Power unit for aerosol aspirator

Abstract

This invention provides a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator that can more accurately detect the power supply temperature using a temperature sensor. [Solution] The power supply unit 10 of the aerosol aspirator 1 includes a power supply 12 capable of supplying power to a load 21 that atomizes an aerosol source 22, a thermistor TH that obtains the temperature of the power supply 12, an MCU 50 configured to control at least one of charging the power supply 12 and discharging it to the load 21 based on the output of the thermistor TH, and a circuit board 60 on which a plurality of elements including the thermistor TH and the MCU 50 are mounted. The circuit board 60 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 which is the back surface of the first surface 71 or is located on the back side of the first surface 71. The second surface 72 faces the power supply 12 and / or the second surface 72 is located closer to the power supply 12 than the first surface 71. The thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler having a power supply capable of supplying power to a load that atomizes an aerosol source has been known (for example, Patent Documents 1-2).

[0003] Since the power supply has a short lifespan and deteriorates charge and discharge performance at low or high temperatures, it is desirable to accurately detect the temperature of the power supply in this type of power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the prior art, there was room for improvement from the viewpoint of accurately detecting the temperature of the power supply by a temperature sensor. For example, the power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler in Patent Document 1 includes a temperature sensor for acquiring the ambient temperature, but a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the power supply is not mounted on the circuit board. Further, the power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler in Patent Document 2 includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the power supply, but since it is not shown how the temperature sensor is mounted on the circuit board, such as the positional relationship between the temperature sensor and other elements mounted on the circuit board, the accuracy of the temperature of the power supply detected by the temperature sensor was unclear.

[0006] The present invention provides a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator that can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply using a temperature sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention A power source capable of supplying power to a load that atomizes an aerosol source, A temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the power supply, A controller configured to control at least one of the charging of the power supply and the discharging of the power supply to the load based on the output of the temperature sensor, A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator comprising a circuit board on which a plurality of elements, including the temperature sensor and the controller, are mounted, The circuit board has a first surface and a second surface which is the back surface of the first surface or is located on the back side of the first surface. Multiple of the elements are mounted on the first and second surfaces, respectively. The second surface faces the power supply, and / or the second surface is positioned closer to the power supply than the first surface. The temperature sensor is mounted on the second surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the temperature sensor is mounted on a circuit board on a second surface that faces the power supply and / or is located closer to the power supply than on the first surface, so that the temperature sensor can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an aerosol aspirator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a disassembled perspective view of the aerosol aspirator. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol aspirator. [Figure 4] This figure shows the circuit configuration of the power supply unit in the aerosol aspirator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MCU (Microcontroller Unit) of the power supply unit in the aerosol aspirator. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a table comparing the specifications of the first DC / DC converter and the second DC / DC converter in the aerosol aspirator. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the circuit configuration of the aerosol aspirator, viewed from the right side of the first surface of the circuit board. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the circuit configuration of the aerosol aspirator, viewed from the right side, specifically the ground layer of the circuit board. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the circuit configuration of the power supply layer of the circuit board in the aerosol aspirator, viewed from the right side. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the circuit configuration of the aerosol aspirator, viewed from the right side of the second side of the circuit board. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the aerosol aspirator equipped with the power supply unit of the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings.

[0011] (Aerosol inhaler) Aerosol inhaler 1 is a device for inhaling a flavored aerosol without combustion, and is preferably small enough to fit in the hand, and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, aerosol inhaler 1 may also have an egg shape, an ellipse shape, etc. In the following description, of the roughly rectangular parallelepiped aerosol inhaler, the three orthogonal directions will be referred to as the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction, in order of length. Also, for convenience, in the following description, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the forward, backward, left, right, upward, and downward directions will be defined as Fr, backward, left side, right side, upward, and downward, respectively.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol inhaler 1 includes a power 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 unit 10. In other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are each replaceable.

[0013] (Power unit) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power unit 10 houses various sensors such as a power source 12, an internal holder 13, a circuit board 60, and an intake sensor 15 inside a substantially rectangular parallelepiped power unit case 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the case interior).

[0014] The power 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). When the first case 11A and the second case 11B are assembled in the left - right direction (thickness direction), the front, rear, left, right, and bottom surfaces of the power unit 10 are formed. The upper surface of the power unit 10 is formed by a display device 16.

[0015] A mouthpiece 17 is provided in front of the display device 16 on the upper surface of the power unit 10. The suction port 17a of the mouthpiece 17 protrudes further upward than the display device 16.

[0016] An inclined surface that slopes downward as it goes backward is provided between the upper surface and the rear surface of the power unit 10. 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 - type switch, a touch panel, etc., and is used when reflecting the user's intention to use and starting / turning off the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50 and various sensors.

[0017] The lower surface of the power supply unit 10 is provided with a charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) capable of charging the power supply 12. The charging terminal 43 is, for example, a receptacle to which a mating plug (not shown) can be fitted. As the charging terminal 43, a receptacle capable of connecting various USB terminals (plugs) can be used. In this embodiment, as an example, the charging terminal 43 is a USB Type-C receptacle.

[0018] Furthermore, the charging terminal 43 may be configured to include, for example, a power receiving coil, enabling contactless power reception from an external power source. In this case, the power transmission method (wireless power transfer) may be electromagnetic induction, magnetic resonance, or a combination of both. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be connectable to various USB terminals and may also have the power receiving coil described above.

[0019] 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 case interior in the front-to-back direction and extending parallel to the rear wall 13r, an upper wall 13u extending along the display device 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, dividing the space partitioned by these 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 lower surface of the power supply unit 10.

[0020] A power supply 12 is located in the left-hand space of the internal holder 13. The power supply 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double-layer capacitor, etc., and is preferably a lithium-ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power supply 12 may consist of one of the following: a gel-like electrolyte, an electrolyte solution, a solid electrolyte, an ionic liquid, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, the output voltage of the power supply 12 when it is fully charged (hereinafter also referred to as the full charge voltage) is 4.2[V]. The output voltage of the power supply 12 decreases as the remaining capacity of the power supply 12 decreases. The power supply 12 stops discharging when the output voltage reaches a predetermined discharge termination voltage. Here, the discharge termination voltage is a voltage lower than the full charge voltage of 4.2[V], and can be, for example, about 3[V]. The state in which discharge has stopped because the output voltage has reached the discharge termination voltage is hereinafter also referred to as the discharge termination state.

[0021] An L-shaped circuit board 60 is placed in the space formed by the right-side space of the internal holder 13 and the lower space formed between the cartridge holding portion 13a and the lower surface of the power supply unit 10. The circuit board 60 is constructed by stacking multiple layers (four layers in this embodiment) of substrates, and electronic components (elements) such as the charging IC 55 and MCU 50 are mounted on it.

[0022] The charging IC 55 is an integrated circuit (IC) that controls the charging of power to the power supply 12 from the charging terminal 43, and supplies power from the power supply 12 to electronic components on the circuit board 60.

[0023] As shown in Figure 5, the MCU 50 is connected to various sensor devices such as an inhalation sensor 15 that detects puffing (inhalation) operations, an operation unit 18, a notification unit 45, and a memory 19 that stores the number of puffing operations or the energizing time to the load 21, and performs various controls on the aerosol inhaler 1. Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly composed of a processor and further includes a storage medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various information necessary for the operation of the processor. More specifically, the processor in this specification is an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Note that in Figure 5, some of the elements connected to the MCU 50 (for example, the inhalation sensor 15 and the memory 19) may be provided inside the MCU 50 as a function of the MCU 50 itself.

[0024] A cylindrical cartridge holder 14 for holding the first cartridge 20 is positioned in the cartridge holding section 13a.

[0025] The lower end of the cartridge holder portion 13a is provided with a through-hole 13b for receiving a discharge terminal 41 (see Figure 3) which is provided to protrude from the circuit board 60 toward the first cartridge 20. The discharge terminal 41 is, for example, a pin with a built-in spring and is configured to be electrically connectable to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20. The through-hole 13b is larger than the discharge terminal 41 and is configured to allow air to flow into the interior of the first cartridge 20 through the gap formed between the through-hole 13b and the discharge terminal 41.

[0026] An intake sensor 15 for detecting puffing is provided on the outer circumferential surface 14a of the cartridge holder 14 at a position facing the circuit board 60. The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. The cartridge holder 14 is also provided with a vertically elongated hole 14b that allows the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 to be visually inspected. The system is configured so that the user can visually inspect the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 through the hole 14b of the first cartridge 20 via a light-transmitting remaining amount confirmation window 11w provided in the power supply unit case 11.

[0027] As shown in Figure 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 housing portion 17b that accommodates a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 17c that connects the first cartridge 20 and the cartridge housing portion 17b.

[0028] The power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake 11i for drawing in outside air. The air intake 11i is provided, for example, in the remaining charge confirmation window 11w.

[0029] (First cartridge) As shown in Figure 3, the first cartridge 20 includes, inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27, 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 channel 25 through which the aerosol generated by the atomization of the aerosol source 22 flows toward the second cartridge 30.

[0030] The reservoir 23 is partitioned to surround the aerosol channel 25 and stores the aerosol source 22. The reservoir 23 may contain a porous material such as a resin web or cotton, and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated into the porous material. Alternatively, the reservoir 23 may not contain a porous material on a resin web or cotton, and may store only the aerosol source 22. The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0031] The wick 24 is a liquid-holding member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the load 21 using capillary action. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0032] The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 by heating it without combustion using power supplied from the power supply 12 via the discharge terminal 41. The load 21 is composed of a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. The load 21 can be any element capable of atomizing the aerosol source 22 and generating an aerosol. The load 21 is, for example, a heating element. Examples of heating elements include heating resistors, ceramic heaters, and induction heaters.

[0033] The aerosol channel 25 is located downstream of the load 21 and is situated on the centerline of the first cartridge 20.

[0034] (Second cartridge) The second cartridge 30 stores the flavor source 31. The second cartridge 30 is detachably housed in a cartridge housing section 17b provided in the mouthpiece 17.

[0035] The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol generated when the aerosol source 22 is atomized by the load 21 by passing the aerosol through the flavor source 31. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31 can be shredded tobacco or molded bodies formed from tobacco raw materials into granules. The flavor source 31 may also be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 31 may be imparted with flavorings such as menthol.

