Power supply unit of aerosol inhaler, and aerosol inhaler

Abstract

To provide a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device, enabling miniaturization of the aerosol generation device.SOLUTION: A power supply unit 10 of an aerosol inhaler 1 includes a power supply 12 capable of supplying power to a load 21 that heats the aerosol supply, a charging terminal 43 configured to accept insertion of a plug 100 with a plurality of pins and to receive power for charging the power supply 12 from the inserted plug 100, and a charging IC 55 configured to control charging of the power supply 12 with the power received by the charging terminal 43. The charging terminal 43 includes pins that can be connected to only some of the plurality of pins provided in the plug 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that enables the control unit of an aerosol delivery device to be connected to a computer via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable and connector (e.g., USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C). Patent Documents 2 and 3 also disclose technologies that enable a USB (e.g., USB Type-C) cable to be connected to an aerosol generating device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-504599 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2017-538410 [Patent Document 3] US Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0380388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since aerosol generating devices are carried and held by the user, it is desirable for them to be as small as possible and be rechargeable in various locations (places). However, in the prior art, there is room for improvement in terms of miniaturization while ensuring many opportunities to charge the aerosol generating device.

[0005] The present invention provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device that can be made compact while ensuring many opportunities to charge the aerosol generation device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a power source capable of supplying power to a heater that heats the aerosol source; a receptacle configured to accept a USB Type-C plug and configured to receive power from the inserted plug to charge the power source; a charger configured to control charging of the power source with power received by the receptacle; A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device comprising: The receptacle has pins that can be connected to only some of the pins of the plug. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device that can be made compact while ensuring the opportunity to charge the aerosol generation device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhalator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of a power supply unit in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an MCU of a power supply unit in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a charging terminal provided in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1 and a plug inserted into the charging terminal. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the circuit configuration of the first surface of the circuit board in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1, viewed from the right side. FIG. [Figure 8]2 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the circuit configuration of the ground layer of the circuit board in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1, viewed from the right side. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the circuit configuration of the power supply layer of the circuit board in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1, viewed from the right side. [Figure 10] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of the circuit configuration of the second surface of the circuit board in the aerosol inhalator of FIG. 1, viewed from the right side. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be described. First, an aerosol inhalator, which is an example of an aerosol generation device equipped with the power supply unit of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0010] (aerosol inhaler) The aerosol inhalator 1 is a device for generating a flavored aerosol without combustion and for inhaling the generated aerosol. It is preferably hand-sized and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The aerosol inhalator 1 may also be oval, elliptical, or other shapes. In the following description, the three orthogonal directions of the roughly rectangular parallelepiped aerosol inhalator are referred to in descending order of length as the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction. For convenience, the following description defines the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions as shown in Figures 1 to 3, with the front indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left as L, the right as R, the upper as U, and the lower as D.

[0011] 1 to 3, the aerosol inhalator 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge 30. The first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are detachable from the power supply unit 10. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are each replaceable.

[0012] (Power supply unit) 1 and 2, the power supply unit 10 accommodates a power supply 12, an internal holder 13, a circuit board 60, various sensors such as an intake sensor 15, and the like inside a substantially rectangular parallelepiped power supply unit case 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the case interior). By accommodating the power supply 12, the circuit board 60 (including the MCU 50, discharge terminal 41, charge terminal 43, etc., which will be described later) and the like together in the power supply unit case 11, it becomes easier for the user to carry the power supply unit 10, and user convenience is improved.

[0013] The power supply unit case 11 is composed of a first case 11A and a second case 11B that are detachable in the left-right direction (thickness direction), and the first case 11A and the second case 11B are assembled in the left-right direction (thickness direction) to form the front, rear, left, right, and bottom surfaces of the power supply unit 10. The top surface of the power supply unit 10 is formed by the display 16.

[0014] A mouthpiece 17 is provided on the top surface of the power supply unit 10 in front of the display 16. The mouthpiece 17 has a mouthpiece 17a that protrudes further upward than the display 16.

[0015] Between the top and rear surfaces of the power supply unit 10, there is provided an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the rear. An operation unit 18 that can be operated by the user is provided on the inclined surface. The operation unit 18 is composed of a button switch, a touch panel, etc., and is used to start / shut off the MCU 50 and various sensors, reflecting the user's intention to use the power supply unit 10.

[0016] A charging terminal 43 is provided on the underside of the power supply unit 10 and can be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) that can supply the power supply unit 10 with electric power for charging the power supply 12. The charging terminal 43 is, for example, a receptacle into which a mating plug (described later) can be inserted. The charging terminal 43 can be a receptacle into which various USB terminals (plugs) can be inserted. As an example, in this embodiment, the charging terminal 43 is a USB Type-C receptacle. This makes it easy to charge the power supply unit 10 (i.e., the aerosol inhalator 1) in various locations (places), and ensures opportunities to charge the power supply unit 10.

[0017] Furthermore, charging terminal 43 may include, for example, a power receiving coil and be configured to be able to contactlessly receive power transmitted from an external power source. In this case, the power transmission (wireless power transfer) method may be electromagnetic induction type, magnetic resonance type, or a combination of electromagnetic induction type and magnetic resonance type. As another example, charging terminal 43 may be connectable to various USB terminals or the like and may include the above-mentioned power receiving coil.

[0018] The internal holder 13 comprises a rear wall 13r extending along the rear surface of the power supply unit 10, a central wall 13c located in the center of the front-to-rear direction inside the case and extending parallel to the rear wall 13r, an upper wall 13u extending along the display 16 and connecting the rear wall 13r and the central wall 13c, a partition wall 13d perpendicular to the rear wall 13r, the central wall 13c, and the upper wall 13u and dividing the space formed by the rear wall 13r, the central wall 13c, and the upper wall 13u into a left space and a right space, and a cartridge holding portion 13a connected to the central wall 13c and located in front of the central wall 13c and above the underside of the power supply unit 10.

[0019] The power source 12 is disposed in the space on the left side of the internal holder 13. The power source 12 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 12 may be one or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

[0020] A substantially L-shaped circuit board 60 is disposed in the space formed by the right space of the internal holder 13 and the lower space formed between the cartridge holding portion 13a and the underside of the power supply unit 10. By forming the circuit board 60 in a substantially L-shape, other components can be disposed in the cutout portion, thereby enabling the miniaturization of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol inhalator 1. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first cartridge 20 (i.e., the aerosol source 22 and the load 21, which will be described later) and the cartridge holder 14 that holds the first cartridge 20 are disposed in the cutout portion of the substantially L-shaped circuit board 60. That is, the power supply unit case 11 accommodates the first cartridge 20 and the like, with the first cartridge 20 and the like disposed in the cutout portion of the L-shaped circuit board 60. This allows the aerosol inhalator 1 to be miniaturized, enabling the realization of an aerosol inhalator 1 that fits in the hand of an average adult, for example.

[0021] The circuit board 60 is configured by stacking multiple layers (four layers in this embodiment) of substrates, and is equipped with electronic components (elements) such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50 and a charging IC 55, which will be described later.

[0022] As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 5 and other figures, the MCU 50 is a control device (controller) that controls various aspects of the aerosol inhalator 1. The control device (controller) is connected to various sensors, such as the inhalation sensor 15 that detects puffing (inhalation), the operation unit 18, the notification unit 45, and a memory 19 that stores the number of puffing operations or the duration of current flow to the load 21. Specifically, the MCU 50 is primarily composed of a processor and further includes storage media, such as a random access memory (RAM) required for the processor's operation and a read-only memory (ROM) that stores various information. The processor in this specification refers to an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements, such as semiconductor devices. Note that some of the elements connected to the MCU 50 in FIG. 5 (e.g., the inhalation sensor 15 and the memory 19) may be provided within the MCU 50 as functions of the MCU 50 itself.

[0023] The charging IC 55 is an integrated circuit (IC) that controls charging of the power supply 12 using power input from the charging terminal 43 and supplies power from the power supply 12 to electronic components on the circuit board 60 and the like.

[0024] A cylindrical cartridge holder 14 that holds the first cartridge 20 is disposed in the cartridge holding portion 13a.

[0025] A through-hole 13b is provided at the lower end of the cartridge holding portion 13a to receive a discharge terminal 41 (see FIG. 3) that is provided so as to protrude from the circuit board 60 toward the first cartridge 20. The discharge terminal 41 is a connector that electrically connects the load 21 provided in the first cartridge 20. The discharge terminal 41 is a connector that removably (or easily removably) connects the load 21, and is configured, for example, by a pin with a built-in spring. The discharge terminal 41 is an example of a second connector in the present invention.

[0026] The through-hole 13b is larger than the discharge terminal 41, and is configured so that air flows into the inside of the first cartridge 20 through a gap formed between the through-hole 13b and the discharge terminal 41.

[0027] An inhalation sensor 15 for detecting a puffing action is provided on outer peripheral surface 14a of cartridge holder 14 at a position facing circuit board 60. Inhalation sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. Cartridge holder 14 is also provided with a vertically long hole 14b through which the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored inside first cartridge 20 can be visually confirmed, and is configured so that the user can visually check the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored inside first cartridge 20 through hole 14b of first cartridge 20 from a translucent remaining amount confirmation window 11w provided in power supply unit case 11.

[0028] 3, a mouthpiece 17 is detachably fixed to the upper end of the cartridge holder 14. A second cartridge 30 is detachably fixed to the mouthpiece 17. The mouthpiece 17 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 17b that accommodates a portion of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 17c that connects the first cartridge 20 to the cartridge accommodating portion 17b.

[0029] An air intake 11i for taking in outside air is provided in the power supply unit case 11. The air intake 11i is provided, for example, in the remaining amount check window 11w.

[0030] (1st cartridge) As shown in Figure 3, the first cartridge 20 has a cylindrical cartridge case 27, inside which a reservoir 23 for storing an aerosol source 22, an electrical load 21 for atomizing the aerosol source 22, a wick 24 for drawing the aerosol source from the reservoir 23 to the load 21, and an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 flows toward the second cartridge 30.

[0031] Reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed to surround the periphery of aerosol flow path 25, and stores aerosol source 22. Reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the porous body may be impregnated with aerosol source 22. Reservoir 23 may not contain a porous body on the resin web or cotton, and may store only aerosol source 22. Aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0032] The wick 24 is a liquid retention member that uses capillary action to draw the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 into the load 21. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0033] Load 21 is a heat generating element (i.e., heater) that heats aerosol source 22 without combustion by using power supplied from power source 12 via discharge terminal 41, and is configured, for example, by an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. Load 21 atomizes aerosol source 22 by heating it. As load 21, a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating heater, or the like can be used. Note that load 21 is an example of the heater and second load of the present invention.

[0034] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided downstream of the load 21 and on the center line of the first cartridge 20 .

[0035] (2nd cartridge) The second cartridge 30 stores a flavor source 31. The second cartridge 30 is removably housed in a cartridge housing portion 17b provided in the mouthpiece 17.

[0036] The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the load 21 through the flavor source 31. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31 may be cut tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding tobacco raw material into particles. The flavor source 31 may be made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 31 may be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol.

[0037] The aerosol inhalator 1 can generate (i.e., generate) a flavored aerosol by using the aerosol source 22, the flavor source 31, and the load 21. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 constitute an aerosol generation source that generates a flavored aerosol.

[0038] The aerosol generating source used in the aerosol inhaler 1 may be configured such that the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate entities, or may be configured such that the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are integrally formed, or such that the flavor source 31 is omitted and a substance that may be contained in the flavor source 31 is added to the aerosol source 22, or such that a drug or the like is added to the aerosol source 22 instead of the flavor source 31.

[0039] In the aerosol inhalator 1 configured as described above, as shown by arrow A in FIG. 3 , air flowing in from the air intake 11i provided in the power supply unit case 11 passes near the load 21 of the first cartridge 20 through the gap formed between the through-hole 13b and the discharge terminal 41. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The atomized aerosol flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the intake and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 via the communication passage 17c. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 is flavored by passing through the flavor source 31 and is then supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

[0040] The aerosol inhalator 1 is also provided with a notification unit 45 that notifies various pieces of information (see FIG. 5). The notification unit 45 may be configured with a light-emitting element, a vibration element, or a sound output element. The notification unit 45 may also be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10, which is not a consumable item.

[0041] In this embodiment, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel 46 and a vibrator 47 are provided as the notification unit 45. When the OLED of the OLED panel 46 emits light, various pieces of information related to the aerosol inhalator 1 are notified to the user via the display 16. When the vibrator 47 vibrates, various pieces of information related to the aerosol inhalator 1 are notified to the user via the power supply unit case 11. The notification unit 45 may be provided with only either the OLED panel 46 or the vibrator 47, or may be provided with other light-emitting elements, etc. Furthermore, the information notified by the OLED panel 46 and the information notified by the vibrator 47 may be different or the same.

[0042] (Electrical Circuits) Next, the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply unit 10 includes, as its main components, a power supply 12, a charging terminal 43, an MCU 50, a charging IC 55, a protection IC 61, an LDO regulator (denoted by "LDO" in FIG. 4) 62, a first DC / DC converter (denoted by "first DC / DC" in FIG. 4) 63, a second DC / DC converter (denoted by "second DC / DC" in FIG. 4) 64, a display driver 65, an intake sensor 15, an OLED panel 46, and a vibrator 47.

