Power supply unit for aerosol-generating device and aerosol-generating device

Abstract

An aerosol generating device (100) includes: a power supply unit (111) that supplies power to a heating portion (121); a control unit (116); a substrate (10) on which the control unit (116) is arranged; conductive members (20a, 20b) that connect the power supply unit (111) and the substrate (10); and a housing (30) that accommodates the aforementioned elements. The conductive members (20a, 20b) include: power source-side contacts (21a, 21b) that contact the power source unit (111); substrate-side contacts (22a, 22b) that contact the substrate (10); and fixing portions (26a, 26b) provided between the power source-side contacts (21a, 21b) and the substrate-side contacts (22a, 22b), and fixed to the substrate (10), the housing (30), or other members housed in the housing (30) and different from the substrate (10) and the housing (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating device. Background Art

[0002] The aerosol generating device generally heats the aerosol source by supplying electric power supplied from a power supply to the heater under the control of a control portion.

[0003] In this aerosol-generating device, a substrate on which a control unit is mounted within a housing is connected to a power source via a conductive member, thereby enabling power supply. As the conductive member, a copper wire coated with an insulating material, a flexible flat cable (FFC), or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) is used. However, from a cost perspective, a metal foil (such as aluminum foil or copper foil) or a metal plate containing nickel or the like may also be used.

[0004] Because the aerosol-generating device is held by the user during use, it may be accidentally dropped. The impact of such a drop may cause the contact between the conductive member and the electrode or substrate to separate, or may damage the conductive member around the contact point. Patent Document 1 discloses a flexible contact between the outer peripheral surface of the control module and the inner peripheral surface of the soft mounting base.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1 JP 2017-503515 A Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] In an aerosol-generating device, regardless of the type or material of the conductive member, it is desirable to effectively prevent contact peeling between the conductive member and the electrode or substrate, and to prevent damage to the conductive member around the contact point.

[0010] The present disclosure provides a power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating device, which can suppress contact separation between a conductive member and an electrode or a substrate and damage to the conductive member.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] A power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure comprises:

[0013] a power supply for supplying power to a heating portion of the heated aerosol source,

[0014] a control section for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating section,

[0015] a substrate on which the control portion is disposed,

[0016] a conductive member for connecting the power source and the substrate, and

[0017] A housing for accommodating the power supply, the control portion, the substrate, and the conductive member, wherein:

[0018] The conductive member comprises:

[0019] Contact the power-side contacts of the power supply;

[0020] a substrate-side contact contacting the substrate; and

[0021] A fixing portion is provided between the power-side contact and the substrate-side contact and is fixed to the substrate, the housing, or another member accommodated in the housing and different from the substrate and the housing.

[0022] Furthermore, an aerosol generating device according to the present disclosure includes:

[0023] a power supply unit for the aerosol-generating device, and

[0024] Heating part.

[0025] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, since the conductive member is fixed to the substrate, the housing, or other members different from the substrate and the housing, even if an impact is applied to the aerosol generating device, contact peeling between the conductive member and the electrode or the substrate and damage to the conductive member can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 100A is a diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of an aerosol-generating device (aerosol-generating device 100A).

[0028] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 100B is a diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of the aerosol generating device (aerosol generating device 100B).

[0029] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a connection mode in which the substrate 10 and the power supply section 111 are electrically connected via the conductive members 20 a and 20 b.

[0030] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4is a schematic diagram showing the electrical wiring on the substrate 10 in a first example of the connection mode.

[0031] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a connection mode in which the substrate 10 and the power supply section 111 are electrically connected via the conductive members 20 a and 20 b.

[0032] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical wiring on the substrate 10 in the second example of the connection mode.

[0033] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a connection mode in which the substrate 10 and the power supply section 111 are electrically connected via the conductive members 20 a and 20 b.

[0034] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical wiring on the substrate 10 in the third example of the connection mode.

[0035] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 1 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of a connection mode in which the substrate 10 and the power supply portion 111 are electrically connected via the conductive members 20 a and 20 b.

[0036] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the electrical wiring on the substrate 10 in the fourth example of the connection mode.

[0037] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a fifth example of a connection mode in which the substrates 10A and 10B are electrically connected to the power supply section 111 via the conductive members 20a and 20b.

[0038] [ Figure 12 ] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing electrical wiring on substrates 10A and 10B in a fifth example of the connection mode.

[0039] [ Figure 13 ] Figure 13 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing a sixth example of a connection mode in which the substrates 10A and 10B are electrically connected to the power supply section 111 via the conductive members 20a and 20b.

[0040] [ Figure 14 ] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing electrical wiring on substrates 10A and 10B in a sixth example of the connection mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Embodiments of an aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, two configuration examples (a first configuration example and a second configuration example) will be described. The configuration of the aerosol-generating device according to the present disclosure can be applied to both configuration examples. It should be noted that, hereinafter, identical or similar elements are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and descriptions of identical or similar elements may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0042] <<1. Configuration of Aerosol Generating Device>>

[0043] An aerosol-generating device is a device used to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user.

