the basis of the potential supplied to the terminal rising above a second level greater than the first level due to charging by the power supply.

Description

Power supply unit for aerosol generator

The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generator.

In an aerosol generator that generates aerosol, it is important to manage the state of the heater that heats the aerosol source and the power supply that supplies power to various electronic components. Patent Literature 1 discloses a system including a fuel gauge circuit. The fuel gauge circuit may be configured to receive various inputs and monitor and/or measure various battery characteristics such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery operating mode, and state of health (SOH). The fuel gauge circuit may also generate various types of control signals, such as control signals for controlling charging and discharging, depending on received input signals and/or battery characteristics.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-61361

The first to third aspects of the invention described in the specification and drawings provide techniques that are advantageous for managing the state of the power supply with high accuracy.

A first aspect relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generator having a plurality of substrates including a first substrate, the power supply unit using power supplied from a power supply to power a heater for heating an aerosol source. a control unit that controls the supply of the resistor, a resistor arranged in a path through which the current output from the power supply flows, and a measurement circuit that measures the state of the power supply using the resistor, wherein the resistor and the measurement circuit is arranged on the first substrate.

In the first aspect, the resistor and the measurement circuit may be arranged on the same surface of the first substrate.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further comprise a first power connector connected to the positive pole of the power supply and a second power connector connected to the negative pole of the power supply, the path comprising: a first conductive path connected to the first power connector; and a second conductive path connected to the second power connector, the second power connector disposed on the first substrate; A vessel may be positioned in the second conductive path.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further include a first heater connector to which a positive terminal of the heater is connected, and a second heater connector to which a negative terminal of the heater is connected. A second heater connector may be located on the first substrate.

In a first aspect, the first heater connector may be located on the first substrate, and the first heater connector and the second heater connector are located on the same side of the first substrate. good too.

In the first aspect, the resistor and the second heater connector may be arranged on mutually opposite surfaces of the first substrate.

In a first aspect, at least a portion of the resistor may overlap at least a portion of the second heater connector in orthogonal projection onto one of the two surfaces of the first substrate.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further include a switch arranged between the resistor and the second heater connector on the second conductive path.

In the first aspect, the switch and the second heater connector may be arranged on the same surface of the first substrate.

In the first aspect, the switch may be the element closest to the second heater connector among the electronic components arranged on the same surface.

In the first aspect, the electronic component may be an active element.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further include a switch section arranged on the second conducting path so as to be connected in series with the resistor.

In the first aspect, the resistor and the switch section are arranged on the same surface of the first substrate, and in the orthographic projection, at least part of the switch section is at least part of the second heater connector. may overlap with

In the first aspect, the power supply unit further includes a protection circuit that controls the switch unit to protect the power supply according to at least one of the current flowing through the second conducting path and the output voltage of the power supply. may

In the first aspect, the switch section may be arranged between the resistor in the second conducting path and the negative electrode of the power supply.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further comprise a second resistor arranged in the second conductive path so as to be connected in series with the resistor, the protection circuit comprising: may be detected using the second resistor, and the resistor and the second resistor may be located on the same side of the first substrate.

In the first aspect, the shortest distance between the resistor and the second resistor may be smaller than at least one of the maximum dimension of the resistor and the maximum dimension of the second resistor.

In the first aspect, the plurality of substrates may include a second substrate, and the controller may be arranged on the second substrate.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further include a first transformation circuit that transforms the voltage supplied from the power supply and supplies it to the power supply terminal of the measurement circuit, wherein the first transformation circuit It may be arranged on two substrates.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further include a second transformer circuit that transforms the voltage supplied from the power supply to generate the voltage supplied to the heater, wherein the second transformer circuit is configured to transform the voltage supplied from the power supply to the heater. They may be arranged on one substrate.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further include a second switch arranged on a path connecting the output of the second transformer circuit and the heater and controlled by the control unit. A switch may be disposed on the first substrate.

In the first aspect, the power supply unit may further include a detection circuit for detecting the temperature of the heater, and the detection circuit may be arranged on the first substrate.

Alternatively, the first aspect relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generator having a plurality of element placement surfaces including a first element placement surface, wherein the power supply unit heats the aerosol source using power supplied from a power supply. a control unit that controls the supply of power to the heater for, a resistor arranged in a path through which the current output from the power supply flows, a measurement circuit that measures the state of the power supply using the resistor, and the resistor and the measurement circuit are arranged on the first element arrangement surface.

A second aspect relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generator, said power supply unit comprising a first conductive path connected to a positive pole of a power supply, a second conductive path connected to a negative pole of said power supply, and a a control unit for controlling the heat generation of a heater for heating the aerosol source using the electric power supplied to the aerosol source; a measurement circuit for measuring the state of the power supply using a resistor arranged on the second conductive path; a switch unit arranged between the resistor and the negative electrode in the second conductive path so as to be able to cut off current flowing through the conductive path; and a protection circuit that controls the switch unit.

In the second aspect, the supply of voltage to the control unit and the measurement circuit may be stopped by the protection circuit turning off the switch unit.

In the second aspect, the power supply unit may further include a voltage supply section that supplies voltage to the control section and the measurement circuit based on the voltage supplied from the power supply, and the protection circuit controls the switch section. By turning off, supply of voltage from the power source to the voltage supply unit may be stopped, thereby stopping supply of voltage from the voltage supply unit to the control unit and the measurement circuit.

In the second aspect, a voltage may be supplied from the power supply to the voltage supply section through the first conductive path and the second conductive path.

In the second aspect, supply of voltage from the voltage supply unit to the control unit and the measurement circuit may be restarted by supplying voltage from an external device to the voltage supply unit.

In the second aspect, the power supply unit further includes a charging circuit that receives a voltage supply from the external device to charge the power supply, and charging of the power supply by the charging circuit may be controlled by the control unit. good.

In the second aspect, the control unit controls the charging circuit so that the charging circuit receives a voltage supply from the external device and starts charging the power source when the switch unit is turned off. good too.

In the second aspect, the control unit may control the charging circuit to start charging the power supply when it is determined that the power supply can be charged based on the output voltage of the power supply.

In the second aspect, the protection circuit may turn on the switch section when the remaining capacity of the power supply exceeds a predetermined value due to charging by the charging circuit.

In a second aspect, the power supply unit further comprises a second resistor arranged between the resistor and the negative pole in the second conductive path, the protection circuit flowing through the second resistor. The switch section may be controlled to protect the power supply according to the current.

In the second aspect, the second resistor may be arranged between the switch section and the negative electrode in the second conducting path.

In the second aspect, the switch section includes a transistor arranged to be able to cut off current flowing through the second conductive path, and a rectifying element connected in parallel to the transistor, and the transistor is controlled by the protection circuit. may be controlled.

In the second aspect, the rectifying element may be a body diode attached to the transistor.

In the second aspect, the forward direction of the rectifying element is the direction in which the current that charges the power supply flows, and even when the switch section is turned off, the current flows through the rectifying element, can be charged.

In the second aspect, the power supply unit may further include a cutoff switch arranged in the second conductive path so as to be able to cut off current flowing through the heater and the second conductive path, and the control unit may include the The cutoff switch may be controlled so as to cut off the current flowing through the heater and the second conductive path based on the result of measurement by a measurement circuit.

In the second aspect, the switch section may be arranged between the cut-off switch and the negative electrode in the second conducting path.

A third aspect relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generator, wherein the power supply unit includes a control unit for controlling power supply to a heater for heating the aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply; A state of the power supply is measured using a first resistor and a second resistor arranged in series in a path through which a current output from the power supply flows, a switch section arranged in the path, and the first resistor. and a protection circuit that controls the switch unit so that the path is cut off based on the current flowing through the path that is detected using the second resistor, the first resistor The shortest distance between the measuring circuit and the measuring circuit is less than the shortest distance between the second resistor and the protection circuit.

In the third aspect, the first resistor and the measurement circuit may be arranged on the same plane of the same substrate, and the second resistor and the protection circuit may be arranged on the same plane of the same substrate. may be placed.

In the third aspect, the first resistor, the second resistor, the measurement circuit and the protection circuit may be arranged on the same plane of the same substrate.

In a third aspect, the first resistor, the second resistor, the measurement circuit, and the protection circuit may be arranged on the same substrate, and the substrate may be located at the end on the side where the heater is arranged. and the shortest distance between the first resistor and the edge may be less than the shortest distance between the measurement circuit and the edge.

In the third aspect, the shortest distance between the second resistor and the edge may be smaller than the shortest distance between the protection circuit and the edge.

In the third aspect, the shortest distance between the measurement circuit and the edge may be smaller than the shortest distance between the protection circuit and the edge.

In the third aspect, the substrate may be provided with a first heater connector to which a positive terminal of the heater is connected, and a second heater connector to which a negative terminal of the heater is connected. The shortest distance between the first heater connector and the edge and the shortest distance between the second heater connector and the edge are less than the shortest distance between the measurement circuit and the edge. may

In a third aspect, the first resistor and the second resistor may be located on a first side of the substrate, and the first heater connector and the second heater connector may be located on a second side of the substrate. may be placed on the surface.

In a third aspect, even if at least a portion of the second heater connector overlaps at least a portion of at least one of the first resistor and the second resistor in orthogonal projection with respect to the first plane. good.

In the third aspect, the switch section may be arranged on the first surface.

In the third aspect, the power supply unit may further include a cutoff switch arranged on a path connecting the second heater connector and the first resistor.

In the third aspect, the shortest distance between the cut-off switch and the end may be smaller than the shortest distance between the measurement circuit and the end.

In the third aspect, the cut-off switch may be arranged on the second surface.

In the third aspect, the power supply unit includes a transformer circuit that transforms a voltage supplied from the power supply to generate a voltage to be supplied to the heater, and connects an output of the transformer circuit and the first heater connector. and a heater switch arranged on the path, wherein the shortest distance between the heater switch and the end may be less than the shortest distance between the measuring circuit and the end.

In the third aspect, the heater switch may be arranged on the first surface.

In a third aspect, at least a portion of the heater switch may overlap at least a portion of the first heater connector in orthogonal projection with respect to the first surface.

In the third aspect, the shortest distance between the first resistor and the second resistor may be smaller than at least one of the maximum dimension of the first resistor and the maximum dimension of the second resistor. .

A fourth aspect relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generator, wherein the power supply unit includes a control unit for controlling power supply to a heater for heating the aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply; A resistor placed in a path through which a current output from a power supply flows, a thermistor for measuring the temperature of the power supply, two thermistor connectors to which the thermistors are connected, and the power supply using the resistor. a measurement circuit that measures the state and the temperature of the power supply using the thermistor; and a substrate on which the resistor, the two thermistor connectors, and the measurement circuit are arranged; The shortest distance between one thermistor connector and the measuring circuit is less than the shortest distance between the resistor and the measuring circuit.

In the fourth aspect, the measurement circuit may include a first function of providing information indicating the temperature of the power supply to the control unit, and a second function of notifying the control unit of an abnormality in the temperature of the power supply. good.

In the fourth aspect, the control unit may stop at least one of discharging of the power supply and charging of the power supply in response to notification from the measurement circuit by the second function.

In the fourth aspect, the measurement circuit may calculate the remaining amount of the power supply based on information obtained using the resistor and information obtained using the thermistor.

In the fourth aspect, two terminals of the thermistor may be directly connected to the two thermistor connectors, respectively.

In the fourth aspect, the thermistor may be arranged to at least partially surround the power supply.

In the fourth aspect, the power source may have a cylindrical shape, and the thermistor may include an arc-shaped portion along the cylindrical shape of the power source.

In the fourth aspect, the measurement circuit and the resistor may be arranged on the same surface of the substrate.

In the fourth aspect, the distance between the geometric center of the figure formed by the outer edge of the substrate and the geometric center of the measurement circuit may be smaller than the shortest distance between the geometric center of the figure and the resistor. good.

In the fourth aspect, the distance between the geometric center of the figure formed by the outer edge of the substrate and the geometric center of the measurement circuit is smaller than the shortest distance between the geometric center of the figure and the two thermistor connectors. may

In the fourth aspect, the distance between the geometric center of the figure formed by the outer edge of the substrate and the geometric center of the measurement circuit is smaller than the shortest distance between the geometric center of the figure and the resistor, It may be less than the shortest distance between said geometric center of a figure and said two thermistor connectors.

In a fourth aspect, the power supply unit may further include two power connectors to which the power supplies are connected, the two power connectors may be arranged on the substrate, and the power supply unit may have a shape formed by an outer edge of the substrate. A shortest distance between a geometric center and a geometric center of the measurement circuit may be less than a shortest distance between the geometric center of the figure and the two power connectors.

In the fourth aspect, the controller may be arranged on a substrate different from the substrate on which the resistor, the two thermistor connectors, and the measurement circuit are arranged.

The fifth to seventh aspects of the invention described in the specification and drawings provide techniques that are advantageous in protecting the power supply.

A fifth aspect relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generator, wherein the power supply unit controls power supply to a heater for heating an aerosol source using power supplied from a power supply and charging of the power supply. A control unit and a measurement circuit that measures the state of the power supply,
The measurement circuit includes a detection circuit that detects that the state of the power supply has become abnormal, and an output unit that outputs an abnormality notification in response to detection by the detection circuit.

In the fifth aspect, the measurement circuit may further include an interface for providing state information regarding the state of the power supply to the control unit in response to a request from the control unit.

In the fifth aspect, the control unit may perform protection operation to protect the power supply according to the abnormality notification and the state information.

In the fifth aspect, the protection operation may include prohibiting charging of the power supply and prohibiting discharge from the power supply to the heater.

In the fifth aspect, the power supply unit may further include a notification section that notifies that the power supply is abnormal.

In the fifth aspect, the power supply unit may further include a reset section that resets the control section, and the protection operation may be canceled by resetting the control section by the reset section.

In the fifth aspect, the output unit outputs a The abnormality notification may be output.

In the fifth aspect, the control unit may acquire the state information from the measurement circuit via the interface in response to the output of the anomaly notification from the output unit. The status information may include at least one of information for determining whether the power supply has permanently failed and information indicating that the power supply has permanently failed.

In the fifth aspect, the abnormal state may include a state in which the temperature of the power supply exceeds a reference temperature.

In the fifth aspect, the power supply unit may further include a protection unit that protects the power supply in response to the anomaly notification regardless of control by the control unit.

In the fifth aspect, after the protection unit protects the power supply in response to the abnormality notification, the control unit determines that the status information obtained through the interface indicates that the power supply is not in an abnormal state. , the power supply to the heater may be enabled.

In the fifth aspect, the protection of the power supply by the protection unit may be releasable.

In the fifth aspect, the control unit obtains first information about the state of the power supply from the measurement circuit via the interface by periodic polling, and responds to the abnormality notification via the interface. Second information regarding the state of the power supply may be obtained from a measurement circuit, and the control unit performs an operation of protecting the power supply when the first information indicates that the power supply is in the first state. may be executed, and the measurement circuit may output the abnormality notification in response to the power supply being in a second state worse than the first state.

In the fifth aspect, the first information and the second information may be information indicating the temperature of the power supply.

In the fifth aspect, the control unit obtains first information about the state of the power supply from the measurement circuit via the interface by periodic polling, and responds to the abnormality notification via the interface. Second information about the state of the power supply may be acquired from a measurement circuit, and the control unit may obtain any condition in which the first information includes the state of the power supply when the power supply is charged in a first condition group. is satisfied, the operation to protect the power supply is executed, and the first information satisfies any one of the conditions included in the second condition group when the state of the power supply is discharged when the power supply is discharged , the operation of protecting the power supply may be performed, and the number of conditions included in the first condition group may be greater than the number of conditions included in the second condition group.

In the fifth aspect, the control unit obtains first information about the state of the power supply from the measurement circuit via the interface by periodic polling, and responds to the abnormality notification via the interface. Second information about the state of the power supply may be obtained from a measurement circuit, and the control unit may obtain the second information if the state of the power supply is included in a third condition group when the power supply is being charged. is satisfied, the operation to protect the power supply is executed, and the second information satisfies any one of the conditions included in the fourth condition group when the state of the power supply is discharged when the power supply is discharged , the operation of protecting the power supply may be performed, and the number of conditions included in the third condition group may be less than the number of conditions included in the fourth condition group.

In the fifth aspect, the abnormality notification may include notification by a first abnormality signal and notification by a second abnormality signal, the first abnormality signal being provided to the control unit, and the second abnormality signal may be provided to the control unit, wherein the first abnormal signal is output from the output unit when the state of the power supply is the first abnormal state, and the second abnormal signal is the state of the power supply may be output from the output section when is in a second abnormal state different from the first abnormal state.

In the fifth aspect, the first abnormal signal may be provided to the control section through an information holding circuit that holds the first abnormal signal.

A sixth aspect relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generator, wherein the power supply unit includes a connector to which a heater for heating the aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply is connected, and a positive electrode potential of the power supply. a control unit for controlling the supply of electric power to the heater and the charging of the power source, and a path through which the current output from the power source flows, and the discharge of the power source can be interrupted. and a protection circuit that opens the switch so that discharge of the power source is interrupted in response to the potential of the positive electrode falling below a first level, wherein the control unit comprises the The charging current of the power source is increased when the potential of the positive electrode detected based on the potential supplied to the terminal exceeds a second level larger than the first level due to the charging of the power source.

In the sixth aspect, the power supply unit may further include a rectifying element connected in parallel to the switch so as to be able to supply a charging current to the power supply.

In the sixth aspect, the rectifying element may be a body diode attached to the switch.

In the sixth aspect, the protection circuit may be supplied with the output voltage of the power supply regardless of the state of the switch.

In the sixth aspect, power supply to the control unit may be cut off by opening the switch.

In the sixth aspect, the difference between the second level and the first level may be greater than the forward voltage of the rectifying element.

In the sixth aspect, the terminal may be supplied with a potential obtained by dividing the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply.

In a sixth aspect, the path includes a first conductive path connected to the positive terminal of the power supply and a second conductive path connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, the switch comprising: may be placed in

In the sixth aspect, the power supply unit uses a voltage supplied from an external device to supply a first voltage between the first conducting path and the second conducting path for charging the power supply. In addition, a voltage supply circuit that generates a second voltage for operating the control section may be further provided, and the control section may control charging of the power supply by controlling the voltage supply circuit.

In the sixth aspect, the voltage supply circuit includes a charging circuit that generates a third voltage in addition to the first voltage using the voltage supplied from the external device, and the third voltage that is output from the charging circuit. a transformer circuit for converting a voltage to the second voltage.

In the sixth aspect, the controller performs error processing when the voltage supply circuit finishes charging before the potential of the positive electrode detected based on the potential supplied to the terminal exceeds the second level. may be executed.

In the sixth aspect, when the time required for charging the power source by the voltage supply circuit is shorter than a reference time, the control unit stops charging the power source and supplying power to the heater as the error processing. may be prohibited.

In the sixth aspect, the state in which the charging of the power source and the supply of power to the heater are prohibited as the error processing may be irreversible.

In the sixth aspect, when the time required for the voltage supply circuit to charge the power source is not shorter than the reference time, the control unit charges the power source and cuts power to the heater as the error processing. The state in which the supply is prohibited may be released by restarting the control unit.

In the sixth aspect, the protection circuit may close the switch in response to the potential of the positive electrode exceeding a third level greater than the first level.

In the sixth aspect, the power supply unit may further include a measurement circuit that measures the voltage of the power supply, and the control unit measures the voltage measured by the measurement circuit after the protection circuit closes the switch. A charging current of the power source may be increased in response to the potential of the positive electrode exceeding a fourth level that is lower than the second level.

A seventh aspect relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generator, wherein the power supply unit includes a connector to which a heater for heating the aerosol source using power supplied from the power supply is connected, and a connector for supplying power to the heater. A control unit for controlling supply and charging operations of the power source, and a measurement circuit for measuring the state of the power source, the control unit having a first terminal for receiving information correlated with the state of the power source. , obtaining a first index according to information supplied to the first terminal, the measurement circuit having a second terminal for receiving information correlated to the state of the power supply, and supplied to the second terminal; A second index corresponding to the information is generated and provided to the control unit, and the control unit controls the charging operation of the power source according to the first index and the second index.

In the seventh aspect, operable in a first mode in which the power source is charged with a first current value smaller than a predetermined current value and in a second mode in which the power source is charged with a second current value greater than the predetermined current value. A charging circuit may further be provided, and the controller controls the power source to be in the first state when at least one of the first indicator and the second indicator indicates that the power source is in an over-discharged state. The charging operation may be controlled such that the battery is charged in a mode.

In the seventh aspect, operable in a first mode in which the power source is charged with a first current value smaller than a predetermined current value and in a second mode in which the power source is charged with a second current value greater than the predetermined current value. A charger circuit may further be provided, and the control unit detects that the power supply is discharged when at least one of the first indicator and the second indicator indicates that the overdischarged state of the power supply has been resolved. The charging operation may be controlled so that charging is performed in the second mode.

In the seventh aspect, operable in a first mode in which the power source is charged with a first current value smaller than a predetermined current value and in a second mode in which the power source is charged with a second current value greater than the predetermined current value. A charging circuit may further be provided, and the control unit controls the power source to be in the first state when at least one of the first indicator and the second indicator indicates that the power source is in an over-discharged state. and when at least one of the first indication and the second indication indicates that the over-discharge condition has been resolved, the power source is The charging operation may be controlled such that charging is performed in the second mode.

In the seventh aspect, the first indicator and the second indicator may be indicators that are comparable on the same scale.

In the seventh aspect, the first index and the second index may be the output voltage of the power supply.

In the seventh aspect, the power supply unit may further include a notification section that notifies information regarding the remaining amount of the power supply, and the control section indicates the remaining amount of the power supply as the state of the power supply. An index may be acquired from the measurement circuit, and information corresponding to the third index may be notified by the notification unit.

In the seventh aspect, the third index may be SOC.

In the seventh aspect, the power supply unit includes a switch arranged in a path through which a current output from the power supply flows so as to be able to cut off the discharge of the power supply, and a potential of the positive electrode of the power supply that has fallen below a first level. a protection circuit that opens the switch such that discharge of the power source is interrupted in response to a voltage and closes the switch in response to the potential of the positive electrode exceeding a second level that is greater than the first level; and a rectifying element connected in parallel to the switch so as to be able to supply a charging current to.

In the seventh aspect, the control unit controls the charging operation based on the first index when the switch is open, and controls the charging operation based on the second index when the switch is closed. You can control the action.

In the seventh aspect, the power supply unit may further include a rectifying element connected in parallel to the switch so as to supply a charging current to the power supply.

In the seventh aspect, the rectifying element may be a body diode attached to the switch.

In the seventh aspect, the protection circuit may be supplied with the output voltage of the power supply regardless of the state of the switch.

