Aerosol generating device

Abstract

To provide an aerosol generation device capable of setting an amount of power supplied to a heater for heating an aerosol source to a proper amount.SOLUTION: An aerosol suction tool 1 comprises: a load 21 being an induction heating type heater for heating an aerosol source; a power source 12; a first DC / DC converter 63 into which a first voltage based on an output voltage of the power source 12 is input and which outputs a second voltage generated by boosting the first voltage; a switch SW 4 for receiving the second voltage and serving as a MOSFET for turning on / off supply of power to the load 21; an MCU 50 connected to a gate terminal of the switch SW 4 and outputting a signal having a duty ratio of less than 1; and a circuit board 60 on which the first DC / DC converter 63, the MCU 50, and the switch SW 4 are mounted, the duty ratio being a single value and fixed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a boost converter is provided between a power supply and a heater in a control body of an aerosol delivery device, and the voltage boosted by the boost converter is applied to the heater. Patent Documents 2 and 3 also disclose techniques in which the voltage converted by a converter that performs voltage conversion is applied to the heater.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] From the viewpoint of improving the aroma taste during aerosol inhalation, an increase in the amount of aerosol generated in the aerosol generating device is desired. As a method of increasing the amount of aerosol generated, it is conceivable to increase the power supplied to a heater that heats an aerosol source. However, if excessive power is supplied to the heater, there is a risk that the aroma taste may be reduced or the convenience for the user may be reduced. In the prior art, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of supplying an appropriate amount of electric power to a heater that heats an aerosol source.

[0005] The present invention provides an aerosol generating device capable of supplying an appropriate amount of electric power to a heater that heats an aerosol source.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention relates to an induction heating type heater for heating an aerosol source, a power supply, a boost converter that receives a first voltage based on the output voltage of the power supply and outputs a second voltage generated by boosting the input first voltage, a MOSFET that receives the second voltage and turns on / off the power supply to the heater, an MCU connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET and configured to output a signal having a duty ratio of less than 1, a circuit board on which the boost converter, the MCU, and the MOSFET are mounted, and the duty ratio is single and fixed, an aerosol generating device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an aerosol generating device capable of supplying an appropriate amount of electric power to a heater for heating an aerosol source.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, an aerosol inhaler, which is an example of an aerosol generating device equipped with the power supply unit of the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0010] (Aerosol Inhaler) The aerosol inhaler 1 is a device for generating an aerosol with added fragrance without combustion and sucking the generated aerosol, and is preferably sized to fit in the hand and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Note that the aerosol inhaler 1 may have an oval shape, an elliptical shape, or the like. In the following description, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped aerosol inhaler, among the three orthogonal directions, in the order of decreasing length, they are referred to as the vertical direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction. Also, in the following description, for convenience, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions are defined, and the front is denoted as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left as L, the right as R, the upper as U, and the lower as D.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 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) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply unit 10 houses 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 inside of the case). By housing the power supply 12, the circuit board 60 (including the MCU 50, the discharge terminal 41, the charging terminal 43, etc. to be described later), etc. together in the power supply unit case 11, it becomes easy for the user to carry it, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

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

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

[0015] An inclined surface that slopes downward as it goes backward is provided between the upper surface and the rear surface of the power supply unit 10. An operation unit 18 that can be operated by the user is provided on the inclined surface. The operation unit 18 is composed of a button-type switch, a touch panel, etc., and is used when reflecting the user's intention to use and starting / turning off the MCU 50 and various sensors.

[0016] On the lower surface of the power supply unit 10, a charging terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) capable of supplying power for charging the power supply 12 to the power supply unit 10 is provided. The charging terminal 43 is, for example, a receptacle into which a mating plug (not shown) can be inserted. As the charging terminal 43, a receptacle into which various USB terminals (plugs) and the like can be inserted can be used. As an example, in the present embodiment, the charging terminal 43 is a receptacle having a USB Type-C shape. This makes it easy to charge the power supply unit 10 (i.e., the aerosol inhaler 1) at various locations (places), and ensures an opportunity to charge the power supply unit 10.

[0017] Further, the charging terminal 43 may, for example, include a power receiving coil and be configured to be able to receive power transmitted from an external power supply in a non-contact manner. The power transmission (Wireless Power Transfer) method in this case may be an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of an electromagnetic induction type and a magnetic resonance type. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be connectable to various USB terminals and the like and may have the above-described power receiving coil.

[0018] The internal holder 13 includes a rear wall 13r extending along the rear surface of the power supply unit 10, a central wall 13c provided at the central portion in the front-rear direction inside the case and extending in parallel with 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 orthogonal to the rear wall 13r, the central wall 13c, and the upper wall 13u and dividing the space partitioned 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 lower surface of the power supply unit 10.

[0019] A power source 12 is arranged in the left space of the inner holder 13. The power source 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double layer capacitor, etc., and preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power source 12 may be composed of one of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, an ionic liquid, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, when the power source 12 is in a fully charged state, the output voltage of the power source 12 (hereinafter also referred to as the full charge voltage) is set to 4.2 [V]. The output voltage of the power source 12 decreases as the remaining capacity of the power source 12 decreases. Then, the power source 12 stops discharging when the output voltage reaches a predetermined discharge cut-off voltage. Here, the discharge cut-off voltage is a voltage lower than 4.2 [V] which is the full charge voltage, and can be, for example, about 3 [V]. The state where the discharge is stopped when the output voltage reaches the discharge cut-off voltage is hereinafter also referred to as the discharge cut-off state.

[0020] A substantially L-shaped circuit board 60 is arranged in the space formed by the right space of the inner holder 13 and the lower space formed between the cartridge holding portion 13a and the lower surface of the power supply unit 10. By making the circuit board 60 substantially L-shaped, it becomes possible to arrange other components in the cutout portion thereof, so that the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol suction device 1 can be miniaturized. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in the cutout portion of the substantially L-shaped circuit board 60, a first cartridge 20 (that is, an aerosol source 22 and a load 21 described later) and a cartridge holder 14 for holding the same are arranged. That is, the power supply unit case 11 houses these components in a state where the first cartridge 20 and the like are arranged in the cutout portion of the L-shaped circuit board 60. Thereby, the aerosol suction device 1 can be miniaturized, and for example, an aerosol suction device 1 having a size that can fit in the hand of an average adult can be realized.

[0021] The circuit board 60 is configured by laminating a plurality of layers (4 layers in this embodiment) of substrates, and electronic components (elements) such as an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50 and a charging IC 55 described later are mounted thereon.

[0022] Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 and the like. The MCU 50 is a control device (controller) that is connected to various sensor devices such as an intake air sensor 15 that detects a puff (intake) operation, an operation unit 18, a notification unit 45, and a memory 19 that stores the number of puff operations or the energization time to the load 21, etc., and performs various controls of the aerosol suction device 1. Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly composed of a processor, and further includes a storage medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) necessary for the operation of the processor and a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various information. The processor in this specification is, for example, an electric circuit formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Note that some of the elements connected to the MCU 50 in FIG. 5 (for example, the intake air sensor 15 and the memory 19) may be provided inside the MCU 50 as functions of the MCU 50 itself.