[0044] (1) First configuration example

[0045] Figure 1 : is a schematic diagram schematically showing a first configuration example of an aerosol generating device. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1A , an aerosol-generating device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cigarette cartridge 120, and a flavored cigarette cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply portion 111A, a sensor portion 112A, a notification portion 113A, a memory portion 114A, a communication portion 115A, and a control portion 116A. The cigarette cartridge 120 includes a heating portion 121A, a liquid introduction portion 122, and a liquid storage portion 123. The flavored cigarette cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. Airflow channels 180 are formed in the cigarette cartridges 120 and 130.

[0046] The power supply section 111A stores electricity. The power supply section 111A then supplies electricity to each component of the aerosol-generating device 100A based on control performed by the control section 116A. The power supply section 111A may be configured, for example, by a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery.

[0047] The sensor unit 112A acquires various types of information related to the aerosol-generating device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is configured by a pressure sensor (e.g., a condenser microphone, a flow sensor, or a temperature sensor) and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation performed by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured by an input device (e.g., a button or switch) for accepting information input from the user.

[0048] Notification section 113A notifies the user of information. Information notified by notification section 113A includes, for example, the state of charge (SOC) indicating the charge state of power supply section 111A, the warm-up time for inhalation, and the inhalation-enabled period. For example, notification section 113A may be configured by a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0049] The memory portion 114A stores various types of information used for the operation of the aerosol-generating device 100A. For example, the memory portion 114A is configured by a nonvolatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0050] The communication section 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication conforming to any wired or wireless communication standard. For example, examples of usable communication standards include standards employing Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) (registered trademark), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0051] The control section 116A functions as an arithmetic processing device and a control device, and controls the overall operation within the aerosol generating device 100A according to various programs. For example, the control section 116A is implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) or an electronic circuit such as a microprocessor.

[0052] The liquid storage portion 123 stores an aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate an aerosol. For example, the aerosol source is a polyol (such as glycerin or propylene glycol) or a liquid (such as water). The aerosol source may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the aerosol-generating device 100A is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a medication.

[0053] Liquid guide portion 122 guides an aerosol source, which is the liquid stored in liquid storage portion 123, from liquid storage portion 123 and holds the aerosol source. Liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed from a twisted fiber material (such as glass fiber) or a porous material (such as porous ceramic). In this case, the aerosol source stored in liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary action of the wick.

[0054] The heating portion 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source, thereby generating an aerosol. The heating portion 121A is formed of any material (such as metal or polyimide) in any shape (such as a coil, a film, or a blade). Figure 1In the illustrated example, heating portion 121A is configured as a coil made by winding a heating resistor (e.g., nichrome or stainless steel), and is wound around liquid introducing portion 122. When heating portion 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in liquid introducing portion 122 is heated and atomized, thereby generating aerosol. Heating portion 121A generates heat when supplied with power from power supply portion 111A.

[0055] For example, when the sensor portion 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or has input predetermined information, the heating portion 121A may be supplied with power (powered). Then, when the sensor portion 112A detects that the user has finished inhaling and / or has input predetermined information, the supply of power to the heating portion 121A may be stopped.

[0056] Furthermore, the heating portion 121A can be configured to generate aerosols using vibration or induction heating. When generating aerosols using vibration, the aerosol-generating device 100A is provided with a vibrating portion as the heating portion 121A. For example, the vibrating unit is configured by a plate-like member including piezoelectric ceramics that function as ultrasonic vibrators. When the vibrating unit vibrates, the aerosol source, which has been guided to the surface of the vibrating unit by the liquid guide portion 122, is then atomized by the ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibrating unit, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0057] Furthermore, when generating aerosols using induction heating, the aerosol-generating device 100A is equipped with a susceptor and an electromagnetic induction source as the heating section 121A. The susceptor is made of a conductive material (such as metal) and generates heat through electromagnetic induction. Furthermore, the susceptor is positioned adjacent to the liquid guide section 122. For example, the susceptor is formed from a metal wire and wound around the liquid guide section 122. The electromagnetic induction source causes the susceptor to generate heat through electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is formed, for example, from a coiled wire and generates a magnetic field when supplied with AC current from the power supply section 111A. This magnetic field generates eddy currents in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. This Joule heat then heats the aerosol source housed in the liquid guide section 122 and atomizes it, thereby generating aerosol.

[0058] Flavor source 131 is a component used to impart flavor components to the aerosol. Flavor source 131 can include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. Flavor source 131 can be, for example, a tobacco-derived substance (such as cut tobacco) or a processed product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into granular, flake, or powdered form. Furthermore, flavor source 131 can also include non-tobacco-derived materials made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and vanilla). As an example, flavor source 131 can contain a flavoring component such as menthol. Furthermore, flavor source 131 can be a stick-shaped component. When aerosol-generating device 100A is a medical inhaler, flavor source 131 can contain a medication to be inhaled by the patient. It should be noted that aerosol source 131 is not limited to solids and can also be, for example, a liquid containing a flavor component, such as a polyol (such as glycerin or propylene glycol) or water. Furthermore, flavor source 131 can be disposed within a container such as a capsule.