[0036] In the aerosol aspirator 1 of this embodiment, aerosols with added flavor can be generated by 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 flavored aerosols.

[0037] The aerosol source used in the aerosol inhaler 1 may be configured such that the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate, or that the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are integrally formed, or that the flavor source 31 is omitted and substances that may be included in the flavor source 31 are added to the aerosol source 22, or that drugs or the like are added to the aerosol source 22 instead of the flavor source 31.

[0038] In the aerosol aspirator 1 configured in this way, as shown by arrow A in Figure 3, air flowing in from the air intake port 11i provided in the power 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 in from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The atomized aerosol flows through the aerosol channel 25 together with the air flowing in from the intake port 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 supplied to the mouthpiece 32.

[0039] Furthermore, the aerosol aspirator 1 is provided with a notification unit 45 for notifying various information (see Figure 5). The notification unit 45 may be composed of 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 from among the light-emitting element, vibration element, and sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be provided in the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, or the second cartridge 30, but it is preferable to provide it in the power supply unit 10, which is not a consumable item.

[0040] In this embodiment, the notification unit 45 is provided with an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel 46 and a vibrator 47. When the OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) provided on the OLED panel 46 emits light, various information is notified to the user via the display device 16, and further, when the vibrator 47 vibrates, various information is notified to the user via the power supply unit case 11. The notification unit 45 may be provided with only one of the OLED panel 46 and the vibrator 47, or other light-emitting elements may be provided. Also, the information notified by the OLED panel 46 and the information notified by the vibrator 47 may be different or the same.

[0041] (Electrical circuits) Next, the details of the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the power supply unit 10 comprises, 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 (Low Drop-out) regulator 62, a first DC / DC converter 63, a second DC / DC converter 64, a display driver 65, an intake sensor 15, an OLED panel 46, and a vibrator 47.

[0042] As mentioned above, the charging terminal 43 is a receptacle into which the other plug can be mated, and is equipped with multiple pins (terminals) that are electrically connected to the pins of the plug when the plug is mated. Specifically, the charging terminal 43 includes A1 pin (indicated as "A1" in the diagram), A4 pin (indicated as "A4" in the diagram), A5 pin (indicated as "A5" in the diagram), A6 pin (indicated as "A6" in the diagram), A7 pin (indicated as "A7" in the diagram), A8 pin (indicated as "A8" in the diagram), A9 pin (indicated as "A9" in the diagram), A12 pin (indicated as "A12" in the diagram), B1 pin (indicated as "B1" in the diagram), B4 pin (indicated as "B4" in the diagram), B5 pin (indicated as "B5" in the diagram), B6 ​​pin (indicated as "B6" in the diagram), B7 pin (indicated as "B7" in the diagram), B8 pin (indicated as "B8" in the diagram), B9 pin (indicated as "B9" in the diagram), and B12 pin (indicated as "B12" in the diagram).

[0043] Pins A1, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, and A12, and pins B1, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, and B12 are arranged so as to be point-symmetric with respect to the center of the mating surface with the plug on the charging terminal 43. Therefore, the plug can be mated to the charging terminal 43 regardless of its orientation, improving user convenience.

[0044] Please note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the charging terminal 43 are described. Also, although the charging terminal 43 is provided with pins A8 and B8 in this embodiment, these pins are not used and can be omitted, as will be described later.

[0045] 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 needed and outputting the converted voltage. Specifically, the protection IC 61 converts the input voltage to a voltage that falls within the range from the minimum to the maximum recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55. In this way, 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. For example, if the minimum recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55 is 4.35[V] and the maximum is 6.4[V], the protection IC 61 converts the input voltage to 5.5±0.2[V] and outputs the converted voltage to the charging IC 55. In addition, if the high voltage mentioned above is input via the charging terminal 43, the protection IC 61 may protect the charging IC 55 by opening the circuit connecting the input terminal (indicated as IN in Figure 4) and the output terminal (indicated as OUT in Figure 4) of the protection IC 61. Furthermore, the protection IC 61 may also have various protection functions to protect the electrical circuits of the power supply unit 10, such as overcurrent detection and overvoltage detection.

[0046] The protection IC61 has multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the protection IC61. Specifically, the protection IC61 has an IN pin (indicated as "IN" in the diagram), a VSS pin (indicated as "VSS" in the diagram), a GND pin (indicated as "GND" in the diagram), an OUT pin (indicated as "OUT" in the diagram), a VBAT pin (indicated as "VBAT" in the diagram), and a CE pin (indicated as "CE" in the diagram).

[0047] In the protection IC 61, the IN pin is the pin to which power supplied from the charging terminal 43 is input. The VSS pin is the pin to which power for the operation of the protection IC 61 is input. The GND pin is the pin that is grounded. The OUT pin is the pin to which power is output to the charging IC 55. The VBAT pin is the pin for the protection IC 61 to detect the state of the power supply 12. The CE pin is the pin that switches the protection function of the protection IC 61 ON / OFF. Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the protection IC 61 are described.

[0048] The charging IC 55 is an IC that has the function of controlling the charging of the power supply 12, and the 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, the charging IC 55 supplies a standard system voltage corresponding 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 the low-voltage system voltage described later, and lower than the first high-voltage system voltage and the second high-voltage system voltage. The standard system voltage is, for example, the output voltage of the power supply 12 itself, and can be a voltage of about 3 to 4.2 [V].

[0049] Furthermore, the charging IC 55 also has a power-path function that supplies power input via the charging terminal 43 to systems such as the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64. Using this power-path function, power can be supplied to the power supply unit 10 system, including the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64, even while the power supply 12 is being charged. Therefore, when using the system of these power supply units 10 while charging the power supply 12, it becomes possible to use the system of these power supply units 10 while reducing the burden on the power supply 12 (i.e., suppressing the degradation of the power supply 12). At the same time, it is possible to improve the charging speed of the power supply 12 and shorten the charging time. In addition, even if the power supply 12 is over-discharged, it is possible to restore the system of the power supply unit 10 by using this power-path function.

[0050] The charging IC 55 has multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting its internal and external components. Specifically, the charging IC 55 has the IN pin (indicated as "IN" in the diagram), BAT_1 pin (indicated as "BAT_1" in the diagram), BAT_2 pin (indicated as "BAT_2" in the diagram), ISET pin (indicated as "ISET" in the diagram), TS pin (indicated as "TS" in the diagram), OUT_1 pin (indicated as "OUT_1" in the diagram), OUT_2 pin (indicated as "OUT_2" in the diagram), ILIM pin (indicated as "ILIM" in the diagram), and CHG pin (indicated as "CHG" in the diagram).

[0051] Please 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 BAT_1 and BAT_2 pins, but these may be combined into a single pin. Similarly, in this embodiment, the charging IC 55 is provided with OUT_1 and OUT_2 pins, but these may be combined into a single pin.

[0052] The LDO regulator 62 is an IC that generates a low-voltage system voltage from the input standard system voltage and outputs the generated low-voltage system voltage. Here, the low-voltage system voltage is a voltage lower than the standard system voltage, as mentioned above, and is a voltage suitable for operating devices such as the MCU 50 and the intake sensor 15. An example of a low-voltage system voltage is 2.5[V].

[0053] The LDO regulator 62 is provided with multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the LDO regulator 62. Specifically, the LDO regulator 62 is provided with an IN pin (indicated as "IN" in the figure), a GND pin (indicated as "GND" in the figure), an OUT pin (indicated as "OUT" in the figure), and an EN pin (indicated as "EN" in the figure). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the LDO regulator 62 are described.

[0054] The MCU50 is an IC that operates using the input low-voltage system voltage as a power source and functions as a control device for performing various controls on the aerosol aspirator 1. For example, the MCU50 can control the heating of the load 21 by controlling the on / off state of the switch SW4, described later, which is located in the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10. The MCU50 can also control the display of the display device 16 by controlling the display driver 65. Furthermore, the MCU50 can control the vibration of the vibrator 47 by controlling the on / off state of the switch SW3, described later, which is located in the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10.

[0055] The MCU50 has multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting its internal and external components. Specifically, the MCU50 is equipped with the following pins: VDD pin (indicated as "VDD" in the diagram), VDD_USB pin (indicated as "VDD_USB" in the diagram), VSS pin (indicated as "VSS" in the diagram), PC1 pin (indicated as "PC1" in the diagram), PA8 pin (indicated as "PA8" in the diagram), PB3 pin (indicated as "PB3" in the diagram), PB15 pin (indicated as "PB15" in the diagram), PB4 pin (indicated as "PB4" in the diagram), PC6 pin (indicated as "PC6" in the diagram), PA0 pin (indicated as "PA0" in the diagram), PC5 pin (indicated as "PC5" in the diagram), PA11 pin (indicated as "PA11" in the diagram), PA12 pin (indicated as "PA12" in the diagram), PC12 pin (indicated as "PC12" in the diagram), PB8 pin (indicated as "PB8" in the diagram), and PB9 pin (indicated as "PB9" in the diagram).

[0056] Please note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the MCU50 are described. Also, in this embodiment, the MCU50 is provided with a VDD pin and a VDD_USB pin, but these may be combined into a single pin.

[0057] As described above, the intake sensor 15 is a sensor device that detects puffing action, and is configured to output a signal indicating the value of the pressure (internal pressure) change inside the power supply unit 10 caused by the user's suction through the intake port 32, as described later, as the detection result.

[0058] The intake sensor 15 is equipped with multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the intake sensor 15. Specifically, the intake sensor 15 is equipped with a VCC pin (indicated as "VCC" in the figure), a GND pin (indicated as "GND" in the figure), and an OUT pin (indicated as "OUT" in the figure). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the intake sensor 15 are described.

[0059] The vibrator 47 includes, for example, a positive terminal 47a, a negative terminal 47b, a motor (not shown) that rotates its rotating shaft in response to the voltage input to 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 low-voltage system voltage is input to the vibrator 47, the motor and the eccentric weight rotate, generating vibration.

