Power supply unit for aerosol generation device

A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a receptacle configured to receive power for charging the power supply from a plug connected to an external power supply; a charger configured to control charging of the power supply by power received by the receptacle; and a controller. The receptacle and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, and the charger is configured to supply power from the receptacle and the power supply to the controller via the charger.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese patent application No. 2020-118743, filed on Jul. 9, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

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

Patent Literature 2 discloses a technology in which power from a charger is supplied to a heating element provided in a tobacco cartridge.

However, in the related art described above, when a power supply (for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium battery) provided in a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device is in an over-discharged state, power cannot be supplied to a controller of the power supply unit even when the power supply unit is connected to an external power supply, and the controller may not be activated. Therefore, when the power supply is in the over-discharged state, even when the power supply unit is connected to the external power supply, it is not possible to execute a function in which at least a part of the power supply unit is controlled by the controller such as charging of the power supply, and the aerosol generation device may not be used.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device that can supply power from an external power supply to a controller of the power supply unit even when a power supply provided in the power supply unit for the aerosol generation device is in an over-discharged state.

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

According to the present invention, even when a power supply provided in a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device is in an over-discharged state, power from an external power supply can be supplied to a controller of the power supply unit.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, an aerosol inhaler, which is an example of the aerosol generation device including the power supply unit of the present embodiment, will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3.

An aerosol inhaler1is an instrument for generating an aerosol to which a flavor is added without burning and sucking the generated aerosol, preferably has a size that fits in a hand, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The aerosol inhaler1may have an ovoid shape, an elliptical shape, or the like. In the following description, regarding the aerosol inhaler having the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, three orthogonal directions will be referred to as an upper-lower direction, a front-rear direction, and a left-right direction in descending order of length. Further, in the following description, for convenience, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, an upper side, and a lower side are defined, and the front side is shown as Fr, the rear side is shown as Rr, the left side is shown as L, the right side is shown as R, the upper side is shown as U, and the lower side is shown as D.

As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol inhaler1includes a power supply unit10, a first cartridge20, and a second cartridge30. The first cartridge20and the second cartridge30are attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit10. In other words, the first cartridge20and the second cartridge30are replaceable.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply unit10houses various sensors and the like such as a power supply12, an internal holder13, a circuit board60, and an intake sensor15inside a power supply unit case11having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (hereinafter, also referred to as an inside of the case). The power supply12, the circuit board60(including an MCU50, a discharging terminal41, a charging terminal43, and the like, which will be described later), and the like are collectively housed in the power supply unit case11, so that carrying by a user can be facilitated and user convenience can be improved.

The power supply unit case11is configured with a first case11A and a second case11B that are attachable and detachable in the left-right direction (thickness direction), and the first case11A and the second case11B are assembled in the left-right direction (thickness direction), so that a front surface, a rear surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a lower surface of the power supply unit10are formed. An upper surface of the power supply unit10is formed by a display16.

A mouthpiece17is provided in the upper surface of the power supply unit10in front of the display16. In the mouthpiece17, a suction port17aprotrudes further upward than the display16.

An inclined surface inclined downward toward the rear side is provided between the upper surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit10. An operation unit18that can be operated by the user is provided on the inclined surface. The operation unit18is configured with a button-type switch, a touch panel, and the like, and is used when activating or interrupting the MCU50and various sensors by reflecting a use intention of the user, or the like.

On a lower surface of the power supply unit10, the charging terminal43that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) that can charge the power supply12is provided. The charging terminal43is, for example, a receptacle into which a mating plug (not shown) can be inserted. As the charging terminal43, a receptacle into which various USB terminals (plugs) or the like can be inserted can be used. As an example, in the present embodiment, the charging terminal43is a USB Type-C shaped receptacle. Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate charging of the power supply unit10(that is, the aerosol inhaler1) at various locations (places) and secure an opportunity capable of charging the power supply unit10. The charging terminal43is an example of a receptacle in the present invention.

The charging terminal43may include, for example, a power reception coil, and may be configured to be capable of receiving power transmitted from the external power supply in a non-contact manner. A wireless power transfer method in this case may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of the electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic resonance type. As another example, the charging terminal43can be connected to various USB terminals or the like and may include the power reception coil described above.

The internal holder13includes a rear wall13rthat extends along the rear surface of the power supply unit10, a central wall13cthat is provided at a central portion in the front-rear direction inside the case and extends parallel to the rear wall13r, an upper wall13uthat extends along the display16and couples the rear wall13rto the central wall13c, a partition wall13dthat is orthogonal to the rear wall13r, the central wall13c, and the upper wall13uand divides a space partitioned and formed by the rear wall13r, the central wall13c, and the upper wall13uinto a left side space and a right side space, and a cartridge holding portion13acoupled to the central wall13cand positioned in front of the central wall13cand above the lower surface of the power supply unit10.

The power supply12is disposed in the left side space of the internal holder13. The power supply12is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double-layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium-ion secondary battery. An electrolyte of the power supply12may be one of or a combination of a gel-like electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

The L-shaped circuit board60is disposed in a space formed by a right side space of the internal holder13and a lower side space formed between the cartridge holding portion13aand the lower surface of the power supply unit10. The circuit board60is configured by stacking a plurality of layers (four layers in the present embodiment) of boards, and electronic components (elements) such as the micro controller unit (MCU)50and a charging IC55, which will be described later, are mounted on the circuit board60.

Although details will be described later with reference toFIG. 5and the like, the MCU50is a control device (a controller) that is connected to various sensor devices such as the intake sensor15that detects a puff (intake) operation, the operation unit18, a notification unit45, a memory19that stores number of times of puff operations, an energization time to the load21, or the like, and the like, and that performs various controls of the aerosol inhaler1, and is an example of a controller in the present invention. Specifically, the MCU50is mainly configured with a processor, and further includes a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) required for an operation of the processor and a read only memory (ROM) that stores various pieces of information. The processor in the present description is, for example, an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined. Some of the elements (for example, the intake sensor15and the memory19) connected to the MCU50inFIG. 5may be provided inside the MCU50as a function of the MCU50itself.

The charging IC55is an integrated circuit (IC) that controls charging of the power supply12by power input from the charging terminal43and that supplies power of the power supply12to the electronic components and the like of the circuit board60, and is an example of a charger in the present invention.

A cylindrical cartridge holder14that holds the first cartridge20is disposed at the cartridge holding portion13a.

A through hole13b, which receives the discharging terminal41(seeFIG. 3) provided so as to protrude from the circuit board60toward the first cartridge20, is provided in a lower end portion of the cartridge holding portion13a. The discharging terminal41is a connector that electrically connects the load21provided in the first cartridge20. Further, the discharging terminal41is a connector that removably (or easily removably) connects the load21, and is configured with, for example, a pin or the like in which a spring is built. The discharging terminal41is an example of a connector in the present invention.

The through hole13bis larger than the discharging terminal41, and is configured such that air flows into an inside of the first cartridge20via a gap formed between the through hole13band the discharging terminal41.

The intake sensor15that detects a puff operation is provided on an outer peripheral surface14aof the cartridge holder14at a position facing the circuit board60. The intake sensor15may be configured with a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like.

Further, the cartridge holder14is provided with a hole portion14bthat is long in the upper-lower direction and through which a remaining amount of the aerosol source22stored inside the first cartridge20can be visually checked, and is configured such that the user can visually check the remaining amount of the aerosol source22stored inside the first cartridge20through the hole portion14bof the first cartridge20from a remaining amount check window11wthat has light-transmissive properties and is provided in the power supply unit case11.

As shown inFIG. 3, the mouthpiece17is detachably fixed to an upper end portion of the cartridge holder14. The second cartridge30is detachably fixed to the mouthpiece17. The mouthpiece17includes a cartridge housing portion17bthat houses a part of the second cartridge30, and a communication path17cthat allows the first cartridge20and the cartridge housing portion17bto communicate with each other.

The power supply unit case11is provided with air intake ports11ithat take in outside air inside. The air intake port11iis provided in, for example, the remaining amount check window11w.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first cartridge20includes, inside a cylindrical cartridge case27, a reservoir23that stores the aerosol source22, an electrical load21that atomizes the aerosol source22, a wick24that draws the aerosol source from the reservoir23to the load21, and an aerosol flow path25through which an aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source22flows toward the second cartridge30.

The reservoir23is partitioned and formed so as to surround a periphery of the aerosol flow path25, and stores the aerosol source22. The reservoir23may house a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the aerosol source22may be impregnated with the porous body. The reservoir23may store only the aerosol source22without housing the porous body on the resin web or the cotton. The aerosol source22contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

The wick24is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source22from the reservoir23to the load21by using a capillary phenomenon. The wick24is made of, for example, glass fiber, porous ceramic, or the like.

The load21is a heat generation element (that is, a heater) that heats the aerosol source22without burning by power supplied from the power supply12via the discharging terminal41, and is configured with, for example, an electric heating wire (a coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. The load21heats the aerosol source22to atomize the aerosol source22. As the load21, a heat generation resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, or the like can be used. The load21is an example of a heater in the present invention.

The aerosol flow path25is provided on a downstream side of the load21and on a center line of the first cartridge20.

The second cartridge30stores a flavor source31. The second cartridge30is detachably housed in the cartridge housing portion17bprovided in the mouthpiece17.

The second cartridge30adds a flavor to an aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source22by the load21through the flavor source31. As a raw material piece that constitutes the flavor source31, chopped tobacco or a molded body obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into a granular shape can be used. The flavor source31may be formed of a plant other than the tobacco (for example, mint, Chinese herb or herb). A fragrance such as menthol may be added to the flavor source31.

The aerosol inhaler1can generate (that is, produce) an aerosol to which a flavor is added by the aerosol source22, the flavor source31, and the load21. That is, the aerosol source22and the flavor source31constitute an aerosol generation source that generates the aerosol to which the flavor is added.

The configuration of the aerosol generation source used for the aerosol inhaler1may be a configuration in which the aerosol source22and the flavor source31are integrally formed, a configuration in which the flavor source31is omitted and a substance that can be contained in the flavor source31is added to the aerosol source22, a configuration in which a medicine or the like instead of the flavor source31is added to the aerosol source22, or the like, in addition to the configuration in which the aerosol source22and the flavor source31are formed separately.

In the aerosol inhaler1configured as described above, as indicated by an arrow A inFIG. 3, air that flows in from the air intake ports11iprovided in the power supply unit case11passes through a vicinity of the load21of the first cartridge20via the gap formed between the through hole13band the discharging terminal41. The load21atomizes the aerosol source22drawn from the reservoir23by the wick24. The aerosol generated by atomization flows through the aerosol flow path25together with the air that flows in from the intake ports, and is supplied to the second cartridge30via the communication path17c. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge30is flavored by passing through the flavor source31, and is supplied to a suction port32.

The aerosol inhaler1is provided with the notification unit45that notifies various pieces of information (seeFIG. 5). The notification unit45may be configured with a light-emitting element, a vibration element, or a sound output element. Further, the notification unit45may be a combination of two or more elements among the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element. The notification unit45may be provided in any one of the power supply unit10, the first cartridge20, and the second cartridge30, but is preferably provided in the power supply unit10that is not a consumable item.

In the present embodiment, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel46and a vibrator47are provided as the notification unit45. When an OLED of the OLED panel46emits light, various pieces of information on the aerosol inhaler1are notified to the user via the display16. Further, the vibrator47vibrates, so that the user is notified of the various pieces of information on the aerosol inhaler1via the power supply unit case11. The notification unit45may be provided with only one of the OLED panel46and the vibrator47, or may be provided with another light-emitting element or the like. Further, information notified by the OLED panel46and information notified by the vibrator47may be different or the same.

Next, an electric circuit of the power supply unit10will be described with reference toFIG. 4.

As shown inFIG. 4, the power supply unit10includes, as main components, the power supply12, the charging terminal43, the MCU50, the charging IC55, a protection IC61, an LDO regulator (indicated by “LDO” inFIG. 4)62, a first DC/DC converter (indicated by “first DC/DC” inFIG. 4)63, a second DC/DC converter (indicated by “second DC/DC” inFIG. 4)64, a display driver65, the intake sensor15, the OLED panel46, and the vibrator47.

The A1pin, the A4pin, the A5pin, the A6pin, the A7pin, the A8pin, the A9pin, the A12pin, the B1pin, the B4pin, the B5pin, the B6pin, the B7pin, the B8pin, the B9pin, and the B12pin are arranged so as to be point-symmetrical, with a center of a fitting surface with a plug of the charging terminal43as a point of symmetry. Accordingly, the plug can be inserted into the charging terminal43regardless of an upper-lower direction of the plug, and user convenience is improved.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the charging terminal43are described. Further, in the present embodiment, the charging terminal43is provided with the A8pin and the B8pin, but as will be described later, these pins are not used and may be omitted.

