Attractor

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generator capable of achieving miniaturization and cost reduction.SOLUTION: An inhaler comprises: a power supply BAT; a receptacle RCP electrically connectable to an external power supply; an MCU 1; a battery charger IC 2 including an input terminal VBUS to be connected to the receptacle RCP, a charging terminal bat to be connected to the power supply BAT and an output terminal SYS to be connected to the MCU1, and configured to convert power input to the input terminal VBUS and output the power from the charging terminal bat; and a discharge path for connecting the power supply BAT and a heater HTR without passing through the battery charger IC 2, where the battery charger IC 2 is configured to be able to supply the power input from the power supply BAT to the charging terminal bat, to the MCU1 via the output terminal SYS.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an evaporator device having a converter capable of receiving a voltage from a USB power source or a battery and supplying the received voltage to a heating element. The converter is configured to be capable of charging the battery with the voltage from the USB power source.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a smoking system that includes a primary device including a primary power source and a charging device that charges the primary power source, and a secondary device including a secondary power source that is charged by the primary power source and a load that generates heat by power supplied from the secondary power source. In this smoking system, it is possible to directly supply power from the primary power source to the load.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes an electronic cigarette that can supply power from a charger to a heating element in a cigarette cartridge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0120991 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 167817 [Patent Document 3] Japan Special Publication No. 2015-500647 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When installing a charging IC in an aerosol generating device equipped with a power supply, it is possible to use the Power Path function of the charging IC to supply power from an external or built-in power supply to a load such as a heater or controller. However, if the load connected to the output terminal of the charging IC increases, the current output from the output terminal increases, making it necessary to use a large-scale, high-cost charging IC.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an aerosol generating device that can be made compact and inexpensive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device of one embodiment of the present invention is a power supply unit of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, and includes a power supply, a connector electrically connectable to an external power supply, a first load, an input terminal connected to the connector, a charging terminal connected to the power supply, and an output terminal connected to the first load, and includes a charging IC configured to convert power input to the input terminal and output it from the charging terminal, and a discharge path connecting the power supply and a second load without passing through the charging IC, and the charging IC is configured to be able to supply power input from the power supply to the charging terminal to the first load via the output terminal. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device that can be made compact and inexpensive. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a non-combustion type inhaler. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the non-combustion type inhaler with a rod attached. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the non-combustion type inhaler. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a non-combustion type inhaler. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the internal unit of the non-combustion inhaler. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the internal unit with the power supply and chassis removed. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the internal unit with the power supply and chassis removed. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an operation mode of the inhaler. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of an internal unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of an internal unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of an internal unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit in a sleep mode. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit in an active mode. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit in a heating initial setting mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when the heater is heated in a heating mode. [Figure 17] 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit when detecting the temperature of a heater in a heating mode. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit in a charging mode. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an electric circuit when the MCU is reset (restarted). [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of a charging IC. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a suction system, which is an embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present invention, will be described with reference to the drawings. This suction system includes a non-combustion type aspirator 100 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the aspirator 100) which is an embodiment of the power supply unit of the present invention, and a rod 500 heated by the aspirator 100. In the following description, an example will be described in which the aspirator 100 houses a heating unit in an undetachable manner. However, the heating unit may be configured to be detachable from the aspirator 100. For example, the rod 500 and the heating unit may be integrated and configured to be detachable from the aspirator 100. In other words, the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device may be configured not to include a heating unit as a component. Note that the term "undetachable" refers to a mode in which the unit cannot be removed within the scope of the intended use. Alternatively, the heating unit may be configured by cooperation between an induction heating coil provided in the aspirator 100 and a susceptor built into the rod 500.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the aspirator 100. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the aspirator 100 showing a state in which the rod 500 is attached. Fig. 3 is another perspective view of the aspirator 100. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the aspirator 100. In the following description, an orthogonal coordinate system in a three-dimensional space is used, in which three mutually orthogonal directions are defined as the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction for convenience. In the drawings, the front is indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the right side as R, the left side as L, the upper side as U, and the lower side as D.

[0013] The inhaler 100 is configured to generate aerosol containing a flavor by heating an elongated, generally cylindrical rod 500 (see FIG. 2), which is an example of a flavor ingredient generating substrate having an aerosol source and a filling containing a flavor source.

[0014] <Flavor component generating base material (rod)> The rod 500 includes a fill containing an aerosol source that is heated to a predetermined temperature to produce an aerosol.

[0015] The type of aerosol source is not particularly limited, and various extracts from natural products and / or their components can be selected depending on the application. The aerosol source may be a solid or a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a flavor source such as a tobacco raw material or an extract derived from a tobacco raw material that releases a flavor component when heated. The gas to which the flavor component is added is not limited to an aerosol, and for example, invisible steam may be generated.

[0016] The filling of the rod 500 may contain tobacco shreds as a flavor source. The material of the tobacco shreds is not particularly limited, and known materials such as lamina and backbone can be used. The filling may contain one or more flavorings. The type of flavor is not particularly limited, but menthol is preferable from the viewpoint of imparting a good smoking taste. The flavor source may contain plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). Depending on the application, the rod 500 may not contain a flavor source.

[0017] <Overall configuration of non-combustion type aspirator> Next, the overall configuration of the inhaler 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The inhaler 100 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case 110 having a front surface, a rear surface, a left surface, a right surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The case 110 includes a cylindrical case body 112 having a bottom and an integrally formed front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a bottom surface, and a bottom surface, an outer panel 115 and an inner panel 118 that seal an opening 114 (see FIG. 4) of the case body 112 and form the left surface, and a slider 119.

[0018] The inner panel 118 is fixed to the case body 112 with bolts 120. The outer panel 115 is fixed to the case body 112 so as to cover the outer surface of the inner panel 118 by magnets 124 held by a chassis 150 (see FIG. 5 ), which will be described later and is housed in the case body 112. Since the outer panel 115 is fixed by the magnets 124, the user can replace the outer panel 115 according to preference.

[0019] The inner panel 118 is provided with two through holes 126 through which the magnet 124 passes. Between the two through holes 126 arranged vertically, the inner panel 118 is further provided with a vertically long hole 127 and a circular hole 128. The long hole 127 is for transmitting light emitted from eight LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) L1 to L8 built in the case body 112. A button-type operation switch OPS built in the case body 112 passes through the circular hole 128. This allows the user to detect the light emitted from the eight LEDs L1 to L8 through the LED window 116 of the outer panel 115. The user can also press down the operation switch OPS through the pressing portion 117 of the outer panel 115.

[0020] 2, an opening 132 into which a rod 500 can be inserted is provided on the upper surface of the case body 112. The slider 119 is coupled to the case body 112 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction between a position where the opening 132 is closed (see FIG. 1) and a position where the opening 132 is opened (see FIG. 2).

[0021] The operation switch OPS is used to perform various operations of the inhaler 100. For example, the user operates the operation switch OPS via the pressing unit 117 while the rod 500 is inserted into the opening 132 and attached as shown in FIG. 2. This causes the heating unit 170 (see FIG. 5) to heat the rod 500 without burning it. When the rod 500 is heated, an aerosol is generated from the aerosol source contained in the rod 500, and the flavor of the flavor source contained in the rod 500 is added to the aerosol. The user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor by holding the mouthpiece 502 of the rod 500 protruding from the opening 132 in their mouth and inhaling.

[0022] 3, a charging terminal 134 is provided on the bottom surface of the case body 112 for electrically connecting to an external power source such as an outlet or a mobile battery to receive power. In this embodiment, the charging terminal 134 is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C receptacle, but is not limited to this. Hereinafter, the charging terminal 134 is also referred to as a receptacle RCP.

[0023] The charging terminal 134 may be configured to include, for example, a power receiving coil and to be capable of contactlessly receiving power transmitted from an external power source. In this case, the method of power transmission (Wireless Power Transfer) may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of the electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic resonance type. As another example, the charging terminal 134 may be connectable to various USB terminals or the like, and may include the above-mentioned power receiving coil.

[0024] The configuration of the inhaler 100 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is merely an example. The inhaler 100 can be configured in various forms such that, by holding the rod 500 and applying an action such as heating, the rod 500 generates gas imparted with flavor components, and the user can inhale the generated gas.

[0025] <Internal structure of non-combustion type aspirator> The internal unit 140 of the inhaler 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the internal unit 140 of the inhaler 100. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the internal unit 140 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the internal unit 140 with the power supply BAT and the chassis 150 removed. Fig. 8 is another perspective view of the internal unit 140 with the power supply BAT and the chassis 150 removed.

[0026] The internal unit 140 housed in the internal space of the case 110 includes a chassis 150, a power supply BAT, a circuit section 160, a heating section 170, a notification section 180, and various sensors.

[0027] The chassis 150 includes a plate-shaped chassis main body 151 disposed approximately at the center of the internal space of the case 110 in the front-rear direction and extending in the up-down and front-rear directions, a plate-shaped front-rear dividing wall 152 disposed approximately at the center of the internal space of the case 110 in the front-rear direction and extending in the up-down and left-right directions, a plate-shaped upper-lower dividing wall 153 extending forward from approximately the center of the front-rear dividing wall 152 in the up-down direction, a plate-shaped chassis upper wall 154 extending rearward from upper edges of the front-rear dividing wall 152 and the chassis main body 151, and a plate-shaped chassis lower wall 155 extending rearward from lower edges of the front-rear dividing wall 152 and the chassis main body 151. The left surface of the chassis main body 151 is covered by the inner panel 118 and outer panel 115 of the case 110 described above.

[0028] The internal space of the case 110 is defined by a chassis 150, with a heating unit accommodating area 142 defined at the upper front portion, a board accommodating area 144 defined at the lower front portion, and a power supply accommodating space 146 defined vertically at the rear.

[0029] The heating unit 170 accommodated in the heating unit accommodation area 142 is composed of a plurality of cylindrical members, which are arranged concentrically to form a cylindrical body as a whole. The heating unit 170 has a rod accommodation section 172 capable of accommodating a part of the rod 500 therein, and a heater HTR (see Figs. 10 to 19) that heats the rod 500 from the outer periphery or the center. It is preferable that the rod accommodation section 172 is composed of a heat insulating material, or that a heat insulating material is provided inside the rod accommodation section 172, so that the surface of the rod accommodation section 172 and the heater HTR are insulated from each other. The heater HTR may be any element capable of heating the rod 500. The heater HTR is, for example, a heating element. Examples of the heating element include a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, and an induction heating type heater. For example, a heater HTR having a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the resistance value increases with increasing temperature is preferably used as the heater HTR. Alternatively, a heater HTR having a NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristic in which the resistance value decreases with increasing temperature may be used. The heating unit 170 has a function of defining a flow path of air to be supplied to the rod 500 and a function of heating the rod 500. The case 110 is formed with an air vent (not shown) for allowing air to flow in, and is configured to allow air to flow into the heating unit 170.

[0030] The power source BAT accommodated in the power source accommodation space 146 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source BAT may be one of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid, or a combination of these.

