Power supply unit for aerosol inhaler, aerosol inhaler and charging unit thereof

Abstract

A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply configured to store power for generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; and a charger capable of controlling the charging of the power supply. The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler also includes: a power receiving coil capable of receiving power wirelessly; and an inverter connected between the power receiving coil and the charger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler, an aerosol inhaler and a charging unit for the aerosol inhaler. Background Art

[0002] Power supply units for aerosol inhalers that can be charged by wire or wirelessly are known (JP6326188B and US2015 / 0333561A). For example, JP 6326188B discloses that the power supply unit for an electronic smoking device can be a wireless inductive charging system or a contact charging system.

[0003] US 2015 / 0333561A discloses a portable charging device in which a power transmission coil and an aerosol inhaler including a weight for aligning the power transmission coil and the power reception coil are arranged.

[0004] JP 2019-510469T discloses a power supply unit of an aerosol inhaler arranged with a power transmitting coil and a heating device of an aerosol inhaler arranged with a power receiving coil.

[0005] Although further expansion of the functions of this type of aerosol inhaler or a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler has been proposed, the circuit configuration may become complicated if the functions are expanded.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler, an aerosol inhaler, and a charging unit for an aerosol inhaler, which are capable of expanding functions while preventing the circuit configuration from being complicated. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to an illustrative aspect of the invention, a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler includes: a power supply configured to store power for generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; and a charger capable of controlling the charging of the power supply, the power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler also includes: a power receiving coil capable of receiving power wirelessly; and an inverter connected between the power receiving coil and the charger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhaler equipped with a power supply unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a power supply unit of an aerosol inhaler is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an aerosol inhaler is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 It is shown as Figure 1 A block diagram showing the configuration of the main components of the power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler.

[0012] Figure 5 It is shown as Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 It is shown as Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a first modification of the circuit configuration of a power supply unit of an aerosol inhaler is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 It is shown as Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a second modification of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler is shown.

[0015] Figure 8 It is shown in Figure 7 A diagram of the flow of electricity when the power supply unit is in wireless charging (in power receiving mode) in the circuit configuration shown.

[0016] Fig. 9 It is shown in Figure 7 Diagram of the current flow when sending power to another device (in power delivery mode) in the circuit configuration shown.

[0017] Fig.10 It is shown as Figure 7 A diagram of the mode switching conditions of the circuit configuration shown.

[0018] Fig.11 is a sectional view of a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler (aerosol inhaler) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig.12 It is shown as Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler (aerosol inhaler) shown.

[0020] Fig.13 It is shown in Fig.12 Diagram of current flow in wireless charging mode in the circuit configuration shown.

[0021] Fig.14 It is shown in Fig.12 A diagram of the current flow in IH mode in the circuit configuration shown.

[0022] Fig.15 It is shown as Fig.12 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the mode switching conditions of the circuit configuration shown in FIG.

[0023] Fig.16 It is shown as Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a modification of the circuit configuration of the aerosol inhaler is shown.

[0024] Fig.17 is a sectional view of a power supply unit (charging unit) for an aerosol inhaler according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.18 It is shown as Fig.17 Schematic diagram of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit (charging unit) of the aerosol inhaler shown.

[0026] Fig.19 It is shown in Fig.18 A diagram showing the flow of current when the power supply unit is in wireless charging (in power receiving mode) in the circuit configuration shown.

[0027] Fig. 20 It is shown in Fig.18 A diagram of the current flow when the aerosol inhaler is wirelessly charged (in power delivery mode) in the circuit configuration shown.

[0028] Fig.21 It shows that Fig.18 FIG. 5 is a diagram of the mode switching conditions of the circuit configuration shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler (including an aerosol inhaler and a charging unit for the aerosol inhaler) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] <First Embodiment>

[0031] (Aerosol Inhaler)

[0032] The aerosol inhaler 1 is a device for inhaling a flavor without burning, and has a rod shape extending in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as an axial direction A). Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol inhaler 1 is provided with a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20 and a second cartridge 30 in sequence along the axial direction A. The first cartridge 20 can be attached to and detached from the power supply unit 10, and the second cartridge 30 can be attached to and detached from the first cartridge 20. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are replaceable.

[0033] (Power supply unit)

[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the power supply unit 10 according to the first embodiment accommodates a power supply 12, a charger (CHG) 13, a control unit 50, various sensors, etc. in a cylindrical power supply unit case 11.

[0035] The discharge terminal 41 is provided on the top 11a located at one end side (the first box 20 side) of the power supply unit housing 11 in the axial direction A. The discharge terminal 41 is provided to protrude from the upper surface of the top 11a toward the first box 20, and is configured to be electrically connected to the load 21 of the first box 20 in the axial direction.

[0036] An air supply portion 42 that supplies air to the load 21 of the first box 20 is provided on an upper surface of the top 11 a near the discharge terminal 41 .

[0037] A power receiving coil 43 for wirelessly charging the power supply 12 using an external power supply (not shown) and an inverter 44 used as a rectifier configured to convert AC power received by the power receiving coil 43 into DC power are housed in the bottom 11b located on the other end side of the power supply housing 11 (the side opposite to the first box 20) in the axial direction A. The method of wireless power transmission may be an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method, a combination of an electromagnetic induction method and a magnetic resonance method, or other methods. In any wireless power transmission method, the power supply unit housing 11 may or may not be in physical contact with the external power supply. In this specification, wireless power transmission is regarded as a synonym for contactless power transmission.