[0043] As described above, charging terminal 43 is a receptacle into which a mating plug can be inserted, and includes a plurality of pins (terminals) that are electrically connected to the pins of the inserted plug. Specifically, charging terminal 43 includes an A1 pin (shown as "A1" in FIG. 4), an A4 pin (shown as "A4" in FIG. 4), an A5 pin (shown as "A5" in FIG. 4), an A6 pin (shown as "A6" in FIG. 4), an A7 pin (shown as "A7" in FIG. 4), an A8 pin (shown as "A8" in FIG. 4), an A9 pin (shown as "A9" in FIG. 4), an A12 pin (shown as "A12" in FIG. 4), and a 4), B1 pin (denoted by "B1" in FIG. 4), B4 pin (denoted by "B4" in FIG. 4), B5 pin (denoted by "B5" in FIG. 4), B6 pin (denoted by "B6" in FIG. 4), B7 pin (denoted by "B7" in FIG. 4), B8 pin (denoted by "B8" in FIG. 4), B9 pin (denoted by "B9" in FIG. 4), and B12 pin (denoted by "B12" in FIG. 4).

[0044] The A1 pins, A4 pins, A5 pins, A6 pins, A7 pins, A8 pins, A9 pins, and A12 pins and the B1 pins, B4 pins, B5 pins, B6 pins, B7 pins, B8 pins, B9 pins, and B12 pins are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the mating surface with the plug in charging terminal 43. This makes it possible to insert the plug into charging terminal 43 regardless of the orientation of the plug, improving user convenience.

[0045] It should be noted that this embodiment describes only the main pins of the pins provided on the charging terminal 43. Also, in this embodiment, the charging terminal 43 is provided with pins A8 and B8, but as will be described later, these pins are not used and can be omitted.

[0046] The protection IC 61 is an IC that has the function of converting the voltage input via the charging terminal 43 to a predetermined voltage as necessary and outputting the converted voltage. Specifically, the protection IC 61 converts the input voltage to a voltage within the range from the minimum to the maximum recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55. As a result, even if a high voltage exceeding the maximum recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55 is input via the charging terminal 43, the protection IC 61 can protect the charging IC 55 from this high voltage.

[0047] As an example, in this embodiment, the recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55 is 4.35 [V] minimum and 6.4 [V] maximum. Therefore, the protection IC 61 converts the input voltage to 5.5±0.2 [V] and outputs the converted voltage to the charging IC 55. This allows the protection IC 61 to supply an appropriate voltage to the charging IC 55. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned high voltage is input via the charging terminal 43, the protection IC 61 may protect the charging IC 55 by opening a circuit connecting the input terminal (denoted by IN in FIG. 4 ) and the output terminal (denoted by OUT in FIG. 4 ) of the protection IC 61. Note that the protection IC 61 may also have various other protection functions (e.g., an overcurrent detection function and an overvoltage detection function) for protecting the electrical circuits of the power supply unit 10.

[0048] It is preferable that protection IC 61 is connected between charging terminal 43 and charging IC 55, that is, that protection IC 61 is electrically provided between charging terminal 43 and charging IC 55. By connecting protection IC 61 between charging terminal 43 and charging IC 55, it becomes possible to discharge power source 12 via charging IC 55 without passing through protection IC 61, and power loss due to passing through protection IC 61 can be reduced.

[0049] The protection IC 61 has a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the protection IC 61. Specifically, the protection IC 61 has an IN pin (indicated by "IN" in FIG. 4), a VSS pin (indicated by "VSS" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by "GND" in FIG. 4), an OUT pin (indicated by "OUT" in FIG. 4), a VBAT pin (indicated by "VBAT" in FIG. 4), and a CE pin (indicated by "CE" in FIG. 4).

[0050] In the protection IC 61, the IN pin is a pin to which power supplied from the charging terminal 43 is input. The VSS pin is a pin to which power for operating the protection IC 61 is input. The GND pin is a ground pin. The OUT pin is a pin to which power is output to the charging IC 55. The VBAT pin is a pin for the protection IC 61 to detect the state of the power supply 12. The CE pin is a pin for switching the protection function of the protection IC 61 on / off. The connection relationship of these pins will be described later. Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the protection IC 61 are described.

[0051] The charging IC 55 is an IC having a function of controlling charging of the power supply 12 and a function of supplying power from the power supply 12 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, the second DC / DC converter 64, etc. For example, when supplying power from the power supply 12, the charging IC 55 outputs a standard system voltage according to the output of the power supply 12 at that time to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, the second DC / DC converter 64, etc. Here, the standard system voltage is a voltage that is higher than a low-voltage system voltage described below and lower than a first high-voltage system voltage and a second high-voltage system voltage. The standard system voltage is the output voltage of the power supply 12 itself, and can be, for example, a voltage of about 3 to 4 V.

[0052] The charging IC 55 also has a power-path function that supplies the power input via the charging terminal 43 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, the second DC / DC converter 64, and the like.

[0053] By using this power path function, even while the power supply 12 is being charged, power input via the charging terminal 43 can be supplied to the systems of the power supply unit 10, such as the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64. Therefore, when these systems of the power supply unit 10 are used while the power supply 12 is being charged, it is possible to use these systems of the power supply unit 10 while reducing the burden on the power supply 12 (i.e., suppressing deterioration of the power supply 12). In addition, it is possible to improve the charging speed of the power supply 12 and shorten the charging time. Furthermore, by using this power path function, even if the power supply 12 has reached an over-discharge state, it is possible to restore the systems of the power supply unit 10 by using the power input via the charging terminal 43.

[0054] The charging IC 55 has a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the charging IC 55. Specifically, the charging IC 55 has an IN pin (indicated by "IN" in FIG. 4), a BAT_1 pin (indicated by "BAT_1" in FIG. 4), a BAT_2 pin (indicated by "BAT_2" in FIG. 4), an ISET pin (indicated by "ISET" in FIG. 4), a TS pin (indicated by "TS" in FIG. 4), an OUT_1 pin (indicated by "OUT_1" in FIG. 4), an OUT_2 pin (indicated by "OUT_2" in FIG. 4), an ILIM pin (indicated by "ILIM" in FIG. 4), and a CHG pin (indicated by "CHG" in FIG. 4).

[0055] Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the charging IC 55 are described. Also, in this embodiment, the charging IC 55 is provided with a BAT_1 pin and a BAT_2 pin, but these may be combined into one pin. Similarly, in this embodiment, the charging IC 55 is provided with an OUT_1 pin and an OUT_2 pin, but these may be combined into one pin.

[0056] The LDO regulator 62 is an IC that has the function of generating a low-voltage system voltage from an input standard system voltage and outputting the generated low-voltage system voltage. Here, the low-voltage system voltage is a voltage lower than the standard system voltage as described above, and is a voltage suitable for operating, for example, the MCU 50, the intake sensor 15, etc. An example of the low-voltage system voltage is 2.5 V.

[0057] The LDO regulator 62 has a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the LDO regulator 62. Specifically, the LDO regulator 62 has an IN pin (indicated by "IN" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by "GND" in FIG. 4), an OUT pin (indicated by "OUT" in FIG. 4), and an EN pin (indicated by "EN" in FIG. 4). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the LDO regulator 62 are described.

[0058] The MCU 50 operates using the input low-voltage system voltage as a power source and performs various controls of the aerosol inhalator 1. For example, the MCU 50 can control the heating of the load 21 by controlling the on / off of a switch SW4 (described below) provided in the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10 and the operation of a first DC / DC converter 63. The MCU 50 can also control the display of the display 16 by controlling the operation of a display driver 65. Furthermore, the MCU 50 can control the vibration of the vibrator 47 by controlling the on / off of a switch SW3 (described below) provided in the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10.

[0059] The MCU 50 has a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the MCU 50. Specifically, the MCU 50 has a VDD pin (indicated by "VDD" in FIG. 4), a VDD_USB pin (indicated by "VDD_USB" in FIG. 4), a VSS pin (indicated by "VSS" in FIG. 4), a PC1 pin (indicated by "PC1" in FIG. 4), a PA8 pin (indicated by "PA8" in FIG. 4), a PB3 pin (indicated by "PB3" in FIG. 4), a PB15 pin (indicated by "PB15" in FIG. 4), a PB4 pin (indicated by "PB4" in FIG. 4), a VDD ...PB5 pin (indicated by "PB5" in FIG. 4), a PB6 pin (indicated by "PB6" 4), PC6 pin (indicated as "PC6" in FIG. 4), PA0 pin (indicated as "PA0" in FIG. 4), PC5 pin (indicated as "PC5" in FIG. 4), PA11 pin (indicated as "PA11" in FIG. 4), PA12 pin (indicated as "PA12" in FIG. 4), PC12 pin (indicated as "PC12" in FIG. 4), PB8 pin (indicated as "PB8" in FIG. 4), and PB9 pin (indicated as "PB9" in FIG. 4).

[0060] It should be noted that this embodiment describes only the main pins of the pins provided in the MCU 50. Also, in this embodiment, the MCU 50 is provided with a VDD pin and a VDD_USB pin, but these may be combined into one pin.

[0061] As described above, the inhalation sensor 15 is a sensor device that detects puffing actions, and is configured to output a signal indicating the value of the change in pressure (internal pressure) inside the power supply unit 10 caused by the user inhaling through the mouthpiece 32 as described below, as a detection result.

[0062] The intake sensor 15 has a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the intake sensor 15. Specifically, the intake sensor 15 has a VCC pin (indicated by "VCC" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by "GND" in FIG. 4), and an OUT pin (indicated by "OUT" in FIG. 4). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the intake sensor 15 are described.

[0063] The vibrator 47 is connected to a positive terminal 47a provided on a power supply line 60E (described later) and a negative terminal 47b provided on a ground line 60N, and includes a motor (not shown) that rotates a rotating shaft in response to a voltage input via the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b, and an eccentric weight (not shown) attached to the rotating shaft of the motor. When a voltage (e.g., a low-voltage system voltage) is input via the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b, the motor and the eccentric weight rotate, generating vibrations.

[0064] In this specification, the term "positive electrode side" means a side with a higher potential than the "negative electrode side". In other words, in the following description, the term "positive electrode side" may be read as "high potential side". In addition, in this specification, the term "negative electrode side" means a side with a lower potential than the "positive electrode side". In other words, in the following description, the term "negative electrode side" may be read as "low potential side".

[0065] The vibrator 47 is provided in a state where it is built into the power supply unit 10, and the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b are connected to the terminals of the vibrator 47 by, for example, soldering. That is, the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b form connectors that connect the vibrator 47 in a non-removable (or difficult to remove) manner. The phrase "non-removable (or difficult to remove)" refers to a mode in which removal is not possible within the scope of the intended use of the power supply unit 10.

[0066] The first DC / DC converter 63 is an IC that has the function of generating a first high-voltage system voltage from an input standard system voltage and outputting the generated first high-voltage system voltage. Here, the first high-voltage system voltage is a voltage higher than the standard system voltage as described above. That is, the first DC / DC converter 63 boosts the input standard system voltage to the first high-voltage system voltage and outputs it. The first high-voltage system voltage is, for example, a voltage suitable for heating the load 21, and is, for example, 4.2 V.

[0067] The first DC / DC converter 63 has a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the first DC / DC converter 63. Specifically, the first DC / DC converter 63 has a VIN pin (indicated by "VIN" in FIG. 4), a SW pin (indicated by "SW" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by "GND" in FIG. 4), a VOUT pin (indicated by "VOUT" in FIG. 4), a MODE pin (indicated by "MODE" in FIG. 4), and an EN pin (indicated by "EN" in FIG. 4). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the pins of the first DC / DC converter 63 are described.

[0068] The second DC / DC converter 64 is an IC that has the function of generating a second high-voltage system voltage from an input standard system voltage and outputting the generated second high-voltage system voltage. Here, the second high-voltage system voltage is a voltage higher than the standard system voltage, as described above. That is, the second DC / DC converter 64 boosts the input standard system voltage to the second high-voltage system voltage and outputs it. The second high-voltage system voltage is a voltage even higher than the first high-voltage system voltage, and is, for example, a voltage suitable for operating the OLED panel 46. An example of the second high-voltage system voltage is 15 V.

[0069] The second DC / DC converter 64 has a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the second DC / DC converter 64. Specifically, the second DC / DC converter 64 has a VIN pin (indicated by "VIN" in FIG. 4), a SW pin (indicated by "SW" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by "GND" in FIG. 4), a VOUT pin (indicated by "VOUT" in FIG. 4), and an EN pin (indicated by "EN" in FIG. 4). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the pins included in the second DC / DC converter 64 are described.

[0070] The display driver 65 is an IC that operates using the input low-voltage system voltage as a power source, controls the OLED panel 46, and supplies a second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 to control the display of the display 16.

[0071] The display driver 65 has a plurality of pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the display driver 65. Specifically, the display driver 65 has a VDD pin (indicated by "VDD" in FIG. 4), a VSS pin (indicated by "VSS" in FIG. 4), a VCC_C pin (indicated by "VCC_C" in FIG. 4), an SDA pin (indicated by "SDA" in FIG. 4), an SCL pin (indicated by "SCL" in FIG. 4), and an IXS pin (indicated by "IXS" in FIG. 4). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the pins that the display driver 65 has are described.