[0031] The notification unit 180 notifies various information such as the SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the charging state of the power source BAT, the pre-heating time for inhalation, the period during which inhalation is possible, etc. The notification unit 180 of this embodiment includes eight LEDs L1 to L8 and a vibration motor M. The notification unit 180 may be composed of light-emitting elements such as the LEDs L1 to L8, may be composed of a vibration element such as the vibration motor M, or may be composed of a sound output element. The notification unit 180 may be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light-emitting elements, vibration elements, and sound output elements.

[0032] The various sensors include an intake sensor that detects the user's puffing action (inhalation action), a power supply temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the power supply BAT, a heater temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the heater HTR, a case temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the case 110, a cover position sensor that detects the position of the slider 119, and a panel detection sensor that detects the attachment / detachment of the outer panel 115.

[0033] The intake sensor is mainly composed of, for example, a thermistor T2 arranged near the opening 132. The power supply temperature sensor is mainly composed of, for example, a thermistor T1 arranged near the power supply BAT. The heater temperature sensor is mainly composed of, for example, a thermistor T3 arranged near the heater HTR. As described above, it is preferable that the rod accommodating section 172 is insulated from the heater HTR. In this case, it is preferable that the thermistor T3 contacts or is close to the heater HTR inside the rod accommodating section 172. When the heater HTR has a PTC characteristic or an NTC characteristic, the heater HTR itself may be used as the heater temperature sensor. The case temperature sensor is mainly composed of, for example, a thermistor T4 arranged near the left surface of the case 110. The cover position sensor is mainly composed of a Hall IC 14 including a Hall element arranged near the slider 119. The panel detection sensor is mainly composed of a Hall IC 13 including a Hall element arranged near the inner surface of the inner panel 118.

[0034] The circuit section 160 includes four circuit boards, a plurality of ICs (Integrate Circuits), and a plurality of elements. The four circuit boards include an MCU mounting board 161 on which an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 1 and a charging IC 2 (described later) are mainly arranged, a receptacle mounting board 162 on which a charging terminal 134 is mainly arranged, an LED mounting board 163 on which an operation switch OPS, LEDs L1 to L8, and a communication IC 15 (described later) are arranged, and a Hall IC mounting board 164 on which a Hall IC 14 (described later) including a Hall element constituting a cover position sensor is arranged.

[0035] The MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 are arranged parallel to each other in the board housing area 144. More specifically, the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 are arranged such that their element mounting surfaces are aligned in the left-right and up-down directions, and the MCU mounting board 161 is arranged forward of the receptacle mounting board 162. An opening is provided in each of the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162. The MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 are fastened to the board fixing part 156 of the front and rear dividing walls 152 by the bolts 136 with a cylindrical spacer 173 interposed between the peripheries of the openings. That is, the spacer 173 fixes the positions of the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 inside the case 110, and mechanically connects the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162. This makes it possible to prevent the MCU mounted board 161 and the receptacle mounted board 162 from coming into contact with each other and causing a short circuit current between them.

[0036] For convenience, the forward facing surfaces of MCU mounting board 161 and receptacle mounting board 162 are referred to as main surfaces 161a and 162a, respectively, and the opposite surfaces of main surfaces 161a and 162a are referred to as sub-surfaces 161b and 162b, respectively, so that sub-surface 161b of MCU mounting board 161 and main surface 162a of receptacle mounting board 162 face each other with a predetermined gap between them. Main surface 161a of MCU mounting board 161 faces the front surface of case 110, and sub-surface 162b of receptacle mounting board 162 faces front / rear dividing wall 152 of chassis 150. The elements and ICs mounted on MCU mounting board 161 and receptacle mounting board 162 will be described later.

[0037] The LED mounting board 163 is disposed on the left side surface of the chassis main body 151, between two magnets 124 disposed above and below. The element arrangement surface of the LED mounting board 163 is disposed along the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. In other words, the element arrangement surfaces of the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 are orthogonal to the element arrangement surface of the LED mounting board 163. In this manner, the element arrangement surfaces of the MCU mounting board 161 and the receptacle mounting board 162 and the element arrangement surface of the LED mounting board 163 are not necessarily orthogonal, but preferably intersect (are non-parallel). The vibration motor M, which constitutes the notification unit 180 together with the LEDs L1 to L8, is fixed to the lower surface of the chassis lower wall 155, and is electrically connected to the MCU mounting board 161.

[0038] The Hall IC mounting board 164 is disposed on the upper surface of the chassis upper wall 154 .

[0039] <Aspirator operation mode> Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation modes of the inhalator 100. As shown in Fig. 9, the operation modes of the inhalator 100 include a charging mode, a sleep mode, an active mode, a heating initial setting mode, a heating mode, and a heating end mode.

[0040] The sleep mode is a power saving mode that cuts off the power supply to the electronic components required for the heating control of the heater HTR.

[0041] In the active mode, most of the functions are enabled except for the heating control of the heater HTR. When the slider 119 is opened while the inhaler 100 is operating in the sleep mode, the inhaler 100 switches the operation mode to the active mode. When the slider 119 is closed or the non-operation time of the operation switch OPS reaches a predetermined time while the inhaler 100 is operating in the active mode, the inhaler 100 switches the operation mode to the sleep mode.

[0042] The heating initial setting mode is a mode for performing initial settings of control parameters and the like for starting heating control of the heater HTR. When the inhaler 100 detects an operation of the operation switch OPS while operating in the active mode, the operation mode is switched to the heating initial setting mode, and when the initial setting is completed, the operation mode is switched to the heating mode.

[0043] The heating mode is a mode for executing heating control of the heater HTR (heating control for aerosol generation and heating control for temperature detection). When the operation mode of the inhaler 100 is switched to the heating mode, the inhaler 100 starts heating control of the heater HTR.

[0044] The heating end mode is a mode in which an end process of the heating control of the heater HTR (such as a process of storing a heating history) is executed. When the time of energization of the heater HTR or the number of inhalations by the user reaches an upper limit or the slider 119 is closed while the inhaler 100 is operating in the heating mode, the inhaler 100 switches the operation mode to the heating end mode, and when the end process ends, the inhaler 100 switches the operation mode to the active mode. When the inhaler 100 is connected to a USB while operating in the heating mode, the inhaler 100 switches the operation mode to the heating end mode, and when the end process ends, the inhaler 100 switches the operation mode to the charging mode. As shown in FIG. 9, in this case, the operation mode may be switched to the active mode before switching the operation mode to the charging mode. In other words, when the inhaler 100 is connected to a USB while operating in the heating mode, the operation mode may be switched in the order of the heating end mode, the active mode, and the charging mode.

[0045] The charging mode is a mode in which the power source BAT is charged by power supplied from an external power source connected to the receptacle RCP. When the inhaler 100 is operating in the sleep mode or active mode and an external power source is connected to the receptacle RCP (USB connection), the inhaler 100 switches the operation mode to the charging mode. When the inhaler 100 is operating in the charging mode and charging of the power source BAT is completed or the connection between the receptacle RCP and the external power source is released, the inhaler 100 switches the operation mode to the sleep mode.

[0046] <Outline of the internal unit circuit> 10, 11, and 12 are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of an electric circuit of the internal unit 140. Fig. 11 is the same as Fig. 10 except that, of the electric circuit shown in Fig. 10, a range 161A (range surrounded by a thick dashed line) mounted on the MCU mounting board 161 and a range 163A (range surrounded by a thick solid line) mounted on the LED mounting board 163 are added. Fig. 12 is the same as Fig. 10 except that, of the electric circuit shown in Fig. 10, a range 162A mounted on the receptacle mounting board 162 and a range 164A mounted on the Hall IC mounting board 164 are added.

[0047] The wiring shown by the thick solid line in FIG. 10 is wiring (connected to a ground provided in the internal unit 140) that has the same potential as the reference potential (ground potential) of the internal unit 140, and this wiring will be referred to as a ground line below. In FIG. 10, an electronic component in which multiple circuit elements are chipped is shown as a rectangle, and the symbols of various terminals are written inside the rectangle. The power supply terminal VCC and the power supply terminal VDD mounted on the chip respectively indicate power supply terminals on the high potential side. The power supply terminal VSS and the ground terminal GND mounted on the chip respectively indicate power supply terminals on the low potential side (reference potential side). In the electronic component formed on a chip, the difference between the potential of the power supply terminal on the high potential side and the potential of the power supply terminal on the low potential side becomes the power supply voltage. The electronic component formed on a chip executes various functions using this power supply voltage.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 11, the MCU mounting board 161 (area 161A) includes, as main electronic components, an MCU 1 that controls the entire inhaler 100, a charging IC 2 that controls charging of the power supply BAT, load switches (hereinafter, LSW) 3, 4, and 5 that are configured by combining capacitors, resistors, transistors, etc., and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The input / output terminal 12 is provided with a power supply 13 for receiving the power from the power supply 10. The power supply 13 is provided with a power supply memory (RAM) 6, a switch driver 7, a step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 (in the figure, shown as step-up / step-down DC / DC8), an operational amplifier OP2, an operational amplifier OP3, flip-flops (hereinafter, FF) 16, 17, a connector Cn(t2) electrically connected to a thermistor T2 constituting the intake sensor (in the figure, the thermistor T2 connected to this connector is shown), a connector Cn(t3) electrically connected to a thermistor T3 constituting the heater temperature sensor (in the figure, the thermistor T3 connected to this connector is shown), a connector Cn(t4) electrically connected to a thermistor T4 constituting the case temperature sensor (in the figure, the thermistor T4 connected to this connector is shown), and a voltage divider circuit Pc for detecting USB connection.

[0049] The ground terminals GND of the charging IC2, LSW3, LSW4, LSW5, switch driver 7, step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8, FF16, and FF17 are connected to the ground line. The power supply terminal VSS of ROM6 is connected to the ground line. The negative power supply terminals of the operational amplifiers OP2 and OP3 are connected to the ground line.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 11, the LED mounting board 163 (area 163A) is provided with the following main electronic components: a Hall IC 13 including a Hall element constituting a panel detection sensor, LEDs L1 to L8, an operation switch OPS, and a communication IC 15. The communication IC 15 is a communication module for communicating with electronic devices such as a smartphone. A power supply terminal VSS of the Hall IC 13 and a ground terminal GND of the communication IC 15 are each connected to a ground line. The communication IC 15 and the MCU 1 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication line LN. One end of the operation switch OPS is connected to the ground line, and the other end of the operation switch OPS is connected to a terminal P4 of the MCU 1.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 12, receptacle mounting board 162 (area 162A) is provided with, as main electronic components, a power connector electrically connected to a power source BAT (the figure shows the power source BAT connected to this power connector), a connector electrically connected to a thermistor T1 constituting a power source temperature sensor (the figure shows thermistor T1 connected to this connector), a step-up DC / DC converter 9 (the figure shows step-up DC / DC9), a protection IC10, an overvoltage protection IC11, a fuel gauge IC12, a receptacle RCP, switches S3 to S6 composed of MOSFETs, an operational amplifier OP1, and a pair of heater connectors Cn (positive and negative sides) electrically connected to a heater HTR.