[0059] Airflow channel 180 is a flow channel for air to be inhaled by the user. Airflow channel 180 has a tubular structure with air inlet 181 and air outlet 182 at its ends. The air inlet serves as an entrance for air to enter airflow channel 180, while the air outlet serves as an exit for air to exit airflow channel 180. Midway along airflow channel 180, liquid introduction section 122 is located upstream (closer to air inlet 181), while flavor source 131 is located downstream (closer to air outlet 182). When the user inhales, air flowing in through air inlet 181 mixes with the aerosol generated by heating section 121A and is transported through flavor source 131 to air outlet 182, as indicated by arrow 190. As the mixed fluid of aerosol and air passes through flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in flavor source 131 are added to the aerosol.

[0060] The mouthpiece 124 is a member held in the user's mouth during inhalation. An air outflow hole 182 is provided in the mouthpiece 124. The user holds the mouthpiece 124 in his or her mouth so that a mixed fluid of aerosol and air can be inhaled into the oral cavity.

[0061] The configuration example of the aerosol-generating device 100A is described above. Of course, the aerosol-generating device 100A is not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0062] As an example, the aerosol generating device 100A need not include the flavoured cartridge 130 . In this case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124 .

[0063] As another example, aerosol-generating device 100A may further include a flavor source heating portion (not depicted) for heating flavor source 131. The flavor source heating portion is configured in a film-like shape and is disposed so as to cover, for example, the outer periphery of flavor source 131. Thus, when supplied with power from power supply portion 111A, the flavor source heating portion generates heat, thereby heating the flavor source 131 from the outer periphery. It should be noted that the flavor source heating portion may also be configured in a blade-like shape, for example, piercing flavor source 131 to heat it from the inside. Furthermore, the flavor source heating portion may be configured to heat flavor source 131 using vibration or induction heating. Providing such a flavor source heating portion increases the temperature of flavor source 131 and the amount of flavor components added to the aerosol compared to a case where the flavor source heating portion is not provided.

[0064] In addition, as another example, the aerosol generating device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. The multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the airflow channel 180 to induce a chemical reaction, thereby generating further types of aerosols.

[0065] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by means of the heating portion 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0066] (2) Second configuration example

[0067] Figure 2 : is a schematic diagram schematically showing a second configuration example of an aerosol generating device. Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol-generating device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply section 111B, a sensor section 112B, a notification section 113B, a memory section 114B, a communication section 115B, a control section 116B, a heating section 121B, a housing section 140, and a heat-insulating section 144. In the aerosol-generating device 100A of the first configuration example, the power supply unit 110 housing the power supply section 111A and the heating section 121A are separate components. However, in the aerosol-generating device 100B of the second configuration example, the power supply section 111B and the heating section 121B are integrated. In other words, the aerosol-generating device 100B of the second configuration example can also be said to have a power supply unit with a built-in heating section.

[0068] The power supply portion 111B, the sensor portion 112B, the notification portion 113B, the memory portion 114B, the communication portion 115B, and the control portion 116B are each substantially the same as the corresponding component included in the aerosol-generating device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0069] The accommodating portion 140 has an interior space 141 and holds the rod-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the rod-shaped substrate 150 within the interior space 141. The accommodating portion 140 has an opening 142, allowing the interior space 141 to communicate with the outside. The accommodating portion accommodates the rod-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the interior space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the accommodating portion 140 is a cylindrical body including the opening 142 and a bottom portion 143 serving as a bottom surface, and defines the columnar interior space 141. An air flow channel for supplying air to the interior space 141 is connected to the accommodating portion 140. For example, an air inlet hole is provided in a side surface of the aerosol-generating device 100. The air inlet hole serves as an inlet for air to enter the air flow path. For example, an air outlet hole is provided in the bottom portion 143. The air outlet hole serves as an outlet for air from the air flow channel to the interior space 141.

[0070] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 contains an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. If the aerosol-generating device 100 is a medical inhaler (such as a nebulizer), the aerosol source may include a medication. The aerosol source may be, for example, a liquid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components, such as water or a polyol (e.g., glycerin or propylene glycol), or a solid containing tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the accommodating portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is contained within the interior space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. Therefore, when a user places the mouthpiece portion 152, which protrudes from the opening 142, in their mouth and inhales, air flows into the interior space 141 via an airflow channel (not shown in the drawings) and, along with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151, reaches the user's mouth.

[0071] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated example, heating portion 121B is configured as a film heater obtained by laying out conductive tracks made of heating resistors having a correlation between resistance and temperature, and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of accommodating portion 140. Thus, when heating portion 121B generates heat, substrate portion 151 of rod-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, thereby generating aerosol. It should be noted that the same heating resistor as that of heating portion 121A described above can be used as the heating resistor of heating portion 121B.

