Aerosol generator power supply unit

Abstract

A power supply unit (10) for an aerosol inhaler (1) comprises: a power supply (12); a discharge terminal (41) to which is connected a heater (21) that consumes power supplied from the power supply (12) and heats an aerosol source (22); a charge terminal (43) which is connectable to an external power supply; a fourth FET (104); and a fifth FET (105) which is connected in parallel to the fourth FET (104). The fourth FET (104) and the fifth FET (105) which are connected in parallel connect the power supply (12) with the discharge terminal (41) or the charge terminal (43).

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a converter (buck-boost DC-DC converter) that receives a first voltage from a power source and supplies a second voltage to a heating element is provided in a circuit of a vaporizer device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japan Special Publication No. 2021-510053 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to be able to supply power from an external power source to the power source or to be able to supply power from the power source to the heating section, the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device includes various elements (electronic components). Each element can generate heat when a current flows through it, and if the element becomes too hot, this may lead to deterioration or damage of the electronic components provided in the power supply unit, or the operation of the power supply unit may become unstable. For this reason, it has been desired to suppress heat generation in the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device, but there is room for improvement in this regard in the conventional technology.

[0005] The present invention provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device capable of suppressing heat generation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] No. 1 The invention is Power supply, a heating unit connector to which a heating unit that consumes power supplied from the power source to heat the aerosol source is connected; an external power connector that can be connected to an external power source; A first switching element; a second switching element connected in parallel to the first switching element; a control device that controls the first switching element and the second switching element; Equipped with The first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel are connected to the power supply and the external power supply connector. Ta and Connect the a charging power supply system for charging the power supply with power from the external power supply supplied via the external power supply connector; The control device is configured to be able to operate both the first switching element and the second switching element. This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. The second invention is, Power supply, a heating unit connector to which a heating unit that consumes power supplied from the power source to heat the aerosol source is connected; an external power connector that can be connected to an external power source; A first switching element; a second switching element connected in parallel to the first switching element; a control device that controls the first switching element and the second switching element; Equipped with the first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel connect the power source and the heating unit connector to constitute a heating unit power supply system for supplying power from the power source to the heating unit, and in the heating unit power supply system, a boost circuit is constituted to boost the power of the power source and output it to the heating unit; The control device is configured to be able to operate both the first switching element and the second switching element. This is the power supply unit for the aerosol generating device. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device capable of suppressing heat generation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhalator 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol inhalator 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhalator 1. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a power supply unit 10 of the aerosol inhalator 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a charging power supply system and a first MCU power supply system in a power supply unit 10. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a heater power supply system and a second MCU power supply system in the power supply unit 10. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another example of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit 10 of the aerosol inhalator 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a power supply unit 10 according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit 10 of the first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a power supply unit 10 according to a second modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit 10 of the second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a second aerosol inhalator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. First, an aerosol inhaler as an example of an aerosol generating device equipped with the power supply unit of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted as appropriate.

[0010] [First aerosol inhaler] The aerosol inhalator 1 is a device for generating an aerosol to which flavor has been added without combustion and inhaling the generated aerosol. The aerosol inhalator 1 is preferably a size that fits in the hand and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The aerosol inhalator 1 may be oval or elliptical. In the following description, the three orthogonal directions of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped aerosol inhalator 1 are referred to as the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction in the order of length. In the following description, for convenience, the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions are defined as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and the front is indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left as L, the right as R, the upper as U, and the lower as D.

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

[0012] [Power supply unit] 1 and 2, the power supply unit 10 accommodates a power supply 12, an internal holder 13, a circuit board 60, various sensors such as an intake sensor 15, etc., inside a power supply unit case 11 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape (hereinafter also referred to as the case interior). Configuring the power supply unit 10 by accommodating the power supply 12, the circuit board 60, etc., all together in the power supply unit case 11 makes it easier for the user to carry the power supply unit 10, thereby improving user convenience.

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

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

[0015] Between the top and rear surfaces of the power supply unit 10, there is provided an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the rear. An operation unit 18 that can be operated by a user is provided on the inclined surface. The operation unit 18 is composed of a button-type switch, a touch panel, or the like. As an example, a user can operate the operation unit 18 to start up the power supply unit 10 (for example, the MCU 50 described below).

[0016] A charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) is provided on the underside of the power source unit 10. The charging terminal 43 is, for example, a receptacle into which a plug (not shown) provided at the end of a cable connected to an external power source can be inserted. As the charging terminal 43, a receptacle into which various USB terminals (plugs) can be inserted can be used. As an example, in this embodiment, the charging terminal 43 is a USB Type-C shaped receptacle. This makes it easy to charge the power source unit 10 (i.e., the aerosol inhaler 1) in various places, improving user convenience.

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

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

[0019] The power source 12 is disposed in the space on the left side of the internal holder 13. The power source 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source 12 may be one of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid, or a combination of these.

[0020] An L-shaped circuit board 60 is disposed in a space formed by the right space of the internal holder 13 and a lower space formed between the cartridge holding portion 13a and the lower surface of the power supply unit 10. The circuit board 60 is configured by stacking multiple layers (for example, four layers) of boards. Various electronic components for implementing various functions of the power supply unit 10, such as the MCU 50 described below, are mounted on the circuit board 60.

[0021] The MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50 is connected to various sensor devices including an inhalation sensor 15 that detects the user's puff (inhalation) action on the aerosol inhalator 1, an operation unit 18, a notification unit 45, etc., and is a control device (controller) that overall controls the aerosol inhalator 1 (power supply unit 10) as a whole.

[0022] Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly composed of a processor, and further includes storage media such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) necessary for the operation of the processor and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various information. In this specification, the processor is, for example, an electric circuit combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Note that some of the elements connected to the MCU 50 described above (for example, the intake sensor 15) may be provided inside the MCU 50 as a function of the MCU 50 itself.

[0023] A cylindrical cartridge holder 14 that holds the first cartridge 20 is disposed in the cartridge holding portion 13a. A through hole 13b that receives a discharge terminal 41 (see FIG. 3) that is provided so as to protrude from the circuit board 60 toward the first cartridge 20 is provided at the lower end of the cartridge holding portion 13a. The discharge terminal 41 is a connector to which the heater 21 provided in the first cartridge 20 is electrically connected. In addition, the discharge terminal 41 is configured, for example, by a pin with a built-in spring, so that the user can easily remove the connected heater 21 as necessary.

[0024] The through hole 13b is larger than the discharge terminal 41 and is configured so that air flows into the inside of the first cartridge 20 through a gap formed between the through hole 13b and the discharge terminal 41.

[0025] An inhalation sensor 15 for detecting a puffing operation is provided on the outer peripheral surface 14a of the cartridge holder 14 at a position facing the circuit board 60. The inhalation sensor 15 can be formed of, for example, a condenser microphone or a pressure sensor. The cartridge holder 14 is also provided with a vertically long hole 14b through which the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 can be visually confirmed, and is configured so that the user can visually check the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 through the hole 14b of the first cartridge 20 from a translucent remaining amount confirmation window 11w provided in the power supply unit case 11.

[0026] 3, the mouthpiece 17 is removably fixed to the upper end of the cartridge holder 14. The second cartridge 30 is removably fixed to the mouthpiece 17. The mouthpiece 17 includes a cartridge accommodating portion 17b that accommodates a portion of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 17c that communicates between the first cartridge 20 and the cartridge accommodating portion 17b.

[0027] An air intake 11i for taking in outside air is provided in the power supply unit case 11. The air intake 11i is provided, for example, in the remaining amount check window 11w.

[0028] [1st cartridge] As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 is provided with a reservoir 23 for storing the aerosol source 22, a heater 21 for heating the aerosol source 22, a wick 24 for drawing the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the heater 21, and an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol source 22, which has been heated by the heater 21 and atomized and / or vaporized (hereinafter also simply referred to as atomized), flows toward the second cartridge 30 while being aerosolized, inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27.