[0038] A user-operable operation unit 14 is provided on the side of the top 11a of the power supply unit housing 11. The operation unit 14 includes a push button switch, a touch panel, etc., and is used when the control unit 50 and various sensors are activated or turned off, which reflects the user's intention.

[0039] The power source 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, preferably a lithium ion secondary battery, and stores power for generating aerosol from the aerosol source 22 described below. The charger 13 controls charging power input from the inverter 44 to the power source 12. The charger 13 is configured by using a charging IC including a DC-DC converter, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a processor, and the like.

[0040] like Figure 4As shown, the control unit 50 is connected to the charger 13, the operation unit 14, various sensor devices (such as an intake sensor 15 for detecting an inhalation (intake) operation, a voltage sensor 16 for measuring the voltage of the power supply 12, a temperature sensor 17 for detecting the temperature, and a memory 18 for storing the number of inhalation operations or the power-on time to the load 21. The control unit 50 performs various controls on the aerosol inhaler 1. The intake sensor 15 can be composed of a capacitor microphone, a pressure sensor, etc. Specifically, the control unit 50 is a processor (MCU: microcontroller unit). More specifically, the structure of the processor is a circuit obtained by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0041] (First Box)

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the first box 20 includes a reservoir 23 for storing an aerosol source 22, an electrical load 21 for atomizing the aerosol source 22, a core 24 (wick) for drawing the aerosol source from the reservoir 23 to the load 21, an aerosol flow path 25 in which the aerosol generated by the atomization of the aerosol source 22 flows to the second box 30, and an end cap 26 for accommodating a portion of the second box 30.

[0043] The reservoir 23 is divided and formed to surround the periphery of the aerosol flow path 25 and store the aerosol source 22. A porous body such as a resin net or cotton can be accommodated in the reservoir 23, and the aerosol source 22 can be impregnated in the porous body. The reservoir 23 can store only the aerosol source 22 without accommodating the porous body such as a resin net or cotton. The aerosol source 22 includes a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0044] The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the load 21 using a capillary phenomenon, and is formed of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramics.

[0045] The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 without burning it by the power supplied by the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41. The load 21 is formed by an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. The load 21 can be any element capable of generating an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source 22, and is, for example, a heating element or an ultrasonic generator. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heating type heater.

[0046] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided on the downstream side of the load 21 and on the center line L of the power supply unit 10 .

[0047] The end cap 26 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 26 a accommodating a portion of the second cartridge 30 , and a communication path 26 b allowing the aerosol flow path 25 and the cartridge accommodating portion 26 a to communicate with each other.

[0048] (Second box)

[0049] The second box 30 stores a fragrance source 31. The second box 30 is detachably accommodated in the box accommodating portion 26a in the end cover 26 of the first box 20. The end of the second box 30 on the side opposite to the first box 20 is an inhalation port 32 for the user. The inhalation port 32 is not limited to being integrally formed with the second box 30, but can be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the second box 30. By configuring the inhalation port 32 separately from the power supply unit 10 and the first core 20 in this way, the hygiene of the inhalation port 32 can be maintained.

[0050] The second box 30 imparts aerosol flavor by passing the aerosol generated by the load 21 atomizing the aerosol source 22 through the flavor source 31. As the raw material sheet constituting the flavor source 31, shredded tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding the tobacco raw material into particles can be used. The flavor source 31 can be formed by plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese herbal medicine or herbal medicine). The flavor source 31 can have a flavor such as menthol.

[0051] In the aerosol inhaler 1 according to the present embodiment, an aerosol with added fragrance can be generated by the aerosol source 22, the fragrance source 31 and the load 21. That is, the aerosol source 22 and the fragrance source 31 can be referred to as an aerosol generating source that generates aerosol.

[0052] In addition to the configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the fragrance source 31 are separated from each other, a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the fragrance source 31 are formed integrally, a configuration in which the fragrance source 31 is omitted and a substance that may be included in the fragrance source 31 is added to the aerosol source 22, or a configuration in which medicines, Chinese herbal medicines, etc. that replace the fragrance source 31 are added to the aerosol source 22 can also be used as the configuration of the aerosol generating source used in the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0053] In the aerosol inhaler 1 configured as described above, Figure 3 As shown by arrow B in FIG. 1 , air flowing in from an air inlet (not shown) provided in the power unit housing 11 passes from the air supply portion 42 near the load 21 of the first box 20. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn or moved from the reservoir 23 through the core 24. The aerosol generated by atomization flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the air inlet, and is supplied to the second box 30 via the communication path 26b. The aerosol supplied to the second box 30 is given a fragrance by the fragrance source 31 and supplied to the suction port 32.

[0054] Aerosol inhaler 1 is provided with notification unit 45, notifies various types of information. Notification unit 45 may include a light emitting element, a vibration element or a sound output element. Notification unit 45 may also be a combination of two or more elements in a light emitting element, a vibration element and a sound output element. Notification unit 45 may be arranged in any one of power supply unit 10, first box 20 and second box 30, but is preferably arranged in power supply unit 10, so as to shorten the wire from power supply 12. For example, the periphery of operating unit 14 is translucent, and is configured to emit light by a light emitting element such as LED.

[0055] (Circuit)

[0056] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 The circuit of the power supply unit 10 is described.