The protection IC61is an IC having a function of converting a voltage input via the charging terminal43into a predetermined voltage as necessary and outputting the converted voltage. Specifically, the protection IC61converts the input voltage into a voltage included in a range from a minimum value to a maximum value of a recommended input voltage of the charging IC55. Accordingly, even when a high voltage that exceeds the maximum value of the recommended input voltage of the charging IC55is input via the charging terminal43, the protection IC61can protect the charging IC55from the high voltage.

As an example, in the present embodiment, the recommended input voltage of the charging IC55has a minimum value of 4.35 [V] and a maximum value of 6.4 [V]. Therefore, the protection IC61converts the input voltage into 5.5±0.2 [V], and outputs the converted voltage to the charging IC55. Accordingly, the protection IC61can supply an appropriate voltage to the charging IC55. Further, when the above-described high voltage is input via the charging terminal43, the protection IC61may protect the charging IC55by opening a circuit that connects an input terminal (denoted by IN inFIG. 4) and an output terminal (denoted by OUT inFIG. 4) of the protection IC61. In addition, the protection IC61may also have various protection functions (for example, an overcurrent detection function and an overvoltage detection function) for protecting the electric circuit of the power supply unit10.

It is preferable that the protection IC61is connected between the charging terminal43and the charging IC55, that is, is electrically provided between the charging terminal43and the charging IC55. The protection IC61is connected between the charging terminal43and the charging IC55, so that the power supply12can be discharged via the charging IC55without passing through the protection IC61, and power loss due to passing through the protection IC61can be reduced.

The protection IC61includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the protection IC61. Specifically, the protection IC61includes an IN pin (indicated by “IN” inFIG. 4), a VSS pin (indicated by “VSS” inFIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by “GND” inFIG. 4), an OUT pin (indicated by “OUT” inFIG. 4), a VBAT pin (indicated by “VBAT” inFIG. 4), and a CE pin (indicated by “CE” inFIG. 4).

In the protection IC61, the IN pin is a pin to which power supplied from the charging terminal43is input. The VSS pin is a pin to which power for operating the protection IC61is input. The GND pin is a grounded pin. The OUT pin is a pin that outputs power to the charging IC55. The VBAT pin is a pin for the protection IC61to detect a state of the power supply12. The CE pin is a pin for switching the protection function of the protection IC61on/off. A connection relationship of these pins will be described later. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the protection IC61are described.

The charging IC55is an IC having a function of controlling charging to the power supply12and a function of supplying the power of the power supply12to the LDO regulator62, the first DC/DC converter63, the second DC/DC converter64, and the like. For example, when supplying the power of the power supply12, the charging IC55outputs a standard system voltage corresponding to an output of the power supply12at that time to the LDO regulator62, the first DC/DC converter63, the second DC/DC converter64, and the like. Here, the standard system voltage is a voltage higher than a low-voltage system voltage described later and lower than a first high-voltage system voltage and a second high-voltage system voltage. The standard system voltage is, for example, an output voltage of the power supply12itself, and can be a voltage of about 3 to 4 [V].

The charging IC55also has a power-path function of supplying power input via the charging terminal43to the LDO regulator62, the first DC/DC converter63, the second DC/DC converter64, and the like.

When the power-path function is used, even when the power supply12is being charged, power input via the charging terminal43can be supplied to a system of the power supply unit10, such as the LDO regulator62, the first DC/DC converter63, and the second DC/DC converter64. Therefore, when the system of the power supply unit10is used while charging the power supply12, the system of the power supply unit10can be used while reducing a burden on the power supply12(that is, preventing deterioration of the power supply12). At the same time, it is also possible to improve a charging speed of the power supply12and shorten a charging time.

Details will be described later with reference toFIGS. 7 to 11and the like, but if the power-path function is used, even when the power supply12is in an over-discharged state, it is possible to activate the MCU50by using power that is from the external power supply and input via the charging terminal43, and to recover the system of the power supply unit10. Here, the over-discharged state is, for example, a state where the power supply12cannot supply power for the MCU50to function (that is, operate). In other words, when the power supply12is in the over-discharged state, the MCU50cannot operate only with power of the power supply12and is in a stopped state.

The charging IC55includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the charging IC55. Specifically, the charging IC55includes an IN pin (indicated by “IN” inFIG. 4), a BAT_1pin (indicated by “BAT 1” inFIG. 4), a BAT_2pin (indicated by “BAT 2” inFIG. 4), an ISET pin (indicated by “ISET” inFIG. 4), a TS pin (indicated by “TS” inFIG. 4), an OUT_1pin (indicated by “OUT 1” inFIG. 4), an OUT_2pin (indicated by “OUT 2” inFIG. 4), an ILIM pin (indicated by “ILIM” inFIG. 4), a CHG pin (indicated by “CHG” inFIG. 4), and a CE pin (indicated by “CE” inFIG. 4). Although details will be described later, the BAT_1pin, the BAT_2pin, the OUT_1pin, and the OUT_2pin of the charging IC55are examples of output terminals in the present invention.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the charging IC55are described. Further, in the present embodiment, the charging IC55is provided with the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin, but the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin may be combined as one pin. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the charging IC55is provided with the OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin, but the OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin may be combined as one pin.

The LDO regulator62is an IC having a function of generating a low-voltage system voltage from an input standard system voltage and outputting the generated low-voltage system voltage. Here, the low-voltage system voltage is a voltage lower than the standard system voltage as described above, and is, for example, a voltage suitable for operating the MCU50, the intake sensor15, and the like. An example of the low-voltage system voltage is 2.5 [V]. The LDO regulator62is an example of a regulator in the present invention.

The LDO regulator62includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the LDO regulator62. Specifically, the LDO regulator62includes an IN pin (indicated by “IN” inFIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by “GND” inFIG. 4), an OUT pin (indicated by “OUT” inFIG. 4), and an EN pin (indicated by “EN” inFIG. 4). Although details will be described later, the EN pin of the LDO regulator62is an example of an activation terminal in the present invention. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the LDO regulator62are described.

The MCU50operates using the input low-voltage system voltage as a power supply, and performs various controls of the aerosol inhaler1. For example, the MCU50can control heating of the load21by controlling on/off of a switch SW4described later and provided in the electric circuit of the power supply unit10and an operation of the first DC/DC converter63. Further, the MCU50can control a display of the display16by controlling an operation of the display driver65. Furthermore, the MCU50can control vibration of the vibrator47by controlling on/off of a switch SW3described later and provided in the electric circuit of the power supply unit10.

It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the MCU50are described. Further, in the present embodiment, the MCU50is provided with the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin, but the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin may be combined as one pin.

The intake sensor15is a sensor device that detects a puff operation as described above, and is, for example, a sensor device configured to output a signal indicating a value of a change in a pressure (an internal pressure) in the power supply unit10caused by suction of the user through the suction port32as a detection result as will be described later.

The intake sensor15includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the intake sensor15. Specifically, the intake sensor15includes a VCC pin (indicated by “VCC” inFIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by “GND” inFIG. 4), and an OUT pin (indicated by “OUT” inFIG. 4). It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the intake sensor15are described.

The vibrator47is provided in a state of being connected to a positive electrode side terminal47aprovided on a power supply line60E and to a negative electrode side terminal47bprovided on a ground line60N to be described later, and includes a motor (not shown) that rotates a rotation shaft according to a voltage input via the positive electrode side terminal47aand the negative electrode side terminal47b, and an eccentric weight (not shown) attached to the rotation shaft of the motor. When a voltage (for example, a low-voltage system voltage) is input to the vibrator47via the positive electrode side terminal47aand the negative electrode side terminal47b, the motor and the eccentric weight are rotated to generate vibration.

In the present description, the term “positive electrode side” means a higher potential side than the “negative electrode side”. That is, in the following description, the term “positive electrode side” may be read as “high potential side”. Further, in the present description, the term “negative electrode side” means a lower potential side than the “positive electrode side”. That is, in the following description, the term “negative electrode side” may be read as “low potential side”.

The vibrator47is provided in a state of being attached to the power supply unit10. The positive electrode side terminal47aand the negative electrode side terminal47bare connected to a terminal of the vibrator47by, for example, soldering. That is, the positive electrode side terminal47aand the negative electrode side terminal47bare connectors that connect the vibrator47such that the vibrator47is unremovable (or is difficult to be removed). The positive electrode side terminal47aand the negative electrode side terminal47bare examples of a first connector in the present invention. The term unremovable (or difficult to be removed) refers to a mode in which the power supply unit10cannot be removed as long as the power supply unit10is assumed to be used.

The first DC/DC converter63is an IC having a function of generating a first high-voltage system voltage from an input standard system voltage and outputting the generated first high-voltage system voltage. Here, the first high-voltage system voltage is a voltage higher than the standard system voltage as described above. That is, the first DC/DC converter63steps up the input standard system voltage to the first high-voltage system voltage and outputs the first high-voltage system voltage. The first high-voltage system voltage is, for example, a voltage suitable for heating the load21, and is 4.2 [V] as an example.

The first DC/DC converter63includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the first DC/DC converter63. Specifically, the first DC/DC converter63includes a VIN pin (indicated by “VIN” inFIG. 4), an SW pin (indicated by “SW” inFIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by “GND” inFIG. 4), a VOUT pin (indicated by “VOUT” inFIG. 4), a MODE pin (indicated by “MODE” inFIG. 4), and an EN pin (indicated by “EN” inFIG. 4). It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the first DC/DC converter63are described.

The second DC/DC converter64is an IC having a function of generating a second high-voltage system voltage from the input standard system voltage and outputting the generated second high-voltage system voltage. Here, the second high-voltage system voltage is a voltage higher than the standard system voltage as described above. That is, the second DC/DC converter64steps up the input standard system voltage to the second high-voltage system voltage and outputs the second high-voltage system voltage. Further, the second high-voltage system voltage is a voltage even higher than the first high-voltage system voltage, and is, for example, a voltage suitable for operating the OLED panel46. An example of the second high-voltage system voltage is 15 [V].

The second DC/DC converter64includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the second DC/DC converter64. Specifically, the second DC/DC converter64includes a VIN pin (indicated by “VIN” inFIG. 4), an SW pin (indicated by “SW” inFIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by “GND” inFIG. 4), a VOUT pin (indicated by “VOUT” inFIG. 4), and an EN pin (indicated by “EN” inFIG. 4). It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the second DC/DC converter64are described.

The display driver65is an IC having a function of operating by using an input low-voltage system voltage as a power supply, and supplying a second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel46while controlling the OLED panel46so as to control a display of the display16.

The display driver65includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the display driver65. Specifically, the display driver65includes a VDD pin (indicated by “VDD” inFIG. 4), a VSS pin (indicated by “VSS” inFIG. 4), a VCC_C pin (indicated by “VCC_C” inFIG. 4), an SDA pin (indicated by “SDA” inFIG. 4), an SCL pin (indicated by “SCL” inFIG. 4), and an IXS pin (indicated by “IXS” inFIG. 4). It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the display driver65are described.

The components of the power supply unit10described above are electrically connected to one another by a lead wire or the like provided on the circuit board60of the power supply unit10. Hereinafter, electrical connection of the components of the power supply unit10will be described in detail.

The A1pin, the A12pin, the B1pin, and the B12pin of the charging terminal43are ground pins. The A1pin and the B12pin are connected in parallel and grounded by the ground line60N. Similarly, the A12pin and the B1pin are also connected in parallel and grounded by the ground line60N. InFIG. 4, the ground line60N (that is, a line having a potential of substantially 0 [V]) is indicated by a thick solid line.

The A4pin, the A9pin, the B4pin, and the B9pin of the charging terminal43are pins that receive an input of power from a plug of an external power supply inserted into the charging terminal43to the power supply unit10. For example, when the plug is inserted into the charging terminal43, predetermined USB bus power is supplied to the power supply unit10from the inserted plug via the A4pin and the B9pin, or the A9pin and the B4pin. Further, power corresponding to USB power delivery (USB PD) may be supplied to the power supply unit10from the plug of the external power supply inserted into the charging terminal43.

Specifically, the A4pin and the B9pin are connected in parallel and connected to the IN pin of the protection IC61via the power supply line60A. The IN pin of the protection IC61is a power supply pin of the protection IC61on a positive electrode side. Further, the A9pin and the B4pin are also connected in parallel, and connected to the IN pin of the protection IC61via the power supply line60A.

The power supply line60A is connected to the ground line60N via a variable resistor (a nonlinear resistance element) VR1. Here, the variable resistor is an element that includes two terminals (electrodes), has a relatively high electric resistance value when a voltage between the two terminals is lower than a predetermined variable resistor voltage (for example, 27 [V] in a case of the present embodiment), and has a property in which the electric resistance value rapidly decreases when the voltage between the two terminals is equal to or higher than the variable resistor voltage.

Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR1is connected to a node N11provided in the power supply line60A, and the other end of the variable resistor VR1is connected to the ground line60N. Here, the node N11is provided in the power supply line60A on a protection IC61side with respect to a node connected to the A4pin and the B9pin and a node connected to the A9pin and the B4pin. Therefore, for example, even when static electricity is generated in the A4pin, the A9pin, the B4pin, or the B9pin due to friction between the charging terminal43and the plug when the plug is inserted into the charging terminal43, the static electricity can be released to the ground line60N via the variable resistor VR1to protect the protection IC61.

The power supply line60A is connected to the ground line60N via a capacitor CD1that functions as a decoupling capacitor (also referred to as a bypass capacitor or a smoothing capacitor). Accordingly, a voltage input to the protection IC61via the power supply line60A can be stabilized. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD1is connected to a node N12provided in the power supply line60A, and the other end of the capacitor CD1is connected to the ground line60N. Here, the node N12is provided in the power supply line60A on the protection IC61side with respect to the node N11. Therefore, even when static electricity is generated at the A4pin, the A9pin, the B4pin, or the B9pin, the variable resistor VR1can protect the capacitor CD1from the static electricity. That is, in the power supply line60A, by providing the node N12on the protection IC61side with respect to the node N11, it is possible to achieve both protection of the protection IC61from overvoltage and a stable operation of the protection IC61.

The A6pin, the A7pin, the B6pin, and the B7pin of the charging terminal43are pins used for input and output of a signal for communication between the power supply unit10and an external apparatus. In the present embodiment, serial communication in which signals are transmitted differentially by two signal lines Dp (also referred to as D+) and Dn (also referred to as D−) is used for communication between the power supply unit10and the external apparatus.

The A6pin and the B6pin are pins corresponding to a signal line on a Dp side. The A6pin and the B6pin are connected in parallel, and are connected to the PA12pin of the MCU50via a resistor R1. The resistor R1is an element that is configured with a resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value. Further, the PA12pin of the MCU50is a pin used for input and output of a signal of the MCU50. Therefore, a signal on the Dp side from the external apparatus can be input to the MCU50via the A6pin or the B6pin. Further, the signal on the Dp side from the MCU50can be output to the external apparatus via the A6pin or the B6pin.

The A6pin and the B6pin are also connected to the ground line60N via a variable resistor VR2. Therefore, for example, even when static electricity is generated in the A6pin and the B6pin due to the friction between the charging terminal43and the plug when the plug is inserted into the charging terminal43, the static electricity can be released to the ground line60N via the variable resistor VR2to protect the MCU50. Further, since the resistor R1is provided between the pins A6and B6and the MCU50, the resistor R1can also prevent input of a high voltage to the MCU50and protect the MCU50.

The A7pin and the B7pin are pins corresponding to a signal line on a Dn side. The A7pin and the B7pin are connected in parallel and connected to the PA11pin of the MCU50via a resistor R2. The resistor R2is an element that is configured with a resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value. Further, the PA11pin of the MCU50is a pin used for input and output of a signal of the MCU50. Therefore, a signal on the Dn side from the external apparatus can be input to the MCU50via the A7pin or the B7pin. Further, a signal on the Dn side from the MCU50can be output to the external apparatus via the A7pin or the B7pin.

The A7pin and the B7pin are also connected to the ground line60N via a variable resistor VR3. Therefore, for example, even when static electricity is generated in the A7pin or the B7pin due to the friction between the charging terminal43and the plug when the plug is inserted into the charging terminal43, the static electricity can be released to the ground line60N via the variable resistor VR3to protect the MCU50. Further, since the resistor R2is provided between the pins A7and B7and the MCU50, the resistor R2can also prevent an input of a high voltage to the MCU50and protect the MCU50.

The A5pin and the B5pin of the charging terminal43are pins used to detect an upper-lower direction of the plug inserted into the charging terminal43. For example, the A5pin is a pin corresponding to a signal line of a first configuration channel (CC) signal (a CC1signal), and the B5pin is a pin corresponding to a signal line of a second CC signal (a CC2signal). The A5pin is connected to the ground line60N via the resistor R3, and the B5pin is connected to the ground line60N via a resistor R4.

The A8pin and the B8pin of the charging terminal43are not connected to the electric circuit of the power supply unit10. Therefore, the A8pin and the B8pin are not used and may also be omitted.

As described above, the IN pin of the protection IC61is the power supply pin of the protection IC61on the positive electrode side and is connected to the power supply line60A. The VS S pin of the protection IC61is a power supply pin of the protection IC61on a negative electrode side and is connected to the ground line60N. Further, the GND pin of the protection IC61is a ground pin of the protection IC61and is connected to the ground line60N. Accordingly, when the plug of the external power supply is inserted into the charging terminal43, power (for example, USB bus power) is supplied to the protection IC61via the power supply line60A.

The OUT pin of the protection IC61is a pin from which a voltage input to the IN pin of the protection IC61is output as it is or a voltage (for example, 5.5±0.2 [V]) converted by the protection IC61is output, and is connected to the IN pin of the charging IC55via the power supply line60B. The IN pin of the charging IC55is a power supply pin of the charging IC55on a positive electrode side. Accordingly, an appropriate voltage converted by the protection IC61is supplied to the charging IC55.

The power supply line60B is connected to the ground line60N via a capacitor CD2that functions as a decoupling capacitor. Accordingly, a voltage input to the charging IC55via the power supply line60B can be stabilized.

The VBAT pin of the protection IC61is a pin used by the protection IC61for detecting presence or absence of connection of the power supply12, and is connected to a positive electrode side terminal12aof the power supply12via a resistor R5. The resistor R5is an element that is configured with a resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value. The protection IC61can detect that the power supply12is connected based on a voltage input to the VBAT pin.

The CE pin of the protection IC61is a pin for turning on/off an operation (various functions) of the protection IC61. Specifically, the protection IC61operates when a low-level voltage is input to the CE pin, and stops the operation when a high-level voltage is input to the CE pin. In the present embodiment, the CE pin of the protection IC61is connected to the ground line60N so that the low-level voltage is always input. Therefore, the protection IC61always operates during a supply of power, and performs conversion to a predetermined voltage, overcurrent detection, overvoltage detection, and the like.

Instead of the protection IC61in the present embodiment, a protection IC that operates when a high-level voltage is input to a CE pin and stops the operation when a low-level voltage is input to the CE pin may be used. However, in this case, it should be noted that the CE pin of the protection IC needs to be connected to the power supply line60B or the power supply line60A instead of the ground line60N.

As described above, the IN pin of the charging IC55is the power supply pin of the charging IC55on the positive electrode side, and is connected to the power supply line60B. Further, the charging IC55is connected to the ground line60N by, for example, a power supply pin on a negative electrode side (not shown). Accordingly, a voltage output from the protection IC61is supplied to the charging IC55via the power supply line60B.

The BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin of the charging IC55are pins used to transmit and receive power between the charging IC55and the power supply12, and are connected to the positive electrode side terminal12aof the power supply12via a power supply line60C. A negative electrode side terminal12bof the power supply12is connected to the ground line60N.

Specifically, the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin are connected in parallel, connected to the positive electrode side terminal12a, and connected to the ground line60N via a capacitor CD3. When the power supply12is discharged, electric charge is accumulated in the capacitor CD3, and a voltage output from the power supply12is input to the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin. Further, when the power supply12is charged, a voltage for charging the power supply12is output from the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin, and is applied to the positive electrode side terminal12aof the power supply12via the power supply line60C.

The power supply line60C is connected to the ground line60N via a capacitor CD4that functions as a decoupling capacitor. Accordingly, a voltage input to the power supply12via the power supply line60C can be stabilized.

The ISET pin of the charging IC55is a pin for setting a value of a current output from the charging IC55to the power supply12. In the present embodiment, the ISET pin is connected to the ground line60N via a resistor R6. Here, the resistor R6is an element that is configured with a resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value.

The charging IC55outputs, to the power supply12, a current having a current value corresponding to an electric resistance value of the resistor R6connected to the ISET pin.

The TS pin of the charging IC55is a pin to which a voltage value applied to a resistor connected to the TS pin is input and that is used to detect an electric resistance value and a temperature of the resistor connected to the TS pin based on the voltage value. In the present embodiment, the TS pin is connected to the ground line60N via a resistor R7. Here, the resistor R7is an element that is configured with a resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value. Therefore, the charging IC55can detect an electric resistance value and a temperature of the resistor R7based on a voltage value applied to the resistor R7.

The CHG pin of the charging IC55is a pin that outputs information on a charging state of the power supply12(hereinafter, also referred to as charging state information), such as during charging, during a charging stop, and charging completion, and information on a remaining capacity of the power supply12(hereinafter, also referred to as remaining capacity information). The CHG pin of the charging IC55is connected to the PB15pin of the MCU50. The PB15pin of the MCU50is a pin used to input a signal of the MCU50. Therefore, the charging IC55can notify the MCU50of the charging state, the remaining capacity, and the like of the power supply12by outputting the charging state information and the remaining capacity information from the CHG pin to the MCU50.

The OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin of the charging IC55are pins from which the standard system voltage is output, and are connected to the IN pin of the LDO regulator62, the VIN pin of the first DC/DC converter63, and the VIN pin of the second DC/DC converter64via a power supply line60D. The IN pin of the LDO regulator62is a power supply pin of the LDO regulator62on a positive electrode side. Further, the VIN pin of the first DC/DC converter63is a power supply pin of the first DC/DC converter63on a positive electrode side. Then, the VIN pin of the second DC/DC converter64is a power supply pin of the second DC/DC converter64on a positive electrode side.

Specifically, the OUT_1pin is connected to the ground line60N and to the OUT_2pin via a capacitor CD5that functions as a decoupling capacitor. Then, the OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin are connected to the ground line60N via a capacitor CD6that functions as a decoupling capacitor, and are connected to the IN pin of the LDO regulator62, the VIN pin of the first DC/DC converter63, and the VIN pin of the second DC/DC converter64. Accordingly, the charging IC55can supply a stable standard system voltage to the LDO regulator62, the first DC/DC converter63, and the second DC/DC converter64.

In the present embodiment, a capacitor CD7that functions as a decoupling capacitor is also provided immediately before the first DC/DC converter63of the power supply line60D. Accordingly, a stable standard system voltage can be supplied to the first DC/DC converter63, and a power supply from the first DC/DC converter63to the load21can be stabilized.

The ILIM pin of the charging IC55is a pin for setting an upper limit of a value of a current output from the charging IC55to the LDO regulator62, the first DC/DC converter63, and the second DC/DC converter64. In the present embodiment, the ILIM pin is connected to the ground line60N via the resistor R7. Here, the resistor R7is the element that is configured with the resistance element, the transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value.

The charging IC55outputs, to the LDO regulator62, the first DC/DC converter63, and the second DC/DC converter64, a current whose upper limit is a current value corresponding to the electric resistance value of the resistor R7connected to the ILIM pin. More specifically, the charging IC55outputs the current having the current value corresponding to the electric resistance value of the resistor R6connected to the ISET pin from the OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin, and stops outputting the current from the OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin when the current value reaches a current value corresponding to the electric resistance value of the resistor R7connected to the ILIM pin. That is, a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler1can set an upper limit value of the current output from the charging IC55to the LDO regulator62, the first DC/DC converter63, and the second DC/DC converter64by the electric resistance value of the resistor R7connected to the ILIM pin.

The CE pin of the charging IC55is a pin for turning on/off charging of the power supply12. Specifically, when a low-level voltage is input to the CE pin while power is supplied from the external power supply via the charging terminal43, the charging IC55charges the power supply12with power supplied from the external power supply. In other words, the charging IC55does not charge the power supply12when a high-level voltage is input to the CE pin even when power is supplied from the external power supply via the charging terminal43.

In the present embodiment, the CE pin of the charging IC55is connected to the PB14pin of the MCU50. Therefore, the MCU50can turn on/off the charging of the power supply12by the charging IC55by a voltage signal output from the PB14pin.

The charging IC55is configured to be capable of outputting, from the OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin, power obtained by combining power that does not charge the power supply12among power from the external power supply received by the IN pin and power from the power supply12received by the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin when power is supplied from the external power supply via the charging terminal43. That is, the charging IC55includes the OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin that are output terminals capable of outputting the power that is received by the charging terminal43and does not charge the power supply12and the power supplied from the power supply12in combination.

Accordingly, since the charging IC55can output the power that does not charge the power supply12among the power from the external power supply and the power from the power supply12in combination, it is possible to supply power to the system of the power supply unit10while preventing a decrease in the remaining capacity of the power supply12. Therefore, it is possible to use various functions of the power supply unit10while preventing the decrease in the remaining capacity of the power supply12. The OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin are examples of an output terminal in the present invention.