[0029] Reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed so as to surround the periphery of aerosol flow path 25, and stores aerosol source 22. Reservoir 23 may contain a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the porous body may be impregnated with aerosol source 22. Reservoir 23 may not contain a porous body on the resin web or cotton, and may store only aerosol source 22. Aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0030] The wick 24 is a liquid retention member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the heater 21 by using capillary action. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0031] Heater 21 consumes power supplied from power source 12 via discharge terminal 41 to heat aerosol source 22 and atomize aerosol source 22. Heater 21 can be configured, for example, with an electric heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. As heater 21, a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating heater, etc. can be used.

[0032] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided downstream of the heater 21 and on the center line of the first cartridge 20 .

[0033] [Second cartridge] The second cartridge 30 stores a flavor source 31. The second cartridge 30 is removably housed in a cartridge housing portion 17b provided in the mouthpiece 17.

[0034] The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the heater 21 through the flavor source 31. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31 may be cut tobacco or a molded product obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into a granular shape. The flavor source 31 may be made of a plant other than tobacco (e.g., mint, Chinese medicine, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 31 may be imparted with a flavoring such as menthol.

[0035] The aerosol inhaler 1 can generate (i.e., generate) aerosol to which flavor has been added by the aerosol source 22, the flavor source 31, and the heater 21. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 constitute an aerosol generation source that generates aerosol to which flavor has been added.

[0036] The configuration of the aerosol generation source used in the aerosol inhaler 1 may be a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate entities, a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are formed integrally, a configuration in which the flavor source 31 is omitted and a substance that can be contained in the flavor source 31 is added to the aerosol source 22, a configuration in which a drug or the like is added to the aerosol source 22 instead of the flavor source 31, etc.

[0037] In the aerosol inhaler 1 configured in this manner, as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 3, air flowing in from the air intake 11i provided in the power supply unit case 11 passes near the heater 21 of the first cartridge 20 through a gap formed between the through hole 13b and the discharge terminal 41. The heater 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn in from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The atomized aerosol flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the intake, and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 through 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.

[0038] The aerosol inhaler 1 is also provided with a notification unit 45 that notifies various pieces of information. The notification unit 45 may be composed of a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED), a vibration element, or a sound output element. The notification unit 45 may also be a combination of two or more elements selected from the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10, which is not a consumable item.

[0039] The above-mentioned aerosol inhalator 1 (also referred to as the "first aerosol inhalator") is a so-called low-temperature heating type aerosol inhalator, but the present invention is also applicable to a so-called high-temperature heating type aerosol inhalator (also referred to as the "second aerosol inhalator"). An example of the configuration of the second aerosol inhalator will be described below.

[0040] [Second aerosol inhaler] As shown in FIG. 12, an aerosol inhalator 1B, which is an example of the second aerosol inhalator, includes a power supply unit 1211B, a sensor unit 1212B, a notification unit 1213B, a control unit 1216B, a heating unit 1221B, a holding unit 1240, and a heat insulating unit 1244.

[0041] The power supply unit 1211B is substantially the same as the power supply 12 in the above-mentioned aerosol inhalator 1 (i.e., the first aerosol inhalator). The sensor unit 1212B is substantially the same as various sensor devices including the inhalation sensor 15 in the above-mentioned aerosol inhalator 1. The notification unit 1213B is substantially the same as the notification unit 45 in the above-mentioned aerosol inhalator 1. The control unit 1216B is substantially the same as the MCU 50 in the above-mentioned aerosol inhalator 1. The heating unit 1221B is substantially the same as the heater 21 in the above-mentioned aerosol inhalator 1.

[0042] The holding part 1240 has an internal space 1241, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 1250 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped substrate 1250 in the internal space 1241. The holding part 1240 has an opening 1242 that communicates the internal space 1241 with the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 1250 inserted from the opening 1242 into the internal space 1241. For example, the holding part 1240 is a cylindrical body with the opening 1242 and the bottom part 1243 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 1241. The holding part 1240 also has a function of defining a flow path of air supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 1250. An air inlet hole that is an entrance of air to such a flow path is arranged in the bottom part 1243, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet hole that is an exit of air from such a flow path is the opening 1242.

[0043] The stick-type substrate 1250 includes a substrate portion 1251 and a suction mouth portion 1252. The substrate portion 1251 includes an aerosol source. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. When the stick-type substrate 1250 is held by the holder 1240, at least a part of the substrate portion 1251 is accommodated in the internal space 1241, and at least a part of the suction mouth portion 1252 protrudes from the opening 1242. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 1252 protruding from the opening 1242 in his / her mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 1241 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 1251.

[0044] 12, the heating unit 1221B is configured in a film shape and is disposed so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 1240. When the heating unit 1221B generates heat, the substrate unit 1251 of the stick-shaped substrate 1250 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0045] The heat insulating section 1244 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 1221B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 1244 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0046] An example of the aerosol inhalator 1B, which is the second aerosol inhalator, has been described above. Of course, the configuration of the aerosol inhalator 1B is not limited to the above, and may take various configurations, as exemplified below.

[0047] As an example, the heating unit 1221B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 1243 of the holding unit 1240 into the internal space 1241. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 1221B is inserted into the substrate 1251 of the stick-shaped substrate 1250 and heats the substrate 1251 of the stick-shaped substrate 1250 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 1221B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 1243 of the holding unit 1240. In addition, the heating unit 1221B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit that covers the outer periphery of the holding unit 1240, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit that covers the bottom 1243 of the holding unit 1240.

[0048] As another example, the holding unit 1240 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 1241. The holding unit 1240 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 1250 inserted into the internal space 1241. In this case, the heating unit 1221B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 1240, and heat the stick-shaped substrate 1250 while pressing it.

[0049] In addition, in the second aerosol inhalator, that is, aerosol inhalator 1B, the aerosol inhalator 1B itself also functions as a power supply unit.

[0050] An example of the configuration of the first aerosol inhalator and the second aerosol inhalator has been described above. In the following, an example in which the present invention is applied to the first aerosol inhalator will be mainly described, but the present invention may also be applied to the second aerosol inhalator.

[0051] [Power supply unit circuit configuration] Next, an example of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the following, in order to simplify the description, the main parts of the circuit configuration of the power supply unit 10 for charging the power supply 12 with power from an external power supply supplied via the charging terminal 43 and for supplying the power of the power supply 12 to the heater 21 will be mainly described, and illustrations and descriptions of other parts will be omitted as appropriate.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply unit 10 includes, as its main components, a power supply 12, a discharge terminal 41 as an example of a heating unit connector to which a heater 21 as an example of a heating unit is connected, a charging terminal 43 as an example of an external power supply connector connectable to an external power supply, a FET (Field Effect Transistor) as an example of a switching element which is a semiconductor that performs switching, an MCU 50, and an LDO regulator 62 that generates power suitable for operating the MCU 50.

[0053] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the power supply unit 10 includes a first FET 101, a second FET 102, a third FET 103, a fourth FET 104, and a fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104, as FETs.

[0054] The MCU 50 is configured to be able to control the operation (i.e., on / off) of each FET included in the power supply unit 10. For example, each FET included in the power supply unit 10 is a MOSFET, and the MCU 50 controls the on / off of each FET by controlling the gate voltage applied to the gate terminal of each FET. Note that each FET included in the power supply unit 10 is not limited to a MOSFET, and may be, for example, an IGBT or a bipolar transistor.

[0055] An example of the electrical connections between the main components of the power supply unit 10 will now be described in detail.

[0056] The charging terminal 43 is connected to one end of the first FET 101. The other end of the first FET 101 is connected to one end of the discharge terminal 41, an input terminal of the LDO regulator 62, and one end of the second FET 102. The other end of the discharge terminal 41 is connected to the heater 21. The output terminal of the LDO regulator 62 is connected to a power supply terminal of the MCU 50.

[0057] Furthermore, a first capacitor 111 is connected between the first FET 101 and the second FET 102. To be more specific, one end (high potential side terminal) of the first capacitor 111 is connected to a connection point Cp1 provided between the other end of the first FET 101 and one end of the second FET 102. Here, the connection point Cp1 is provided on the second FET 102 side with respect to a connection point Cp2 that branches from the other end of the first FET 101 toward one end of the discharge terminal 41 (in other words, to which one end of the discharge terminal 41 is connected).