In the seventh aspect, a potential obtained by dividing the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply may be supplied to the first terminal.

In a seventh aspect, the path may include a first conductive path connected to the positive terminal of the power supply and a second conductive path connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, the switch connecting the second It may be arranged in a conductive path.

In the seventh aspect, the power supply unit uses a voltage supplied from an external device to supply a first voltage between the first conducting path and the second conducting path for charging the power supply. In addition, a voltage supply circuit that generates a second voltage for operating the control section may be further provided, and the control section may control charging of the power supply by controlling the voltage supply circuit.

In the seventh aspect, the voltage supply circuit includes a charging circuit that generates a third voltage in addition to the first voltage using the voltage supplied from the external device, and the third voltage that is output from the charging circuit. a transformer circuit for converting a voltage to the second voltage.

The eighth aspect of the invention described in the specification and drawings provides technology that is advantageous in simplifying operations.

An eighth aspect relates to a power supply unit of an aerosol generator, the power supply unit comprising: a switch; an insertion hole that can accommodate an aerosol source; a closed state that closes the insertion hole; a slider operable to provide an open state allowing insertion; a first detector for detecting the state of the slider; and a circuit block that operates according to the

In the eighth aspect, the power supply unit may further include an outer case including a removable panel, and a second detection section that detects the presence or absence of the panel, and the circuit block may include the second detection section. When the switch is operated in a state in which the unit detects that the panel is absent, an operation according to the detection result by the second detection unit is performed regardless of the detection result by the first detection unit. do.

In the eighth aspect, the circuit block may include a restartable control unit, and the circuit block is in a state where the presence of the panel is detected by the second detection unit and When the switch is operated in a state in which it is detected that the slider is in the open state, a first process relating to aerosol generation may be executed, and the presence of the panel may be detected by the second detection unit. When the switch is operated in the detected state and in the state in which the first detection unit detects that the slider is in the closed state, a second process unrelated to aerosol generation may be executed. and when the switch is operated in a state in which the second detection section detects that the panel is absent, the control section may be restarted regardless of the detection result of the first detection section. .

In the eighth aspect, the second processing may include processing related to communication with an external device.

The figure which illustrates the external appearance of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the external appearance of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the external appearance of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the external appearance of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the external appearance of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplifying the circuit configuration of a power supply unit; 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the power supply unit; FIG. State transition diagram of an aerosol generator or a power supply unit. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. The figure which shows the discharge state from a power supply typically. The figure which shows the charging state of a power supply typically. The figure which illustrates the structure of an aerosol generator. FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplifying a protection circuit, a measurement circuit, and electronic components arranged around them; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a protection circuit, a measurement circuit, and electronic components arranged around them; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a protection circuit, a measurement circuit, and electronic components arranged around them; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a protection circuit, a measurement circuit, and electronic components arranged around them; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a protection circuit, a measurement circuit, and electronic components arranged around them; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a protection circuit, a measurement circuit, and electronic components arranged around them; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of electronic components on the first substrate; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of electronic components on the first substrate; FIG. 4 is a diagram for exemplifying a function related to protection of a power supply; FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a measurement circuit for realizing the functions of the measurement circuit shown in FIG. 22; The figure which shows the example of connection, such as a measuring circuit, a control part, a transformer circuit, a charging circuit, an information holding circuit, and an OP amplifier. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 24; FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 24; FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 24; FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of state changes related to discharging and charging of a power supply; The figure which showed the protection circuit, the switch part, the measurement circuit, the control part, and the switch circuit with the 1st conducting path and the 2nd conducting path. FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 29; FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 29; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation example of a protection circuit, a control unit, a charging circuit, and a measurement circuit in chronological order; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation example of a protection circuit, a control unit, a charging circuit, and a measurement circuit in chronological order; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation example of the control unit when receiving an interrupt due to completion of charging;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Also, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

1A-1E show the configuration of the aerosol generator AGD of one embodiment. Here, FIGS. 1A to 1E are rear view, front view, top view, and bottom view, respectively, of the aerosol generator AGD. FIG. D is a top view of the aerosol generator AGD with the components (slider C102) removed.

The aerosol generator AGD generates a flavored aerosol or It can be configured to provide a user with an aerosol and a flavorant-containing gas or an aerosol or a flavorant-containing aerosol. The aerosol source can be solid, liquid, or a mixture of solids and liquids. Liquid aerosol sources can include, for example, liquids such as glycerin or polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol. As a specific example, the aerosol source may comprise a mixed solution of glycerin and propylene glycol. The aerosol source may contain a medicament. A vapor source such as water may be used instead of or in conjunction with an aerosol source. The flavoring substance may be, for example, a shaped body of tobacco material. Alternatively, the flavoring substance may be composed of plants other than tobacco (eg, mint, herbs, Chinese medicine, coffee beans, etc.). Flavoring substances such as menthol may be added to the flavoring substance. Flavorants may be added to the aerosol source.

The aerosol generator AGD can include, for example, an outer case C101 and a slider C102 attached to the outer case C101. The outer case C101 can have an insertion hole C104 into which an insert containing at least one of an aerosol source and a flavoring substance can be inserted or accommodated. The slider C102 can provide a closed state in which the insertion hole C104 is closed or covered, and an open state in which the insertion hole C104 is exposed to the external space and an insert can be inserted into the insertion hole C104. The slider C102 may be, for example, a slide mechanism along a straight line or a curved line, or a rotating mechanism. The slider C102 may be replaced by a shutter. The insert may be, for example, a stick or a capsule. A heater for heating the insert may be arranged in the insertion hole C104. A heater can be, for example, a resistive element. A heater composed of a resistance element or the like may be arranged in the insert. An electrical connector may be provided electrically connected to the electrical connector provided. The heater may be, for example, an induction heater. An induction heating heater may include a coil and a susceptor that generates heat from the coil by induction heating using electromagnetic waves. A susceptor may be disposed within the insert.

All or part of the outer case C101 may be composed of parts such as easily removable panels. In other words, all or part of the outer case C101 may be composed of parts such as panels that are not prohibited to be removed by the user. In one example, the outer case C101 has an easily removable outer panel C103. The outer panel C103 can be coupled to the remaining portion (body portion) of the outer case C101 by a magnet, a latch mechanism, or the like. In addition, the outer case C101 can be understood as a first portion of the exterior component of the aerosol generator AGD, and the outer panel C103 as a second portion of the exterior component.

The aerosol generator AGD can have a notification unit NU. The notification unit NU can provide information to the user in a perceivable form. The notification unit NU may include, for example, at least one of a display device, a speaker, a vibration device, and a scent generation device. The display device may include, for example, at least one of a light emitting device, such as an LED, and a two-dimensional display device, such as a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 2A illustrates the aerosol generator AGD with the outer panel C103 removed. The aerosol generator AGD can have one or more magnets (holding units) C112 for holding the outer panel C103 by magnetic force. The aerosol generator AGD can have a switch SW that can be operated by the user. The outer panel C103 may be configured to be easily deformed by a user's operation, and the switch SW may be operated by the user's pressing force on the outer panel C103. Alternatively, the switch SW may be arranged so as to be exposed to the outside of the aerosol generator AGD. The aerosol generator AGD can have an inner panel C113 inside the outer panel C103. The inner panel C113 can have a plurality of openings for exposing the magnet C112, the notification unit NU and the switch SW. The inner panel C113 can be fastened to the internal structure of the aerosol generator AGD by fastening parts such as screws, for example.

FIG. 2B further illustrates the aerosol generator AGD with the inner panel C113 removed from the internal structure. The aerosol generator AGD comprises a power supply unit PSU. The power supply unit PSU may include a power supply BT. As the power source BT, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery, a lithium-ion capacitor, a combination thereof, or other types of power supply elements may be used. may be

FIG. 3A further illustrates the aerosol generator AGD with the outer case C101 completely removed. FIG. 3B further illustrates the aerosol generator AGD with the chassis CHS and power supply BT removed. The aerosol generator AGD can include a heater HT that heats an insert inserted into the insertion hole C104. The heater HT can be placed inside the insulating cylinder INS illustrated in FIG. 2B. The power supply unit PSU may comprise a plurality of boards (eg printed circuit boards (PCBs)) PCB1, PCB2, PCB3, PCB4.

The power source BT can have a columnar shape such as a columnar shape whose axial direction is parallel to the insertion/removal direction DIR of the insert into the insertion hole C104. In other words, the insertion/removal direction DIR of the insert with respect to the insertion hole C104 and the axial direction of the power source BT can be parallel to each other. A part of the side surface of the power supply BT can be arranged so as to face the heater HT or the insertion hole C104 via at least the heat insulating cylinder INS. Another part of the side surface of the power supply BT can be arranged to face the first substrate PCB1 directly or via other components. The second substrate PCB2 may be arranged parallel to the first substrate PCB1. The third substrate PCB3 can be arranged perpendicular to the first substrate PCB1 and the second substrate PCB2. The third substrate PCB3 can be arranged between the first substrate PCB1 and the power supply BT in the width direction of the power supply unit PSU (the direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction DIR, in which the dimension of the aerosol generator AGD is the largest). . The third substrate PCB3 may be arranged to have a portion facing a portion of the side of the power supply BT and a portion of the thermal insulation INS. The third substrate PCB3 may have an elongated shape in a direction parallel to the insertion/removal direction DIR. As shown in FIG. 2B, a third substrate PCB3 can be placed between two magnets C112.

FIG. 4 exemplarily shows the circuit configuration of the power supply unit PSU. The power supply unit PSU includes a power supply BT, a protection circuit 90, a measurement circuit 100, an overvoltage protection circuit 110, a transformer circuit 120, an OP amplifier (amplification circuit) A1, switches SH, SM, SR, SS, a thermistor (for example, an NTC thermistor or PTC thermistor) TB. The power supply BT, the protection circuit 90, the measurement circuit 100, the overvoltage protection circuit 110, the transformer circuit 120, the OP amplifier A1, the switches SH, SM, SR, SS can be arranged on the first substrate PSB1, for example.

The power supply unit PSU may also include a load switch 10, a charging circuit 20, a transformer circuit 30, a load switch 40, a power switch driver 50, a load switch 60, a non-volatile memory (eg, ROM) 70, and a switch circuit 80. The load switch 10, the charging circuit 20, the transformer circuit 30, the load switch 40, the power switch driver 50, the load switch 60, the nonvolatile memory 70, and the switch circuit 80 can be arranged on the second substrate PCB2, for example. The power supply unit PSU also includes a control unit (MCU) 130, a thermistor TP (for example, NTC thermistor or PTC thermistor), a thermistor (for example, NTC thermistor or PTC thermistor) TH, an OP amplifier (amplification circuit) A2, a thermistor (for example, NTC thermistor or PTC thermistor) TC, an OP amplifier (amplification circuit) A3, and information holding circuits FF1 and FF2. The control unit 130, the OP amplifier A2, the OP amplifier A3, and the information holding circuits FF1 and FF2 can be arranged on the second substrate PCB2.

The power supply unit PSU can also include a detector 140, a Schmidt trigger circuit 150, a communication device 160, a detector 170, a switch SW, and an annunciator NU. The detection unit 140, the Schmitt trigger circuit 150, the communication device 160, the switch SW, and the notification unit NU can be arranged on the third substrate PCB3. The power supply unit PSU may also include a detector 170, which may be located on the fourth substrate PCB4.

　The operation of each part that constitutes the power supply unit PSU will be described below. The positive terminal of the power supply BT is electrically connected to the first power connector BC+, and the negative terminal of the power supply BT is electrically connected to the second power connector BC-. The positive potential of the power supply BT can be supplied to the VBAT terminal of the protection circuit 90, the VBAT terminal of the measurement circuit 100, the VIN terminal of the transformer circuit 120, the BAT terminal of the charging circuit 20, and the potential input terminal of the switch circuit 80.

The protection circuit 90 uses the resistor R2 arranged in the second conductive path PT2 electrically connected to the path through which the current output from the power supply BT flows, more specifically to the second power supply connector BC-. It is possible to measure the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 and control the switch section arranged on the second conductive path PT2 so as to protect the power supply BT according to the current. The switch section may include a first transistor (first switch) SD and a second transistor (first switch) SC connected in series. Here, the first transistor SD functions as a switch for interrupting the second conductive path PT2 so as to stop the discharge of the power supply BT when it is opened (turned off), and the second transistor SC, which When opened (turned off), it can function as a switch for interrupting the second conductive path PT2 so as to stop charging the power source BT. The first transistor SD may be arranged in a first conductive path PT1 electrically connected to the first power connector BC+, and the second transistor SC may also be arranged in the first conductive path PT1. A resistor R2 may also be arranged in the first conductive path PT1. As a specific example, the protection circuit 90 opens (turns off) the second transistor SC when the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 measured during charging of the power supply BT is excessive. Further, when the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 measured while the power supply BT is not charged is excessive, the protection circuit 90 opens (turns off) the first transistor SD. The protection circuit 90 may be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit (IC).

The protection circuit 90 is arranged on the second conducting path PT2 so as to measure the output voltage of the power supply BT based on the positive potential of the power supply BT supplied to the VBAT terminal and protect the power supply BT according to the output voltage. can control the switch part. As a specific example, when the voltage of the power supply BT indicates an overcharged state of the power supply BT, the protection circuit 90 opens (turns off) the second transistor SC. Moreover, when the output voltage of the power supply BT indicates an over-discharge state of the power supply BT, the protection circuit 90 opens (turns off) the first transistor SD. An overcharged state of the power source BT can be understood as referring to a state in which the output voltage of the power source BT exceeds a predetermined full charge voltage. The overdischarge state of the power supply BT can be understood as referring to a state in which the output voltage of the power supply BT is below a predetermined discharge end voltage. In addition, the deep discharge state of the power supply BT can be understood as a state in which the discharge of the power supply BT in the overdischarge state progresses further, causing an irreversible change in the internal structure of the power supply BT.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a first rectifying element connected in parallel with the first transistor SD may be provided, the first rectifying element being configured as a body diode of the first transistor SD. good too. The forward direction of the first rectifying element is the direction in which the current for charging the power source BT flows. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a second rectifying element connected in parallel with the second transistor SC may be provided, and the second rectifying element is configured as a body diode of the second transistor SC. may be The forward direction of the second rectifying element is the direction in which the current discharged from the power supply BT flows.

The measurement circuit 100 uses the path through which the current output from the power supply BT flows, more specifically, the resistor R1 and the VBAT terminal arranged in the second conductive path PT2 electrically connected to the second power supply connector BC-. can measure the state of the power supply BT. A resistor R1 may be arranged in the first conductive path PT1. The measurement circuit 100 may be arranged to measure the temperature of the power supply BT by measuring the resistance of a thermistor (eg, NTC thermistor or PTC thermistor) TB arranged to measure the temperature of the power supply BT. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, the power source BT may have a cylindrical shape, in which case the thermistor TB may include an arcuate portion along the cylindrical shape of the power source BT. For example, the thermistor TB can surround the power supply BT at a central angle of 180 degrees or more, 200 degrees or more, 220 degrees or more, 240 degrees, or 260 degrees or more along the cylindrical shape of the power supply BT. The measurement circuit 100 can be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit.

The overvoltage protection circuit 110 receives the voltage V _BUS supplied from the USB connector USBC as a power supply connector, and outputs the voltage V _USB to the V _USB line. The voltage value of the voltage V _USB is, for example, 5.0V. The VUSB line is connected to the VOUT terminal and ON terminal of the load switch 10 and the _PA9 terminal of the controller 130, which will be described later. The overvoltage protection circuit 110 functions as a protection circuit that reduces the voltage VBUS supplied from the USB connector USBC to the specified voltage value and supplies it to the output side of the overvoltage protection circuit 110 even if the voltage _VBUS exceeds the specified voltage value. can function. This specified voltage value may be set based on the voltage value input to the OVLo terminal. The overvoltage protection circuit 110 may be configured with an integrated circuit, for example.

Transformer circuit 120 transforms power supply voltage V _BAT supplied from power supply BT to generate heater voltage V _BOOST for driving heater HT. The transformer circuit 120 may be a boost circuit, a step-up/step-down circuit, or a step-down circuit. A heater HT is arranged to heat the aerosol source. A positive terminal of the heater HT can be electrically connected to the first heater connector HC+ and a negative terminal of the heater HT can be electrically connected to the second heater connector HC-. The heater HT may be attached to the power supply unit PSU or the aerosol generator AGD in such a manner that it cannot be removed without destruction (for example, by soldering), or in such a manner that it can be removed without destruction. may be attached with In this specification, unless otherwise specified, an electrical connection by a "connector" can be divided into a form in which it cannot be separated from each other without being broken, and a form in which it can be separated from each other without being broken. It will be described as any one. The transformer circuit 120 can be configured by, for example, an integrated circuit.

When the heater HT generates heat, the control unit 130 turns off the switch SM, turns on the switches SH and SS, and the heater voltage V _BOOST can be supplied to the heater HT through the switch SH. When measuring the temperature or resistance of the heater HT, the control unit 130 turns off the switch SH, turns on the switches SM and SS, and supplies the heater voltage V _BOOST to the heater HT through the switch SM. When measuring the temperature or resistance value of the heater HT, the OP amplifier A1 detects the voltage between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the heater HT, in other words, the voltage between the first heater connector HC+ and the second heater connector HC-. , is supplied to the PA7 terminal of the control unit 130 according to the voltage between . The OP amplifier A1 may be understood as a temperature measurement circuit that measures the resistance value or temperature of the heater HT. A shunt resistor RS can be arranged in a path electrically connecting the switch SM and the first heater connector HC+. The resistance value of the shunt resistor RS can be determined so that the switch SR is turned on while the heater HT is heated and turned off while the temperature or resistance value of the heater HT is measured.

When the switch SR is composed of an N-channel MOSFET, the drain terminal of the switch SR is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier A1, the gate terminal of the switch SR is connected between the shunt resistor RS and the first heater connector HC+, The source terminal of switch SR is connected to the ground line. A value obtained by dividing the heater voltage VBOOST mainly by the shunt resistor RS and the heater HT is input to the gate terminal of the switch SR. The resistance value of the shunt resistor RS can be determined so that the divided value is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage of the switch SR. Also, the current flowing through the heater HT when the switch SH is turned off and the switches SM and SS are turned on by the shunt resistor RS is equal to the current flowing through the heater HT when the switch SH and the switch SS are turned on and the switch SM is turned off. less than As a result, when measuring the temperature or resistance of the heater HT, the temperature of the heater HT is less likely to change due to the current flowing through the heater HT.

The load switch 10 electrically disconnects the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal when a low level is input to the ON terminal, and disconnects the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal when a high level is input to the ON terminal. are electrically connected to output the voltage _VCC5 from the VOUT terminal to the _VCC5 line. The voltage value of voltage _VCC5 is, for example, 5.0V. The ON terminal of load switch 10 is electrically connected to the ground line via switch SI. The switch SI is composed of a transistor, turns on when a high level is supplied to its base or gate, and turns off when a low level is supplied. When the voltage _VBUS is supplied via the _USB connector USBC and the VUSB line, the control unit 130 detects it based on the voltage input to the PA9 terminal, and applies the voltage to the base or gate of the transistor forming the switch SI. Supply low level. When the switch SI is turned off, a value obtained by dividing the voltage V _USB is supplied to the ON terminal of the load switch 10 . As a result, the ON terminal of the load switch 10 is supplied with a high level. In other words, the two resistors connected to the ON terminal of load switch 10 have electrical resistance values such that the divided value of voltage V _USB is high for the ON terminal of load switch 10 . On the other hand, during the period when the voltage V _BUS is not supplied via the USB connector USBC, the control unit 130 supplies a high level to the base or gate of the transistor forming the switch SI based on the voltage input to the PA9 terminal. do. The ON terminal of the load switch 10 is connected to the ground line when the switch SI is turned on. As a result, the ON terminal of the load switch 10 is supplied with a low level. The V _CC5 line is electrically connected to the VAC terminal and V _BUS terminal of the charging circuit 20 and the notification unit NU. The switch SI may be composed of a transistor that turns on when a low level is supplied to its base or gate, and turns off when a high level is supplied to its base or gate. In this case, when the voltage _VBUS is supplied through the _USB connector USBC and the VUSB line, the control unit 130 supplies a high level to the base or gate of the transistor that constitutes the switch SI, and supplies a high level voltage through the USB connector USBC. During the period when _VBUS is not supplied, a low level may be supplied to the base or gate of the transistor forming the switch SI. The load switch 10 can be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit.

Charging circuit 20 has a charging mode. In the charge mode, the charging circuit 20 supplies the voltage _VCC from the SW terminal to the _VCC line using the voltage _VCC5 supplied through the _VCC5 line, and electrically connects the SYS terminal and the BAT terminal. Then, the charging voltage can be supplied from the BAT terminal to the power supply BT through the first conductive path PT1. The _VCC line is connected to the VIN and EN terminals of transformer circuit 30, which will be described later. The charging mode can be enabled or activated by supplying a low level to the /CE terminal. The charging circuit 20 can be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit.

Charging circuit 20 may have a first power path mode. In the first power-pass mode, the charging circuit 20 electrically connects the VBUS terminal and the SW terminal and supplies the voltage _VCC to the _VCC line using the voltage _VCC5 supplied through the _VCC5 line. electrically isolates the SYS and BAT terminals. The first power pass mode is mainly used when the power supply BT is in an over-discharge or deep-discharge state. Also, the charging circuit 20 can have a second power path mode. In the second power pass mode, the charging circuit 20 electrically connects the SYS terminal and the BAT terminal, controls the pulse width of the switching element that electrically connects the VBUS terminal and the SW terminal, and supplies power from the power supply BT. The supplied power supply voltage V _BAT and the voltage V _CC5 supplied through the V _CC5 line are combined to supply the voltage V _CC to the V _CC line. The second power pass mode is used when the voltage V _BUS is supplied via the USB connector USBC and the V _USB line and the charging of the power supply BT is completed. Also, the charging circuit 20 can have a third power path mode. In the third power-pass mode, the charging circuit 20 electrically separates the VBUS terminal and the SW terminal, electrically connects the SYS terminal and the BAT terminal, and converts the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply BT to the voltage _VCC . to the _VCC line. A third power pass mode is used when the voltage V _BUS is not being supplied through the USB connector USBC.