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

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

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

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

[0027] On the outer peripheral surface 14a of the cartridge holder 14, an intake air sensor 15 for detecting the puff operation is provided at a position facing the circuit board 60. The intake air sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. Further, in the cartridge holder 14, a long hole portion 14b that is vertically long and through which the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 can be visually confirmed is provided, and the user can visually confirm the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 through the hole portion 14b of the first cartridge 20 from the remaining amount confirmation window 11w having translucency provided in the power supply unit case 11.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, a mouthpiece 17 is detachably fixed to the upper end portion of the cartridge holder 14. A second cartridge 30 is detachably fixed to the mouthpiece 17. The mouthpiece 17 includes a cartridge housing portion 17b that houses a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication passage 17c that communicates the first cartridge 20 and the cartridge housing portion 17b.

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

[0030] (First Cartridge) As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes a reservoir 23 that stores the aerosol source 22, an electrical load 21 that atomizes the aerosol source 22, a wick 24 that draws the aerosol source from the reservoir 23 to the load 21, and an aerosol flow path 25 through which the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 flows toward the second cartridge 30 inside a cylindrical cartridge case 27.

[0031] The reservoir 23 is an example of the storage part in the present invention. It is partitioned so as to surround the aerosol flow path 25 and stores the aerosol source 22. A porous body such as a resin web or cotton may be accommodated in the reservoir 23, and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated in the porous body. Only the aerosol source 22 may be stored in the reservoir 23 without accommodating the porous body on the resin web or cotton. The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

[0032] The wick 24 is an example of the transport part in the present invention. It is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the load 21 using capillary action. The wick 24 is composed of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic.

[0033] The load 21 is a heating element (i.e., a heater) that heats the aerosol source 22 without combustion by the electric power supplied from the power supply 12 via the discharge terminal 41. It is composed of, for example, a heating wire (coil) wound at a predetermined pitch. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 by heating the aerosol source 22. As the load 21, a heating resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type heater, etc. can be used. Note that the load 21 is an example of the heater in the present invention.

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

[0035] (Second Cartridge) The second cartridge 30 stores the fragrance source 31. The second cartridge 30 is detachably accommodated in the cartridge accommodation part 17b provided in the mouthpiece 17.

[0036] The second cartridge 30 imparts a fragrance to the aerosol by passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by the load 21 through the fragrance source 31. As the raw material pieces constituting the fragrance source 31, ground tobacco or a molded body obtained by granulating tobacco raw materials can be used. The fragrance source 31 may be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, Chinese herbal medicine, herbs, etc.). The fragrance source 31 may be imparted with a fragrance such as menthol.

[0037] The aerosol inhaler 1 can generate (i.e., produce) an aerosol with an added fragrance by the aerosol source 22, the fragrance source 31, and the load 21. That is, the aerosol source 22 and the fragrance source 31 constitute an aerosol generation source for generating an aerosol with an added fragrance.

[0038] The configuration of the aerosol generation source used in the aerosol inhaler 1 includes, in addition to the configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the fragrance source 31 are separate bodies, a configuration in which the aerosol source 22 and the fragrance source 31 are integrally formed, a configuration in which the fragrance source 31 is omitted and a substance that can be included in the fragrance 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 fragrance source 31, and the like.

[0039] In the aerosol inhaler 1 configured in this way, as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 3, the air flowing in from the air intake 11i provided in the power unit case 11 passes through the vicinity of the load 21 of the first cartridge 20 through the gap formed between the through hole 13b and the discharge terminal 41. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn from the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The generated aerosol flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with the air flowing in from the intake port and is supplied to the second cartridge 30 through the communication path 17c. The aerosol supplied to the second cartridge 30 is imparted with a fragrance by passing through the fragrance source 31 and is supplied to the suction port 32.

[0040] In addition, the aerosol inhaler 1 is provided with a notification unit 45 for notifying various types of information (see FIG. 5). The notification unit 45 may be constituted by a light-emitting element, may be constituted by a vibration element, or may be constituted by a sound output element. Further, the notification unit 45 may be a combination of two or more of the light-emitting element, the vibration element, and the sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be provided in any of the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10 which is not a consumable item.

[0041] In the present embodiment, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) panel 46 and a vibrator 47 are provided as the notification unit 45. When the OLEDs of the OLED panel 46 emit light, various types of information regarding the aerosol inhaler 1 are notified to the user via the display 16. Further, when the vibrator 47 vibrates, various types of information regarding the aerosol inhaler 1 are notified to the user via the power supply unit case 11. The notification unit 45 may be provided with only one of the OLED panel 46 and the vibrator 47, or other light-emitting elements or the like may be provided. Further, the information notified by the OLED panel 46 and the information notified by the vibrator 47 may be different or the same.

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

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

[0044] The A1 pin, A4 pin, A5 pin, A6 pin, A7 pin, A8 pin, A9 pin, and A12 pin, and the B1 pin, B4 pin, B5 pin, B6 pin, B7 pin, B8 pin, B9 pin, and B12 pin are arranged to be point-symmetrical with the center of the mating surface with the plug in the charging terminal 43 as the symmetry point. As a result, regardless of the front-back orientation of the plug, it is possible to insert the plug into the charging terminal 43, improving the convenience for the user.

[0045] Note that in this embodiment, it should be noted that only the main pins among the pins included in the charging terminal 43 are described. Also, in this embodiment, although the A8 pin and B8 pin are provided in the charging terminal 43, as will be described later, these pins are not used and can be omitted.

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

[0047] As an example, in this embodiment, the recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55 has a minimum value of 4.35 [V] and a maximum value of 6.4 [V]. Therefore, the protection IC 61 converts the input voltage to 5.5 ± 0.2 [V] and outputs the converted voltage to the charging IC 55. Thereby, the protection IC 61 can supply an appropriate voltage to the charging IC 55. Also, when the above-described high voltage is input via the charging terminal 43, the protection IC 61 may protect the charging IC 55 by opening the circuit connecting the input terminal (indicated by “IN” in FIG. 4) and the output terminal (indicated by “OUT” in FIG. 4) of the protection IC 61. In addition, the protection IC 61 may also have various protection functions (for example, overcurrent detection function and overvoltage detection function) for protecting the electric circuit of the power supply unit 10.

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

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

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

[0051] The charging IC 55 is an IC having a function of controlling the charging to the power supply 12 and a function of supplying the power of the power supply 12 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, the second DC / DC converter 64, etc. For example, when supplying the power of the power supply 12, the charging IC 55 outputs a standard system voltage corresponding to the output of the power supply 12 at that time to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, the second DC / DC converter 64, etc. Here, the standard system voltage is a voltage that is equal to or higher than the low-voltage system voltage described later and equal to or lower than the first high-voltage system voltage and the second high-voltage system voltage. The standard system voltage can be, for example, the output voltage of the power supply 12 itself, and can be a voltage of about 3 to 4.2 [V].