[0072] The heat insulating portion 144 prevents heat from being transferred from the heating portion 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating portion 144 is configured of a vacuum insulation material, an aerogel insulation material, or the like.

[0073] The above describes a configuration example of the aerosol-generating device 100B. Of course, the aerosol-generating device 100B is not limited to the configuration described above, and may adopt various configurations, such as those shown below by way of example.

[0074] As an example, the heating portion 121B may have a blade-like form and may be provided so as to protrude from the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating portion 121B is inserted into the matrix portion 151 of the rod-type matrix 150 and heats it from the inside of the matrix portion 151 of the rod-type matrix 150. As another example, the heating portion 121B may be provided so as to cover the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140. In addition, the heating portion 121B may be configured by a combination of two or more of a first heating portion covering the outer periphery of the accommodating portion 140, a blade-shaped second heating portion, and a third heating portion covering the bottom portion 143 of the accommodating portion 140.

[0075] As another example, the receiving portion 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism (e.g., a hinge) for opening and closing a portion of the outer shell forming the interior space 141. Thus, by opening and closing the outer shell, the receiving portion 140 can clamp and accommodate the rod-type substrate 150 that has been inserted into the interior space 141. In this case, the heating portion 121B may be provided on the clamping portion of the receiving portion 140, and the rod-type substrate 150 may be heated while being pressed.

[0076] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating portion 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In this case, the aerosol-generating device 100B includes at least an electromagnetic induction source (such as a coil) for generating a magnetic field, rather than the heating portion 121B. The susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided within the aerosol-generating device 100B or may be included in the rod-shaped substrate 150.

[0077] In addition, the aerosol-generating device 100B may additionally include the heating portion 121A, the liquid guide portion 122, the liquid storage portion 123, and the air flow channel 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air flow channel 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol generated by the heating portion 121A and the air flows into the internal space 141, and further mixes with the aerosol generated by the heating portion 121B, and reaches the user's oral cavity.

[0078] It should be noted that hereinafter, the aerosol-generating devices 100A and 100B described above will also be indiscriminately referred to as the "aerosol-generating device 100." Similarly, the power supply portion 111A and 111B may be referred to as the "power supply portion 111," the sensor portion 112A and 112B may be referred to as the "sensor portion 112," the notification portion 113A and 113B may be referred to as the "notification portion 113," the memory portion 114A and 114B may be referred to as the "memory portion 114," the communication portion 115A and 115B may be referred to as the "communication portion 115," the control portion 116A and 116B may be referred to as the "control portion 116," and the heating portion 121A and 121B may be referred to as the "heating portion 121."

[0079] <<2. Configuration Examples of Aerosol-Generating Devices According to the Present Disclosure>>

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, in the aerosol-generating device 100, the substrate 10 on which the control portion 116 is mounted, the power supply portion 111, the chassis 50 holding the power supply portion 111, and the conductive members 20a and 20b connecting the power supply portion 111 and the substrate 10 are accommodated inside the housing 30. It should be noted that the sensor portion 112, the notification portion 113, the memory portion 114, the communication portion 115, and the heating portion 121 are omitted.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the substrate 10 includes a positive electrode side heating connection portion 12a and a negative electrode side heating connection portion 12b (hereinafter also referred to as heating connection portions 12a, 12b) connected to a heating portion 121, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 13, a positive electrode side power connection portion 14a and a negative electrode side power connection portion 14b (hereinafter also referred to as power connection portions 14a, 14b) connected to a power supply portion 111, a discharge circuit 15 connecting the heating connection portions 12a, 12b and the power connection portions 14a, 14b, and a charging circuit 16 connecting the USB port 13 and the power connection portions 14a, 14b. It should be noted that in Figure 4 In the example, the discharge circuit 15 and a portion of the charge circuit 16 are configured to include a common wiring, but the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 may also be constituted entirely of different wirings.

[0082] The heating connection portions 12a, 12b are connected to a heater conductive member (not shown), and the discharge circuit 15 is connected to the heating portion 121 via the heater conductive member. The conductive members 20a, 20b are connected to the power supply connection portions 14a, 14b, and the discharge circuit 15 and the charging circuit 16 are connected to the power supply portion 111 via the conductive members 20a, 20b. More specifically, the positive electrode 111a of the power supply portion 111 is connected to the positive electrode side power supply connection portion 14a via the positive electrode side conductive member 20a, and the negative electrode 111b of the power supply portion 111 is connected to the negative electrode side power supply connection portion 14b via the negative electrode side conductive member 20b.

[0083] The discharge circuit 15 and the charging circuit 16 are connected to the control portion 116. During heating, the control portion 116 controls the supply of power from the power supply portion 111 to the heating portion 121 via the conductive members 20a, 20b, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connection portions 12a, 12b, and the heater conductive member. Furthermore, during charging, the control portion 116 controls the supply of power from the USB port 13 to the power supply portion 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, and the conductive members 20a, 20b.