[0058] The other end (low potential terminal) of first capacitor 111 is connected to a wiring (hereinafter also referred to as a "ground line") having the same potential as the reference potential (ground potential) in power supply unit 10. By providing such a first capacitor 111, it becomes possible for first capacitor 111 to smooth the power input from first FET 101 to second FET 102 and the power output from second FET 102 to discharge terminal 41.

[0059] For example, when a charging power system, which will be described later, is in operation, the first capacitor 111 functions as a smoothing capacitor that smoothes the power input from the first FET 101 side to the second FET 102. On the other hand, when a heater power system, which will be described later, is in operation, the first capacitor 111 functions as a smoothing capacitor that smoothes the power output from the second FET 102 to the discharge terminal 41 side. In this way, by commonizing the smoothing capacitors in the different power supply systems to one first capacitor 111, the configuration of the power supply unit 10 can be simplified, and it is possible to reduce the size of the power supply unit 10 and suppress the manufacturing costs.

[0060] The other end of the second FET 102 is connected to one end of the parallel-connected fourth FET 104 and fifth FET 105 via a reactor 121. The second FET 102 and the reactor 121 can step down the power input to the second FET 102 from the first FET 101 side (i.e., the charging terminal 43 side) and output the stepped-down power to the fourth FET 104 and fifth FET 105 side (i.e., the power source 12 side).

[0061] Moreover, the third FET 103 is connected between the other end of the second FET 102 and the reactor 121. Specifically, one end of the third FET 103 is connected to a connection point Cp3 provided between the other end of the second FET 102 and the reactor 121. That is, one end of the third FET 103 is connected to one end of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel via the reactor 121. Also, the other end of the third FET 103 is connected to a ground line. The third FET 103 and the reactor 121 can boost the power input to the third FET 103 from the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 side (i.e., the power source 12 side) and output the boosted power to the second FET 102 side (i.e., the discharge terminal 41 and the heater 21 side).

[0062] That is, reactor 121 is used for both stepping down the voltage by second FET 102 and stepping up the voltage by third FET 103. By sharing the single reactor 121 as the reactors used for stepping down the voltage by second FET 102 and stepping up the voltage by third FET 103 in this manner, the configuration of power supply unit 10 can be simplified, and it is possible to reduce the size of power supply unit 10 and suppress the manufacturing costs.

[0063] The other end of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel is connected to the power supply 12 (strictly speaking, the positive terminal of the power supply 12). In addition, a second capacitor 112 is connected between the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105. Specifically, one end (high potential side terminal) of the second capacitor 112 is connected to a connection point Cp4 provided between one end of the fourth FET 104 and one end of the fifth FET 105. The other end (low potential side terminal) of the second capacitor 112 is connected to a ground line. By providing such a second capacitor 112, it becomes possible to smooth the power input from the reactor 121 side to the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 and the power output from the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 to the reactor 121 side by the second capacitor 112.

[0064] For example, when a charging power system, which will be described later, is in operation, the second capacitor 112 functions as a smoothing capacitor that smoothes the power input from the reactor 121 side to the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105. On the other hand, when a heater power system, which will be described later, is in operation, the second capacitor 112 functions as a smoothing capacitor that smoothes the power output from the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 to the reactor 121 side. In this way, by commonizing the smoothing capacitors in the different power systems to one second capacitor 112, the configuration of the power supply unit 10 can be simplified, and it is possible to reduce the size of the power supply unit 10 and the manufacturing costs.

[0065] [Each power supply system in the power supply unit] As shown in FIG. 4, in the power supply unit 10, the charging terminal 43 is connected to the power supply 12 via the first FET 101, the second FET 102, etc. Such first FET 101 and second FET 102 constitute a charging power supply system for charging the power supply 12 with the power of an external power supply supplied via the charging terminal 43. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel are also provided between the charging terminal 43 and the power supply 12 and function to connect them. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel also constitute the charging power supply system. Details of the charging power supply system will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, etc.

[0066] In the power supply unit 10, the discharge terminal 41 is connected to the power supply 12 via the third FET 103 and the like. Such a third FET 103 constitutes a heater power supply system for supplying power from the power supply 12 to the heater 21. Details of the heater power supply system will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 and the like.

[0067] Furthermore, in the power supply unit 10, the MCU 50 is connected to the charging terminal 43 via the first FET 101, the LDO regulator 62, etc. Such first FET 101 and the LDO regulator 62 constitute a first MCU power supply system for operating the MCU 50 using power from an external power supply supplied via the charging terminal 43. Details of the first MCU power supply system will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 etc.

[0068] Furthermore, in the power supply unit 10, the MCU 50 is also connected to the power supply 12 via the second FET 102, the LDO regulator 62, etc. Such second FET 102 and LDO regulator 62 constitute a second MCU power supply system for operating the MCU 50 using the power of the power supply 12. For example, when the power supply unit 10 is operating with the charging terminal 43 not connected to an external power supply, power is supplied to the MCU 50 by this second MCU power supply system. Details of the second MCU power supply system will be described later with reference to FIG. 6 etc.

[0069] In this way, the power supply unit 10 is provided with a plurality of power supply systems, such as a charging power supply system for supplying power to the power supply 12, a heater power supply system for supplying power to the heater 21, and an MCU power supply system (first MCU power supply system and second MCU power supply system) for supplying power to the MCU 50. This makes it possible to supply appropriate power to each load, such as the power supply 12, the heater 21, and the MCU 50. For example, it is possible to supply power having a voltage value of about 3 to 4 [V] to the power supply 12, power having a voltage value of about 5 to 10 [V] to the heater 21, and power having a voltage value of about 3 [V] to the MCU 50. This makes it possible to efficiently charge the power supply 12 while avoiding deterioration or damage to the power supply 12, to supply power sufficient to generate aerosol to the heater 21 to improve the flavor and taste of the aerosol inhaler 1, and to stably operate the MCU 50.

[0070] [1st MCU power supply system] Below, we will explain a specific example of each power supply system in the power supply unit 10. First, the first MCU power supply system will be explained with reference to Fig. 5. For example, when the charging terminal 43 is connected to an external power supply, the first MCU power supply system supplies power to the MCU 50, and the MCU 50 operates.

[0071] 5, the arrow indicated by the reference symbol 501 indicates a power supply path by the first MCU power supply system. That is, when the charging terminal 43 is connected to an external power supply, the first FET 101 is turned on, and power from the external power supply is supplied to the LDO regulator 62 via the first FET 101. The LDO regulator 62 generates power for operating the MCU 50 from the supplied power, and supplies the generated power to the MCU 50. This causes the MCU 50 to operate.

[0072] For example, the power of the external power supply supplied to the power supply unit 10 via the charging terminal 43 is USB bus power having a voltage value of approximately 5 [V], and the LDO regulator 62 generates power having a voltage value of approximately 3 [V] from the supplied USB bus power, which is suitable for operating the MCU 50.

[0073] [Charging power system] Next, the charging power supply system will be described with continued reference to Fig. 5. For example, when the charging terminal 43 is connected to an external power supply, the MCU 50 sets the operation mode of the power supply unit 10 to the charging mode. Then, when the operation mode of the power supply unit 10 is the charging mode, the MCU 50 activates the charging power supply system to charge the power supply 12 with electric power from the external power supply.

[0074] 5, the arrow indicated by the reference symbol 502 indicates a power supply path by the charging power supply system. That is, when the first FET 101 is turned on in response to the charging terminal 43 being connected to an external power supply, power from the external power supply is also supplied to the second FET 102 via the first FET 101. Then, the MCU 50 controls the switching of the second FET 102 to step down the power input to the second FET 102.

[0075] For example, the second FET 102 steps down the USB bus power of about 5 [V], which is the power of the external power supply supplied to the power supply unit 10 via the charging terminal 43, to generate power having a voltage value of about 3 to 4 [V] suitable for charging the power supply 12. Furthermore, the MCU 50 keeps the third FET 103 off when the operation mode of the power supply unit 10 is the charging mode.

[0076] The power stepped down by the second FET 102 is output to the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105, and supplied to the power supply 12. That is, the second FET 102 constitutes a step-down circuit in the charging power supply system that steps down the power of the external power supply and outputs it to the power supply 12.