[0072] The components of the power supply unit 10 described above are electrically connected by conductors or the like provided on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10. The electrical connections of the components of the power supply unit 10 will be described in detail below.

[0073] The A1 pin, A12 pin, B1 pin, and B12 pin of the charging terminal 43 are ground pins. The A1 pin and B12 pin are connected in parallel and are grounded by the ground line 60N. Similarly, the A12 pin and B1 pin are connected in parallel and are grounded by the ground line 60N. In FIG. 4, the ground line 60N (i.e., a line with a potential of approximately 0 [V]) is indicated by a thick solid line.

[0074] The A4 pin, A9 pin, B4 pin, and B9 pin of the charging terminal 43 are pins that accept power input to the power supply unit 10 from a plug of an external power supply inserted into the charging terminal 43. For example, when a plug is inserted into the charging terminal 43, predetermined USB bus power is supplied to the power supply unit 10 from the inserted plug via the A4 pin and B9 pin or the A9 pin and B4 pin. Furthermore, power according to USB PD (USB Power Delivery) may be supplied to the power supply unit 10 from the plug of the external power supply inserted into the charging terminal 43.

[0075] Specifically, the A4 pin and the B9 pin are connected in parallel, and these are connected to the IN pin of the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60A. The IN pin of the protection IC 61 is the positive power supply pin of the protection IC 61. The A9 pin and the B4 pin are also connected in parallel, and these are connected to the IN pin of the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60A.

[0076] Furthermore, the power supply line 60A is connected to the ground line 60N via a varistor (variable resistor: non-linear resistance element) VR1. Here, a varistor is an element that has two terminals (electrodes) and has a relatively high electrical resistance value when the voltage between these terminals is lower than a predetermined varistor voltage (27 [V] in this embodiment, as an example), and has the property that the electrical resistance value drops sharply when the voltage between these terminals becomes higher than the varistor voltage.

[0077] Specifically, one end of varistor VR1 is connected to node N11 provided on power supply line 60A, and the other end is connected to ground line 60N. Node N11 is provided on power supply line 60A closer to protection IC 61 than the node connected to pins A4 and B9 and the node connected to pins A9 and B4. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on pins A4, A9, B4, or B9 due to friction between the charging terminals 43 when a plug is inserted into them, this static electricity can be released to ground line 60N via varistor VR1, protecting protection IC 61.

[0078] The power supply line 60A is also connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD1 that functions as a decoupling capacitor (also referred to as a bypass capacitor or smoothing capacitor). This stabilizes the voltage input to the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60A. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD1 is connected to a node N12 on the power supply line 60A, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. The node N12 is located closer to the protection IC 61 than the node N11 on the power supply line 60A. Therefore, even if static electricity occurs at the A4 pin, the A9 pin, the B4 pin, or the B9 pin, the varistor VR1 can protect the capacitor CD1 from the static electricity. In other words, by locating the node N12 closer to the protection IC 61 than the node N11 on the power supply line 60A, it is possible to protect the protection IC 61 from overvoltage and ensure stable operation of the protection IC 61.

[0079] Pins A6, A7, B6, and B7 of charging terminal 43 are pins used for inputting and outputting signals for communication between power supply unit 10 and an external device (for example, an electronic device described below). In this embodiment, communication between power supply unit 10 and the external device uses serial communication that transmits signals differentially using two signal lines, Dp (also referred to as D+) and Dn (also referred to as D-).

[0080] The A6 pin and the B6 pin are pins corresponding to the Dp side signal line. The A6 pin and the B6 pin are connected in parallel and are connected to the PA12 pin of the MCU 50 via a resistor R1. The resistor R1 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element, a transistor, etc. The PA12 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin used for inputting and outputting signals to and from the MCU 50. Therefore, a Dp side signal from an external device can be input to the MCU 50 via the A6 pin or the B6 pin. A Dp side signal from the MCU 50 can be output to an external device via the A6 pin or the B6 pin.

[0081] The parallel-connected A6 pin and B6 pin are also connected to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR2. That is, the varistor VR2 is connected in parallel to the parallel-connected A6 pin and B6 pin. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated in the A6 pin or the B6 pin due to friction between them when inserting a plug into the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be released to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR2, protecting the MCU 50. Furthermore, since the resistor R1 is provided between the A6 pin and the B6 pin and the MCU 50, this resistor R1 can also prevent high voltage from being input to the MCU 50, thereby protecting the MCU 50.

[0082] The A7 pin and the B7 pin are pins corresponding to the Dn side signal line. The A7 pin and the B7 pin are connected in parallel and are connected to the PA11 pin of the MCU 50 via a resistor R2. The resistor R2 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element, a transistor, etc. The PA11 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin used for inputting and outputting signals to and from the MCU 50. Therefore, a Dn side signal from an external device can be input to the MCU 50 via the A7 pin or the B7 pin. A Dn side signal from the MCU 50 can also be output to an external device via the A7 pin or the B7 pin.

[0083] The parallel-connected A7 pin and B7 pin are also connected to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR3. That is, the varistor VR3 is connected in parallel to the parallel-connected A7 pin and B7 pin. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated in the A7 pin or the B7 pin due to friction between them when inserting a plug into the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be released to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR3, protecting the MCU 50. Furthermore, since the resistor R2 is provided between the A7 pin and the B7 pin and the MCU 50, this resistor R2 can also prevent high voltage from being input to the MCU 50, thereby protecting the MCU 50.

[0084] The A5 pin and B5 pin of the charging terminal 43 are pins used to detect the upside down orientation of the plug inserted into the charging terminal 43. For example, the A5 pin and the B5 pin are CC (configuration channel) pins. The A5 pin is connected to the ground line 60N via a resistor R3, and the B5 pin is connected to the ground line 60N via a resistor R4.

[0085] The A8 pin and B8 pin of the charging terminal 43 are not connected to the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10. Therefore, the A8 pin and B8 pin are not used and can be omitted.

[0086] As described above, the IN pin of the protection IC 61 is a positive power supply pin of the protection IC 61 and is connected to the power supply line 60A. The VSS pin of the protection IC 61 is a negative power supply pin of the protection IC 61 and is connected to the ground line 60N. The GND pin of the protection IC 61 is a ground pin of the protection IC 61 and is connected to the ground line 60N. As a result, when an external power supply plug is inserted into the charging terminal 43, power (e.g., USB bus power) is supplied to the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60A.

[0087] The OUT pin of the protection IC 61 is a pin that outputs a voltage input to the IN pin of the protection IC 61 either directly or as a voltage converted by the protection IC 61 (for example, 5.5±0.2 V), and is connected to the IN pin of the charging IC 55 via the power line 60B. The IN pin of the charging IC 55 is a power supply pin on the positive side of the charging IC 55. As a result, an appropriate voltage converted by the protection IC 61 is supplied to the charging IC 55.

[0088] The power supply line 60B is also connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD2 that functions as a decoupling capacitor, thereby stabilizing the voltage input to the charging IC 55 via the power supply line 60B.

[0089] The VBAT pin of the protection IC 61 is a pin used by the protection IC 61 to detect whether the power supply 12 is connected or not, and is connected to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via a resistor R5. The resistor R5 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value, which is composed of a resistive element, a transistor, etc. The protection IC 61 can detect whether the power supply 12 is connected based on the voltage input to the VBAT pin.

[0090] The CE pin of the protection IC 61 is a pin for turning on / off the operation (various functions) of the protection IC 61. Specifically, the protection IC 61 operates when a low-level voltage is input to the CE pin, and stops operating when a high-level voltage is input to the CE pin. In this embodiment, the CE pin of the protection IC 61 is connected to the ground line 60N, and a low-level voltage is always input to the CE pin. Therefore, the protection IC 61 always operates while power is being supplied, and performs conversion to a predetermined voltage, overcurrent detection, overvoltage detection, etc.

[0091] Note that instead of the protection IC 61 in this embodiment, a protection IC may be used that operates when a high-level voltage is input to the CE pin and stops operating when a low-level voltage is input to the CE pin. However, in this case, it should be noted that the CE pin of this protection IC must be connected to the power supply line 60B or the power supply line 60A, not to the ground line 60N.

[0092] As described above, the IN pin of the charging IC 55 is a positive power supply pin of the charging IC 55 and is connected to the power supply line 60B. The charging IC 55 is also connected to the ground line 60N, for example, via a negative power supply pin (not shown). As a result, the charging IC 55 is supplied with the voltage output from the protection IC 61 via the power supply line 60B.

[0093] The BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin of the charging IC 55 are used to exchange power between the charging IC 55 and the power supply 12, and are connected to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via a power supply line 60C. The negative terminal 12b of the power supply 12 is connected to a ground line 60N.

[0094] Specifically, the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin are connected in parallel, and are connected to the positive terminal 12a and to the ground line 60N via the capacitor CD3. When the power supply 12 is discharging, charge accumulates in the capacitor CD3, and the voltage output from the power supply 12 is input to the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin. When the power supply 12 is charging, the voltage for charging the power supply 12 is output from the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin and applied to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via the power supply line 60C.

[0095] Furthermore, the power supply line 60C is connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD4 that functions as a decoupling capacitor, thereby stabilizing the voltage input to the power supply 12 via the power supply line 60C.

[0096] The ISET pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin for setting the value of the current output from the charging IC 55 to the power supply 12. In this embodiment, the ISET pin is connected to the ground line 60N via a resistor R6. Here, the resistor R6 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value, which is composed of a resistive element, a transistor, etc.

[0097] The charging IC 55 outputs to the power supply 12 a current having a current value according to the electrical resistance value of the resistor R6 connected to the ISET pin.

[0098] The TS pin of the charging IC 55 receives the voltage applied to a resistor connected thereto and is used to detect the electrical resistance and temperature of the resistor connected thereto from this voltage. In this embodiment, the TS pin is connected to the ground line 60N via a resistor R7. The resistor R7 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance and is composed of a resistive element, a transistor, or the like. Therefore, the charging IC 55 can detect the electrical resistance and temperature of the resistor R7 from the voltage applied to the resistor R7.

[0099] The CHG pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin that outputs information about the charging state of the power source 12, such as charging, charging stopped, and charging completed (hereinafter also referred to as charging state information), and information about the remaining capacity of the power source 12 (hereinafter also referred to as remaining capacity information). The CHG pin of the charging IC 55 is connected to the PB15 pin of the MCU 50. The PB15 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that is used to input signals to the MCU 50. Therefore, the charging IC 55 can notify the MCU 50 of the charging state, remaining capacity, etc. of the power source 12 by outputting the charging state information and remaining capacity information to the MCU 50 from the CHG pin.

[0100] The OUT_1 pin and OUT_2 pin of the charging IC 55 are pins from which the standard system voltage is output, and are connected via a power supply line 60D to the IN pin of the LDO regulator 62, the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63, and the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64. The IN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the positive power supply pin of the LDO regulator 62. The VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is the positive power supply pin of the first DC / DC converter 63. The VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is the positive power supply pin of the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0101] Specifically, the OUT_1 pin is connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD5 that functions as a decoupling capacitor, and is also connected to the OUT_2 pin. The OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin are then connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD6 that functions as a decoupling capacitor, and are also connected to the IN pin of the LDO regulator 62, the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63, and the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64. This allows the charging IC 55 to supply a stable standard system voltage to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a capacitor CD7 functioning as a decoupling capacitor is provided on the power supply line 60D immediately before the first DC / DC converter 63. This makes it possible to supply a stable standard system voltage to the first DC / DC converter 63, and to stabilize the power supply from the first DC / DC converter 63 to the load 21.

[0103] The ILIM pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin for setting an upper limit for the current value output from the charging IC 55 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64. In this embodiment, the ILIM pin is connected to the ground line 60N via a resistor R7. Here, the resistor R7 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value, which is composed of a resistive element, a transistor, etc.

[0104] The charging IC 55 outputs a current, the upper limit of which corresponds to the electrical resistance of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin, to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64. More specifically, the charging IC 55 outputs a current from the OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin having a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance of the resistor R6 connected to the ISET pin, and stops outputting the current from the OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin when this current value reaches a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin. In other words, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhalator 1 can set the upper limit of the current output from the charging IC 55 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64 by the electrical resistance of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin.

[0105] An LED circuit C1 is also provided branching from the power supply line 60D. The LED circuit C1 is configured by connecting a resistor R8, an LED 70, and a switch SW1 in series. The resistor R8 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance, such as a resistive element or a transistor. The resistor R8 is primarily used to limit the voltage applied to the LED 70 and / or the current supplied to the LED 70. The LED 70 is a light-emitting element provided inside the power supply unit 10 at a position corresponding to the remaining amount check window 11w and configured to illuminate the outside of the power supply unit 10 from inside the power supply unit 10 through the remaining amount check window 11w. The light emitted by the LED 70 improves visibility of the remaining amount of the first cartridge 20 (specifically, the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored in the first cartridge 20) through the remaining amount check window 11w. The switch SW1 is a switch configured, for example, by a MOSFET or the like.

[0106] One end of the LED circuit C1 on the resistor R8 side, i.e., one end of the resistor R8, is connected to a node N21 provided on the power supply line 60D. The other end of the resistor R8 forms a connector 70a and is connected to an anode terminal of the LED 70. One end of the switch SW1 forms a connector 70b and is connected to a cathode terminal of the LED 70. The other end of the LED circuit C1 on the switch SW1 side, i.e., the other end of the switch SW1, is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0107] The switch SW1 is also connected to the MCU 50 as described below, and is turned on in response to an on command from the MCU 50 and turned off in response to an off command from the MCU 50. The LED circuit C1 is turned on when the switch SW1 is turned on. The LED 70 emits light when the LED circuit C1 is turned on.