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

[0053] By using this Power-Path function, even while the power source 12 is being charged, it is possible to supply the power input via the charging terminal 43 to the system of the power supply unit 10 such as the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64. Therefore, when the system of these power supply units 10 is used during the charging of the power source 12, it is possible to use the system of these power supply units 10 while reducing the burden on the power source 12 (that is, suppressing the deterioration of the power source 12). At the same time, it is also possible to improve the charging speed of the power source 12 and shorten the charging time. Furthermore, by using this Power-Path function, even when the power source 12 reaches over-discharge, it is possible to attempt to recover the system of the power supply unit 10 by using the power input via the charging terminal 43.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0060] Note that in this embodiment, only the main pins among the pins included in the MCU 50 are described. Also, in this embodiment, although the MCU 50 is provided with a VDD pin and a VDD_USB pin, these may be combined into one pin.

[0061] The intake sensor 15 is a sensor device that detects the puff operation as described above. For example, as described later, it is a sensor device configured to output a signal indicating the value of the pressure (internal pressure) change in the power unit 10 caused by the user's suction through the suction port 32 as a detection result.

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

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

[0064] In this specification, the term "positive electrode side" means the side with a higher electric potential than the "negative electrode side". That is, in the following description, the term "positive electrode side" may be read as "higher electric potential side". Also, in this specification, the term "negative electrode side" means the side with a lower electric potential than the "positive electrode side". That is, in the following description, the term "negative electrode side" may be read as "lower electric potential side".

[0065] The vibrator 47 is provided in a state of being attached to the power supply unit 10, and the positive electrode side terminal 47a and the negative electrode side terminal 47b are connected to the terminals of the vibrator 47 by, for example, soldering. That is, the positive electrode side terminal 47a and the negative electrode side terminal 47b serve as connectors that connect the vibrator 47 in a non-removable (or difficult-to-remove) manner. Note that "non-removable (or difficult-to-remove)" refers to a mode in which removal is not possible within the assumed usage of the power supply unit 10.

[0066] The first DC / DC converter 63 is an example of the boost converter in the present invention, and is an IC having a function of generating a first high-voltage system voltage from the input standard system voltage and outputting the generated first high-voltage system voltage. Here, the first high-voltage system voltage is a voltage equal to or higher than the standard system voltage as described above, and for example, can be a voltage higher than the standard system voltage. That is, the first DC / DC converter 63 boosts the input standard system voltage to the first high-voltage system voltage and outputs it. The first high-voltage system voltage is, for example, a voltage suitable for heating the load 21, and specifically, can be a voltage included in the range of 4.0 [V] or more and 4.5 [V] or less. More specifically, the first high-voltage system voltage can be a voltage included in the range of 4.0 [V] or more and 4.2 [V] or less, and as an example, can be 4.2 [V].

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

[0068] The second DC / DC converter 64 is an IC that has a function of generating a second high-voltage system voltage from the input standard system voltage and outputting the generated second high-voltage system voltage. Here, the second high-voltage system voltage is a high voltage equal to or higher than the standard system voltage as described above, and for example, it can be a voltage higher than the standard system voltage. That is, the second DC / DC converter 64 boosts the input standard system voltage to the second high-voltage system voltage and outputs it. Also, the second high-voltage system voltage can be a voltage even higher than the first high-voltage system voltage, and for example, it is a voltage suitable for operating the OLED panel 46. Specifically, the second high-voltage system voltage is about 10 to 15 [V], for example.

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

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

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

[0072] Each component of the power supply unit 10 described above is electrically connected by conductors or the like provided on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10. Hereinafter, the electrical connection of each component of the power supply unit 10 will be described in detail.

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

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

[0075] Specifically, the A4 pin and the B9 pin are connected in parallel, and these are connected to the IN pin of the protection IC61 via the power line 60A. The IN pin of the protection IC61 is the power pin on the positive electrode side in the protection IC61. Also, the A9 pin and the B4 pin are connected in parallel, and these are connected to the IN pin of the protection IC61 via the power line 60A.

[0076] Also, the power line 60A is connected to the ground line 60N via a varistor (Variable Resistor: non-linear resistance element) VR1. Here, the varistor has two terminals (electrodes), and when the voltage between these terminals is lower than a predetermined varistor voltage (for example, in the case of this embodiment, 27 [V]), it has a relatively high electrical resistance value, and when the voltage between these terminals becomes higher than the varistor voltage, its electrical resistance value rapidly decreases.

[0077] Specifically, one end of the varistor VR1 is connected to the node N11 provided on the power line 60A, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N11 is provided on the protection IC61 side of the power line 60A rather than the node connected to the A4 pin and the B9 pin and the node connected to the A9 pin and the B4 pin. Therefore, for example, even if static electricity is generated on the A4 pin, A9 pin, B4 pin, or B9 pin when a plug is inserted into the charging terminal 43 and these are rubbed, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR1 to protect the protection IC61.

[0078] Also, the power line 60A is connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD1 that functions as a decoupling capacitor (also referred to as a bypass capacitor or a smoothing capacitor). Thereby, the voltage input to the protection IC61 via the power line 60A can be stabilized. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD1 is connected to a node N12 provided on the power line 60A, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N12 is provided on the power line 60A on the side closer to the protection IC61 than the node N11. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated at the A4 pin, A9 pin, B4 pin, or B9 pin, the varistor VR1 can protect the capacitor CD1 from this static electricity. That is, by providing the node N12 on the power line 60A on the side closer to the protection IC61 than the node N11, it is possible to achieve both protection of the protection IC61 from overvoltage and stable operation of the protection IC61.

[0079] The A6 pin, A7 pin, B6 pin, and B7 pin of the charging terminal 43 are pins used for input and output of signals for communication between the power supply unit 10 and an external device. In the present embodiment, for communication between the power supply unit 10 and the external device, serial communication that differentially transmits signals through two signal lines of Dp (also referred to as D+) and Dn (also referred to as D−) is used.

[0080] The A6 pin and the B6 pin are pins corresponding to the signal lines on the Dp side. The A6 pin and the B6 pin are connected in parallel, and these are connected to the PA12 pin of the MCU50 via a resistor R1. The resistor R1 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value composed of a resistance element, a transistor, or the like. Also, the PA12 pin of the MCU50 is a pin used for input and output of signals in the MCU50. Therefore, the signal on the Dp side from the external device can be input to the MCU50 via the A6 pin or the B6 pin. Also, the signal on the Dp side from the MCU50 can be output to the external device via the A6 pin or the B6 pin.

[0081] Also, the parallel-connected A6 pin and B6 pin are also connected to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR2. That is, the varistor VR2 is connected in parallel to the parallel-connected A6 pin and B6 pin. Therefore, for example, even if static electricity is generated on the A6 pin or B6 pin due to friction when a plug is inserted into the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR2 to protect the MCU50. Furthermore, since a resistor R1 is provided between the A6 pin and B6 pin and the MCU50, this resistor R1 can also suppress the input of a high voltage to the MCU50 and protect the MCU50.