[0077] Then, the MCU 50 controls the switching of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 to control the charging of the power source 12. Here, the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 are switching elements that control the current value of the power that charges the power source 12 in the charging power supply system. For example, the MCU 50 controls the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 so that the power source 12 is charged by a constant current charging method by adjusting the gate voltage from the start of charging until the power source 12 reaches a predetermined charging voltage. Then, the MCU 50 controls the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 so that the power source 12 is charged by a constant voltage charging method by adjusting the gate voltage after the power source 12 reaches the predetermined charging voltage.

[0078] When the switching element is controlled to charge the power source 12 by a constant current charging method or a constant voltage charging method, the on-resistance is large compared to when the switching element is fully on, and the heat generated by the switching element due to this on-resistance is large. Therefore, by controlling the power to charge the power source 12 by multiple FETs connected in parallel, it becomes possible to charge the power source 12 while suppressing the heat generation of these multiple FETs. This is because, when the power to charge the power source 12 is controlled by multiple FETs connected in parallel, the current value of the current flowing through each FET can be made smaller than when this control is performed by a single FET. Since power is proportional to the square of the current value, it becomes possible to effectively suppress the power consumption, i.e., the heat generation, due to the on-resistance of each FET that controls the power to charge the power source 12 when charging the power source 12.

[0079] [Heater power supply system] Next, the second MCU power supply system will be described with reference to Fig. 6. For example, when the MCU 50 detects a user's puffing action on the aerosol inhalator 1 while the charging terminal 43 is not connected to an external power supply, the MCU 50 sets the operation mode of the power supply unit 10 to the inhalation mode. Then, when the operation mode of the power supply unit 10 is the inhalation mode, the MCU 50 activates the heater power supply system to supply power from the power supply 12 to the heater 21.

[0080] In FIG. 6, the arrows indicated by the reference numeral 601 indicate the power supply path by the heater power supply system. That is, when the MCU 50 detects a puffing action of the user on the aerosol inhalator 1, the MCU 50 starts discharging from the power supply 12 to supply the heater 21 with the power required for generating the aerosol. At this time, the MCU 50 turns the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 fully on. This makes it possible to reduce the on-resistance of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 compared to when the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 are not fully on. Therefore, it is possible to suppress heat generation and power loss due to the on-resistance of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 in the inhalation mode (i.e., when the heater power supply system is operating).

[0081] The power discharged from the power source 12 is supplied to the third FET 103 via the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105. Then, the MCU 50 controls the switching of the third FET 103 to boost the power input to the third FET 103. For example, power having a voltage value of about 3 to 4 [V], which is the output voltage of the power source 12, is input to the third FET 103. Then, the third FET 103 boosts this power to generate power having a voltage value of about 5 to 10 [V] suitable for generating an aerosol by the heater 21.

[0082] The power boosted by the third FET 103 is supplied to the heater 21 via the second FET 102 and the discharge terminal 41. That is, the third FET 103 constitutes a boost circuit in the heater power supply system that boosts the power of the power supply 12 and outputs it to the heater 21. When the power boosted by the third FET 103 is supplied to the heater 21, the aerosol source 22 is heated by the heater 21, and an aerosol is generated.

[0083] When the operation mode of the power supply unit 10 is the attraction mode, the MCU 50 turns the second FET 102 fully on. This makes it possible to reduce the on-resistance of the second FET 102 compared to when the second FET 102 is not fully on. This makes it possible to suppress heat generation and power loss due to the on-resistance of the second FET 102 in the attraction mode (i.e., when the heater power supply system is operating). Furthermore, the MCU 50 keeps the first FET 101 off when the operation mode of the power supply unit 10 is the attraction mode.

[0084] [2nd MCU power supply system] Next, the second MCU power supply system will be described with continued reference to Fig. 6. For example, when the power supply unit 10 is operating (including the above-mentioned suction mode) when the charging terminal 43 is not connected to an external power supply, power is supplied to the MCU 50 by the second MCU power supply system.

[0085] 6, the arrow indicated by the reference numeral 602 indicates a power supply path by the second MCU power supply system. The second MCU power supply system is similar to the heater power supply system from the power supply 12 to the connection point Cp2. Therefore, a description of this section will be omitted.

[0086] In the second MCU power supply system, the power of the power supply 12 is boosted by the third FET 103 and supplied to the LDO regulator 62. The LDO regulator 62 generates power having a voltage value of about 3 [V] suitable for operating the MCU 50 from the power boosted by the third FET 103, and supplies the generated power to the MCU 50. This causes the MCU 50 to operate.

[0087] As described above, in the power supply unit 10, by providing the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104 that connects the power supply 12 and the charging terminal 43, it is possible to reduce the current flowing through the fourth FET 104 when the power supply 12 is charged with power from an external power supply, thereby suppressing heat generation by the fourth FET 104. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electronic components of the power supply unit 10, including the fourth FET 104, from deteriorating or breaking due to the heat of the fourth FET 104 when the power supply 12 is charged, and to prevent the operation of the power supply unit 10 from becoming unstable.

[0088] Here, the fourth FET 104 is an FET that controls the current value of the power that charges the power source 12 in the charging power supply system. Therefore, by providing the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to such a fourth FET 104, it is possible to reduce the current flowing through the fourth FET 104 when controlling the current value of the power that charges the power source 12, thereby suppressing heat generation in the fourth FET 104.

[0089] In the above description, two FETs, the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105, are connected in parallel as the FETs that control the current value of the power that charges the power source 12. However, three or more FETs may be connected in parallel. The more FETs that are connected in parallel, the smaller the current value of the current that flows through each FET can be, and therefore the heat generation suppression effect can be further improved.

[0090] However, when the power for charging the power supply 12 is controlled by multiple FETs, such as the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105, the number of FETs operating when charging the power supply 12 increases compared to when this control is performed by a single FET, and this may result in increased power consumption in the power supply unit 10.

[0091] Therefore, from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit 10, the MCU 50 may change the number of FETs to be operated among the multiple FETs connected in parallel to control the power to charge the power supply 12, depending on the power to charge the power supply 12.

[0092] For example, when the power to charge the power supply 12 is relatively small (for example, when it is equal to or less than a first threshold value set in advance), the MCU 50 operates only one of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel, and when the power to charge the power supply 12 is relatively large (for example, when it is larger than the first threshold value), the MCU 50 operates both of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel. In this way, by changing the number of FETs to be operated among the multiple FETs connected in parallel to control the power to charge the power supply 12 according to the power to charge the power supply 12, it is possible to operate an appropriate number of FETs when charging the power supply 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 from becoming hot when charging the power supply 12 while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit 10, and it is possible to reduce the risk of deterioration or damage of electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10 or unstable operation of the power supply unit 10.

[0093] Furthermore, if the power source 12 is charged with a large power (for example, a large current) when the temperature of the power source 12 is low, the power source 12 may be significantly deteriorated. From the viewpoint of suppressing such deterioration of the power source 12, the power source unit 10 may be configured to charge the power source 12 with a first power when the temperature of the power source 12 is equal to or lower than a threshold value (for example, 0° C.), and to charge the power source 12 with a second power higher than the first power when the temperature of the power source 12 becomes higher than the threshold value. Then, the MCU 50 may be configured to operate only one of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel when the power source 12 is charged with the first power, and to operate both of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel when the power source 12 is charged with the second power. This makes it possible to charge the power source 12 with an appropriate power according to the temperature of the power source 12, and to avoid deterioration of the power source 12 caused by charging the power source 12 with a large power when the temperature of the power source 12 is low. In addition, when charging the power supply 12, an appropriate number of FETs can be operated according to the power used to charge the power supply 12, which makes it possible to prevent the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 from becoming too hot when charging the power supply 12 while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit 10, thereby reducing the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10, or of the operation of the power supply unit 10 becoming unstable.