[0060] In this specification, the term "positive electrode side" means the side with a higher potential than the "negative electrode side." In other words, in the following explanation, the term "positive electrode side" may be read as "higher potential side." Also, in this specification, the term "negative electrode side" means the side with a lower potential than the "positive electrode side." In other words, in the following explanation, the term "negative electrode side" may be read as "lower potential side."

[0061] The first DC / DC converter 63 is an IC that has the function of generating a first high-voltage system voltage from the 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 mentioned above. In other words, 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 one example is 4.2[V].

[0062] The first DC / DC converter 63 is provided with multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the first DC / DC converter 63. Specifically, the first DC / DC converter 63 is provided with a VIN pin (indicated as "VIN" in the figure), a SW pin (indicated as "SW" in the figure), a GND pin (indicated as "GND" in the figure), a VOUT pin (indicated as "VOUT" in the figure), a MODE pin (indicated as "MODE" in the figure), and an EN pin (indicated as "EN" in the figure). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the first DC / DC converter 63 are described.

[0063] The second DC / DC converter 64 is an IC that generates a second high-voltage system voltage from the input standard system voltage and outputs the generated second high-voltage system voltage. Here, as mentioned above, the second high-voltage system voltage is a higher voltage than the standard system voltage. In other words, the second DC / DC converter 64 boosts the input standard system voltage to the second high-voltage system voltage and outputs it. Furthermore, the second high-voltage system voltage is an even higher voltage than the first high-voltage system voltage, and is a voltage suitable for operating, for example, the OLED panel 46. Specifically, the second high-voltage system voltage is, for example, about 10 to 15 [V].

[0064] The second DC / DC converter 64 is equipped with multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the second DC / DC converter 64. Specifically, the second DC / DC converter 64 is equipped with a VIN pin (indicated as "VIN" in the figure), a SW pin (indicated as "SW" in the figure), a GND pin (indicated as "GND" in the figure), a VOUT pin (indicated as "VOUT" in the figure), and an EN pin (indicated as "EN" in the figure). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the second DC / DC converter 64 are described.

[0065] 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 device 16.

[0066] The display driver 65 has multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the display driver 65. Specifically, the display driver 65 has a VDD pin (indicated as "VDD" in the figure), a VSS pin (indicated as "VSS" in the figure), a VCC_C pin (indicated as "VCC_C" in the figure), an SDA pin (indicated as "SDA" in the figure), an SCL pin (indicated as "SCL" in the figure), and an IXS pin (indicated as "IXS" in the figure). Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the display driver 65 are described.

[0067] Each component of the power supply unit 10 described above is electrically connected by wires or the like provided on the circuit board 60. The electrical connections of each component of the power supply unit 10 will be described in detail below.

[0068] The A1, A12, B1, and B12 pins of the charging terminal 43 are ground pins. Pins A1 and B12 are connected in parallel and are grounded by the ground line 60N. Similarly, pins A12 and B1 are connected in parallel and are grounded by the ground line 60N. In Figure 4, the ground line 60N (i.e., the reference potential of the circuit board 60, which is approximately 0[V]) is shown by a thick solid line.

[0069] The A4, A9, B4, and B9 pins of the charging terminal 43 are pins that accept power input to the power supply unit 10 when an external power plug is mated to the charging terminal 43. For example, when a plug is mated to the charging terminal 43, a predetermined amount of USB bus power is supplied to the power supply unit 10 from the mated plug via the A4 and B9 pins or the A9 and B4 pins. Alternatively, 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 mated to the charging terminal 43.

[0070] Specifically, pins A4 and B9 are connected in parallel and connected to the IN pin of protection IC 61 via power line 60A. The IN pin of protection IC 61 is the positive power supply pin of protection IC 61. Also, pins A9 and B4 are connected in parallel and connected to the IN pin of protection IC 61 via power line 60A.

[0071] Additionally, the 60A power line uses a varistor (Variable Resistor: a nonlinear resistive element) VR. It is connected to the ground line 60N via 1. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR1 is connected to node N11 provided on the power line 60A, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N11 is provided on the power line 60A on the protection IC 61 side than the nodes connected to pins A4 and B9 and the nodes connected to pins A9 and B4. Therefore, for example, even if static electricity is generated on pins A4, A9, B4, or B9 when the plug is mated to the charging terminals 43 and rubs against them, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR1 to protect the protection IC 61.

[0072] Furthermore, the power line 60A is connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD1 that functions as a decoupling capacitor (also called a bypass capacitor). This stabilizes the voltage input to the protection IC 61 via the power line 60A. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD1 is connected to node N12 on the power line 60A, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N12 is located on the power line 60A closer to the protection IC 61 than node N11. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on pins A4, A9, B4, or B9, the varistor VR1 can protect the capacitor CD1 from this static electricity. In other words, by placing node N12 on the power line 60A closer to the protection IC 61 than node N11, it is possible to achieve both overvoltage protection for the protection IC 61 and stable operation of the protection IC 61.

[0073] The A6, A7, B6, and B7 pins of the charging terminal 43 are used for inputting and outputting signals for communication between the power supply unit 10 and an external device. In this embodiment, serial communication is used for communication between the power supply unit 10 and the external device, in which signals are transmitted differentially using two signal lines, Dp (also called D+) and Dn (also called D-).

[0074] Pins A6 and B6 correspond to the Dp-side signal lines. Pins A6 and B6 are connected in parallel and are connected to pin PA12 of the MCU50 via resistor R1. Resistor R1 is an element with a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element or transistor. Pin PA12 of the MCU50 is used for signal input and output in the MCU50. Therefore, Dp-side signals from external devices can be input to the MCU50 via pin A6 or B6. Conversely, Dp-side signals from the MCU50 can be output to external devices via pin A6 or B6.

[0075] Pins A6 and B6 are also connected to the ground line 60N via varistor VR2. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on pins A6 and B6 due to friction when a plug is mated to the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via varistor VR2, protecting the MCU 50. Furthermore, since resistor R1 is provided between pins A6 and B6 and the MCU 50, this resistor R1 can also suppress the input of high voltage to the MCU 50, thereby protecting the MCU 50.

[0076] Pins A7 and B7 correspond to the Dn-side signal lines. Pins A7 and B7 are connected in parallel and are connected to pin PA11 of the MCU50 via resistor R2. Resistor R2 is an element with a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element or transistor. Pin PA11 of the MCU50 is used for signal input and output in the MCU50. Therefore, Dn-side signals from external devices can be input to the MCU50 via pin A7 or B7. Conversely, Dn-side signals from the MCU50 can be output to external devices via pin A7 or B7.

[0077] Pins A7 and B7 are also connected to the ground line 60N via varistor VR3. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on pins A7 and B7 due to friction when a plug is mated to the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via varistor VR3, protecting the MCU 50. Furthermore, since resistor R2 is provided between pins A7 and B7 and the MCU 50, this resistor R2 can also suppress the input of high voltage to the MCU 50, thereby protecting the MCU 50.

[0078] The A5 and B5 pins of the charging terminal 43 are used to detect the orientation of the plug mated to the charging terminal 43. For example, the A5 pin corresponds to the signal line of the so-called CC1 signal, and the B5 pin corresponds to the signal line of the so-called CC2 signal. The A5 pin is connected to the ground line 60N via resistor R3, and the B5 pin is connected to the ground line 60N via resistor R4.

[0079] The A8 and B8 pins of the charging terminal 43 are not connected to the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10. Therefore, the A8 and B8 pins are not used and can be omitted.

[0080] As mentioned above, the IN pin of the protection IC 61 is the positive power pin of the protection IC 61 and is connected to power line 60A. The VSS pin of the protection IC 61 is the negative power pin of the protection IC 61 and is connected to ground line 60N. The GND pin of the protection IC 61 is the ground pin of the protection IC 61 and is connected to ground line 60N. As a result, when a plug is mated to the charging terminal 43, power (e.g., USB bus power) is supplied to the protection IC 61 via power line 60A.

[0081] The OUT pin of the protection IC 61 outputs the power input to the IN pin either directly or as a voltage converted by the protection IC 61 (e.g., 5.5 ± 0.2 [V]). This pin 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 the positive power supply pin of the charging IC 55. This ensures that the charging IC 55 is supplied with the appropriate voltage converted by the protection IC 61.

[0082] Furthermore, the power line 60B is connected to the ground line 60N via capacitor CD2, which functions as a decoupling capacitor. This stabilizes the voltage input to the charging IC 55 via the power line 60B.

[0083] The VBAT pin of the protection IC 61 is used to detect whether the power supply 12 is connected by the protection IC 61, and is connected to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via resistor R5. Resistor R5 is an element with a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element or transistor, etc. The protection IC 61 can detect whether the power supply 12 is connected based on the voltage input to the VBAT pin.

[0084] The CE pin of the protection IC 61 is used to turn the operation (various functions) of the protection IC 61 on / off. 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 it. Therefore, the protection IC 61 operates continuously while power is supplied and performs functions such as voltage conversion to a predetermined voltage, overcurrent detection, and overvoltage detection.

[0085] In this embodiment, instead of the protection IC 61, a protection IC 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 may be used. However, in this case, it should be noted that the CE pin of the protection IC must be connected to the power line 60B or power line 60A, rather than the ground line 60N.

[0086] As mentioned above, the IN pin of the charging IC 55 is the positive power supply pin of the charging IC 55 and is connected to the power line 60B. The charging IC 55 is also connected to the ground line 60N by, for example, the negative power supply pin (not shown). In this way, the voltage output from the protection IC 61 is supplied to the charging IC 55 via the power line 60B.

[0087] The BAT_1 and BAT_2 pins of the charging IC 55 are used for power transfer between the charging IC 55 and the power supply 12, and are connected to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via the power line 60C. The negative terminal 12b of the power supply 12 is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0088] Specifically, pins BAT_1 and BAT_2 are connected in parallel and are connected to the positive terminal 12a, as well as to the ground line 60N via capacitor CD3. When the power supply 12 is discharged, charge accumulates in capacitor CD3, and the voltage output from the power supply 12 is input to pins BAT_1 and BAT_2. When the power supply 12 is charged, a voltage for charging the power supply 12 is output from pins BAT_1 and BAT_2 and applied to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via power line 60C.