[0057] The power supply unit 10 includes a power supply 12, a positive-side discharge terminal 41a and a negative-side discharge terminal 41b constituting a discharge terminal 41, a control unit 50 connected between the positive side of the power supply 12 and the positive-side discharge terminal 41a and between the negative side of the power supply 12 and the negative-side discharge terminal 41b, a wireless charging circuit 46 including a power receiving coil 43 and a rectifier 44, a charger 13 arranged on a power transmission path between the wireless charging circuit 46 and the power supply 12, and a switch 19 provided on a power transmission path between the power supply 12 and the discharge terminal 41. The switch 19 is composed of, for example, a MOSFET, and is controlled to be opened and closed by the control unit 50 that adjusts a gate voltage.

[0058] (Control Unit)

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 50 includes an aerosol generation request detection unit 51 , a power control unit 53 , and a notification control unit 54 .

[0060] The aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects the aerosol generation request based on the output result of the air intake sensor 15. The air intake sensor 15 is configured to output a value of a pressure change in the power supply unit 10 caused by the user inhaling through the suction port 32. For example, the air intake sensor 15 is a pressure sensor that outputs an output value (e.g., a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the air pressure that changes due to the flow rate from the air intake port to the suction port 32 (i.e., the user's suction operation). The air intake sensor may be configured to determine whether the detected air flow rate or pressure can correspond to the user's suction operation, and output one of an on value and an off value.

[0061] The notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify various types of information. For example, the notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 according to the detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. The notification control unit 54 notifies the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 based on the number of suction operations or the cumulative time of power-on of the load 21 stored in the memory 18. The notification control unit 54 can notify not only the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 but also the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20, the replacement timing of the power supply 12, the charging timing of the power supply 12, and the like.

[0062] When the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects the aerosol generation request, the power control unit 53 controls the discharge of the power source 12 via the discharge terminal 41 by turning the switch 19 on or off.

[0063] The power control unit 53 performs control so that the amount of aerosol generated by the atomizing aerosol source of the load 21 falls within a desired range, in other words, the amount of power supplied from the power source 12 to the load 21 falls within a certain range. Specifically, the power control unit 53 controls the on / off of the switch 19 by, for example, pulse width modulation (PWM) control. Alternatively, the power control unit 53 may control the on / off of the switch 19 by pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control.

[0064] The power control unit 53 may stop supplying power from the power supply 12 to the load 21 when a predetermined period of time has passed since the start of supplying power to the load 21. In other words, even in the puff period in which the user actually performs a puff operation, when the puff period exceeds a predetermined period of time, the power control unit 53 stops supplying power from the power supply 12 to the load 21. In order to reduce the variation in the user's puff period, a predetermined period of time is set. The power control unit 53 controls the duty ratio of the on / off of the switch 19 during one puff operation according to the amount of electricity stored in the power supply 12. For example, the power control unit 53 controls the on time interval (pulse interval) for supplying power from the power supply 12 to the load 21, and controls the on time length (pulse width) for supplying power from the power supply 12 to the load 21.

[0065] The power source control unit 53 detects power reception from the external power source by the power receiving coil 43 , and controls charging of the power source 12 via the charger 13 .

[0066] (Wireless Charging Circuit)

[0067] like Figure 5 As shown, the wireless charging circuit 46 includes a power receiving coil 43 , an inverter 44 , a smoothing capacitor 47 , an AC conductor 48 , and a DC conductor 49 .

[0068] During charging, the power receiving coil 43 is arranged in close proximity to the power transmitting coil 61 which is energized in a wireless manner by AC power from an external power source, and receives AC power from the power transmitting coil 61 .

[0069] The inverter 44 is configured to be operable as a rectifier, converting AC power received by the power receiving coil 43 into DC power when the power source 12 is wirelessly charged. The DC power converted by the inverter 44 is smoothed by the smoothing capacitor 47. The specific configuration and operation of the inverter 44 will be described below.

[0070] The AC wire 48 connects the power receiving coil 43 and the inverter 44, and supplies the AC power received by the power receiving coil 43 to the inverter 44. The DC wire 49 connects the inverter 44 and the charger 13, and supplies the DC power converted by the inverter 44 to the charger 13.

[0071] (Inverter)

[0072] To specifically describe the inverter 44 according to the present embodiment, the inverter 44 includes: a first high-side transistor TH1, a first low-side transistor TL1, a first tributary circuit 71 including a first connection point P1 connecting the first high-side transistor TH1 and the first low-side transistor TL1 in series, a second high-side transistor TH2, a second low-side transistor TL2, a second tributary circuit 72 including a second connection point P2 connecting the second high-side transistor TH2 and the second low-side transistor TL2 in series, and a third connection point P3 and a fourth connection point P4 connecting the first tributary circuit 71 and the second tributary circuit 2 in parallel. The first connection point P1 and the second connection point P2 are connected to both ends of the power receiving coil 43 via the AC wire 48, respectively. The third connection point P3 is connected to the charger 13 via the positive side DC wire 49, and the fourth connection point P4 is connected to the charger 13 via the negative side DC wire 49. Each of the transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 is formed by, for example, a MOSFET, and is controlled to open and close by a control unit 50 that adjusts the gate voltage.

[0073] Diodes D1 to D4 operating as free-wheeling diodes are connected in parallel to transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2, respectively. When transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 are turned off, free-wheeling diodes are provided to prevent damage to the transistors by causing the current flowing back from the power receiving coil 43 side to flow back (regenerate) to the power supply 12 side. When transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 are all turned off, diodes D1 to D4 can be used as rectifiers that convert AC power received by the power receiving coil 43 into DC power.