[0084] Conductive members 20a, 20b are made of thin plate-shaped conductive metal material, and the conductive metal material is exposed. Conductive members 20a, 20b are typically metal foil, such as aluminum foil (foil made of aluminum or aluminum alloy) or copper foil. In addition, conductive members 20a, 20b can be metal plates, such as metal plates containing nickel or copper alloy. In the positive electrode side conductive member 20a, the power supply side positive electrode contact 21a at one end is fixed to the positive electrode 111a of the power supply part 111, and the matrix side positive electrode contact 22a at the other end is fixed to the positive electrode side power supply connection part 14a. In the negative electrode side conductive member 20b, the negative source side positive electrode contact 21b at one end is fixed to the negative electrode 111b of the power supply part 111, and the matrix side negative electrode contact 22b at the other end is fixed to the negative electrode side power supply connection part 14b. The power supply side contacts 21a, 21b of the conductive members 20a, 20b may be fixed to the electrodes 111a, 111b of the power supply portion 111, and the substrate side contacts 22a, 22b of the conductive members 20a, 20b may be fixed to the power supply connection portions 14a, 14b of the substrate 10 by a fixing method such as soldering or welding.

[0085] When an impact is applied to the housing 30, such as when the aerosol-generating device 100 is dropped, the conductive members 20a and 20b shake around their fixed points: the power supply-side contacts 21a and 21b and the substrate-side contacts 22a and 22b at their ends. If the conductive members 20a and 20b, which are made of metal foil or the like, shake significantly, the contacts 21a and 22b at their ends may become loose, or the conductive members 20a and 20b may become damaged around the contacts 21a and 22b, potentially leading to loss of electrical connection. Furthermore, depending on the strength of the impact on the housing 30, the power supply portion 111, which is heavier than other components of the aerosol-generating device, may separate from the rest of the chassis 50, causing the conductive members 20a and 20b and the contacts 21a and 22b to break.

[0086] Therefore, the conductive members 20a, 20b of the present disclosure have fixing portions 26a, 26b, respectively, fixed to the substrate 10. More specifically, the positive electrode side conductive member 20a has the positive electrode side fixing portion 26a fixed to the substrate 10, and the negative electrode side conductive member 20b has the negative electrode side fixing portion 26b fixed to the substrate 10. The fixing portions 26a, 26b are fixed to the substrate 10 at positions different from the substrate side contacts 22a, 22b.

[0087] In the conductive members 20a and 20b of the present disclosure, fixing portions 26a and 26b are provided at the distal end of a branch portion 24 that branches from a main conductive path 23 connecting the power supply contacts 21a and 21b and the substrate contacts 22a and 22b. Preferably, the branch portion 24 is provided approximately midway along the longitudinal direction of the conductive members 20a and 20b. The fixing portion 26a of the positive electrode-side conductive member 20a is fixed to the positive electrode-side power supply fixing portion 17a of the substrate 10 by brazing, welding, or the like, and the fixing portion 26b of the negative electrode-side conductive member 20b is fixed to the negative electrode-side power supply fixing portion 17b of the substrate 10 by brazing, welding, or the like. The fixing of the fixing portions 26a and 26b to the substrate 10 is not limited to brazing or welding, and any fixing method may be employed, such as fixing with an adhesive, fixing with a sealant or tape, or screwing.

[0088] In this manner, since the conductive members 20a, 20b are fixed to the substrate 10 via the fixing portions 26a, 26b, even if an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol-generating device 100, detachment of the contacts 21a to 22b and damage to the conductive members 20a, 20b can be suppressed. It should be noted that the fixing portions 26a, 26b do not need to be provided in the branch portion 24 branching from the main conductive path 23, but may be provided in the main conductive path 23 itself, and the main conductive path 23 itself may be fixed. Furthermore, a single conductive member 20a, 20b may be provided with a plurality of fixing portions 26a, 26b.

[0089] Furthermore, the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative electrode side power supply fixing portion 17b of the substrate 10 to which the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are fixed can be arranged so as to be electrically connected to the circuit provided on the substrate 10, or they can be arranged so that one power supply fixing portion is electrically connected while the other power supply fixing portion is not electrically connected. For example, arranging so as not to be electrically connected means that the power supply fixing portions 17a and 17b are surrounded by an insulating protective member and cannot exchange power with the discharge circuit 15 and the charging circuit 16. In other words, the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b can be electrically connected to the circuit formed on the substrate 10, or they can be isolated from the circuit formed on the substrate 10.

[0090] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the first example shown, the positive electrode side power supply connection portion 14a and the negative electrode side power supply connection portion 14b are arranged so as to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charging circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. In contrast, the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative electrode side power supply fixing portion 17b are arranged so as not to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 or the charging circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. In other words, the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are isolated from the circuit provided on the substrate 10.