[0089] Furthermore, the power line 60C is connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD4 that functions as a decoupling capacitor. This stabilizes the voltage input to the power supply 12 via the power line 60C.

[0090] The ISET pin of the charging IC 55 is used to set the current value 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, composed of a resistive element or a transistor, etc.

[0091] The charging IC 55 outputs a current to the power supply 12 with a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of resistor R6 connected to the ISET pin.

[0092] The TS pin of the charging IC 55 receives the voltage value applied to the resistor connected to it, and is used to detect the electrical resistance and temperature of the resistor connected to the TS pin from this voltage value. In this embodiment, the TS pin is connected to the ground line 60N via resistor R7. Here, resistor R7 is an element (e.g., a thermistor) having a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element or transistor. Therefore, the charging IC 55 can detect the electrical resistance and temperature of resistor R7 from the voltage value applied to resistor R7.

[0093] The CHG pin of the charging IC 55 outputs information regarding the charging status of the power supply 12 (hereinafter also referred to as charging status information), such as charging in progress, charging stopped, and charging complete, as well as information regarding the remaining capacity of the power supply 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 used for signal input in the MCU 50. Therefore, the charging IC 55 can notify the MCU 50 of the charging status and remaining capacity of the power supply 12 by outputting charging status information and remaining capacity information from the CHG pin.

[0094] The OUT_1 and OUT_2 pins of the charging IC 55 are pins to which the standard system voltage is output and are connected via the power 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.

[0095] Specifically, the OUT_1 pin is connected to the ground line 60N via capacitor CD5, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, and is also connected to the OUT_2 pin. Then, the OUT_1 and OUT_2 pins are connected to the ground line 60N via capacitor CD6, which also functions as a decoupling capacitor, and are 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. In this way, the charging IC 55 can supply a stable standard system voltage to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a capacitor CD7, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, is also provided immediately before the first DC / DC converter 63 in the power line 60D. This allows a stable standard system voltage to be supplied to the first DC / DC converter 63, thereby stabilizing the power supply from the first DC / DC converter 63 to the load 21.

[0097] The ILIM pin of the charging IC 55 is used to set the upper limit of 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, composed of a resistive element or a transistor, etc.

[0098] The charging IC 55 outputs a current to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64, with an upper limit corresponding to the electrical resistance value of resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin. More specifically, the charging IC 55 outputs a current from the OUT_1 and OUT_2 pins with a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of resistor R6 connected to the ISET pin, but stops outputting current from the OUT_1 and OUT_2 pins when this current value reaches the current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin. In other words, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 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 value of resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin.

[0099] Furthermore, an LED circuit C1 is provided, branched from the power line 60D. The LED circuit C1 is composed of a resistor R8, an LED 70, and a switch SW1 connected in series. One end of the LED circuit C1, on the side with resistor R8, is connected to node N21 on the power line 60D. The other end of the LED circuit C1, on the side with switch SW1, is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0100] Here, resistor R8 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element, a transistor, etc. Resistor R8 is mainly used to limit the voltage applied to LED 70, the current supplied to LED 70, and / or the current. LED 70 is a light-emitting unit located inside the power supply unit 10 at a position corresponding to the remaining amount confirmation window 11w, and is configured to illuminate the outside of the power supply unit 10 from the inside of the power supply unit 10 through the remaining amount confirmation window 11w. The illumination of LED 70 improves the visibility of the remaining amount of the first cartridge 20 (specifically, the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored in the first cartridge 20) through the remaining amount confirmation window 11w.

[0101] Switch SW1 is a switch made of, for example, a MOSFET. Switch SW1 is connected to MCU50 as described later, and turns on in response to an ON command from MCU50 and turns off in response to an OFF command from MCU50. LED circuit C1 becomes conductive when switch SW1 is turned on. Then, LED 70 lights up when LED circuit C1 becomes conductive.

[0102] As mentioned above, the IN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the positive power supply pin of the LDO regulator 62 and is connected to power line 60D. The GND pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the ground pin of the LDO regulator 62 and is connected to ground line 60N. In this way, the LDO regulator 62 is supplied with the standard system voltage output from the charging IC 55 via power line 60D.

[0103] The OUT pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the pin to which the low-voltage system voltage generated by the LDO regulator 62 is output. It is connected via the power 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 the positive terminal 47a of the vibrator 47. The VDD pin and VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50 are the 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. In this way, the LDO regulator 62 can supply the low-voltage system voltage to the MCU 50, intake sensor 15, display driver 65, and vibrator 47.

[0104] The EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is used to turn the operation (function) of the LDO regulator 62 on and off. Specifically, the LDO regulator 62 operates when a high-level voltage is input to the EN pin, and stops operating when no high-level voltage is input to the EN pin.

[0105] In this embodiment, the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is connected to the power 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 low-voltage system voltage is output from the LDO regulator 62.

[0106] As mentioned above, the VDD pin and VDD_USB pin of the MCU50 are the positive power supply pins of the MCU50 and are connected to power line 60E. The VSS pin of the MCU50 is the negative power supply pin of the MCU50 and is connected to ground line 60N. Through these, the MCU50 is supplied with the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 via power line 60E. Note that the VDD pin and VDD_USB pin may be combined into a single pin.

[0107] Furthermore, a thermistor circuit C2 is provided, branching off from the power line 60E. Thermistor circuit C2 is composed of a switch SW2, a resistor R9, and a thermistor TH connected in series. One end of thermistor circuit C2, on the SW2 side, is connected to node N31 on the power line 60E. The other end of thermistor circuit C2, on the thermistor TH side, is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0108] Here, switch SW2 is a switch configured, for example, with a MOSFET. Switch SW2 is connected to MCU50 as described later, and turns on in response to an ON command from MCU50 and turns off in response to an OFF command from MCU50. Thermistor circuit C2 becomes conductive when switch SW2 is turned on.

[0109] The resistor R9 is an element with a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of resistive elements, transistors, etc. The thermistor TH is composed of an element with NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) or PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristics, that is, an element whose electrical resistance value is correlated with temperature. The thermistor TH is placed near the power supply 12 in a manner that allows it to detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0110] The PC1 pin of the MCU50 is connected to node N32, which is located between resistor R9 and thermistor TH in thermistor circuit C2. When thermistor circuit C2 is conducting (i.e., switch SW2 is on), a voltage divided by resistor R9 and thermistor TH is input to the PC1 pin. The MCU50 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.

[0111] The PA8 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW2 and outputs an ON command to turn SW2 on and an OFF command to turn SW2 off. By outputting an ON command from the PA8 pin, the MCU50 can turn on the switch SW2 and make the thermistor circuit C2 conduct. Conversely, by outputting an OFF command from the PA8 pin, the MCU50 can turn off the switch SW2 and make the thermistor circuit C2 non-conductive. As a specific example, if the switch SW2 is a switch made of a MOSFET, the PA8 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. The MCU50 can then control the on / off state of the switch SW2 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PA8 pin).

[0112] Furthermore, a switch SW3 is provided in the power line 60E, prior to the positive terminal 47a of the vibrator 47. Here, the switch SW3 is a switch composed of, for example, a MOSFET. The switch SW3 is connected to the MCU 50 and turns on in response to an ON command from the MCU 50, and turns off in response to an OFF command from the MCU 50.

[0113] To explain in more detail, the PC6 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW3, and is the 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 MCU50 turns on the switch SW3, supplies power to the vibrator 47 via the power line 60E, and causes the vibrator 47 to vibrate. Conversely, by outputting an OFF command from the PC6 pin, the MCU50 can turn off the switch SW3, stopping the supply of power to the vibrator 47 via the power line 60E (i.e., the vibration of the vibrator 47). As a specific example, if the switch SW3 is a switch composed of a MOSFET, the PC6 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. The MCU50 can then control the ON / OFF state of the switch SW3 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PC6 pin).

[0114] Furthermore, a Zener diode D is connected to the power line 60E. Specifically, one end of the Zener diode D, the anode side, is connected to the ground line 60N, and the other end, the cathode side, is connected to node N41 provided on the power line 60E. Here, node N41 is provided on the power line 60E between the switch SW3 and the positive terminal 47a. As a result, even if a back electromotive force is generated from the vibrator 47 when it is turned on / off, the current due to this back electromotive force can flow through the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D, as shown by the arrow labeled C3 in the figure. Therefore, the current due to this back electromotive force can be 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, which are located outside this closed circuit.

[0115] Furthermore, capacitor CD9 may be connected to the power line 60E. Specifically, in this case, one end of capacitor CD9 is connected to node N42 provided on the power line 60E, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N42 is provided on the power line 60E closer to the positive terminal 47a than node N41. In this way, capacitor CD9 can be placed within the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and Zener diode D described above, and capacitor CD9 can also protect the electronic components of the power supply unit 10, such as the power supply 12 and LDO regulator 62, which are provided outside the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and Zener diode D. Note that capacitor CD9 may be provided near the closed circuit rather than within it. As a specific example, capacitor CD9 may be provided between switch SW3 and Zener diode D. In this way as well, capacitor CD9 and Zener diode D can protect the electronic components of the power supply unit 10, such as the power supply 12 and LDO regulator 62.

[0116] The PB3 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 and outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU50 can turn the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 on or off by the voltage signal output from the PB3 pin. Specifically, the MCU50 can activate 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. Conversely, the MCU50 can 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.

[0117] The PB4 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW4, which will be described later, located between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the discharge terminal 41. This pin outputs an ON command to turn on the switch SW4 and an OFF command to turn off the switch SW4. By outputting an ON command from the PB4 pin, the MCU50 can turn on the switch SW4 and supply power to the load 21, as will be described later. Conversely, by outputting an OFF command from the PB4 pin and turning off the switch SW4, the MCU50 can stop supplying power to the load 21. As a specific example, if the switch SW4 is a switch composed of a MOSFET, the PB4 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. The MCU50 can then control the ON / OFF state of the switch SW4 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PB4 pin).

[0118] As mentioned earlier, the PB15 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the CHG pin of the charging IC55 and is a pin that accepts input of charging status information and remaining capacity information output by the charging IC55.