The above-described power-path function is used, so that the charging IC55can also output the power for charging the power supply12from the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin to the power supply12, and output the power for not charging the power supply12from the OUT_1pin and the OUT_2pin to the system of the power supply unit10, among power from the external power supply received via the charging terminal43. That is, the charging IC55can also distribute and supply power received from the external power supply to the power supply12and the system of the power supply unit10. Accordingly, it is possible to cause the system of the power supply unit10to function while charging the power supply12with the power received from the external power supply.

An LED circuit C1is provided by branching from the power supply line60D. The LED circuit C1is configured by connecting a resistor R8, an LED70, and a switch SW1in series. Here, the resistor R8is an element that is configured with a resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value. The resistor R8is mainly used to limit a voltage applied to the LED70and/or a current supplied to the LED70. The LED70is a light-emitting portion provided at a position corresponding to the remaining amount check window11winside the power supply unit10, and configured to illuminate an outside of the power supply unit10from an inside of the power supply unit10via the remaining amount check window11w. When the LED70emits light, visibility of a remaining amount of the first cartridge20(specifically, a remaining amount of the aerosol source22stored in the first cartridge20) via the remaining amount check window11wis improved. The switch SW1is, for example, a switch configured with a MOSFET or the like.

One end of the LED circuit C1on a resistor R8side, that is, one end of the resistor R8is connected to a node N21provided in the power supply line60D. The other end of the resistor R8constitutes a connector70aand is connected to a terminal of the LED70on an anode side. One end of the switch SW1constitutes a connector70band is connected to a terminal of the LED70on a cathode side. The other end of the LED circuit C1on a switch SW1side, that is, the other end of the switch SW1is connected to the ground line60N.

The switch SW1is also connected to the MCU50as will be described later, is turned on in response to an on command of the MCU50, and is turned off in response to an off command of the MCU50. The LED circuit C1is in a conductive state when the switch SW1is turned on. Then, the LED70emits light when the LED circuit C1is in a conductive state, and guides the user to a remaining capacity of the first cartridge20in an easy-to-understand manner.

A voltage system for causing the LED70to function (that is, operate) by the standard system voltage (that is, the output voltage of the power supply12or the voltage input via the charging terminal43) is hereinafter also referred to as a direct-coupling system. The direct-coupling system will be described later again with reference toFIG. 5and the like.

As described above, the IN pin of the LDO regulator62is the power supply pin of the LDO regulator62on the positive electrode side, and is connected to the power supply line60D. The GND pin of the LDO regulator62is a ground pin of the LDO regulator62and is connected to the ground line60N. Accordingly, the standard system voltage output from the charging IC55is supplied to the LDO regulator62via the power supply line60D.

The OUT pin of the LDO regulator62is a pin that outputs a low-voltage system voltage generated by the LDO regulator62, and is connected to the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin of the MCU50, the VCC pin of the intake sensor15, the VDD pin and the IXS pin of the display driver65, and the positive electrode side terminal47aconnected to the vibrator47via the power supply line60E. The VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin of the MCU50are power supply pins of the MCU50on a positive electrode side. Further, the VCC pin of the intake sensor15is a power supply pin of the intake sensor15on a positive electrode side. Then, the VDD pin of the display driver65is a power supply pin of the display driver65on a positive electrode side. Accordingly, the LDO regulator62can supply the low-voltage system voltage to the MCU50, the intake sensor15, the display driver65, and the vibrator47.

A voltage system for causing the MCU50, the intake sensor15, the vibrator47, and the like to function (that is, operate) by the low-voltage system voltage obtained by stepping down the standard system voltage (that is, the output voltage of the power supply12or the voltage input via the charging terminal43) is hereinafter also referred to as a step-down system. The step-down system will be described later again with reference toFIG. 5and the like.

The EN pin of the LDO regulator62is a pin for turning on/off an operation (a function) of the LDO regulator62. Specifically, the LDO regulator62operates when a high-level voltage is input to the EN pin, and stops the operation when the high-level voltage is not input to the EN pin.

In the present embodiment, the EN pin of the LDO regulator62is connected to the power supply line60D and also connected to the ground line60N via a capacitor CD8.

Therefore, when the standard system voltage is output from the charging IC55, electric charge is accumulated in the capacitor CD8, the high-level voltage is input to the EN pin of the LDO regulator62, the LDO regulator62operates, and the low-voltage system voltage is output from the LDO regulator62.

That is, in the power supply unit10, the capacitor CD8connected to the EN pin of the LDO regulator62can be charged by power from the charging IC55, and a high-level signal can be input to the EN pin of the LDO regulator62. Accordingly, even when the LDO regulator62and the MCU50are in a stopped state due to power shortage of the power supply12, the LDO regulator62can be reactivated by power from the external power supply, and the MCU50can also be reactivated by power from the LDO regulator62. The EN pin of the LDO regulator62is an example of an activation terminal in the present invention.

As described above, the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin of the MCU50are power supply pins of the MCU50on the positive electrode side, and are connected to the power supply line60E. The VSS pin of the MCU50is a power supply pin of the MCU50on a negative electrode side and is connected to the ground line60N. Accordingly, a low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator62is supplied to the MCU50via the power supply line60E. The VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin may be combined as one pin.

A thermistor circuit C2is provided by branching from the power supply line60E. The thermistor circuit C2is configured by connecting a switch SW2, a resistor R9, and a thermistor TH in series. One end of the thermistor circuit C2on a switch SW2side is connected to a node N31provided in the power supply line60E. Further, the other end of the thermistor circuit C2on a thermistor TH side is connected to the ground line60N.

Here, the switch SW2is a switch configured with, for example, a MOSFET or the like. The switch SW2is connected to the MCU50as will be described later, is turned on in response to the on command of the MCU50, and is turned off in response to the off command of the MCU50. The thermistor circuit C2is in a conductive state when the switch SW2is turned on.

The resistor R9is an element that is configured with a resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value. The thermistor TH includes an element having negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristics or positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristics, that is, an element having a correlation between an electric resistance value and a temperature, and the like. The thermistor TH is disposed in the vicinity of the power supply12in a state where a temperature of the power supply12can be detected.

The PC1pin of the MCU50is connected to a node N32provided between the resistor R9and the thermistor TH in the thermistor circuit C2. When the thermistor circuit C2is in the conductive state (that is, when the switch SW2is turned on), a voltage divided by the resistor R9and the thermistor TH is input to the PC1pin. The MCU50can detect a temperature of the thermistor TH, that is, the temperature of the power supply12, based on a voltage value input to the PC1pin.

The PA8pin of the MCU50is a pin that is connected to the switch SW2and outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW2and an off command to turn off the switch SW2. The MCU50can turn on the switch SW2to put the thermistor circuit C2in the conductive state by outputting the on command from the PA8pin. Further, the MCU50can turn off the switch SW2to put the thermistor circuit C2in a non-conductive state by outputting the off command from the PA8pin. As a specific example, when the switch SW2is a switch configured with a MOSFET, the PA8pin of the MCU50is connected to a gate terminal of the MOSFET. Then, the MCU50can control on/off of the switch SW2by controlling a gate voltage (that is, an output from the PA8pin) applied to the gate terminal.

In the power supply line60E, the switch SW3is provided in front of the positive electrode side terminal47a. Here, the switch SW3is a switch configured with, for example, a MOSFET or the like. The switch SW3is connected to the MCU50, is turned on in response to the on command of the MCU50, and is turned off in response to the off command of the MCU50.

Specifically, the PC6pin of the MCU50is a pin that is connected to the switch SW3and outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW3and an off command to turn off the switch SW3. When the on command is output from the PC6pin, the MCU50can turn on the switch SW3, supply power to the vibrator47by the power supply line60E, and vibrate the vibrator47. Further, when the off command is output from the PC6pin, the MCU50can turn off the switch SW3, and stop the supply of power to the vibrator47by the power supply line60E (that is, the vibration of the vibrator47). As a specific example, when the switch SW3is a switch configured with a MOSFET, the PC6pin of the MCU50is connected to a gate terminal of the MOSFET. Then, the MCU50can control on/off of the switch SW3by controlling a gate voltage (that is, an output from the PC6pin) applied to the gate terminal.

A Zener diode D is connected to the power supply line60E. Here, the Zener diode is a diode that includes two terminals (electrodes) on an anode side and a cathode side, and in which a current rapidly flows from the cathode side to the anode side when a voltage of a terminal on the anode side exceeds a predetermined Zener voltage (also referred to as a breakdown voltage, for example, in a case of the present embodiment, a voltage lower than the variable resistor voltage described above).

Specifically, one end of the Zener diode D on the anode side is connected to the ground line60N, and the other end of the Zener diode D on the cathode side is connected to a node N41provided in the power supply line60E. Here, the node N41is provided between the switch SW3and the positive electrode side terminal47ain the power supply line60E. Accordingly, even when a counter-electromotive force having a voltage higher than the Zener voltage of the Zener diode D is generated from the vibrator47when the vibrator47is turned on/off, as indicated by an arrow of a reference sign C3inFIG. 4, a current due to the counter-electromotive force can flow through a closed circuit formed by the vibrator47and the Zener diode D. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the current due to the counter-electromotive force from flowing to an outside of the closed circuit formed by the vibrator47and the Zener diode D, and to protect the electronic components of the power supply unit10such as the power supply12and the LDO regulator62provided outside the closed circuit.

A capacitor CD9may be connected to the power supply line60E. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD9is connected to a node N42provided in the power supply line60E, and the other end of the capacitor CD9is connected to the ground line60N. Here, the node N42is provided on a positive electrode side terminal47aside with respect to the node N41in the power supply line60E. In this way, the capacitor CD9can be disposed in the closed circuit formed by the vibrator47and the Zener diode D described above, and the capacitor CD9can also protect the electronic components of the power supply unit10such as the power supply12and the LDO regulator62provided outside the closed circuit formed by the vibrator47and the Zener diode D. The capacitor CD9may not be provided in the closed circuit described above, but may be provided in the vicinity of the closed circuit. As a specific example, the capacitor CD9may be provided between the switch SW3and the Zener diode D. Even in this way, the capacitor CD9and the Zener diode D can protect the electronic components of the power supply unit10such as the power supply12and the LDO regulator62.

The PB3pin of the MCU50is a pin that is connected to the EN pin of the first DC/DC converter63and outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU50can turn on/off the operation of the first DC/DC converter63by the voltage signal output from the PB3pin. Specifically, the MCU50can cause the first DC/DC converter63to operate (that is, enable the first DC/DC converter63) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PB3pin. Further, the MCU50can stop the operation of the first DC/DC converter63(that is, disable the first DC/DC converter63) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PB3pin.

The PB4pin of the MCU50is a pin that is connected to the switch SW4described later and provided between the first DC/DC converter63and the discharging terminal41, and that outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW4and an off command to turn off the switch SW4. The MCU50can supply power to the load21as will be described later by outputting the on command from the PB4pin to turn on the switch SW4. Further, the MCU50can stop the supply of power to the load21by outputting the off command from the PB4pin to turn off the switch SW4. As a specific example, when the switch SW4is a switch configured with a MOSFET, the PB4pin of the MCU50is connected to a gate terminal of the MOSFET. Then, the MCU50can control on/off of the switch SW4by controlling a gate voltage (that is, an output from the PB4pin) applied to the gate terminal.

As described above, the PB15pin of the MCU50is a pin that is connected to the CHG pin of the charging IC55and receives input of the charging state information and the remaining capacity information output by the charging IC55.

The PA0pin of the MCU50is a pin that is connected to the switch SW1of the LED circuit C1and outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW1and an off command to turn off the switch SW1. The MCU50can put the LED circuit C1in a conductive state to cause the LED70to emit light (be turned on) by outputting the on command from the PA0pin to turn on the switch SW1. Further, the MCU50can put the LED circuit C1in a non-conductive state to turn off the LED70by outputting the off command from the PA0pin to turn off the switch SW1. As a specific example, when the switch SW1is a switch configured with a MOSFET, the PA0pin of the MCU50is connected to a gate terminal of the MOSFET. Then, the MCU50can control on/off of the switch SW1by controlling a gate voltage (that is, an output from the PA0pin) applied to the gate terminal. Further, the MCU50can switch between the conductive state and the non-conductive state of the LED circuit C1at a high speed to cause the LED70to blink by outputting while switching the on command and the off command from the PA0pin at a high speed.

The PC5pin of the MCU50is a pin that is connected to the OUT pin of the intake sensor15and receives an output of the intake sensor15(that is, a signal indicating a detection result of the intake sensor15).

The PA11pin and the PA12pin of the MCU50are pins used for input and output of a signal for communication between the power supply unit10and the external apparatus. Specifically, as described above, the PA11pin is connected to the A7pin and the B7pin of the charging terminal43via the resistor R2, and is used for input and output of a signal on the Dn side. Further, as described above, the PA12pin is connected to the A6pin and the B6pin of the charging terminal43via the resistor R1, and is used for input and output of a signal on the Dp side.