[0082] The A7 pin and B7 pin are pins corresponding to the signal lines on the Dn side. The A7 pin and B7 pin are connected in parallel, and they are connected to the PA11 pin of the MCU50 via the resistor R2. The resistor R2 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value composed of a resistance element, a transistor, or the like. Also, the PA11 pin of the MCU50 is a pin used for signal input and output in the MCU50. Therefore, a signal on the Dn side from an external device can be input to the MCU50 via the A7 pin or B7 pin. Also, a signal on the Dn side from the MCU50 can be output to an external device via the A7 pin or B7 pin.

[0083] Also, the parallel-connected A7 pin and B7 pin are also connected to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR3. That is, the varistor VR3 is connected in parallel to the parallel-connected A7 pin and B7 pin. Therefore, for example, even if static electricity is generated on the A7 pin or B7 pin due to friction when a plug is inserted into the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR3 to protect the MCU50. Furthermore, since a resistor R2 is provided between the A7 pin and B7 pin and the MCU50, this resistor R2 can also suppress the input of a high voltage to the MCU50 and protect the MCU50.

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

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

[0086] The IN pin of the protection IC61 is the positive power supply pin in the protection IC61 and is connected to the power supply line 60A as described above. The VSS pin of the protection IC61 is the negative power supply pin in the protection IC61 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Also, the GND pin of the protection IC61 is the ground pin in the protection IC61 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Thus, when the plug of the external power supply is inserted into the charging terminal 43, power (e.g., USB bus power) is supplied to the protection IC61 via the power supply line 60A.

[0087] The OUT pin of the protection IC61 is a pin from which the voltage input to the IN pin of the protection IC61 is output as it is or a voltage (e.g., 5.5 ± 0.2 [V]) converted by the protection IC61, and is connected to the IN pin of the charging IC55 via the power supply line 60B. The IN pin of the charging IC55 is the positive power supply pin in the charging IC55. Thereby, an appropriate voltage converted by the protection IC61 is supplied to the charging IC55.

[0088] Also, the power supply line 60B is connected to the ground line 60N via the capacitor CD2 that functions as a decoupling capacitor. Thereby, the voltage input to the charging IC55 via the power supply line 60B can be stabilized.

[0089] The VBAT pin of the protection IC61 is a pin used to detect the presence or absence of the connection of the power supply 12 by the protection IC61, and is connected to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via the resistor R5. The resistor R5 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value constituted by a resistance element, a transistor, or the like. The protection IC61 can detect that the power supply 12 is connected based on the voltage input to the VBAT pin.

[0090] The CE pin of the protection IC61 is a pin for turning on / off the operation (various functions) of the protection IC61. Specifically, the protection IC61 operates when a low-level voltage is input to the CE pin, and stops operating when a high-level voltage is input to the CE pin. In the present embodiment, the CE pin of the protection IC61 is connected to the ground line 60N, and a low-level voltage is constantly input. Therefore, the protection IC61 always operates during the power supply, and performs conversion to a predetermined voltage, overcurrent detection, overvoltage detection, and the like.

[0091] Note that instead of the protection IC61 in the present embodiment, a protection IC that operates when a high-level voltage is input to the CE pin and stops operating when a low-level voltage is input to the CE pin may be used. However, in this case, it should be noted that the CE pin of this protection IC must be connected to the power line 60B or the power line 60A instead of the ground line 60N.

[0092] The IN pin of the charging IC55 is, as described above, the positive power supply pin of the charging IC55, and is connected to the power line 60B. Also, the charging IC55 is connected to the ground line 60N by, for example, a negative power supply pin (not shown). Thus, the voltage output from the protection IC61 is supplied to the charging IC55 via the power line 60B.

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

[0094] Specifically, the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin are connected in parallel. They are connected to the positive terminal 12a and are also connected to the ground line 60N via the capacitor CD3. When the power supply 12 discharges, charges accumulate in the capacitor CD3 so that the voltage output from the power supply 12 is input to the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin. Also, when the power supply 12 is charged, the voltage for charging the power supply 12 is output from the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin and is applied to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via the power line 60C.

[0095] Also, the power line 60C is connected to the ground line 60N via the capacitor CD4 that functions as a decoupling capacitor. Thereby, the voltage input to the power supply 12 via the power line 60C can be stabilized.

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

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

[0098] The TS pin of the charging IC55 receives the voltage value applied to the resistor connected here, and this pin is used to detect the electrical resistance value and temperature of the resistor connected to the TS pin from this voltage value. In this embodiment, the TS pin is connected to the ground line 60N via the resistor R7. Here, the resistor R7 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value composed of a resistance element, a transistor, or the like. Therefore, the charging IC55 can detect the electrical resistance value and temperature of the resistor R7 from the voltage value applied to the resistor R7.

[0099] The CHG pin of the charging IC55 is a pin that outputs information regarding the charging state of the power supply 12 (hereinafter also referred to as charging state information), such as during charging, during charging stop, and after charging is completed, and information regarding the remaining capacity of the power supply 12 (hereinafter also referred to as remaining capacity information). The CHG pin of the charging IC55 is connected to the PB15 pin of the MCU50. The PB15 pin of the MCU50 is a pin used for signal input in the MCU50. Therefore, the charging IC55 can notify the MCU50 of the charging state, remaining capacity, etc. of the power supply 12 by outputting the charging state information and the remaining capacity information from the CHG pin to the MCU50.

[0100] For example, when the power supply 12 is in a fully charged state, the charging IC55 outputs remaining capacity information indicating that the power supply 12 is in a fully charged state. Here, the remaining capacity information indicating that the power supply 12 is in a fully charged state may indicate, for example, that the remaining capacity of the power supply 12 is the upper limit value (e.g., 100 [%]), or may indicate that the output voltage of the power supply 12 is the fully charged voltage (e.g., 4.2 [V]).

[0101] Also, when the power supply 12 is in a discharge termination state, the charging IC55 outputs remaining capacity information indicating that the power supply 12 is in a discharge termination state. Here, the remaining capacity information indicating that the power supply 12 is in a discharge termination state may indicate, for example, that the remaining capacity of the power supply 12 is the lower limit value (e.g., 0 [%]), or may indicate that the output voltage of the power supply 12 is the discharge termination voltage (e.g., 3 [V]).

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the remaining capacity information is input and output by the same pin as the charging state information, but it is not limited to this. For example, the pin for inputting and outputting the remaining capacity information may be provided separately from the CHG pin of the charging IC 55 and the PB15 pin of the MCU 50. Alternatively, instead of this embodiment, the MCU 50 may be configured to directly acquire the remaining capacity information.