[0091] Therefore, during heating, power from the power supply portion 111 is supplied to the heating portion 121 via the conductive members 20a, 20b, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connection portions 12a, 12b, and the heater conductive member. Furthermore, during charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply portion 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, and the conductive members 20a, 20b. Therefore, the occurrence of electrical failures in the substrate 10 due to the fixing portions 26a, 26b can be suppressed.

[0092] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6In the second example shown, the positive electrode side power supply connection portion 14a and the negative electrode side power supply connection portion 14b are arranged to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charging circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. Furthermore, the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative electrode side power supply fixing portion 17b are also arranged to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charging circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. Specifically, the positive electrode side power supply connection portion 14a and the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a are integrally formed on the substrate 10, and the negative electrode side power supply connection portion 14b and the negative electrode side power supply fixing portion 17b are integrally formed on the substrate 10. In other words, the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charging circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10.

[0093] Thus, during heating, power from the power supply portion 111 is supplied to the heating portion 121 via the conductive members 20a, 20b, the power connection portions 14a, 14b and the power fixing portions 17a, 17b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connection portions 12a, 12b, and the heater conductive member. Furthermore, during charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply portion 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power connection portions 14a, 14b and the power fixing portions 17a, 17b, and the conductive members 20a, 20b. Therefore, the fixing portions 26a, 26b can function as contacts other than the power connection portions 14a, 14b.

[0094] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the third example shown, a discharge control portion 116P for controlling discharge and a charge control portion 116Q for controlling charge are separately provided on the substrate 10. The positive electrode side power supply connection portion 14a and the negative electrode side power supply connection portion 14b are arranged so as to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on the substrate 10. In addition, the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative electrode side power supply fixing portion 17b are arranged so as to be electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided in the substrate 10. That is, the substrate side contacts 22a and 22b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on the substrate 10, and the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10.

[0095] Therefore, during heating, power from the power supply portion 111 is supplied to the heating portion 121 via the conductive members 20a, 20b, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connection portions 12a, 12b, and the heater conductive member. Furthermore, during charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply portion 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power supply fixing portions 17a, 17b, and the conductive members 20a, 20b.

[0096] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the fourth example shown, a discharge control portion 116P for controlling discharge and a charge control portion 116Q for controlling charge are separately provided on the substrate 10. The positive electrode side power supply connection portion 14a and the negative electrode side power supply connection portion 14b are arranged so as to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on the substrate 10. Furthermore, of the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative electrode side power supply fixing portion 17b, only the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a is arranged so as to be electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10, and the negative electrode side power supply fixing portion 17b is arranged so as not to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 or the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. That is, the fixing portion 26a of the positive electrode side conductive member 20a is electrically connected to the circuit provided on the substrate 10, and the fixing portion 26b of the negative electrode side conductive member 20b is insulated from the circuit provided on the substrate 10.

[0097] Therefore, during heating, power from the power supply portion 111 is supplied to the heating portion 121 via the conductive members 20a, 20b, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connection portions 12a, 12b, and the heater conductive member. Furthermore, during charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply portion 111 via the charging circuit 16, the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a, the negative electrode side power supply connection portion 14b, and the conductive members 20a, 20b.

[0098] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the fifth example shown, two substrates 10A and 10B are provided. A discharge control portion 116P for controlling discharge is provided on substrate 10A, and a charge control portion 116Q for controlling charge is provided on substrate 10B. A positive electrode-side power supply connection portion 14a and a negative electrode-side power supply connection portion 14b are provided on substrate 10A and are electrically connected to a discharge circuit 15 provided on substrate 10A. Furthermore, a positive electrode-side power supply fixing portion 17a and a negative electrode-side power supply fixing portion 17b are provided on substrate 10B and are electrically connected to a charge circuit 16 provided on substrate 10B. Specifically, substrate-side contacts 22a and 22b of conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on substrate 10A, while fixing portions 26a and 26b of conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided on substrate 10B.

[0099] Therefore, during heating, power from the power supply portion 111 is supplied to the heating portion 121 via the conductive members 20a, 20b, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connection portions 12a, 12b, and the heater conductive member. Furthermore, during charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply portion 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power supply fixing portions 17a, 17b, and the conductive members 20a, 20b.

[0100] Furthermore, in the previous example, the case has been described where the fixing portions 26 a, 26 b of the conductive members 20 a, 20 b are fixed to the substrate 10 ( 10A, 10B), but the configuration is not limited thereto, and the fixing portions 26 a, 26 b may be fixed to a member other than the substrate 10 ( 10A, 10B), such as the chassis 50 or the housing 30 .

[0101] exist Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the sixth example shown, the fixing portions 26a, 26b of the conductive members 20a, 20b are fixed to a chassis 50 that holds the power supply portion 111. By making the chassis 50 of insulating resin, the fixing portions 26a, 26b are insulated.

[0102] It should be noted that the positive electrode side power connection portion 14a and the negative electrode side power connection portion 14b are arranged to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charging circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. Therefore, during heating, power from the power supply portion 111 is supplied to the heating portion 121 via the conductive members 20a, 20b, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connection portions 12a, 12b, and the heater conductive member. In addition, during charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply portion 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power connection portions 14a, 14b, and the conductive members 20a, 20b.