[0094] Furthermore, if the charging terminal 43 is connected to an external power source when the output voltage of the power source 12 is low, a large current flows as an inrush current into the power source unit 10, which may damage the power source unit 10. From the viewpoint of protecting the power source unit 10 from such an inrush current, the power source unit 10 may charge the power source 12 with the first power (specifically, perform precharging using a small current) when the output voltage of the power source 12 is equal to or lower than a threshold value (e.g., 3 [V]), and may charge the power source 12 with a second power higher than the first power when the output voltage of the power source 12 becomes higher than the threshold value. Then, the MCU 50 may operate only one of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel when the power source 12 is being charged with the first power (i.e., during precharging), and may operate both of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel when the power source 12 is being charged with the second power. This makes it possible to charge the power source 12 with an appropriate power according to the output voltage of the power source 12, and to protect the power source unit 10 from an inrush current. In addition, when charging the power supply 12, an appropriate number of FETs can be operated according to the power used to charge the power supply 12, which makes it possible to prevent the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 from becoming too hot when charging the power supply 12 while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit 10, thereby reducing the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10, or of the operation of the power supply unit 10 becoming unstable.

[0095] In addition, when multiple FETs connected in parallel are provided in the power supply unit 10, at least one of the multiple FETs may be provided in the power supply unit 10 as an IC (Integrated Circuit), and the remaining FETs of the multiple FETs may be provided in the power supply unit 10 as separate entities from the IC.

[0096] For example, assume that, of the above-mentioned fourth FET 104 and fifth FET 105, the fourth FET 104 is provided in an IC and mounted on the power supply unit 10, and the fifth FET 105 is mounted on the power supply unit 10 as a separate entity from the IC. In this case, as shown in FIG 7, the power supply unit 10 includes an IC 700 configured to include the fourth FET 104.

[0097] 7, the IC700 is configured to include a terminal 701 to which the other FETs except the fifth FET 105, the LDO regulator 62, and a FET provided outside the IC700 can be connected, and is mounted on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10. The fifth FET 105 provided outside the IC700 (for example, directly mounted on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10) is connected to the terminal 701 of the IC700. In this manner, when the fifth FET 105 is connected to the terminal 701, the IC700 connects the fifth FET 105 connected to the terminal 701 in parallel with the fourth FET 104 provided inside the IC700. In other words, the terminal 701 is provided so that the FET outside the IC700, which can be connected to the terminal 701, and the fourth FET 104 provided inside the IC700 are connected in parallel.

[0098] 7, by providing IC700 including the fourth FET 104 with terminal 701 that enables a FET provided outside IC700 to be connected in parallel with the fourth FET 104, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1 can easily provide a FET that is connected in parallel with the fourth FET 104, such as the above-mentioned fifth FET 105, in the power supply unit 10 as necessary. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily mount an appropriate number of FETs in the power supply unit 10 according to the specifications of the power supply unit 10, etc.

[0099] As an example, when the power supply unit 10 is configured so that the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively large, it is expected that the fourth FET 104 will become hot unless the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104 is provided. In such a case, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1 can prevent the fourth FET 104 from becoming hot by adding an FET connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104, such as the above-mentioned fifth FET 105, to the power supply unit 10, thereby reducing the risk of deterioration or damage of electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10 or unstable operation of the power supply unit 10.

[0100] On the other hand, when the power supply unit 10 is configured so that the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively small, the fourth FET 104 is not likely to become very hot even without the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104, and the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10 or unstable operation of the power supply unit 10 is relatively low. Therefore, in such a case, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1 can simplify the configuration of the power supply unit 10 by not providing an FET connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104, such as the above-mentioned fifth FET 105, in the power supply unit 10, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the power supply unit 10 and suppress the manufacturing costs.

[0101] More specifically, the second aerosol inhalator generally supplies more power to the heating unit than the first aerosol inhalator. Therefore, in the second aerosol inhalator, if the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104 is not provided, the fourth FET 104 becomes hot, which may cause deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10, or the operation of the power supply unit 10 to become unstable. Therefore, in the second aerosol inhalator, it is preferable to provide the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104.

[0102] On the other hand, in the first aerosol inhalator, even if the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104 is not provided, the fourth FET 104 does not become very hot, so the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10 or of unstable operation of the power supply unit 10 is considered to be relatively low. Therefore, taking into account manufacturing costs, etc., it is preferable not to provide the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104 in the first aerosol inhalator.

[0103] Therefore, by creating an IC like IC700 that can connect an external FET (external FET) in parallel to the fourth FET 104, and adding an external FET that is connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104 only in the case of the second aerosol inhalator, even if the IC used in the first aerosol inhalator and the second aerosol inhalator is common, an appropriate number of FETs can be easily implemented in each aerosol inhalator. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to create different ICs for the first aerosol inhalator and the second aerosol inhalator separately, and it is possible to reduce the cost and labor involved in manufacturing these aerosol inhalators.

[0104] Moreover, by integrating the FET that connects the power source 12 and the charging terminal 43 or the discharging terminal 41 with other electronic components included in the power supply unit 10 and mounting them on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10, it is possible to mount them on the circuit board 60 in a smaller space than when they are individually mounted on the circuit board 60, and the circuit board 60 (i.e., the power supply unit 10) can be made smaller. Furthermore, by integrating the FET that connects the power source 12 and the charging terminal 43 or the discharging terminal 41 with other electronic components included in the power supply unit 10 and mounting them on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10, it is possible to simplify the mounting work compared to when they are individually mounted on the circuit board 60.

[0105] 7, the MCU 50 is provided outside the IC 700, but the IC 700 may also include the MCU 50. In this way, the MCU 50 that controls the fourth FET 104 can also be easily implemented in the power supply unit 10.

[0106] [Variations] Next, a modified example of the embodiment described above will be described. Note that, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0107] 4, the fifth FET 105 is connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104, but this is not limiting. Instead of or in addition to the fifth FET 105, a FET connected in parallel to a FET other than the fourth FET 104 may be provided.

[0108] [First Modification] As a first modification, as shown in FIG. 8, a sixth FET 106 connected in parallel to the third FET 103 may be provided. For example, in an aerosol inhalator that supplies a relatively small amount of power to the heating unit, such as the first aerosol inhalator, the third FET 103 does not become very hot even if the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel to the third FET 103 is not provided. On the other hand, in an aerosol inhalator that supplies a relatively large amount of power to the heating unit, such as the second aerosol inhalator, if the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel to the third FET 103 is not provided, the third FET 103 becomes hot, and there is a risk that the electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10 may deteriorate or be damaged, or the operation of the power supply unit 10 may become unstable. Therefore, in the case of the first aerosol inhalator, the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel to the third FET 103 may not be provided, and in the case of the second aerosol inhalator, the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel to the third FET 103 may be provided.

[0109] 8, one end of the third FET 103 and sixth FET 106 connected in parallel is connected to one end of the fourth FET 104 via the reactor 121. The other ends of the third FET 103 and sixth FET 106 are connected to a ground line. By providing such third FET 103, sixth FET 106, and reactor 121, it becomes possible to boost the power input to the third FET 103 and sixth FET 106 from the fourth FET 104 side (i.e., the power supply 12 side) and output the boosted power to the second FET 102 side (i.e., the discharge terminal 41 side).

[0110] In the first modified example, the MCU 50 controls the third FET 103 and sixth FET 106 connected in parallel in the same manner as, for example, the third FET 103 in the above-described embodiment. That is, when power from the power source 12 is supplied to the heater 21 or the MCU 50 (for example, when the heater power supply system or the second MCU power supply system is operating), the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 are switched to boost the input power and output the boosted power to the second FET 102 side (i.e., the discharge terminal 41 side).

[0111] That is, the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 in the first modification form a boost circuit in the heater power supply system that boosts the power of the power supply 12 and outputs it to the heater 21. Furthermore, the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 are turned off when the power supply 12 is being charged (i.e., when the charging power supply system is in operation).