[0103] The OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin of the charging IC 55 are pins for outputting the standard system voltage, and are connected via the power line 60D to the IN pin of the LDO regulator 62, the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63, and the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64. The IN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the positive power pin in the LDO regulator 62. Also, the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is the positive power pin in the first DC / DC converter 63. And the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is the positive power pin in the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0104] Specifically, the OUT_1 pin is connected to the ground line 60N via the capacitor CD5 that functions as a decoupling capacitor and is also connected to the OUT_2 pin. And the OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin are connected to the ground line 60N via the capacitor CD6 that functions as a decoupling capacitor and are also connected to the IN pin of the LDO regulator 62, the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63, and the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64. Thereby, the charging IC 55 can supply a stable standard system voltage to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0105] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a capacitor CD7 that functions as a decoupling capacitor is also provided immediately before the first DC / DC converter 63 in the power supply line 60D. As a result, a stable standard system voltage can be supplied to the first DC / DC converter 63, and the power supply from the first DC / DC converter 63 to the load 21 can be stabilized.

[0106] The ILIM pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin for setting the upper limit of the current value output from the charging IC 55 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64. In the present embodiment, the ILIM pin is connected to the ground line 60N via a resistor R7. Here, the resistor R7 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value constituted by a resistance element, a transistor, or the like.

[0107] The charging IC 55 outputs a current with an upper limit of a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64. More specifically, the charging IC 55 outputs a current having a current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the resistor R6 connected to the ISET pin from the OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin, but if this current value reaches the current value corresponding to the electrical resistance value of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin, the output of the current from the OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin is stopped. That is, the manufacturer of the aerosol suction device 1 can set the upper limit value of the current output from the charging IC 55 to the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64 by the electrical resistance value of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin.

[0108] Also, a LED circuit C1 is provided which branches from the power line 60D. The LED circuit C1 is configured by connecting in series a resistor R8, a LED 70, and a switch SW1. Here, the resistor R8 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value composed of a resistance element, a transistor, or the like. The resistor R8 is mainly used to limit the voltage applied to the LED 70 and / or the current supplied to the LED 70. The LED 70 is provided at a position corresponding to the remaining amount confirmation window 11w inside the power supply unit 10, and is a light emitting unit configured to illuminate the outside of the power supply unit 10 through the remaining amount confirmation window 11w from the inside of the power supply unit 10. When the LED 70 emits light, the visibility of the remaining amount of the first cartridge 20 (specifically, the remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored in the first cartridge 20) through the remaining amount confirmation window 11w is improved. The switch SW1 is a switch composed of, for example, a MOSFET or the like.

[0109] One end on the resistor R8 side of the LED circuit C1, that is, one end of the resistor R8, is connected to a node N21 provided on the power line 60D. The other end of the resistor R8 constitutes a connector 70a and is connected to the anode-side terminal of the LED 70. One end of the switch SW1 constitutes a connector 70b and is connected to the cathode-side terminal of the LED 70. The other end on the switch SW1 side of the LED circuit C1, that is, the other end of the switch SW1, is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0110] Also, the switch SW1 is also connected to the MCU 50 as described later, turns on in response to an on command from the MCU 50, and turns off in response to an off command from the MCU 50. The LED circuit C1 becomes conductive when the switch SW1 is turned on. Then, the LED 70 emits light when the LED circuit C1 becomes conductive.

[0111] As described above, the IN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the positive power supply pin of the LDO regulator 62 and is connected to the power line 60D. The GND pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the ground pin of the LDO regulator 62 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Thus, the LDO regulator 62 is supplied with the standard system voltage output from the charging IC 55 via the power line 60D.

[0112] The OUT pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the pin from which the low-voltage system voltage generated by the LDO regulator 62 is output, and is connected to the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50, the VCC pin of the intake air sensor 15, the VDD pin and the IXS pin of the display driver 65, and the positive terminal 47a connected to the vibrator 47 via the power line 60E. The VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50 are the positive power supply pins of the MCU 50. Also, the VCC pin of the intake air sensor 15 is the positive power supply pin of the intake air sensor 15. And the VDD pin of the display driver 65 is the positive power supply pin of the display driver 65. Thus, the LDO regulator 62 can supply the low-voltage system voltage to the MCU 50, the intake air sensor 15, the display driver 65, and the vibrator 47.

[0113] The EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the pin for turning on / off the operation (function) of the LDO regulator 62. Specifically, the LDO regulator 62 operates when a high-level voltage is input to the EN pin, and stops operating when a high-level voltage is not input to the EN pin.

[0114] In this embodiment, the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is connected to the power supply line 60D and is also connected to the ground line 60N via the capacitor CD8. Therefore, when the standard system voltage is output from the charging IC 55, the capacitor CD8 is charged, a high-level voltage is input to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62, the LDO regulator 62 operates, and a low-voltage system voltage is output from the LDO regulator 62.

[0115] That is, in the power supply unit 10, the capacitor CD8 connected to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 can be charged by the power from the charging IC 55, and a high-level signal can be input to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62. Thus, even when the LDO regulator 62 and the MCU 50 stop due to power shortage of the power supply 12, it is possible to restart the LDO regulator 62 with the power from an external power supply and restart the MCU 50 with the power from the LDO regulator 62.

[0116] The VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50 are the power supply pins on the positive electrode side in the MCU 50 and are connected to the power supply line 60E as described above. The VSS pin of the MCU 50 is the power supply pin on the negative electrode side in the MCU 50 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Thereby, the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 is supplied to the MCU 50 via the power supply line 60E. Note that the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin may be combined into one pin.

[0117] Also, a thermistor circuit C2 is provided by branching from the power supply line 60E. The thermistor circuit C2 is configured by connecting a switch SW2, a resistor R9, and a thermistor TH in series. One end of the thermistor circuit C2 on the switch SW2 side is connected to a node N31 provided on the power supply line 60E. The other end of the thermistor circuit C2 on the thermistor TH side is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0118] Here, the switch SW2 is a switch composed of, for example, a MOSFET or the like. The switch SW2 is connected to the MCU50 as will be described later, turns on in response to an on command from the MCU50, and turns off in response to an off command from the MCU50. The thermistor circuit C2 becomes conductive when the switch SW2 turns on.

[0119] The resistor R9 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value composed of a resistance element, a transistor, or the like. The thermistor TH includes an element having NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristics or PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristics, that is, an element having a correlation between the electrical resistance value and the temperature, etc. The thermistor TH is arranged near the power supply 12 in a state where the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected.

[0120] The PC1 pin of the MCU50 is connected to a node N32 provided between the resistor R9 and the thermistor TH in the thermistor circuit C2. When the thermistor circuit C2 is in a conductive state (that is, when the switch SW2 is on), a voltage divided by the resistor R9 and the thermistor TH is input to the PC1 pin. The MCU50 can detect the temperature of the thermistor TH, that is, the temperature of the power supply 12, from the voltage value input to the PC1 pin.

[0121] The PA8 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW2 and is the pin that outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW2 or an off command to turn off the switch SW2. By outputting an on command from the PA8 pin, the MCU50 can turn on the switch SW2 and make the thermistor circuit C2 conductive. Also, by outputting an off command from the PA8 pin, the MCU50 can turn off the switch SW2 and make the thermistor circuit C2 non-conductive. As a specific example, when the switch SW2 is a switch composed of a MOSFET, the PA8 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. Then, the MCU50 can control the on / off of the switch SW2 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PA8 pin).