[0108] As described above, the IN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is a positive power supply pin of the LDO regulator 62 and is connected to the power supply line 60D. The GND pin of the LDO regulator 62 is a ground pin of the LDO regulator 62 and is connected to the ground line 60N. As a result, the standard system voltage output from the charging IC 55 is supplied to the LDO regulator 62 via the power supply line 60D.

[0109] The OUT pin of the LDO regulator 62 is a pin from which the low-voltage system voltage generated by the LDO regulator 62 is output, and is connected via a power supply line 60E to the VDD pin and VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50, the VCC pin of the intake sensor 15, the VDD pin and IXS pin of the display driver 65, and a positive terminal 47a connected to the vibrator 47. The VDD pin and VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50 are positive power supply pins of the MCU 50. The VCC pin of the intake sensor 15 is the positive power supply pin of the intake sensor 15. The VDD pin of the display driver 65 is the positive power supply pin of the display driver 65. These pins enable the LDO regulator 62 to supply the low-voltage system voltage to the MCU 50, the intake sensor 15, the display driver 65, and the vibrator 47.

[0110] The EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is a pin for turning on / off the operation (function) of the LDO regulator 62. Specifically, the LDO regulator 62 operates when a high-level voltage is input to the EN pin, and stops operating when a high-level voltage is not input to the EN pin.

[0111] In this embodiment, the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is connected to the power supply line 60D and also to the ground line 60N via the capacitor CD8. Therefore, when the standard system voltage is output from the charging IC 55, charge accumulates in the capacitor CD8, a high-level voltage is input to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62, the LDO regulator 62 operates, and the LDO regulator 62 outputs the low-voltage system voltage.

[0112] That is, in the power supply unit 10, the capacitor CD8 connected to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 can be charged with power from the charging IC 55, and a high-level signal can be input to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62. As a result, even if the LDO regulator 62 or the MCU 50 is stopped due to a power shortage in the power supply 12, it is possible to restart the LDO regulator 62 with power from an external power supply, and to restart the MCU 50 with power from the LDO regulator 62.

[0113] As described above, the VDD pin and VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50 are positive power supply pins of the MCU 50 and are connected to the power supply line 60E. The VSS pin of the MCU 50 is negative power supply pin of the MCU 50 and is connected to the ground line 60N. As a result, the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 is supplied to the MCU 50 via the power supply line 60E. The VDD pin and VDD_USB pin may be combined into a single pin.

[0114] A thermistor circuit C2 is provided branching off from the power supply line 60E. The thermistor circuit C2 is configured by connecting a switch SW2, a resistor R9, and a thermistor TH in series. One end of the thermistor circuit C2 on the switch SW2 side is connected to a node N31 provided on the power supply line 60E. The other end of the thermistor circuit C2 on the thermistor TH side is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0115] Here, the switch SW2 is a switch configured, for example, by a MOSFET, etc. The switch SW2 is connected to the MCU 50 as will be described later, and is turned on in response to an on command from the MCU 50 and turned off in response to an off command from the MCU 50. The thermistor circuit C2 is brought into a conductive state when the switch SW2 is turned on.

[0116] Resistor R9 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value, which is composed of a resistive element, a transistor, etc. The thermistor TH is composed of an element having NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristics or PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristics, i.e., an element having a correlation between electrical resistance value and temperature. The thermistor TH is placed near the power supply 12 in a state where it can detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0117] The PC1 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to a node N32 provided between resistor R9 and thermistor TH in the thermistor circuit C2. When the thermistor circuit C2 is in a conductive state (i.e., when switch SW2 is on), a voltage divided by resistor R9 and thermistor TH is input to the PC1 pin. The MCU 50 can detect the temperature of thermistor TH, i.e., the temperature of the power supply 12, from the voltage value input to the PC1 pin.

[0118] The PA8 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the switch SW2 and is a pin that outputs an ON command to turn on the switch SW2 and an OFF command to turn off the switch SW2. By outputting an ON command from the PA8 pin, the MCU 50 can turn on the switch SW2 and bring the thermistor circuit C2 into a conductive state. Furthermore, by outputting an OFF command from the PA8 pin, the MCU 50 can turn off the switch SW2 and bring the thermistor circuit C2 into a non-conductive state. As a specific example, if the switch SW2 is a switch configured by a MOSFET, the PA8 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. Then, the MCU 50 can control the ON / OFF of the switch SW2 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PA8 pin).

[0119] Furthermore, a switch SW3 is provided on the power supply line 60E before the positive terminal 47a. Here, the switch SW3 is a switch configured, for example, by a MOSFET. The switch SW3 is connected to the MCU 50, and is turned on in response to an on command from the MCU 50, and is turned off in response to an off command from the MCU 50.

[0120] Specifically, the PC6 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the switch SW3 and is a pin that outputs an ON command to turn on the switch SW3 and an OFF command to turn off the switch SW3. By outputting an ON command from the PC6 pin, the MCU 50 turns on the switch SW3, supplies power to the vibrator 47 via the power supply line 60E, and causes the vibrator 47 to vibrate. Furthermore, by outputting an OFF command from the PC6 pin, the MCU 50 turns off the switch SW3 and stops the supply of power to the vibrator 47 via the power supply line 60E (i.e., the vibration of the vibrator 47). As a specific example, if the switch SW3 is a switch configured by a MOSFET, the PC6 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. Then, the MCU 50 can control the ON / OFF of the switch SW3 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PC6 pin).

[0121] Also connected to the power supply line 60E is a Zener diode D. Here, the Zener diode has two terminals (electrodes), an anode side and a cathode side, and is a diode in which, when the voltage at the anode side terminal exceeds a predetermined Zener voltage (also called breakdown voltage; as an example, in the case of this embodiment, this is a voltage less than the above-mentioned varistor voltage), a current suddenly flows from the cathode side to the anode side.

[0122] Specifically, one anode end of the Zener diode D is connected to the ground line 60N, and the other cathode end is connected to a node N41 provided on the power supply line 60E. Here, the node N41 is provided on the power supply line 60E between the switch SW3 and the positive terminal 47a. As a result, even if a counter electromotive force having a voltage greater than the Zener voltage of the Zener diode D is generated from the vibrator 47 when the vibrator 47 is turned on / off, a current due to this counter electromotive force can flow in the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D, as indicated by the arrow C3 in FIG. 4. Therefore, the current due to this counter electromotive force is prevented from flowing outside the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D, thereby protecting the electronic components of the power supply unit 10, such as the power supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62, provided outside this closed circuit.

[0123] Furthermore, a capacitor CD9 may be connected to the power supply line 60E. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD9 is connected to a node N42 provided on the power supply line 60E, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N42 is provided on the power supply line 60E closer to the positive terminal 47a than the node N41. In this way, the capacitor CD9 can be disposed in the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D, and the capacitor CD9 can also protect electronic components of the power supply unit 10, such as the power supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62, that are provided outside the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D. Note that the capacitor CD9 may not be disposed in the closed circuit, but may be disposed near the closed circuit. As a specific example, the capacitor CD9 may be disposed between the switch SW3 and the Zener diode D. In this way, the capacitor CD9 and the Zener diode D can also protect electronic components of the power supply unit 10, such as the power supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62.

[0124] The PB3 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 and is a pin that outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU 50 can turn on / off the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 by using the voltage signal output from the PB3 pin. Specifically, the MCU 50 can operate the first DC / DC converter 63 (i.e., enable the first DC / DC converter 63) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin. The MCU 50 can also stop the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 (i.e., disable the first DC / DC converter 63) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin.

[0125] The PB4 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to a switch SW4 (described later) that is provided between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the discharge terminal 41, and is a pin that outputs an ON command to turn on the switch SW4 and an OFF command to turn off the switch SW4. The MCU 50 can supply power to the load 21, as described below, by outputting an ON command from the PB4 pin to turn on the switch SW4. The MCU 50 can also stop the supply of power to the load 21 by outputting an OFF command from the PB4 pin to turn off the switch SW4. As a specific example, if the switch SW4 is a switch formed by a MOSFET, the PB4 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. The MCU 50 can control the ON / OFF of the switch SW4 by controlling the gate voltage applied to the gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PB4 pin).

[0126] As described above, the PB15 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the CHG pin of the charging IC 55, and is a pin that receives input of charging state information and remaining capacity information output by the charging IC 55.

[0127] The PA0 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the switch SW1 of the LED circuit C1 and outputs an ON command to turn on the switch SW1 or an OFF command to turn off the switch SW1. The MCU 50 can turn on the switch SW1 by outputting an ON command from the PA0 pin, thereby turning on the LED circuit C1 and illuminating the LED 70. The MCU 50 can turn off the switch SW1 by outputting an OFF command from the PA0 pin, thereby turning off the switch SW1 and illuminating the LED 70. As a specific example, if the switch SW1 is a switch configured by a MOSFET, the PA0 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET. The MCU 50 can control the ON / OFF of the switch SW1 by controlling the gate voltage applied to the gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PA0 pin). The MCU 50 can rapidly switch the LED circuit C1 between a conductive state and a non-conductive state, thereby blinking the LED 70, by outputting an ON command and an OFF command from the PA0 pin.

[0128] The PC5 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the OUT pin of the intake sensor 15, and is a pin that receives the output of the intake sensor 15 (that is, a signal indicating the detection result of the intake sensor 15).

[0129] The PA11 pin and PA12 pin of the MCU 50 are pins used for inputting and outputting signals for communication between the power supply unit 10 and external devices. Specifically, as described above, the PA11 pin is connected to the A7 pin and B7 pin of the charging terminal 43 via resistor R2 and is used for inputting and outputting signals on the Dn side. Also, as described above, the PA12 pin is connected to the A6 pin and B6 pin of the charging terminal 43 via resistor R1 and is used for inputting and outputting signals on the Dp side.

[0130] The PC12 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 and is a pin that outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU 50 can turn on / off the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 by using the voltage signal output from the PC12 pin. Specifically, the MCU 50 can operate the second DC / DC converter 64 (i.e., enable the second DC / DC converter 64) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PC12 pin. The MCU 50 can also stop the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 (i.e., disable the second DC / DC converter 64) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PC12 pin.

[0131] The PB8 and PB9 pins of the MCU 50 are used to output signals for communication between the MCU 50 and other ICs, and in this embodiment, are used for communication between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65. Specifically, in this embodiment, the MCU 50 and the display driver 65 communicate via I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The PB8 pin is used to output a signal on the SCL side in the I2C communication, and the PB9 pin is used to output a signal on the SDA side in the I2C communication. The MCU 50 controls the display driver 65 using signals output from the PB8 and PB9 pins, thereby controlling the display content of the display 16 (OLED panel 46).

[0132] As described above, the VCC pin of the intake sensor 15 is a positive power supply pin of the intake sensor 15 and is connected to the power supply line 60E. The GND pin of the intake sensor 15 is a ground pin of the intake sensor 15 and is connected to the ground line 60N. As a result, the intake sensor 15 is supplied with the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 via the power supply line 60E.

[0133] As described above, the OUT pin of the intake sensor 15 is a pin that outputs a signal indicating the detection result of the intake sensor 15, and is connected to the PC5 pin of the MCU 50. This allows the intake sensor 15 to notify the MCU 50 of the detection result.

[0134] As described above, the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is a power supply pin on the positive side of the first DC / DC converter 63, and is connected to the power supply line 60D. The VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is also connected to the SW pin (switch pin) of the first DC / DC converter 63 via the coil CL1. The GND pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is a ground pin of the first DC / DC converter 63, and is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0135] The VOUT pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is a pin from which the first high-voltage system voltage generated by the first DC / DC converter 63 is output, and is connected to the positive discharge terminal 41a of the discharge terminals 41 via the power supply line 60F. The negative discharge terminal 41b of the discharge terminals 41 is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0136] A switch SW4 is provided on the power supply line 60F. The switch SW4 is, for example, a switch configured using a MOSFET or the like, and more specifically, a power MOSFET with a high switching speed. The switch SW4 is connected to the MCU 50 as described above, and is turned on in response to an on command from the MCU 50 and turned off in response to an off command from the MCU 50. When the switch SW4 is turned on, the power supply line 60F is brought into a conductive state, and the first high-voltage system voltage is supplied to the load 21 via the power supply line 60F.

[0137] Also connected to the power supply line 60F is a varistor VR4. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR4 is connected to a node N51 provided on the power supply line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N51 is provided on the power supply line 60F closer to the positive electrode side discharge terminal 41a than the switch SW4, i.e., on the output side of the switch SW4. In other words, the varistor VR4 is connected between the discharge terminal 41 and the power supply 12, and more specifically, between the discharge terminal 41 and the first DC / DC converter 63 (more specifically, the switch SW4).

[0138] Therefore, for example, even if static electricity is generated at the discharge terminal 41 due to friction between the discharge terminal 41 and the load 21 when replacing the first cartridge 20, this static electricity can be released to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR4, protecting the switch SW4, first DC / DC converter 63, power supply 12, etc. Furthermore, even if the varistor VR4 fails, the switch SW4 and first DC / DC converter 63 can act as a barrier against noise (in this case, static electricity generated at the discharge terminal 41) for other elements (for example, the charging IC 55) that are closer to the power supply 12 than these, thereby protecting the other elements.