[0119] The PA0 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW1 of the LED circuit C1, and is the pin to output an ON command to turn on switch SW1 and an OFF command to turn off switch SW1. Specifically, if switch SW1 is a switch made of a MOSFET, the PA0 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. The MCU50 can then control the ON / OFF state of switch SW1 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PA0 pin). By outputting an ON command from the PA0 pin to turn on switch SW1, the MCU50 can make the LED circuit C1 conduct and light up (turn on) LED 70. Conversely, by outputting an OFF command from the PA0 pin to turn off switch SW1, the MCU50 can make the LED circuit C1 non-conductive and turn off LED 70. Furthermore, by rapidly switching between ON and OFF commands output from the PA0 pin, the MCU50 can rapidly switch between the conductive and non-conductive states of the LED circuit C1, causing LED 70 to blink.

[0120] The PC5 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the OUT pin of the intake sensor 15 and is a pin that receives the output of the intake sensor 15 (i.e., a signal indicating the detection result of the intake sensor 15).

[0121] The PA11 and PA12 pins of the MCU50 are used for inputting and outputting signals for communication between the power supply unit 10 and external devices. Specifically, as mentioned above, the PA11 pin is connected to the A7 and B7 pins of the charging terminal 43 via resistor R2 and is used for inputting and outputting signals on the Dn side. Similarly, as mentioned above, the PA12 pin is connected to the A6 and B6 pins of the charging terminal 43 via resistor R1 and is used for inputting and outputting signals on the Dp side.

[0122] The PC12 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 and outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU50 can turn the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 on or off by the voltage signal output from the PC12 pin. Specifically, the MCU50 can activate 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. Conversely, the MCU50 can 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.

[0123] The PB8 and PB9 pins of the MCU50 are used to output signals for communication between the MCU50 and other ICs, and in this embodiment, they are used for communication between the MCU50 and the display driver 65. Specifically, in this embodiment, the MCU50 and the display driver 65 communicate using I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The PB8 pin is used to output the SCL side signal in I2C communication, and the PB9 pin is used to output the SDA side signal in I2C communication. The MCU50 can control the display driver 65 and control the display content of the display device 16 by using the signals output from the PB8 and PB9 pins.

[0124] As mentioned above, the VCC pin of the intake sensor 15 is the positive power supply pin of the intake sensor 15 and is connected to the power line 60E. The GND pin of the intake sensor 15 is the ground pin of the intake sensor 15 and is connected to the ground line 60N. In this way, the intake sensor 15 is supplied with the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 via the power line 60E.

[0125] As mentioned above, the OUT pin of the intake sensor 15 is the pin to which a signal indicating the detection result of the intake sensor 15 is output, 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.

[0126] As mentioned above, the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is the positive power supply pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 and is connected to the power 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 coil CL1. The GND pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is the ground pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 and is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0127] The VOUT pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is the pin to 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 terminal 41 via the power line 60F. The negative discharge terminal 41b of the discharge terminal 41 is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0128] A switch SW4 is provided on the power line 60F. Switch SW4 is a switch composed of, for example, a MOSFET, and more specifically, a power MOSFET with a high switching speed. As described above, switch SW4 is connected to the MCU 50 and turns on in response to an ON command from the MCU 50 and turns off in response to an OFF command from the MCU 50. When switch SW4 is turned on, the power line 60F becomes conductive, and the first high-voltage system voltage is supplied to the load 21 via the power line 60F.

[0129] Furthermore, a varistor VR4 is connected to the power line 60F. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR4 is connected to node N51 on the power line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N51 is located on the power line 60F on the positive discharge terminal 41a side of the switch SW4, that is, 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, switch SW4).

[0130] 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 discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR4, protecting the switch SW4, the first DC / DC converter 63, the power supply 12, etc. Furthermore, even if the varistor VR4 fails, the switch SW4 and the first DC / DC converter 63 can act as a barrier to noise (in this case, static electricity generated at the discharge terminal 41) from other components located closer to the power supply 12 (for example, the charging IC 55), thereby protecting other components.

[0131] Furthermore, a capacitor CD10, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, is connected to the power line 60F. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD10 is connected to node N52 on the power line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N52 is located on the power line 60F between node N51 and switch SW4. This stabilizes the power supply from switch SW4 to load 21, and even if static electricity is generated at the discharge terminal 41, the varistor VR4 protects the capacitor CD10 from this static electricity.

[0132] Furthermore, a capacitor CD11, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, may be connected to the power line 60F. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD11 is connected to a node N53 provided on the power line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N53 is provided on the power 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 stabilizes the power supply from the first DC / DC converter 63 to the switch SW4 (e.g., a power MOSFET), and as a result, stabilizes the power supply to the load 21.

[0133] As mentioned above, the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is used to turn the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 on or off, and is connected to the PB3 pin of the MCU 50.

[0134] The MODE pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is used to set the operating mode of the first DC / DC converter 63. The first DC / DC converter 63 is, for example, a switching regulator, and its operating mode is pulse width modulation (PW) The device can operate in either a modulation mode or a pulse frequency modulation mode. In this embodiment, by connecting the MODE pin to the power line 60D, a high-level voltage is input to the MODE pin when the first DC / DC converter 63 is operational, and the first DC / DC converter 63 is set to operate in pulse width modulation mode.

[0135] As mentioned above, the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is the positive power supply pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 and is connected to the power 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 coil CL2. The GND pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is the ground pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 and is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0136] The VOUT pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is the pin to which the second high-voltage system voltage generated by the second DC / DC converter 64 is output, and is connected to the VCC_C pin of the display driver 65 via the power line 60G. This allows the second DC / DC converter 64 to supply the second high-voltage system voltage to the display driver 65.

[0137] Furthermore, a varistor VR5 is connected to the power line 60G. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR5 is connected to node N61 on the power line 60G, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on the display device 16, which is exposed to the outside of the aerosol aspirator 1, due to friction with some object, and this static electricity flows back to the second DC / DC converter 64 side via the OLED panel 46 and display driver 65, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR5, thereby protecting the second DC / DC converter 64 and other components from this static electricity.

[0138] Similarly, a varistor VR6 is also connected to the power line 60E. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR6 is connected to node N43 on the power line 60E, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N43 is located on the power line 60E between the LDO regulator 62 and the switch SW3. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on the display device 16, which is exposed to the outside of the aerosol aspirator 1, due to friction with some object, and this static electricity flows back to the LDO regulator 62 side via the OLED panel 46 and the display driver 65, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR6, thereby protecting the LDO regulator 62 from this static electricity.

[0139] Furthermore, a capacitor CD12, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, is connected to the power line 60G. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD12 is connected to node N62 on the power line 60G, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N62 is located on the power line 60G closer to the second DC / DC converter 64 than node N61. This allows for a stable supply of the second high-voltage system voltage to the display driver 65, and even if static electricity is generated in the display device 16, the varistor VR5 protects the capacitor CD12 from this static electricity. In other words, by placing node N62 on the power line 60G closer to the second DC / DC converter than node N61, it is possible to achieve both protection of the display driver 65 from overvoltage and stable operation of the display driver 65.

[0140] The EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is used to turn the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 on or off, and as mentioned above, it is connected to the PC12 pin of the MCU 50.

[0141] As described above, the VDD pin of the display driver 65 is the positive power supply pin of the display driver 65 and is connected to the power line 60E. The VSS pin of the display driver 65 is the negative power supply pin of the display driver 65 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Through these connections, the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 is supplied to the display driver 65 via the power line 60E. The low-voltage system voltage supplied to the display driver 65 is used as the power supply for the display driver 65 to operate.

[0142] 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 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 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. The OLED panel 46 is an example of a load in this invention.

[0143] The SCL pin of the display driver 65 is the pin that receives the SCL signal in the I2C communication between the MCU50 and the display driver 65, and as mentioned above, it is connected to the PB8 pin of the MCU50. The SDA pin of the display driver 65 is the pin that receives the SDA signal in the I2C communication between the MCU50 and the display driver 65, and as mentioned above, it is connected to the PB9 pin of the MCU50.

[0144] The IXS pin of the display driver 65 is used to configure whether the communication between the display driver 65 and another IC (MCU50 in this embodiment) is performed using I2C communication or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication. In this embodiment, by connecting the IXS pin to the power line 60E, a high-level voltage is input to the IXS pin, setting the communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU50 to be performed using I2C communication. Alternatively, by inputting a low-level voltage to the IXS pin, the communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU50 may be performed using SPI communication.

[0145] (MCU) Next, we will explain the details of the MCU50's configuration, referring to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the MCU 50 includes an aerosol generation request detection unit 51, a temperature detection unit 52, a power control unit 53, and a notification control unit 54 as functional blocks realized by the processor executing a program stored in a ROM (not shown).

[0146] The aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation based on the output result of the intake sensor 15. The intake sensor 15 is configured to output a value of the pressure (internal pressure) change inside the power supply unit 10 caused by the user's inhalation through the intake port 32. The intake sensor 15 is a pressure sensor that outputs an output value (e.g., a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure which changes according to the flow rate of air drawn in from an intake port (not shown) toward the intake port 32 (i.e., the user's puffing action). The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone or the like. The intake sensor 15 may output an analog value or a digital value converted from an analog value. The intake sensor 15 may also transmit its output to the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 using the aforementioned I2C communication or SPI communication.

[0147] 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).

[0148] The power control unit 53 controls the supply of power to each electronic component of the aerosol aspirator 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 power from the power supply 12 to the load 21 via the positive discharge terminal 41a. As a result, the MCU 50 can supply power to the load 21, heat the load 21, and generate aerosols.

[0149] Furthermore, the power control unit 53 supplies the standard system voltage to the vibrator 47 via the positive terminal 47a by turning on the switch SW3 at a predetermined timing. This allows the MCU 50 to supply power of the standard system voltage to the vibrator 47, thereby causing the vibrator 47 to vibrate (function).

[0150] Furthermore, the power control unit 53 operates the second DC / DC converter 64 at a predetermined timing, thereby supplying the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 via the display driver 65. As a result, the MCU 50 can supply power from the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46, enabling the OLED panel 46 to operate (function).