[0112] When a switching element constitutes a boost circuit that boosts the power of the power source 12 in the heater power supply system and outputs it to the heater 21, the switching operation is performed continuously, so heat generation due to surge current during switching becomes large. Therefore, by boosting the power of the power source 12 using multiple FETs connected in parallel, it becomes possible to boost the power of the power source 12 while suppressing heat generation of these multiple FETs. This is because, when the power of the power source 12 is boosted using multiple FETs connected in parallel, the current value of the current flowing through each FET during switching associated with this boost can be made smaller than when the boost is performed using a single FET. Therefore, the surge current during switching can be made smaller, and heat generation of each FET due to the surge current can be suppressed. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, it becomes possible to boost the power of the power source 12 using the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 while suppressing heat generation by these FETs, and to supply sufficient power to the heater 21 to generate an aerosol.

[0113] In the above description, two FETs, the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106, are connected in parallel as FETs constituting a boost circuit that boosts the power of the power source 12 and outputs it to the heater 21. However, three or more FETs may be connected in parallel. The more FETs connected in parallel, the smaller the current value of the current flowing through each FET can be, and therefore the heat generation suppression effect can be further improved.

[0114] The MCU 50 may also change the number of FETs to be operated depending on the power supplied to the heater 21. For example, the power supply unit 10 may supply a first power to the heater 21 for a predetermined period immediately after startup in order to quickly set the heater 21 in a state where aerosol can be generated when the power supply unit 10 is started, and may supply a second power smaller than the first power to the heater 21 after the predetermined period has elapsed. Then, for example, when the first power is supplied to the heater 21, the MCU 50 operates both the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel, and when the second power is supplied to the heater 21, the MCU 50 operates only one of the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel. This allows the power supply unit 10 to quickly set the heater 21 in a state where aerosol can be generated when the power supply unit 10 is started, improving user convenience. In addition, when supplying power to the heater 21, an appropriate number of FETs can be operated according to the power to be supplied to the heater 21, and it is possible to prevent the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 from becoming too hot when supplying power to the heater 21 while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit 10, thereby reducing the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10, or of the operation of the power supply unit 10 becoming unstable.

[0115] The power supplied to the heater 21 at each time point after startup may be stored in advance in the MCU 50 as a control profile, or may be calculated appropriately by the MCU 50 based on the temperature of the heater 21 at that time, etc.

[0116] In addition, in the case of the second aerosol inhalator, a control profile (hereinafter also referred to as "heating profile") for controlling heating of the aerosol source by the heater 21 (heating unit 1221B) is generally stored in advance in the MCU 50 (control unit 1216B), and the MCU 50 controls the power supply to the heater 21 according to this heating profile. Here, the heating profile is, for example, information that specifies the time series transition of the target temperature of the heater 21. The MCU 50 supplies power from the power source 12 to the heater 21 in the form of pulses by pulse width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM). Then, the MCU 50 adjusts the power supplied to the heater 21 by adjusting the duty ratio of the power supplied to the heater 21 based on the difference between the temperature of the heater 21 and the target temperature.

[0117] According to heating control using a heating profile, for example, in a first period immediately after the start of heating, the heater 21 is controlled to increase in temperature toward a first temperature, in a second period after the first period, the heater 21 is controlled to maintain the first temperature, in a third period after the second period, the heater 21 is controlled to decrease in temperature to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, in a fourth period after the third period, the heater 21 is controlled to maintain the second temperature, and in a fifth period after the fourth period, the heater 21 is controlled to increase in temperature to a third temperature higher than the second temperature.

[0118] In the first or fifth period, the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively large in order to raise the temperature of the heater 21. Therefore, the MCU 50 may increase the number of FETs to be operated in the first or fifth period compared to other periods (the second, third, and fourth periods). Specifically, for example, the MCU 50 may operate both the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel in the first or fifth period, and operate only one of the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel in the other periods.

[0119] Furthermore, even when the power supply unit 10 includes the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel to the fourth FET 104 as described above, the MCU 50 may change the number of FETs to be operated according to the power supplied to the heater 21. For example, the MCU 50 may operate both the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 when the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively large, and operate only one of the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 when the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively small. Specifically, for example, the MCU 50 may operate both the fourth FET 104 and the fifth FET 105 connected in parallel in the first period or the fifth period, and operate only one of the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 connected in parallel in the other periods.

[0120] Also, as in a second modified example described later, even when the power supply unit 10 includes a seventh FET 107 connected in parallel to the second FET 102, the MCU 50 may change the number of FETs to be operated according to the power supplied to the heater 21. For example, the MCU 50 may operate both the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 when the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively large, and operate only one of the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 when the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively small. Specifically, for example, the MCU 50 may operate both the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 connected in parallel in the first period or the fifth period, and operate only one of the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 connected in parallel in the other periods.

[0121] Also, for example, of the third FET 103 and the sixth FET 106 described above, the third FET 103 may be provided as an IC in the power supply unit 10, while the sixth FET 106 may be provided as a separate body from this IC in the power supply unit 10. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the power supply unit 10 includes an IC 900 configured to include the third FET 103.

[0122] 9, the IC900 is configured to include a terminal 901 to which the other FETs except the sixth FET 106, the LDO regulator 62, and a FET provided outside the IC900 can be connected, and is mounted on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10. The sixth FET 106 provided outside the IC900 (for example, directly mounted on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10) is connected to the terminal 901 of the IC900. In this manner, when the sixth FET 106 is connected to the terminal 901, the IC900 connects the sixth FET 106 connected to the terminal 901 in parallel with the third FET 103 provided inside the IC900. In other words, the terminal 901 is provided so that the FET outside the IC900 connectable to the terminal 901 and the third FET 103 provided inside the IC900 are connected in parallel.

[0123] 9, by providing IC900 including the third FET 103 with terminal 901 that enables a FET provided outside IC900 to be connected in parallel with the third FET 103, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1 can easily provide a FET that is connected in parallel with the third FET 103, such as the sixth FET 106 described above, in the power supply unit 10 as necessary. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily mount an appropriate number of FETs in the power supply unit 10 according to the specifications of the power supply unit 10, etc.

[0124] For example, as described above, the second aerosol inhalator supplies a relatively large amount of power to the heater 21 compared to the first aerosol inhalator. For this reason, when the power supply unit 10 is configured as a power supply unit for the second aerosol inhalator, it is expected that the FET constituting the boost circuit will become hot if it is only the third FET 103. In such a case, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhalator 1 can prevent the third FET 103 from becoming hot when supplying power to the heater 21 by adding a FET connected in parallel with the third FET 103, such as the sixth FET 106 described above, to the power supply unit 10, thereby reducing the risk of deterioration or damage of electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10, or of the operation of the power supply unit 10 becoming unstable.

[0125] On the other hand, when the power supply unit 10 is configured as a power supply unit for the first aerosol inhalator, which supplies less power to the heater 21 than the second aerosol inhalator, it is considered that the FET constituting the boost circuit will not become very hot even if it is only the third FET 103, and the risk of deterioration or damage of electronic components provided in the power supply unit 10 or unstable operation of the power supply unit 10 is relatively low. Therefore, in such a case, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhalator 1 can simplify the configuration of the power supply unit 10 by not providing an FET connected in parallel with the third FET 103, such as the sixth FET 106 described above, in the power supply unit 10, thereby making it possible to reduce the size of the power supply unit 10 and suppress the manufacturing cost.

[0126] 9, the MCU 50 is provided outside the IC 900, but the IC 900 may also include the MCU 50. In this way, the MCU 50 that controls the third FET 103 can also be easily implemented in the power supply unit 10.

[0127] [Second modified example] As a second modified example, as shown in Fig. 10, it is possible to provide a seventh FET 107 connected in parallel to the second FET 102. In the example shown in Fig. 10, one end of the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 connected in parallel is connected to the other end of the first FET 101, one end of the discharge terminal 41, and the input terminal of the LDO regulator 62, respectively. In addition, the other ends of the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 are connected to one end of the fourth FET 104 via a reactor 121. By providing such second FET 102, seventh FET 107, and reactor 121, it becomes possible to step down the power input from the first FET 101 side (i.e., the charging terminal 43 side) to the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107, and output the stepped-down power to the fourth FET 104 side (i.e., the power source 12 side).

[0128] In the second modified example, the MCU 50 controls the second FET 102 and seventh FET 107 connected in parallel in the same manner as, for example, the second FET 102 in the above-described embodiment. That is, the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 are switched when the power source 12 is being charged (i.e., when the charging power source system is in operation), step down the input power, and output the stepped-down power to the fourth FET 104 side (i.e., the power source 12 side).