The PC12pin of the MCU50is a pin that is connected to the EN pin of the second DC/DC converter64and outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU50can turn on/off an operation of the second DC/DC converter64by the voltage signal output from the PC12pin. Specifically, the MCU50can cause the second DC/DC converter64to operate (that is, enable the second DC/DC converter64) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PC12pin. Further, the MCU50can stop the operation of the second DC/DC converter64(that is, disable the second DC/DC converter64) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PC12pin.

The PB8pin and the PB9pin of the MCU50are pins used to output a signal for communication between the MCU50and another IC, and are used for communication between the MCU50and the display driver65in the present embodiment. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the MCU50and the display driver65perform inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication. The PB8pin is used to output a signal of the I2C communication on an SCL side, and the PB9pin is used to output a signal of the I2C communication on an SDA side. The MCU50can control the display driver65by the signals output from the PB8pin and the PB9pin to control a display content of the display16(the OLED panel46).

As described above, the VCC pin of the intake sensor15is the power supply pin of the intake sensor15on the positive electrode side, and is connected to the power supply line60E. The GND pin of the intake sensor15is a ground pin of the intake sensor15and is connected to the ground line60N. Accordingly, the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator62is supplied to the intake sensor15via the power supply line60E.

As described above, the OUT pin of the intake sensor15is a pin that outputs the signal indicating the detection result of the intake sensor15, and is connected to the PC5pin of the MCU50. Accordingly, the intake sensor15can notify the MCU50of the detection result.

As described above, the VIN pin of the first DC/DC converter63is the power supply pin of the first DC/DC converter63on the positive electrode side, and is connected to the power supply line60D. Further, the VIN pin of the first DC/DC converter63is also connected to the SW pin (the switch pin) of the first DC/DC converter63via a coil CL1. The GND pin of the first DC/DC converter63is a ground pin of the first DC/DC converter63, and is connected to the ground line60N.

The VOUT pin of the first DC/DC converter63is a pin that outputs the first high-voltage system voltage generated by the first DC/DC converter63, and is connected to the positive electrode side discharging terminal41aof the discharging terminal41via a power supply line60F. The negative electrode side discharging terminal41bof the discharging terminal41is connected to the ground line60N.

The switch SW4is provided in the power supply line60F. The switch SW4is, for example, a switch configured with a MOSFET or the like, and more specifically, is a power MOSFET having a high switching speed. The switch SW4is connected to the MCU50as described above, is turned on in response to the on command of the MCU50, and is turned off in response to the off command of the MCU50. When the switch SW4is turned on, the power supply line60F is in a conductive state, and the first high-voltage system voltage is supplied to the load21via the power supply line60F.

A voltage system for causing the load21to function (that is, operate) by the first high-voltage system voltage obtained by stepping up the standard system voltage (that is, the output voltage of the power supply12or the voltage input via the charging terminal43) is hereinafter also referred to as a first step-up system. The first step-up system will be described later again with reference toFIG. 5and the like.

A variable resistor VR4is connected to the power supply line60F. Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR4is connected to a node N51provided in the power supply line60F, and the other end of the variable resistor VR4is connected to the ground line60N. Here, the node N51is provided on a positive electrode side discharging terminal41aside with respect to the switch SW4, that is, on an output side of the switch SW4in the power supply line60F. In other words, the variable resistor VR4is connected between the discharging terminal41and the power supply12, more specifically, between the discharging terminal41and the first DC/DC converter63(more specifically, the switch SW4).

Therefore, for example, even when static electricity is generated in the discharging terminal41due to friction between the discharging terminal41and the load21when the first cartridge20is replaced, the static electricity can be released to the ground line60N via the variable resistor VR4to protect the switch SW4, the first DC/DC converter63, the power supply12, and the like. Further, even when the variable resistor VR4fails, the switch SW4and the first DC/DC converter63can serve as a barrier against noise (in this case, the static electricity generated in the discharging terminal41) for another element (for example, the charging IC55) on a power supply12side with respect to the switch SW4and the first DC/DC converter63, and can protect another element.

A capacitor CD10that functions as a decoupling capacitor is connected to the power supply line60F. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD10is connected to a node N52provided in the power supply line60F, and the other end of the capacitor CD10is connected to the ground line60N. Here, the node N52is provided between the node N51and the switch SW4in the power supply line60F. In other words, the capacitor CD10is connected to the output side of the switch SW4. Accordingly, power supply from the switch SW4to the load21can be stabilized, and even when static electricity is generated in the discharging terminal41, the variable resistor VR4can protect the capacitor CD10from the static electricity.

A capacitor CD11that functions as a decoupling capacitor may be connected to the power supply line60F. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD11is connected to a node N53provided in the power supply line60F, and the other end of the capacitor CD11is connected to the ground line60N. Here, the node N53is provided between the switch SW4and the first DC/DC converter63in the power supply line60F. In other words, the capacitor CD11is connected to an output side of the first DC/DC converter63. Accordingly, power supply from the first DC/DC converter63to the switch SW4(for example, the power MOSFET) can be stabilized. As a result, power supply to the load21can be stabilized.

As described above, the EN pin of the first DC/DC converter63is a pin for setting the operation of the first DC/DC converter63on/off and is connected to the PB3pin of the MCU50.

The MODE pin of the first DC/DC converter63is a pin for setting an operation mode of the first DC/DC converter63. The first DC/DC converter63is, for example, a switching regulator, and can have a pulse width modulation mode (hereinafter, also referred to as a PWM mode) and a pulse frequency modulation mode (hereinafter, also referred to as a PFM mode) as operation modes. In the present embodiment, when the first DC/DC converter63can operate, the MODE pin is connected to the power supply line60D, so that a high-level voltage is input to the MODE pin, and the first DC/DC converter63is set to operate in the PWM mode.

As described above, the VIN pin of the second DC/DC converter64is the power supply pin of the second DC/DC converter64on the positive electrode side, and is connected to the power supply line60D. Further, the VIN pin of the second DC/DC converter64is also connected to the SW pin (the switch pin) of the second DC/DC converter64via a coil CL2. The GND pin of the second DC/DC converter64is a ground pin of the second DC/DC converter64and is connected to the ground line60N.

The VOUT pin of the second DC/DC converter64is a pin that outputs the second high-voltage system voltage generated by the second DC/DC converter64, and is connected to the VCC_C pin of the display driver65via a power supply line60G. Accordingly, the second DC/DC converter64can supply the second high-voltage system voltage to the display driver65.

A variable resistor VR5is connected to the power supply line60G. Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR5is connected to a node N61provided in the power supply line60G, and the other end of the variable resistor VR5is connected to the ground line60N. In other words, the variable resistor VR5is connected between a connector portion connected to the VCC_C pin of the display driver65and the second DC/DC converter64in the power supply line60G.

Therefore, even when static electricity is generated in the display16by contact of the display16exposed to an outside of the aerosol inhaler1with any object (for example, a hand of the user) and the static electricity flows back to a second DC/DC converter64side via the OLED panel46and the display driver65, the static electricity can be released to the ground line60N via the variable resistor VR5, and the second DC/DC converter64and the like can be protected from the static electricity. Further, even when the variable resistor VR5fails, the second DC/DC converter64can serve as a barrier against noise (in this case, the static electricity generated in the display16) for another element (for example, the LDO regulator62) on the power supply12side with respect to the variable resistor VR5, and can protect another element. That is, in the power supply line60G, by providing the node N62on a second DC/DC converter side with respect to the node N61, it is possible to achieve both protection of the display driver65from overvoltage and a stable operation of the display driver65.

From the same viewpoint, a variable resistor VR6is also connected to the power supply line60E. Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR6is connected to a node N43provided in the power supply line60E, and the other end of the variable resistor VR6is connected to the ground line60N. Here, the node N43is provided between the LDO regulator62and the switch SW3in the power supply line60E. Therefore, even when static electricity is generated in the display16by contact of the display16exposed to the outside of the aerosol inhaler1with any object and the static electricity flows back to an LDO regulator62side via the OLED panel46and the display driver65, the static electricity can be released to the ground line60N via the variable resistor VR6, and the LDO regulator62can be protected from the static electricity.

A capacitor CD12that functions as a decoupling capacitor is connected to the power supply line60G. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD12is connected to a node N62provided in the power supply line60G, and the other end of the capacitor CD12is connected to the ground line60N. Here, the node N62is provided on the second DC/DC converter64side with respect to the node N61in the power supply line60G. Accordingly, a stable second high-voltage system voltage can be supplied to the display driver65, and even when static electricity is generated in the display16, the variable resistor VR5can protect the capacitor CD12from the static electricity.

The EN pin of the second DC/DC converter64is a pin for setting the operation of the second DC/DC converter64on/off and is connected to the PC12pin of the MCU50as described above.

As described above, the VDD pin of the display driver65is the power supply pin of the display driver65on the positive electrode side and is connected to the power supply line60E. Further, the VSS pin of the display driver65is a power supply pin of the display driver65on a negative electrode side and is connected to the ground line60N. Accordingly, the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator62is supplied to the display driver65via the power supply line60E. The low-voltage system voltage supplied to the display driver65is used as a power supply for operating the display driver65.

The VCC_C pin of the display driver65is a pin that receives the second high-voltage system voltage, and is connected to the VOUT pin of the second DC/DC converter64via the power supply line60G as described above. When receiving the second high-voltage system voltage by the VCC_C pin, the display driver65supplies the received second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel46via a power supply line60H. Accordingly, the display driver65can cause the OLED panel46to operate. The display driver65and the OLED panel46may also be connected by another line (not shown).

A voltage system for causing the OLED panel46to function (that is, operate) by the second high-voltage system voltage obtained by stepping up the standard system voltage (that is, the output voltage of the power supply12or the voltage input via the charging terminal43) is hereinafter also referred to as a second step-up system. The second step-up system will be described later again with reference toFIG. 5and the like.

The SCL pin of the display driver65is a pin that receives a signal on an SCL side in I2C communication between the MCU50and the display driver65, and is connected to the PB8pin of the MCU50as described above. Further, the SDA pin of the display driver65is a pin that receives a signal on an SDA side in the I2C communication between the MCU50and the display driver65, and is connected to the PB9pin of the MCU50as described above.

The IXS pin of the display driver65is a pin for setting which of the I2C communication and serial peripheral interface (SPI) communication is used to perform communication between the display driver65and another IC (the MCU50in the present embodiment). In the present embodiment, by connecting the IXS pin to the power supply line60E, a high-level voltage is input to the IXS pin, and the communication between the display driver65and the MCU50is set to be performed by the I2C communication. The communication between the display driver65and the MCU50may be set to be performed by the SPI communication by inputting a low-level voltage to the IXS pin.

(Systems of Power Supply Unit10)

Here, the systems of the power supply unit10described above are summarized with reference toFIG. 5. InFIG. 5, illustration of the protection IC61and the like is omitted. As shown inFIG. 5, the power supply unit10includes a first step-up system Gr1, a second step-up system Gr2, a direct-coupling system Gr3, and a step-down system Gr4. The first step-up system Gr1, the second step-up system Gr2, the direct-coupling system Gr3, and the step-down system Gr4are provided in parallel with the charging IC55. Further, the power supply12and the charging terminal43are also provided in parallel with the charging IC55. In other words, the first step-up system Gr1, the second step-up system Gr2, the direct-coupling system Gr3, and the step-down system Gr4are provided in parallel with the power supply12and the charging terminal43via the charging IC55.

The first step-up system Gr1includes the first DC/DC converter63that steps up the standard system voltage to the first high-voltage system voltage, the switch SW4that is a power MOSFET that supplies the first high-voltage system voltage generated by the first DC/DC converter63to the load21, and the load21that is a load that functions (that is, operates) when the first high-voltage system voltage is supplied. In the first step-up system Gr1, a load operated by the first high-voltage system voltage is only the load21. That is, in the first step-up system Gr1, the number of loads operated by the first high-voltage system voltage is set to 1. It should be noted that, since the switch SW4functions by the on command and the off command output from the PB4pin of the MCU50as described above, the switch SW4is not included in the load that functions (that is, operates) when the first high-voltage system voltage is supplied.

Accordingly, in the first step-up system Gr1in which power consumption is relatively large due to step-up, by setting one load, it is possible to reduce an opportunity to cause the first step-up system Gr1to function, a time during which the first step-up system Gr1continuously functions, and power consumed by the first step-up system Gr1per unit time, as compared with a case where a plurality of loads are provided. Accordingly, the power consumption of the first step-up system Gr1can be suppressed. Therefore, efficiency of power consumption of the aerosol inhaler1can be improved, and for example, an amount of an aerosol generated per power for one charging of the power supply12and a flavor of the aerosol inhaler1can be improved.