[0103] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to think of several variant examples or modified examples within the scope disclosed in the claims, and any such variant examples or modified examples will naturally be understood to fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the embodiments described above can be combined in any manner within the scope that does not deviate from the essential points of the present invention.

[0104] This specification describes at least the following features: Note that corresponding components and the like in the above-described embodiments are shown in parentheses, but are not limited thereto.

[0105] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 110, aerosol generating device 100B, 100) for an aerosol generating device (aerosol generating device 100A, 100B, 100), the power supply unit including a power supply (power supply portion 111A, 111B, 111) for supplying power to a heating portion (heating portion 121A, 121B, 121) for heating an aerosol source,

[0106] a control section (control sections 116A, 116B, 116, 116P) for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating section,

[0107] a substrate (substrate 10A, 10) on which the control portion is disposed,

[0108] conductive members (positive electrode side conductive member 20a, negative electrode side conductive member 20b) for connecting the power source and the substrate, and

[0109] A housing (housing 30) is used to accommodate the power supply, the control part, the substrate and the conductive member, wherein:

[0110] The conductive member comprises:

[0111] Contact the power supply side contacts of the power supply (power supply side positive electrode contact 21a, negative source side positive electrode contact 21b);

[0112] Substrate-side contacts (substrate-side positive electrode contact 22a, substrate-side negative electrode contact 22b) contacting the substrate; and

[0113] A fixing portion (positive electrode side fixing portion 26 a, negative electrode side fixing portion 26 b) is provided between the power supply side contact and the substrate side contact and is fixed to the substrate, the housing, or another member housed in the housing and different from the substrate and the housing.

[0114] According to (1), since the conductive member is fixed to the substrate, the housing, or a member other than the substrate and the housing through the fixing portion, contact peeling and damage to the conductive member can be suppressed even if an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol generating device.

[0115] (2) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1), wherein:

[0116] The fixing portion is provided in a branch portion (branch portion 24 ) branching from a main conductive path (main conductive path 23 ) connecting the power-side contact and the substrate-side contact.

[0117] According to (2), by providing the fixing portion in the branch portion, the influence on the main conductive path can be reduced or eliminated.

[0118] (3) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1) or (2), wherein:

[0119] The fixing portion is fixed to the substrate and is insulated from the circuits (discharging circuit 15 , charging circuit 16 ) formed on the substrate.

[0120] According to (3), the fixing portion can suppress the generation of electrical faults in the substrate.

[0121] (4) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1) or (2), wherein:

[0122] The fixing portion is fixed to the substrate and electrically connected to the circuit (discharging circuit 15 , charging circuit 16 ) formed on the substrate.

[0123] According to (4), the fixed portion can be used as another contact point.

[0124] (5) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in (4), wherein:

[0125] The substrate-side contact is connected to a discharge circuit (discharge circuit 15) leading to the heating portion, and

[0126] The fixed portion is connected to a charging circuit (charging circuit 16 ) leading to a charging port (USB port 13 ).

[0127] According to (5), the substrate design flexibility is improved by using the substrate-side contact for the discharge circuit and using the fixed portion as another substrate-side contact to the charge circuit.

[0128] (6) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1) or (2), wherein:

[0129] The other member is another matrix (matrix 10B) different from the matrix, and

[0130] The anchoring portion is anchored to the other substrate.

[0131] According to (6), since the fixing portion is fixed to the other substrate, one substrate can be made smaller.

[0132] (7) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in (6), wherein:

[0133] The substrate-side contact is formed on the substrate and is connected to a discharge circuit (discharge circuit 15) leading to the heating portion, and

[0134] The fixed portion is connected to a charging circuit (charging circuit 16 ) formed on another substrate and leading to a charging port (USB port 13 ).

[0135] According to (7), the substrate can be separated between the discharge circuit and the charge circuit.

[0136] (8) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1) or (2), wherein:

[0137] The other components are a chassis (chassis 50) that holds the power supply, and

[0138] The fixing portion is fixed to the chassis.

[0139] According to (8), by using a chassis that holds a power source, is insulated, and has a relatively large volume as another component, the fixing portion can be easily fixed. In addition, since there is no need to provide space on the substrate to fix the fixing portion, the substrate design flexibility is improved.

[0140] (9) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in (1) or (2), wherein:

[0141] The fixing portion includes a positive electrode side fixing portion (fixing portion 26 a ) and a negative electrode side fixing portion (fixing portion 26 b ),

[0142] The positive electrode side fixing portion and the negative electrode side fixing portion are both fixed to the substrate, and

[0143] At least one of the positive electrode side fixing portion and the negative electrode side fixing portion is electrically connected to a circuit (discharging circuit 15 , charging circuit 16 ) formed on the substrate.