[0151] Incidentally, if power is supplied to the load 21 and to the OLED panel 46 simultaneously, the discharge from the power supply 12 at that time can become a large current. And a large current discharge places a heavy burden on the power supply 12 and may lead to the degradation of the power supply 12. Therefore, it is desirable that the MCU 50 stops the operation (i.e., function) of the OLED panel 46 while power is being supplied to the load 21, that is, while the first DC / DC converter 63 and switch SW4 are operating.

[0152] Specifically, when the input to the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is set to a high level, the MCU 50 sets the input to the EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 to a low level. This allows the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 to be stopped when the first DC / DC converter 63 and switch SW4 are operating, thereby stopping the power supply to the OLED panel 46 and stopping the operation (i.e., function) of the OLED panel 46.

[0153] In this way, by preventing the simultaneous supply of power to the load 21 and the OLED panel 46, it is possible to suppress the discharge of large currents from the power supply 12 and thereby suppress the degradation of the power supply 12 caused by the discharge of large currents.

[0154] Furthermore, by stopping the power supply to the OLED panel 46 while power is being supplied to the load 21, that is, while the first DC / DC converter 63 and switch SW4 are operating, it is possible to suppress instability (e.g., insufficiency) of the power supplied to the first DC / DC converter 63. This stabilizes the power supplied to the load 21, thereby preventing inconsistencies in the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 due to unstable power supply, which would otherwise reduce the flavor in the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0155] Furthermore, when the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation, the power control unit 53 turns on switch SW1 to make the LED circuit C1 conductive, causing the LED 70 to light up (function). In this case, the connector 70a is supplied with a voltage obtained by stepping down the standard system voltage from the charging IC 55 through resistor R8. In other words, by turning on switch SW1, the power control unit 53 can supply power to the LED 70 via connector 70a at a voltage obtained by stepping down the standard system voltage through resistor R8.

[0156] Furthermore, the power control unit 53 controls the power supplied to the LED 70, for example, so that it is less than the power supplied to other electronic components such as the load 21, OLED panel 46, and vibrator 47. In other words, the power control unit 53 controls the power supplied to the connector 70a so that it is less than the power supplied to the positive electrode discharge terminal 41a and the positive electrode terminal 47a. This makes it possible to supply appropriate power to the LED 70 with a simple configuration, and enables the aerosol aspirator 1 to have high functionality while suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the aerosol aspirator 1 (e.g., power supply unit 10).

[0157] 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 the 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 puff operations or the cumulative power supply time to the load 21 stored in the memory 19. The notification control unit 54 may notify not only the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30, but also the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20, the replacement timing of the power supply 12, the charging timing of the power supply 12, etc. In addition to or instead of these, the notification control unit 54 may also notify the remaining charge of the first cartridge 20, the remaining charge of the second cartridge 30, the remaining charge of the power supply 12, etc.

[0158] Furthermore, the notification control unit 54 may determine that the second cartridge 30 is used (i.e., the remaining amount is zero or empty) when a puff operation is performed a predetermined number of times with one unused second cartridge 30 set, or when the cumulative energization time to the load 21 due to the puff operation reaches a predetermined value (for example, 120 seconds), and notify the timing for replacing the second cartridge 30.

[0159] Furthermore, if the notification control unit 54 determines that all of the second cartridges 30 included in the set have been used up, it may determine that one of the first cartridges 20 included in the set has been used up (i.e., the remaining amount is zero or empty) and notify the system of the timing to replace the first cartridge 20.

[0160] (Differences between the first DC / DC converter and the second DC / DC converter) Next, the differences between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0161] The first DC / DC converter 63 boosts the input standard system voltage (e.g., the output voltage of power supply 12) to the first high-voltage system voltage and outputs the power required by the load 21. The second DC / DC converter 64 boosts the input standard system voltage to the second high-voltage system voltage and outputs the power required by the OLED panel 46.

[0162] The first DC / DC converter 63 has an output voltage of 4.0 to 4.5 [V]. The second DC / DC converter 64 has an output voltage of 10 to 15 [V]. Therefore, the output voltage of the first DC / DC converter 63 is lower than the output voltage of the second DC / DC converter 64. The output voltages of the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are set according to the voltages required by their respective output destinations, the load 21 and the OLED panel 46.

[0163] The first DC / DC converter 63 has an output current of 1[A] or more. The second DC / DC converter 64 has an output current of 0.01[A] or less. Therefore, the output current of the first DC / DC converter 63 is greater than the output current of the second DC / DC converter 64. The output currents of the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are set according to the power (current) required by the load 21 and the OLED panel 46, which are their respective output destinations.

[0164] Thus, the OLED panel 46 consumes less power (current) than the load 21. Therefore, it is preferable that the second DC / DC converter 64 be made smaller and have a smaller mounting area compared to the first DC / DC converter 63, rather than prioritizing efficiency improvements.

[0165] The first DC / DC converter 63 has a switching frequency of 1.00 MHz. The second DC / DC converter 64 has a switching frequency higher than 1.00 MHz. Therefore, the switching frequency of the first DC / DC converter 63 is lower than that of the second DC / DC converter 64. Due to the principle of switching regulators, a DC / DC converter can use a smaller inductor because the shorter the switching period, i.e., the higher the switching frequency, the lower the current flowing through the inductor. Also, due to the principle of switching regulators, a DC / DC converter can use a smaller inductor because the shorter the switching period, i.e., the higher the switching frequency, the smaller the ripple in the waveform converted by switching. Therefore, the size of the capacitor used to smooth this ripple can be reduced. Since the second DC / DC converter 64 has a higher switching frequency than the first DC / DC converter 63, the size of its inductor can be reduced. The size of the inductor in the second DC / DC converter 64 is smaller than that of the inductor in the first DC / DC converter 63.

[0166] On the other hand, due to the principle of switching regulators, the longer the switching period, i.e., the lower the switching frequency, the smaller the losses that occur when the switch state transitions between on and off. Therefore, the conversion efficiency, which is the ratio of the power output from VOUT to the power input to the VIN pin, improves. The first DC / DC converter 63 has a conversion efficiency of 90% or more. The second DC / DC converter 64 has a conversion efficiency of less than 90%. The conversion efficiency of the first DC / DC converter 63 is higher than that of the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0167] In this way, the first DC / DC converter 63, which has a high power consumption (current consumption) at the output destination, maintains high conversion efficiency by suppressing the switching frequency, and the second DC / DC converter 64, which has a low power consumption (current consumption) at the output destination, can be miniaturized by increasing the switching frequency, thereby enabling miniaturization of the power supply unit 10.

[0168] When the MCU 50 receives a signal from the intake sensor 15 to the PC5 pin indicating that a puff operation has been detected, i.e., when a puff operation by the user is detected, it activates the first DC / DC converter 63. When the MCU 50 detects that the control unit 18 has been operated by the user, it activates the second DC / DC converter 64. Thus, the conditions under which the MCU 50 activates the first DC / DC converter 63 are different from the conditions under which the MCU 50 activates the second DC / DC converter 64. As a result, it becomes difficult for the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 to function simultaneously, thus reducing the impact of heat and switching noise generated by one DC / DC converter on the other.

[0169] The MCU 50 stops the function of the first DC / DC converter 63 when a signal indicating the end of the puffing operation is input to the PC5 pin from the intake sensor 15, i.e., when it detects that the user has finished puffing, or when the maximum continuous power supply time has elapsed since the first DC / DC converter 63 was started. The MCU 50 also stops the function of the second DC / DC converter 64 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second DC / DC converter 64 was started, or when it is detected that the user has operated the control unit 18 again within a predetermined time elapsed since the second DC / DC converter 64 was started. Thus, the conditions under which the MCU 50 stops the function of the first DC / DC converter 63 are different from the conditions under which the MCU 50 stops the function of the second DC / DC converter 64. As a result, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are less likely to function simultaneously, thus reducing the impact of heat and switching noise generated by one DC / DC converter on the other.

[0170] The MCU 50 may be configured to control the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 so that they do not operate simultaneously. This allows the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 to more reliably reduce the impact of heat and switching noise generated by one DC / DC converter on the other.

[0171] The MCU 50 may be configured to control the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 so that they do not operate simultaneously with the charging IC 55. This reduces the impact on the charging IC 55 from heat and switching noise generated by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0172] (Circuit board) Next, we will describe the circuit board 60 on which multiple elements are mounted, with reference to Figures 2 and 7 to 10. Please note that Figures 7 to 10 only disclose the essential parts of the circuit configuration of the circuit board 60.

[0173] As shown in Figure 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 substantially perpendicular to the left-right direction. The first surface 71 constitutes the right surface of the circuit board 60, and the second surface 72 constitutes the left surface of the circuit board 60. The second surface 72 faces the power supply 12, and / or the second surface 72 is positioned closer to the power supply 12 than the first surface 71. In this embodiment, the second surface 72 faces the power supply 12.

[0174] Multiple elements are mounted on the first surface 71, which constitutes the right side of the circuit board 60, and on the second surface 72, which constitutes the left side of the circuit board 60.

[0175] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the circuit board 60 further includes a ground layer 73 and a power supply layer 74, with the ground layer 73 and power supply layer 74 located between the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. In other words, in this embodiment, the circuit board 60 is a four-layer multilayer board constructed 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 constructed 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. The circuit board 60 may also be made into a five-layer or more multilayer board by further layering at least one of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72. Alternatively, the circuit board 60 may be made by dividing the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 into two or more groups and stacking only within the same group. In this case, although the circuit board 60 is physically divided into two, it should be noted that 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.

[0176] The circuit board 60, when viewed from a left-right direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface 71 and second surface 72 on which multiple elements are mounted, has an overall substantially L-shape. In detail, the circuit board 60, when viewed from the left-right direction, has a substantially rectangular connecting portion 600, 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 upper 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 are substantially the same shape and, when viewed from the left-right direction, have an substantially L-shape. In detail, the first surface 71, when viewed from the left-right direction, has a substantially rectangular connecting portion 710, a first portion 711 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 710, and a second portion 712 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 710. The second surface 72, when viewed from the left-right direction, has a roughly rectangular connecting portion 720, 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, when viewed from the left-right direction, has a roughly rectangular connecting portion 730, 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, when viewed from the left-right direction, has a roughly rectangular connecting portion 740, 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 the 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 the 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 the 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.