[0139] Also, a capacitor CD10 that functions as a decoupling capacitor is connected to the power supply line 60F. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD10 is connected to a node N52 provided on the power supply line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N52 is provided on the power supply line 60F between a node N51 and the switch SW4. In other words, the capacitor CD10 is connected to the output side of the switch SW4. This makes it possible to stabilize the power supply from the switch SW4 to the load 21, and even if static electricity occurs at the discharge terminal 41, the varistor VR4 can protect the capacitor CD10 from this static electricity.

[0140] Furthermore, a capacitor CD11 functioning as a decoupling capacitor may be connected to the power supply line 60F. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD11 is connected to a node N53 provided on the power supply line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N53 is provided on the power supply line 60F between the switch SW4 and the first DC / DC converter 63. In other words, the capacitor CD11 is connected to the output side of the first DC / DC converter 63. This makes it possible to stabilize the power supply from the first DC / DC converter 63 to the switch SW4 (e.g., a power MOSFET), and as a result, makes it possible to stabilize the power supply to the load 21.

[0141] As described above, the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is a pin for setting the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 to ON / OFF, and is connected to the PB3 pin of the MCU 50.

[0142] The MODE pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is a pin for setting the operation mode of the first DC / DC converter 63. The first DC / DC converter 63 is, for example, a switching regulator, and can take a pulse width modulation mode (hereinafter also referred to as PWM mode) and a pulse frequency modulation mode (hereinafter also referred to as PFM mode) as its operation mode. In this embodiment, by connecting the MODE pin to the power supply line 60D, a high-level voltage is input to the MODE pin when the first DC / DC converter 63 is operable, and the first DC / DC converter 63 is set to operate in PWM mode.

[0143] As described above, the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is a power supply pin on the positive side of the second DC / DC converter 64, and is connected to the power supply line 60D. The VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is also connected to the SW pin (switch pin) of the second DC / DC converter 64 via the coil CL2. The GND pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is a ground pin of the second DC / DC converter 64, and is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0144] The VOUT pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is a pin from which the second high-voltage system voltage generated by the second DC / DC converter 64 is output, and is connected via the power supply line 60G to the VCC_C pin of the display driver 65. This enables the second DC / DC converter 64 to supply the second high-voltage system voltage to the display driver 65.

[0145] Also, a varistor VR5 is connected to the power supply line 60G. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR5 is connected to a node N61 provided on the power supply line 60G, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. In other words, the varistor VR5 is connected between the connector portion of the power supply line 60G that is connected to the VCC_C pin of the display driver 65 and the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0146] Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on the display 16 exposed to the outside of the aerosol inhalator 1 by contact with some object (e.g., the user's hand) and this static electricity flows back toward the second DC / DC converter 64 via the OLED panel 46 and the display driver 65, the static electricity can be dissipated to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR5, thereby protecting the second DC / DC converter 64 and other components from this static electricity. Furthermore, even if the varistor VR5 fails, the second DC / DC converter 64 can act as a barrier against noise (in this case, static electricity generated on the display 16) for other elements (e.g., the LDO regulator 62) located closer to the power supply 12 than the varistor VR5, thereby protecting the other elements. In other words, by locating the node N62 closer to the second DC / DC converter than the node N61 on the power supply line 60G, it is possible to protect the display driver 65 from overvoltage and ensure stable operation of the display driver 65.

[0147] From a similar perspective, a varistor VR6 is also connected to the power supply line 60E. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR6 is connected to a node N43 provided on the power supply line 60E, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N43 is provided on the power supply line 60E between the LDO regulator 62 and the switch SW3. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on the display 16 exposed to the outside of the aerosol inhalator 1 due to contact with some object, and this static electricity flows back to the LDO regulator 62 side via the OLED panel 46 or the display driver 65, this static electricity can be released to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR6, thereby protecting the LDO regulator 62 from this static electricity.

[0148] Also, a capacitor CD12 that functions as a decoupling capacitor is connected to the power supply line 60G. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD12 is connected to a node N62 provided on the power supply line 60G, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N62 is provided on the power supply line 60G closer to the second DC / DC converter 64 than the node N61. This makes it possible to supply a stable second high-voltage system voltage to the display driver 65, and also makes it possible to protect the capacitor CD12 from static electricity generated on the display 16 by the varistor VR5.

[0149] The EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is a pin for setting the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 to ON / OFF, and is connected to the PC12 pin of the MCU 50 as described above.

[0150] As described above, the VDD pin of the display driver 65 is a positive power supply pin of the display driver 65 and is connected to the power supply line 60E. The VSS pin of the display driver 65 is a negative power supply pin of the display driver 65 and is connected to the ground line 60N. As a result, the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 is supplied to the display driver 65 via the power supply line 60E. The low-voltage system voltage supplied to the display driver 65 is used as a power source for operating the display driver 65.

[0151] The VCC_C pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives the second high-voltage system voltage, and as described above, is connected to the VOUT pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 via the power supply line 60G. When the display driver 65 receives the second high-voltage system voltage via the VCC_C pin, it supplies the received second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 via the power supply line 60H. This allows the display driver 65 to operate the OLED panel 46. The display driver 65 and the OLED panel 46 may also be connected by other lines (not shown).

[0152] The SCL pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives a signal on the SCL side in the I2C communication between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65, and as described above, is connected to the PB8 pin of the MCU 50. The SDA pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives a signal on the SDA side in the I2C communication between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65, and as described above, is connected to the PB9 pin of the MCU 50.

[0153] The IXS pin of the display driver 65 is a pin for setting whether communication between the display driver 65 and another IC (in this embodiment, the MCU 50) will be via I2C communication or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication. In this embodiment, by connecting the IXS pin to the power supply line 60E, a high-level voltage is input to the IXS pin, and communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU 50 is set to be via I2C communication. Note that communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU 50 may also be set to be via SPI communication by inputting a low-level voltage to the IXS pin.

[0154] (MCU) Next, the configuration of the MCU 50 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Figure 5, the MCU 50 includes functional blocks realized by a processor executing a program stored in a ROM (not shown), including an aerosol generation request detection unit 51, a temperature detection unit 52, a power control unit 53, and a notification control unit 54.

[0155] The aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation based on the output result of the inhalation sensor 15. The inhalation sensor 15 is configured to output a value of a change in pressure (internal pressure) inside the power supply unit 10 caused by the user's inhalation through the suction port 32. The inhalation sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor that outputs an output value (e.g., a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure that changes in accordance with the flow rate of air inhaled from an intake port (not shown) toward the suction port 32 (i.e., the user's puffing action). The inhalation sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone or the like. The inhalation sensor 15 may output an analog value or a digital value converted from the analog value. The inhalation sensor 15 may also transmit its output to the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 using the above-mentioned I2C communication, SPI communication, or the like.

[0156] The temperature detection unit 52 detects the temperature of the power supply 12 based on the input from the thermistor circuit C2. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 52 applies a voltage to the thermistor circuit C2 by turning on the switch SW2, and detects the temperature of the thermistor TH, i.e., the temperature of the power supply 12, from the voltage value input from the thermistor circuit C2 to the MCU 50 (for example, the PC1 pin) at that time. Alternatively, for example, the temperature detection unit 52 may be configured to be able to detect the electrical resistance value of the load 21, and detect the temperature of the load 21.

[0157] The power control unit 53 controls the supply of power to each electronic component of the aerosol inhalator 1. For example, when the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation, the power control unit 53 operates the first DC / DC converter 63 and controls the switching of the switch SW4 to supply the first high-voltage system voltage to the load 21 via the positive discharge terminal 41a. This allows the MCU 50 to supply power of the first high-voltage system voltage to the load 21, heat (function) the load 21, and generate aerosol. By boosting the power from the charging IC 55 (i.e., power of the standard system voltage) to the first high-voltage system voltage using the first DC / DC converter 63 and supplying it to the load 21 in this manner, the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 and the smoking flavor can be improved compared to when power from the charging IC 55 is supplied to the load 21 without being boosted.

[0158] Furthermore, the power control unit 53 turns on the switch SW3 at a predetermined timing to supply the standard system voltage via the positive terminal 47a to the vibrator 47. This allows the MCU 50 to supply power of the standard system voltage to the vibrator 47 and cause the vibrator 47 to vibrate (function).

[0159] Furthermore, the power control unit 53 operates the second DC / DC converter 64 at a predetermined timing to supply the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 via the display driver 65. This allows the MCU 50 to supply power of the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46, causing the OLED panel 46 to operate (function).

[0160] Furthermore, when the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation, the power control unit 53 also turns on the switch SW1 to bring the LED circuit C1 into a conductive state and cause the LED 70 to emit light (to function). In this case, the connector 70a is supplied with a voltage obtained by dropping the standard system voltage from the charging IC 55 by the resistor R8. That is, by turning on the switch SW1, the power control unit 53 can supply power of the voltage obtained by dropping the standard system voltage by the resistor R8 to the LED 70 via the connector 70a.

[0161] The power control unit 53 controls the power supplied to the LED 70 so that it is smaller than the power supplied to other electronic components such as the load 21, the OLED panel 46, and the vibrator 47. That is, the power control unit 53 controls the power supplied to the connector 70a so that it is smaller than the power supplied to the positive electrode discharge terminal 41a, the positive electrode terminal 47a, etc. This makes it possible to supply appropriate power to the LED 70 with a simple configuration, and achieves high functionality of the aerosol inhalator 1 while suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the aerosol inhalator 1 (e.g., the power supply unit 10).

[0162] The notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify various types of information. For example, the notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in response to detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. The notification control unit 54 detects and notifies the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 based on the cumulative number of puffing actions or the cumulative power supply time to the load 21 stored in the memory 19. The notification control unit 54 is not limited to notifying the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30, and may also notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20, the replacement timing of the power source 12, the charging timing of the power source 12, etc.

[0163] In addition, when a single unused second cartridge 30 is set and puffing is performed a predetermined number of times, or when the cumulative time of current flow to the load 21 due to puffing reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 120 seconds), the notification control unit 54 may determine that the second cartridge 30 has been used (i.e., the remaining amount is zero or the cartridge is empty), and notify the user that it is time to replace the second cartridge 30.

[0164] Furthermore, when it is determined that all of the second cartridges 30 included in one set have been used, the notification control unit 54 may determine that one first cartridge 20 included in this set has been used (i.e., the remaining amount is zero or empty), and may notify the user of the timing to replace the first cartridge 20. In addition to or instead of this, the notification control unit 54 may also notify the user of the remaining amount of the first cartridge 20, the remaining amount of the second cartridge 30, the remaining capacity of the power source 12, etc.

[0165] (Plug inserted into the charging terminal) Next, the plug inserted into charging terminal 43 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of a mating surface of charging terminal 43 with the plug, and an example of a mating surface of the plug with charging terminal 43.

[0166] The plug 100 shown in Fig. 6 is an example of a plug that is inserted into the charging terminal 43, and is provided at the end of a cable (not shown) that is connected to an electronic device (not shown; hereinafter simply referred to as an electronic device) that can function as an external power source that supplies power to external devices such as the power supply unit 10. An example of the electronic device is a PC (Personal Computer), but it is not limited to PCs and can be any device that has a terminal (e.g., a USB port) that can output power to the outside. Furthermore, a cable that includes the plug 100 is, for example, an E-Marked cable that includes an IC called an eMarker.

[0167] The plug 100 has a shape that fits into the charging terminal 43 when inserted into the charging terminal 43. When the plug 100 is inserted into the charging terminal 43, it supplies power from the electronic device (for example, power for charging the power supply 12) to the power supply unit 10. Various USB terminals (plugs) can be used as the plug 100. As an example, in this embodiment, the plug 100 is a USB Type-C plug.

[0168] The plug 100 has a plurality of pins (terminals) including pins that are electrically connected to pins of the charging terminal 43 when inserted into the charging terminal 43. Specifically, the plug 100 has an A1 pin (indicated by "A1" in the plug 100 in FIG. 6), an A2 pin (indicated by "A2" in the plug 100 in FIG. 6), an A3 pin (indicated by "A3" in the plug 100 in FIG. 6), an A4 pin (indicated by "A4" in the plug 100 in FIG. 6), an A5 pin (indicated by "A5" in the plug 100 in FIG. 6), an A6 pin (indicated by "A6" in the plug 100 in FIG. 6), and a 6), A7 pin (indicated as "A7" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), A8 pin (indicated as "A8" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), A9 pin (indicated as "A9" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), A10 pin (indicated as "A10" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), A11 pin (indicated as "A11" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), and A12 pin (indicated as "A12" in plug 100 in FIG. 6).

[0169] Furthermore, plug 100 includes a B1 pin (indicated as "B1" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), a B2 pin (indicated as "B2" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), a B3 pin (indicated as "B3" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), a B4 pin (indicated as "B4" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), a B5 pin (indicated as "B5" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), a B8 pin (indicated as "B8" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), a B9 pin (indicated as "B9" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), a B10 pin (indicated as "B10" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), a B11 pin (indicated as "B11" in plug 100 in FIG. 6), and a B12 pin (indicated as "B12" in plug 100 in FIG. 6).