[0052] The two ground terminals GND of the receptacle RCP, the ground terminal GND of the step-up DC / DC converter 9, the power supply terminal VSS of the protection IC 10, the power supply terminal VSS of the fuel gauge IC 12, the ground terminal GND of the overvoltage protection IC 11, and the negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 are each connected to the ground line.

[0053] 12, the Hall IC mounting board 164 (area 164A) is provided with a Hall IC 14 including a Hall element that constitutes a cover position sensor. A power supply terminal VSS of the Hall IC 14 is connected to the ground line. An output terminal OUT of the Hall IC 14 is connected to a terminal P8 of the MCU1. The MCU1 detects the opening and closing of the slider 119 based on a signal input to the terminal P8.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 11, a connector electrically connected to the vibration motor M is provided on the MCU mounting board 161.

[0055] <Details of the internal unit circuit> The connections of the electronic components will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0056] Two power input terminals V of the receptacle RCP BUS are connected to the input terminal IN of the overvoltage protection IC11 via a fuse Fs. When a USB plug is connected to the receptacle RCP and the USB cable including the USB plug is connected to an external power supply, the two power supply input terminals V BUS to USB voltage V USB is supplied.

[0057] One end of a voltage divider circuit Pa, which is a series circuit of two resistors, is connected to the input terminal IN of the overvoltage protection IC11. The other end of the voltage divider circuit Pa is connected to the ground line. The connection point of the two resistors that make up the voltage divider circuit Pa is connected to the voltage detection terminal OVLo of the overvoltage protection IC11. When the voltage input to the voltage detection terminal OVLo of the overvoltage protection IC11 is below a threshold, the overvoltage protection IC11 outputs the voltage input to the input terminal IN from the output terminal OUT. When the voltage input to the voltage detection terminal OVLo becomes equal to or higher than the threshold (overvoltage), the overvoltage protection IC11 stops the voltage output from the output terminal OUT (cuts off the electrical connection between the LSW3 and the receptacle RCP) to protect electronic components downstream of the overvoltage protection IC11. The output terminal OUT of the overvoltage protection IC11 is connected to the input terminal VIN of the LSW3 and one end of a voltage divider circuit Pc (a series circuit of two resistors) connected to the MCU1. The other end of the voltage divider circuit Pc is connected to the ground line. The connection point of the two resistors that make up the voltage divider circuit Pc is connected to a terminal P17 of the MCU1.

[0058] One end of a voltage divider circuit Pf consisting of a series circuit of two resistors is connected to the input terminal VIN of the LSW3. The other end of the voltage divider circuit Pf is connected to the ground line. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage divider circuit Pf is connected to the control terminal ON of the LSW3. The collector terminal of the bipolar transistor S2 is connected to the control terminal ON of the LSW3. The emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor S2 is connected to the ground line. The base terminal of the bipolar transistor S2 is connected to the terminal P19 of the MCU1. When the signal input to the control terminal ON of the LSW3 becomes high level, the LSW3 outputs the voltage input to the input terminal VIN from the output terminal VOUT. The output terminal VOUT of the LSW3 is connected to the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2. The MCU1 turns on the bipolar transistor S2 while the USB connection is not made. As a result, the control terminal ON of the LSW3 is connected to the ground line via the bipolar transistor S2, so that a low level signal is input to the control terminal ON of the LSW3. The bipolar transistor S2 connected to the LSW3 is turned off by the MCU1 when the USB connection is established. When the bipolar transistor S2 is turned off, the USB voltage V USB is input to the control terminal ON of the LSW3. Therefore, when the USB connection is established and the bipolar transistor S2 is turned off, a high-level signal is input to the control terminal ON of the LSW3. As a result, the LSW3 receives the USB voltage V USB is output from the output terminal VOUT. Note that even if the USB connection is made with the bipolar transistor S2 turned on, the control terminal ON of LSW3 is connected to the ground line via the bipolar transistor S2. Therefore, it should be noted that a low-level signal continues to be input to the control terminal ON of LSW3 unless the MCU1 turns off the bipolar transistor S2.

[0059] The positive terminal of the power supply BAT is connected to the power supply terminal VDD of the protection IC 10, the input terminal VIN of the step-up DC / DC converter 9, and the charging terminal bat of the charging IC 2. Therefore, the power supply voltage V of the power supply BAT BAT is supplied to protection IC10, charging IC2, and step-up DC / DC converter 9. A resistor Ra, a switch Sa configured with a MOSFET, a switch Sb configured with a MOSFET, and a resistor Rb are connected in series to the negative terminal of power supply BAT, in this order. A current detection terminal CS of protection IC10 is connected to the connection point between resistor Ra and switch Sa. The control terminals of switch Sa and switch Sb are connected to protection IC10. Both ends of resistor Rb are connected to fuel gauge IC12.

[0060] The protection IC10 obtains the current value flowing through the resistor Ra when the power supply BAT is charged or discharged from the voltage input to the current detection terminal CS, and when this current value becomes excessive (overcurrent), the protection IC10 controls the opening and closing of the switches Sa and Sb to stop charging or discharging the power supply BAT, thereby protecting the power supply BAT. More specifically, when the protection IC10 obtains an excessive current value when the power supply BAT is charged, the protection IC10 turns off the switch Sb to stop charging the power supply BAT. When the protection IC10 obtains an excessive current value when the power supply BAT is discharged, the protection IC10 turns off the switch Sa to stop discharging the power supply BAT. In addition, when the voltage value of the power supply BAT becomes abnormal (overcharge or overvoltage) from the voltage input to the power supply terminal VDD, the protection IC10 controls the opening and closing of the switches Sa and Sb to stop charging or discharging the power supply BAT, thereby protecting the power supply BAT. More specifically, when the protection IC10 detects overcharging of the power supply BAT, it stops charging of the power supply BAT by turning off the switch Sb. When the protection IC10 detects overdischarging of the power supply BAT, it stops discharging of the power supply BAT by turning off the switch Sa.

[0061] A resistor Rt1 is connected to a connector that is connected to the thermistor T1 arranged near the power supply BAT. A series circuit of the resistor Rt1 and thermistor T1 is connected to a ground line and a regulator terminal TREG of the fuel gauge IC12. A connection point between the thermistor T1 and resistor Rt1 is connected to a thermistor terminal THM of the fuel gauge IC12. The thermistor T1 may be a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor whose resistance value increases with increasing temperature, or an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor whose resistance value decreases with increasing temperature.

[0062] The fuel gauge IC12 detects the current flowing through the resistor Rb, and based on the detected current value, derives battery information such as the remaining capacity of the power supply BAT, a state of charge (SOC), and a state of health (SOH). The fuel gauge IC12 supplies a voltage to a voltage divider circuit of the thermistor T1 and resistor Rt1 from an internal regulator connected to a regulator terminal TREG. The fuel gauge IC12 obtains the voltage divided by the voltage divider circuit from a thermistor terminal THM, and obtains temperature information on the temperature of the power supply BAT based on this voltage. The fuel gauge IC12 is connected to the MCU1 by a communication line LN for serial communication, and is configured to be able to communicate with the MCU1. The fuel gauge IC12 transmits the derived battery information and the obtained temperature information of the power supply BAT to the MCU1 in response to a request from the MCU1. In order to perform serial communication, a plurality of signal lines, such as a data line for data transmission and a clock line for synchronization, are required. Please note that in Figures 10-19, for simplicity, only one signal line is shown.

[0063] The fuel gauge IC12 has a notification terminal 12a. The notification terminal 12a is connected to a terminal P6 of the MCU1 and to the cathode of a diode D2, which will be described later. When the fuel gauge IC12 detects an abnormality, such as an excessively high temperature of the power supply BAT, it outputs a low-level signal from the notification terminal 12a to notify the MCU1 of the occurrence of the abnormality. This low-level signal is also input to the CLR(￣) terminal of FF17 via the diode D2.

[0064] One end of a reactor Lc is connected to the switching terminal SW of the boost DC / DC converter 9. The other end of the reactor Lc is connected to the input terminal VIN of the boost DC / DC converter 9. The boost DC / DC converter 9 boosts the input voltage by controlling the on / off of an internal transistor connected to the switching terminal SW, and outputs the boosted voltage from the output terminal VOUT. The input terminal VIN of the boost DC / DC converter 9 constitutes a high-potential power supply terminal of the boost DC / DC converter 9. The boost DC / DC converter 9 performs a boost operation when a signal input to an enable terminal EN is at a high level. In a state where the device is connected to the USB, the signal input to the enable terminal EN of the boost DC / DC converter 9 may be controlled to a low level by the MCU 1. Alternatively, in a state where the device is connected to the USB, the MCU 1 may not control the signal input to the enable terminal EN of the boost DC / DC converter 9, thereby making the potential of the enable terminal EN indefinite.

[0065] The output terminal VOUT of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 is connected to the source terminal of a switch S4 configured by a P-channel MOSFET. The gate terminal of the switch S4 is connected to a terminal P15 of the MCU1. The drain terminal of the switch S4 is connected to one end of a resistor Rs. The other end of the resistor Rs is connected to a positive-side heater connector Cn connected to one end of the heater HTR. A voltage divider circuit Pb consisting of two resistors is connected to the connection point between the switch S4 and the resistor Rs. The connection point between the two resistors that make up the voltage divider circuit Pb is connected to a terminal P18 of the MCU1. The connection point between the switch S4 and the resistor Rs is further connected to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1.

[0066] The source terminal of the switch S3, which is configured by a P-channel MOSFET, is connected to the connection line between the output terminal VOUT of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 and the source terminal of the switch S4. The gate terminal of the switch S3 is connected to the terminal P16 of the MCU1. The drain terminal of the switch S3 is connected to the connection line between the resistor Rs and the positive electrode side heater connector Cn. In this way, a circuit including the switch S3 and a circuit including the switch S4 and the resistor Rs are connected in parallel between the output terminal VOUT of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 and the positive electrode side of the heater connector Cn. The circuit including the switch S3 does not have a resistor, and therefore has a lower resistance than the circuit including the switch S4 and the resistor Rs.

[0067] The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the connection line between the resistor Rs and the positive heater connector Cn. The inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to the negative heater connector Cn connected to the other end of the heater HTR, and to the drain terminal of the switch S6 configured by an N-channel MOSFET. The source terminal of the switch S6 is connected to the ground line. The gate terminal of the switch S6 is connected to the terminal P14 of the MCU1, the anode of the diode D4, and the enable terminal EN of the step-up DC / DC converter 9. The cathode of the diode D4 is connected to the Q terminal of the FF17. One end of the resistor R4 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. The other end of the resistor R4 is connected to the terminal P9 of the MCU1 and to the drain terminal of the switch S5 configured by an N-channel MOSFET. The source terminal of the switch S5 is connected to the ground line. The gate terminal of the switch S5 is connected to the connection line between the resistor Rs and the positive heater connector Cn.