[0129] That is, the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 in the second modified example configure a step-down circuit in the charging power supply system that steps down the power of the external power supply and outputs it to the power supply 12. Furthermore, the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 are fully on when the power of the power supply 12 is supplied to the heater 21 or the MCU 50 (for example, when the heater power supply system or the second MCU power supply system is operating).

[0130] When a switching element constitutes a step-down circuit that steps down the power of an external power source in a charging power supply system and outputs it to the power source 12, the switching operation is performed continuously, so heat generation due to a surge current during switching becomes large. Therefore, by stepping down the power of the external power source using a plurality of FETs connected in parallel in this way, it becomes possible to step down the power of the external power source while suppressing heat generation of the plurality of FETs. This is because, when the power of the external power source is stepped down using a plurality of FETs connected in parallel, the current value of the current flowing through each FET during switching associated with this step-down can be made smaller than when the step-down is performed using a single FET. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the surge current during switching and suppress heat generation of each FET due to the surge current. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 10, it becomes possible to step down the power of the external power source using the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 while suppressing heat generation by these FETs, and to supply power having a voltage value suitable for charging the power source 12 to the power source 12.

[0131] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 connected in parallel are also located between the power supply 12 and the discharge terminal 41, and are fully turned on when supplying the power of the power supply 12 to the heater 21 or the like. Thereby, the on-resistance of the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 when supplying the power of the power supply 12 to the heater 21 or the like can be reduced, and it becomes possible to suppress heat generation and power loss due to the on-resistance. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 10, compared with the example shown in FIG. 4 or the like, since the current value of the current flowing through the second FET 102 when supplying the power of the power supply 12 to the heater 21 or the like can be reduced, the on-resistance of the second FET 102 can be reduced, and it becomes possible to suppress heat generation and power loss due to the on-resistance.

[0132] Here, an example in which two FETs such as the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 are connected in parallel and provided as FETs constituting a step-down circuit that steps down the power of an external power supply and outputs it to the power supply 12 has been described. However, three or more FETs may be connected in parallel and provided. As the number of FETs connected in parallel increases, the current value of the current flowing through each FET can be reduced, so that the heat generation suppression effect can be further enhanced.

[0133] Also, even when the power supply unit 10 includes the seventh FET 107 connected in parallel with the second FET 102, the MCU 50 may change the number of FETs to be operated according to the power for charging the power supply 12 or the power supplied to the heater 21. For example, when the power for charging the power supply 12 or the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively large (for example, when it is larger than a preset first threshold value), the MCU 50 operates both the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107, and when the power for charging the power supply 12 or the power supplied to the heater 21 is relatively small (for example, when it is equal to or less than the first threshold value), only one of the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 may be operated.

[0134] Also, for example, of the second FET 102 and the seventh FET 107 described above, the second FET 102 may be provided as an IC in the power supply unit 10, while the seventh FET 107 may be provided as a separate body from this IC in the power supply unit 10. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the power supply unit 10 includes an IC 1100 configured to include the second FET 102.

[0135] 11, the IC1100 is configured to include FETs other than the seventh FET 107, an LDO regulator 62, and a terminal 1101 to which a FET provided outside the IC1100 can be connected, and is mounted on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10. The seventh FET 107 provided outside the IC1100 (for example, directly mounted on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10) is connected to the terminal 1101 of the IC1100. When the seventh FET 107 is connected to the terminal 1101 in this manner, the IC1100 connects the seventh FET 107 connected to the terminal 1101 in parallel with the second FET 102 provided inside the IC1100. In other words, the terminal 1101 is provided so that the FET outside the IC1100 connectable to the terminal 1101 and the second FET 102 provided inside the IC1100 are connected in parallel.

[0136] 11, by providing IC1100 including the second FET 102 with terminal 1101 that enables a FET provided outside IC1100 to be connected in parallel with the second FET 102, the manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1 can easily provide a FET that is connected in parallel with the second FET 102, such as the seventh FET 107 described above, in the power supply unit 10 as necessary. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily mount an appropriate number of FETs in the power supply unit 10 according to the specifications of the power supply unit 10, etc.

[0137] 11, the MCU 50 is provided outside the IC 1100, but the IC 1100 may also include the MCU 50. In this way, the MCU 50 that controls the second FET 102 can also be easily implemented in the power supply unit 10.

[0138] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0139] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the heating unit that consumes power supplied from the power source 12 to generate an aerosol from the aerosol source is the heater 21, and power is supplied to the heater 21 from the discharge terminal 41 of the power source unit 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the heating unit that generates an aerosol can be configured by a susceptor built into the first cartridge 20 or the like, and an induction heating coil that transmits power to the susceptor by electromagnetic induction. When the heating unit is configured by a susceptor and an induction heating coil, the discharge terminal 41 of the power source unit 10 is connected to the induction heating coil and supplies power to the induction heating coil.

[0140] This specification describes at least the following items. Note that, in parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-mentioned embodiment are shown, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0141] (1) a power source (power source 12); a heating unit connector (discharge terminal 41) to which a heating unit (heater 21) that consumes the power supplied from the power source to heat an aerosol source (aerosol source 22) is connected; an external power connector (charging terminal 43) that can be connected to an external power source; A first switching element (a second FET 102, a third FET 103, and a fourth FET 104), second switching elements (a fifth FET 105, a sixth FET 106, and a seventh FET 107) connected in parallel to the first switching elements; Equipped with The first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel connect the power source and the external power source connector or the heating unit connector. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0142] According to (1), a second switching element is connected in parallel to a first switching element that connects a power source to an external power source connector or a heating unit connector. This makes it possible to reduce the current flowing through the first switching element when charging the power source with power from the external power source or when supplying power from the power source to the heating unit, thereby suppressing heat generation by the first switching element.

[0143] (2) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), the first switching element and the second switching element connect the power source and the external power source connector, and constitute a charging power source system for charging the power source with power from the external power source supplied via the external power source connector. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0144] According to (2), a first switching element and a second switching element connected in parallel connect a power source and an external power source connector, and constitute a charging power source system for charging the power source with power from an external power source supplied via the external power source connector. Therefore, when charging the power source with power from the external power source, it is possible to reduce the current flowing through the first switching element and suppress heat generation of the first switching element.

[0145] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (2), the first switching element and the second switching element constitute a step-down circuit in the charging power supply system that steps down the power of the external power supply and outputs the power to the power supply. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0146] According to (3), the first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel form a step-down circuit in the charging power supply system that steps down the power of the external power supply and outputs it to the power supply. Therefore, when stepping down the power of the external power supply, the current flowing through the first switching element is reduced, thereby making it possible to suppress heat generation in the first switching element.

[0147] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (3), The control device (MCU 50) controls the first switching element and the second switching element, the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power charging the power source is equal to or less than a first threshold, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power charging the power source is greater than the first threshold. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0148] According to (4), the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power to charge the power source is relatively small, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power to charge the power source is relatively large. This makes it possible to operate an appropriate number of switching elements according to the power to charge the power source when charging the power source. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first switching element and the second switching element from becoming too hot when charging the power source while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power source unit, and to reduce the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power source unit or unstable operation of the power source unit.

[0149] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (2), The first switching element and the second switching element control a current value or a voltage value of power that charges the power source in the charging power source system. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0150] According to (5), the first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel control the current value or voltage value of the power that charges the power source in the charging power source system. Therefore, when controlling the current value or voltage value of the power that charges the power source, it is possible to reduce the current flowing through the first switching element and suppress heat generation of the first switching element.

[0151] (6) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (5), The control device (MCU 50) controls the first switching element and the second switching element, the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power to charge the power source is relatively small, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power to charge the power source is relatively large. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0152] According to (6), the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power to charge the power source is equal to or less than a first threshold, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power to charge the power source is greater than the first threshold. This makes it possible to operate an appropriate number of switching elements according to the power to charge the power source when charging the power source. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first switching element and the second switching element from becoming too hot when charging the power source while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power source unit, and to reduce the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power source unit or unstable operation of the power source unit.