[0122] Also, in the power supply line 60E, a switch SW3 is provided in front of the positive terminal 47a. Here, the switch SW3 is a switch composed of, for example, a MOSFET or the like. The switch SW3 is connected to the MCU50, turns on in response to the on command of the MCU50, and turns off in response to the off command of the MCU50.

[0123] Specifically, the PC6 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the switch SW3 and is the pin that outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW3 or an off command to turn off the switch SW3. By outputting an on command from the PC6 pin, the MCU 50 can turn on the switch SW3 and supply power to the vibrator 47 through the power line 60E to vibrate the vibrator 47. Also, by outputting an off command from the PC6 pin, the MCU 50 can turn off the switch SW3 and stop the supply of power to the vibrator 47 through the power line 60E (i.e., the vibration of the vibrator 47). As a specific example, when the switch SW3 is a switch composed of a MOSFET, the PC6 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. Then, the MCU 50 can control the on / off of the switch SW3 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PC6 pin).

[0124] Also, a Zener diode D is connected to the power line 60E. Here, a Zener diode has two terminals (electrodes), an anode side and a cathode side, and when the voltage of the anode side terminal exceeds a predetermined Zener voltage (also called the breakdown voltage. As an example, in the case of this embodiment, a voltage less than the above-described varistor voltage), a current rapidly flows from the cathode side to the anode side. It is a diode that becomes like this.

[0125] Specifically, one end of the Zener diode D on the anode side is connected to the ground line 60N, and the other end on the cathode side is connected to the node N41 provided on the power supply line 60E. Here, the node N41 is provided between the switch SW3 and the positive terminal 47a on the power supply line 60E. Thus, even if a back electromotive force having a voltage larger than the Zener voltage of the Zener diode D is generated from the vibrator 47 when the vibrator 47 is turned on / off, as indicated by the arrow of reference numeral C3 in FIG. 4, a current due to this back electromotive force can flow through the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the current due to this back electromotive force from flowing outside the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D, and protect electronic components of the power supply unit 10 such as the power supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62 provided outside this closed circuit.

[0126] Furthermore, the capacitor CD9 may be connected to the power supply line 60E. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD9 is connected to the node N42 provided on the power supply line 60E, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N42 is provided on the power supply line 60E on the positive terminal 47a side with respect to the node N41. In this way, the capacitor CD9 can be arranged in the closed circuit formed by the above-described vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D, and the capacitor CD9 can also protect electronic components of the power supply unit 10 such as the power supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62 provided outside the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D. Note that the capacitor CD9 may be provided near the closed circuit without being provided in the above-described closed circuit. As a specific example, the capacitor CD9 may be provided between the switch SW3 and the Zener diode D. Even in this case, the capacitor CD9 and the Zener diode D can protect electronic components of the power supply unit 10 such as the power supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62.

[0127] The PB3 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 and is a pin that outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU50 can turn on / off the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 according to the voltage signal output from the PB3 pin. Specifically, the MCU50 can operate the first DC / DC converter 63 (i.e., activate the first DC / DC converter 63) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin. Also, the MCU50 can stop the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 (i.e., deactivate the first DC / DC converter 63) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin.

[0128] The PB4 pin of the MCU50 is connected to a switch SW4, which will be described later, provided between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the discharge terminal 41, and is a pin that outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW4 or an off command to turn off the switch SW4. The MCU50 can cause power to be supplied to the load 21 as described later by outputting an on command from the PB4 pin to turn on the switch SW4. Also, the MCU50 can stop the supply of power to the load 21 by outputting an off command from the PB4 pin to turn off the switch SW4. As a specific example, when the switch SW4 is a switch composed of a MOSFET, the PB4 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. And the MCU50 can control the on / off of the switch SW4 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PB4 pin).

[0129] As described above, the PB15 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the CHG pin of the charging IC55 and is a pin that receives the input of the charging state information and remaining capacity information output from the charging IC55.

[0130] The PA0 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW1 of the LED circuit C1 and is the pin that outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW1 or an off command to turn off the switch SW1. By outputting an on command from the PA0 pin of the MCU50 to turn on the switch SW1, the LED circuit C1 can be made conductive and the LED70 can be made to emit light (light up). Also, by outputting an off command from the PA0 pin of the MCU50 to turn off the switch SW1, the LED circuit C1 can be made non-conductive and the LED70 can be turned off. As a specific example, when the switch SW1 is a switch composed of a MOSFET, the PA0 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. And the MCU50 can control the on / off of the switch SW1 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (that is, the output from the PA0 pin). Further, by outputting the on command and the off command from the PA0 pin while rapidly switching between them, the MCU50 can rapidly switch between the conductive state and the non-conductive state of the LED circuit C1 and cause the LED70 to blink.

[0131] The PC5 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the OUT pin of the intake air sensor 15 and is the pin that receives the output of the intake air sensor 15 (that is, the signal indicating the detection result of the intake air sensor 15).

[0132] The PA11 pin and the PA12 pin of the MCU50 are the pins used for the input / output of the signals for communication between the power supply unit 10 and the external device. Specifically, as described above, the PA11 pin is connected to the A7 pin and the B7 pin of the charging terminal 43 via the resistor R2 and is used for the input / output of the signals on the Dn side. Also, the PA12 pin is connected to the A6 pin and the B6 pin of the charging terminal 43 via the resistor R1 and is used for the input / output of the signals on the Dp side.

[0133] The PC12 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 and is a pin for outputting a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU50 can turn on / off the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 according to the voltage signal output from the PC12 pin. Specifically, the MCU50 can operate the second DC / DC converter 64 (that is, activate the second DC / DC converter 64) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PC12 pin. Also, the MCU50 can stop the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 (that is, deactivate the second DC / DC converter 64) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PC12 pin.

[0134] The PB8 pin and PB9 pin of the MCU50 are pins used for outputting signals for communication between the MCU50 and other ICs, and in this embodiment, they are used for communication between the MCU50 and the display driver 65. Specifically, in this embodiment, the MCU50 and the display driver 65 perform I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication. The PB8 pin is used for outputting the signal on the SCL side in I2C communication, and the PB9 pin is used for outputting the signal on the SDA side in I2C communication. The MCU50 can control the display driver 65 according to the signals output from the PB8 pin and PB9 pin to control the display content of the display 16 (OLED panel 46).

[0135] As described above, the VCC pin of the intake air sensor 15 is the positive power supply pin of the intake air sensor 15 and is connected to the power supply line 60E. The GND pin of the intake air sensor 15 is the ground pin of the intake air sensor 15 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Thus, the intake air sensor 15 is supplied with the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 via the power supply line 60E.

[0136] The OUT pin of the intake air sensor 15 is a pin that outputs a signal indicating the detection result of the intake air sensor 15 as described above, and is connected to the PC5 pin of the MCU 50. Thereby, the intake air sensor 15 can notify the MCU 50 of the detection result.