[0068] The input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2 is connected to the anodes of the LEDs L1 to L8. The cathodes of the LEDs L1 to L8 are connected to the control terminals PD1 to PD8 of the MCU1 via resistors for current limiting. In other words, the LEDs L1 to L8 are connected in parallel to the input terminal VBUS. The LEDs L1 to L8 are connected to the USB voltage V USB and the voltage supplied from the power supply BAT via the charging IC2. The MCU1 has built-in transistors (switching elements) connected to each of the control terminals PD1 to PD8 and to the ground terminal GND. The MCU1 turns on the transistor connected to the control terminal PD1 to pass electricity through the LED L1, turning it on, and turns off the transistor connected to the control terminal PD1 to turn off the LED L1. The brightness and light emission pattern of the LED L1 can be dynamically controlled by quickly switching the transistor connected to the control terminal PD1 on and off. The lighting of the LEDs L2 to L8 is similarly controlled by the MCU1.

[0069] The charging IC2 detects the USB voltage V USB The charging IC2 has a charging function of charging the power supply BAT based on the charging current and charging voltage of the power supply BAT from terminals and wiring (not shown), and performs charging control of the power supply BAT (control of power supply from the charging terminal bat to the power supply BAT) based on the charging current and charging voltage. The charging IC2 may also obtain temperature information of the power supply BAT sent from the fuel gauge IC12 to the MCU1 through serial communication using the communication line LN from the MCU1, and use the temperature information for charging control.

[0070] The charging IC2 also BAT Equipped with power pass function and OTG function. BAT The power path function is to protect the power supply voltage V BAT The OTG function outputs the system power supply voltage Vcc0, which is approximately equal to the system power supply voltage Vcc0 input to the charging terminal bat, from the output terminal SYS. BATThe OTG function of the charging IC2 is controlled by the MCU1 through serial communication using the communication line LN. In the OTG function, the power supply voltage Vcc4 input to the charging terminal bat is boosted and output from the input terminal VBUS. BAT may be output directly from the input terminal VBUS. In this case, the power supply voltage V BAT and the system power supply voltage Vcc4 are approximately equal.

[0071] The output terminal SYS of the charging IC2 is connected to the input terminal VIN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8. One end of the reactor La is connected to the switching terminal SW of the charging IC2. The other end of the reactor La is connected to the output terminal SYS of the charging IC2. The charge enable terminal CE(￣) of the charging IC2 is connected to the terminal P22 of the MCU1 via a resistor. Furthermore, the collector terminal of the bipolar transistor S1 is connected to the charge enable terminal CE(￣) of the charging IC2. The emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor S1 is connected to the output terminal VOUT of the LSW4 described below. The base terminal of the bipolar transistor S1 is connected to the Q terminal of the FF17. Furthermore, one end of the resistor Rc is connected to the charge enable terminal CE(￣) of the charging IC2. The other end of the resistor Rc is connected to the output terminal VOUT of the LSW4.

[0072] A resistor is connected to the input terminal VIN and the enable terminal EN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8. When the system power supply voltage Vcc0 is input from the output terminal SYS of the charging IC2 to the input terminal VIN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8, the signal input to the enable terminal EN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 becomes high level, and the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 starts step-up or step-down operation. The step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 generates the system power supply voltage Vcc1 by stepping up or stepping down the system power supply voltage Vcc0 input to the input terminal VIN by switching control of the built-in transistor connected to the reactor Lb, and outputs it from the output terminal VOUT. The output terminal VOUT of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 is connected to the feedback terminal FB of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8, the input terminal VIN of the LSW4, the input terminal VIN of the switch driver 7, and the power supply terminals VCC and D of the FF16. The wiring through which the system power supply voltage Vcc1 output from the output terminal VOUT of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 is supplied is referred to as the power supply line PL1.

[0073] When the signal input to the control terminal ON of LSW4 becomes high level, it outputs the system power supply voltage Vcc1 input to the input terminal VIN from the output terminal VOUT. The control terminal ON of LSW4 and the power supply line PL1 are connected via a resistor. Therefore, when the system power supply voltage Vcc1 is supplied to the power supply line PL1, a high-level signal is input to the control terminal ON of LSW4. The voltage output by LSW4 is the same as the system power supply voltage Vcc1 if wiring resistance and the like are ignored, but to distinguish it from the system power supply voltage Vcc1, the voltage output from the output terminal VOUT of LSW4 will be referred to as the system power supply voltage Vcc2 below.

[0074] The output terminal VOUT of LSW4 is connected to the power supply terminal VDD of MCU1, the input terminal VIN of LSW5, the power supply terminal VDD of fuel gauge IC12, the power supply terminal VCC of ROM6, the emitter terminal of bipolar transistor S1, resistor Rc, and the power supply terminal VCC of FF 17. The wiring through which the system power supply voltage Vcc2 output from the output terminal VOUT of LSW4 is supplied is referred to as power supply line PL2.

[0075] When the signal input to the control terminal ON of LSW5 becomes high level, LSW5 outputs the system power supply voltage Vcc2 input to the input terminal VIN from the output terminal VOUT. The control terminal ON of LSW5 is connected to the terminal P23 of MCU1. The voltage output by LSW5 is the same as the system power supply voltage Vcc2 if wiring resistance and the like are ignored, but in order to distinguish it from the system power supply voltage Vcc2, the voltage output from the output terminal VOUT of LSW5 will be referred to as the system power supply voltage Vcc3 below. The wiring through which the system power supply voltage Vcc3 output from the output terminal VOUT of LSW5 is supplied will be referred to as the power supply line PL3.

[0076] A series circuit of a thermistor T2 and a resistor Rt2 is connected to the power supply line PL3, and the resistor Rt2 is connected to the ground line. The thermistor T2 and the resistor Rt2 form a voltage divider circuit, and their connection point is connected to the terminal P21 of the MCU1. The MCU1 detects the temperature fluctuation (resistance value fluctuation) of the thermistor T2 based on the voltage input to the terminal P21, and determines whether or not a puff operation is occurring based on the amount of temperature fluctuation.

[0077] A series circuit of a thermistor T3 and a resistor Rt3 is connected to the power supply line PL3, and the resistor Rt3 is connected to the ground line. The thermistor T3 and the resistor Rt3 form a voltage divider circuit, and their connection point is connected to a terminal P13 of the MCU1 and an inverting input terminal of an operational amplifier OP2. The MCU1 detects the temperature of the thermistor T3 (corresponding to the temperature of the heater HTR) based on the voltage input to the terminal P13.

[0078] A series circuit of a thermistor T4 and a resistor Rt4 is connected to the power supply line PL3, and the resistor Rt4 is connected to the ground line. The thermistor T4 and the resistor Rt4 form a voltage divider circuit, and their connection point is connected to a terminal P12 of the MCU1 and an inverting input terminal of an operational amplifier OP3. The MCU1 detects the temperature of thermistor T4 (corresponding to the temperature of the case 110) based on the voltage input to the terminal P12.

[0079] A source terminal of a switch S7 made of a MOSFET is connected to the power supply line PL2. A gate terminal of the switch S7 is connected to a terminal P20 of the MCU1. A drain terminal of the switch S7 is connected to one of a pair of connectors to which the vibration motor M is connected. The other of the pair of connectors is connected to a ground line. The MCU1 controls the opening and closing of the switch S7 by manipulating the potential of the terminal P20, and can cause the vibration motor M to vibrate in a specific pattern. A dedicated driver IC may be used instead of the switch S7.

[0080] The power supply line PL2 is connected to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 and a voltage divider circuit Pd (a series circuit of two resistors) connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage divider circuit Pd is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The operational amplifier OP2 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the heater HTR (a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the thermistor T3). In this embodiment, a thermistor T3 having an NTC characteristic is used as the thermistor T3, so the higher the temperature of the heater HTR (the temperature of thermistor T3), the lower the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP2. This is because the negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to the ground line, and when the voltage value (voltage divided by the thermistor T3 and resistor Rt3) input to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 becomes higher than the voltage value (voltage divided by the voltage divider circuit Pd) input to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2, the value of the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP2 becomes approximately equal to the value of the ground potential. In other words, when the temperature of the heater HTR (the temperature of thermistor T3) becomes high, the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP2 becomes low level. In addition, when using a thermistor T3 having PTC characteristics, the output of a voltage divider circuit including the thermistor T3 and resistor Rt3 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2, and the output of the voltage divider circuit Pd is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2.

[0081] The power supply line PL2 is connected to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP3 and a voltage dividing circuit Pe (a series circuit of two resistors) connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3. The connection point of the two resistors constituting the voltage dividing circuit Pe is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3. The operational amplifier OP3 outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the case 110 (a signal corresponding to the resistance value of the thermistor T4). In this embodiment, a thermistor having an NTC characteristic is used as the thermistor T4, so that the higher the temperature of the case 110, the lower the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP3. This is because the negative power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP3 is connected to the ground line, and when the voltage value input to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3 (voltage divided by the thermistor T4 and the resistor Rt4) becomes higher than the voltage value input to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3 (voltage divided by the voltage dividing circuit Pe), the value of the output voltage of the operational amplifier OP3 becomes approximately equal to the value of the ground potential. In other words, when the temperature of thermistor T4 becomes high, the output voltage of operational amplifier OP3 becomes low level. In addition, when using a thermistor T4 having PTC characteristics, the output of a voltage divider circuit consisting of the thermistor T4 and resistor Rt4 is connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3, and the output of the voltage divider circuit Pe is connected to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP3.

[0082] A resistor R1 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The cathode of a diode D1 is connected to the resistor R1. The anode of the diode D1 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP3, the D terminal of FF17, and the CLR(￣) terminal of FF17. A resistor R2, which is connected to the power supply line PL1, is connected to the connection line between the resistor R1 and the diode D1. The CLR(￣) terminal of FF16 is also connected to this connection line.

[0083] One end of a resistor R3 is connected to a connection line between the connection point of the anode of the diode D1 and the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP3, and the D terminal of FF17. The other end of the resistor R3 is connected to a power supply line PL2. Furthermore, this connection line is connected to the anode of a diode D2 connected to the notification terminal 12a of the fuel gauge IC12, the anode of a diode D3, and the CLR(￣) terminal of FF17. The cathode of the diode D3 is connected to terminal P5 of the MCU1.

[0084] When the temperature of heater HTR becomes excessive, the signal output from operational amplifier OP2 becomes small and the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal goes low, FF16 inputs a high-level signal from its Q(￣) terminal to terminal P11 of MCU1. High-level system power supply voltage Vcc1 is supplied to the D terminal of FF16 from power line PL1. For this reason, FF16 continues to output a low-level signal from its Q(￣) terminal unless the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal, which operates with negative logic, goes low.