[0170] In plug 100, pins A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A8, A9, A10, A11, and A12 and pins B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B8, B9, B10, B11, and B12 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the mating surface with charging terminal 43. This allows plug 100 to be inserted into charging terminal 43 oriented as shown in Fig. 6 in either the upside-up orientation shown in Fig. 6(A) or the upside-down orientation shown in Fig. 6(B).

[0171] Here, the upside-up orientation is an orientation in which, when viewed from the insertion direction (e.g., vertically), the B1 pin of plug 100 faces the B1 pin of charging terminal 43, the B12 pin of plug 100 faces the B12 pin of charging terminal 43, the A1 pin of plug 100 faces the A1 pin of charging terminal 43, and the A12 pin of plug 100 faces the A12 pin of charging terminal 43.

[0172] Furthermore, the upside-down orientation is an orientation in which, when viewed from the insertion direction (e.g., vertical direction), the B1 pin of plug 100 faces the A1 pin of charging terminal 43, the B12 pin of plug 100 faces the A12 pin of charging terminal 43, the A1 pin of plug 100 faces the B1 pin of charging terminal 43, and the A12 pin of plug 100 faces the B12 pin of charging terminal 43. In other words, the upside-down orientation is an orientation in which plug 100 is rotated 180 degrees in the rolling direction from the upside-up orientation.

[0173] Pins A1, A12, B1, and B12 of plug 100 are ground pins. Pins A4, A9, B4, and B9 of plug 100 are pins corresponding to power lines that supply power from an electronic device to an external device (e.g., power supply unit 10).

[0174] Pins A2, A3, A6, A7, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100 are used for inputting and outputting signals for communication between electronic equipment and external equipment.

[0175] Specifically, pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100 correspond to high-speed signal lines used for high-speed communication. More specifically, in this embodiment, pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100 correspond to SuperSpeed signal lines in SuperSpeed USB.

[0176] The A2 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the TX1p (also called TX1+) signal line of the SuperSpeed signal lines. The A3 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the TX1n (also called TX1-) signal line of the SuperSpeed signal lines. The A10 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the RX2n (also called RX2-) signal line of the SuperSpeed signal lines. The A11 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the RX2p (also called RX2+) signal line of the SuperSpeed signal lines.

[0177] Furthermore, the B2 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the TX2p (also called TX2+) signal line of the SuperSpeed signal lines. The B3 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the TX2n (also called TX2-) signal line of the SuperSpeed signal lines. The B10 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the RX1n (also called RX1-) signal line of the SuperSpeed signal lines. The B11 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the RX1p (also called RX1+) signal line of the SuperSpeed signal lines.

[0178] On the other hand, the A6 and A7 pins of the plug 100 correspond to low-speed signal lines used for low-speed communication that is slower than high-speed communication. More specifically, in this embodiment, the electronic device is configured to be able to perform serial communication with an external device such as the power supply unit 10, which transmits signals differentially using two signal lines, Dp (also referred to as D+) and Dn (also referred to as D-), as low-speed communication that does not use a SuperSpeed signal line. The A6 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the Dp signal line, and the A7 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to the Dn signal line.

[0179] The A5 pin of the plug 100 is a pin used to detect whether the plug 100 is inserted in an upside-up or upside-down orientation into a receptacle such as the charging terminal 43. More specifically, the A5 pin of the plug 100 is a CC (Configuration Channel) pin.

[0180] The B5 pin of plug 100 is a pin used to supply power to a cable (e.g., an E-Marked cable) that includes plug 100. More specifically, the B5 pin of plug 100 is a Vconn pin, and is used to supply power (hereinafter also referred to as Vconn power supply) to enable the eMarker of the E-Marked cable that includes plug 100 to function.

[0181] Note that the roles of the A5 pin and the B5 pin of plug 100 (i.e., the output from the A5 pin and the output from the B5 pin) can be changed as appropriate depending on the electronic device. More specifically, when plug 100 is inserted into charging terminal 43 or the like in an upside-up orientation, the A5 pin of plug 100 is used as the CC pin, and the B5 pin of plug 100 is used as the Vconn pin. On the other hand, when plug 100 is inserted into charging terminal 43 or the like in an upside-down orientation, the A5 pin of plug 100 is used as the Vconn pin, and the B5 pin of plug 100 is used as the CC pin.

[0182] The A8 pin and the B8 pin of the plug 100 correspond to auxiliary signal lines. More specifically, the A8 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to a signal line of the SBU1 used for communication in the alternate mode, which is an optional function of the USB Type-C. The B8 pin of the plug 100 corresponds to a signal line of the SBU2 used for communication in the alternate mode.

[0183] (Connection relationship of each pin when plug is inserted into charging terminal in upside-up orientation) Next, we will explain the connection relationship between each pin of charging terminal 43 and each pin of plug 100 when plug 100 is inserted into charging terminal 43 in upside-up orientation.

[0184] In the upside-up configuration, as shown by the arrows marked with symbol α in Figure 6, the A1 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A1 pin of plug 100, the A12 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A12 pin of plug 100, the B1 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B1 pin of plug 100, and the B12 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B12 pin of plug 100.

[0185] In the upside-up configuration, the A4 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A4 pin of plug 100, the A9 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A9 pin of plug 100, the B4 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B4 pin of plug 100, and the B9 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B9 pin of plug 100. Therefore, power supply unit 10 can receive USB bus power or the like supplied via the A4, A9, B4, and B9 pins of plug 100 via the A4, A9, B4, and B9 pins of charging terminal 43, and can use the received power to charge power supply 12, etc.

[0186] In the upside-up configuration, the A6 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A6 pin of plug 100, and the A7 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A7 pin of plug 100. Therefore, power supply unit 10 can perform serial communication, i.e., low-speed communication, with electronic devices using the two signal lines Dp and Dn.

[0187] Furthermore, plug 100 does not have pins that are connected to pins B6 and B7 of charging terminal 43 in the upside-up configuration. That is, in the upside-up configuration, pins B6 and B7 of charging terminal 43 are not connected to any pins on plug 100. Therefore, even if pins A6 and B6 of charging terminal 43 are connected in parallel as shown in FIG. 4 etc., in the upside-up configuration, it is possible to prevent signals that could become noise from being input to power supply unit 10 (e.g., MCU 50) via pin B6 of charging terminal 43. Similarly, even if pins A7 and B7 of charging terminal 43 are connected in parallel, it is possible to prevent signals that could become noise from being input to power supply unit 10 (e.g., MCU 50) via pin B7 of charging terminal 43 in the upside-up configuration.

[0188] In the upside-up configuration, the A5 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A5 pin of plug 100. Therefore, the electronic device or power supply unit 10 can detect that plug 100 is inserted into charging terminal 43 in the upside-up orientation by communication of a CC signal via the A5 pin of charging terminal 43 and the A5 pin of plug 100.

[0189] In the upside-up configuration, the B5 pin of the charging terminal 43 is connected to the B5 pin of the plug 100. Therefore, the power supply unit 10 can receive the Vconn power supplied via the B5 pin of the plug 100 from the B5 pin of the charging terminal 43.

[0190] Furthermore, in the upside-up configuration, the A8 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A8 pin of plug 100, and the B8 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B8 pin of plug 100. However, as described above, the A8 pin and B8 pin of charging terminal 43 are not connected to the electrical circuit of power supply unit 10 (for example, the electrical circuit of circuit board 60). Therefore, auxiliary signals (for example, SBU1 signals and SBU2 signals) output from the A8 pin and B8 pin of plug 100 are not input to power supply unit 10.

[0191] Furthermore, in the upside-up configuration, charging terminal 43 does not have pins that are connected to pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100. That is, in the upside-up configuration, pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100 are not connected to any pins of charging terminal 43. Therefore, in the upside-down configuration, high-speed communication signals using pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100, etc., are not input to power supply unit 10.

[0192] (Connection relationship of each pin when plug is inserted into charging terminal in upside-down orientation) Next, we will explain the connection relationship between each pin of charging terminal 43 and each pin of plug 100 when plug 100 is inserted into charging terminal 43 in an upside-down orientation.

[0193] In the upside-down configuration, as shown by the arrows marked with symbol β in Figure 6, the A1 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B1 pin of plug 100, the A12 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B12 pin of plug 100, the B1 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A1 pin of plug 100, and the B12 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A12 pin of plug 100.

[0194] In the upside-down configuration, the A4 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B4 pin of plug 100, the A9 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B9 pin of plug 100, the B4 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A4 pin of plug 100, and the B9 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A9 pin of plug 100. Therefore, power supply unit 10 can receive USB bus power or the like supplied via the A4 pins, A9 pins, B4 pins, and B9 pins of plug 100 via the B4 pins, B9 pins, A4 pins, and A9 pins of charging terminal 43, and can use the received power to charge power supply 12, etc.

[0195] In the upside-down configuration, the A6 pin of the charging terminal 43 is connected to the B6 pin of the plug 100, and the A7 pin of the charging terminal 43 is connected to the B7 pin of the plug 100. Therefore, the power supply unit 10 can perform serial communication, i.e., low-speed communication, with the electronic device using the two signal lines Dp and Dn.

[0196] Furthermore, plug 100 does not have pins that are connected to pins A6 and A7 of charging terminal 43 in the upside-down state. That is, in the upside-down state, pins A6 and A7 of charging terminal 43 are not connected to any pins on plug 100. Therefore, even if pins A6 and B6 of charging terminal 43 are connected in parallel as shown in FIG. 4 etc., in the upside-down state, it is possible to prevent signals that could become noise from being input to power supply unit 10 (e.g., MCU 50) via pin A6 of charging terminal 43. Similarly, even if pins A7 and B7 of charging terminal 43 are connected in parallel, it is possible to prevent signals that could become noise from being input to power supply unit 10 (e.g., MCU 50) via pin A7 of charging terminal 43 in the upside-down state.

[0197] In the upside-down configuration, the A5 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B5 pin of plug 100. Therefore, the electronic device or power supply unit 10 can detect that plug 100 is inserted into charging terminal 43 in the upside-down orientation by communication of a CC signal via the A5 pin of charging terminal 43 and the B5 pin of plug 100.

[0198] In the upside-down configuration, the B5 pin of the charging terminal 43 is connected to the A5 pin of the plug 100. Therefore, the power supply unit 10 can receive the Vconn power supplied via the A5 pin of the plug 100 from the B5 pin of the charging terminal 43.

[0199] Furthermore, in the upside-down configuration, the A8 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the B8 pin of plug 100, and the B8 pin of charging terminal 43 is connected to the A8 pin of plug 100. However, as described above, the A8 and B8 pins of charging terminal 43 are not connected to the electrical circuit of power supply unit 10 (for example, the electrical circuit of circuit board 60). Therefore, auxiliary signals (for example, SBU1 signals and SBU2 signals) output from the A8 and B8 pins of plug 100 are not input to power supply unit 10.

[0200] Furthermore, even in the upside-down configuration, charging terminal 43 does not have pins that are connected to pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100. That is, even in the upside-down configuration, pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100 are not connected to any pins of charging terminal 43. Therefore, even in the upside-down configuration, high-speed communication signals using pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100 are not input to power supply unit 10.

[0201] As described above, charging terminal 43 has pins that can be connected to only some of the pins of plug 100. Specifically, charging terminal 43 has pins that can be connected to pins A1, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A12, B1, B4, B5, B8, B9, and B12 of plug 100, respectively, but does not have pins that can be connected to pins A2, A3, A10, A11, B2, B3, B10, and B11 of plug 100, respectively.

[0202] Suppose charging terminal 43 is configured to include pins that connect to each of the pins of plug 100. In this case, charging terminal 43 would require a large number of pins, and the wiring (particularly ground line 60N) required to connect each pin of charging terminal 43 to the electrical circuit of power supply unit 10 (e.g., the electrical circuit of circuit board 60) would also be large. This would complicate the configuration of charging terminal 43 and the electrical circuit of circuit board 60, potentially increasing the mounting area of charging terminal 43 and the manufacturing cost of power supply unit 10 (i.e., aerosol inhalator 1). Note that the mounting area of charging terminal 43 here refers to the area required to mount charging terminal 43 on circuit board 60, and includes, for example, the area required to mount charging terminal 43 itself on circuit board 60 and the area of the wiring connecting each pin of charging terminal 43 to the electrical circuit of circuit board 60. An increase in the mounting area of charging terminal 43 would lead to an increase in the size of power supply unit 10 and, ultimately, the size of aerosol inhalator 1.

[0203] Therefore, in this embodiment, charging terminal 43 is provided with pins that are connected to only some of the pins of plug 100. This prevents the configuration of the electrical circuitry of charging terminal 43 and circuit board 60 from becoming complicated, making it possible to reduce the mounting area of charging terminal 43 and realize miniaturization of power supply unit 10 and aerosol inhalator 1. Furthermore, preventing the configuration of the electrical circuitry of charging terminal 43 and circuit board 60 from becoming complicated also reduces the manufacturing cost of power supply unit 10 (i.e., aerosol inhalator 1).

[0204] More specifically, charging terminal 43 has pins that are connected to pins A4, A9, B4, and B9 that correspond to the power lines of plug 100. This allows power supply unit 10 to receive power from plug 100 via charging terminal 43 and charge power supply 12 with the received power. In other words, charging terminal 43 has pins that realize the functions required for the current power supply unit 10, and therefore reduces the decrease in user convenience that would be caused by reducing such pins.