[0177] As shown in Figure 7, the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60 is equipped with the following components: 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, the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60 also has an intake sensor connection section 82, a switch connection section 83, and a vibrator connection section 84.

[0178] The display driver 65 is mounted above the vertical center of the second section 712. An OLED panel 46 is positioned above the circuit board 60, and the display driver 65 and the OLED panel 46 are connected by a power line 60H.

[0179] The second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted slightly above the vertical center of the second section 712, and in front of and below the display driver 65.

[0180] The MCU50 is mounted in a position that straddles the lower end of the second section 712 and the upper end of the connecting section 710.

[0181] The charging IC 55 is mounted at the rear end of the first section 711.

[0182] Thus, the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is located on the back side of the second surface 72, facing and / or near the power supply 12. This prevents the power supply 12 from overheating due to heat generated from the charging IC 55 during charging.

[0183] The LDO regulator 62 is mounted in the approximately central part of the connecting section 710 in the vertical direction, between the MCU 50 and the charging IC 55 in the front-to-back direction.

[0184] Thus, the LDO regulator 62 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is located on the back side of the second surface 72, which is facing and / or near the power supply 12. This prevents the power supply 12 from overheating due to the heat generated by the LDO regulator 62 while the power supply 12 is being charged.

[0185] The protection IC 61 is mounted below the charging IC 55 and the LDO regulator 62, straddling the connecting section 710 and the first section 711.

[0186] The first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the front upper end of the first section 711.

[0187] Thus, since the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72, which is facing and / or near the power supply 12, it is possible to suppress the heating of the power supply 12 by the heat generated when the first DC / DC converter 63 is functioning.

[0188] The power connector 81 is a connector for electrically connecting the circuit board 60 to the power supply 12 and is mounted below the first DC / DC converter 63, at the lower end of the first section 711. Power lines connecting to the power supply 12 are connected to the power connector 81.

[0189] The intake sensor connection portion 82 is formed approximately in the center of the front end of the second portion 712 in the vertical direction. Power lines connecting to the intake sensor 15 are soldered to the intake sensor connection portion 82.

[0190] The switch connection portion 83 is formed approximately in the center of the rear end of the second portion 712 in the vertical direction. Power lines connecting to the operating portion 18 are soldered to the switch connection portion 83.

[0191] The vibrator connection portion 84 is formed at the rear lower end of the connecting portion 710. Power lines connecting to the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b of the vibrator 47 are soldered to the vibrator connection portion 84.

[0192] Therefore, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the circuit board 60 spaced apart from each other. More specifically, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first part 601 of the circuit board 60, and the second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted on the second part 602 of the circuit board 60. Furthermore, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first part 601 of the circuit board 60, the second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted on the second part 602 of the circuit board 60, and the MCU 50 is mounted across the lower end of the second part 712 and the upper end of the connecting part 710 of the circuit board 60. As a result, the straight-line distance between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 is longer than the straight-line distance between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the MCU 50, and also longer than the straight-line distance between the second DC / DC converter 64 and the MCU 50. In this context, "straight-line distance" refers to the shortest straight line connecting two objects. The same principle applies throughout the following explanation.

[0193] In this way, by mounting the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 on the circuit board 60 spaced apart from each other, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 can reduce the impact of heat and switching noise generated by one DC / DC converter on the other DC / DC converter.

[0194] Furthermore, since both the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, the arrangement of the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 on the same surface allows the second surface 72, on which the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are not mounted, to be less susceptible to the effects of heat and switching noise generated by the DC / DC converters.

[0195] As shown in Figure 10, the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60 is equipped with an LED 70, a discharge terminal 41, a power module 85, a charging terminal 43, and a thermistor TH.

[0196] LED 70 is mounted approximately in the center of the rear end of the second section 722 in the vertical direction.

[0197] The discharge terminal 41 is mounted so as to protrude upward from the upper end of the first part 721. The discharge terminal 41 is a spring-loaded pin that is connected to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20, and power from the power supply 12 is supplied to the load 21 from the discharge terminal 41.

[0198] The power module 85 is mounted on the first part 721 below the discharge terminal 41. The power module 85 consists of a switch SW4, a capacitor CD10, and a varistor VR4. However, the power module 85 only needs to include the switch SW4 and may not include the capacitor CD10 and / or the varistor VR4. In this case, the capacitor CD10 and / or the varistor VR4, which are not included in the power module 85, are provided between the discharge terminal 41 and the power module 85.

[0199] The charging terminal 43 is mounted so as to protrude downward from the lower end of the second surface 72, straddling the connecting portion 720 and the first portion 721 in the front-to-back direction.

[0200] Furthermore, when viewed from the left and right, on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72, at least a portion of the protection IC 61 is mounted in an area that overlaps with the charging terminals 43 mounted on the second surface 72 (see Figure 7).

[0201] This allows for high-density mounting of components on the circuit board 60, making the circuit board 60 even smaller.

[0202] The thermistor TH is mounted in the rear and lower region of the connecting portion 720. Therefore, the thermistor TH is mounted at the rear lower end of the entire second surface 72.

[0203] Since 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, the thermistor TH can be positioned facing the power supply 12 and / or close to the power supply 12. This allows the thermistor TH to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0204] On the second surface 72, a thermistor circuit C2 is formed by a thermistor TH and a resistor R9. The resistor R9 is mounted on the second surface 72 in front of the thermistor TH. Thermistor TH is positioned spaced apart from the resistor R9, and at least one of the multiple elements is mounted at a position where the straight-line distance from the resistor R9 is shorter than the straight-line distance from the resistor R9 to the thermistor TH. In this embodiment, the switch SW2 is mounted at a position where the straight-line distance from the resistor R9 is shorter than the straight-line distance from the resistor R9 to the thermistor TH.

[0205] In this way, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72, spaced apart from the resistor R9, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated by the resistor R9. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0206] Furthermore, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72, which is different from the first surface 71 on which the MCU50 is mounted, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated by the MCU50. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0207] 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 affected by the heat generated from the first DC / DC converter 63. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0208] 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 affected by the heat generated from the LDO regulator 62. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0209] 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 affected by the heat generated from the charging IC 55. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0210] Furthermore, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the discharge terminal 41 connected to the load 21 that functions by consuming the power output by the first DC / DC converter 63 are both mounted on the first part 601 of the circuit board 60. In addition, the second DC / DC converter 64 and the display driver 65 connected to the OLED panel 46 that functions by consuming the power output by the second DC / DC converter 64 are both mounted on the second part 602 of the circuit board 60.

[0211] Note that the discharge terminal 41 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the first part 601 of the circuit board 60, but may be connected to the second part 602 of the circuit board 60. Similarly, the display driver 65 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the second part 602 of the circuit board 60, but may be connected to the first part 601 of the circuit board 60.

[0212] Thus, since the discharge terminal 41 is mounted or connected to the first part 601 of the circuit board 60, and the display driver 65 is mounted or connected to the second part 602 of the circuit board 60, the discharge terminal 41 can be placed close to the first DC / DC converter 63, and the display driver 65 can be placed close to the second DC / DC converter 64. Therefore, the path for supplying the power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 to the load 21 can be shortened, and the path for supplying the power boosted by the second DC / DC converter 64 to the OLED panel 46 can be shortened. This reduces the loss of power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the impact on other elements due to the loss of power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64, and to suppress the decrease in the amount of aerosol that can be generated in one charge.

[0213] Furthermore, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first side 71, and the power module 85 is mounted on the second side 72. In this way, since the first DC / DC converter 63 and the power module 85 are mounted on different sides of the circuit board 60, it is possible to suppress the concentration of heat generated from the first DC / DC converter 63 and the power module 85 when supplying power to the load 21.

[0214] Furthermore, since both the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 are mounted on the first portion 721 of the second surface 72, they are mounted in close proximity to each other. This allows the length of the portion of the power line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 to be shortened. A pulse wave flows through the portion of the power 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 line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 to be shortened, the influence of the pulse wave on other elements can be suppressed.

[0215] Furthermore, when viewed from the left-right direction, no elements are mounted in the region of the first surface 71, which is located on the back side of the second surface 72, that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72.

[0216] Therefore, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from each element mounted on the first surface 71, which is located on the back side of the second surface 72. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0217] The second surface 72 has a high-density region 72A on which many elements are mounted and the mounting density of the mounted elements is high, and a low-density region 72B on which the mounting density of the mounted elements is sparser than that of the high-density region 72A. In this embodiment, the first portion 721, the upper region of the connecting portion 720, and the region near the vertical center of the connecting portion 720 between the connecting portion 720 and the first portion 721 are the high-density region 72A. In this embodiment, the thermistor TH is mounted in the rear and lower region of the connecting portion 720, which is one of the low-density regions 72B on which the mounting density of the mounted elements is sparser than that of the high-density region 72A. In this embodiment, in addition to the rear and lower region of the connecting portion 720, the lower region of the second portion 722 and the rear and upper region of the second portion 722 are the low-density region 72B.

[0218] Therefore, since the thermistor TH is mounted in an area with a low density of mounted elements, it is less susceptible to the effects of 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.

[0219] As shown in Figure 8, a ground line 60N is formed in the ground layer 73 of the circuit board 60. In this embodiment, the ground line 60N is a conductive thin film deposited on the ground layer 73 of the circuit board 60 and has the reference potential of the circuit board 60.

[0220] The ground line 60N is not formed in the region that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left or right direction. Therefore, thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the ground line 60N. As a result, thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0221] The ground line 60N is not formed in the rear lower end region of the ground layer 73, which includes the region that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left and right directions. In other words, the ground line 60N has a shape that cuts out the rear lower end region of the ground layer 73 when viewed from the left and right directions. Therefore, the ground line 60N is not formed in the region that overlaps with the thermistor TH when viewed from the left and right directions, and is also formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH. Consequently, thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the ground line 60N. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0222] As shown in Figure 9, the power supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60 has power supply paths 743 formed therein that supply power to each element mounted on the circuit board 60. The power supply paths 743 consist of power lines 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60G, etc. The power supply paths 743 are conductive circuit wirings formed on the power supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60 by printing or other means.