[0085] The signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal of FF17 becomes low level when the temperature of the heater HTR becomes excessive, when the temperature of the case 110 becomes excessive, or when a low level signal indicating abnormality detection is output from the notification terminal 12a of the fuel gauge IC12. When the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal of FF17 becomes low level, the Q terminal of FF17 outputs a low level signal. This low level signal is input to the terminal P10 of the MCU1, the gate terminal of the switch S6, the enable terminal EN of the boost DC / DC converter 9, and the base terminal of the bipolar transistor S1 connected to the charging IC2. When a low level signal is input to the gate terminal of the switch S6, the gate-source voltage of the N-channel MOSFET constituting the switch S6 becomes less than the threshold voltage, so that the switch S6 is turned off. When a low level signal is input to the enable terminal EN of the boost DC / DC converter 9, the enable terminal EN of the boost DC / DC converter 9 is positive logic, so that the boost operation stops. When a low-level signal is input to the base terminal of bipolar transistor S1, bipolar transistor S1 turns on (amplified current is output from the collector terminal). When bipolar transistor S1 turns on, a high-level system power supply voltage Vcc2 is input to the CE(￣) terminal of charging IC2 via bipolar transistor S1. Because the CE(￣) terminal of charging IC2 is negative logic, charging of power supply BAT is stopped. As a result, heating of heater HTR and charging of power supply BAT are stopped. Note that even if MCU1 attempts to output a low-level enable signal from terminal P22 to the charge enable terminal CE(￣) of charging IC2, when bipolar transistor S1 is turned on, an amplified current is input from the collector terminal to terminal P22 of MCU1 and to the charge enable terminal CE(￣) of charging IC2. Note that as a result, a high-level signal is input to the charge enable terminal CE(￣) of charging IC2.

[0086] A high-level system power supply voltage Vcc2 is supplied to the D terminal of FF17 from the power supply line PL2. For this reason, in FF17, a high-level signal continues to be output from the Q terminal unless the signal input to the CLR(￣) terminal, which operates in negative logic, becomes low. When a low-level signal is output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP3, a low-level signal is input to the CLR(￣) terminal of FF17, regardless of the level of the signal output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. Note that when a high-level signal is output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2, the low-level signal output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP3 is not affected by this high-level signal due to the diode D1. Also, when a low-level signal is output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2, even if a high-level signal is output from the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP3, this high-level signal is replaced by a low-level signal via the diode D1.

[0087] The power supply line PL2 further branches from the MCU mounted board 161 toward the LED mounted board 163 and the Hall IC mounted board 164. A power supply terminal VDD of the Hall IC 13, a power supply terminal VCC of the communication IC 15, and a power supply terminal VDD of the Hall IC 14 are connected to this branched power supply line PL2.

[0088] An output terminal OUT of the Hall IC 13 is connected to a terminal P3 of the MCU 1 and a terminal SW2 of the switch driver 7. When the outer panel 115 is removed, a low-level signal is output from the output terminal OUT of the Hall IC 13. The MCU 1 determines whether or not the outer panel 115 is attached based on the signal input to the terminal P3.

[0089] The LED mounting board 163 is provided with a series circuit (series circuit of a resistor and a capacitor) connected to the operation switch OPS. This series circuit is connected to the power supply line PL2. The connection point of the resistor and the capacitor of this series circuit is connected to the terminal P4 of the MCU1, the operation switch OPS, and the terminal SW1 of the switch driver 7. When the operation switch OPS is not pressed, the operation switch OPS is not conductive, and the signals input to the terminal P4 of the MCU1 and the terminal SW1 of the switch driver 7 are at high level due to the system power supply voltage Vcc2. When the operation switch OPS is pressed and the operation switch OPS is in a conductive state, the signals input to the terminal P4 of the MCU1 and the terminal SW1 of the switch driver 7 are at low level because they are connected to the ground line. The MCU1 detects the operation of the operation switch OPS by the signal input to the terminal P4.

[0090] The switch driver 7 is provided with a reset input terminal RSTB. The reset input terminal RSTB is connected to the control terminal ON of the LSW4. When the levels of the signals input to the terminals SW1 and SW2 of the switch driver 7 are both at a low level (when the outer panel 115 is removed and the operation switch OPS is pressed), the switch driver 7 outputs a low-level signal from the reset input terminal RSTB to stop the output operation of the LSW4. In other words, when the operation switch OPS, which is normally pressed down via the pressing portion 117 of the outer panel 115, is pressed down directly by the user with the outer panel 115 removed, the levels of the signals input to the terminals SW1 and SW2 of the switch driver 7 are both at a low level.

[0091] <Operation of the suction device in each operation mode> Hereinafter, the operation of the electric circuit shown in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 19. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in a sleep mode. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in an active mode. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in a heating initial setting mode. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when the heater HTR is heated in the heating mode. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when the temperature of the heater HTR is detected in the heating mode. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit in a charging mode. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the electric circuit when the MCU1 is reset (restarted). In each of FIGS. 13 to 19, among the terminals of the chipped electronic components, the terminals surrounded by a dashed ellipse are connected to the power supply voltage V BAT , USB voltage V USB , and a terminal through which the system power supply voltage or the like is input or output.

[0092] In either operating mode, the power supply voltage V BAT is input to the power supply terminal VDD of the protection IC 10, the input terminal VIN of the step-up DC / DC converter 9, and the charging terminal bat of the charging IC 2.

[0093] <Sleep mode: Figure 13> MCU1 detects the V BAT Enable the power path function and disable the OTG and charging functions. Apply the USB voltage V to the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2. USB When no input is made, the V of charging IC2 BAT The power path function is enabled. The OTG function is disabled because the signal to enable the OTG function from the communication line LN is not output from the MCU1 to the charging IC2. Therefore, the charging IC2 detects the power supply voltage V BATThe step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 generates a system power supply voltage Vcc0 from the system power supply voltage Vcc0 and outputs it from the output terminal SYS. The system power supply voltage Vcc0 output from the output terminal SYS is input to the input terminal VIN and enable terminal EN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8. The step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 is enabled when a high-level system power supply voltage Vcc0 is input to the enable terminal EN, which is positive logic, and generates a system power supply voltage Vcc1 from the system power supply voltage Vcc0 and outputs it from the output terminal VOUT. The system power supply voltage Vcc1 output from the output terminal VOUT of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 is supplied to the input terminal VIN of the LSW4, the control terminal ON of the LSW4, the input terminal VIN of the switch driver 7, and the power supply terminals VCC and D terminal of the FF16.

[0094] When the system power supply voltage Vcc1 is input to the control terminal ON, the LSW4 outputs the system power supply voltage Vcc1 input to the input terminal VIN as the system power supply voltage Vcc2 from the output terminal VOUT. The system power supply voltage Vcc2 output from the LSW4 is input to the power supply terminal VDD of the MCU1, the input terminal VIN of the LSW5, the power supply terminal VDD of the Hall IC13, the power supply terminal VCC of the communication IC15, and the power supply terminal VDD of the Hall IC14. Furthermore, the system power supply voltage Vcc2 is supplied to the power supply terminal VDD of the fuel gauge IC12, the power supply terminal VCC of the ROM6, the resistor Rc and the bipolar transistor S1 connected to the charge enable terminal CE(￣) of the charger IC2, the power supply terminal VCC of the FF17, the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP3, the voltage divider circuit Pe, the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP2, and the voltage divider circuit Pd. The bipolar transistor S1 connected to the charger IC2 is off unless a low-level signal is output from the Q terminal of the FF17. As a result, the system power supply voltage Vcc2 generated by LSW4 is also input to the charge enable terminal CE(￣) of charger IC2. Because the charge enable terminal CE(￣) of charger IC2 is negative logic, in this state the charging function of charger IC2 is turned off.

[0095] In this way, in the sleep mode, the LSW5 stops outputting the system power supply voltage Vcc3, so that the power supply to the electronic components connected to the power line PL3 is stopped. Also, in the sleep mode, the OTG function of the charging IC2 is stopped, so that the power supply to the LEDs L1 to L8 is stopped.

[0096] <Active mode: Figure 14> 13, when the signal input to terminal P8 becomes high level and the MCU1 detects that the slider 119 has opened, the MCU1 inputs a high level signal from terminal P23 to the control terminal ON of the LSW5. This causes the LSW5 to output the system power supply voltage Vcc2 input to the input terminal VIN as the system power supply voltage Vcc3 from the output terminal VOUT. The system power supply voltage Vcc3 output from the output terminal VOUT of the LSW5 is supplied to thermistors T2, T3, and T4.

[0097] Furthermore, when the MCU 1 detects that the slider 119 is open, the MCU 1 enables the OTG function of the charging IC 2 via the communication line LN. As a result, the charging IC 2 detects the power supply voltage V BAT The system power supply voltage Vcc4 obtained by boosting the voltage Vcc4 is output from the input terminal VBUS. The system power supply voltage Vcc4 output from the input terminal VBUS is supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8.

[0098] <Heating initial setting mode: Figure 15> When the signal input to terminal P4 becomes low level (the operation switch OPS is pressed) from the state in FIG. 14, the MCU1 performs various settings required for heating, and then inputs a high-level enable signal from terminal P14 to the enable terminal EN of the step-up DC / DC converter 9. This causes the step-up DC / DC converter 9 to BAT The drive voltage V obtained by boosting bst is output from the output terminal VOUT. bstis supplied to switches S3 and S4. In this state, switches S3 and S4 are off. Also, switch S6 is turned on by a high-level enable signal output from terminal P14. This connects the negative terminal of the heater HTR to the ground line, and the heater HTR is placed in a heating state when switch S3 is turned on. After a high-level enable signal is output from terminal P14 of the MCU1, the mode transitions to the heating mode.

[0099] <Heater heating in heating mode: Figure 16> 15, the MCU1 starts the switching control of the switch S3 connected to the terminal P16 and the switching control of the switch S4 connected to the terminal P15. These switching controls may be started automatically when the above-mentioned heating initial setting mode is completed, or may be started by further pressing of the operation switch OPS. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the MCU1 turns on the switch S3 and turns off the switch S4 to set the driving voltage V bst to the heater HTR to heat the heater HTR for generating an aerosol, and a temperature detection control is performed to detect the temperature of the heater HTR by turning off switch S3 and turning on switch S4 as shown in FIG. 17.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 16, during heating control, the driving voltage V bst is also supplied to the gate of the switch S5, turning the switch S5 on. In addition, during heating control, the driving voltage V bst is also input to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 through the resistor Rs. The resistance of the resistor Rs is negligibly small compared to the internal resistance of the operational amplifier OP1. Therefore, during heating control, the voltage input to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is the driving voltage V bst is almost equivalent to

[0101] The resistance value of resistor R4 is greater than the on-resistance value of switch S5. The operational amplifier OP1 also operates during heating control, but switch S5 is turned on during heating control. When switch S5 is on, the output voltage of operational amplifier OP1 is divided by the voltage divider circuit consisting of resistor R4 and switch S5, and input to terminal P9 of MCU1. Because the resistance value of resistor R4 is greater than the on-resistance value of switch S5, the voltage input to terminal P9 of MCU1 is sufficiently small. This makes it possible to prevent a large voltage from being input from operational amplifier OP1 to MCU1.

[0102] <Heater temperature detection in heating mode: Figure 17> As shown in Figure 17, during temperature detection control, the drive voltage V bst is input to the positive power supply terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 and also to the voltage divider circuit Pb. The voltage divided by the voltage divider circuit Pb is input to a terminal P18 of the MCU1. The MCU1 determines the reference voltage V applied to the series circuit of the resistor Rs and the heater HTR during temperature detection control based on the voltage input to the terminal P18. temp Get the.