[0205] On the other hand, signals communicated by pins corresponding to high-speed signal lines and pins corresponding to auxiliary signal lines among the pins of plug 100 are unlikely to be used, at least in the current power supply unit 10. Therefore, by not including pins in charging terminal 43 that are connected to pins corresponding to high-speed signal lines and pins corresponding to auxiliary signal lines in plug 100, it is possible to reduce the number of pins for realizing functions that are excessive for at least the current power supply unit 10. This allows the mounting area of charging terminal 43 to be appropriately reduced.

[0206] In particular, the pins corresponding to the high-speed signal lines of plug 100 are configured with a large number of pins. Therefore, by not providing charging terminal 43 with pins that are connected to pins corresponding to the high-speed signal lines of plug 100, it is possible to reduce the pins of charging terminal 43 and the wiring that connects the pins of charging terminal 43 to the electrical circuit of circuit board 60. This makes it possible to further reduce the mounting area of charging terminal 43, thereby enabling the miniaturization of power supply unit 10 and aerosol inhalator 1 and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0207] On the other hand, the plug 100 has fewer pins corresponding to low-speed signal lines than pins corresponding to high-speed signal lines. Therefore, by providing the charging terminal 43 with pins connected to the pins corresponding to the low-speed signal lines of the plug 100, communication between the power supply unit 10 and the electronic device can be achieved with fewer pins and wiring. That is, the power supply unit 10 can be configured to have the functions required for the current power supply unit 10 (e.g., functions that may be used) while suppressing an increase in the mounting area of the charging terminal 43, thereby improving user convenience. More specifically, for example, the power supply unit 10 can receive new firmware from the electronic device via low-speed communication and update the firmware. This improves the performance and stabilizes the operation of the power supply unit 10, improving user convenience and increasing user satisfaction with the aerosol inhalator 1.

[0208] Furthermore, the A6 pin and B6 pin of the charging terminal 43, which can be connected to a pin corresponding to the low-speed signal line of the plug 100, are connected in parallel on the circuit board 60, and a varistor VR2 is connected in parallel to the parallel-connected A6 pin and B6 pin. This makes it possible to protect the system of the power supply unit 10 (e.g., the MCU 50) from noise (e.g., static electricity) that may be input via these pins with fewer protective elements than when protective elements are individually connected to the A6 pin and the B6 pin of the charging terminal 43. In other words, while the system of the power supply unit 10 is appropriately protected, the number of protective elements can be reduced, making it possible to reduce the size of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol inhalator 1 and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0209] Similarly, the A7 pin and B7 pin of the charging terminal 43, which can be connected to a pin corresponding to the low-speed signal line of the plug 100, are also connected in parallel on the circuit board 60, and the varistor VR3 is connected in parallel to the parallel-connected A7 pin and B7 pin. Therefore, while the system of the power supply unit 10 is appropriately protected, the number of protective elements can be reduced, making it possible to reduce the size of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol inhalator 1 and to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0210] Furthermore, charging terminal 43 has an A8 pin and a B8 pin that are not connected to the electrical circuit of circuit board 60, i.e., to other elements mounted on circuit board 60. This leaves the A8 pin and B8 pin that can be connected to the A8 pin and B8 pin of plug 100 in consideration of future expansion of the functions of aerosol inhalator 1, while reducing the wiring currently required to connect these pins to other elements. This reduces the mounting area of charging terminal 43, enabling the miniaturization of power supply unit 10 and aerosol inhalator 1 and reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0211] As described above, by reducing the mounting area of the charging terminal 43, the circuit board 60 itself can also be reduced in size, making it possible to form the circuit board 60 in a generally L-shape, as shown in FIG. 2. Furthermore, by forming the circuit board 60 in a generally L-shape, it is possible to realize an aerosol inhalator 1 that fits in the hand of an average adult, i.e., an aerosol inhalator 1 that is easy for the user to grip, as described above. A specific example of the circuit board 60 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 and FIGS. 7 to 10. It should be noted that FIGS. 7 to 10 only show the essential parts of the circuit configuration of the circuit board 60.

[0212] (circuit board) 2, the circuit board 60 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 located on the back side of the first surface 71. The first surface 71 and the second surface 72 are surfaces that are approximately perpendicular to the left-right direction. The first surface 71 forms the right surface of the circuit board 60, and the second surface 72 forms the left surface of the circuit board 60. The second surface 72 faces the power source 12 and / or is positioned closer to the power source 12 than the first surface 71. In this embodiment, the second surface 72 faces the power source 12.

[0213] A first surface 71 that constitutes the right surface of the circuit board 60 and a second surface 72 that constitutes the left surface of the circuit board 60 are mounted with a plurality of elements.

[0214] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 , the circuit board 60 further includes a ground layer 73 and a power supply layer 74, and the ground layer 73 and the power supply layer 74 are disposed between the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. That is, in this embodiment, the circuit board 60 is a four-layer multilayer board configured by stacking the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72. In this embodiment, the circuit board 60 is configured by stacking the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 in this order from right to left. Alternatively, at least one of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 may be multilayered to form the circuit board 60 into a multilayer board of five or more layers. Alternatively, the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 may be divided into two or more groups, and layers may be stacked only within the same group. Note that in this case, although the circuit board 60 is physically divided into two or more parts, the order in which the first surface 71, ground layer 73, power supply layer 74, and second surface 72 are arranged in the left-right direction remains unchanged.

[0215] The circuit board 60 has a generally L-shaped overall shape when viewed from the left-right direction, which is generally perpendicular to the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 on which a plurality of elements are mounted. Specifically, the circuit board 60 has a generally rectangular connecting portion 600 when viewed from the left-right direction, a first portion 601 extending forward from the front end surface of the connecting portion 600, and a second portion 602 extending upward from the top end surface of the connecting portion 600. The first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 have generally the same shape, forming a generally L-shaped overall shape when viewed from the left-right direction. Specifically, the first surface 71 has a generally rectangular connecting portion 710 when viewed from the left-right direction, a first portion 711 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 710, and a second portion 712 extending upward from the top end surface of the connecting portion 710. The second surface 72 has a generally rectangular connecting portion 720 when viewed from the left-right direction, a first portion 721 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 720, and a second portion 722 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 720. The ground layer 73 has a generally rectangular connecting portion 730 when viewed from the left-right direction, a first portion 731 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 730, and a second portion 732 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 730. The power supply layer 74 has a generally rectangular connecting portion 740 when viewed from the left-right direction, a first portion 741 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 740, and a second portion 742 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 740. The connecting portion 600 of the circuit board 60 is formed by connecting portions 710, 720, 730, and 740 of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72, respectively. The first portion 601 of the circuit board 60 is formed by first portions 711, 721, 731, and 741 of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72, respectively. The second portion 602 is formed by second portions 712, 722, 732, and 742 of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72, respectively.

[0216] 7, the following elements are mounted on a first surface 71 of the circuit board 60: a display driver 65, a second DC / DC converter 64, an MCU 50, a charging IC 55, an LDO regulator 62, a protection IC 61, a first DC / DC converter 63, and a power connector 81. Furthermore, an intake sensor connection portion 82, a switch connection portion 83, and a vibrator connection portion 84 are formed on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60.

[0217] The display driver 65 is mounted above the center in the vertical direction of the second portion 712. The OLED panel 46 is disposed above the circuit board 60, and the display driver 65 and the OLED panel 46 are connected by a power supply line 60H.

[0218] The second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted in front of and below the display driver 65, slightly above the center of the second portion 712 in the vertical direction.

[0219] The MCU 50 is mounted at a position spanning the lower end of the second portion 712 and the upper end of the connecting portion 710 .

[0220] The charging IC 55 is mounted on the rear end of the first portion 711.

[0221] In this way, the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72 that faces the power source 12 and / or is disposed near the power source 12. This makes it possible to prevent the power source 12 from being heated by heat generated from the charging IC 55 while the power source 12 is being charged.

[0222] The LDO regulator 62 is mounted in the approximately center portion of the connecting portion 710 in the up-down direction, between the MCU 50 and the charging IC 55 in the front-rear direction.

[0223] In this way, the LDO regulator 62 is mounted on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72 that faces the power supply 12 and / or is disposed near the power supply 12. This makes it possible to prevent the power supply 12 from being heated by heat generated by the LDO regulator 62 while the power supply 12 is being charged.

[0224] The protection IC 61 is mounted below the charging IC 55 and the LDO regulator 62 at a position spanning the connecting portion 710 and the first portion 711.

[0225] The first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the upper front end of the first portion 711 .

[0226] In this way, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72 that faces the power supply 12 and / or is positioned near the power supply 12, thereby preventing the power supply 12 from being heated by the heat generated when the first DC / DC converter 63 is functioning.

[0227] The power connector 81 is a connector for electrically connecting the circuit board 60 to the power source 12, and is mounted on the lower end of the first section 711 below the first DC / DC converter 63. A power line connecting to the power source 12 is connected to the power connector 81. The power connector 81 and the charging IC 55 are mounted on either the left or right side (the right side in this embodiment, i.e., the front side of the aerosol inhalator 1) of the circuit board 60 when viewed from the position where the charging terminal 43 is mounted. This allows the power connector 81, which is an element for charging the power source 12, and the charging IC 55 to be mounted together on the circuit board 60, thereby enabling the circuit board 60 to be made smaller and charging to be more efficient.

[0228] The intake sensor connection part 82 is formed in approximately the center in the up-down direction of the front end part of the second part 712. A power line that connects to the intake sensor 15 is soldered to the intake sensor connection part 82.

[0229] The switch connection portion 83 is formed in approximately the center in the up-down direction of the rear end portion of the second portion 712. A power line that connects to the operation portion 18 is soldered to the switch connection portion 83.

[0230] The vibrator connector 84 is formed at the rear lower end of the coupling portion 710. To the vibrator connector 84, power lines that connect to the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b of the vibrator 47 are soldered.

[0231] Therefore, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the circuit board 60 at a distance from each other. More specifically, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on a first portion 601 of the circuit board 60, and the second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted on a second portion 602 of the circuit board 60. Furthermore, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first portion 601 of the circuit board 60, the second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted on the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60, and the MCU 50 is mounted at a position spanning the lower end of the second portion 712 and the upper end of the connecting portion 710 of the circuit board 60. As a result, the distance between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 is longer than the distance between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the MCU 50, and is also longer than the distance between the second DC / DC converter 64 and the MCU 50. Note that the "distance" referred to here refers to the shortest straight line between two objects (i.e., the straight-line distance). The same applies to the following explanations.

[0232] In this way, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the circuit board 60 at a distance from each other, thereby reducing the influence of heat and switching noise generated from one DC / DC converter on the other DC / DC converter.

[0233] Furthermore, since the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are both mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, by arranging the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 on the same surface, the second surface 72 on which the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are not mounted can be configured to be less susceptible to the effects of heat and switching noise generated from the DC / DC converters.

[0234] As shown in FIG. 10, the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60 is mounted with an LED 70, a discharge terminal 41, a power module 85, a charge terminal 43, and a thermistor TH.

[0235] The LED 70 is mounted on the rear end of the second portion 722 at approximately the center in the vertical direction.

[0236] The discharge terminal 41 is mounted so as to protrude upward from the upper end of the first portion 721. The discharge terminal 41 is a pin or the like with a built-in spring, and is connected to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20, so that power from the power source 12 is supplied from the discharge terminal 41 to the load 21.

[0237] The power module 85 is mounted on the first portion 721 below the discharge terminal 41. The power module 85 includes a switch SW4, a capacitor CD10, and a varistor VR4. The power module 85 may also include the switch SW4 but not the capacitor CD10 or the varistor VR4. In this case, the capacitor CD10 and the varistor VR4 only need to be provided between the discharge terminal 41 and the power module 85.

[0238] The charging terminal 43 is mounted so as to protrude downward from the lower end of the second surface 72 at a position spanning the connecting portion 720 and the first portion 721 in the front-rear direction.

[0239] Furthermore, on the first surface 71 located behind the second surface 72 when viewed from the left-right direction, the protection IC 61 is mounted in an area where at least a portion of it overlaps with the charging terminal 43 mounted on the second surface 72 (see Figure 7).

[0240] This allows elements to be mounted on the circuit board 60 at a high density, and the circuit board 60 can be made even smaller.

[0241] The thermistor TH is mounted in a region on the rear and lower side of the connecting portion 720. Therefore, the thermistor TH is mounted on the rear lower end portion of the entire second surface 72.

[0242] The thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72, which faces the power supply 12 and / or is located closer to the power supply 12 than the first surface 71, so that the thermistor TH can be located opposite and / or closer to the power supply 12. This allows the thermistor TH to detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0243] A thermistor circuit C2 is formed on the second surface 72 by the thermistor TH and a resistor R9. The resistor R9 is mounted on the second surface 72 in front of the thermistor TH. The thermistor TH is disposed at a distance from the resistor R9, and at least one of the multiple elements is mounted at a position where the linear distance from the resistor R9 is shorter than the linear distance from the resistor R9 to the thermistor TH. In this embodiment, the switch SW2 is mounted at a position where the linear distance from the resistor R9 is shorter than the linear distance from the resistor R9 to the thermistor TH.