The second step-up system Gr2includes the second DC/DC converter64that steps up the standard system voltage to the second high-voltage system voltage, the display driver65that supplies the second high-voltage system voltage generated by the second DC/DC converter64to the OLED panel46, and the OLED panel46that is a load that functions (that is, operates) when the second high-voltage system voltage is supplied. As described above, the VDD pin, which is the power supply pin of the display driver65on the positive electrode side, is connected to the OUT pin of the LDO regulator62via the node N43. Therefore, in the second step-up system Gr2, a load operated by the second high-voltage system voltage is only the OLED panel46. That is, in the second step-up system Gr2, the number of loads operated by the second high-voltage system voltage is set to 1.

Accordingly, compared with a case where a plurality of loads are provided in the second step-up system Gr2, it is possible to reduce an opportunity to cause the second step-up system Gr2to function, a time during which the second step-up system Gr2continuously functions, and power consumed by the second step-up system Gr2per unit time. Accordingly, the power consumption of the second step-up system Gr2can be suppressed. Therefore, the efficiency of the power consumption of the aerosol inhaler1can be improved, and for example, the amount of the aerosol generated per power for one charging of the power supply12and the flavor of the aerosol inhaler1can be improved.

A configuration is adopted in which one step-up DC/DC converter is provided for one load that requires step-up, such as providing the first DC/DC converter63for the load21and providing the second DC/DC converter64for the OLED panel46, so that it is possible to use an appropriate DC/DC converter for each load, to reduce a loss during step-up of each DC/DC converter, and to improve the efficiency of the power consumption of the aerosol inhaler1.

The direct-coupling system Gr3includes the LED70that is a load that functions (that is, operates) when the standard system voltage is supplied. Further, in the direct-coupling system Gr3, the switch SW1is provided in front of the LED70, that is, between the charging IC55and the LED70.

Although details will be described later, the LED70is a load that functions more frequently than other loads of the aerosol inhaler1such as the load21, the OLED panel46, and the vibrator47. Accordingly, by providing the load that functions more frequently than other loads in the direct-coupling system Gr3in which there is no loss due to voltage conversion, it is possible to suppress power consumption when the load functions, and to improve the efficiency of the power consumption of the aerosol inhaler1.

The LED70is a load that consumes less power when functioning than other loads of the aerosol inhaler1, such as the load21, the OLED panel46, and the vibrator47. Accordingly, by setting the load that functions more frequently than other loads as a load having low power consumption, it is possible to suppress power consumption due to functioning of the load and to improve the efficiency of the power consumption of the aerosol inhaler1.

The step-down system Gr4includes the LDO regulator62that steps down the standard system voltage to the low-voltage system voltage, the MCU50, the vibrator47, and the intake sensor15that are loads that function when the low-voltage system voltage is supplied. In the step-down system Gr4, the MCU50, the vibrator47, and the intake sensor15are provided in parallel with the LDO regulator62. Further, in the step-down system Gr4, the switch SW3is provided between the LDO regulator62and the vibrator47.

In the step-down system Gr4, loads operated by the low-voltage system voltage are the MCU50, the vibrator47, and the intake sensor15. That is, in the step-down system Gr4, the number of loads operated by the low-voltage system voltage is larger than the number of loads in the first step-up system Gr1, the second step-up system Gr2, and the direct-coupling system Gr3.

Accordingly, in the step-down system Gr4in which power consumption is relatively reduced by step-down, by providing a plurality of loads, it is possible to achieve high functionality of the aerosol inhaler1while suppressing the power consumption of the aerosol inhaler1. Further, by suppressing the power consumption of the aerosol inhaler1, it is possible to improve the amount of the aerosol generated per power for one charging of the power supply12and the flavor of the aerosol inhaler1.

Next, a configuration of the MCU50will be described with reference toFIG. 6. As shown inFIG. 6, the MCU50includes an aerosol generation request detection unit51, a temperature detection unit52, a power control unit53, and a notification control unit54as functional blocks implemented by the processor executing a program stored in a ROM (not shown).

The aerosol generation request detection unit51detects an aerosol generation request based on an output result of the intake sensor15. The intake sensor15is configured to output a value of a change in a pressure (an internal pressure) in the power supply unit10caused by suction of the user through the suction port32. The intake sensor15is, for example, a pressure sensor that outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to an internal pressure that changes according to a flow rate of air sucked from an intake port (not shown) toward the suction port32(that is, a puff operation of the user). The intake sensor15may be configured with a condenser microphone or the like. The intake sensor15may output an analog value or may output a digital value converted from the analog value. Further, the intake sensor15may transmit an output to the aerosol generation request detection unit51by using the I2C communication, the SPI communication, or the like described above.

The temperature detection unit52detects a temperature of the power supply12based on an input from the thermistor circuit C2. Specifically, the temperature detection unit52applies a voltage to the thermistor circuit C2by turning on the switch SW2, and detects a temperature of the thermistor TH, that is, the temperature of the power supply12based on a voltage value input from the thermistor circuit C2to the MCU50(for example, the PCI pin) at that time. Further, for example, an electric resistance value of the load21may be configured to be detectable, and the temperature detection unit52may detect a temperature of the load21.

The power control unit53controls a supply of power to the electronic components of the aerosol inhaler1. For example, when the aerosol generation request detection unit51detects the aerosol generation request, the power control unit53causes the first DC/DC converter63to operate and controls switching of the switch SW4to supply the first high-voltage system voltage to the load21via the positive electrode side discharging terminal41a. Accordingly, the MCU50can supply power of the first high-voltage system voltage to the load21, cause the load21to be heated (to function), and cause an aerosol to be generated. Then, in this way, power from the charging IC55(that is, power of the standard system voltage) is stepped up to the first high-voltage system voltage by the first DC/DC converter63and supplied to the load21, so that an amount of an aerosol generated by the load21and a flavor can be improved as compared with a case where the power from the charging IC55is supplied to the load21without being stepped up.

The power control unit53supplies the standard system voltage to the vibrator47via the positive electrode side terminal47aby turning on the switch SW3at a predetermined timing. Accordingly, the MCU50can supply the power of the standard system voltage to the vibrator47to cause the vibrator47to vibrate (function).

The power control unit53supplies the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel46via the display driver65by causing the second DC/DC converter64to operate at a predetermined timing. Accordingly, the MCU50can supply power of the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel46to cause the OLED panel46to operate (function).

When the aerosol generation request detection unit51detects the aerosol generation request, the power control unit53further turns on the switch SW1to put the LED circuit C1in a conductive state, and causes the LED70to emit light (function). In this case, a voltage obtained by lowering the standard system voltage from the charging IC55by the resistor R8is supplied to the connector70a. That is, by turning on the switch SW1, the power control unit53can supply power of the voltage obtained by lowering the standard system voltage by the resistor R8to the LED70via the connector70a.

As described above, when the power supply12is in the over-discharged state, the MCU50cannot operate only with the power of the power supply12and is in the stopped state. The MCU50, which is in the stopped state as described above, is reactivated when power is subsequently supplied from the external power supply via the charging terminal43. Then, the reactivated MCU50performs predetermined power supply control to recover the system of the power supply unit10by a function of the power control unit53or the like. A specific example of the power supply control will be described later with reference toFIGS. 7 to 12and the like.

The notification control unit54controls the notification unit45to notify various pieces of information. For example, the notification control unit54controls the notification unit45to notify a replacement timing of the second cartridge30in response to detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge30. The notification control unit54detects and notifies the replacement timing of the second cartridge30based on a cumulative number of times of the puff operation or a cumulative energization time to the load21stored in the memory19. The notification control unit54may notify not only the replacement timing of the second cartridge30, but also a replacement timing of the first cartridge20, a replacement timing of the power supply12, a charging timing of the power supply12, and the like.

In a state where one unused second cartridge30is set, when the puff operation is performed a predetermined number of times, or when the cumulative energization time to the load21by the puff operation reaches a predetermined value (for example, 120 seconds), the notification control unit54may determine that the second cartridge30has been used (that is, the remaining amount is zero or empty), and may notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge30.

When it is determined that all of the second cartridges30included in the one set have been used, the notification control unit54may determine that one first cartridge20included in the one set has been used (that is, the remaining amount is zero or empty), and may notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge20. In addition to or instead of these, the notification control unit54may also notify a remaining amount of the first cartridge20, a remaining amount of the second cartridge30, a remaining capacity of the power supply12, and the like.

(Specific Example of Power Supply Control)

Next, a specific example of the above-described power supply control will be described with reference toFIGS. 7 to 12. InFIGS. 7 to 12, a portion to which power is supplied is indicated by a solid line, and a portion to which power is not supplied is indicated by a dotted line or hatched. InFIGS. 7 to 12, illustration of the protection IC61, the switch SW1, the vibrator47, the intake sensor15, and the like is omitted.

When the power supply12is in the over-discharged state, a switch121electrically connected to the power supply12is turned off as shown inFIG. 7in order to prevent deterioration of the power supply12. Accordingly, the power supply12is electrically disconnected from the system of the power supply unit10. Here, the switch121is, for example, a switch configured with a battery pack that implements the power supply12, a MOSFET built in the charging IC55, or the like. When the power supply12is electrically disconnected from the system of the power supply unit10, an output of the power supply12is not input to the VBAT pin of the protection IC61and the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin of the charging IC55. As a result, the protection IC61and the charging IC55cannot recognize the power supply12.

Then, when a plug connected to the external power supply is inserted into the charging terminal43, as shown inFIG. 8, power received by the charging terminal43from the external power supply is supplied to the charging IC55. Accordingly, the charging IC55is activated. When the power supply12is electrically disconnected from the system of the power supply unit10, as described above, since the output of the power supply12is not input to the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin of the charging IC55, the charging IC55cannot recognize the power supply12. Further, at this time point, since the MCU50is not activated, a potential of the CE pin of the charging IC55becomes indefinite. Therefore, the activated charging IC55does not charge the power supply12at this time point.

As shown inFIG. 9, the activated charging IC55supplies power received from the external power supply to the LDO regulator62by using the power-path function. Accordingly, electric charge is accumulated in the capacitor CD8, and the LDO regulator62is activated.

As shown inFIG. 9, at this time point, power is not supplied to the MCU50, and the MCU50is not activated. When the MCU50is not activated in this way, the charging IC55does not supply power to the power supply12. Accordingly, when the MCU50is not activated, that is, when the MCU50cannot control the charging IC55, power supply to the power supply12(that is, charging the power supply12) can be prevented, and inappropriate charging that leads to deterioration of the power supply12can be prevented. Therefore, the deterioration of the power supply12due to the inappropriate charging can be prevented, and the power supply12in the over-discharged state can be safely recovered.

The charging IC55does not supply power to the load21when the MCU50is not activated. Specifically, at the time point shown inFIG. 9, an input to the EN pin of the first DC/DC converter63is indefinite. Therefore, since the first DC/DC converter63, that is, the first step-up system Gr1does not function, power is not supplied to the load21. Accordingly, when the MCU50is not activated, that is, when the MCU50cannot control the charging IC55, the power supply to the load21can be prevented, and inappropriate heating or the like by the load21can be prevented.

Then, as shown inFIG. 10, the LDO regulator62activated by power from the charging IC55supplies power of the low-voltage system voltage to the MCU50. Accordingly, the MCU50in the stopped state is activated (reactivated). Then, the reactivated MCU50controls the charging IC55to start charging the power supply12as indicated by an arrow of a reference sign (A) inFIG. 10. Specifically, the MCU50outputs a low-level voltage signal to the CE pin of the charging IC55. Accordingly, the power supply12is charged with power received from the external power supply. The switch121is turned on (in a conductive state) when a power supply from the charging IC55to the power supply12is started.

At this time, the charging IC55gradually charges the power supply12. For example, the MCU50intermittently switches a signal output to the CE pin of the charging IC55between a low level and a high level. Accordingly, the power supply12can be gradually charged, and the power supply12can be charged while preventing a burden on the power supply12(that is, deterioration of the power supply12). As another example, when the output voltage of the power supply12, which is input to the BAT_1pin and the BAT_2pin via the switch121turned on as the power supply to the power supply12is started, indicates that the power supply12is in the over-discharged state, the charging IC55may periodically switch on/off the switch121to gradually charge the power supply12.

Thereafter, the MCU50outputs a high-level voltage signal to the EN pin of the second DC/DC converter64as indicated by an arrow of a reference sign (B) inFIG. 11. Accordingly, the second DC/DC converter64, that is, the second step-up system Gr2functions, and power can be supplied to the OLED panel46. Further, the MCU50can also cause the LED70(that is, the direct-coupling system Gr3) to function as indicated by an arrow of a reference sign (C) inFIG. 11. In order to cause the LED70to function, the switch SW1provided in the LED circuit C1may be turned on.

It is preferable that the MCU50does not supply power to the load21while charging the power supply12. That is, the load21generates heat when power is supplied. Therefore, if power is supplied to the load21while charging the power supply12, a temperature of the power supply12also increases due to an influence of heat from the load21, and the high-temperature power supply12may be charged (that is, may lead to deterioration of the power supply12).