[0103] In addition, during temperature detection control, the drive voltage V bst (Reference voltage V temp ) is supplied to the resistor Rs and the heater HTR in series. bst (Reference voltage V temp ) divided by resistor Rs and heater HTR, heat is input to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. Since the resistance value of the resistor Rs is sufficiently larger than the resistance value of the heater HTR, the voltage V heat is the driving voltage V bst During temperature detection control, this low voltage V heat is also supplied to the gate terminal of the switch S5, turning off the switch S5. The operational amplifier OP1 is heat The difference between these is amplified and output.

[0104] The output signal of the operational amplifier OP1 is input to the terminal P9 of the MCU1. The MCU1 obtains a reference voltage V based on the signal input to the terminal P9 and the input voltage of the terminal P18. temp and the known electrical resistance value of the resistor Rs, the MCU 1 acquires the temperature of the heater HTR. Based on the acquired temperature of the heater HTR, the MCU 1 performs heating control of the heater HTR (for example, control so that the temperature of the heater HTR becomes a target temperature).

[0105] The MCU1 can obtain the temperature of the heater HTR even during a period when the switches S3 and S4 are turned off (a period when the heater HTR is not energized). Specifically, the MCU1 obtains the temperature of the heater HTR based on a voltage input to the terminal P13 (an output voltage of a voltage divider circuit formed of the thermistor T3 and the resistor Rt3).

[0106] Furthermore, the MCU 1 can also acquire, at any time, the temperature of the case 110. Specifically, the MCU 1 acquires the temperature of the case 110 based on the voltage input to the terminal P12 (the output voltage of a voltage divider circuit configured by the thermistor T4 and the resistor Rt4).

[0107] <Charging mode: Figure 18> FIG. 18 illustrates a case where a USB connection is made in the sleep mode. When a USB connection is made, the USB voltage V USB is input to the input terminal VIN of LSW3 via the overvoltage protection IC11. USB The USB voltage V is also supplied to the voltage divider circuit Pf connected to the input terminal VIN of LSW3. Immediately after the USB connection is made, the bipolar transistor S2 is on, so the signal input to the control terminal ON of LSW3 remains at low level. USB is also supplied to a voltage divider circuit Pc connected to a terminal P17 of the MCU1, and the voltage divided by this voltage divider circuit Pc is input to the terminal P17. The MCU1 detects that a USB connection has been made based on the voltage input to the terminal P17.

[0108] When the MCU1 detects that the USB connection has been established, it turns off the bipolar transistor S2 connected to the terminal P19. When a low-level signal is input to the gate terminal of the bipolar transistor S2, the USB voltage V USB is input to the control terminal ON of LSW3. As a result, a high-level signal is input to the control terminal ON of LSW3, and LSW3 is turned on by the USB voltage V USB is output from the output terminal VOUT. The USB voltage V USB is input to the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2. Also, the USB voltage V USB is supplied as it is to the LEDs L1 to L8 as the system power supply voltage Vcc4.

[0109] When the MCU1 detects that the USB connection has been established, it also outputs a low-level enable signal from the terminal P22 to the charging enable terminal CE(￣) of the charging IC2. This causes the charging IC2 to enable the charging function of the power supply BAT and increase the USB voltage V USB Charging of the power supply BAT starts.

[0110] If a USB connection is made in the active mode, the MCU1 detects that a USB connection has been made and turns off the bipolar transistor S2 connected to the terminal P19. In addition, the MCU1 outputs a low-level enable signal from the terminal P22 to the charging enable terminal CE(￣) of the charging IC2. In addition, the MCU1 turns off the OTG function of the charging IC2 through serial communication using the communication line LN. As a result, the system power supply voltage Vcc4 supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8 becomes the voltage (power supply voltage V BAT The USB voltage V output from the LSW3 USB The LEDs L1 to L8 do not operate unless the built-in transistors are turned on by the MCU 1. This prevents the unstable voltage that occurs during the transition period from on to off of the OTG function from being supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8.

[0111] <Reset of MCU: Figure 19> When the outer panel 115 is removed and the output of the Hall IC 13 becomes low level, and when the ON operation of the operation switch OPS is performed and the signal input to the terminal P4 of the MCU 1 becomes low level, both the terminal SW1 and the terminal SW2 of the switch driver 7 become low level. As a result, the switch driver 7 outputs a low-level signal from the reset input terminal RSTB. The low-level signal output from the reset input terminal RSTB is input to the control terminal ON of the LSW4. Thereby, the LSW4 stops the output of the system power supply voltage Vcc2 from the output terminal VOUT. Since the system power supply voltage Vcc2 is no longer input to the power supply terminal VDD of the MCU 1 when the output of the system power supply voltage Vcc2 is stopped, the MCU 1 stops.

[0112] When the time during which the switch driver 7 outputs a low-level signal from the reset input terminal RSTB reaches the preset time, or when the signal input to either the terminal SW1 or the terminal SW2 becomes high level, the switch driver 7 returns the signal output from the reset input terminal RSTB to high level. As a result, the control terminal ON of the LSW4 becomes high level, and the state where the system power supply voltage Vcc2 is supplied to each part returns.

[0113] <Details of the function of the charging IC) Figure 20 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration inside the charging IC 2. The charging IC 2 includes a processor 21, a gate driver 22, and switches Q1 to Q4 each composed of an N-channel MOSFET.

[0114] The source terminal of the switch Q1 is connected to the input terminal VBUS. The drain terminal of the switch Q1 is connected to the drain terminal of the switch Q2. The source terminal of the switch Q2 is connected to the switching terminal SW. The drain terminal of the switch Q3 is connected to the connection node between the switch Q2 and the switching terminal SW. The source terminal of the switch Q3 is connected to the ground terminal GND. The drain terminal of the switch Q4 is connected to the output terminal SYS. The source terminal of the switch Q4 is connected to the charging terminal bat.

[0115] The gate driver 22 is connected to the gate terminal of the switch Q2 and the gate terminal of the switch Q3, and performs on / off control of the switches Q2 and Q3 based on instructions from the processor 21.

[0116] The processor 21 is connected to the gate driver 22, the gate terminal of the switch Q1, the gate terminal of the switch Q4, and the charge enable terminal CE(￣). The processor 21 controls the on / off of the switches Q2 and Q3 via the gate driver 22, and controls the on / off of the switches Q1 and Q4.

[0117] The charging IC2 provides the charging function mentioned above, V BAT In addition to the power pass function and OTG function, V USB Power Pass function and V USB &V BAT The charging IC 2 has a power path function. The following describes the internal control of the charging IC 2 when each of these functions is enabled. The specific values ​​of the various voltages described above are preferably the values ​​shown below.

[0118] Power supply voltage V BAT (Full charge voltage) = 4.2V Power supply voltage V BAT (nominal voltage)=3.7V System power supply voltage Vcc1=3.3V System power supply voltage Vcc2=3.3V System power supply voltage Vcc3=3.3V System power supply voltage Vcc4=5.0V USB voltage V USB =5.0V Drive voltage V bst =4.9V

[0119] (charging function) The processor 21 controls the on / off of the switches Q2 and Q4 while controlling the switch Q1 to be on and the switch Q3 to be off. The on / off control of the switch Q4 is performed to adjust the charging current of the power supply BAT. The processor 21 controls the on / off of the switch Q2 so that the voltage of the output terminal SYS becomes the same as a voltage suitable for charging the power supply BAT. As a result, the USB voltage V input to the input terminal VBUS USB The voltage output from the output terminal SYS is input to the input terminal VIN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 as the system power supply voltage Vcc0, and is also output from the charging terminal bat of the charging IC2. USB The power supply BAT is charged by the voltage obtained by stepping down the system power supply voltage Vcc0. When the charging function is enabled, the system power supply voltage Vcc0 eventually becomes equal to the fully charged voltage of the power supply BAT. Therefore, the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 steps down the system power supply voltage Vcc0 of 4.2V input to the input terminal VIN, and generates and outputs a system power supply voltage Vcc1 of 3.3V. When the charging function is enabled, the potential of the input terminal VBUS in the charging IC2 becomes higher than the potential of the output terminal SYS, so that no power from the power supply BAT is output from the input terminal VBUS.

[0120] (V USB Power Pass function) V USB The power path function is effective, for example, when the power supply BAT cannot be used due to over-discharge or other reasons. The processor 21 controls the switch Q1 to be on, the switch Q2 to be on, the switch Q3 to be off, and the switch Q4 to be off. As a result, the USB voltage V input to the input terminal VBUS is USBis output as is from the switching terminal SW without being stepped down. The voltage output from the switching terminal SW is input to the input terminal VIN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 as the system power supply voltage Vcc0. In this case as well, the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 steps down the system power supply voltage Vcc0 of 5V input to the input terminal VIN to generate and output the system power supply voltage Vcc1 of 3.3V. USB Even when the power path function is enabled, the processor 21 may control the on / off of the switch Q2 while controlling the switch Q1 to be on, the switch Q3 to be off, and the switch Q4 to be on. In this way, the USB voltage V USB The step-down from the power supply voltage Vcc1 to the system power supply voltage Vcc1 of 3.3 V can be shared between the charging IC 2 and the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8. This makes it possible to prevent the load and heat from being concentrated on the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8.

[0121] (V USB &V BAT Power Pass function) V USB &V BAT The power path function is enabled, for example, when charging of the power supply BAT is completed and the USB connection is continued. The processor 21 controls the switch Q2 on and off while controlling the switch Q1 to be on, the switch Q3 to be off, and the switch Q4 to be on. The processor 21 controls the voltage of the output terminal SYS to be equal to or lower than the voltage of the power supply BAT (power supply voltage V BAT This controls the switch Q2 so that the USB voltage V USB is stepped down and output from the output terminal SYS. The USB voltage V USB The voltage output from the output terminal SYS after being stepped down is the same as the voltage output from the output terminal SYS via the power supply BAT and the charging terminal bat. USB The power includes the voltage obtained by stepping down the BATThe power including these is synthesized and supplied to the input terminal VIN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8. USB &V BAT When the power path function is enabled, the potential of the input terminal VBUS in the charging IC2 becomes higher than the potential of the output terminal SYS, so that power from the power supply BAT is not output from the input terminal VBUS.

[0122] V USB &V BAT When the Power Path function is enabled, the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 operates at the power supply voltage V BAT The step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 determines whether to step up or step down the voltage depending on the magnitude of the power supply voltage V BAT When the power supply voltage Vcc0 input to the input terminal VIN is 3.3 V or higher, the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 steps down the system power supply voltage Vcc0 input to the input terminal VIN to generate and output the system power supply voltage Vcc1 of 3.3 V. BAT If the system power supply voltage Vcc0 input to the input terminal VIN is less than 3.3 V, the system power supply voltage Vcc1 of 3.3 V is generated and output.