[0074] Specifically, the anode of the diode D1 and the cathode of the diode D2 are connected to the AC wire 48 extending from one end of the power receiving coil 43 at the first connection point P1, and the anode of the diode D3 and the cathode of the diode D4 are connected to the AC wire 48 extending from the other end of the power receiving coil 43 at the second connection point P2. The cathodes of the diodes D1 and D3 are connected to the positive side DC wire 49 at the third connection point P3, and the anodes of the diodes D2 and D4 are connected to the negative side DC wire 49 at the fourth connection point P4. That is, the four diodes D1 to D4 are bridge-connected, and when the transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 are all turned off, they can operate as a full-wave rectification circuit.

[0075] The control unit 50 includes a power receiving mode (in which the transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 are all turned off, and the inverter 44 operates as a rectifier) ​​and a power transmission mode (in which the DC power of the power source 12 is converted into AC power and supplied to the power receiving coil 43 based on the switching control of the transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2) as control modes of the inverter 44. Specifically, in the power transmission mode, by alternately repeating a state in which the first high-side transistor TH1 and the second low-side transistor TL2 are turned on and the second high-side transistor TH2 and the first low-side transistor TL1 are turned off, so that a forward current flows through the power receiving coil 43, and a state in which the first high-side transistor TH1 and the second low-side transistor TL2 are turned off and the second high-side transistor TH2 and the first low-side transistor TL1 are turned on, so that a reverse current flows through the power receiving coil 43, the power receiving coil 43 can be excited with AC power, and the power receiving coil 43 can be operated as a power transmission coil 43 that wirelessly transmits AC power to the power receiving coil 62 of another device.

[0076] According to the power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above, since the inverter 44 has two functions: serving as a rectifier for converting the AC power received by the power receiving coil 43 into DC power, and a function of generating AC power from the power supply 12 in the power supply unit 10, it is possible to improve the scalability of the function of the power supply unit 10 while preventing the complexity of the circuit configuration.

[0077] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since the power receiving coil 43 is used for wireless power transmission and power reception, the multifunctional power supply unit 10 can be effectively prevented from increasing in weight and size while enabling transmission and reception of power.

[0078] (First Modification of First Embodiment)

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the circuit of the power supply unit 10 according to the first embodiment may be modified. Figures 6 to 9, the circuit between the power source 12 and the discharge terminal 41 is not shown. Specifically, the circuit according to the present modification also includes a bypass circuit 73 connected to the power source 12 and the inverter 44 so as to be connected in parallel with the charger 13, and a bypass circuit switch 74, which is provided in the bypass circuit 73 and is used to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between the power source 12 and the inverter 44. The bypass circuit switch 74 includes, for example, a MOSFET and a diode connected in parallel, and is controlled to open and close by the control unit 50 that adjusts the gate voltage of the MOSFET. The bypass circuit 73 is preferably equipped with a diode D5, which regulates the current flow from the inverter 44 to the bypass circuit 73.

[0080] According to such a power supply unit 10, when the bypass circuit switch 74 is turned on in the power transmission mode, power can be supplied from the power supply 12 to the inverter 44 and the power receiving coil 43 without passing through the charger 13, so that the power loss in the power transmission mode can be reduced. In the power transmission mode, if the control unit 50 controls the charger 13 to stop functioning, the power discharged from the power supply 12 can be prevented from circulating in the power transmission mode and returning to the power supply 12. Therefore, the efficiency in the power transmission mode can be improved.

[0081] In addition, when the bypass circuit switch 74 is turned off in the power receiving mode, the received charging power is supplied to the charger 13 without passing through the bypass circuit 73, so that the power source 12 can be properly charged. In addition, since the power that has not passed through the charger 13 after rectification by the inverter 44 is not supplied to the power source 12, the power source 12 can be properly protected.

[0082] (Second Modification of First Embodiment)

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, the circuit of the power supply unit 10 according to the first embodiment may be further modified. Specifically, the circuit according to the present modification further includes a smoothing capacitor switch 75 that connects and disconnects the electrical connection between one end of the bypass circuit 73 and the smoothing capacitor 47. The smoothing capacitor switch 75 includes, for example, a MOSFET and a diode connected in parallel, and is controlled to open and close by the control unit 50 that adjusts the gate voltage of the MOSFET.

[0084] According to such a power supply unit 10, when the bypass circuit switch 74 is turned on and the smoothing capacitor switch 75 is turned off in the power transmission mode, the smoothing capacitor 47 can be bypassed, thereby eliminating the time lag caused by charging the smoothing capacitor 47 and starting the power transmission mode quickly.

[0085] Reference Figures 8 to 10The switching conditions of the inverter 44, the bypass circuit switch 74, and the smoothing capacitor switch 75 in the power receiving mode and the power transmitting mode, and the operation of each unit in the power receiving mode and the power transmitting mode are described.

[0086] like Fig.10 As shown, when the power supply unit 10 operates in the power receiving mode, the control unit 50 turns off the bypass circuit switch 74, turns on the smoothing capacitor switch 75, and then turns off all transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 of the inverter 44. In such a power receiving mode, Figure 8 As shown, the AC power received by the power receiving coil 43 from the power transmitting coil 61 is converted into DC power by the inverter 44 serving as a rectifier, then smoothed by the smoothing capacitor 47 , and supplied to the charger 13 .