[0137] The VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is the positive power supply pin in the first DC / DC converter 63 as described above, and is connected to the power supply line 60D. Also, the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is connected to the SW pin (switch pin) of the first DC / DC converter 63 via the coil CL1. The GND pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is the ground pin in the first DC / DC converter 63, and is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0138] The VOUT pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is a pin that outputs the first high-voltage system voltage generated by the first DC / DC converter 63, and is connected to the positive discharge terminal 41a of the discharge terminals 41 via the power supply line 60F. Note that the negative discharge terminal 41b of the discharge terminals 41 is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0139] A switch SW4, which is an example of a switch in the present invention, is provided on the power supply line 60F. The switch SW4 is a switch constituted by, for example, a MOSFET or the like, and more specifically, is a power MOSFET with a high switching speed. The switch SW4 is connected to the MCU 50 as described above, turns on in response to an on command from the MCU 50, and turns off in response to an off command from the MCU 50. When the switch SW4 turns on, the power supply line 60F becomes conductive, and the first high-voltage system voltage is supplied to the load 21 via the power supply line 60F.

[0140] Also, a varistor VR4 is connected to the power line 60F. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR4 is connected to a node N51 provided on the power line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N51 is provided on the positive electrode side of the discharge terminal 41a with respect to the switch SW4 in the power line 60F, that is, on the output side of the switch SW4. In other words, the varistor VR4 is connected between the discharge terminal 41 and the power supply 12, and more specifically, is connected between the discharge terminal 41 and the first DC / DC converter 63 (more specifically, the switch SW4).

[0141] Therefore, for example, even if static electricity is generated at the discharge terminal 41 due to rubbing between the discharge terminal 41 and the load 21 when the first cartridge 20 is replaced, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR4 to protect the switch SW4, the first DC / DC converter 63, the power supply 12, etc. Further, even if the varistor VR4 fails, the switch SW4 and the first DC / DC converter 63 can serve as a barrier against noise (in this case, the static electricity generated at the discharge terminal 41) for other elements (for example, the charging IC55) on the power supply 12 side of these, and other elements can be protected.

[0142] Also, a capacitor CD10 that functions as a decoupling capacitor is connected to the power line 60F. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD10 is connected to a node N52 provided on the power line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N52 is provided between the node N51 and the switch SW4 in the power line 60F. In other words, the capacitor CD10 is connected to the output side of the switch SW4. Thereby, the power supply from the switch SW4 to the load 21 can be stabilized, and even if static electricity is generated at the discharge terminal 41, the varistor VR4 can protect the capacitor CD10 from this static electricity. Note that the capacitor CD10 is an example of the second smoothing capacitor in the present invention.

[0143] Furthermore, a capacitor CD11 that functions as a decoupling capacitor may be connected to the power line 60F. Specifically described, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD11 is connected to a node N53 provided on the power line 60F, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N53 is provided between the switch SW4 and the first DC / DC converter 63 in the power line 60F. In other words, the capacitor CD11 is connected to the output side of the first DC / DC converter 63. Thereby, the stabilization of the power supply from the first DC / DC converter 63 to the switch SW4 (for example, a power MOSFET) can be achieved, and as a result, the stabilization of the power supply to the load 21 can be achieved. Note that the capacitor CD11 is an example of the first smoothing capacitor in the present invention.

[0144] As described above, the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is a pin for setting the on / off operation of the first DC / DC converter 63, and is connected to the PB3 pin of the MCU50.

[0145] The MODE pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is a pin for setting the operation mode of the first DC / DC converter 63. The first DC / DC converter 63 is, for example, a switching regulator, and as operation modes, it can take a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode (hereinafter, also referred to as the PWM mode) and a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) mode (hereinafter, also referred to as the PFM mode). In the present embodiment, by connecting the MODE pin to the power line 60D, a high-level voltage is input to the MODE pin when the first DC / DC converter 63 can operate, and the first DC / DC converter 63 is set to operate in the PWM mode.

[0146] As described above, the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is the positive power pin in the second DC / DC converter 64 and is connected to the power line 60D. Also, the VIN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is connected to the SW pin (switch pin) of the second DC / DC converter 64 via the coil CL2. The GND pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is the ground pin in the second DC / DC converter 64 and is connected to the ground line 60N.

[0147] The VOUT pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is the pin where the second high-voltage system voltage generated by the second DC / DC converter 64 is output, and is connected to the VCC_C pin of the display driver 65 via the power line 60G. Thus, the second DC / DC converter 64 can supply the second high-voltage system voltage to the display driver 65.

[0148] Also, a varistor VR5 is connected to the power line 60G. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR5 is connected to the node N61 provided on the power line 60G, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. In other words, the varistor VR5 is connected between the connector portion connected to the VCC_C pin of the display driver 65 on the power line 60G and the second DC / DC converter 64.

[0149] Therefore, even if an object (e.g., the user's hand) contacts the display 16 exposed outside the aerosol inhaler 1, generating static electricity on the display 16, and this static electricity flows back to the second DC / DC converter 64 side via the OLED panel 46 or the display driver 65, the varistor VR5 can discharge this static electricity to the ground line 60N, protecting the second DC / DC converter 64 and the like from this static electricity. Furthermore, even if the varistor VR5 fails, the second DC / DC converter 64 can serve as a barrier against noise (in this case, the static electricity generated on the display 16) for other elements (e.g., the LDO regulator 62) on the power supply 12 side, protecting the other elements.

[0150] Also, from the same perspective, a varistor VR6 is connected to the power supply line 60E. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR6 is connected to the node N43 provided on the power supply line 60E, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N43 is provided between the LDO regulator 62 and the switch SW3 on the power supply line 60E. Therefore, even if an object contacts the display 16 exposed outside the aerosol inhaler 1, generating static electricity on the display 16, and this static electricity flows back to the LDO regulator 62 side via the OLED panel 46 or the display driver 65, the varistor VR6 can discharge this static electricity to the ground line 60N, protecting the LDO regulator 62 from this static electricity.

[0151] Also, a capacitor CD12 that functions as a decoupling capacitor is connected to the power line 60G. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD12 is connected to a node N62 provided on the power line 60G, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N62 is provided on the 64 side of the second DC / DC converter from the node N61 in the power line 60G. Thereby, a stable second high-voltage system voltage can be supplied to the display driver 65, and even if static electricity is generated in the display 16, the capacitor CD12 can be protected from this static electricity by the varistor VR5. That is, by providing the node N62 on the second DC / DC converter side from the node N61 in the power line 60G, it is possible to achieve both protection of the display driver 65 from overvoltage and stable operation of the display driver 65.

[0152] The EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is a pin for setting the on / off operation of the second DC / DC converter 64, and as described above, it is connected to the PC12 pin of the MCU50.

[0153] The VDD pin of the display driver 65 is the positive power pin in the display driver 65 as described above, and is connected to the power line 60E. Also, the VSS pin of the display driver 65 is the negative power pin in the display driver 65, and is connected to the ground line 60N. Thereby, a low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 is supplied to the display driver 65 via the power line 60E. The low-voltage system voltage supplied to the display driver 65 is used as the power for the display driver 65 to operate.