[0123] (V BAT Power Pass function) V BAT The power path function is enabled in a mode other than the charging mode (for example, the sleep mode). The processor 21 controls the switch Q1 and the switch Q3 to be turned off. This allows the power supply voltage V BAT is output as is from the output terminal SYS and input to the input terminal VIN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 as the system power supply voltage Vcc0. With this control, the power transfer path between the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2 and the switching terminal SW is blocked by the parasitic diode of the switch Q1. As a result, the power supply voltage V BAT However, no signal is output from the VBUS input terminal.

[0124] V BAT When the Power Path function is enabled, the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 operates at the power supply voltage VBAT The step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 determines whether to step up or step down the voltage depending on the magnitude of the power supply voltage V BAT If the supply voltage V is 3.3V or higher, BAT The step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 steps down the power supply voltage V BAT If the supply voltage V is less than 3.3 V, BAT It boosts this voltage to generate and output the 3.3V system power supply voltage Vcc1.

[0125] (OTG function) OTG function is V BAT It is effective at the same time as the power path function, for example, it is effective in active mode. BAT When both power path functions are enabled, the processor 21 controls the switch Q3 on and off while controlling the switch Q1 to be on. As a result, the power supply voltage V BAT is output as is from the output terminal SYS and input to the input terminal VIN of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 as the system power supply voltage Vcc0. BAT is input to the switching terminal SW of the charging IC 2. The processor 21 controls the power supply voltage V BAT This controls the switch Q3 so that the power supply voltage Vcc4 input to the switching terminal SW becomes the same as the system power supply voltage Vcc4. BAT is boosted and output from the input terminal VBUS. The voltage output from the input terminal VBUS is input to the LEDs L1 to L8 as the system power supply voltage Vcc4.

[0126] In this way, the charging IC2 is connected to the USB voltage V USB It functions as a step-down converter to step down the power supply voltage V BATThe voltage input from charging IC2 to step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 fluctuates in various ways depending on the enabled functions of charging IC2. However, even with such fluctuations, step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 can selectively step-up and step-down to keep system power supply voltage Vcc1 (power including system power supply voltage Vcc1) constant. When the voltage of system power supply voltage Vcc0 input to input terminal VIN of step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 is equal to 3.3V, which is the voltage of system power supply voltage Vcc1, step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 does not step-up or step-down, and outputs system power supply voltage Vcc0 as system power supply voltage Vcc1 from output terminal VOUT.

[0127] <Power consumption of electric circuits> In the suction system including the inhaler 100, the load that consumes the most power among all the loads included in the system is the heater HTR. For example, the power consumption P HTR is the power consumption of each of LEDs L1 to L8. LED The power consumption of the heater HTR is also greater than the total power consumption of all the electronic components connected to the output terminal SYS of the charging IC 2. Therefore, it is preferable that the current value that the step-up DC / DC converter 9 connected to the heater HTR can receive from the power supply BAT is greater than the maximum current value that the output terminal SYS of the charging IC 2 can output.

[0128] <Preferable form of step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8> From the viewpoint of reducing the cost and size of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8, it is preferable that at least one of the maximum input current and the maximum output current of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 is smaller than the maximum current that the output terminal SYS of the charging IC 2 can output. With this configuration, when the output terminal SYS of the charging IC 2 outputs the maximum current, there is a risk that an excessive current will be input to the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8. However, since the heater HTR, which consumes the most power, is not connected to the output terminal VOUT of the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8, an excessive current will not be input to the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8. Therefore, even with this configuration, the cost and size can be reduced without causing any malfunction in the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8.

[0129] <Preferable form of step-up DC / DC converter 9> The step-up DC / DC converter 9 is preferably a switching regulator. In the example of Fig. 20, the step-up DC / DC converter 9 performs step-up by operating in either a PFM mode in which PFM (Pulse Frequency Modulation) control is performed or a PWM mode in which PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control is performed. Specifically, the step-up DC / DC converter 9 is equipped with a mode terminal MODE for mode switching, and is configured to be able to switch the operation mode according to the potential of the mode terminal MODE. Note that the maximum current that can be input to the switching terminal SW of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 when the step-up DC / DC converter 9 operates in the PFM mode is preferably larger than the maximum current that can be input to the switching terminal SW of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 when the step-up DC / DC converter 9 operates in the PWM mode.

[0130] The voltage applied to the heater HTR is significantly different between heating control and temperature detection control. In other words, the load of the boost DC / DC converter 9 varies between heavy and light loads. In the PWM mode, the switching frequency is constant regardless of the load, so that the switching loss becomes dominant at light loads and the efficiency decreases. On the other hand, in the PFM mode, since the additional power is not required so much at light loads, the switching frequency is lowered and the switching loss decreases. Therefore, high efficiency can be maintained even at light loads. When the load level increases from light to heavy, this efficiency relationship is reversed, and the PWM mode is more efficient than the PFM mode. The load level at which the PWM mode is more efficient is limited. Therefore, when the load of the boost DC / DC converter 9 varies between heavy and light loads, it is preferable that the boost DC / DC converter 9 operates in the PFM mode.

[0131] Regardless of whether the step-up DC / DC converter 9 operates in PWM mode or PFM mode, the efficiency of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 tends to decrease near the maximum current that can be input to the step-up DC / DC converter 9 or the maximum current that the step-up DC / DC converter 9 can output. In particular, when the step-up DC / DC converter 9 operates in PFM mode, the efficiency of the DC / DC converter decreases near the maximum current due to two factors, since the step-up DC / DC converter 9 has a characteristic of decreasing efficiency under heavy load as described above. Therefore, as described above, a step-up DC / DC converter 9 is used in which the maximum current that can be input to the switching terminal SW of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 when operating in PFM mode is larger than the maximum current that can be input to the switching terminal SW of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 when operating in PWM mode. This makes it possible to suppress the decrease in efficiency under heavy load, even when the step-up DC / DC converter 9 is operated in PFM mode.

[0132] From the viewpoint of the above-mentioned efficiency, it is preferable that the potential of the mode terminal MODE is maintained at a potential at which the PFM mode is selected. In the example of FIG. 20, the mode terminal MODE is not connected to anything, and the operation mode of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 is fixed to the PFM mode. This allows a larger current to be input to the switching terminal SW of the step-up DC / DC converter 9, and allows a larger current to flow to the heater HTR. Note that such a configuration in which the potential of the mode terminal MODE is indefinite is merely one specific example. Depending on the specifications of the step-up DC / DC converter 9, the PFM mode may be selected by setting the potential of the mode terminal MODE to a high level or a low level. In such a case, it is sufficient that the potential of the mode terminal MODE is maintained at an appropriate potential so that the PFM mode is selected.

[0133] <Effects of the suction device> According to the inhaler 100, the LEDs L1 to L8 serving as the notification unit are supplied with a voltage via the charging IC2, rather than directly from the power supply BAT. The voltage of the power supply BAT fluctuates, but since this fluctuating voltage is not directly supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8, the LEDs L1 to L8 can be operated stably. Since the brightness of the LEDs depends on the voltage supplied, if a stable voltage can be supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8, the brightness of the LEDs L1 to L8 can be stabilized. In addition, the charging IC2, which has the main function of controlling the charging of the power supply BAT, generates the system power supply voltage Vcc4 and supplies it to the LEDs L1 to L8, so that a dedicated IC for generating the system power supply voltage Vcc4 is not required. This allows the inhaler 100 to be made smaller and less expensive. In addition, the charging IC2 generates the power supply voltage V BAT Since the system power supply voltage Vcc4 is generated by boosting the voltage Vcc4, high voltage power can be supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8. This allows the LEDs L1 to L8 to be lit with high brightness, realizing a good user interface.

[0134] Moreover, according to the inhaler 100, power is supplied to the MCU1 via the charging IC2, rather than directly from the power supply BAT. The charging IC2, whose main function is to control the charging of the power supply BAT, generates the system power supply voltage Vcc0 and supplies it to the MCU1, eliminating the need for a dedicated IC for generating the system power supply voltage Vcc0. This allows the inhaler 100 to be made smaller and less expensive. Furthermore, a step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8 is provided between the charging IC2 and the MCU1, allowing a constant power to be supplied to the MCU1. This allows the operation of the MCU1 to be stabilized.

[0135] Moreover, according to the inhaler 100, when the USB connection is established and the LSW3 is closed, the OTG function cannot be executed. Therefore, the power consumption of the power supply BAT during the USB connection can be suppressed, and the amount of power of the power supply BAT that can be used can be increased. Furthermore, immediately after the USB connection, the LSW3 is open, so that the noise and inrush current immediately after the USB connection are not supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8, and the possibility of the LEDs L1 to L8 breaking down can be reduced. Furthermore, immediately after the USB connection, the OTG function can be executed. Therefore, even during the transitional period immediately after the USB connection when the power from the external power source cannot be supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8, the power supply BAT can be supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8 by the OTG function. Therefore, the opportunities to operate the LEDs L1 to L8 can be increased, and the marketability of the inhaler 100 can be improved.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the inhaler 100, since the charging IC 2 can also supply the power of the power supply BAT to loads such as the MCU 1, a dedicated IC for supplying power to these loads is not required, and the cost of the inhaler 100 can be reduced.

[0137] In addition, a notification unit other than the LEDs L1 to L8 may be further connected to the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2. For example, the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2 may be connected to the vibration motor M to notify the system power supply voltage Vcc4 or the USB voltage V USBis supplied to the vibration motor M, and the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2 is connected to a speaker (not shown) to supply the system power supply voltage Vcc4 and the USB voltage V USB may be supplied to a speaker. An IC other than the notification unit (an IC separate from the IC shown in FIG. 10) may be connected to the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2. It is preferable that at least one of the notification unit and this separate IC is connected as a load to the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC2.

[0138] In addition, the inhaler 100 has a first discharge path that supplies power from the power source BAT to the MCU1 via the charging IC2, and a second discharge path that supplies power from the power source BAT to the heater HTR without passing through the charging IC2. Therefore, the current value to be passed through the first discharge path (the maximum current that the output terminal SYS of the charging IC2 can output) can be smaller than the current value to be passed through the second discharge path. Therefore, an expensive and large-scale charging IC2 that can withstand a large current is not required, and the inhaler 100 can be made smaller and less expensive. The MCU1 and the heater HTR can operate simultaneously, but even if they operate simultaneously, the existence of the first discharge path and the second discharge path allows sufficient power to be supplied to them without placing an excessive burden on the charging IC2.

[0139] Moreover, according to the inhalator 100, the second discharge path, through which a large current flows, is provided on a substrate different from the first discharge path. Specifically, the first discharge path is provided on the MCU mounting substrate 161, and the second discharge path is provided on the receptacle mounting substrate 162. This makes it possible to avoid heat concentration on one substrate, and improves the durability of the inhalator 100.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the inhaler 100, all of the electronic components that receive power from the power source BAT without passing through the charging IC 2 are provided on the same board (the receptacle mounting board 162). This makes it possible to prevent the electric circuit from becoming complicated.