Charging circuit 20 may have an OTG mode. In the OTG mode, the charging circuit 20 receives the power supply voltage VBAT supplied from the power supply BT to the _BAT terminal through the first conductive path PT1, supplies the voltage VCC from the SYS terminal to the _VCC line, and supplies the voltage _VCC to the VBUS terminal. provides the voltage _VCC5 on the _VCC5 line. In this case, the charging circuit 20 can receive the power supply voltage V _BAT , generate a voltage higher than the power supply voltage V _BAT as the voltage V _CC5 , and supply it from the VBUS terminal to the V _CC5 line. When a high level is supplied to the /CE terminal, the charging circuit 20 is set to the default operation mode among the first, second, third power path modes and the OTG mode, or the operation mode set by the control unit 130 . can operate in the same mode of operation. The control unit 130 can set the charging circuit 20 to one of the first, ^second , third power path modes and the OTG mode through I2C communication. In this specification, I ² ^C communication is mentioned as an example of the communication standard, but this is not intended to limit the communication standard or communication method. ^The I2C interface can be replaced with other forms of communication and interfaces.

The transformer circuit 30 is enabled by supplying the voltage _VCC to the _{VCC line connected to the EN terminal, which is the enable terminal, and supplies the voltage VCC33_0 from the VOUT terminal to the VCC33_0} _line _. The voltage value of the voltage _{VCC33_0} is, for example, 3.3V. _{The VCC33_0} line is connected to the VIN terminal of the load switch 40, which will be described later, the VIN terminal and RSTB terminal of the power switch driver 50, which will be described later, and the VCC terminal and D terminal of the information holding circuit FF2, which will be described later. The transformer circuit 30 can be a boost circuit, a step-up/step-down circuit, or a step-down circuit. The transformer circuit 30 can be configured by an integrated circuit, for example. The load switch 40 electrically disconnects the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal when a low level is input to the ON terminal, and disconnects the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal when a high level is input to the ON terminal. are electrically connected to output the voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal to the _VCC33 line. The voltage value of the voltage _VCC33 is, for example, 3.3V. The _{VCC 33} line is the VIN terminal of the load switch 60, the VCC terminal of the nonvolatile memory 70, the VDD and CE terminals of the measurement circuit 100, the VDD terminal of the control section 130, the VDD terminal of the detection section 140, and the VCC of the Schmitt trigger circuit 150. terminals, the VCC_NRF terminal of the communication device 160, the VDD terminal of the detection unit 170, the VCC terminal and D terminal of the information holding circuit FF1, the power supply terminal of the OP amplifier A1, and the power supply terminal of the OP amplifier A2. The VIN terminal of the load switch 40 is electrically connected to the VOUT terminal of the transformer circuit 30 and supplied with the voltage _{VCC33_0} from the transformer circuit 30 . The ON terminal of load switch 40 is also electrically connected to the VOUT terminal of transformer circuit 30 via a resistor, and voltage _{VCC33_0} is supplied from transformer circuit 30 . That is, when the voltage _{VCC33_0} is supplied from the transformer circuit 40, the load switch 40 can output the voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal to the _VCC33 line. The load switch 50 can be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit.

The power switch driver 50 outputs a low level from the RSTB terminal in response to the low level being supplied to the SW1 terminal and the SW2 terminal for a predetermined period of time. The RSTB terminal is electrically connected to the ON terminal of the load switch 40 . Accordingly, in response to the supply of the low level to the SW1 terminal and the SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 for a predetermined period of time, the load switch 40 stops outputting the voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal. When the output of the voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal of the load switch 40 stops, the supply of the voltage _VCC33 to the VDD terminal (power supply terminal) of the control unit 130 is cut off, so the control unit 130 stops operating. The power switch driver 50 can be configured with an integrated circuit, for example.

Here, when the outer panel C103 is removed from the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU, a low level is supplied from the detector 140 to the SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 via the Schmidt trigger circuit 150 . Also, when the switch SW is pressed, a low level is supplied to the SW1 terminal of the power switch driver 50 . Therefore, when the switch SW is pressed while the outer panel C103 is removed from the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU (the state shown in FIG. 2A), a low level is supplied to the SW1 terminal and SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50. be done. The power switch driver 50 receives a command to reset or restart the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU when a low level is continuously supplied to the SW1 terminal and the SW2 terminal for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds). Recognize. The power switch driver 50 may be configured to stop outputting a low level from the RSTB terminal after outputting a low level from the RSTB terminal. With such a configuration, the ON terminal of the load switch 40 is supplied with the voltage _{VCC33_0} again after being supplied with a low level, so the load switch 40 supplies the voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal to the _VCC33 line. can output again. Since this voltage _VCC33 is input to the VDD terminal of the control section 130, the control section 130 can be restarted. In other words, the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU is reset or restarted by stopping outputting a low level from the RSTB terminal after the power switch driver 50 outputs a low level from the RSTB terminal.

The load switch 60 electrically disconnects the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal when a low level is input to the ON terminal, and disconnects the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal when a high level is input to the ON terminal. are electrically connected to output the voltage _{VCC33_SLP} from the VOUT terminal to the _{VCC33_SLP} line. The voltage value of the voltage V _{CC33_SLP} is, for example, 3.3V. _{The VCC33_SLP} line can be connected to a thermistor TP, a thermistor TH, and a thermistor TC, which will be described later. The ON terminal of the load switch 60 is electrically connected to the PC11 terminal of the control section 130, and the control section 130 causes the logic level of the PC11 terminal to transition from high level to low level when shifting to the sleep mode. When shifting from sleep mode to active mode, the logic level of the PC11 terminal is changed from low level to high level. That is, the voltage _{VCC33_SLP} cannot be used in the sleep mode, and the voltage _{VCC33_SLP} becomes available when the sleep mode is shifted to the active mode. The load switch 60 can be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit.

The switch circuit 80 is a switch controlled by the control unit 130. In the ON state, the potential of the first conductive path PT1, that is, the potential corresponding to the positive electrode potential of the power source BT is applied to the control unit 130 via the switch circuit 80. It is supplied to the PC2 terminal. The potential corresponding to the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT is, for example, a potential obtained by dividing the potential of the positive electrode. The control unit 130 includes an AD converter or a voltage detector electrically connected to the PC2 terminal, and the control unit 130 turns on the switch circuit 80 to change the positive potential of the power source BT, that is, the output voltage of the power source BT. can be detected.

The power supply unit PSU can include a thermistor (for example, an NTC thermistor or a PTC thermistor) TP that constitutes a puff sensor for detecting puff operation. The thermistor TP may be positioned, for example, to detect temperature changes in the airflow path associated with the puff. The power supply unit PSU may comprise a vibrator M. Vibrator M can be activated, for example, by turning on switch SN. The switch SN may be composed of a transistor, and a control signal may be supplied from the PH0 terminal of the controller 130 to the base or gate of the transistor. A driver for the vibrator M may be used instead of the switch SN.

The power supply unit PSU may include a thermistor (eg, NTC thermistor or PTC thermistor) TH for detecting the temperature of the heater HT. The temperature of the heater HT may be detected indirectly by detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the heater HT. The OP amplifier A2 can output a voltage corresponding to the resistance value of the thermistor TH, in other words, a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the heater HT.

The power supply unit PSU may include a thermistor (eg, NTC thermistor or PTC thermistor) TC for detecting the temperature of the outer case C101. The temperature of the outer case C101 may be indirectly detected by detecting the temperature in the vicinity of the outer case C101. The OP amplifier A3 outputs a voltage corresponding to the resistance value of the thermistor TC, in other words, a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the outer case C101.

When the voltage corresponding to the output of the OP amplifier A2 deviates from the specified range, typically when the temperature indicated by the output of the OP amplifier A2 exceeds the allowable limit temperature of the heater HT, the information holding circuit FF1 It may be configured to hold information indicating that. The information holding circuit FF1 can operate by receiving the voltage _VCC33 output from the load switch 40 to the _VCC33 line. In other words, the VCC terminal (power supply terminal) of the information holding circuit FF1 is connected to the _VCC33 line. When the output of the voltage _VCC33 from the load switch 40 is stopped, the control section 130 stops operating, and information held in the information holding circuit FF1 may be lost. The information holding circuit FF1 can be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit.

The information holding circuit FF1 also detects when the voltage corresponding to the output of the OP amplifier A3 deviates from the specified range, typically when the temperature indicated by the output of the OP amplifier A3 exceeds the allowable limit temperature of the outer case C101. , may be configured to hold information indicating that. As is clear from the above description, the information holding circuit FF1 operates when the temperature indicated by the output of the OP amplifier A2 exceeds the allowable limit temperature of the heater HT, and when the temperature indicated by the output of the OP amplifier A3 exceeds the temperature of the outer case C101. It may be configured to retain information indicating when any of the allowable temperature limits have been exceeded are met.

When the voltage corresponding to the output of the OP amplifier A2 deviates from the specified range, typically when the temperature indicated by the output of the OP amplifier A2 exceeds the allowable limit temperature of the heater HT, the information holding circuit FF2 It may be configured to hold information indicating that. The information holding circuit FF2 can operate by receiving the voltage _{VCC33_0} output from the transformer circuit 30 to the _{VCC33_0} line. In other words, the VCC terminal (power supply terminal) of the information holding circuit FF2 is connected to the _{VCC33_0} line. When the output of the voltage _{VCC33_0} from the transformer circuit 30 is stopped, the information held in the information holding circuit FF2 can be lost. However, even if a low level is output from the RSTB terminal of the power switch driver 50 by inputting a low level to the SW1 terminal and the SW2 terminal, and the output of the voltage _VCC33 from the load switch 40 is stopped, The output of the voltage _{VCC33_0} from the transformer circuit 30 is not stopped, and the information held in the information holding circuit FF2 can be maintained. The information holding circuit FF2 may be composed of an EEPROM, and in this case, one EEPROM may provide the functions of the information holding circuit FF2 and the nonvolatile memory 70. FIG. The information holding circuit FF2 can be configured by an integrated circuit, for example.

The control unit 130 is configured by a processor such as an MCU, operates based on a program stored in the nonvolatile memory 70 or a built-in memory, and can control or define the operation of the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU. The control unit 130 controls power supply to the heater HT for heating the aerosol source using the power supplied from the power supply BT. From another point of view, the control unit 130 controls heat generation of the heater HT for heating the aerosol source using power supplied from the power source BT. In still another aspect, the control unit 130 controls the power supply to the heater HT and the charging operation of the power supply BT.

The detection unit 140 can be configured to detect removal of the outer panel C103 from the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU. The detection unit 140 can be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit. The output of the detection section 140 can be supplied to the SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 and the PD2 terminal of the control section 130 via the Schmitt trigger circuit 150 . The Schmitt trigger circuit 150 can be constructed, for example, from an integrated circuit. One end of the switch SW can be connected to the SW1 terminal of the power switch driver 50 and the PC10 terminal of the control section 130 . One end of the switch SW is also connected to the _VCC33 line, and the other end of the switch SW is connected to the ground line. Accordingly, when the switch SW is pressed, a low level is supplied to the SW1 terminal of the power switch driver 50 and the PC10 terminal of the control unit 130, and when the switch SW is not pressed, the SW1 terminal of the power switch driver 50 and the PC10 of the control unit 130 are supplied with a low level. A high level can be supplied to the terminal. The detector 170 can be configured to detect opening and closing of the slider C102. The output of the detection unit 170 can be supplied to the PC13 terminal of the control unit 130 . The detection unit 170 can be composed of, for example, an integrated circuit. The

detection units

140 and 170 may be configured with Hall elements, for example. The communication device 160 provides the control unit 130 with a function of communicating with electronic devices such as smart phones, mobile phones, and personal computers. The communication device 160 is, for example, a communication device conforming to a short-range communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). Communication device 160 may be configured with an integrated circuit, for example.

FIG. 5 shows a state transition diagram of the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU. In the sleep mode, the voltage _VCC33 is supplied from the VOUT terminal of the load switch 40 to the VDD terminal (power supply terminal) of the control section 130 via the _VCC33 line. In the sleep mode, when the slider C102 is opened and this is detected by the detector 170, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the controller 130 can shift to the active mode. In the active mode, the VOUT terminal of the load switch 60 can supply the thermistors TP, TH, TC with the voltage _{VCC33_SLP} . In sleep mode, the control unit 130 can stop acquiring information from the measurement circuit 100 via an ^I2C interface, which will be described later.

In the active mode, when the switch SW (in one example, a button switch) is pressed, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control section 130 can transition to the heating preparation mode. In the heating preparation mode, the controller 130 can output a high level from the PC12 terminal to activate the transformer circuit 120, and the transformer circuit 120 can output the voltage V _BOOST from the VOUT terminal. Since the switch SS is also connected to the PC12 terminal of the control unit 130, when a high level is output from the PC12 terminal, the switch SS is turned on and the heater connector HC- and the ground line can be connected.

After starting the transformer circuit 120, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control section 130 can shift from the heating preparation mode to the heating mode. The heating mode can repeat a heating operation for heating the aerosol source by the heater HT and a measurement operation for measuring the resistance value of the heater HT, that is, the temperature of the heater HT.

In the heating mode, for example, a predetermined end event such as elapse of a predetermined time from the start timing of timing, generation of puffs a predetermined number of times from the start timing of counting, closing operation of the slider C102, and connection of a USB cable to the USB connector USBC occurs. , and the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control unit 130 shifts to the heating end mode. The time measurement start timing can be, for example, the detection of pressing of the switch SW in the active mode, the transition to the heating preparation mode, or the timing of transition to the heating mode. The count start timing can be, for example, the timing of transition from the heating preparation mode to the heating mode. In the heating termination mode, heating of the aerosol source by the heater HT is terminated, and then the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control section 130 can transition to the active mode. When the heating of the aerosol source is terminated by connecting the USB cable to the USB connector USBC, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU or the control unit 130 can directly transition from the heating termination mode to the charging mode.

In the active mode, when the slider C102 is closed, or when the slider C102 and switch SW are not operated for a predetermined period of time, the aerosol generator AGD, power supply unit PSU, or control section 130 can transition to sleep mode. In the sleep mode, when the slider C102 is closed and the switch SW is pressed, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control section 130 can shift to the pairing mode. In the pairing mode, pairing (key exchange) with the electronic device by the communication device 160 is performed, and when the pairing is successful, bonding (key storage) is performed, and the aerosol generator AGD, power supply unit PSU or control Unit 130 may transition to a sleep mode. Information about bonding may be stored in non-volatile memory 70 . Also, when pairing fails, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control section 130 can transition to sleep mode.

In the sleep mode, when a USB cable is connected to the USB connector USBC, the aerosol generator AGD, power supply unit PSU, or control section 130 can transition to charging mode. The control unit 130 can detect the connection of the USB cable to the USB connector USBC according to the voltage or potential supplied to the PA9 terminal, and accordingly output a low level from the PC9 terminal to turn off the switch SI. Accordingly, a high level is supplied to the ON terminal of the load switch 10, and the load switch 10 can supply the voltage V _USB supplied to the V _USB line through the USB cable to the charging circuit 20 through the VOUT terminal. . Also, the control unit 130 outputs a low level from the PB3 terminal. Thereby, a low level (enable level) is supplied to the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20, and the charging circuit 20 can supply the charging voltage from the BAT terminal to the power supply BT.

In the charging mode, if a serious error occurs, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control unit 130 can transition to permanent failure mode. The aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control unit 130 may transition from a mode other than the charging mode to the permanent failure mode. In permanent failure mode, transitions to all other modes may be prohibited. If an error occurs in the charging mode, active mode, heating preparation mode, or heating mode, the aerosol generator AGD, power supply unit PSU, or control section 130 can transition to error processing mode.

In the error processing mode, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control unit 130 can, for example, use the notification unit NU to notify the occurrence of an error, the type of error, an operation request for canceling the error, and the like. After that, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control unit 130 can transition to sleep mode after a predetermined period of time if the type of error that has occurred is of the first category. On the other hand, the aerosol generator AGD, the power supply unit PSU, or the control unit 130 can continue error processing when the type of error that has occurred is the second category error. In this case, resetting or restarting of the control unit 130 is required to return to the sleep mode.

FIG. 4A illustrates the operation of the power supply unit PSU in sleep mode. The thick line highlights the voltage supply path. The power supply BT supplies the power supply voltage V _BAT to the VBAT terminal of the protection circuit 90, the VBAT terminal of the measurement circuit 100, the BAT terminal of the charging circuit 20, the VIN terminal of the transformer circuit 120, and the switch circuit 80 via the first conductive path PT1. can be supplied to The charging circuit 20 may be set to the third power pass mode by the control unit 130, and the charging circuit 20 may supply the power supply voltage V _BAT supplied from the power supply BT to the V _CC line as the voltage V _CC .

Transformation circuit 30 is enabled by applying voltage _VCC to the _{VCC line, and may provide voltage VCC33_0} _from the VOUT terminal to the _{VCC33_0} line. The voltage _{VCC33_0} can be supplied to the load switch 40, the power switch driver 50, and the information holding circuits FF1 and FF2 via the _{VCC33_0} line.

Since the voltage _{VCC33_0} is supplied from the _{VCC33_0} line to the ON terminal of the load switch 40, the load switch 40 electrically connects the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal, and outputs the voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal to the _VCC33 line. I can. The voltage _VCC33 is applied to the VDD terminal (power supply terminal) of the control unit 130, the VDD terminals (power supply terminals) of the

detection units

140 and 170, the VCC terminal (power supply terminal) of the Schmitt trigger circuit 150, and the communication device 160 via the _VCC33 line. VCC_NRF terminal (power supply terminal) of nonvolatile memory 70, VDD terminal (power supply terminal) and CE terminal of measurement circuit 100, power supply terminals of OP amplifiers A2 and A3, information holding circuits FF1 and FF2 It can be supplied to the VCC terminal (power supply terminal).

When a low level is input to the SW1 terminal and SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 for a predetermined period of time, the power switch driver 50 supplies a low level to the ON terminal of the load switch 40 from the RSTB terminal. In response, load switch 40 stops outputting voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal, and control unit 130 stops operating. After that, the power switch driver 50 stops supplying the low level from the RSTB terminal to the ON terminal of the load switch 40 . Accordingly, supply of the voltage _{VCC33_0} from the _{VCC33_0} line to the ON terminal of the load switch 40 is resumed, so that the load switch 40 resumes outputting the voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal, and the control unit 130 is reset. Or it can be rebooted.

FIG. 4B shows the transition from sleep mode to pairing mode. The thick lines highlight the voltage and signal supply paths. When the outer panel C103 is attached to the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU, a high level is supplied from the detector 140 to the PD2 terminal of the controller 130 and the SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 through the Schmidt trigger circuit 150. be. Also, when the slider C102 is in the closed state, a high level is supplied from the detection section 170 to the PC13 terminal of the control section 130 . When the switch SW is pressed in this state, a low level is supplied to the PC10 terminal of the control section 130 . When a low level is supplied to the PC10 terminal for a predetermined period of time while a high level is supplied to the PC13 terminal, the control unit 130 recognizes this as an instruction to shift to the pairing mode, and cancels pairing from the sleep mode. mode.

FIG. 4C shows the transition from sleep mode to active mode. The thick lines highlight the voltage and signal supply paths. When the outer panel C103 is attached to the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU, a high level is supplied from the detector 140 to the PD2 terminal of the controller 130 and the SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 through the Schmidt trigger circuit 150. be. Also, when the slider C102 is in an open state, a low level is supplied from the detection section 170 to the PC13 terminal of the control section 130 . Control unit 130 can recognize this as a transition command to active mode and transition from sleep mode to active mode. Specifically, the control unit 130 supplies a high level signal from the PC11 terminal to the ON terminal of the load switch 60, and in response, the load switch 60 electrically connects the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal so that the voltage _{VCC33_SLP} may be supplied to thermistors TP, TH, TC.

Figures 4D and 4E show the transition from active mode to heating ready mode. The thick lines highlight the voltage and signal supply paths. When the outer panel C103 is attached to the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU, a high level is supplied from the detector 140 to the PD2 terminal of the controller 130 and the SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 through the Schmidt trigger circuit 150. be. Further, when the slider C102 is in the open state, a low level is supplied from the detection section 170 to the PC13 terminal of the control section 130 . Further, when the switch SW is pressed, a low level is supplied to the PC10 terminal of the control section 130 . When a low level is supplied to the PC10 terminal for a predetermined period of time while a high level is supplied to the PD2 terminal and a low level is supplied to the PC13 terminal, the control unit 130 issues this as a transition command to the heating preparation mode. Upon recognition, it can transition from the active mode to the heat preparation mode. Specifically, the control unit 130 supplies a high level from the PC12 terminal to the EN terminal of the transformer circuit 120, and in response, the transformer circuit 120 outputs V _boost from the VOUT terminal to the V _boost line.

FIG. 4F shows the heating operation in heating mode. The thick lines highlight the voltage and signal supply paths. The control unit 130 supplies a high level from the PA2 terminal to the gate or base of the transistor forming the switch SH to turn on the switch SH. Thereby, the voltage V _boost output from the VOUT terminal of the transformer circuit 120 is supplied to the heater HT, and the heater HT heats the aerosol source. At this time, a voltage for turning on the switch SR is supplied to the gate or base of the transistor forming the switch SR. A voltage V _boost is supplied to the power terminal of the OP amplifier A2 through a shunt resistor RS.

FIG. 4G shows the measurement operation in heating mode. The thick lines highlight the voltage and signal supply paths. The control unit 130 supplies a high level from the PB5 terminal to the gate or base of the transistor forming the switch SM to turn on the switch SM. As a result, the voltage V _boost output from the VOUT terminal of the transformer circuit 120 is supplied to the heater HT via the shunt resistor RS. At this time, a voltage obtained by dividing the voltage V _boost is supplied to the gate or base of the transistor forming the switch SR. This is the voltage that turns off the switch SR. The OP amplifier A1 can be configured to supply a voltage having a correlation with the resistance value of the heater HT to the PA7 terminal of the controller 130. FIG. The control unit 130 can detect the temperature of the heater HT based on the voltage supplied from the OP amplifier A1. The control unit 130 can take in a voltage corresponding to the voltage V _boost from the PA1 terminal and use it as a reference voltage for calculating the temperature of the heater HT.

It should be noted that during the period in which the heater HT is not energized, the control unit 130 may detect the temperature of the heater HT using the thermistor TH, that is, based on the output of the OP amplifier A2.

FIG. 4H shows the operation of the power supply unit PSU in charging mode. The thick lines highlight the voltage and signal supply paths. The overvoltage protection circuit 110 receives the voltage _{V_BUS} supplied from the _USB connector USBC and outputs the voltage _{V_USB} to the V_USB line. The voltage V _USB may be divided and supplied to the PA9 terminal of the controller 130 . Accordingly, the control unit 130 can recognize that the voltage V _USB is supplied through the USB cable connected to the USB connector USBC, and can change the level of the PC9 terminal from high level to low level. As a result, the switch SI is turned off and a high level is supplied to the ON terminal of the load switch 10 . In response, the load switch 10 may electrically connect the VIN terminal and the VOUT terminal and output the voltage _VCC5 from the VOUT terminal to the _VCC5 line.