[0087] like Fig.10 As shown, when the power supply unit 10 operates in the power transmission mode, the control unit 50 turns on the bypass circuit switch 74, turns off the smoothing capacitor switch 75, and then performs on / off control (DC and AC conversion control) on the transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 of the inverter 44. As described above, the specific on / off control can switch between a state in which the transistors TH1 and TL2 are turned on and the transistors TH2 and TL1 are turned off and a state in which the transistors TH1 and TL2 are turned off and the transistors TH2 and TL1 are turned on. In such a power transmission mode, as Fig. 9 As shown, the DC power of the power source 12 is supplied to the inverter 44 without passing through the charger 13 and the smoothing capacitor 47, converted into AC power by the inverter 44, and supplied to the power receiving coil 43 used as the power transmitting coil. The AC power is transmitted from the power receiving coil 43 used as the power transmitting coil to the power receiving coil 62 of another device.

[0088] Next, we will refer to Figures 11 to 21 The second and third embodiments of the power supply unit 10 are described sequentially. Note that the description of the first embodiment is incorporated by using the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment to represent the same configuration as the first embodiment. The power supply unit in the second embodiment has the induction heating coil 202 described below, so it can be referred to as an aerosol inhaler in the following description. In addition, the power supply unit in the third embodiment includes the power transmission coil 302 described below, so it can be referred to as a charging unit in the following description.

[0089] <Second Embodiment>

[0090] like Fig.11 and Fig.12As shown, the power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler) according to the second embodiment is connected to the inverter 44 so as to be connected in parallel with the power receiving coil 43, and includes the induction heating coil 202 described below that is capable of generating aerosol from the aerosol source 201. The induction heating coil 202 is housed in a housing 203 together with the power supply 12, the charger 13, the power receiving coil 43 and the inverter 44. According to such a power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler), the multifunctional power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler) can prevent the weight and size from increasing while implementing both a wireless charging mode in which wireless charging is performed via the power receiving coil 43 and an IH mode in which the aerosol source is heated via the induction heating coil 202. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the induction heating coil 202 is housed in the housing 203 that houses the power supply 12, the power supply unit 10 can also be referred to as an aerosol inhaler.

[0091] The aerosol source 201 may include a filler and a wrapper wrapping the filler. The filler may be formed of tobacco shreds and glycerin or propylene glycol added to the tobacco shreds.

[0092] like Fig.12 As shown, the circuit of the power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler) according to the second embodiment further includes: a power receiving coil switch 204 that disconnects the electrical connection between the power receiving coil 43 and the inverter 44; and an induction heating coil switch 205 that connects and disconnects the electrical connection between the induction heating coil 202 and the inverter 44. Each of the power receiving coil switch 204 and the induction heating coil switch 205 includes, for example, a MOSFET and a diode connected in parallel, and is controlled to open and close by a control unit 50 that adjusts the gate voltage of the MOSFET. Preferably, a diode D6 that adjusts the flow of current from the inverter 44 to the power receiving coil 43 is provided between the power receiving coil switch 204 and the inverter 44.

[0093] According to such power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler), when power receiving coil 43 and induction heating coil 202 are connected in parallel to inverter 44, power receiving coil 43 and induction heating coil 202 can operate exclusively by switching power receiving coil switch 204 and induction heating coil switch 205.

[0094] Reference Figures 13 to 15 The switching conditions of the inverter 44, the power receiving coil switch 204, the induction heating coil switch 205, and the bypass circuit switch 74 in the wireless charging mode and the IH mode, and the operation of each unit in the wireless charging mode and the IH mode are described.

[0095] like Fig.15As shown, when the power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler) is operated in the wireless charging mode, the control unit 50 turns on the power receiving coil switch 204, turns off the induction heating coil switch 205, turns off the bypass circuit switch 74, and then turns on all transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 of the inverter 44. In such a wireless charging mode, Fig.13 As shown, the AC power received by the power receiving coil 43 is converted into DC power by the inverter 44 serving as a rectifier, then smoothed by the smoothing capacitor 47 , and supplied to the charger 13 .

[0096] like Fig.15 As shown, when the power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler) is operated in the IH mode, the control unit 50 turns off the power receiving coil switch 204, turns on the induction heating coil switch 205, turns on the bypass circuit switch 74, and then performs on / off control (DC and AC conversion control) on the transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, and TL2 of the inverter 44. As described above, a specific on / off control can switch between a state in which the transistors TH1 and TL2 are turned on and the transistors TH2 and TL1 are turned off and a state in which the transistors TH1 and TL2 are turned off and the transistors TH2 and TL1 are turned on. In such an IH mode, as Fig.14 As shown, the DC power of the power source 12 is supplied to the inverter 44 without passing through the charger 13 , converted into AC power by the inverter 44 , and supplied to the induction heating coil 202 .

[0097] (Modification of Second Embodiment)

[0098] like Fig.16 As shown, the circuit of the power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler) according to the second embodiment can be deformed. Specifically, a power transmission coil 206 connected to the inverter 44 so as to be connected in parallel with the power receiving coil 43 and the induction heating coil 202 and capable of sending AC power to another device, and a power transmission coil switch 207 that connects and disconnects the electrical connection between the power transmission coil 206 and the inverter 44 are also provided. The power transmission coil switch 207 includes, for example, a MOSFET and a diode connected in parallel, and is controlled to open and close by a control unit 50 that adjusts the gate voltage of the MOSFET.