[0141] Moreover, according to the inhalator 100, the step-up DC / DC converter 9 is provided in the discharge path from the power source BAT to the heater HTR. Therefore, large power can be supplied to the heater HTR by the step-up DC / DC converter 9 without worrying about the maximum current of the output terminal SYS of the charging IC 2. Therefore, the inhalator 100 can be made low-cost and small-sized, and the heater HTR can efficiently heat the rod 500.

[0142] Furthermore, when the inhaler 100 is connected to the USB, it has a discharge path (path from the receptacle RCP to the LEDs L1 to L8) that discharges to the LEDs L1 to L8 without passing through the charging IC2. This eliminates the need for an expensive and large-scale charging IC2 that can withstand a large current, compared to a case where a path is provided that discharges from an external power source to the LEDs L1 to L8 via the charging IC2. This allows the inhaler 100 to be made smaller and at a lower cost.

[0143] Furthermore, in the inhaler 100, the electronic components connected to the input terminal VBUS of the charging IC 2 are notification units such as LEDs L1 to L8, or ICs separate from the ICs shown in the figure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent power from an external power source that is prone to noise and inrush current from being supplied to precision electronic components such as the MCU 1, the step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8, the ROM 6, the fuel gauge IC 12, the protection IC 10, and the step-up DC / DC converter 9, thereby improving durability.

[0144] Furthermore, in the inhaler 100, an overvoltage protection IC11 is provided between the LSW 3 and the receptacle RCP. Due to the presence of the overvoltage protection IC11, noise and inrush current that may occur at the moment of USB connection can be blocked not only by the LSW 3 but also by the overvoltage protection IC11. This can increase the durability of the inhaler 100.

[0145] Furthermore, in the inhaler 100, each of the LEDs L1 to L8 is configured not to operate unless the built-in switch of the MCU1 is turned on. This makes it possible to prevent noise and inrush current immediately after USB connection from being supplied to the LEDs L1 to L8, thereby reducing the possibility of the LEDs L1 to L8 breaking down. Furthermore, since the switch is built into the MCU1, the durability of the switch can be improved compared to when the switch is provided outside the MCU1.

[0146] The larger voltages that the aspirator 100 supplies to the load are the system power supply voltage Vcc4 and the drive voltage V bst The system power supply voltage Vcc4 is generated from the power from the external power supply and the power from the power supply BAT. On the other hand, the drive voltage V bst is generated only by the power from the power supply BAT. Thus, the driving voltage V bst Regarding the above, by configuring the circuit not to be generated from the power of an external power source, the lines through which high-voltage power flows can be prevented from becoming complicated. This avoids the circuit from becoming complicated, and the cost of the inhaler 100 can be reduced. In addition, the power supply path through which power including the system power supply voltage Vcc4 is supplied and the driving voltage V bst Specifically, the power supply path through which power including the system power supply voltage Vcc4 is supplied is provided on the MCU mounting board 161 and the LED mounting board 163. bst The power supply path to which the power including the above is supplied is provided on the receptacle mounting board 162. In this way, by providing two power supply paths to which high voltage is applied on different boards, it is possible to prevent noise from these power supply paths from being superimposed and becoming noise that is more difficult to deal with. Therefore, the inhaler 100 can be operated stably.

[0147] In addition, in the inhalator 100, the power connector connected to the power source BAT, the receptacle RCP connected to the external power source, and the heater connector Cn connected to the heater HTR are provided on the same board (receptacle mounting board 162). This suppresses heat generation at various points in the inhalator 100, thereby improving the durability of the inhalator 100.

[0148] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such examples also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0149] For example, a connector for connecting a heater other than the heater HTR (one whose heating target is different from the heater HTR) or other load may be connected between the output terminal VOUT of the step-up DC / DC converter 9 and the ground line.

[0150] In addition, in FIG. 10, a parallel circuit of a circuit including switch S3 and a circuit including switch S4 and resistor Rs is connected between the output terminal VOUT of step-up DC / DC converter 9 and the positive electrode side of heater connector Cn, but this parallel circuit may be connected between the negative electrode side of heater connector Cn and switch S6, and the output terminal VOUT of step-up DC / DC converter 9 and the positive electrode side of heater connector Cn may be directly connected.

[0151] This specification describes at least the following items. Note that, in parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-mentioned embodiment are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0152] (1) A power supply unit (inhaler 100) of an aerosol generating device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source (rod 500), Power supply (power supply BAT) and A connector (receptacle RCP) that can be electrically connected to an external power source; A first load (MCU1); a charging IC (charging IC2) including an input terminal (input terminal VBUS) connected to the connector, a charging terminal (charging terminal bat) connected to the power source, and an output terminal (output terminal SYS) connected to the first load, the charging IC being configured to convert power input to the input terminal and output the power from the charging terminal; a discharge path that connects the power supply and a second load (heater HTR) without passing through the charging IC; the charging IC is configured to supply power input from the power source to the charging terminal to the first load via the output terminal; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0153] According to (1), by providing a discharge path that discharges to the second load without passing through the charging IC, the load connected to the output terminal of the charging IC can be reduced. This eliminates the need for an expensive, large-scale charging IC that can withstand a large current, and enables the aerosol generation device to be made smaller and less expensive.

[0154] (2) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), the first load and the second load operate simultaneously; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0155] According to (2), even if two loads are operated simultaneously, the burden on the charging IC is not excessive. Therefore, it is possible to supply sufficient power to the two loads and operate them satisfactorily.

[0156] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (2), A first board (MCU mounting board 161), a second substrate (receptacle mounting substrate 162) separate from the first substrate, the charging IC and the first load are provided on the first substrate, The discharge path is provided on the second substrate. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0157] According to (3), the path from the power source to the first load via the charging IC and the path from the power source to the second load are on different substrates, which makes it possible to avoid heat concentration on one substrate and improve the durability of the aerosol generating device.

[0158] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (3), The power consumption of the first load is less than the power consumption of the second load. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0159] According to (4), the charging IC does not need to discharge to the second load, which consumes a large amount of power, so a cheaper and smaller charging IC can be used, and the aerosol generating device can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0160] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (4), The second load consumes the most power among the loads provided in the aerosol generating device. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0161] According to (5), the charging IC does not need to discharge to the second load, which consumes the most power. This allows the use of a cheaper and smaller charging IC, thereby realizing a reduction in the cost and size of the aerosol generating device.

[0162] (6) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), The discharge path is connected to the output voltage of the power supply (power supply voltage V BAT a boost converter (boost DC / DC converter 9) capable of boosting the voltage of the first load and applying it to the second load; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0163] According to (6), the operating efficiency of the second load can be improved while eliminating the need to pass large amounts of boosted or boosted power through the charging IC, thereby reducing the cost and size of the aerosol generating device while increasing the effect of the second load.

[0164] (7) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (6), a third load (protection IC10) connected to a node between the power supply and the boost converter in the discharge path and operated by power supplied from the node; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0165] According to (7), the existence of a discharge path that discharges to a third load without passing through the charging IC eliminates the need for an expensive, large-scale charging IC that can withstand a large current. This makes it possible to reduce the cost and size of the aerosol generator.

[0166] (8) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (7), a power connector to which the power supply is connected; A first board (MCU mounting board 161), a second substrate (receptacle mounting substrate 162) separate from the first substrate, the charging IC is provided on the first substrate, The discharge path and the third load are provided on the second substrate. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0167] According to (8), the discharge route that does not pass through the charging IC is consolidated on one board, which prevents the circuit on the board from becoming complicated, and enables the aerosol generation device to be made smaller and less expensive.

[0168] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (8), a voltage converter (step-up / step-down DC / DC converter 8) connected between the output terminal and the first load and configured to output a constant voltage; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0169] According to (9), a constant voltage can be supplied to the first load, so that the operation of the first load becomes stable.

[0170] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (9), The charging IC is capable of supplying power input to the input terminal to the first load via the output terminal (V USB Power Pass function) The voltage converter includes: When the power input from the charging terminal is output from the output terminal (V BAT When the power path function is enabled, the constant voltage is output by stepping up or stepping down the voltage input from the charging IC, When the power input from the input terminal is output from the output terminal (V USB When the power path function is enabled, the constant voltage is output by stepping down the voltage input from the charging IC. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0171] According to (10), whether an external power supply or a power supply is used, a constant voltage is supplied to the first load, so that the operation of the first load is stable.

[0172] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components in the above-mentioned embodiments may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the invention.

[0173] This application is based on a Japanese patent application (Patent Application No. 2021-079870) filed on May 10, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 100 Aspirator 1 MCU HTR Heater BAT power supply Cn Heater Connector RCP Receptacle 2 Charging IC L1~L8 LED

Claims

1. An inhaler that generates an aerosol by heating a rod containing an aerosol source, A heating unit; Power supply, a case having an opening through which the rod can be inserted and accommodating the heating unit and the power source; a connector electrically connectable to an external power source; A first load configured to control heating by the heating unit; a charging IC including a first terminal electrically connected to the connector and receiving power from the external power supply, a second terminal electrically connected to the power supply, and a third terminal electrically connected to the first load; a first discharge path that supplies power from the power source to the heating unit without passing through the charging IC; a second discharge path that supplies power from the power source to the first load via the charging IC.

2. An aspirator as claimed in claim 1, The inhaler, wherein the charging IC is configured to convert power input to the first terminal and output the power from the second terminal.

3. An aspirator according to claim 1 or 2, The inhaler includes a third discharge path that supplies power supplied from the external power supply to the first load via the charging IC.

4. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The inhaler, wherein the charging IC is configured to acquire a charging current or / and a charging voltage of the power source, and to control power supply to the power source based on the charging current or / and the charging voltage.

5. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first load and the heating section operate simultaneously.

6. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An inhaler, wherein the power consumption of the first load is less than the power consumption of the heating unit.

7. An aspirator according to claim 6, The heating unit consumes the most power among loads provided in the inhaler.

8. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The first discharge path is configured to boost an output voltage of the power supply and apply the boosted output voltage to the heating unit.

9. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The inhaler comprises a voltage converter connected between the third terminal and the first load and configured to output a constant voltage.

10. An aspirator according to claim 9, The voltage converter is configured to step down the voltage input from the charging IC and output the constant voltage.

11. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A temperature sensor that uses the heating unit itself or is arranged in contact with or in close proximity to the heating unit; a power supply line connected to the temperature sensor; a switch having a control terminal electrically connected to the first load, an input terminal electrically connected to the third terminal of the charging IC, and an output terminal electrically connected to the power supply line.

12. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The first load is an MCU.

13. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The heating section is configured by an induction heating coil and a susceptor working in cooperation with each other.

14. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The first discharge path includes a boost converter capable of boosting an output voltage of the power supply and applying the boosted output voltage to the heating unit.

15. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a second substrate including a power connector electrically connected to the power source and a heating unit connector electrically connected to the heating unit; The first discharge path is provided on the second substrate.

16. An aspirator according to claim 15, Further comprising a first substrate different from the second substrate; The first load is mounted on the first substrate.

17. An aspirator as claimed in claim 16, The first discharge path is not provided on the first substrate.

18. An aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, A notification unit including a light-emitting element is provided, The inhaler, wherein power is supplied from the power source to the notification unit via the charging IC.

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