[0144] According to (9), at least one of the positive electrode side fixing portion and the negative electrode side fixing portion can be used as another substrate side contact. The negative electrode fixing portion can be electrically connected to the ground electrode, and the positive electrode fixing portion can be electrically connected to the discharge circuit and / or the charging circuit.

[0145] (10) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (9), wherein:

[0146] The conductive member is composed of a plate-shaped conductive metal material, and the conductive metal material is exposed.

[0147] According to (10), although the conductive member, which is an exposed plate-shaped conductive metal material, is easily broken upon impact, damage to the conductive member can be suppressed by providing the fixing portion.

[0148] (11) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (10), wherein:

[0149] The conductive member is a metal foil.

[0150] According to (11), by fixing the metal foil that is particularly easy to break using the fixing portion, it is possible to suppress peeling of the contact and damage to the conductive member.

[0151] (12) The power supply unit as disclosed in any one of (1) to (10), wherein:

[0152] The conductive member is a metal plate.

[0153] According to (12), by fixing the metal plate using the fixing portion, peeling of the contact can be suppressed.

[0154] (13) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (12), wherein:

[0155] The fixing portion is provided approximately midway between the power-side contact and the substrate-side contact.

[0156] According to (13), by fixing the middle of the conductive member, which has a large displacement when an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol generating device, breakage of the conductive member can be effectively suppressed.

[0157] (14) An aerosol generating device comprising the power supply unit for an aerosol generating device as disclosed in any one of (1) to (13), and

[0158] Heating part.

[0159] According to (14), since the conductive member is fixed to the substrate, the housing, or a member other than the substrate and the housing by the fixing portion, damage to the conductive member can be suppressed even if an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol generating device.

[0160] List of Reference Numerals

[0161] 10, 10A, 10B matrix

[0162] 20a Positive electrode side conductive member (conductive member)

[0163] 20b Negative electrode side conductive member (conductive member)

[0164] 13 USB ports (charging ports)

[0165] 15 Discharge circuit (circuit)

[0166] 16 Charging circuit (circuit)

[0167] 21a Power supply side positive electrode contact (power supply side contact)

[0168] 21b Negative source side positive electrode contact (power supply side contact)

[0169] 22a Matrix-side positive electrode contact (Matrix-side contact)

[0170] 22b Matrix-side negative electrode contact (matrix-side contact)

[0171] 23 Main conductive path

[0172] 24 branches

[0173] 26a Positive electrode side fixing portion (fixing portion)

[0174] 26b Negative electrode side fixing portion (fixing portion)

[0175] 30 shell

[0176] 50 chassis

[0177] 100 Aerosol Generating Device (Power Supply Unit)

[0178] 100A Aerosol Generating Device

[0179] 100B Aerosol Generating Device (Power Supply Unit)

[0180] 110 Power supply unit

[0181] 111, 111A, 111B power supply units

[0182] 116, 116A, 116B control units

[0183] 116P discharge control part (control device)

[0184] 121, 121A, 121B heating part

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, the power supply unit comprising a power supply for supplying power to a heating portion of a heated aerosol source, a control section for controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heating section, a substrate on which the control portion is disposed, a conductive member for connecting the power source and the substrate, and A housing for accommodating the power supply, the control portion, the substrate, and the conductive member, wherein: The conductive member comprises: Contact the power-side contacts of the power supply; a substrate-side contact contacting the substrate; and A fixing portion is provided between the power-side contact and the substrate-side contact and is fixed to the substrate, the housing, or another member accommodated in the housing and different from the substrate and the housing.

2. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing portion is provided in a branch portion branching from a main conductive path connecting the power-side contact and the substrate-side contact.

3. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fixing portion is fixed to the substrate and is insulated from a circuit formed on the substrate.

4. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fixing portion is fixed to the substrate and electrically connected to a circuit formed on the substrate.

5. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 4, wherein: The substrate-side contact is connected to a discharge circuit leading to the heating portion, and The fixed portion is connected to a charging circuit that leads to the charging port.

6. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The other component is another matrix different from the matrix, and The immobilization moiety is immobilized to the other substrate.

7. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 6, wherein: The substrate-side contact is formed on the substrate and connected to a discharge circuit leading to the heating portion, and The fixed portion is connected to a charging circuit formed on the other substrate and leading to a charging port.

8. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The other component is a chassis that holds the power supply, and The fixing portion is fixed to the chassis.

9. The power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The fixing portion includes a positive electrode side fixing portion and a negative electrode side fixing portion, The positive electrode side fixing portion and the negative electrode side fixing portion are both fixed to the substrate, and At least one of the positive electrode side fixing portion and the negative electrode side fixing portion is electrically connected to a circuit formed on the substrate.

10. The power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The conductive member is composed of a plate-shaped conductive metal material, and the conductive metal material is exposed.

11. A power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The conductive member is a metal foil.

12. The power supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The conductive member is a metal plate.

13. A power supply unit for an aerosol-generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The fixing portion is provided approximately midway between the power-side contact and the substrate-side contact.

14. An aerosol generating device comprising the power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and Heating part.

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