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the power supply12by not supplying power to the load21while charging the power supply12. In order not to supply power to the load21, the MCU50may output a low-level voltage signal to the EN pin of the first DC/DC converter63.

Then, when the charging of the power supply12is finished (for example, when the plug is removed from the charging terminal43), the MCU50can output a high-level voltage signal to the EN pin of the first DC/DC converter63as indicated by an arrow of a reference sign (D) inFIG. 12. Accordingly, the first DC/DC converter63, that is, the first step-up system Gr1functions, and power can be supplied to the load21.

It is preferable that the MCU50does not supply power to the load21until the over-discharged state of the power supply12is resolved. That is, if the over-discharged state of the power supply12is not resolved, the MCU50is in a stopped state at a moment when the plug is removed from the charging terminal43. Therefore, even when the over-discharged state of the power supply12is not resolved, if power is supplied to the load21, the power supply to the load21cannot be controlled at the moment when the plug is removed from the charging terminal43, inappropriate heating or the like by the load21may be performed, and an aerosol having an unintended flavor may be generated. Therefore, by not supplying power to the load21until the over-discharged state of the power supply12is resolved, it is possible to prevent the inappropriate heating or the like by the load21and the generation of the aerosol having the unintended flavor.

When the first step-up system Gr1and the second step-up system Gr2function at the same time, that is, when a power supply to the load21and a power supply to the OLED panel46are performed at the same time, discharging from the power supply12can have a large current. When the large current is discharged from the power supply12in this way, the burden on the power supply12becomes large, which may lead to the deterioration of the power supply12. Therefore, in order to prevent the discharging of the large current from the power supply12, the MCU50may not cause the first step-up system Gr1and the second step-up system Gr2to function at the same time. Accordingly, the deterioration of the power supply12due to the discharging of the large current from the power supply12can be prevented.

(Arrangement Example of Charging IC55)

When power is also supplied to the LDO regulator62or the like by using the power-path function while charging the power supply12, it is conceivable that a burden on the charging IC55increases and the charging IC55generates heat while charging the power supply12. Therefore, if the charging IC55is disposed close to the power supply12, the power supply12may be heated by heat of the charging IC55while charging the power supply12, and the high-temperature power supply12may be charged (that is, may lead to the deterioration of the power supply12).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the charging IC55is provided on the second surface in the circuit board60including the first surface that faces the power supply12and the second surface positioned on the back side of the first surface. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the power supply12from being heated by the heat of the charging IC55while charging the power supply12. That is, an influence of the heat of the charging IC55on the temperature of the power supply12can be reduced. Hereinafter, a specific example of the circuit board60on which a plurality of elements are mounted will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 13 to 16. It should be noted thatFIGS. 13 to 16only disclose main parts of a circuit configuration of the circuit board60.

As shown inFIG. 2, the circuit board60includes a first surface71and a second surface72positioned on a back side of the first surface71. The first surface71and the second surface72are surfaces substantially perpendicular to the left-right direction. Then, the first surface71constitutes a right surface of the circuit board60, and the second surface72constitutes a left surface of the circuit board60. Then, the second surface72faces the power supply12, and/or the second surface72is disposed closer to the power supply12than the first surface71. In the present embodiment, the second surface72faces the power supply12.

A plurality of elements are mounted on the first surface71that constitutes the right surface of the circuit board60and the second surface72that constitutes the left surface of the circuit board60.

As shown inFIGS. 7 to 10, the circuit board60further includes a ground layer73and a power supply layer74, and the ground layer73and the power supply layer74are provided between the first surface71and the second surface72. That is, in the present embodiment, the circuit board60is a four-layer multilayer board in which the first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72are stacked. In the present embodiment, the circuit board60is configured by stacking the first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72in this order from a right side. Instead of the present embodiment, the circuit board60may be a multilayer board having five or more layers by having at least one of the first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72having multiple layers. Further, the first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72may be divided into two or more groups, and may be stacked only in the same group. It should be noted that, in this case, the circuit board60is physically divided into two or more, but an order in which the first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72are arranged in the left-right direction is not changed.

The circuit board60has a substantially L shape as a whole when viewed from the left-right direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface71and the second surface72on which the plurality of elements are mounted. Specifically, when viewed from the left-right direction, the circuit board60includes a coupling portion600having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first portion601that extends forward from a front end surface of the coupling portion600, and a second portion602that extends upward from an upper end surface of the coupling portion600. The first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72have substantially the same shape, and are substantially L-shaped when viewed from the left-right direction. Specifically, when viewed from the left-right direction, the first surface71includes a coupling portion710having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first portion711that extends forward from a front end portion of the coupling portion710, and a second portion712that extends upward from an upper end surface of the coupling portion710. When viewed from the left-right direction, the second surface72includes a coupling portion720having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first portion721that extends forward from a front end portion of the coupling portion720, and a second portion722that extends upward from an upper end surface of the coupling portion720. When viewed from the left-right direction, the ground layer73includes a coupling portion730having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first portion731that extends forward from a front end portion of the coupling portion730, and a second portion732that extends upward from an upper end surface of the coupling portion730. When viewed from the left-right direction, the power supply layer74includes a coupling portion740having a substantially quadrangular shape, a first portion741that extends forward from a front end portion of the coupling portion740, and a second portion742that extends upward from an upper end surface of the coupling portion740. The coupling portion600of the circuit board60is formed by the coupling portions710,730,740, and720respectively of the first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72. The first portion601of the circuit board60is formed by the first portions711,731,741, and721respectively of the first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72. The second portion602is formed by the second portions712,732,742, and722respectively of the first surface71, the ground layer73, the power supply layer74, and the second surface72.

As shown inFIG. 13, the elements such as the display driver65, the second DC/DC converter64, the MCU50, the charging IC55, the LDO regulator62, the protection IC61, the first DC/DC converter63, and a power supply connector81are mounted on the first surface71of the circuit board60. Further, an intake sensor connection portion82, a switch connection portion83, and a vibrator connection portion84are formed on the first surface71of the circuit board60.

The display driver65is mounted above a center of the second portion712in the upper-lower direction. The OLED panel46is disposed above the circuit board60, and the display driver65and the OLED panel46are connected by the power supply line60H.

The second DC/DC converter64is mounted slightly above the center of the second portion712in the upper-lower direction and in front of and below the display driver65.

The MCU50is mounted at a position that straddles a lower end portion of the second portion712and an upper end portion of the coupling portion710.

The charging IC55is mounted on a rear end portion of the first portion711.

Accordingly, the charging IC55is mounted on the first surface71positioned on the back side of the second surface72that faces the power supply12and/or is disposed close to the power supply12. Accordingly, the power supply12can be prevented from being heated by heat generated by the charging IC55during charging of the power supply12.

The LDO regulator62is mounted between the MCU50and the charging IC55in the front-rear direction at a substantially central portion of the coupling portion710in the upper-lower direction.

Accordingly, the LDO regulator62is mounted on the first surface71positioned on the back side of the second surface72that faces the power supply12and/or is disposed close to the power supply12. Accordingly, the power supply12can be prevented from being heated by heat generated by the LDO regulator62during the charging of the power supply12.

The protection IC61is mounted at a position that is below the charging IC55and the LDO regulator62and straddles the coupling portion710and the first portion711.

The first DC/DC converter63is mounted on a front upper end portion of the first portion711.

Accordingly, the first DC/DC converter63is mounted on the first surface71positioned on the back side of the second surface72that faces the power supply12and/or is disposed close to the power supply12. Therefore, the power supply12can be prevented from being heated by heat generated when the first DC/DC converter63functions.

The power supply connector81is a connector for electrically connecting the circuit board60to the power supply12, and is mounted below the first DC/DC converter63and on a lower end portion of the first portion711. A power line connected to the power supply12is connected to the power supply connector81.

The intake sensor connection portion82is formed at a substantially central portion in the upper-lower direction of a front end portion of the second portion712. A power line connected to the intake sensor15is soldered to the intake sensor connection portion82.

The switch connection portion83is formed at a substantially central portion in the upper-lower direction of a rear end portion of the second portion712. A power line connected to the operation unit18is soldered to the switch connection portion83.

The vibrator connection portion84is formed at a rear lower end portion of the coupling portion710. A power line connected to the positive electrode side terminal47aand the negative electrode side terminal47bof the vibrator47is soldered to the vibrator connection portion84.

Therefore, the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64are mounted on the circuit board60such that the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64are separated from each other. More specifically, the first DC/DC converter63is mounted on the first portion601of the circuit board60, and the second DC/DC converter64is mounted on the second portion602of the circuit board60. Further, the first DC/DC converter63is mounted on the first portion601of the circuit board60, the second DC/DC converter64is mounted on the second portion602of the circuit board60, and the MCU50is mounted at the position that straddles the lower end portion of the second portion712and the upper end portion of the coupling portion710of the circuit board60. Accordingly, a distance between the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64is longer than a distance between the first DC/DC converter63and the MCU50and longer than a distance between the second DC/DC converter64and the MCU50. The term “distance” here refers to a shortest distance by which two objects are connected with a straight line (that is, a straight-line distance). The same applies to the following description.

Accordingly, since the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64are mounted on the circuit board60such that the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64are separated from each other, the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64can reduce an influence of heat or switching noise generated by one of the DC/DC converters on the other DC/DC converter.

Since both the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64are mounted on the first surface71of the circuit board60, the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64are arranged on the same surface. The second surface72on which the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64are not mounted can be less likely to be influenced by the heat or the switching noise generated by the DC/DC converter.

As shown inFIG. 16, the LED70, the discharging terminal41, a power module85, the charging terminal43, and the thermistor TH are mounted on the second surface72of the circuit board60.

The LED70is mounted on a substantially central portion in the upper-lower direction of a rear end portion of the second portion722.

The discharging terminal41is mounted so as to protrude upward from an upper end portion of the first portion721. The discharging terminal41is a pin or the like with a built-in spring, is connected to the load21of the first cartridge20, and power of the power supply12is supplied from the discharging terminal41to the load21.

The power module85is mounted on the first portion721below the discharging terminal41. The power module85includes the switch SW4, the capacitor CD10, and the variable resistor VR4. Further, although the power module85includes the switch SW4, the power module85may include no capacitor CD10and no variable resistor VR4. In this case, the capacitor CD10and the variable resistor VR4may be provided between the discharging terminal41and the power module85.

The charging terminal43is mounted so as to protrude downward from a lower end portion of the second surface72at a position that straddles the coupling portion720and the first portion721in the front-rear direction.

Further, when viewed from the left-right direction, on the first surface71positioned on the back side of the second surface72, at least a part of the protection IC61is mounted on a region overlapping the charging terminal43mounted on the second surface72(seeFIG. 13).

Accordingly, the elements can be mounted on the circuit board60at a high density, and the circuit board60can be further miniaturized.

The thermistor TH is mounted on a region on a rear side and a lower side of the coupling portion720. Therefore, the thermistor TH is mounted on a rear lower end portion of the entire second surface72.

Since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface72that faces the power supply12and/or is disposed closer to the power supply12than the first surface71, the thermistor TH can be disposed so as to face the power supply12and/or disposed close to the power supply12. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

The thermistor TH and the resistor R9form the thermistor circuit C2on the second surface72. The resistor R9is mounted on the second surface72in front of the thermistor TH. The thermistor TH is disposed away from the resistor R9, and at least one of the plurality of elements is mounted at a position where a straight-line distance starting from the resistor R9is shorter than a straight-line distance between the resistor R9and the thermistor TH. In the present embodiment, the switch SW2is mounted at the position where the straight-line distance starting from the resistor R9is shorter than the straight-line distance between the resistor R9and the thermistor TH.

Accordingly, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface72away from the resistor R9, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by the resistor R9. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

Since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface72different from the first surface71on which the MCU50is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by the MCU50. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

Since the first DC/DC converter63is mounted on the first surface71different from the second surface72on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by the first DC/DC converter63. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

Since the LDO regulator62is mounted on the first surface71different from the second surface72on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by the LDO regulator62. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

Since the charging IC55is mounted on the first surface71different from the second surface72on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by the charging IC55. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

Both the first DC/DC converter63and the discharging terminal41connected to the load21that functions by consuming power output by the first DC/DC converter63are mounted on the first portion601of the circuit board60. Both the second DC/DC converter64and the display driver65connected to the OLED panel46that functions by consuming power output by the second DC/DC converter64are mounted on the second portion602of the circuit board60.

The discharging terminal41is not necessarily mounted on the first portion601of the circuit board60. For example, the discharging terminal41may be mounted on a portion of the circuit board60other than the first portion601and connected to an element mounted on the first portion601. Further, the display driver65is not necessarily mounted on the second portion602of the circuit board60. For example, the display driver65may be mounted on a portion of the circuit board60other than the second portion602, and connected to an element mounted on the second portion602.