[0099] According to such a power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler), the multifunctional power supply unit 10 (or aerosol inhaler) can prevent an increase in weight and size while implementing a wireless charging mode in which wireless charging is performed via the power receiving coil 43, an IH mode in which the aerosol source 201 is heated via the induction heating coil 202, and a power transmission mode in which AC power can be transmitted to another device via the power transmission coil 206. When the power receiving coil 43, the induction heating coil 202, and the power transmission coil 206 are connected in parallel to the inverter 44, by switching the power receiving coil switch 204, the induction heating coil switch 205, and the power transmission coil switch 207, the power receiving coil 43, the induction heating coil 202, and the power transmission coil 206 can each operate independently.

[0100] <Third Embodiment>

[0101] like Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the power supply unit 10 (charging unit) according to the third embodiment is a portable charging device capable of charging a power supply (not shown) of an aerosol inhaler 301 accommodated in a movable manner. Specifically, the power supply unit 10 (charging unit) according to the third embodiment is connected to the inverter 44 so as to be connected in parallel with the power receiving coil 43, and includes a power transmission coil 302 capable of wirelessly supplying power to the aerosol inhaler 301, and a housing 303, which accommodates the power supply 12, the charger 13, the power receiving coil 43, the inverter 44 and the power transmission coil 302, and has an inhaler accommodating portion 303a that movably accommodates the aerosol inhaler 301. According to such a power supply unit 10 (charging unit), since the power transmission coil 302 capable of wirelessly supplying power to the aerosol inhaler 301 is connected to the inverter 44 in parallel with the power receiving coil 43, the power supply unit 10 (charging unit) can prevent an increase in weight and size while being able to perform both a power receiving mode for wirelessly receiving power and a power transmission mode for wirelessly transmitting power. As described above, in this embodiment, since the power transmission coil 302 for charging the aerosol inhaler 301 is accommodated together with the power supply 12 in the housing 303 having the inhaler accommodating portion 303a, the power supply unit 10 can also be called a charging unit for the aerosol inhaler.

[0102] like Fig.18As shown, the circuit of the power supply unit 10 (charging unit) according to the third embodiment further includes a power transmission coil switch 304 for connecting and disconnecting the electrical connection between the power transmission coil 302 and the inverter 44. The power transmission coil switch 304 includes, for example, a MOSFET and a diode connected in parallel, and is controlled to open and close by the control unit 50 that adjusts the gate voltage of the MOSFET. According to such a power supply unit 10 (charging unit), when the power receiving coil 43 and the power transmission coil 302 are connected in parallel to the inverter 44, by switching the power receiving coil switch 204 and the power transmission coil switch 304, the power receiving coil 43 and the power transmission coil 302 can operate independently.

[0103] Reference Figures 19 to 21 The switching conditions of the inverter 44 , the power receiving coil switch 204 , the power transmitting coil switch 304 , and the bypass circuit switch 74 in the power receiving mode and the power transmitting mode, and the operation of each unit in the power receiving mode and the power transmitting mode are described.

[0104] like Fig.21 As shown, when the power supply unit 10 (charging unit) operates in the power receiving mode, the control unit 50 turns on the power receiving coil switch 204, turns off the power transmitting coil switch 304, turns off the bypass circuit switch 74, and then turns off all transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 of the inverter 44. In such a power receiving mode, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 As shown, the AC power received by the power receiving coil 43 is converted into DC power by the inverter 44 serving as a rectifier, then smoothed by the smoothing capacitor 47 , and supplied to the charger 13 .

[0105] like Fig.21 As shown, when the power supply unit 10 (charging unit) operates in the power transmission mode, the control unit 50 turns off the power receiving coil switch 204, turns on the power transmitting coil switch 304, turns on the bypass circuit switch 74, and then performs on / off control (DC and AC conversion control) on the transistors TH1, TL1, TH2, TL2 of the inverter 44. As described above, a specific on / off control can switch between a state in which the transistors TH1 and TL2 are turned on and the transistors TH2 and TL1 are turned off and a state in which the transistors TH1 and TL2 are turned off and the transistors TH2 and TL1 are turned on. In such a power transmission mode, as Fig. 20 As shown, DC power of the power source 12 is supplied to the inverter 44 without passing through the charger 13, converted into AC power by the inverter 44, and supplied to the power transmission coil 302. The AC power is transmitted from the power transmission coil 302 to the power receiving coil 62 built into the aerosol inhaler 301.

[0106] The charging of the aerosol inhaler 301 by the power transmission coil 302 can be performed when the aerosol inhaler 301 is accommodated in the inhaler accommodating portion 303a, or the charging of the aerosol inhaler 301 by the power transmission coil 302 can be performed when the aerosol inhaler 301 is not accommodated in the inhaler accommodating portion 303a. For example, when the aerosol inhaler 301 is accommodated in the inhaler accommodating portion 303a, the charging can be performed wirelessly via a connector (not shown), and when the aerosol inhaler 301 is arranged on the housing 303 or arranged near the housing 303, the charging can be performed wirelessly by the power transmission coil 302.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be appropriately modified, improved, etc.

[0108] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the power receiving coil, the induction heating coil, and the power transmitting coil which also function as the power transmitting coil are exemplified as the AC loads, but the present invention can also be applied to other AC loads.

[0109] This specification describes at least the following matters: Although the corresponding constituent elements and the like in the above-described embodiments are shown in brackets, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0110] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) for an aerosol inhaler (aerosol inhaler 1) includes: a power supply (power supply 12) configured to store power for generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; and a charger (charger 13) capable of controlling charging of the power supply, the power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler also includes: a power receiving coil (power receiving coil 43) capable of receiving power wirelessly; and an inverter (inverter 44) connected between the power receiving coil and the charger.