[0153] (7) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (6), the power supply unit charges the power supply with a first power when a temperature of the power supply is equal to or lower than a threshold, and charges the power supply with a second power greater than the first power when the temperature of the power supply is higher than the threshold; the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power source is charged with the first power, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power source is charged with the second power. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0154] According to (7), the power supply unit charges the power supply with a first power when the temperature of the power supply is equal to or lower than a threshold, and charges the power supply with a second power higher than the first power when the temperature of the power supply is higher than the threshold. The control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supply is charged with the first power, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supply is charged with the second power. This makes it possible to charge the power supply with an appropriate power according to the temperature of the power supply, and to avoid deterioration of the power supply caused by charging the power supply with a large power when the battery temperature is low. In addition, when charging the power supply, an appropriate number of switching elements according to the power for charging the power supply can be operated, and it is possible to prevent the first switching element and the second switching element from becoming hot when charging the power supply while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit, and it is possible to reduce the risk of deterioration or damage of electronic components provided in the power supply unit, or of the operation of the power supply unit becoming unstable.

[0155] (8) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (6), the power supply unit charges the power supply with a first power when an output voltage of the power supply is equal to or lower than a threshold, and charges the power supply with a second power greater than the first power when the output voltage of the power supply becomes higher than the threshold; the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power source is charged with the first power, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power source is charged with the second power. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0156] According to (8), the power supply unit charges the power supply with a first power when the output voltage of the power supply is equal to or lower than a threshold, and charges the power supply with a second power higher than the first power when the output voltage of the power supply becomes higher than the threshold. The control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supply is charged with the first power, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supply is charged with the second power. This makes it possible to charge the power supply with an appropriate power according to the output voltage of the power supply, and to prevent the power supply unit from being damaged by an inrush current when the output voltage of the power supply is low. In addition, when charging the power supply, an appropriate number of switching elements according to the power for charging the power supply can be operated, and it is possible to prevent the first switching element and the second switching element from becoming hot when charging the power supply while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit, and it is possible to reduce the risk of deterioration or damage of electronic components provided in the power supply unit, or of the operation of the power supply unit becoming unstable.

[0157] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (1), The first switching element and the second switching element connect the power source and the heating unit connector to configure a heating unit power supply system for supplying power from the power source to the heating unit. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0158] According to (9), the first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel connect the power supply and the heating unit connector to constitute a heating unit power supply system for supplying power from the power supply to the heating unit. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the current flowing through the first switching element when supplying power from the power supply to the heating unit, thereby suppressing heat generation from the first switching element, and reducing the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit or unstable operation of the power supply unit.

[0159] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (9), The first switching element and the second switching element constitute a boost circuit in the heating unit power supply system that boosts the power of the power source and outputs the boosted power to the heating unit. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0160] According to (10), the first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel form a boost circuit in the heating unit power supply system that boosts the power of the power supply and outputs it to the heating unit. Therefore, when boosting the power of the power supply, it is possible to reduce the current flowing through the first switching element and suppress heat generation of the first switching element, thereby reducing the risk of deterioration or damage of electronic components provided in the power supply unit or unstable operation of the power supply unit.

[0161] (11) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (10), The control device (MCU 50) controls the first switching element and the second switching element, the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supplied to the heating unit is relatively small, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supplied to the heating unit is relatively large. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0162] According to (11), the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supplied to the heating unit is relatively small, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supplied to the heating unit is relatively large. This makes it possible to operate an appropriate number of switching elements according to the power supplied to the heating unit when supplying power to the heating unit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first switching element and the second switching element from becoming too hot when supplying power to the heating unit while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit, and to reduce the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit or unstable operation of the power supply unit.

[0163] (12) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to (11), the power supply unit supplies a first power to the heating unit for a predetermined period immediately after startup, and supplies a second power smaller than the first power to the heating unit after the predetermined period has elapsed; the control device operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the first power is supplied to the heating unit, and operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the second power is supplied to the heating unit. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0164] According to (12), the power supply unit supplies a first power to the heating unit for a predetermined period immediately after startup, and supplies a second power smaller than the first power to the heating unit after the predetermined period has elapsed. The control device operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the first power is supplied to the heating unit, and operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the second power is supplied to the heating unit. This allows the power supply unit to be quickly brought into a state in which aerosol can be generated when started up, improving user convenience. In addition, when supplying power to the heating unit, an appropriate number of switching elements according to the power supplied to the heating unit can be operated, and it is possible to prevent the first switching element and the second switching element from becoming hot when supplying power to the heating unit while suppressing an increase in power consumption in the power supply unit, and it is possible to reduce the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit, or of the power supply unit becoming unstable.

[0165] (13) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (12), Further comprising a third switching element connected in parallel to the first switching element and the second switching element. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

[0166] According to (13), when the power supply is charged using power from an external power supply or when power from the power supply is supplied to the heating section, the current flowing through the first switching element can be further reduced, thereby further suppressing heat generation by the first switching element. This reduces the risk of deterioration or damage to electronic components provided in the power supply unit or of unstable operation of the power supply unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 1. Aerosol aspirator (aerosol generating device) 10 Power supply unit 12 Power supply 22 Aerosol Sources 41 Discharge terminal (heating part connector) 43 Charging terminal (external power connector) 50 MCU (control unit) 102 Second FET (first switching element) 103 Third FET (first switching element) 104 4th FET (first switching element) 105 5th FET (2nd switching element) 106 6th FET (2nd switching element) 107 7th FET (2nd switching element)

Claims

1. Power supply, a heating unit connector to which a heating unit that consumes power supplied from the power source to heat the aerosol source is connected; an external power connector that can be connected to an external power source; A first switching element; a second switching element connected in parallel to the first switching element; a control device that controls the first switching element and the second switching element; Equipped with the first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel connect the power source and the external power source connector, and constitute a charging power source system for charging the power source with power from the external power source supplied via the external power source connector; The control device is configured to be able to operate both the first switching element and the second switching element. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

2. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, the first switching element and the second switching element constitute a step-down circuit in the charging power supply system that steps down the power of the external power supply and outputs the power to the power supply. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

3. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power charging the power source is equal to or less than a first threshold, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power charging the power source is greater than the first threshold. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

4. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, The first switching element and the second switching element control a current value or a voltage value of power that charges the power source in the charging power source system. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

5. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 4, the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power charging the power source is equal to or less than a first threshold, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power charging the power source is greater than the first threshold. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

6. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 5, the power supply unit charges the power supply with a first power when a temperature of the power supply is equal to or lower than a threshold, and charges the power supply with a second power greater than the first power when the temperature of the power supply is higher than the threshold; the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power source is charged with the first power, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power source is charged with the second power. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

7. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 5, the power supply unit charges the power supply with a first power when an output voltage of the power supply is equal to or lower than a threshold, and charges the power supply with a second power greater than the first power when the output voltage of the power supply becomes higher than the threshold; the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power source is charged with the first power, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power source is charged with the second power. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

8. A power source; a heating unit connector to which a heating unit that consumes power supplied from the power source to heat the aerosol source is connected; an external power connector that can be connected to an external power source; A first switching element; a second switching element connected in parallel to the first switching element; a control device that controls the first switching element and the second switching element; Equipped with the first switching element and the second switching element connected in parallel connect the power source and the heating unit connector to constitute a heating unit power supply system for supplying power from the power source to the heating unit, and in the heating unit power supply system, a boost circuit is constituted to boost the power of the power source and output it to the heating unit; The control device is configured to be able to operate both the first switching element and the second switching element. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

9. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 8, the control device operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supplied to the heating unit is relatively small, and operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the power supplied to the heating unit is relatively large. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

10. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 9, the power supply unit supplies a first power to the heating unit for a predetermined period immediately after startup, and supplies a second power smaller than the first power to the heating unit after the predetermined period has elapsed; the control device operates both the first switching element and the second switching element when the first power is supplied to the heating unit, and operates only one of the first switching element and the second switching element when the second power is supplied to the heating unit. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

11. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The inverter further includes a third switching element connected in parallel to the first switching element and the second switching element. Power supply unit for the aerosol generator.

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