Accordingly, since the discharging terminal41is mounted on or connected to the first portion601of the circuit board60and the display driver65is mounted on or connected to the second portion602of the circuit board60, the discharging terminal41can be disposed close to the first DC/DC converter63and the display driver65can be disposed close to the second DC/DC converter64. Therefore, it is possible to shorten a path for supplying power stepped up by the first DC/DC converter63to the load21, and it is possible to shorten a path for supplying power stepped up by the second DC/DC converter64to the OLED panel46. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a loss of the power stepped up by the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64. Then, it is possible to prevent an influence of the loss of the power stepped up by the first DC/DC converter63and the second DC/DC converter64on other elements, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in an amount of an aerosol that can be generated by one charging.

The first DC/DC converter63is mounted on the first surface71, and the power module85is mounted on the second surface72. Accordingly, since the first DC/DC converter63and the power module85are mounted on different surfaces of the circuit board60, it is possible to prevent concentration of the heat generated by the first DC/DC converter63and heat generated by the power module85during power supply to the load21.

Since the power module85and the discharging terminal41are both mounted on the first portion721of the second surface72, the power module85and the discharging terminal41are mounted close to each other. Accordingly, a length of a portion of the power supply line60F that electrically connects the power module85and the discharging terminal41can be shortened, and a power loss between the power module85and the discharging terminal41can be reduced. Further, a pulsed current flows through the portion of the power supply line60F that electrically connects the power module85and the discharging terminal41. Therefore, by shortening the length of the portion of the power supply line60F that electrically connects the power module85and the discharging terminal41, it is possible to prevent an influence of the pulsed current on other elements.

No element is mounted in a region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface72on the first surface71positioned on the back side of the second surface72when viewed from the left-right direction.

Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by the elements mounted on the first surface71positioned on the back side of the second surface72. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

The second surface72includes high-density regions72A where a large number of elements are mounted and a mounting density of the mounted elements is high, and low-density regions72B where a mounting density of mounted elements is lower than those of the high-density regions72A. In the present embodiment, the first portion721, a region on an upper side of the coupling portion720, and a region in the vicinity of a center in the upper-lower direction of the coupling portion720between the coupling portion720and the first portion721are the high-density regions72A. In the present embodiment, the thermistor TH is mounted in the region on the rear side and the lower side of the coupling portion720that is one of the low-density regions72B where the mounting density of the mounted elements is lower than those of the high-density regions72A. In the present embodiment, in addition to the region on the rear side and the lower side of the coupling portion720, a region on a lower side of the second portion722, and a region on the rear side and an upper side of the second portion722are the low-density regions72B.

Therefore, since the thermistor TH is mounted in the region where the mounting density of the mounted elements is low, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by other elements mounted on the circuit board60. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

As shown inFIG. 14, the ground line60N is formed on the ground layer73of the circuit board60. In the present embodiment, the ground line60N is a conductive thin film formed on the ground layer73of the circuit board60, and has a reference potential of the circuit board60.

The ground line60N is not formed in a region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface72when viewed from the left-right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by the ground line60N. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

The ground line60N is not formed in a region of a rear lower end of the ground layer73including the region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface72when viewed from the left-right direction. In other words, the ground line60N has a shape obtained by cutting out the region of the rear lower end of the ground layer73when viewed from the left-right direction. Therefore, when viewed from the left-right direction, the ground line60N is not formed in the region overlapping the thermistor TH, and is formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH. Therefore, the thermistor TH is further less likely to be influenced by the heat generated by the ground line60N. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

As shown inFIG. 15, a power supply path743for supplying power to the elements mounted on the circuit board60is formed on the power supply layer74of the circuit board60. The power supply path743is configured with the power supply lines60A,60B,60C,60D,60E,60G, and the like. The power supply path743is a circuit wiring of a conductor formed on the power supply layer74of the circuit board60by printing or the like.

The power supply path743is not formed in the region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface72when viewed from the left-right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by the power supply path743. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

The power supply path743is not formed in a region of a rear lower end of the power supply layer74including the region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface72when viewed from the left-right direction. Further, the power supply path743is formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH when viewed from the left-right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is further less likely to be influenced by the heat generated by the power supply path743. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

Accordingly, neither the ground line60N of the ground layer73nor the power supply path743of the power supply layer74is formed in the region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface72when viewed from the left-right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be influenced by heat generated by both the ground line60N and the power supply path743. Accordingly, the thermistor TH can detect a temperature of the power supply12more accurately.

Returning toFIG. 2, the internal holder13holds the circuit board60on a right side of the partition wall13dand holds the power supply12on a left side of the partition wall13d. Accordingly, since both the circuit board60and the power supply12are held by the internal holder13, the thermistor TH can be maintained at a position suitable for detecting a temperature of the power supply12.

The internal holder13may hold only a part of the circuit board60on the right side of the partition wall13dand hold only a part of the power supply12on the left side of the partition wall13d. More specifically, the internal holder13may hold the circuit board60and the power supply12such that the position of the power supply12that faces the thermistor TH is exposed from the internal holder13in a left-right direction of the thermistor TH. In this way, since a temperature of the power supply12is transmitted to the thermistor TH without passing through the partition wall13d, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply12more accurately and at a high speed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, among the power supply connector81, the MCU50, the charging IC55, and the charging terminal43, the power supply connector81, the MCU50, and the charging IC55are mounted on the first surface71of the circuit board60, and the charging terminal43is mounted on the second surface72of the circuit board60. Accordingly, the charging terminal43and the elements for charging the power supply12are dispersedly mounted on both the first surface71and the second surface72of the circuit board60, so that heat generated by the charging terminal43and the elements when charging the power supply12can be dispersed. The present invention is not limited to the example described in the present embodiment. When the charging terminal43and the elements for charging the power supply12are separately mounted on both the first surface71and the second surface72, the heat generated by the charging terminal43and the elements when charging the power supply12can be dispersed. That is, for example, among the power supply connector81, the MCU50, the charging IC55, and the charging terminal43, the MCU50and the charging IC55may be mounted on the first surface71, and the power supply connector81and the charging terminal43may be mounted on the second surface72.

As described above, according to the power supply unit10of the present embodiment, even when the power supply12of the power supply unit10of the aerosol inhaler1is in the over-discharged state, power from the external power supply can be supplied to the MCU50that is a controller provided in the power supply unit10, and the power supply12can be recovered from the over-discharged state. Therefore, even when the power supply12is in the over-discharged state, the power supply unit10(that is, the aerosol inhaler1) can be prevented from being unusable, and the user convenience can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified, improved, and the like.

At least the following matters are described in the present description. Corresponding components in the above embodiment are shown in parentheses. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

(1) A power supply unit (the power supply unit10) for an aerosol generation device (the aerosol inhaler1) including:

a power supply (the power supply12) configured to supply power to a heater (the load21) configured to heat an aerosol source;

a receptacle (the charging terminal43) configured to receive power for charging the power supply from a plug connected to an external power supply;

a charger (the charging IC55) configured to control charging of the power supply by power received by the receptacle; and

in which the receptacle and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, and

in which the charger is configured to supply power from the receptacle and the power supply to the controller via the charger.

According to (1), the receptacle and the power supply are connected in parallel with the charger, and the power from the receptacle and the power supply can be supplied to the controller via the charger. Therefore, even when the power supply is in an over-discharged state, power from the external power supply can be supplied to the controller.

(2) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (1), further including:

a protection IC (the protection IC61) connected between the receptacle and the charger,

in which the power supply is connected between the protection IC and the charger.

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

(3) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (1) or (2), further including:

a regulator (the LDO regulator62) connected between the charger and the controller and including an activation terminal (the EN pin),

in which the regulator converts power supplied from the charger into power that causes the controller to function in response to an input of a high-level signal to the activation terminal, and

in which a positive electrode side further includes a capacitor (the capacitor CD8) connected to the activation terminal and an output side of the charger.

According to (3), the capacitor connected to the activation terminal of the regulator can be charged by the power from the charger, and the charged capacitor can input the high-level signal to the activation terminal of the regulator. Accordingly, even when the regulator and the controller are in a stopped state due to power shortage of the power supply, the regulator and the controller can be reactivated by the power from the external power supply.

(4) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (3),

in which the charger includes an output terminal configured to output power that is received by the receptacle and does not charge the power supply and power supplied from the power supply in combination.

According to (4), since the charger can output the power that is received by the receptacle and does not charge the power supply and the power supplied from the power supply in combination, it is possible to use a function of the power supply unit while preventing a decrease in a remaining capacity of the power supply when charging the power supply or connecting the plug to the receptacle.

(5) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (4), further including:

a load (the OLED panel46, the LED70) configured to function by consuming supplied power,

in which the charger is configured to output power received by the receptacle to the load and the power supply at the same time.

According to (5), since the charger can output the power received by the receptacle to the load and the power supply at the same time, it is possible to cause the load to function while charging the power supply with the power from the external power supply.

(6) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (5),

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

According to (6), since the controller performs the control so as not to supply the power that is received by the receptacle and does not charge the power supply to the heater, the heater does not function while charging the power supply. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an increase in a temperature of the power supply due to an influence of heat from the heater, and to prevent deterioration due to charging of the high-temperature power supply.

(7) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (6), further including:

a connector (the discharging terminal41) connected to the heater; and

a case (the power supply unit case11) configured to house the power supply, the receptacle, the charger, the controller, the connector, and the heater connected to the connector.

According to (7), since the case is provided in which the power supply, the receptacle, the charger, the controller, the connector, and the heater connected to the connector are collectively housed, user convenience can be improved. Further, even when the case collectively houses these components, it is possible to prevent the charging of the high-temperature power supply, so that safety can be improved in addition to the convenience.

(8) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (6) or (7), further including:

a connector (the discharging terminal41) connected to the heater; and

a DC/DC converter (the first DC/DC converter63) connected between the connector and the charger.

According to (8), since the DC/DC converter is provided between the connector to which the heater is connected and the charger, power from the charger can be stepped up and supplied to the heater, and a generation amount of an aerosol and a flavor can be improved. Further, since the DC/DC converter is an element that generates heat while the stepped-up power is supplied to the heater, the power supply can be charged without being influenced by the heat generation. Therefore, the safety can be improved in addition to the generation amount of the aerosol and the flavor.

(9) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (3),

in which the charger is configured to reactivate the controller in a stopped state by power received by the receptacle when the power supply is in an over-discharged state in which the power supply cannot supply power for functioning the controller.

According to (9), even when the power supply is in the over-discharged state and the controller is in the stopped state, the controller (that is, the power supply unit) can be reactivated by the power received by the receptacle.

(10) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (9),

in which the charger does not supply power to the power supply in the over-discharged state until the controller is reactivated after the over-discharged state occurs.

According to (10), since the power is not supplied to the power supply in the over-discharged state until the controller is reactivated, it is possible to prevent inappropriate charging, to prevent deterioration of the power supply due to the inappropriate charging, and to safely recover the power supply in the over-discharged state.

(11) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (10),

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

According to (11), the power supply can be gradually charged, and the power supply can be charged and recovered while preventing a burden on the power supply (that is, the deterioration of the power supply).

(12) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (9),

in which the charger is configured not to supply power to the heater until the controller is reactivated.

According to (12), since the power is not supplied to the heater until the controller is reactivated, it is possible to prevent power from being supplied to the heater when the controller is not activated, and to prevent inappropriate heating or the like by the heater.

(13) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (12),

in which the reactivated controller is configured to perform control so as not to supply power to the heater until the over-discharged state is resolved.

In a case where the power supply is in the over-discharged state, when the plug connected to the external power supply is removed from the receptacle, the controller is in a stopped state. Therefore, if power is supplied to the heater even when the over-discharged state of the power supply is not resolved, a power supply to the heater cannot be controlled at a moment when the plug is removed from the receptacle, and inappropriate heating or the like by the heater may occur. According to (13), since control is performed such that the power is not supplied to the heater until the over-discharged state is resolved, it is possible to prevent the inappropriate heating or the like by the heater as described above and to recover from the over-discharged state more safely. Further, it is possible to prevent generation of an aerosol having an unintended flavor due to the inappropriate heating or the like.

(14) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (13), further including:

a circuit board (the circuit board60) including a first surface (the first surface71) that faces the power supply and a second surface (the second surface72) that is a back surface of the first surface or that is positioned on a back side of the first surface and on which the charger is mounted.

According to (14), since the charger is provided on the back surface of the first surface that faces the power supply or on the second surface positioned on the back side of the first surface, it is possible to prevent the power supply from being heated by heat of the charger and to prevent the deterioration of the power supply.

(15) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to (14), further including:

a regulator (the LDO regulator62) connected between the charger and the controller and configured to convert power supplied from the charger into power for causing the controller to function,

in which the regulator is mounted on the second surface (the second surface72).

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