[0111] According to (1), since the inverter is used to rectify the power received in a wireless manner, AC power can be generated from the power supply in the power supply unit, and the expandability of the power supply unit is improved.

[0112] (2) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (1), wherein the inverter rectifies the power received by the power receiving coil.

[0113] According to (2), the inverter has two functions: a rectifier for rectifying the power received by the power receiving coil, and a function for generating AC power from the power supply in the power supply unit. Therefore, compared with the case where each of the inverter and the rectifier is mounted on the power supply unit, the increase in size, weight and cost of the power supply unit can be prevented.

[0114] (3) A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (1) or (2), wherein the inverter comprises: a first branch circuit (first branch circuit 71), comprising a first high-side transistor (first high-side transistor TH1), a first low-side transistor (first low-side transistor TL1) and a first node (first connection point P1) connecting the first high-side transistor and the first low-side transistor in series; a second branch circuit (second branch circuit 72), comprising a second high-side transistor (second high-side transistor TH2), a second low-side transistor (second low-side transistor TL2) and a second node (second connection point P2) connecting the second high-side transistor and the second low-side transistor in series; and a third node (third connection point P3) and a fourth node (fourth connection point P4) connecting the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit in parallel, and wherein the power receiving coil is connected to the first node and the second node.

[0115] According to (3), the inverter can implement two functions including: a function of rectifying the power received in a wireless manner and a function of generating alternating current from the power supply in the power supply unit through four transistors.

[0116] (4) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (2) or (3), further comprising: an AC load (induction heating coil 202, power transmission coil 206, 302) operated by alternating current, wherein the AC load is connected to an inverter in parallel with the power receiving coil, and wherein the inverter controls the operation of the AC load.

[0117] According to (4), since an AC load connected in parallel to the power receiving coil is provided, rectification of the power received by the power receiving coil and control of the AC load can be wirelessly performed by one inverter. Thus, an increase in weight and size of the multifunctional power supply unit can be prevented.

[0118] (5) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (4) further includes: a first switch (power receiving coil switch 204) configured to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between the power receiving coil and the inverter; and a second switch (induction heating coil switch 205, power transmitting coil switch 207, 304) configured to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between the AC load and the inverter.

[0119] According to (5), since the switch is connected to each of the power receiving coil and the AC load, the power receiving coil and the AC load can operate independently.

[0120] (6) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (4) or (5), further comprising: a bypass circuit (bypass circuit 73) connected to the power supply; and an inverter connected in parallel with the charger.

[0121] According to (6), since a bypass circuit that bypasses the charger is provided, power can be supplied from the power source to the AC load without passing through the charger. Therefore, when the AC load is operating, power loss can be reduced and the charger can be protected.

[0122] (7) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (6), wherein when wireless charging is performed through the power receiving coil, only the charger and the charger in the bypass circuit operate.

[0123] According to (7), when wireless charging is performed, since the bypass circuit does not operate, appropriate charging power can be supplied to the charger. In addition, since the power that does not pass through the charger after rectification by the inverter is not supplied to the power supply, the power supply can be appropriately protected.

[0124] (8) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (6) or (7), wherein when the AC load is operated, only the bypass circuit of the charger and the bypass circuit operates.

[0125] According to (8), since the charger does not operate when the AC load operates, it is possible to prevent the power released from the power source from circulating and returning to the power source in order to operate the AC load. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency when the AC load operates.

[0126] (9) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to any one of (6) to (8) further includes: a smoothing capacitor (smoothing capacitor 47) connected in parallel to the inverter and the charger between the inverter and the charger, wherein one end of a bypass circuit is connected between the inverter and the smoothing capacitor, and the other end thereof is connected between the charger and the power supply.

[0127] According to (9), when wireless charging is performed, the voltage input to the charger by the smoothing capacitor can be stabilized.

[0128] (10) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (9) further includes: a third switch (bypass circuit switch 74), which is arranged in the bypass circuit and is configured to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between the power supply and the inverter; and a fourth switch (smoothing capacitor switch 75), which is configured to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between one end of the bypass circuit and the smoothing capacitor.

[0129] According to (10), when the AC load operates, the bypass circuit bypasses the smoothing capacitor, thereby eliminating the time lag until the AC load operates, which is generated due to the charging of the smoothing capacitor.

[0130] (11) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (4) or (5), wherein the AC load includes an induction heating coil (induction heating coil 202).

[0131] According to (11), since the induction heating coil is connected to the inverter, while both induction heating and wireless charging are enabled, an increase in weight and size of the multifunctional power supply unit can be prevented.

[0132] (12) The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to (4) or (5), wherein the AC load includes a power transmission coil (power transmission coil 206 , 302 ) capable of wirelessly supplying power.

[0133] According to (12), since the power supply coil is connected to the inverter, while both wireless power transmission and power reception are enabled, an increase in weight and size of the multifunctional power supply unit can be prevented.

[0134] (13) A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the inverter is configured to convert DC power supplied by the power supply into AC power, and wherein the power receiving coil can be powered wirelessly by the AC power.

[0135] According to (13), since both wireless power transmission and power reception can be performed by one coil, it is possible to prevent the multifunctional power supply unit from increasing in weight and size while enabling both wireless power transmission and power reception.