The control unit 130 also supplies a low level from the PB3 terminal to the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20 to permit the charging of the power supply BT by the charging circuit 20 . The charging circuit 20 is set to the charging mode, supplies the voltage _VCC from the SW terminal to the _VCC line using the voltage _VCC5 supplied through the _VCC5 line, and electrically connects the SYS terminal and the BAT terminal. to supply a charging voltage from the BAT terminal to the power supply BT through the first conductive path PT1. The power supply BT is thereby charged.

FIG. 4I shows reset operations of the power supply unit PSU and the control section 130 . The thick lines highlight the voltage and signal supply paths. When the outer panel C103 is removed from the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU, a low level is supplied from the detector 140 to the SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 via the Schmitt trigger circuit 150 . When the switch SW is pressed in this state, a low level is supplied to SW1 of the power switch driver 50 .

In this way, when the SW1 terminal and SW2 terminal of the power switch driver 50 are supplied with a low level for a predetermined period of time, the power switch driver 50 can supply a low level from the RSTB terminal to the ON terminal of the load switch 40 . In response to this, the load switch 40 stops outputting the voltage _VCC33 from the VOUT terminal, and the control section 130 to which the supply of the voltage _VCC33 is cut off stops operating. The power switch driver 50 can then stop supplying the low level from the RSTB terminal to the ON terminal of the load switch 40 . In response, the supply of the voltage _{VCC33_0} from the _{VCC33_0} line to the ON terminal of the load switch 40 is resumed _. can be activated.

Here, the control unit 130, the power switch driver 50, and the load switch 40 are circuits that perform operations according to the detection results of the detection unit 140 that detects the presence or absence of the outer panel C103 in response to the operation of the switch SW. It can be understood as constituting a block. Alternatively, the control unit 130, the power switch driver 50, and the load switch 40 detect the state of the slider C102 in response to the operation of the switch SW when the detection unit 140 detects that the outer panel C103 is absent. It can be understood as configuring a circuit block that performs an operation according to the detection result of the detection unit 140 regardless of the detection result of the detection unit 170 . Further, the control unit 130, the power switch driver 50, and the load switch 40 are circuit blocks that perform an operation according to the detection result of the detection unit 170 that detects the state of the slider C102 in response to the operation of the switch SW. can be understood as constituting

When the switch SW is operated in a state where the detector 140 detects that the outer panel C103 is present and the detector 170 detects that the slider C102 is open, the circuit block detects the presence of the aerosol. A first process of generation may be performed. Further, when the switch SW is operated in a state in which the detection unit 140 detects that the outer panel C103 is present and the detection unit 170 detects that the slider C102 is closed, the circuit block A second process not related to aerosol generation, such as a process related to communication with an external device, may be performed. This corresponds to the pairing mode described above. When the switch SW is operated in a state where the detector 140 detects that the outer panel C103 is absent, the circuit block controls the controller 130 regardless of the detection result of the detector 170, that is, the state of the slider C102. You can reboot.

FIGS. 6, 7A, 7B, 8, 9A, and 9B show layout examples of the various electronic components described above. In these figures, the electrical connection (wiring) of the thermistor connectors TC+, TC-, thermistor connectors TP+, TP-, and the thermistors TC, TP, TH to the thermistor connectors THC+, THC- is shown accurately. not Also, in these figures, electrical connection (wiring) of the heater HT to the first heater connector HC+ and the second heater connector HC- is omitted. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication device 160, the switch SW, the detection unit 140, the Schmitt trigger circuit 150, and the notification unit NU can be arranged on the same surface of the third substrate PCB3 (same surface of the same substrate), for example. . As illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication device 160 and the switch SW can be arranged along the insertion/removal direction DIR of the insert with respect to the insertion hole C104. In addition to FIG. 6, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the communication device 160 and the switch SW can be arranged in the center of the power supply unit PSU or the aerosol generator AGD with respect to the direction orthogonal to the insertion/removal direction DIR. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A in addition to FIG. 6, the communication device 160 and the switch SW can be arranged between the first substrate PCB1 and the power supply BT in the direction perpendicular to the insertion/removal direction DIR. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the switch SW can be arranged between the communication device 160 and the notification unit NU. A switch SW may be placed between the detection unit 140 and the communication device 160 .

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, at least one of the protection circuit 90 and the measurement circuit 100 can be arranged on the first surface S11 facing the power supply BT among the two surfaces of the first substrate PCB1. Alternatively, both the protection circuit 90 and the measurement circuit 100 can be arranged on the first side S11 of the first substrate PCB1. The transformer circuit 120 may be disposed on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, the transistors SD, SC may be arranged on the first side S11 of the first substrate PCB1. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, the switches SH may be arranged on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. The first and second resistors R1 and R2 may be arranged on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the OP amplifier A1 may be arranged on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. Arranging the protection circuit 90, the measurement circuit 100, the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2, the transistors SD and SC on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1 reduces the parasitic resistance value of the second conductive path PT2 to It is advantageous to reduce

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the transformer circuit 120 can be accompanied by an inductor 120', and the transformer circuit 120 and the inductor 120' can be arranged on opposite sides of the first substrate PCB1. Preferably, the transformer circuit 120 may be arranged on the first side S11 of the first substrate PCB1, and the inductor 120' may be arranged on the opposite second side S12. The USB connector USBC and the inductor 120' can be arranged on the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1. Since the USB connector USBC and the inductor 120' are electronic components having a considerably large size or thickness, arranging them on the same surface of the first substrate PCB1 contributes to miniaturization of the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU. can contribute.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, heater connectors HC+, HC-, switches SM, SS, and shunt resistors RS can be arranged on the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1 (ie, the same surface of the same substrate). Such an arrangement is advantageous for reducing the resistance of the heater HT or the parasitic resistance of the conductive path of the circuit for detecting temperature. The shortest distance between the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1 and the heater HT is preferably smaller than the shortest distance between the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1 and the heater HT. Such a configuration is advantageous for shortening the lead wires connecting the heater connectors HC+, HC- and the heater HT.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the second substrate PCB2 has a first surface S21 facing the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1 and a second surface S22 on the opposite side. Connectors THC+ and THC- of the thermistor TH for detecting the temperature of the heater HT can be arranged on the second surface S22 of the second substrate PCB2. The charging circuit 20 and its associated inductor 20' may be arranged on the same side of the second substrate PCB2, for example the second side S22. The transformer circuit 30 and its associated inductor 30' may be arranged on the same side of the second substrate PCB2, for example the second side S22. The load switch 10 may be arranged on the second surface S22 of the second substrate PCB2. The controller 130 may be arranged on the second surface S22 of the second substrate PCB2. The information holding circuit F11 may be arranged on the second surface S22 of the second substrate PCB2. The nonvolatile memory 70 and the information holding circuit FF2 can be arranged on the first surface S21 of the second substrate PCB2. A thermistor connector TC+, TC- for the thermistor TC and a thermistor connector TP+, TP- for the thermistor TP can be arranged on the first surface S21 of the second substrate PCB2.

FIG. 10 shows the protection circuit 90, the measurement circuit 100, and the electronic components arranged therearound. The protection circuit 90 uses the second resistor R2 arranged in the path through which the current output from the power supply BT flows, measures the current flowing through the path, and controls to protect the power supply BT according to the current. It can control the switch part SWP to be switched. Alternatively or additionally, the protection circuit 90 measures the voltage of the power supply BT based on the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT supplied to the VBAT terminal, and protects the power supply BT according to the voltage. It can control the switch part SWP. The second resistor R2 and the switch part SWP may be arranged in the first conductive path PT1 electrically connected to the first power connector BC+, but the second resistor R2 electrically connected to the second power connector BC− may be arranged. It is preferably arranged in two conducting paths PT2. Such a configuration is advantageous in that the common-mode input voltage of the OP amplifier incorporated in the protection circuit 90 can be reduced, so that the protection circuit 90 can stably operate and that an inexpensive protection circuit 90 can be used. The switch part SWP may include a first transistor SD and a second transistor SC connected in series. The first transistor SD can function as a switch for interrupting the second conductive path PT2 (in other words, the path through which the current output from the power supply BT flows) so as to stop the discharge of the power supply BT. The second transistor SC can function as a switch for cutting off the second conductive path PT2 (in other words, the path through which the current output from the power supply BT flows) so as to stop charging the power supply BT.

A first rectifying element connected in parallel with the first transistor SD may be provided, and the first rectifying element may be configured as a body diode BDD of the first transistor SD. The forward direction of the first rectifying element is the direction in which the current for charging the power source BT flows. A second rectifying element connected in parallel with the second transistor SC may also be provided, and the second rectifying element may be configured as the body diode BDC of the second transistor SC. The forward direction of the second rectifying element is the direction in which the current discharged from the power supply BT flows.

The resistance value of the second resistor R2 is known, and the protection circuit 90 can detect the current (current value) flowing through the second conductive path PT2 by detecting the voltage drop due to the second resistance value R2. . When the current discharged from the power supply BT, that is, the current flowing from the second heater connector HC− to the second power supply connector BC− exceeds the first threshold for determining overcurrent during discharge, the protection circuit 90 detects the first It can be configured to turn off transistor SD. Further, when the current charging the power supply BT, that is, the current flowing from the second power supply connector BC- to the second heater connector HC- exceeds the second threshold for determining overcurrent during charging, the protection circuit 90 It can be configured to turn off two transistors SC. Also, the protection circuit 90 may be configured to turn off the second transistor SC when the output voltage of the power source BT indicates an overcharged state of the power source BT. Also, the protection circuit 90 may be configured to turn off the first transistor SD when the output voltage of the power source BT indicates an over-discharge state of the power source BT.

The measurement circuit 100 can measure the state of the power supply BT using the first resistor R1 arranged on the path through which the current output from the power supply BT flows. The resistor R1 may be arranged in the first conductive path PT1 electrically connected to the first power connector BC+, but is arranged in the second conductive path PT2 electrically connected to the second power connector BC-. preferably. Such a configuration is advantageous in that the common-mode input voltage of the OP amplifier incorporated in the measurement circuit 100 can be reduced, so that the measurement circuit 100 can operate stably and that an inexpensive measurement circuit 100 can be used. The measurement circuit 100 integrates the current (current value) flowing through the first resistor R1, that is, obtains the amount of charge (power consumption) flowing through the first resistor R1, thereby obtaining the remaining capacity (Ah ) and SOC (State Of Charge). The SOC (%) can be defined as "remaining capacity (Ah)/fully charged capacity (Ah) x 100". The measurement circuit 100 can provide the remaining capacity and the SOC to the controller 130 . The measurement circuit 100 acquires the temperature of the power supply BT using a TREG terminal, a THM terminal, and a thermistor TB (not shown in FIG. 10), and calculates the remaining capacity and SOC based on the acquired temperature of the power supply BT. good too. Since the remaining capacity, SOC, etc. of the power supply BT are strongly affected by the temperature of the power supply BT, such a configuration is advantageous for accurately obtaining the remaining capacity, SOC, etc. of the power supply BT.

A switch SS, a first resistor R1, a switch part SWP, and a second resistor R2 can exist between the second heater connector HC- and the second power connector BC-. A parasitic resistance r1 may exist between the switch SS and the first resistor R1, and a parasitic resistance r6 may exist between the second resistor R2 and the second power connector BC-. A parasitic resistance r2 may exist between the first resistor R1 and the VRSP terminal of the measurement circuit 100, and a parasitic resistance r3 may exist between the first resistor R1 and the VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100. .

Although not shown, the connection node between the parasitic resistor r2 and the first resistor R1 and the first resistor R1 and the connection node between the parasitic resistor r3 and the first resistor R1 and the first resistor A parasitic resistance may also exist between each device R1. These can be factors that cause errors in the measurement results of the measurement circuit 100 .

FIG. 11 schematically shows the state of discharge from the power supply BT. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 described later, rSS indicates the ON resistance of the switch SS, rSC indicates the ON resistance of the second transistor SC, and rSD indicates the ON resistance of the first transistor SD. During discharging, the potential of the second heater connector HC- is higher than the potential of the second power connector BC-. The parasitic resistances r1, r6 and the like are factors that increase the potential difference ΔV between the second heater connector HC- and the second power connector BC-. An increase in ΔV can increase the short-circuit current that flows when the second heater connector HC- and the second power connector BC- are short-circuited due to, for example, condensation or moisture intrusion from an aerosol source.

FIG. 12 schematically shows the state of charge of the power supply BT. During charging, the potential of the second power connector BC- is higher than the potential of the second heater connector HC-. The parasitic resistances r1, r6 and the like are factors that increase the potential difference ΔV between the second power supply connector BC- and the second heater connector HC-. An increase in ΔV can increase the short-circuit current that flows when the second power connector BC- and the second heater connector HC- are short-circuited due to dew condensation, intrusion of moisture from an aerosol source, or the like, as described above.

FIG. 13 illustrates the physical path between the second heater connector HC- and the second power connector BC-. The power supply unit PSU or the aerosol generator AGD may have a plurality of substrates PCB1, PCB2, PCB3, PCB4. FIG. 13 illustrates the configuration of the first substrate PCB1. A first heater connector HC+ and a second heater connector HC- may be located on the first substrate PCB1. By arranging the measurement circuit 100 and the first resistor R1 together with the second heater connector HC− on the first substrate PCB1, the conductive pattern connecting them is shortened, so that the parasitic resistance r1 can be reduced. As a result, the short-circuit current that flows when the second power connector BC- and the second heater connector HC- are short-circuited can be made weak.

The first heater connector HC+ and the second heater connector HC- may be arranged on different surfaces of the first substrate PCB1, or may be arranged on the same surface. In the example of FIG. 13, the first heater connector HC+ and the second heater connector HC− may be located on the second side S12 of the first substrate PCB1. According to the configuration in which the first heater connector HC+ and the second heater connector HC- are arranged on the same surface of the same substrate, the lead wires of the heater HT are connected to the first heater connector HC+ and the second heater connector HC- during manufacturing. easier to do. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU.

A first power connector BC+ electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply BT and a second power connector BC- connected to the negative terminal of the power supply BT can be arranged on the first substrate PCB1. A path through which current output from the power supply BT flows includes a first conductive path PT1 connected to the first power connector BC+ and a second conductive path PT2 connected to the second power connector BC-. A first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2 may be arranged in the second conductive path PT2. According to this configuration, the common-mode input voltage to the VRSP terminal and VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100 and the common-mode input voltage to the CS terminal and VSS terminal of the protection circuit 90 can be set to small values. Since this eliminates the need for the expensive and/or large-sized measurement circuit 100 and protection circuit 90, the cost and size of the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU can be reduced.

A measurement circuit 100 that measures the state of a power supply BT (eg, remaining capacity, SOC, etc.) using a first resistor R1 has a first resistor R1 among a plurality of substrates PCB1, PCB2, PCB3, and PCB4. It can be placed on the same substrate as the first substrate PCB1, ie, the first substrate PCB1. From another point of view, the measurement circuit 100 is configured such that, among the plurality of element placement planes (S11, S12, S21, S22, etc.), the same element placement plane as the element placement plane on which the first resistor R1 is arranged, for example, the first It can be arranged on the surface S11. According to these configurations, the first resistor R1 and the VRSP terminal and the VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100 can be arranged physically close to each other. As a result, the parasitic resistance r2 existing between the first resistor R1 and the VRSP terminal of the measurement circuit 100 and the parasitic resistance r3 existing between the first resistor R1 and the VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100 can be reduced. . Such a reduction in parasitic resistance enables highly accurate measurement of the state of the power supply BT by the measurement circuit 100 . Also, the conductive pattern connecting the first resistor R1 and the VRSP terminal and the VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100 can be shortened. In addition, the length of the conductive pattern connecting the first resistor R1 and the VRSP terminal of the measurement circuit 100 can easily be made approximately the same as the length of the conductive pattern connecting the first resistor R1 and the VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100. can be done. These also enable the measurement circuit 100 to measure the state of the power supply BT with high accuracy.

The first resistor R1 and the second heater connector HC- can be arranged on opposite sides of the first substrate PCB1, respectively. In the example of FIG. 13, the first resistor R1 is located on the first side S11 of the first substrate PCB1 and the second heater connector HC− is located on the second side S12 of the first substrate PCB1. At least a portion of the first resistor R1 may overlap at least a portion of the second heater connector HC− in orthogonal projection onto one of the two faces S11, S12 of the first substrate PCB1. In another aspect, in orthogonal projection onto one of the two faces S11, S12 of the first substrate PCB1, the first resistor R1 can be arranged in the region of the second heater connector HC-. Such an arrangement is advantageous for reducing the unfavorable parasitic resistance value between the second power supply connector BC- and the second heater connector HC- (the resistance value of the aforementioned parasitic resistance r1), which is For example, it is advantageous to reduce the short circuit current between the second power connector BC- and the second heater connector HC-.

The second conductive path PT2 can include a switch SS arranged between the first resistor R1 and the second heater connector HC-. The switch SS and the second heater connector HC- can be arranged on the same side of the first substrate PCB1. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the switch SS and the second heater connector HC- are located on the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1. The switch SS may be the element closest to the second heater connector HC− among the electronic components arranged on the same plane, ie, the second plane S12. In another aspect, the switch SS can be the element closest to the second heater connector HC− among the active elements located in the same plane, ie, the second plane S12. According to such a configuration, by turning off the switch SS when the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU is not in use, etc., the heater HT, the first heater connector HC+, and the second heater connector HC− are invaded. Static electricity, noise, and the like are less likely to enter the first resistor R1 and the second conductive path PT2.

The second conductive path PT2 may further include a switch section SWP arranged to be connected in series with the first resistor R1. According to such a configuration, when an abnormality such as overcurrent, overdischarge, or overcharge occurs in the power supply BT, the power supply BT can be protected by opening the switch section SWP.

The first resistor R1 and the switch part SWP are arranged on the same surface of the first substrate PCB1, which is the first surface S11 in the example shown in FIG. In addition to the first resistor R1 and the switch part SWP, the second resistor R2 may also be arranged on the same surface of the first substrate PCB1, eg, the first surface S11. In orthogonal projection onto one of the two faces S11, S12 of the first substrate PCB1, at least part of the switch SWP may overlap at least part of the second heater connector HC−. With such a configuration, the second conductive path PT2 can be shortened, so the parasitic resistance of the second conductive path PT2 can be reduced. As a result, the short-circuit current that flows when the second power connector BC- and the second heater connector HC- are short-circuited can be made weak.

The protection circuit 90 controls the switch part SWP to protect the power supply BT according to the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 or the positive potential of the power supply BT (the output voltage of the power supply BT) input to the VBAT terminal. sell. According to such a configuration, the power supply BT can be protected when an abnormality such as overcurrent, overdischarge, or overcharge occurs in the power supply BT.

The switch part SWP can be arranged between the first resistor R1 in the second conducting path PT2 and the negative electrode of the power supply BT (or the second power supply connector BC-). According to such a configuration, as will be described later, even when the first transistor SD is turned off, the measurement circuit 100 and the control section 130 can communicate with each other through their respective I ² C interfaces. At the same time, the protection of the power supply BT by the protection circuit 90 can be maintained as long as possible, and further discharging of the power supply BT can be suppressed to the utmost limit.

The protection circuit 90 can detect the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 using a second resistor R2 arranged in the second conductive path PT2 so as to be connected in series with the first resistor R1. The first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 may be arranged on the same side of the first substrate PCB1, for example the first side S11. The second resistor R2 can be arranged between the switch part SWP in the second conductive path PT2 and the negative electrode of the power supply BT (or the second power supply connector BC-). The first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are such that the shortest distance between the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 is at least the maximum dimension of the first resistor R1 and the maximum dimension of the second resistor R2. One can be arranged to be smaller than the other. These configurations are advantageous for reducing the parasitic resistance between the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2.

In one example, the measurement circuit 100 can be arranged on the first substrate PCB1 and the control unit 130 can be arranged on the second substrate PCB2. The measurement circuit 100 and the control section 130 can have a function of communicating with each other. Since the measurement circuit 100 and the control unit 130 perform many calculations internally, they may become noise sources. By arranging these on different substrates, it becomes difficult for noise generated in one to affect the other.

A voltage _VCC33 can be supplied to the VDD terminal (power supply terminal) of the measurement circuit 100 by the transformer circuit 30 via the _VCC33 line. The transformer circuit 30 transforms the voltage _{VCC supplied from the power supply BT through the charging circuit 20 to generate the voltage VCC33_0} _, which is passed through the load switch 40 as the voltage _VCC33 to the VDD terminal (power supply terminal) of the measurement circuit 100 . ). With such a configuration, the voltage _VCC33 supplied to the VDD terminal (power supply terminal) of the measurement circuit 100 is stabilized. This stabilizes the operation of the measurement circuit 100 .

In one example, the measurement circuit 100 can be arranged on the first substrate PCB1 and the transformer circuit 30 can be arranged on the second substrate PCB2. The transformer circuit 30 may generate noise when performing transformation. With such a configuration, the measurement circuit 100 can be physically separated from the transformer circuit 30, which may become a noise source, so that the operation of the measurement circuit 100 is stabilized.

A transformer circuit 120 that transforms the voltage supplied from the power source BT to generate the voltage V _BOOST that is supplied to the heater HT may be disposed on the first substrate PCB1. With such a configuration, the heater HT can be supplied with an appropriate voltage V _BOOST for heating the aerosol source. This makes it possible to provide the user of the aerosol generator AGD with an aerosol whose amount and flavor are highly controlled.

A switch SH can be arranged on a path that electrically connects the output of the transformer circuit 120 and the heater HT. The switch SH may be arranged on the first substrate PCB1. The switches SH can be arranged, for example, on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. Since a large amount of power is supplied from the transformer circuit 120 to the switch SH to heat the heater HT, it is preferable that the conductive pattern connecting the switch SH and the transformer circuit 120 is thick and short. With such a configuration, since the switch SH and the transformer circuit 120 are arranged on the first substrate PCB1, it is easy to form a thick and short conductive pattern. As a result, heat and noise are less likely to occur in the conductive pattern even when the large current described above flows.

An OP amplifier A1 constituting a detection circuit for detecting the resistance value or temperature of the heater HT can be arranged on the first substrate PCB1. The OP amp A1 may be arranged, for example, on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1.

FIG. 14 shows the protection circuit 90, the measurement circuit 100, and the electronic components arranged therearound. FIG. 14 also shows the controller 130 . The aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU is electrically connected to the first conductive path PT1 electrically connected to the positive terminal of the power supply BT or the first power supply connector BC+ and the negative terminal of the power supply BT or the second power supply connector BC−. a second conductive path PT2 connected to the . The control unit 130 can control heat generation of the heater HT for heating the aerosol source using voltage or power supplied from the power supply BT. The measurement circuit 100 can measure the state of the power supply BT using a first resistor R1 that can be arranged in the second conductive path PT2. The switch SWP connects the first resistor R1 in the second conductive path PT2 and the negative electrode of the power source BT (or the second power connector BC-) so that the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 (and the first conductive path PT1) can be interrupted. can be placed between The protection circuit 90 can control the switch section SWP to protect the power supply BT according to the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 and the positive potential of the power supply BT supplied to the VBAT terminal. The protection circuit 90 uses a second resistor R2 arranged between the switch part SWP in the second conductive path PT2 and the negative electrode of the power supply BT (or the second power connector BC-) to switch the second conductive path PT2. The current flowing can be detected.

The aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU has a switch SS that can be used as a cutoff switch, which is arranged in the second conductive path PT2 so as to be able to cut off the current flowing through the heater HT and the second conductive path PT2, separately from the switch SWP. be prepared. The control unit 130 can communicate with the measurement circuit 100 according to communication standards such as I ² C communication. The control unit 130 can control the switch SS as a cutoff switch so as to cut off the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 based on the measurement result of the measurement circuit 100 .

FIG. 15 schematically shows a state in which the protection circuit 90 detects an overcurrent during discharge or an overdischarge state of the power supply BT, turns off the first transistor SD, and cuts off the second conduction path PT2 (discharge path of the power supply BT). are shown. The transformer circuit 30 can function as a voltage supply unit that supplies voltage to the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 . Voltage or power can be supplied from the power source BT to the transformer circuit 30 functioning as a voltage supply unit via the first conducting path PT1 and the second conducting path PT2. When the current flowing through the second conductive path PT2 is interrupted, the transformer circuit 30, which functions as a voltage supply unit that supplies voltage to the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100, supplies voltage between the positive and negative electrodes of the power source BT, That is, no power supply voltage is supplied. Therefore, transformer circuit 30 cannot output voltage _{VCC33_0} from its VOUT terminal. Therefore, the supply of _{VCC 33} to the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 by the load switch 40 is also stopped. Therefore, the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 stop operating. At this time, the current consumption by the power supply unit PSU is divided into the current flowing between the VBAT terminal and the VSS terminal for the protection circuit 90 to acquire the output voltage of the power supply BT, and the current flowing between the VBAT terminal and the VSS terminal for the protection circuit 90 to operate. only the current supplied to This is a minute current.

On the other hand, in the configuration in which the positions of the protection circuit 90 and the measurement circuit 100 are exchanged, the current flowing between the VBAT terminal and the VSS terminal of the measurement circuit 100 is additionally consumed, and this current is transferred to the power supply BT. Further progress of overdischarge and deep discharge of the power supply BT can be caused. Therefore, the switch part SWP controlled by the protection circuit 90 is between the first resistor R1 in the second conducting path PT2 and the negative electrode of the power supply BT (second power supply connector BC-). It is advantageous from the viewpoint of

If the potential supplied from the power supply BT to the VBAT terminal of the protection circuit 90 indicates the possibility that the power supply BT is in an unrecoverable deep discharge state, the protection circuit 90 operates as shown in FIG. , the COUN terminal at a low level and the second switch SC permanently in an off state. This makes it impossible to charge the power supply BT, which may have reached a deep discharge state, so that the safety of the power supply unit PSU or the aerosol generator AGD can be improved. Alternatively, after the protection circuit 90 detects an overcurrent during discharge and turns off the first transistor SD, the protection circuit 90 also turns off the second transistor SC for a predetermined period of time, as shown in FIG. may

When the protection circuit 90 detects an overcurrent during charging or an overcharge state of the battery BT, the protection circuit 90 can turn off the second transistor SC for a predetermined period of time. At this time, the protection circuit 90 may also turn off the first transistor SD.

FIG. 17 schematically shows a state in which the first transistor SD is turned off and the USB cable is connected to the USB connector USBC. Here, connecting a USB cable to the USB connector USBC may be understood as connecting an external device to the USB connector USBC via a USB cable. At this time, the charging circuit 20 may operate in the first power pass mode set by default. Specifically, the charging circuit 20 electrically connects the VBUS terminal and the SYS terminal while the SYS terminal and the BAT terminal are electrically separated, and supplies power from the USB connector USBC via the _VCC5 line. A voltage _VCC5 may be used to provide the voltage _VCC on the _VCC line. In response, the transformer circuit 30, which functions as a voltage supply unit that supplies voltage to the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100, supplies the voltage _{VCC33_0} to the _{VCC33_0} line, and the load switch 40 supplies the voltage _VCC33 to the _VCC33 line. can supply. As a result, the voltage _VCC33 is supplied to the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100, and the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 can start or resume their operation. That is, when an external device is connected to the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU, the transformer circuit 30 supplies the voltage _VCC33 to the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 via the load switch 40. 100 may start or resume operation. At this time, the controller 130 may operate in a sleep mode.

The control unit 130, which has started operating again, acquires the output voltage (positive potential) of the power supply BT from the measurement circuit 100 and/or turns on the switch circuit 80 to switch the power supply on the basis of the potential supplied to the PC2 terminal. It may operate to obtain the potential of BT. Then, when the control unit 130 determines that the power supply BT is not deeply discharged based on the acquired potential, or determines that the power supply BT can be charged, the PB3 terminal and the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20 are connected. is supplied to the low level to shift the charging circuit 20 to the charging mode. Thereby, as schematically shown in FIG. 18, the charging circuit 20 outputs a voltage for charging the power supply BT between the BAT terminal and the GND terminal, and the power supply BT is charged. When it is determined that the power supply BT is not deeply discharged but is in an overdischarged state, the charging circuit 20 preferably charges the power supply BT with a smaller current than when the power supply BT is not in a deeply discharged state or an overdischarged state. .

When the remaining capacity of the power supply BT exceeds a predetermined value, or when the remaining capacity of the power supply BT exceeds a predetermined value due to charging, the protection circuit 90 operates as schematically shown in FIG. , output a high level from the DOUT terminal to turn on the first transistor SD. This is because it was determined that the remaining capacity of the power supply BT had sufficiently recovered and that the overdischarged state would not occur immediately even if the discharge was resumed.

In the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 19, the switch section SWP includes a first resistor R1 used by the measurement circuit 100 to measure the state of the power supply BT, and a second power connector connected to the negative electrode of the power supply BT. BC-. According to such a configuration, the measurement circuit 100 and the control unit 130 operate with the voltage _VCC33 generated from the voltage _VUSB in the first power pass mode as shown in FIG. 17, and the first transistor SD is turned off. The VSS terminal of the measurement circuit 100 and the VSS terminal of the control unit 130 are at the same potential even in the state of being connected. That is, the measurement circuit 100 and the control unit 130 can communicate via their respective I ² C interfaces. Further, when the first transistor SD is turned off, the first power connector BC+ and the second power connector BC− form a closed circuit only with the protection circuit 90 . As a result, the protection of the power supply BT by the protection circuit 90 can be maintained as long as possible, and further discharge of the power supply BT can be suppressed to the utmost limit.

On the other hand, a configuration in which the measurement circuit 100 and the first resistor R1 are replaced with the protection circuit 90, the second resistor R2 and the switch section SWP from the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 19 will be considered. In such a configuration, a switch section SWP is provided between the VSS terminal of the measurement circuit 100 and the VSS terminal of the control section 100 . Therefore, when the first transistor SD is turned off, the VSS terminal of the measurement circuit 100 and the VSS terminal of the control section 130 are disconnected and have different potentials. Communication via the I ² C interface becomes difficult between circuits in which different potentials are input to the VSS terminal to which the reference potential is to be input. Moreover, in the state where the first transistor SD is turned off, the first power connector BC+ and the second power connector BC− form a closed circuit not only with the protection circuit 90 but also with the measurement circuit 100 . In other words, further discharge of the power supply BT cannot be suppressed to the limit.

Therefore, the configurations exemplified in FIGS. 14 to 19 are compared to the configurations obtained by replacing the measurement circuit 100 and the first resistor R1 with the protection circuit 90, the second resistor R2 and the switch section SWP. , and the I ² C interface, and the discharge of the power supply BT can be suppressed to the utmost limit.

FIG. 20 shows an arrangement example of electronic components on the first substrate PCB1. The shortest distance D11 between the first resistor R1 and the measurement circuit 100 is preferably smaller than the shortest distance D12 between the second resistor R2 and the protection circuit 90. Here, the measurement circuit 100 needs to detect and integrate the current flowing through the first resistor R1 with high accuracy in order to calculate the state of the power supply BT, for example, the remaining capacity and SOC of the power supply BT with high accuracy. . Therefore, it is advantageous to make the shortest distance D11 between the first resistor R1 and the measuring circuit 100 as small as possible in order to eliminate the effects of parasitic resistance as much as possible. On the other hand, it is sufficient for the protection circuit 90 to cut off the switch section SWP, for example, when the current flowing through the second resistor R2 exceeds the threshold. Therefore, protection circuit 90 is more tolerant of noise than measurement circuit 100 . Therefore, D11<D12 can be one design guideline for how to arrange electronic components in a limited board area. Of course, D11<D12 is a condition in one aspect, e.g. <0.5×D12, D11<0.4×D12, D11<0.3×D12, D11<0.2×D12, D11<0.1×D12, the required accuracy and the aerosol generator AGD Conditions may be set according to specifications.

The first resistor R1 and the measurement circuit 100 can be arranged on the same plane of the same substrate, for example, the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. The coplanar configuration of the first resistor R1 and the measurement circuit 100 allows the two to be connected by a coplanar conductive path without vias or through holes. As a result, the parasitic resistance r2 existing between the first resistor R1 and the VRSP terminal of the measurement circuit 100 and the parasitic resistance r3 existing between the first resistor R1 and the VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100 can be reduced. . Such a reduction in parasitic resistance enables highly accurate measurement of the state of the power supply BT by the measurement circuit 100 . Also, the conductive pattern connecting the first resistor R1 and the VRSP terminal and the VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100 can be shortened. In addition, the length of the conductive pattern connecting the first resistor R1 and the VRSP terminal of the measurement circuit 100 can easily be made approximately the same as the length of the conductive pattern connecting the first resistor R1 and the VRSM terminal of the measurement circuit 100. can be These also enable the measurement circuit 100 to measure the state of the power supply BT with high accuracy.

The second resistor R2 and the protection circuit 90 can also be arranged on the same plane of the same substrate, eg, on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. According to such a configuration, between the resistance value of the parasitic resistance r4 existing between the second resistor R2 and the CS terminal of the measurement circuit 90 and the resistance value of the second resistor R2 and the VSS terminal of the protection circuit 90 The resistance value of the existing parasitic resistance r5 can also be reduced. Such a reduction in the resistance value of the parasitic resistance enables the protection circuit 90 to protect the power supply BT with high accuracy.

In one example, the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2, the measurement circuit 100 and the protection circuit 90 can be arranged on the same plane of the same substrate, eg, on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. With such a configuration, the resistance values of the parasitic resistances r2, r3, r4 and r5 can be reduced. As a result, highly accurate measurement of the state of the power supply BT by the measurement circuit 100 and highly accurate protection of the power supply BT by the protection circuit 90 are simultaneously possible.

In another aspect, the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2, the measurement circuit 100 and the protection circuit 90 can be placed on the same substrate, eg, the first substrate PCB1. The first substrate PCB1 has an end EE on the side where the heater HT is arranged, and the shortest distance between the first resistor R1 and the end EE is the shortest distance between the measurement circuit 100 and the end EE. It is preferably smaller than the distance. It is foreseen that the edges of the substrate receive more external noise such as static electricity than the central portion of the substrate. This is because external noise generally enters the board from the edge of the board. In particular, since the end EE is the end on the side where the heater HT is arranged, there is a possibility that static electricity generated when inserting/removing an insert into/from the insertion hole C104 or opening/closing the slider C102 may enter. In addition, since the central portion of the substrate is surrounded by other electronic components, these other electronic components act as physical barriers against external noise. That is, according to such a configuration, the measurement circuit 100 is less susceptible to external noise by separating the measurement circuit 100 from the end EE.

Also, the shortest distance between the second resistor R2 and the end EE is preferably smaller than the shortest distance between the protection circuit 90 and the end EE. With such a configuration, the protection circuit 90 is separated from the edge EE, so that the protection circuit 90 is less likely to be affected by external noise.

These provide examples embodying the idea of placing the first resistor R1 and/or the second resistor R2 close to the edge EE of the first substrate PCB1.

The shortest distance between the measurement circuit 100 and the edge EE is preferably smaller than the shortest distance between the protection circuit 90 and the edge EE. The protection circuit 90 serves to protect the power supply BT and the aerosol generator AGD by prohibiting the charging and/or discharging of the power supply BT when an abnormality occurs. In other words, protection circuit 90 is more important than measurement circuit 100 . With such a configuration, the protection circuit 90 is further separated from the edge EE, and is less susceptible to external noise. This improves the safety of the aerosol generator AGD.

A first heater connector HC+ to which the positive terminal of the heater HT is electrically connected, and a second heater connector HC- to which the negative terminal of the heater HT is electrically connected are arranged on the first substrate PCB1. sell. The shortest distance between the first heater connector HC+ and the end EE, and the shortest distance between the second heater connector HC- and the end EE, are greater than the shortest distance between the measuring circuit 100 and the end EE. is preferably small. Such a configuration is advantageous from the viewpoint of protecting the measurement circuit 100 from external noise.

A first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2 are arranged on the first side S11 of the first substrate PCB1, and a first heater connector HC+ and a second heater connector HC− are arranged on the second side S12 of the first substrate PCB1. can be placed. Such a configuration is advantageous from the viewpoint of efficiently arranging electronic components on the first surface S11 and the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1. In other words, if these relatively large electronic components are collectively arranged on one of the first surface S11 and the second surface S12, the substrate area of the first substrate PCB1 becomes large, and the conductive patterns become large. There is a risk that it will become a big restriction on the formation of the electronic components and the arrangement of other electronic components.

At least a portion of the second heater connector HC− can be arranged to overlap at least a portion of at least one of the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 in orthogonal projection onto the first surface S11. Alternatively, although different from the illustrated example, at least a portion of the first heater connector HC+ overlaps at least a portion of at least one of the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 in the orthogonal projection. may be placed. Such a configuration is also advantageous from the viewpoint of efficiently arranging electronic components on the first surface S11 and the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1.

The switch part SWP may be arranged on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. Such a configuration is also advantageous from the viewpoint of efficiently arranging electronic components on the first surface S11 and the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1.

A switch SS, which is controlled by the control unit 130 and can be used as a cutoff switch that cuts off the current flowing through the heater HT, can be arranged on a path that electrically connects the second heater connector HC- and the first resistor R1. As described above, the switch SS makes it difficult for static electricity, noise, and the like that can enter from the heater HT, the first heater connector HC+, and the second heater connector HC− to enter the first resistor R1 and the second conductive path PT2.

The switches SS can be arranged on the second surface 12 of the first substrate PCB1. Such a configuration is also advantageous from the viewpoint of efficiently arranging electronic components on the first surface S11 and the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1.

The shortest distance between the switch SS and the end EE is preferably smaller than the shortest distance between the measurement circuit 100 and the end EE. According to such a configuration, the measurement circuit 100 is less susceptible to external noise because the measurement circuit 100 is separated from the end EE and the switch SS serves as a physical barrier against external noise.

A switch SH that is arranged on a path that electrically connects the output of the transformer circuit 120 and the first heater connector HC+ and functions as a heater switch can be arranged on the first substrate PCB1. The shortest distance between the switch SH and the edge EE is preferably smaller than the shortest distance between the measuring circuit 100 and the edge EE. According to such a configuration, the measurement circuit 100 is less susceptible to external noise because the measurement circuit 100 is separated from the end EE and the switch SH serves as a physical barrier against external noise.

The switch SH can be switched at high speed by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) so that the temperature of the heater HT is maintained at the target temperature. A large amount of power is supplied to the switch SH to heat the heater HT, and switching can be performed at high speed.

The switch SH can be arranged on the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1. In orthogonal projection onto the first surface S11 of the first substrate PCB1, at least a portion of the switch SH may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the first heater connector HC+. Such a configuration is advantageous for reducing parasitic resistance between switch SH and first heater connector HC+. Alternatively, although different from the example shown, in said orthogonal projection, the switch SH may at least partially overlap the second heater connector HC—at least partially.

In such a configuration, the shortest distance between the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 may be less than at least one of the maximum dimension of the first resistor R1 and the maximum dimension of the second resistor R2. . Such a configuration is also advantageous from the viewpoint of efficiently arranging electronic components on the first surface S11 and the second surface S12 of the first substrate PCB1.

FIG. 21 shows an arrangement example of electronic components on the first substrate PCB1. A thermistor TB for measuring the temperature of the power supply BT has two terminals, which can be electrically connected to two thermistor connectors TBC1 and TBC2, respectively. The measurement circuit 100 can be configured to measure the state of the power supply BT (eg, remaining capacity, SOC, etc.) using the first resistor R1, and to measure the temperature of the power supply BT using the thermistor TB.

The first resistor R1, the two thermistor connectors TBC1, TBC2 and the measurement circuit 100 can be arranged on the first substrate PCB1. In one aspect, the shortest distance D13 between the two thermistor connectors TBC1, TBC2 and the measuring circuit 100 is preferably smaller than the shortest distance D11 between the first resistor R1 and the measuring circuit 100. The first resistor R1 and the thermistor TB connected to the two thermistor connectors TBC1 and TBC2 are both important parameters used by the measurement circuit 100 to measure the state of the power supply BT. Unlike the first resistor R1, the temperature of the power supply BT, which is obtained indirectly from the resistance value of the thermistor TB, tends to have errors. According to such a configuration, at least an error due to parasitic resistance can be reduced when the measurement circuit 100 acquires the temperature of the power supply BT. As a result, the measurement circuit 100 can obtain parameters necessary for measuring the state of the power supply BT from the first resistor R1 and the thermistor TB with little error.

The power supply BT can be, for example, the component with the largest volume among all the components that make up the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU. The power supply BT may, for example, occupy 20% or more, 25% or more or 30% or more of the volume of the aerosol generator AGD or power supply unit PSU. The thermistor TB may be arranged along at least part of the side of the power supply BT. Further, the thermistor TB can be arranged between the outer case C101 and the power supply BT, or near the inner surface of the outer case C101. Considering these points, thermistor connectors TBC1 and TBC2 to which the thermistor TB is electrically connected should be arranged in the vicinity of the outer edge of the entire area (effective area) of the first substrate PCB1 for efficient use of space. is advantageous for In other words, if the thermistor connectors TBC1 and TBC2 are arranged in the center or in the vicinity of the first substrate PCB1, it would be difficult to arrange other electronic components, form a conductive pattern on the surface of the substrate, and form a ground layer inside the substrate. disadvantageous.

The measurement circuit 100 measures or detects the temperature of the power supply TB by measuring the resistance value of the thermistor TB, and uses the temperature as one parameter value to calculate the remaining amount of the power supply BT (for example, remaining capacity and SOC). I can. Therefore, it is important to accurately measure the temperature of the power supply TB in order to accurately measure the remaining amount of the power supply BT. Further, an increase in the distance between the thermistor connectors TBC1, TB2 and the measurement circuit 100 causes an increase in the parasitic resistance value of the conductive path electrically connecting the thermistor connectors TBC1, TB2 and the measurement circuit 100, which increases the temperature of the power supply BT. can reduce the measurement accuracy of

Therefore, setting a layout constraint so as to minimize the shortest distance D13 between the thermistor connectors TBC1 and TBC2 and the measurement circuit 100 is an important consideration in determining how to arrange electronic components within a limited board area. It is an advantageous design concept for D13<D11 is a condition in one aspect. For example, D13<0.9×D11, D13<0.8×D11, D13<0.7×D11, D13<0.6×D11, D13<0.5×D11, D13<0.4×D11, Conditions such as D13<0.3×D11, D13<0.2×D11, and D13<0.1×D11 can be set according to the required accuracy and the specifications of the aerosol generator AGD.

The measurement circuit 100 can include a first function of providing information indicating the temperature of the power supply BT to the control unit 130 and a second function of notifying the control unit 130 of an abnormality in the temperature of the power supply BT. The control unit 130 can be configured to stop at least one of discharging the power supply BT and charging the power supply BT in response to the notification from the measurement circuit 100 by the second function. According to these configurations, the measurement circuit 100 can not only provide information indicating the temperature of the power supply BT to the control unit 130 in response to polling from the control unit 130, but also can perform control without waiting for polling from the control unit 130. Abnormalities in the temperature of the power supply BT can be notified to the unit 130 . As a result, the power consumption of the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 can be suppressed when the temperature of the power supply BT is not abnormal, and the power supply BT and the aerosol generator AGD can be protected when the temperature of the power supply BT becomes abnormal.

The measurement circuit 100 measures the remaining power (eg, remaining capacity and SOC) of the power supply BT based on information obtained using the first resistor R1 (eg, integrated current amount) and information obtained using the thermistor TB. can be calculated. The remaining amount of the power supply BT depends not only on the information obtained using the first resistor R1 (for example, the amount of integrated current) but also on the temperature of the power supply BT. With such a configuration, the measurement circuit 100 can calculate the remaining amount of the power supply BT (for example, remaining capacity and SOC) with high accuracy.

The two terminals of the thermistor TB can be directly connected to the two thermistor connectors TBC1 and TBC2, respectively. In other words, the two terminals of the thermistor TB can be connected to each of the two thermistor connectors TBC1, TBC2 without conducting lines, active and passive elements. This is consistent with the idea of reducing the parasitic resistance between the thermistor connectors TBC1, TBC2 and the two terminals of the thermistor TB.

The thermistor TB is arranged to at least partially surround the power source BT, which is advantageous for measuring the average temperature of the surface of the power source BT in the case that the power source BT has a corresponding temperature distribution. be. In one example, the power source BT may have a cylindrical shape and the thermistor TB may include an arcuate portion along the cylindrical shape of the power source BT. In another example, the power supply BT may have a square shape, and the thermistor TB may have a structure or shape along the square shape of the power supply BT.

The measurement circuit 100 and the first resistor R1 can be arranged on the same surface of the first substrate PCB1, for example, the first surface S11 or the second surface S12. According to this configuration, as described above, the measurement circuit 100 can measure the state of the power supply BT with high accuracy. Alternatively, the measurement circuit 100 and the first resistor R1 may be arranged on different sides of the first substrate PCB1.