[0223] The power supply path 743 is not formed in an area that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left or right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0224] The power supply path 743 is not formed in the rear lower end region of the power supply layer 74, which includes the region that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left and right directions. Furthermore, the power supply path 743 is formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH when viewed from the left and right directions. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0225] Thus, neither the ground line 60N of the ground layer 73 nor the power supply path 743 of the power layer 74 are formed in a region that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left or right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less affected by heat generated from both the ground line 60N and the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0226] Returning to Figure 2, the internal holder 13 holds the circuit board 60 on the right side of the partition wall 13d and the power supply 12 on the left side of the partition wall 13d. In this way, since both the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 are held in the internal holder 13, the thermistor TH can be kept in a position suitable for detecting the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0227] Furthermore, the internal holder 13 may hold only a portion of the circuit board 60 on the right side of the partition wall 13d and only a portion of the power supply 12 on the left side of the partition wall 13d. More specifically, the internal holder 13 may hold the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 such that the position of the power supply 12 facing the thermistor TH in the left-right direction is exposed from the internal holder 13. In this way, the temperature of the power supply 12 is transmitted to the thermistor TH without going through the partition wall 13d, so that the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately and quickly by the thermistor TH.

[0228] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc., can be made as appropriate.

[0229] For example, in this embodiment, both the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60. However, the first DC / DC converter 63 may be mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, and the second DC / DC converter 64 may be mounted on the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60. In this way, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 can be mounted on different surfaces and positioned apart from each other, thereby reducing the impact of heat and switching noise generated by one DC / DC converter on the other.

[0230] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the ground layer 73 is assumed to have substantially the same shape as the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 when viewed from the left and right directions. However, the ground layer 73 may have a shape in which the rear lower end region is cut out from the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. In this case, the thermistor TH becomes less susceptible to the influence of heat generated from the ground line 60N. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the power supply layer 74 is substantially the same shape as the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 when viewed from the left and right directions. However, the power supply layer 74 may have a shape in which the rear lower end region is cut out from the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. In this case, the thermistor TH becomes less susceptible to the influence of heat generated from the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0232] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the temperature of the power supply 12 is obtained using a thermistor TH, but the temperature of the power supply 12 may be obtained using any temperature sensor, not just a thermistor TH.

[0233] Furthermore, for example, in this embodiment, the circuit board 60 is composed of a connecting portion 600, a first portion 601, and a second portion 602, and the whole is approximately L-shaped. However, a part of the circuit board 60 may be configured in an approximately L-shape by the connecting portion 600, the first portion 601, and the second portion 602.

[0234] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 are arranged inside the power supply unit case 11 so that they overlap in the left-right direction, but the second surface 72 only needs to be located closer to the power supply than the first surface 71. Therefore, the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 may not overlap in the left-right direction, but may be offset and arranged inside the power supply unit case 11.

[0235] This specification includes at least the following information. Note that the components etc. shown in parentheses correspond to those in the embodiments described above, but are not limited thereto.

[0236] (1) A power source (power source 12) capable of supplying power to a load (load 21) that atomizes an aerosol source (aerosol source 22), A temperature sensor (thermistor TH) that acquires the temperature of the power supply, A controller (MCU50) configured to control at least one of the charging of the power supply and the discharging of the power supply to the load based on the output of the temperature sensor, A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) for an aerosol aspirator (aerosol aspirator 1) comprising a circuit board (circuit board 60) on which a plurality of elements including the temperature sensor and the controller are mounted, The circuit board has a first surface (first surface 71) and a second surface (second surface 72) which is the back surface of the first surface or is located on the back side of the first surface. Multiple of the elements are mounted on the first and second surfaces, respectively. The second surface faces the power supply, and / or the second surface is positioned closer to the power supply than the first surface. The temperature sensor is mounted on the second surface and is part of the power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator.

[0237] According to (1), the temperature sensor is mounted on the second surface which faces the power supply and / or is located closer to the power supply than the first surface, so that the temperature sensor can be positioned facing the power supply and / or close to the power supply. This allows the temperature sensor to more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply.

[0238] (2) Power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator described in (1), The controller is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, mounted on the first surface.

[0239] According to (2), since the temperature sensor is mounted on a second surface different from the first surface on which the controller is mounted, the temperature sensor is less affected by the heat generated by the controller. As a result, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power supply more accurately.

[0240] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator described in (1) or (2), The temperature sensor includes a thermistor, One of the aforementioned multiple elements is a resistor (resistor R9) mounted on the second surface, On the second side, A voltage divider circuit (thermistor circuit C2) is formed by the thermistor and the resistor. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, wherein at least one of the plurality of elements is mounted at a position where the straight-line distance from the resistor is shorter than the straight-line distance from the resistor to the thermistor.

[0241] According to (3), the temperature sensor is equipped with a thermistor, and the thermistor is mounted on the second surface, spaced apart from the resistors that together form the voltage divider circuit. As a result, the thermistor is less affected by the heat generated by the resistors. This allows the temperature of the power supply to be detected more accurately using the thermistor.

[0242] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator described in (1) or (2), The second surface has a high-density region (high-density region 72A) where the mounting density of the plurality of elements is high, and a low-density region (low-density region 72B) where the mounting density of the plurality of elements is sparser than that of the high-density region. The temperature sensor is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, which is mounted in the low-density region.

[0243] According to (4), since the temperature sensor is mounted in an area with a low density of mounted elements, it is less susceptible to the effects of heat generated by other elements mounted on the circuit board. As a result, the temperature sensor can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply.

[0244] (5) A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator described in any of (1) to (4), A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, wherein, when viewed from a first direction (left-right direction) where the first surface and the second surface face each other, the element is not mounted in the region of the first surface that overlaps with the temperature sensor.

[0245] According to (5), when viewed from the first direction, no elements are mounted in the area of ​​the first surface that overlaps with the temperature sensor, so the temperature sensor is less affected by the heat generated from each element mounted on the first surface. As a result, the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the power supply more accurately.

[0246] (6) A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator described in any of (1) to (5), One of the aforementioned plurality of elements is a DC / DC converter (first DC / DC converter 63) connected between the power supply and the load. The DC / DC converter is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, mounted on the first surface.

[0247] According to (6), the DC / DC converter is mounted on the first side, which is different from the second side on which the temperature sensor is mounted, so the temperature sensor is less affected by the heat generated by the DC / DC converter. As a result, the temperature sensor can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply.

[0248] (7) A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator as described in any of (1) to (6), One of the aforementioned plurality of elements is a regulator (LDO regulator 62) that converts the power supplied from the power source into power to operate the controller. The regulator is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, mounted on the first surface.

[0249] According to (7), the regulator is mounted on the first side, which is different from the second side on which the temperature sensor is mounted, so the temperature sensor is less affected by the heat generated by the regulator. This allows the temperature sensor to detect the power supply temperature more accurately.

[0250] (8) A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator as described in any of (1) to (7), One of the aforementioned multiple elements is a charger (charging IC 55) that controls the charging of the power supply, The charger is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, mounted on the first surface.

[0251] According to (8), the charger is mounted on the first side, which is different from the second side on which the temperature sensor is mounted, so the temperature sensor is less affected by the heat generated by the charger. This allows the temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the power supply more accurately.

[0252] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator described in (1) or (2), The circuit board is held in place by an insulating holder (internal holder 13), The holder is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, having a partition wall (partition wall 13d), holding the circuit board on one side (right side) of the partition wall, and holding the power supply on the other side (left side) of the partition wall.

[0253] According to (9), the holder holds the circuit board on one side of the partition and the power supply on the other side of the partition. In this way, since both the circuit board and the power supply are held in the holder, the temperature sensor can be kept in a position suitable for detecting the temperature of the power supply. [Explanation of symbols]

[0254] 1. Aerosol aspirator 10 Power supply units 12 Power supply 13 Internal holder (holder) 13d bulkhead 21 load 22 Aerosol Sources 50 MCUs (Controllers) 55 Charging IC (charger) 60 Circuit boards 62 LDO Regulator (Regulator) 63. First DC / DC converter (DC / DC converter) 71 Page 1 72 2nd page 72A high density area 72B Low density area C2 Thermistor circuit (voltage divider circuit) R9 resistor TH Thermistor (Temperature Sensor)

Claims

1. A power source capable of supplying power to a load that atomizes an aerosol source, A temperature sensor that acquires the temperature of the power supply, A controller configured to control at least one of the charging of the power supply and the discharging of the power supply to the load based on the output of the temperature sensor, A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator comprising a circuit board on which a plurality of elements, including the temperature sensor and the controller, are mounted, The circuit board has a first surface and a second surface which is the back surface of the first surface or is located on the back side of the first surface. Multiple of the elements are mounted on the first and second surfaces, respectively. The second surface faces the power supply, and / or the second surface is positioned closer to the power supply than the first surface. The temperature sensor is mounted on the second surface and is part of the power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator.

2. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to claim 1, The controller is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, mounted on the first surface.

3. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to claim 1 or 2, The temperature sensor includes a thermistor, One of the aforementioned plurality of elements is a resistor mounted on the second surface, On the second side, A voltage divider circuit is formed by the thermistor and the resistor. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, wherein at least one of the plurality of elements is mounted at a position where the straight-line distance from the resistor is shorter than the straight-line distance from the resistor to the thermistor.

4. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to claim 1 or 2, The second surface has a high-density region where the mounting density of the plurality of elements is high, and a low-density region where the mounting density of the plurality of elements is sparser than that of the high-density region. The temperature sensor is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, which is mounted in the low-density region.

5. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, wherein, when viewed from a first direction in which the first surface and the second surface face each other, the element is not mounted in the region of the first surface that overlaps with the temperature sensor.

6. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, One of the aforementioned plurality of elements is a DC / DC converter connected between the power supply and the load. The DC / DC converter is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, mounted on the first surface.

7. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, One of the aforementioned plurality of elements is a regulator that converts the power supplied from the power source into power to operate the controller. The regulator is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, mounted on the first surface.

8. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, One of the aforementioned plurality of elements is a charger that controls the charging of the power supply, The charger is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, mounted on the first surface.

9. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to claim 1 or 2, The circuit board is provided with an insulating holder, The holder is a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, having a partition wall, holding the circuit board on one side of the partition wall, and holding the power supply on the other side of the partition wall.

Images