[0136] (14) An aerosol inhaler, comprising: a power source (power source 12) configured to store power for generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; a charger (charger 13) capable of controlling charging of the power source; a power receiving coil (power receiving coil 43) capable of receiving power wirelessly; an inverter (inverter 44) connected between the power receiving coil and the charger; an induction heating coil (induction heating coil 202) connected to the inverter in parallel with the power receiving coil and capable of generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; and a housing (housing 203) accommodating the power source, the charger, the power receiving coil, the induction heating coil, and the inverter.

[0137] According to (14), since the induction heating coil capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol source is connected in parallel with the power receiving coil to the inverter connected between the power receiving coil and the charger, the multifunctional aerosol inhaler can be prevented from increasing in weight and size while being capable of both induction heating and wireless charging.

[0138] (15) A charging unit for an aerosol inhaler, comprising: a power source (power source 12); a charger (charger 13) capable of controlling charging of the power source; a power receiving coil (power receiving coil 43) capable of receiving power wirelessly; an inverter (inverter 44) connected between the power receiving coil and the charger; a power transmitting coil (power transmitting coil 302) connected to the inverter in parallel with the power receiving coil and capable of wirelessly supplying power to an aerosol inhaler (aerosol inhaler 301); and a housing (housing 303) accommodating the power source, the charger, the power receiving coil, the inverter and the power transmitting coil, wherein the housing is provided with an inhaler accommodating portion (inhaler accommodating portion 303a) configured to accommodate the aerosol inhaler.

[0139] According to (15), since the power transmitting coil capable of wirelessly supplying power to the aerosol inhaler is connected in parallel with the power receiving coil to an inverter connected between the power receiving coil and the charger, it is possible to prevent the charging unit from increasing in weight and size while enabling both wireless power transmission and power reception.

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler, comprising: a power source configured to store power for generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; as well as A charger capable of controlling the charging of the power supply, the power supply unit for the aerosol inhaler further comprising: A power receiving coil capable of receiving power wirelessly; and an inverter connected between the power receiving coil and the charger, The inverter rectifies the power received by the power receiving coil. Wherein, the power supply unit also includes an AC load, which works by alternating current. wherein the AC load is connected to the inverter in parallel with the power receiving coil, Wherein, the inverter controls the operation of the AC load, The power supply unit further comprises a bypass circuit connected in parallel with the charger to the power supply and the inverter, and Among them, when wireless charging is performed by the power receiving coil, only the charger of the charger and the bypass circuit operates, and when the AC load is operated, only the charger of the charger and the bypass circuit operates.

2. The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1, in, The inverter comprises: A first branch circuit includes a first high-side transistor, a first low-side transistor, and a first node connecting the first high-side transistor and the first low-side transistor in series; a second branch circuit including a second high-side transistor, a second low-side transistor, and a second node connecting the second high-side transistor and the second low-side transistor in series; and connecting the third node and the fourth node of the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit in parallel, and The power receiving coil is connected to the first node and the second node.

3. The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a first switch configured to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between the power receiving coil and the inverter; as well as A second switch is configured to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between the AC load and the inverter.

4. The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a smoothing capacitor connected in parallel to the inverter and the charger between the inverter and the charger, One end of the bypass circuit is connected between the inverter and the smoothing capacitor, and the other end thereof is connected between the charger and the power supply.

5. The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 4, further comprising: a third switch disposed in the bypass circuit and configured to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between the power source and the inverter; as well as A fourth switch is configured to connect and disconnect the electrical connection between one end of the bypass circuit and the smoothing capacitor.

6. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, in, The AC load includes an induction heating coil.

7. A power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, in, The AC load includes a power transmission coil capable of wirelessly supplying power.

8. The power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler according to claim 1 or 2, in, The inverter is configured to convert DC power supplied by the power source into AC power, and The power receiving coil can be powered wirelessly by the AC power.

9. An aerosol inhaler comprising: a power source configured to store power for generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; a charger capable of controlling charging of the power source; A power receiving coil that can receive power wirelessly; an inverter connected between the power receiving coil and the charger; an induction heating coil connected to the inverter in parallel with the power receiving coil and capable of generating aerosol from the aerosol source; a housing accommodating the power supply, the charger, the power receiving coil, the induction heating coil and the inverter, The inverter rectifies the power received by the power receiving coil. Wherein, the inverter controls the operation of the induction heating coil. Wherein, the aerosol inhaler further comprises a bypass circuit connected in parallel with the charger to the power supply and the inverter, and Among them, when wireless charging is performed by the power receiving coil, only the charger among the charger and the bypass circuit operates, and when the induction heating coil is operated, only the charger among the bypass circuit and the bypass circuit operates.

10. A charging unit for an aerosol inhaler, comprising: power supply; a charger capable of controlling charging of the power source; A power receiving coil that can receive power wirelessly; an inverter connected between the power receiving coil and the charger; a power transmission coil connected to the inverter in parallel with the power receiving coil and capable of wirelessly supplying power to the aerosol inhaler; as well as a housing accommodating the power source, the charger, the power receiving coil, the inverter and the power transmitting coil, wherein the housing is provided with an inhaler accommodating portion configured to accommodate the aerosol inhaler, The inverter rectifies the power received by the power receiving coil. Wherein, the inverter controls the operation of the power transmission coil. The charging unit further comprises a bypass circuit connected in parallel with the charger to the power source and the inverter, and When wireless charging is performed by the power receiving coil, only the charger among the charger and the bypass circuit operates, and when the power transmitting coil is operated, only the bypass circuit among the charger and the bypass circuit operates.

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