The distance between the geometric center of the figure (closed figure) formed by the outer edge of the first substrate PCB1 and the geometric center of the measurement circuit 100 is smaller than the distance between the geometric center of the figure and the first resistor R1. is preferred. Alternatively, the distance between the geometric center of the figure (closed figure) formed by the outer edge of the first substrate PCB1 and the geometric center (or area center of gravity) of the measurement circuit 100 is the distance between the geometric center of the figure and the two thermistor connectors TB1, It is preferably smaller than the shortest distance to TB2. Alternatively, the distance between the geometric center of the figure (closed figure) formed by the outer edge of the first substrate PCB1 and the geometric center of the measurement circuit 100 is the shortest distance between the geometric center of the figure and the first resistor R1. It is preferably smaller and smaller than the shortest distance between the geometric center of the figure and the two thermistor connectors TBC1, TBC2. The outer edge of the substrate is more susceptible to external noise such as static electricity than the geometric center of the substrate. Such a configuration is therefore advantageous in making the precision continuation circuit 100 less susceptible to noise.

Two power connectors to which the power supply BC is connected, namely a first power connector BC+ and a second power connector BC-, can be arranged on the first substrate PCB1. The distance between the geometric center of the figure (closed figure) formed by the outer edge of the first board PCB1 and the geometric center of the measurement circuit 100 is the shortest distance between the geometric center of the figure and the two power connectors BC+ and BC-. preferably smaller than the distance. According to such a configuration, the busbars connected to the two power connectors BC+ and BC- serve as physical barriers against external noise entering from the outer edge of the board. Since this bus bar is thick because a large current flows through it, it is suitable as a physical barrier. Therefore, the measurement circuit 100 is even less susceptible to noise.

The control unit 130 can be arranged on a substrate different from the first substrate PCB1 on which the first resistor R1, the two thermistor connectors TB1, TB2 and the measurement circuit 100 are arranged, for example, a second substrate PCB2. Since the measurement circuit 100 and the control unit 130 perform many calculations internally, they may become noise sources. By arranging these on different substrates, it becomes difficult for noise generated in one to affect the other.

FIG. 22 illustrates functions related to protection of the power supply BT. The columns of "measurement circuit", "charging circuit", and "protection circuit" in the drawing indicate functions that can be provided by the measurement circuit 100, charging circuit 20, and protection circuit 90, respectively. The “I ² C” column in the “measurement circuit” exemplifies conditions under which the control unit 130 executes error processing based on information provided from the measurement circuit 100 to the control unit 130 via the I ² C interface. is doing. The column “nGAUGE_INT1” exemplifies the nGAUGE_INT1 signal output from the ALERT terminal of the measurement circuit 100 . A column of “nGAUGE_INT2” indicates the nGAUGE_INT2 signal output from the IO5 terminal of the measurement circuit 100 . The column “charging circuit” (“I ² C”) indicates conditions under which the control unit 130 performs error processing based on information provided from the charging circuit 20 to the control unit 130 via the I ² C interface. exemplified. The column of “protection circuit” exemplifies conditions under which the protection circuit 90 turns off the switch section SWP.

By polling via the I ² C interface, the control unit 130 receives from the measurement circuit 100 the charging current during charging of the power supply BT, the discharging current during discharging of the power supply BT, the voltage of the power supply BT, and the discharging and discharging of the power supply BT. Information indicating the temperature of the power supply BT during charging can be acquired. For example, the control unit 130 can execute error processing when the charging current acquired by the measurement circuit 100 is 1.1 times or more of the set value. The set value may be a charging current value in constant current (CC) charging among CCCV (constant current-constant voltage) charging performed by charging circuit 20 . Further, the control unit 130 can perform error processing when the temperature of the power supply BT during discharging of the power supply BT reaches 55° C. or higher. In addition, the control unit 130 can perform error processing when the temperature of the power supply BT during charging of the power supply BT reaches 51° C. or higher. Further, the control unit 130 can execute error processing, for example, when the temperature of the power supply BT during charging becomes 0° C. or lower. In addition, the control unit 130 periodically monitors, for example, the discharge current from the power supply BT and the positive electrode potential of the power supply BT via the I ² C interface, and based on these, determines whether the power supply BT is in a deep discharge state. can judge. In the table shown in FIG. 22, the condition for judging whether or not the battery is in the deep discharge state is described as "internal algorithm". The details of this "internal algorithm" will be described later.

Further, the measurement circuit 100 detects, for example, that the discharge current from the power supply BT is 10 A or more, that the charging current of the power supply BT is 3.0 A or more, and that the temperature during discharge from the power supply BT is The nGAUGE_INT1 signal may transition to an active level upon detection of either 60° C. or above. The active level of the nGAUGE_INT1 signal is, for example, low level.

In addition, the measurement circuit 100 checks that the discharge current from the power supply BT is 9.75 A or more, the charging current of the power supply BT is 2.75 A or more, and the temperature during discharging from the power supply BT is 85° C. for 2 minutes. The temperature during charging of the power supply BT is 85°C or higher for 2 minutes, The temperature during discharging from the power supply BT is -5°C or lower for 5 seconds, The power supply during charging of the power supply BT The nGAUGE_INT2 signal transitions to the active level when it detects either that the positive electrode potential of BT is 4.235V or higher or that the positive electrode potential of the power supply BT during discharge from the power supply BT is 2.8V or lower. sell. The active level of the nGAUGE_INT2 signal is, for example, low level. The positive potential of the power source BT acquired by the measurement circuit 100 corresponds to the difference between the positive potential of the power source BT and the potential of the VSS terminal. Since the VSS terminal of the measurement circuit 100 and the second power connector BC− are both connected to the ground line, the positive potential of the power supply BT acquired by the measurement circuit 100 corresponds to the output voltage of the power supply BT.

Further, the control unit 130 can acquire information indicating the potential of the BAT terminal (positive potential of the power supply BT) during charging of the power supply BT from the charging circuit 20 by polling via the I ² C interface. The potential of the BAT terminal (positive potential of the power supply BT) acquired by the charging circuit 20 corresponds to the difference between the potential of the BAT terminal (positive potential of the power supply BT) and the potential of the GND terminal. Since the GND terminal of the charging circuit 20 and the second power connector BC- are both connected to the ground line, the potential of the BAT terminal (positive potential of the power source BT) obtained by the charging circuit 20 corresponds to the output voltage of the power source BT. . For example, when the potential of the BAT terminal (positive potential of the power supply BT) during charging becomes 4.343 V or higher, the control unit 130 can execute error processing.

For example, the protection circuit 90 can change the first transistor SD to the cutoff state when the discharge current from the power supply BT reaches 12.67 A or more. The protection circuit 90 can acquire the positive potential of the power supply BT based on the input to the VBAT terminal. The positive potential of the power supply BT acquired by the protection circuit 90 corresponds to the difference between the positive potential of the power supply BT and the potential of the V− terminal. Since the V- terminal of the protection circuit 90 and the second power connector BC- are both connected to the ground line, the positive potential of the power supply BT acquired by the protection circuit 90 corresponds to the output voltage of the power supply BT. For example, the protection circuit 90 can change the second transistor SC to the cutoff state when the positive potential of the power supply BT during charging of the power supply BT becomes 4.28 V or higher. Further, the protection circuit 90 can change the first transistor SD to a cutoff state, for example, when the positive electrode potential of the power supply BT becomes 2.5 V or less during discharge from the power supply BT. The state in which the positive electrode potential of the power source BT is 4.28 V or higher during charging of the power source BT corresponds to the above-described overcharged state of the power source BT. The state in which the positive electrode potential of the power source BT is 2.5 V or less during charging of the power source BT corresponds to the above-described overdischarge state of the power source BT.

FIG. 23 schematically shows a configuration example of the measurement circuit 100 for realizing the functions of the measurement circuit 100 shown in FIG. The measurement circuit 100 can include, for example, a detection circuit ABD that detects that the state of the power supply BT has become abnormal, and an output unit ABN that outputs an abnormality notification in response to detection by the detection circuit ABD. The detection circuit ABD detects that the discharge current from the power supply BT is 10 A or more, the charging current of the power supply BT is 3.0 A or more, and the temperature during discharge from the power supply BT is 60° C. or more for 2 seconds. may include a first detection logic circuit for individually detecting the . The output unit ABN may include a first output logic circuit that transitions the nGAUGE_INT1 signal to an active level as an operation of outputting an anomaly notification when the first detection logic circuit detects at least one of them.

In addition, the measurement circuit 100 checks that the discharge current from the power supply BT is 9.75 A or more, the charging current of the power supply BT is 2.75 A or more, and the temperature during discharging from the power supply BT is 85° C. for 2 minutes. The temperature during charging of the power supply BT is 85°C or higher for 2 minutes, The temperature during discharging from the power supply BT is -5°C or lower for 5 seconds, The power supply during charging of the power supply BT It can include a second detection logic circuit that individually detects either the positive potential of BT being 4.235 V or higher or the positive potential of power source BT being 2.8 V or lower during discharge from power source BT. The output unit ABN may include a second output logic circuit that transitions the nGAUGE_INT2 signal to an active level as an operation of outputting an anomaly notification when the second detection logic circuit detects at least one of them.

FIG. 24 shows a connection example of the measurement circuit 100, the control section 130, the transformer circuit 120, the charging circuit 20, the information holding circuits FF1 and FF2, the OP amplifiers A2 and A3, and the like. The control unit 130 may be configured to control the supply of power to the heater HT for heating the aerosol source using the power supplied from the power supply BT and the charging of the power supply BT.

The measurement circuit 100 can be configured to measure the state of the power supply BT (eg, remaining capacity, SOC, temperature, etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 23, the measurement circuit 100 includes a detection circuit ABD that detects that the power supply BT is in an abnormal state, and an output part ABN that outputs an abnormality notification in response to the detection by the detection circuit ABD. can contain The output unit ABN outputs the first abnormal signal by, for example, shifting the nGAUGE_INT1 signal output from the ALERT terminal to the active level (here, low level), and the nGAUGE_INT2 signal output from the IO5 terminal to the active level (low level). Here, it can be configured to output the second abnormal signal by making a transition to a low level. The measurement circuit 100 may include an interface, eg, an I ² C interface, for providing state information regarding the state of the power supply BT to the control unit 130 in response to a request from the control unit 130 . ^The I2C interface may consist of an SCL and SDA terminal that are different from the ALERT and IO5 terminals.

The control unit 130 can be configured to execute a protection operation to protect the power supply BT in accordance with the anomaly notification and status information. The protection operation may include, for example, prohibiting charging of the power source BT and/or prohibiting discharging from the power source BT to the heater HT.

The output circuit ABN of the measurement circuit 100 notifies an abnormality in response to at least one of the charging current of the power supply BT exceeding the first reference value and the discharging current from the power supply BT exceeding the second reference value. can be output. In the example shown in FIG. 22, the output circuit ABN of the measurement circuit 100 sets the nGAUGE_INT1 signal to the active level (here, low level). Further, the output circuit ABN of the measurement circuit 100 shifts the nGAUGE_INT1 signal to an active level (here, low level) as an output of abnormality notification in response to the discharge current from the power supply BT being 10 A or more. Further, the output circuit ABN of the measurement circuit 100 shifts the nGAUGE_INT2 signal to an active level (here, low level) as an output of abnormality notification in response to the discharge current from the power supply BT being 9.75 A or more. . Further, the output circuit ABN of the measurement circuit 100 shifts the nGAUGE_INT2 signal to an active level (here, low level) as an output of abnormality notification in response to the charging current of the power supply BT being 2.75 A or more.

The control unit 130 can acquire state information from the measurement circuit 100 via the I ² C interface in response to the transition of the nGAUGE_INT2 signal to the active level (here, low level). The state information can include at least one of information for control unit 130 to determine whether to shift to the permanent failure mode and information indicating transition to the permanent failure mode. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 22, the control unit 130 determines that the state information acquired from the measurement circuit 100 via the I ² C interface indicates that the temperature during discharge from the power supply BT is 85° C. or higher for 2 minutes. Alternatively, when the temperature of the power supply BT during charging is 85° C. or higher for two minutes, it can be determined to shift to the permanent failure mode. Alternatively, when the temperature during discharging from the power source BT is 85° C. or higher for 2 minutes and when the temperature during charging of the power source BT is 85° C. or higher for 2 minutes, the measurement circuit 100 controls the control unit 130 Information indicating transition to the permanent failure mode may be provided to the control unit 130 as status information in response to polling from .

The control unit 130 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in the power supply BT based on information acquired from the measurement circuit 100, for example, information acquired from the measurement circuit 100 via the ^I2C interface. Additionally or alternatively, control unit 130 can determine whether an abnormality has occurred in power supply BT based on the output from output unit ABN of measurement circuit 100 . In addition, the control unit 130 may control the notification unit NU so as to perform notification indicating that, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply BT. Such notification may prompt the user to perform a predetermined operation for resetting. Such notification can be any of the generation of light of a predetermined color, flashing display, generation of a predetermined sound, or generation of predetermined vibration, or a combination of two or more thereof.

When determining that the control unit 130 has transitioned to the permanent failure mode, the control unit 130 can cause the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU to transition to an unusable state. For example, the control unit 130 sends a command to the charging circuit 20 via the I ² C interface to prohibit operation in all power-pass modes, so that the SYS terminal and the SW terminal of the charging circuit 20 are disabled. It can stop the voltage output. As a result, the output of the voltages V _CC , V _{CC33_0} , and V _CC33 is stopped, so that the power supply to the control unit 130 is cut off and the control unit 130 becomes inoperable. Since the charging circuit 20 keeps holding all the commands for prohibiting the operation in the power pass mode sent from the control unit 130, even if the voltage V _BUS is supplied from the USB connector USBC, the SYS terminal of the charging circuit 20 and the No voltage is output from the SW terminal. This prohibits transitions from permanent failure mode to all other modes. Such an operation is useful for prohibiting charging and discharging of the power supply BT that is determined to be faulty and enhancing safety.

The aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU may be provided with a protection unit PPP having a function of protecting the power supply BT in response to an abnormality notification from the measurement circuit 100 without being controlled by the control unit 130 . The protection unit PPP may further include a function of protecting the power supply BT under the control of the control section 130 . The protection unit PPP may, for example, include an information holding circuit FF1. Although details will be described later, the information holding circuit FF1 responds to the nGAUGE_INT1 signal output from the ALERT terminal of the measurement circuit 100 being driven to the active level (here, low level) (that is, the first abnormal signal). The nALARM_Latched signal can be transitioned to an active level (here, low level), thereby turning off the switch SS arranged in the current path that drives the heater HT. Information that the nGAUGE_INT1 signal has been driven to the active level (ie, the first error signal) can also be provided to the PA10 terminal of the control unit 130 through the information holding circuit FF1. Specifically, the information holding circuit FF1 can be composed of a D-type flip-flop having a /CLR terminal. As is well known, a D-type flip-flop can hold 1-bit information that can be high level and low level, and therefore can be used as an information holding circuit. The nGAUGE_INT1 signal can be supplied to the /CLR terminal of the information holding circuit FF1 (D-type flip-flop). The nALARM_Latched signal can be output from the Q terminal of the information holding circuit FF1 (D-type flip-flop). When the nGAUGE_INT1 signal supplied to the /CLR terminal of negative logic transitions to low level, the information holding circuit FF1 (D-type flip-flop) fixes the level of the information it holds to low level. The same level as the level of the information held is output from the Q terminal of the information holding circuit FF1 (D-type flip-flop). According to such a configuration, the nALARM_Latched signal can transition to the active level (here, low level) in response to the transition of the nGAUGE_INT1 signal to active level (here, low level). As will be described later, the nALARM_Latched signal can also be provided to the EN terminal of the transformer circuit 120 and the base or gate of the transistor that constitutes the switch SL.

In other words, the measurement circuit 100 detects the nGAUGE_INT1 signal output from the ALERT terminal of the measurement circuit 100 when it determines that the criteria (conditions) for prohibiting energization (heat generation) to the heater HT or charging of the power supply BT are satisfied. Driven to an active level, in response, the protection unit PPP turns off the switch SS without intervention of control by the control section 130 . As a result, heat generation of the heater HT (supply of electric power to the heater HT) is prohibited.

In the example of FIG. 22, the current is 10 A or more, the charging current of the power supply BT is 3.0 A or more, and the temperature during discharge from the power supply BT is 60° C. or more for 2 seconds. The nGAUGE_INT1 signal is transitioned to an active level when either criterion is met. Other criteria may be set as such criteria. For example, the measurement circuit 100 measures the value of the discharge current, the value of the charge current, the temperature of the power source BT when discharging the power source BT, the temperature of the power source BT when charging the power source BT, and the positive electrode potential of the power source BT when discharging the power source BT. (output voltage), the positive potential (output voltage) of the power supply BT during charging of the power supply BT satisfies the criteria for prohibiting the supply of power to the heater HT or the charging of the power supply BT, the nGAUGE_INT1 signal can drive to an active level.

After the protection unit PPP protects the power supply BT in response to the abnormality notification, the control unit 130 determines that the status information obtained from the measurement circuit 100 through the ^I2C interface indicates that the power supply BT is not in an abnormal state. In this case, it may be possible to supply power to the heater HT and charge the power source BT. For example, after the protection unit PPP protects the power supply BT in response to the anomaly notification, the control unit 130 can prompt the user to reset or restart using the notification unit NU. When the control unit 130 is reset or restarted by this, the control unit 130 acquires state information from the measurement circuit 100 via the I ² C interface, or checks the level of the nGAUGE_INT1 signal, and determines whether the power supply BT is abnormal. When not in the state, the supply of power to the heater HT and the charging of the power supply BT can be enabled. Conversely, by resetting or restarting the control unit 130, the control unit 130 may enter a state in which power can be supplied to the heater HT. In this case, the control unit 130 can obtain state information from the measurement circuit 100 via the I ² C interface, and can prohibit power supply to the heater HT according to the state information, if necessary.

As described above, protection of the power supply BT by the protection unit PPP in response to the nGAUGE_INT1 signal can be treated as releasable protection. This is because the protection of the power supply BT by the protection unit PPP is not controlled by the control section 130, and there is a possibility that the protection may occur due to a malfunction of any of the electronic components forming the protection unit PPP. Also, if the protection occurs due to a failure of the control unit 130 such as freezing, resetting or restarting the control unit 130 may return the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU to a normal state. The reason why the conditions shown in the "nGAUGE_INT2" column of FIG. It is also for determining whether

On the other hand, in principle, the inoperable state due to the transition to permanent failure mode cannot be canceled. If the temperature of the power supply BT is 85° C. or higher for two minutes during discharging or charging, the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU is shifted to permanent failure mode by the controller 130 . In other words, as is clear from the fact that the control unit 130 can acquire the temperature of the power supply BT, no failure such as freezing occurs in the control unit 130 . In spite of this, if the temperature of the power supply BT becomes high, an unrecoverable error has occurred in something other than the control unit 130, and even resetting or restarting the control unit 130 cannot be expected to eliminate the error. . Therefore, it is necessary to shift the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU to permanent failure mode.

The control unit 130 acquires the first information about the state of the power supply BT from the measurement circuit 100 via the I ² C interface by periodic polling, and responds to the abnormality notification to the measurement circuit via the I ² C interface. Second information about the state of the power supply BT can be obtained from 100 . When the first information indicates that the power supply BT is in the first state, the control unit 130 performs an operation to protect the power supply BT, and the measurement circuit 100 detects that the power supply BT is in the first state. Abnormal information can be output according to having become the important 2nd state. To give an example with reference to FIG. 22, when the first information indicates that the control unit 130 is in the first state (the temperature of the power supply BT is 55° C. or higher during discharge to the heater HT), , the measurement circuit 100 performs an operation (for example, requesting a reset) to protect the power supply BT, and the measurement circuit 100 detects that the power supply BT is in a second state (when discharging or charging the heater HT), which is more important than the first state. An anomaly notification can be output (the nGAUGE_INT1 signal is driven to an active level) in response to the temperature of the BT reaching 60° C. or higher for two seconds. In this example, the first information and the second information are information indicating the temperature of the power supply BT, but the first information and the second information are information indicating other states (eg, discharging current, charging current). may

In one configuration example, the control unit 130 performs an operation of protecting the power source BT when the first information satisfies any one of the conditions included in the first condition group when the power source BT is charged. and performing an operation to protect the power source BT when the first information satisfies any of the conditions included in the second condition group when the state of the power source BT is discharged, wherein The number of conditions included in the one condition group is greater than the number of conditions included in the second condition group. In other words, protection of the power supply BT based on the first information works more strongly during charging than during discharging. This is because the energy stored in the power supply BT continues to increase during charging, unlike during discharging, so protection of the power supply BT becomes more important during charging. In addition, since charging at a low temperature, unlike discharging, may cause irreversible changes in the internal structure of the power supply BT such as electrodeposition at the negative electrode, protection of the power supply BT becomes more important during charging.

In another configuration example, the control unit 130 performs an operation of protecting the power source BT when the second information satisfies any one of the conditions included in the third condition group when the power source BT is charged. and performing an operation to protect the power source BT when the second information satisfies any of the conditions included in the fourth condition group when the state of the power source BT is discharged, wherein The number of conditions included in the third condition group is less than the number of conditions included in the fourth condition group. In other words, protection of the power supply BT based on the second information functions more strongly during discharging than during charging. This is because, as described above, the energy stored in the power supply BT may continue to increase during charging, or the internal structure of the power supply BT may undergo irreversible changes.

FIG. 25 schematically shows the protection of the power supply BT based on the state of the power supply BT acquired by periodic polling of the measurement circuit 100 by the control unit 130 . The control unit 130 can acquire state information about the state of the power supply BT from the measurement circuit 100 by periodically polling the measurement circuit 100 . Then, the control unit 130 can perform a protective operation to protect the power supply BT when the state information satisfies the criteria for protecting the power supply BT. The protection operation, for example, causes the Heater_Enable signal output from the PC12 terminal to transition to an inactive level (here, a low level), stops the operation of the transformer circuit 120, and switches the switches arranged in the current path of the heater HT. It can include the action of turning off the SS. The protection operation can also include, for example, an operation of causing the nCharger_Enable signal output from the PB3 terminal to transition to an inactive level (here, high level) to stop charging of the power supply BT by the charging circuit 20 . As a specific example, if the EN terminal of the transformer circuit 120 is of positive logic and the switch SS is composed of an N-channel MOSFET, the Heater_Enable signal transitioned to a low level is applied to the EN terminal of the transformer circuit 120 and the gate of the switch SS. Supply to the terminal can stop the operation of the transformer circuit 120 and turn off the switch SS. In addition, if the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20 is set to negative logic, the charging of the power supply BT by the charging circuit 20 can be stopped by supplying the nCharger_Enable signal that has transitioned to a high level to the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20. .

The protection operation may include continuing the error processing mode until a predetermined condition is met, and transitioning to sleep mode after the predetermined condition is met. For example, according to the example of FIG. 22, the control unit 130 shifts to the error processing mode when the temperature of the power supply BT reaches 51° C. or higher during discharge from the power supply BT. When the temperature drops below 45°C, it can go into sleep mode.