[0244] In this way, the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72 at a distance from the resistor R9, so the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the heat generated by the resistor R9, which allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0245] Furthermore, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72, which is different from the first surface 71 on which the MCU 50 is mounted, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the MCU 50. This allows the thermistor TH to detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0246] Furthermore, since the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated from the first DC / DC converter 63. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0247] Furthermore, since the LDO regulator 62 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the LDO regulator 62. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0248] Furthermore, since the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by the charging IC 55. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0249] Furthermore, the first DC / DC converter 63 and a discharge terminal 41 connected to a load 21 that functions by consuming the power output by the first DC / DC converter 63 are both mounted on the first portion 601 of the circuit board 60. Furthermore, the second DC / DC converter 64 and a display driver 65 connected to an OLED panel 46 that functions by consuming the power output by the second DC / DC converter 64 are both mounted on the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60.

[0250] It should be noted that the discharge terminal 41 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the first portion 601 of the circuit board 60. For example, the discharge terminal 41 may be mounted on a portion of the circuit board 60 other than the first portion 601 and connected to elements mounted on the first portion 601. Furthermore, the display driver 65 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60. For example, the display driver 65 may be mounted on a portion of the circuit board 60 other than the second portion 602 and connected to elements mounted on the second portion 602.

[0251] In this way, the discharge terminal 41 is mounted on or connected to the first portion 601 of the circuit board 60, and the display driver 65 is mounted on or connected to the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60. Therefore, the discharge terminal 41 can be arranged close to the first DC / DC converter 63, and the display driver 65 can be arranged close to the second DC / DC converter 64. This makes it possible to shorten the path through which power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 is supplied to the load 21, and to shorten the path through which power boosted by the second DC / DC converter 64 is supplied to the OLED panel 46. This reduces the loss of the power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64. This also reduces the effect on other elements of the loss of the power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64, and also reduces a decrease in the amount of aerosol that can be generated per charge.

[0252] Furthermore, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71, and the power module 85 is mounted on the second surface 72. In this way, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the power module 85 are mounted on different surfaces of the circuit board 60, so that when power is supplied to the load 21, the heat generated from the first DC / DC converter 63 and the heat generated from the power module 85 can be prevented from concentrating.

[0253] Furthermore, the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 are both mounted on the first portion 721 of the second surface 72, and are therefore mounted close to each other. This allows the length of the portion of the power supply line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 to be shortened, thereby reducing power loss between the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41. Furthermore, a pulsed current flows in the portion of the power supply line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41. Therefore, by shortening the length of the portion of the power supply line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41, the effect of this pulsed current on other elements can be suppressed.

[0254] Furthermore, on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72 when viewed from the left and right, no element is mounted in the area that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72.

[0255] Therefore, thermistor TH is less susceptible to the heat generated by the elements mounted on first surface 71 located behind second surface 72. This allows thermistor TH to detect the temperature of power supply 12 more accurately.

[0256] The second surface 72 has a high-density region 72A in which a large number of elements are mounted and in which the mounted elements are densely mounted, and a low-density region 72B in which the mounted elements are sparser than the high-density region 72A. In this embodiment, the high-density region 72A includes the first portion 721, an upper region of the connecting portion 720, and a region near the center in the vertical direction of the connecting portion 720 between the connecting portion 720 and the first portion 721. In this embodiment, the thermistor TH is mounted in a region behind and below the connecting portion 720, which is one of the low-density regions 72B in which the mounted elements are sparser than the high-density region 72A. In this embodiment, in addition to the region behind and below the connecting portion 720, the region below the second portion 722 and the region behind and above the second portion 722 are also low-density regions 72B.

[0257] Therefore, the thermistor TH is mounted in an area where the density of mounted elements is low, and is therefore less susceptible to the heat generated by other elements mounted on the circuit board 60. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0258] 8, a ground line 60N is formed on the ground layer 73 of the circuit board 60. In this embodiment, the ground line 60N is a conductive thin film formed on the ground layer 73 of the circuit board 60, and has the reference potential of the circuit board 60.

[0259] When viewed from the left and right, the ground line 60N is not formed in an area that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated from the ground line 60N. This allows the thermistor TH to detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0260] When viewed from the left and right, the ground line 60N is not formed in the area at the lower rear end of the ground layer 73, including the area overlapping with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72. In other words, when viewed from the left and right, the ground line 60N has a shape in which the area at the lower rear end of the ground layer 73 is cut out. Therefore, when viewed from the left and right, the ground line 60N is not formed in the area overlapping with the thermistor TH, and is formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the influence of heat generated by the ground line 60N. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0261] 9, a power supply path 743 is formed on the power supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60 to supply power to each element mounted on the circuit board 60. The power supply path 743 is made up of power supply lines 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60G, etc. The power supply path 743 is a conductive circuit wiring formed on the power supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60 by printing or the like.

[0262] When viewed from the left and right, the power supply path 743 is not formed in an area that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated from the power supply path 743. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0263] When viewed from the left and right, the power supply path 743 is not formed in the area at the lower rear end of the power supply layer 74, including the area overlapping with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72. Furthermore, when viewed from the left and right, the power supply path 743 is formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated from the power supply path 743. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0264] In this way, when viewed from the left and right, neither the ground line 60N of the ground layer 73 nor the power supply path 743 of the power supply layer 74 is formed in an area that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated from both the ground line 60N and the power supply path 743. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0265] 2, the internal holder 13 holds the circuit board 60 to the right of the partition wall 13d and holds the power supply 12 to the left of the partition wall 13d. In this way, since both the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 are held by the internal holder 13, the thermistor TH can be maintained in a position suitable for detecting the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0266] The internal holder 13 may hold only a portion of the circuit board 60 to the right of the partition wall 13d and only a portion of the power supply 12 to the left of the partition wall 13d. More specifically, the internal holder 13 may hold the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 so that the portion of the power supply 12 facing the thermistor TH in the left-right direction of the thermistor TH is exposed from the internal holder 13. In this way, the temperature of the power supply 12 is transmitted to the thermistor TH without passing through the partition wall 13d, allowing the thermistor TH to detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately and quickly.

[0267] As described above, in this embodiment, of the power connector 81, MCU 50, charging IC 55, and charging terminal 43, the power connector 81, MCU 50, and charging IC 55 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, and the charging terminal 43 is mounted on the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60. In this manner, by distributing and mounting the charging terminal 43 and elements for charging the power source 12 on both the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60, it is possible to disperse heat generated by these elements when charging the power source 12. Note that this is not limited to the example described in this embodiment, and by separately mounting the charging terminal 43 and elements for charging the power source 12 on both the first surface 71 and the second surface 72, it is possible to disperse heat generated by these elements when charging the power source 12. That is, for example, of the power connector 81, MCU 50, charging IC 55, and charging terminal 43, the MCU 50 and charging IC 55 may be mounted on the first surface 71, and the power connector 81 and charging terminal 43 may be mounted on the second surface 72.

[0268] As described above, according to the power supply unit 10 of this embodiment, by providing the charging terminal 43 with pins that are connected to only some of the pins of the plug 100, the charging terminal 43 and the power supply unit 10 can be simplified in configuration, the mounting area of the charging terminal 43 can be reduced, and the power supply unit 10 can be made smaller and its manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0269] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and improvements are possible as appropriate.

[0270] This specification describes at least the following items. Note that the components in parentheses correspond to those in the above-described embodiment, but are not limited to these.

[0271] (1) a power supply (power supply 12) capable of supplying power to a heater (load 21) that heats an aerosol source (aerosol source 22); a receptacle (charging terminal 43) configured to accept a plug (plug 100) having multiple pins and to receive power from the inserted plug to charge the power source; a charger (charging IC 55) configured to control charging of the power source by the power received by the receptacle; A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol generating device (aerosol inhalator 1) comprising: The receptacle includes pins that can be connected to only some of the pins. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0272] According to (1), the receptacle has pins that can be connected to only some of the pins of the plug, which prevents the configuration of the electrical circuits of the receptacle and power supply unit from becoming complicated, thereby reducing the mounting area of the receptacle, thereby realizing a smaller power supply unit and ultimately a smaller aerosol generator. Furthermore, if the receptacle is configured to allow insertion of a commonly used plug, it becomes easy to charge the power supply unit (i.e., the aerosol generator) in various locations (places), ensuring opportunities to charge the power supply unit.

[0273] (2) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), The receptacle has pins (A4 pin, A9 pin, B4 pin, B9 pin) that can be connected to pins of power lines provided in the plug, and is configured so as not to be connectable to pins of a first signal line among a plurality of signal lines provided in the plug. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0274] According to (2), the receptacle is configured so that it cannot be connected to the pin of the first signal line among the multiple signal lines provided in the plug, so that the pins and wiring required to realize functions that may be excessive in the power supply unit can be reduced, and the mounting area of the receptacle can be appropriately reduced.

[0275] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (2), the receptacle includes pins (A6 pin, A7 pin, B6 pin, B7 pin) connectable to pins of a second signal line among the plurality of signal lines, the second signal line is a signal line used for communication at a lower speed than the first signal line; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0276] According to (3), the receptacle has a pin that can be connected to a pin of the second signal line, which is suitable for the aerosol generating device because it is used for communication at a slower speed than the first signal line, so the power supply unit can be configured to have the functions required by the power supply unit, thereby improving user convenience.

[0277] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (3), a circuit board (circuit board 60) on which the receptacle is mounted; The receptacle includes: The plug is configured to be insertable at a first angle (upside-up orientation) and at a second angle (upside-down orientation) rotated 180 degrees in the rolling direction from the first angle, first pins (A6 pin, A7 pin) connectable to pins of the second signal line of the plug inserted at the first angle; second pins (B6 pin, B7 pin) connectable to pins of the second signal line of the plug inserted at the second angle; Equipped with The circuit board includes: The first pin and the second pin are connected in parallel, a protection element (varistor VR2, VR3) connected in parallel to the first pin and the second pin connected in parallel; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0278] According to (4), since the protection elements are connected in parallel to the parallel-connected first and second pins on the circuit board, the power supply unit system can be protected from noise that may be input via these pins with fewer protection elements than when protection elements are connected individually to the first and second pins. In other words, while the power supply unit system is adequately protected, the number of protection elements can be reduced, thereby realizing miniaturization of the power supply unit and the aerosol generation device and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0279] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), a circuit board (circuit board 60) on which the receptacle is mounted; the receptacle includes pins (A8 pin, B8 pin) connectable to pins of some of the signal lines included in the plug; pins connectable to pins of the part of the signal lines are not connected to other elements mounted on the circuit board; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0280] According to (5), the mounting area of the receptacle can be reduced while leaving pins that can be connected to some of the signal line pins of the plug in consideration of future expansion of the functions of the aerosol generating device.

[0281] (6) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), The circuit board has a first surface (first surface 71) on which the receptacle is mounted, and a second surface (second surface 72) that is the reverse side of the first surface or is located on the reverse side of the first surface and on which an element (protection IC 61) is mounted. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0282] According to (6), since receptacles and elements can be mounted on both the first and second surfaces of the circuit board, the circuit board can be made smaller.

[0283] (7) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (6), The element is mounted on a portion of the second surface located vertically behind a portion of the first surface where the receptacle is mounted. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0284] According to (7), since the receptacle can be mounted in a small area, the element can be mounted on the second surface located vertically behind the first surface where the receptacle is mounted, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the circuit board.

[0285] (8) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (7), The receptacle is mounted on a circuit board (circuit board 60) having at least a portion thereof in an L-shape. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0286] According to (8), other components can be placed in the L-shaped cutout portion of the circuit board, which allows the power supply unit to be made smaller.

[0287] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (8), a case (power supply unit case 11) that houses the power supply, the receptacle, the charger, and the circuit board; the case is capable of accommodating the heater and the aerosol source in a cutout portion of the L-shaped circuit board. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0288] According to (9), the case that houses the power supply, circuit board, etc. can house the heater and aerosol source in the cutout portion of the L-shaped circuit board, so that the aerosol generating device can be made smaller.

[0289] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (8), a connector (power connector 81) that electrically connects the power supply and the circuit board; A controller (MCU50) and Equipped with The circuit board has a first surface (first surface 71) and a second surface (second surface 72) that is a back surface of the first surface or is located on the back side of the first surface, some of the connector, the controller, the charger, and the receptacle are mounted on the first surface; the remainder of the connector, the controller, the charger, and the receptacle are mounted on the second surface. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0290] According to (10), the receptacles and elements for charging the power source are mounted on both the first and second surfaces, so that the heat generated by these elements when charging the power source can be dispersed.

[0291] (11) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (8), a connector (power connector 81) that electrically connects the power supply and the circuit board; the connector and the charger are mounted on either the left or right side of the position where the receptacle is mounted on the circuit board; Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0292] According to (11), the connector and charger can be integrated and mounted on the circuit board, which allows for miniaturization of the circuit board and increased charging efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0293] 1. Aerosol inhaler (aerosol generator) 10 Power Supply Unit 12 Power supply 21 Load (heater) 50 MCU (controller) 55 Charging IC (charger) 60 Circuit Board 61 Protection IC (element) 71 Page 1 72 2nd page 81 Power connector (connector)

Claims

[Claim 1] a power source capable of supplying power to a heater that heats the aerosol source; a receptacle configured to accept a USB Type-C plug and receiving power for charging the power supply from the inserted plug; a charger configured to control charging of the power source with power received by the receptacle; A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device comprising: The receptacle has pins that can be connected to only some of the pins of the plug. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

Images