FIG. 26 schematically shows the protection of the power supply BT in response to the measurement circuit 100 outputting the second abnormal signal by causing the nGAUGE_INT2 signal to transition to active level (here, low level). The control unit 130 may poll the measurement circuit 100 in response to the transition of the nGAUGE_INT2 signal to the active level (the second anomaly signal) to obtain status information about the state of the power supply BT from the measurement circuit 100 . Then, the control unit 130 can perform a protective operation to protect the power supply BT when the state information satisfies the criteria for protecting the power supply BT. The protection operation may be the same as the protection operation described with reference to FIG. 25, or may be different. When the control unit 130 stops periodic polling of the measurement circuit 100 because the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU is in sleep mode, the control unit 130 performs control based on the nGAUGE_INT2 signal that has transitioned to the active level. Unit 130 may resume periodic polling of measurement circuitry 100 . In other words, the nGAUGE_INT2 signal can also be understood as an interrupt signal for the controller 130 .

The protection operation may include continuing the error processing mode until a predetermined condition is met, and transitioning to sleep mode after the predetermined condition is met. For example, according to the example of FIG. 22, when the temperature of the power supply BT is −5° C. or less for 5 seconds or more during discharge from the power supply BT, the control unit 130 enters the sleep mode via the error processing mode. can move to Alternatively, the control unit 130 can transition to the sleep mode via the error processing mode when the positive electrode potential of the power supply BT becomes 2.8 V or less during discharge from the power supply BT.

On the other hand, if the status information indicates that the temperature during discharging from the power source BT is 85° C. or higher for 2 minutes or that the temperature during charging of the power source BT is 85° C. or higher for 2 minutes , the control unit 130 can determine that the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU is to be shifted to the permanent failure mode. In this case, the control unit 130 can make the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU permanently disabled.

FIG. 27 schematically shows protection of the power supply BT performed by the protection unit PPP in response to the measurement circuit 100 transitioning the nGAUGE_INT1 signal to the active level. The information holding circuit FF1 changes the nALARM_Latched signal to the active level in response to the nGAUGE_INT1 signal output from the ALERT terminal of the measurement circuit 100 being driven to the active level (here, low level) (that is, the first abnormal signal). (here, low level). In response, the switch SS arranged in the current path driving the heater HT is turned off, the transformer circuit 120 generating the voltage V _boost stops operating, and the charging circuit 20 stops operating. As a specific example, if the EN terminal of the transformer circuit 120 is of positive logic and the switch SS is composed of an N-channel MOSFET, the nALARM_Latched signal transitioned to the low level is applied to the EN terminal of the transformer circuit 120 and the gate of the switch SS. Supply to the terminal can stop the operation of the transformer circuit 120 and turn off the switch SS. Further, if the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20 is of negative logic and the switch SL is composed of a pnp type bipolar transistor, the switch SL is turned on by supplying the nALARM_Latched signal that has been transitioned to a low level to the base terminal of the switch SL. do. When the switch SL is turned on, the division of the voltage _VCC33 by the two resistors connected in parallel to the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20 stops. As a result, the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20 is supplied with the high-level voltage _VCC33 through the switch SL. Since the /CE terminal of charging circuit 20 is of negative logic, charging circuit 20 can stop operating.

The information holding circuit FF1 also sets the nALARM_Latched signal to the active level (here: Then, it may be made to transition to a low level). Specifically, the electrical resistance of the resistor connected to the non-inverting input terminal and the inverting input terminal of the OP amplifier A2 is set so that the output of the OP amplifier A2 becomes low level when the temperature of the heater HT exceeds the conditional value. value and physical properties of the thermistor TH. Since the low level output from the OP amplifier A2 is supplied to the /CLR terminal of the information holding circuit FF1 in the same way as the nGAUGE_INT1 signal that has transitioned to the active level, the nALARM_Latched signal can transition to the active level (here, low level). .

The information holding circuit FF1 also sets the nALARM_Latched signal to the active level when it indicates that the temperature of the outer case C101 measured using the thermistor TC for detecting the temperature of the outer case C101 has exceeded its upper limit value. You can transition to Specifically, the electrical resistance of the resistor connected to the non-inverting input terminal and the inverting input terminal of the OP amplifier A3 is set so that the output of the OP amplifier A3 becomes low level when the temperature of the heater HT exceeds the conditional value. value and physical properties of the thermistor TC. Since the low level output from the OP amplifier A3 is supplied to the /CLR terminal of the information holding circuit FF1 in the same way as the nGAUGE_INT1 signal that has transitioned to the active level, the nALARM_Latched signal can transition to the active level (here, low level). .

The protection unit PPP may further include an information holding circuit FF2. In one example, the information holding circuit FF2 is driven by the voltage _{VCC33_0} , so if the power supply BT is normal, it continues to hold information unless it is in a permanent failure mode. When the temperature of the heater HT measured using the thermistor TH for detecting the temperature of the heater HT exceeds its upper limit, the information holding circuit FF2 continues to hold information indicating that fact, and outputs a Heater_Latched signal. to an active level (here, high level). Specifically, the information holding circuit FF2 can be composed of a D-type flip-flop having a /CLR terminal. The output signal of the OP amplifier A2 can be supplied to the /CLR terminal of the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop). The Heater_Latched signal can be output from the /Q terminal of the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop). When the output signal of the OP amplifier A2 supplied to the negative logic /CLR terminal transitions to low level, the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop) fixes the level of the information it holds to low level. The /Q terminal of the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop) outputs a level opposite to the level of the held information. According to such a configuration, when the temperature of the heater HT exceeds its upper limit, the Heater_Latched signal can transition to an active level (here, high level). Note that the Heater_Latched signal may be output from the Q terminal of the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop). Note that in this case, unless an inverter is connected to the Q terminal, the active level of the Heater_Latched signal is low. In this case, the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop) may not have the /Q terminal.

When the Heater_Latched signal transitions to the active level, the control unit 130 can determine that the heater HT has overheated, and can control the notification unit NU to notify that fact. Such notification may prompt the user to perform a predetermined operation for resetting. Such notification can be any of the generation of light of a predetermined color, flashing display, generation of a predetermined sound, or generation of predetermined vibration, or a combination of two or more thereof.

When reset or restarted, the control unit 130 checks the information held in the information holding circuit FF2 by the state (logical level) of the Heater_Latched signal, and further checks whether or not the heater HT is overheated. sell. When the controller 130 recognizes that the heater HT has overheated, it can shift the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU to a permanent failure mode. As described above, the transition to the permanent failure mode of the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU is caused by the controller 130 instructing the charging circuit 20 via the I ² C interface to operate in all power path modes. It can be done by sending a command to prohibit. However, in a situation where the heater HT is overheated, there is a possibility that the control unit 130 may have a problem such as freezing at the same time. Therefore, in order to ensure that the aerosol generator AGD or power supply unit PSU shifts to the permanent failure mode, the controller 130 is reset or restarted. It should be noted that even if a failure such as freezing of the control unit 130 occurs, if the temperature of the heater HT exceeds the upper limit, the information holding circuit FF1 changes the nALARM_Latched signal to an active level (here, a low level). , the overheating of the heater HT does not proceed further.

When the information holding circuit FF2 is composed of a D-type flip-flop, the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop) can include a CLK (clock) terminal (not shown) connected to the control unit . By inputting the CLK signal to the CLK terminal, the level of the information held by the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop) can be made the same as the level inputted to the D terminal. However, in order for the control unit 130, which has been reset or restarted, to recognize the overheating of the heater HT, the control unit 130, at least immediately after the reset or restart, sets the CLK of the information holding circuit FF2 (D-type flip-flop) It is preferable not to input the CLK signal to the terminal.

FIG. 28 schematically shows changes in state regarding discharging and charging of the power supply BT. S1 to S8 indicate timings. 28, the potential (dotted line) detected as the positive potential of the power supply BT by the protection circuit 90, the potential (solid gray line) detected as the positive potential of the power supply BT by the measurement circuit 100, and the control unit 130 indicates a potential (black solid line) detected as the positive electrode potential of the power supply BT. The potential detected by the protection circuit 90 as the positive potential of the power supply BT corresponds to the voltage detected by the protection circuit 90 as the output voltage of the power supply BT. The potential detected by the measurement circuit 100 as the positive potential of the power supply BT corresponds to the voltage detected by the measurement circuit 100 as the output voltage of the power supply BT. The potential detected by the control unit 130 as the positive potential of the power supply BT corresponds to the voltage detected by the control unit 130 as the output voltage of the power supply BT. The middle part of FIG. 28 illustrates charging currents for charging the power supply BT. The lower part of FIG. 28 illustrates the level of the DOUT terminal of the protection circuit 90 .

At timing S1, the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (the output voltage output between the positive electrode and the negative electrode) is normal. Here, being normal can be understood as a state in which the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT (the output voltage output between the positive electrode and the negative electrode) is lower than the full charge voltage of the power source BT and higher than the final discharge voltage. . The discharge from the power supply BT progresses by timing S2, and the state of the power supply BT enters the overdischarge region at timing S2. FIG. 28 exemplifies 2.5 V as the discharge end voltage of the power supply BT. , the state of the power supply BT enters the overdischarge region. At timings S2 to S6, the potential detected by the protection circuit 90 (dotted line), the potential detected by the measurement circuit 100 (solid gray line), and the potential detected by the control unit 130 (solid black line) can vary greatly. In the example described here, the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT decreases during the period from timings S2 to S5, as will be described in detail later. It becomes impossible to electrically connect the terminals. Therefore, during the period from timings S2 to S5, the potential detected by the control unit 130 (solid black line) is zero. In addition, in the example described here, the measurement circuit 100 cannot accurately detect the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT in the overdischarge region of the power supply BT. This is because the measurement circuit 100 assigns the minimum remaining capacity of 0 mAh and the minimum SOC of 0% to the state where the output voltage of the power supply BT is equal to its discharge end voltage. This is because it is not designed to accurately measure conditions below

At timing S3 when the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT further decreases due to discharge and falls below the first level, the protection circuit 90 opens the first transistor (switch) SD of the switch section SWP to protect the power supply BT, thereby Discharge from BT to other than protection circuit 90 is stopped. Here, as described above, the first transistor SD is arranged on the path through which the current output from the power supply BT flows, more specifically, on the second conductive path PT2 electrically connected to the second power connector BC−. switch. Even if the first transistor (switch) SD is opened, a closed circuit is formed among the first power connector BC+, the VDD terminal of the protection circuit 90, the VSS terminal of the protection circuit 90, and the second power connector BC-. Therefore, it should be noted that the protection circuit 90 can keep the first transistor (switch) SD open. When the first transistor (switch) SD is opened, the voltage _VCC33 is not supplied to the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100, so they stop operating.

At timing S4, the user connects a USB cable to which an external device (for example, a charger or an electronic device) is connected to the USB connector USBC in order to charge the power source BT. In this state, since the voltage _VCC33 is not supplied to the VDD terminal (power supply terminal) of the control unit 130, a low level is supplied to the base or gate of the transistor forming the switch SI, and the switch SI is turned off. ing. Therefore, the ON terminal of the load switch 10 can be supplied with a high level voltage obtained by dividing the power supply _VUSB . Therefore, the load switch 10 can supply the voltage _VUSB supplied to the VIN terminal to the VBUS terminal of the charging circuit 20 through the _VCC5 line as the voltage _VCC5 . The charging circuit 20 operates in the first power-pass mode, electrically connecting the VBUS terminal and the SW terminal, and applying the voltage _VCC to the _VCC line using the voltage _VCC5 supplied through the _VCC5 line. can supply. The transformer circuit 30 supplied with the voltage _{VCC generates the voltage VCC33_0} _, and the load switch 40 receives the voltage _{VCC33_0} and outputs the voltage _VCC33 . This supplies the voltage _VCC33 to the controller 130 and the measurement circuit 100 so that they can resume operation.

After timing S4, the measurement circuit 100 can detect the potential of the power supply BT supplied to the VBAT terminal. The control unit 130 can determine whether the power supply BT has a failure that causes the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU to transition to a permanent failure mode. When the controller 130 determines that the failure occurs in the power supply BT, the controller 130 can shift the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU to a permanent failure mode. On the other hand, when the control unit 130 determines that the failure has not occurred in the power supply BT, it can perform the operation described below.

At timing S<b>5 , the control unit 130 can output a low level from the PB<b>3 terminal and supply a low level (enable level) to the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20 . As a result, the charging circuit 20 can start supplying the charging voltage (first voltage) from the BAT terminal to the power source BT. The charging current of the power supply BT at this time can be a first current value (540 mA in FIG. 28) smaller than the predetermined current value. Due to charging, the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT starts to rise. Also, the charging circuit 20 may supply the voltage _{VCC from the SYS terminal to the VCC line, and the transformer circuit 30 may supply the voltage VCC33_0} _{to the VCC33_0} _line _. The load switch 40 can receive the voltage V _{CC33_0} and supply it as V _CC33 (second voltage) to the controller 130 and the measurement circuit 100 through the V _CC33 line. Here, the charging circuit 20, the transformer circuit 30 and the load switch 40 can be understood as constituting one voltage supply circuit. The voltage supply circuit uses a voltage supplied from an external device through a USB cable to supply a first voltage between the first conducting path PT1 and the second conducting path PT2 for charging the power supply BT. Also, a second voltage for operating the controller 130 may be generated. According to such a configuration, the voltage supply circuit uses the voltage supplied from the external device through the USB cable to restart the control unit 130 that has stopped operating and recover the power supply BT that has reached the overdischarged state. can do In other words, the voltage supply circuit can bring the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU back to normal.

At timing S6, the switch circuit 80 is turned on due to the rise in the positive potential of the power supply BT, and the potential ADC_B+ obtained by dividing the positive potential of the power supply BT at a predetermined voltage division ratio can be supplied to the PC2 terminal of the control unit 130. . The control unit 130 can convert the potential of the PC2 terminal to the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT based on the voltage division ratio.

In this example, the potential detected by the measurement circuit 100 can rise sharply when the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT exceeds a certain level after the timing S5. The timing coincides with timing S6 in the example of FIG. 28, but this is only an example.

At this stage, the value detected as the positive electrode potential of the power supply BT (the output voltage of the power supply BT) by the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 is as described later because the first transistor SD of the switch unit SWP is in the OFF state. , the forward voltage _VF of the body diode BDD, which is the first rectifying element connected in parallel to the first transistor SD, added to the output voltage of the power supply BT.

The control unit 130 determines whether or not the output voltage of the power supply BT obtained from the measurement circuit 100 exceeds a second level that is higher than the first level, and if the output voltage exceeds the second level, The charging current of the power supply BT by the charging circuit 20 can be increased to a second current value (2640 mA in FIG. 28) larger than the predetermined current value.

Further, the control unit 130 determines whether the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT converted or detected based on the potential supplied to the PC2 terminal exceeds the second level. , the charging current of the power supply BT by the charging circuit 20 can be increased to the second current value (eg, 2640 mA). Here, the difference between the second level and the first level is greater than the forward voltage _VF of the body diode BDD. According to these configurations, whether or not the overdischarge state of the power supply BT has been resolved is determined in consideration of the forward voltage _VF of the body diode BDD included in the apparent potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT detected by the control unit 130. can be determined with high accuracy. As a result, it is possible not only to improve the charging speed of the power supply BT whose overdischarged state has been resolved, but also to suppress high-rate charging of the power supply BT whose overdischarged state has not been resolved.

Note that the above determination by the control unit 130 can become affirmative between timing S6 and timing S7 in FIG. That is, when the above determination becomes affirmative, the timing S8 can come without waiting for the timing S7 unlike the example in FIG.

At timing S7 when the potential of the power supply BT further rises and the potential detected as the potential of the power supply BT detected by the protection circuit 90 exceeds a third level higher than the first level, the protection circuit 90 switches the first transistor Close SD. As a result, the potential detected as the potential of the power supply BT by the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 matches the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT. That is, by closing the first transistor SD, the potential detected by the protection circuit 90 is lowered by the forward voltage VF of the body diode BDD, which is the first rectifying element.

After that, the control unit 130 determines whether the output voltage of the power supply BT obtained from the measurement circuit 100 exceeds a fourth level that is lower than the second level, and if the potential of the positive electrode exceeds the fourth level Then, the charging current of the power supply BT by the charging circuit 20 can be increased to the second current value (2640 mA in FIG. 28). Further, the control unit 130 determines whether the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT converted or detected based on the potential supplied to the PC2 terminal exceeds the third level, which is higher than the first level. When the potential exceeds the third level, the charging current of the power supply BT by the charging circuit 20 can be increased to the second current value (2640 mA in FIG. 28).

In other words, the protection circuit 90 switches the first transistor (switch) SD so that discharge of the power supply BT is interrupted in response to the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) falling below the first level. can operate to open. Further, when the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT detected based on the potential supplied to the PC2 terminal exceeds the second level, which is larger than the first level, due to the charging of the power source BT, the control unit 130 It can operate to increase the charging current of the power supply BT.

FIG. 29 shows the protection circuit 90, the switch section SWP, the measurement circuit 100, the control section 130 and the switch circuit 80 together with the first conductive path PT1 and the second conductive path PT2. The switch circuit 80 may include, for example, a PMOS transistor SBVC, an npn-type bipolar transistor SBEN, and two resistors (10 kΩ, 470Ω), but is not limited to this configuration. The switch circuit 80 may be composed of, for example, a single transistor that is turned on when the ADCB+_EN signal output from the PB4 terminal of the control section 130 is at the active level.

In the example shown in FIG. 29, when the power supply BT is in a normal state, the PMOS transistor SBVC is turned on when the ADCB+_EN signal is set to active level (here, high level). More specifically, when the ADCB+_EN signal transitioned to the active level (here, high level) is supplied to the base terminal of the npn bipolar transistor SBEN, the npn bipolar transistor SBEN is turned on. Since the gate terminal of the PMOS transistor SBVC is connected to the second conductive path PT2, which is the ground line, through the npn bipolar transistor SBEN, the potential of the gate terminal of the PMOS transistor SBVC is approximately 0V. Since the positive potential of the power supply BT is supplied to the source terminal of the PMOS transistor SBVC through the first conductive path PT1, the voltage (absolute value) between the source and the gate of the PMOS transistor SBVC becomes equal to the threshold (absolute value) of the PMOS transistor SBVC. value), and the PMOS transistor SBVC is turned on. When the PMOS transistor SBVC is turned on, the positive potential of the power supply BT divided by the voltage dividing resistors R11 and R12 is input to the PC2 terminal of the control unit 130 . Since the magnitude of the signal input to the PC2 terminal of the control unit 130 depends on the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT, the control unit 130 also acquires the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT based on the signal input to the PC2 terminal. can. The VSS terminal and the second power connector BC- of the control unit 130 are both connected to the second conducting path PT2. That is, the VSS terminal of the control unit 130 and the second power connector BC- are at substantially the same potential. Therefore, the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT acquired by the control unit 130 is substantially equal to the output voltage of the power source BT.

On the other hand, if the power supply BT is in an over-discharged state or a deep-discharged state, the PMOS transistor SBVC will not turn on even if the ADCB+_EN signal is set to the active level. Here, the lower limit value of the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT when the PMOS transistor SBVC is turned on is determined by the voltage division ratio of the two resistors of the switch circuit 80 . In order to turn on the PMOS transistor SBVC, the gate potential must be lower than the source potential by the threshold value of the PMOS transistor SBVC. must be at least In the example shown in FIG. 29, current is prevented from flowing from the power supply BT through the switch circuit 80 (PMOS transistor SBVC) and the voltage-dividing resistors R11 and R12 when the power supply BT is in an over-discharged state or a deep-discharged state. . This prevents the power supply BT from further discharging when the power supply BT is in an over-discharged state or a deep-discharged state.

29A, 28B, 29C, 29D, 29E, and 29F show a configuration similar to that of FIG. 29A, 28B, 29C, 29D, 29E, and 29F schematically show states at timings S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, and S7 shown in FIG. 28, respectively.

At timing S2 shown in FIG. 29A, the power supply BT enters an overdischarge state, and the potential of its positive electrode (the potential of the first power supply connector BC+) drops to the overdischarge state potential (here, 2.5 V). ing. As a result, the source-gate voltage (absolute value) of the PMOS transistor SBVC becomes smaller than the threshold (absolute value) of the PMOS transistor SBVC, and the PMOS transistor SBVC is turned off. When the PMOS transistor SBVC is turned off, current is prevented from flowing from the power supply BT through the switch circuit 80 (PMOS transistor SBVC) and voltage dividing resistors R11 and R12. The potential of the second conductive path PT2 is input. Thereby, the control unit 130 obtains 0 V as the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT. Each VBAT terminal of the protection circuit 90 and the measurement circuit 100 is directly connected to the first conductive path PT1. Therefore, the protection circuit 90 and the measurement circuit 100 can obtain a value greater than 0 V as the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT (the output voltage of the power source BT) at the timing S2.

At the timing S3 shown in FIG. 29B, the discharge of the power source BT further progresses, and the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT falls below the first threshold. switch) to turn off the SD. As a result, the path from the positive terminal of the power supply BT to the negative terminal of the power supply BT through the first power connector BC+, the first conductive path PT1, the second conductive path PT2, and the second power connector BC- is cut off. Therefore, a charging circuit 20 to which power or voltage is supplied from the power supply BT via the first conductive path PT1 and the second conductive path PT2, a transformer circuit 30 to which power or voltage is supplied via the charging circuit 20, and a load switch. Power or voltage to 40 is cut off. Therefore, the supply of voltage _VCC33 to measurement circuit 100 and control unit 130 is stopped, and measurement circuit 100 and control unit 130 stop operating. In other words, the measurement circuit 100 and the control unit 130 cannot acquire the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (the output voltage of the power supply BT). On the other hand, regardless of the state of the first transistor (switch) SD, the protection circuit 90 receives power or voltage directly from the power supply BT through the above-described closed circuit, and therefore can continue to operate. At this time, since the operations of the measurement circuit 100 and the control unit 130 are stopped, progress of discharge of the power supply BT can be suppressed.

At timing S4 shown in FIG. 29C, the user connects the USB cable to the USB connector USBC to charge the power supply BT. Accordingly, the voltage supplied through the USB cable is supplied to the charging circuit 20 via the overvoltage protection circuit 110, the V _USB line, the load switch 10 and the V _CC5 line, and the charging circuit 20 defaults to It operates in the first power pass mode to provide the voltage _VCC on the _VCC line. Accordingly, supply of voltage _VCC33 to measurement circuit 100 and control unit 130 is resumed or started. Therefore, the measurement circuit 100 and the control section 130 resume or start their operations.

At the timing S5 shown in FIG. 29D, the control section 130 outputs a low level from the PB3 terminal and causes the /CE terminal of the charging circuit 20 to supply a low level (enable level). As a result, the charging circuit 20 starts supplying a charging voltage from the BAT terminal to the power source BT, and the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT begins to rise. The charging current of the power supply BT at this time can be a first current value (540 mA in FIG. 28) smaller than the predetermined current value. This is because if the power supply BT is in an over-discharged state or a deep-discharged state and charged with a current value similar to that during normal charging, the power supply BT may enter an unrecoverable state.

During the period from timings S5 to S7, the first transistor SD is off, but the forward direction of the body diode BDD connected in parallel to the first transistor SD coincides with the direction in which the charging current for charging the power supply BT flows. Therefore, the power supply BT can be charged. However, when the ground node GN (the same node as the ground terminal of the USB connector USBC) is used as a reference, the potential of the second power connector BC- to which the negative electrode of the power source BT is connected is higher by the voltage drop in the path therebetween. In the example of FIG. 29D, the potential of the second power connector BC- to which the negative electrode of the power supply BT is connected is lower than the potential of the ground node GN by the forward voltage VF of the body diode _BDD and the voltage drop caused by the resistors R1 and R2. high. Since the electrical resistance values of the resistor R2 connected to the protection circuit 90 and the resistor R1 connected to the measurement circuit 100 are extremely small, the voltage drop across the resistors R1 and R2 is negligible. Therefore, when the power supply BT is in a normal state, the potential of the second power connector BC- is substantially equal to the potential of the ground node GN. However, the forward voltage VF of the body diode _BDD is generally about several hundred mV, so it cannot be ignored.

At timing S6 when the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT rises to the potential before entering the overdischarge region, the switch circuit 80 is turned on, and the PC2 terminal of the control unit 130 is supplied with the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT at a predetermined voltage division ratio. A potential ADC_B+ divided by is supplied. The control unit 130 can convert the potential of the PC2 terminal to the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT based on the voltage division ratio. This voltage division ratio is determined by the resistance values of resistors R11 and R12.

After that, at timing S7 shown in FIG. 29F, the protection circuit 90 closes the first transistor SD. As a result, a path passing through the first transistor SD is formed, and the ON resistance of the first transistor SD is negligible. will match the potential of the positive electrode of That is, by closing the first transistor SD, the potential detected by the protection circuit 90 is lowered by the forward voltage _VF of the body diode BDD. The protection circuit 90 acquires the potential difference between the VBAT terminal and the VSS terminal as the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT). That is, the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) acquired by the protection circuit 90 is not affected by the forward voltage _VF of the body diode BDD. Therefore, the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (the output voltage of the power supply BT) acquired by the protection circuit 90 is approximately equal to its true value. The first transistor (switch) SD is turned off at timing S3 shown in FIG. 29B, and the first transistor (switch) SD is turned on at timing S7 shown in FIG. 29F. As is clear from FIG. 28 and the like, the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT when the first transistor (switch) SD is turned off (the output voltage of the power supply BT) is the same as the power supply voltage when the first transistor (switch) SD is turned on. It can be different from the potential of the positive electrode of BT (the output voltage of the power supply BT). More specifically, the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT when turning off the first transistor (switch) SD (output voltage of the power supply BT) corresponds to the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT when turning on the first transistor (switch) SD. lower than the potential (output voltage of the power supply BT). This can function as a hysteresis to prevent the first transistor (switch) SD from turning off immediately after turning on the first transistor (switch) SD.

30 and 31 show operation examples of the protection circuit 90, the control section 130, the charging circuit 20, and the measurement circuit 100 in chronological order. Further, FIG. 32 shows an operation example of the control unit 130 when receiving an interrupt due to completion of charging. First, the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT continues to decrease due to discharge from the power supply BT, and in step P11, the protection circuit 90 detects that the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT has fallen below the first level. In response to this, in step P12, the protection circuit 90 turns off the first transistor (switch) SD (timing S3 in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29B). As a result, the supply of voltage _VCC33 to control unit 130 and measurement circuit 100 is cut off. Therefore, the control unit 130 stops operating at step M11, and the measurement circuit 100 stops operating at step K11. Step P12, step M11 and step K11 can occur substantially simultaneously.

After that, the USB cable connected to the external device is connected to the USB connector USBC (timing S4 in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29C). As a result, power can be supplied from the external device to the VBUS terminal of the charging circuit 20 . The charging circuit 20 operates in the first power-pass mode, electrically connecting the VBUS terminal and the SW terminal, and applying the voltage _VCC to the _VCC line using the voltage _VCC5 supplied through the _VCC5 line. supply (step C11). Transformer circuit 30 supplied with voltage _{VCC generates voltage VCC33_0} _, and load switch 40 receives voltage _{VCC33_0} and outputs voltage _VCC33 . Thereby, the voltage _VCC33 is supplied to the control unit 130 and the measurement circuit 100 .

At step M12, the controller 130 is started (restarted), and at the same time, the measurement circuit 100 is also started (restarted) at step K12. In step M13, the control unit 130 requests the measurement circuit 100 to provide information on the output voltage of the power supply BT (V _BAT information) via the I ² C interface. At step K13, the measurement circuit 100 provides the control unit 130 with information on the output voltage of the power supply BT (V _BAT information) via the I ² C interface. At step M14, the control unit 130 receives information on the output voltage of the power supply BT (V _BAT information) from the measurement circuit 100 via the I ² C interface.

In step M15, the control unit 130 transitions the ADCB+_EN signal to the active level, and in step M16, the control unit 130 changes the positive potential of the power supply BT based on the potential (also referred to as the ADCB+ signal) supplied to the PC2 terminal. (output voltage of power supply BT) is acquired.

In step M17, the control unit 130 determines that the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in step M16 is equal to or lower than the first predetermined threshold value (for example, 0.1 V) or obtained from the measurement circuit 100 in step M14. It is determined whether the information (V _BAT information) of the output voltage of the power supply BT is equal to or less than a second predetermined threshold (for example, 1.5V).

Then, if the positive potential of the power source BT (output voltage of the power source BT) acquired in step M16 is equal to or less than the first predetermined threshold value, or the information of the output voltage of the power source BT acquired from the measurement circuit 100 in step M14 ( V _BAT information) is less than or equal to the second predetermined threshold, in step M21, the charging circuit 20 is instructed to charge the power supply BT with a first current value smaller ^than the predetermined current value via the I2C interface. (timing S5 in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29D). On the other hand, the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in step M16 is not equal to or lower than the first predetermined threshold, and the information (V _BAT information) is not less than the second predetermined threshold, in step M18, the charging circuit charges the power source BT with a ^second current value (normal charging sequence) greater than the predetermined current value through the I2C interface. 20 to send a command.

A normal charging sequence is general CCCV charging, so its description is omitted. When the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (the output voltage of the power supply BT) is so low that the protection circuit 90 turns off the transistor (switch) SD, the PC2 terminal is connected to the second conducting path PT2 through the resistor R12. A potential (ie, ground potential) is input. That is, the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) acquired in step M16 should be 0.1 V or less. In other words, if the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in step M16 exceeds 0.1 V, the power supply BT is in an over-discharged state or over-discharged state due to noise or being placed in an extremely low temperature environment. It can be considered that the battery is erroneously determined to be in a deep discharge state.

As another example, in step M17, the control unit 130 determines whether the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT (output voltage of the power source BT) obtained in step M16 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 0.1 V). to decide. If the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) acquired in step M16 is equal to or ^lower than the predetermined threshold value (for example, 0.1 V), the control unit 130, in step M21, , a command is sent to the charging circuit 20 to charge the power source BT with a first current value smaller than the predetermined current value (timing S5 in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29D). On the other hand, if the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) acquired in step M16 is not equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold value (for example, 0.1 V), in step M18, a predetermined current is supplied via the I ² C interface. command the charging circuit 20 to charge the power supply BT with a second current value (normal charging sequence) greater than the value.

To give yet another example, in step M17, the control unit 130 determines that the information (V _BAT information) of the output voltage of the power supply BT acquired from the measurement circuit 100 in step M14 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (for example, 1.5 V). determine whether there is Then, if the information (V _BAT information) of the output voltage of the power supply BT acquired in step M14 is equal to or less ^than the predetermined threshold value (for example, 1.5 V), the control unit 130, in step M21, Then, a command is sent to the charging circuit 20 to charge the power source BT with a first current value smaller than the predetermined current value (timing S5 in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29D). On the other hand, if the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in step M14 is not equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold value (for example, 1.5 V), in step M18, a predetermined current is supplied via the I ² C interface. command the charging circuit 20 to charge the power supply BT with a second current value (normal charging sequence) greater than the value.

At step M22, control unit 130 waits for a predetermined period of time. During this predetermined period of time, charging of the power source BT progresses in step C12, which will be described later. At step M23, the control unit 130 transitions the ADCB+_EN signal to the active level, and at step M24, the control unit 130 changes the positive potential of the power supply BT (the power supply BT output voltage). At step M25, the control unit 130 determines whether the positive potential of the power source BT (output voltage of the power source BT) obtained at step M24 is equal to or higher than a second level (eg, 3.35 V). Then, if the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in step M24 is equal to or higher than the second level (eg, 3.35 V), the control unit 130 enables the I ² C interface in step M26. , a command is sent to the charging circuit 20 to charge the power source BT with a second current value (normal charging sequence) larger than the predetermined current value.

On the other hand, if the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in step M24 is not equal to or higher than the second level (eg, 3.35 V), the control unit 130, in step M27, determines the The positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) drops from the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in the previous step M24 by the forward voltage VF of the body diode _SDD described above. It is determined whether the first transistor (switch) SD is turned on. This determination is made by subtracting the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in this step M24 from the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in the previous step M24. , the forward voltage of the body diode _SDD is equal to or higher than VF. Then, when determining that the first transistor (switch) SD is turned on, the control unit 130 advances the process to step M28. On the other hand, when determining that the first transistor (switch) SD is not turned on, the control unit 130 returns the process to step M23. In the time series illustrated in FIG. 31, the protection circuit 90 closes the first transistor SD in step P21 (timing S7 in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29F).

In step M28, the control unit 130 requests the measurement circuit 100 to provide information on the output voltage of the power supply BT (V _BAT information) via the ^I2C interface. At step K21, the measurement circuit 100 provides the control unit 130 with information on the output voltage of the power supply BT (V _BAT information) via the I ² C interface. At step M29, the control unit 130 receives information on the output voltage of the power supply BT (V _BAT information) from the measurement circuit 100 via the I ² C interface.

At step M30, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT (the output voltage of the power supply BT) acquired at step M29 is equal to or higher than the fourth level (for example, 2.35 V). Then, if the positive potential of the power supply BT (output voltage of the power supply BT) obtained in step M29 is equal to or higher than the fourth level, the control unit 130 outputs a predetermined current value via the I ² C interface in step M31. A command is sent to the charging circuit 20 to charge the power supply BT with a larger second current value (normal charging sequence) (timing S8 in FIG. 28). On the other hand, if the positive potential of the power source BT (output voltage of the power source BT) obtained in step M29 is not equal to or higher than the fourth level, the control unit 130 returns the process to step S28. The fourth level can be less than the second level because it is the reference used when the first transistor (switch) SD is turned on. Also, the fourth level is a value greater than the first level.

After starting charging of the power supply BT in step C12, the charging circuit 20 waits for the completion of charging of the power supply BT in step C13, and upon completion of charging, can send an interrupt request to the control unit 130 in step C14. On the other hand, when control unit 130 receives an interrupt request from charging circuit 20, control unit 130 can execute the processing shown in FIG. 32 separately from the processing shown in FIGS.

In step M41, the control unit 130 acquires the total charging time required for charging the power supply BT from the charging circuit ²⁰ via the I2C interface. In step M42, the control unit 130 determines whether or not the power supply BT was being charged with the first current value immediately before receiving the interrupt request from the charging circuit 20, and the state immediately before receiving the interrupt request was the first current value. If the power supply BT is not being charged in , the process of FIG. 32 is terminated. On the other hand, if the state immediately before receiving the interrupt request was charging the power supply BT with the first current value, the control unit 130 executes error processing. This error handling may include two types of handling, as described below. In other words, control unit 130 determines whether the state immediately before receiving the interrupt request is before changing the charging current from the first current value to the second current value, and determines whether the state immediately before receiving the interrupt request is before changing the charging current value from the first current value to the second current value. is in the state before changing from the first current value to the second current value, permanent failure processing is executed. On the other hand, if the state immediately before receiving the interrupt request is the state after changing the charging current from the first current value to the second current value, control unit 130 executes charging error processing.

Specifically, in step M43, control unit 130 determines whether or not the total charging time acquired from charging circuit 20 in step M41 is shorter than the reference time. , the control unit 130 executes permanent failure processing as one error processing in step SM44. For example, as permanent failure processing, the control unit 130 can execute processing for making the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU unusable. This can be synonymous with putting the aerosol generator AGD or the power supply unit PSU mentioned above into permanent failure mode. For example, the control unit 130 sends a command to the charging circuit 20 via the I ² C interface to prohibit operation in all power-pass modes, so that the SYS terminal and the SW terminal of the charging circuit 20 are disabled. It can stop the voltage output. As a result, power supply to control unit 130 is cut off, and control unit 130 becomes inoperable. Such an operation prohibits charging and discharging of the power supply BT that is determined to have reached a deep discharge state, thereby contributing to enhancing safety.

On the other hand, if the total charging time acquired from the charging circuit 20 in step M41 is not shorter than the reference time, in step M45 the control unit 130 executes charging error processing as another error processing. The charging error processing can include processing for prohibiting charging of the power supply BT and supply of power to the heater HT. The charging error process can include a process of prompting the user to operate for resetting or restarting using the notification unit NU. The control unit 130 can enter a sleep mode when the control unit 130 is reset or restarted. In this case, the user can recharge the power supply BT by reconnecting the USB cable to the USB connector. Also, if the power supply BT is in a normal state, power can be supplied to the heater HT.

As described above, the control unit 130 allows the charging circuit 20 (voltage supply circuit) to finish charging before the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT detected based on the potential supplied to the PC2 terminal exceeds the second threshold. It can be configured to perform error handling in some cases. When the time required for the charging circuit 20 to charge the power source BT is shorter than the reference time, the control unit 130 can prohibit the charging of the power source BT and the supply of power to the heater HT as error processing. In this case, the state in which the charging of the power supply BT and the supply of power to the heater HT are prohibited can be made irreversible. When the time required for the charging circuit 20 to charge the power source BT is not shorter than the reference time, the control unit 130 can prohibit the charging of the power source BT and the supply of power to the heater HT as error processing. In this case, the state in which the charging of the power supply BT and the supply of power to the heater HT are prohibited can be released by restarting or resetting the control unit 130 .

The embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 28, 29, 29A-29F, and 30-32 also have the following aspects.

The control unit 130 has a PC2 terminal as a first terminal that receives information correlated with the state of the power supply BT, and can acquire a first index corresponding to the information supplied to the PC2 terminal. The first information is an index indicating the state of the power supply BT.

The measurement circuit 100 has a VBAT terminal as a second terminal that receives information correlated with the state of the power supply BT, and can generate a second index according to the information supplied to the VBAT terminal and provide it to the control unit 130 . . Providing the ^second indicator to the controller 130 can be done using an I2C interface.

The control unit 130 can control the charging operation of the power supply BT according to the first index and the second index. For example, steps M23, M24, M25, and M26 in FIG. 31 are an example of a sequence for controlling the charging operation of the power supply BT based on the first index according to the information supplied to the PC2 terminal of the control section 130. FIG. M28, M29, M30, and M31 in FIG. 31 are an example of a sequence for controlling the charging operation of the power supply BT based on the second index generated by the measurement circuit 100 and provided to the control unit 130. FIG. It is extremely difficult to determine the state of the power supply BT that is not in the normal state by using only one index. According to such a configuration, since the control unit 130 acquires the state of the power supply BT from the first index and the second index, it is possible to appropriately charge the power supply BT that is not in a normal state.

The charging circuit 20 is operable in a first mode in which the power supply BT is charged with a first current value smaller than a predetermined current value and in a second mode in which the power supply BT is charged with a second current value larger than the predetermined current value. It may be understood as a circuit.

When at least one of the first indicator and the second indicator indicates that the power supply BT is in an overdischarge state, the control unit 130 causes the charging circuit 20 to charge the power supply BT in the first mode. The charging operation of BT can be controlled (step C12). It is not easy to distinguish with high precision whether the power supply BT is in an overdischarged state. According to such a configuration, even if one of the first indicator and the second indicator cannot detect the overdischarged state of the power source BT, if the other can detect the overdischarged state, the power source BT is charged in the first charging mode. be done. In other words, the power supply BT, which may be in an overdischarged state, is not charged at a high rate.

Alternatively, control unit 130 charges power source BT in the second mode when at least one of the first indicator and the second indicator indicates that the overdischarged state of power source BT has been resolved. The charging operation of the power supply BT by the circuit 20 can be controlled (steps M26, M31). During charging of the power supply BT, the positive electrode potential of the power supply BT detected by the control unit 130 and the information on the output voltage of the power supply BT (V _BAT information) provided to the control unit 130 by the measurement circuit 100 are included in the body diode BDD. The effect of forward voltage _VF may be included. Since the forward voltage _VF also varies depending on the temperature and the charging current value, it is not easy to determine whether or not the overdischarge state of the power supply BT has been resolved with only one index. According to such a configuration, even if one of the first indicator and the second indicator cannot detect the elimination of the overdischarge state of the power supply BT, if the other can detect the elimination, the power supply BT is in the second charging mode. charged. In other words, since the overdischarged state of the power supply BT is not likely to be overlooked, the remaining capacity of the power supply BT, which is in a normal state, can be quickly recovered.

Alternatively, control unit 130 controls charging circuit 20 to charge power source BT in the first mode when at least one of the first indicator and the second indicator indicates that power source BT is in an overdischarged state. (step C21), and when at least one of the first indicator and the second indicator indicates that the overdischarge state of the power supply BT has been resolved, the power supply BT is charged to the first The charging operation of the power supply BT by the charging circuit 20 can be controlled so that charging is performed in two modes (steps M26, M31).

In the above example, the first index and the second index are the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT or the output voltage of the power supply BT, which are indicators that can be compared on the same scale. Also, as described above, in the above example, the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply BT is approximately equal to the output voltage of the power supply BT.

As exemplified by M23 to M31 in FIG. 31, when the first transistor (first switch) SD is open, the control unit 130 controls the charging operation based on the first index, and the first transistor ( When the first switch (SD) is closed, it may be configured to control the charging operation based on the second indicator. Here, the VBAT terminal of the measurement circuit 100 can be directly connected to the first path PT1 (positive electrode of the power supply BT). On the other hand, the PC2 terminal of the control unit 130 is connected to the first path PT1 (positive electrode of the power supply BT) through a voltage dividing circuit such as a transistor such as a PMOS transistor SBVC and/or resistors R11 and R12. can be Alternatively, from another point of view, the PC2 terminal of the control unit 130 can be connected to the first path PT1 (positive electrode of the power supply BT) via an analog circuit. Therefore, the measurement circuit 100 has higher accuracy in detecting or measuring the potential of the positive electrode of the power source BT or the output voltage of the power source BT than the control unit 130 . Therefore, in a state in which the first transistor (first switch) SD is closed and the influence of the forward voltage _VF of the body diode BDD has disappeared (a state in which the error factor due to the forward voltage _VF has disappeared), the control unit 130 , it is advantageous to control the charging operation based on a second indicator provided by the measurement circuit 100 .

The notification unit NU can notify information about the remaining amount of the power supply BT, and the control unit 130 sets a third indicator indicating the remaining amount of the power supply BT (for example, remaining capacity, SOC, etc.) as the state of the power supply BT. It can be configured to acquire information from the measurement circuit and notify the notification unit NU of information corresponding to the third index.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the invention.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-079753 filed on May 10, 2021, and the entire contents thereof are incorporated herein.

Claims

A power supply unit for an aerosol generator,
a connector to which a heater is connected for heating the aerosol source using power supplied by the power supply;
a control unit having a terminal to which a potential corresponding to the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply is supplied, and controlling supply of power to the heater and charging of the power supply;
a switch arranged in a path through which the current output from the power supply flows so as to be able to cut off the discharge of the power supply;
a protection circuit that opens the switch to interrupt discharge of the power supply in response to the potential of the positive electrode falling below a first level;
The control unit reduces the charging current of the power source when the potential of the positive electrode detected based on the potential supplied to the terminal exceeds a second level larger than the first level due to charging of the power source. Power supply unit to increase.
The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a rectifying element connected in parallel to said switch so as to be able to supply a charging current to said power supply.
The power supply unit according to claim 2, wherein said rectifying element is a body diode associated with said switch.
The power supply unit according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the protection circuit is supplied with the output voltage of the power supply regardless of the state of the switch.
The power supply unit according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the power supply to the control unit is cut off by opening the switch.
The power supply unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the difference between said first level and said second level is greater than the forward voltage of said rectifying element.
The power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a potential obtained by dividing the potential of the positive electrode of the power supply is supplied to the terminal.
the path includes a first conductive path connected to the positive terminal of the power supply and a second conductive path connected to the negative terminal of the power supply, the switch being disposed on the second conductive path; A power supply unit according to any one of claims 2 to 7.
A first voltage for charging the power source is supplied between the first conductive path and the second conductive path using a voltage supplied from an external device, and a second voltage for operating the control unit. further comprising a voltage supply circuit that generates
9. The power supply unit according to claim 8, wherein said controller controls charging of said power supply by controlling said voltage supply circuit.
The voltage supply circuit includes a charging circuit that generates a third voltage in addition to the first voltage using the voltage supplied from the external device, and a charging circuit that generates the third voltage output from the charging circuit as the second voltage. 10. The power supply unit of claim 9, comprising a transformer circuit that converts to .
3. The control unit executes error processing when the voltage supply circuit finishes charging before the potential of the positive electrode detected based on the potential supplied to the terminal exceeds the second level. 11. The power supply unit according to 9 or 10.
12. When the time required for the voltage supply circuit to charge the power supply is shorter than a reference time, the controller prohibits charging of the power supply and supply of power to the heater as the error processing. power supply unit described in .
13. The power supply unit according to claim 12, wherein the state in which the charging of the power supply and the supply of power to the heater are prohibited as the error processing cannot be canceled.
When the time required for the voltage supply circuit to charge the power source is not shorter than the reference time, the control unit prohibits the charging of the power source and the supply of power to the heater as the error processing. 13. The power supply unit according to claim 12, wherein is canceled by restarting said controller.
The power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said protection circuit closes said switch in response to said potential of said positive electrode exceeding a third level greater than said first level.
Further comprising a measurement circuit for measuring the voltage of the power supply,
The control unit reduces the charging current of the power supply in response to the potential of the positive electrode measured by the measuring circuit exceeding a fourth level that is smaller than the second level after the protection circuit closes the switch. 16. The power supply unit of claim 15, increasing.