[0154] The VCC_C pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives the second high-voltage system voltage. As described above, it is connected to the VOUT pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 via the power line 60G. When the display driver 65 receives the second high-voltage system voltage via the VCC_C pin, it supplies the received second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 via the power line 60H. Thereby, the display driver 65 can operate the OLED panel 46. Note that the display driver 65 and the OLED panel 46 may also be connected by other lines (not shown). Also, the OLED panel 46 is an example of a load in the present invention.

[0155] The SCL pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives the SCL-side signal in the I2C communication between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65, and is connected to the PB8 pin of the MCU 50 as described above. Also, the SDA pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives the SDA-side signal in the I2C communication between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65, and is connected to the PB9 pin of the MCU 50 as described above.

[0156] The IXS pin of the display driver 65 is a pin for setting whether the communication between the display driver 65 and another IC (the MCU 50 in this embodiment) is performed by I2C communication or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication. In this embodiment, by connecting the IXS pin to the power line 60E, a high-level voltage is input to the IXS pin, and the communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU 50 is set to be performed by I2C communication. Note that by inputting a low-level voltage to the IXS pin, the communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU 50 may be set to be performed by SPI communication.

[0157] (MCU) Next, the configuration of the MCU 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 includes an aerosol generation request detection unit 51, a temperature detection unit 52, a power control unit 53, and a notification control unit 54 as functional blocks realized by a processor executing a program stored in a ROM (not shown).

[0158] The aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation based on the output result of the intake air sensor 15. The intake air sensor 15 is configured to output a value of a pressure (internal pressure) change in the power supply unit 10 generated by the user's suction through the suction port 32. The intake air sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor that outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure that changes according to the flow rate of the air sucked from an intake port (not shown) toward the suction port 32 (that is, the user's puff operation). The intake air sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone or the like. The intake air sensor 15 may output an analog value or a digital value converted from the analog value. Further, the intake air sensor 15 may transmit the output to the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 using the I2C communication, SPI communication, or the like described above.

[0159] The temperature detection unit 52 detects the temperature of the power supply 12 based on the input from the thermistor circuit C2. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 52 applies a voltage to the thermistor circuit C2 by turning on the switch SW2, and detects the temperature of the thermistor TH, that is, the temperature of the power supply 12, from the voltage value input from the thermistor circuit C2 to the MCU 50 (for example, the PC1 pin) at that time. Further, for example, the electrical resistance value of the load 21 may be configured to be detectable, and the temperature detection unit 52 may detect the temperature of the load 21.

[0160] The power control unit 53 controls the supply of power to each electronic component of the aerosol inhaler 1. For example, when the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation, the power control unit 53 operates the first DC / DC converter 63 and controls the switching of the switch SW4 to supply power to the load 21 via the positive electrode side discharge terminal 41a. Thereby, the MCU 50 can heat (function) the load 21 to generate an aerosol. A specific example of the power supplied to the load 21 will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0161] Also, the power control unit 53 supplies the standard system voltage to the vibrator 47 via the positive electrode side terminal 47a by turning on the switch SW3 at a predetermined timing. Thereby, the MCU 50 can supply the power of the standard system voltage to the vibrator 47 to vibrate (function) the vibrator 47.

[0162] Also, the power control unit 53 operates the second DC / DC converter 64 at a predetermined timing to supply the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 via the display driver 65. Thereby, the MCU 50 can supply the power of the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 to operate (function) the OLED panel 46.

[0163] By the way, if the power supply to the load 21 and the power supply to the OLED panel 46 are performed simultaneously, the discharge from the power source 12 at that time can become a large current. And the discharge of a large current places a heavy burden on the power source 12 and may lead to the deterioration of the power source 12. Therefore, it is desirable that the MCU 50 stops the operation (i.e., function) of the OLED panel 46 while supplying power to the load 21, that is, while operating the first DC / DC converter 63 and the switch SW4.

[0164] Specifically, when the input to the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is at a high level, the MCU 50 sets the input to the EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 to a low level. Thereby, when the first DC / DC converter 63 and the switch SW4 are operating, the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 is stopped, the power supply to the OLED panel 46 is stopped, and the operation (i.e., function) of the OLED panel 46 can be stopped.

[0165] In this way, by preventing the power supply to the load 21 and the power supply to the OLED panel 46 from being performed simultaneously, it is possible to suppress the discharge of a large current from the power supply 12 and suppress the deterioration of the power supply 12 due to the discharge of a large current.

[0166] Also, while the power supply to the load 21 is being performed, that is, while the first DC / DC converter 63 and the switch SW4 are operating, by stopping the power supply to the OLED panel 46, it is possible to suppress the power supplied to the first DC / DC converter 63 from becoming unstable (e.g., insufficient). Thereby, the power supplied to the load 21 can be stabilized, so that it is possible to suppress the variation in the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 due to the supply of unstable power to the load 21 and the resulting decrease in the aroma taste in the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0167] Also, when the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation, the power control unit 53 further turns on the switch SW1 to bring the LED circuit C1 into a conductive state and cause the LED 70 to emit light (function). In this case, a voltage obtained by dropping the standard system voltage from the charging IC 55 by the resistor R8 is supplied to the connector 70a. That is, by turning on the switch SW1, the power control unit 53 can supply the power of the voltage obtained by dropping the standard system voltage by the resistor R8 to the LED 70 via the connector 70a.

[0168] Note that the power control unit 53 controls the power supplied to the LED 70, for example, so that it is smaller than the power supplied to other electronic components such as the load 21, the OLED panel 46, and the vibrator 47. That is, the power control unit 53 controls the power supplied to the connector 70a so that it is smaller than the power supplied to the positive electrode side discharge terminal 41a, the positive electrode side terminal 47a, and the like. This makes it possible to supply appropriate power to the LED 70 with a simple configuration, and while suppressing an increase in the manufacturing cost of the aerosol suction device 1 (for example, the power supply unit 10), the high functionality of the aerosol suction device 1 can be realized.

[0169] The notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify various information. For example, the notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. The notification control unit 54 detects and notifies the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 based on the cumulative number of puff operations stored in the memory 19 or the cumulative energization time to the load 21. The notification control unit 54 is not limited to notifying the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30, and may notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20, the replacement timing of the power supply 12, the charging timing of the power supply 12, and the like.

[0170] Further, when the puff operation is performed a predetermined number of times or the cumulative energization time to the load 21 due to the puff operation reaches a predetermined value (for example, 120 seconds) in a state where one unused second cartridge 30 is set, the notification control unit 54 may determine that this second cartridge 30 has been used (that is, the remaining amount is zero or empty) and notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30.

[0171] Further, when the notification control unit 54 determines that all the second cartridges 30 included in the above set have been used up, it may determine that one of the first cartridges 20 included in this set has been used up (that is, the remaining amount is zero or empty), and notify the replacement timing of the first cartridge 20. In addition to or instead of these, the notification control unit 54 may also notify the remaining amount of the first cartridge 20, the remaining amount of the second cartridge 30, the remaining capacity of the power supply 12, etc.

[0172] (Power supplied to the load 21) Next, a specific example of the power supplied to the load 21 will be described. The power supply unit 10 can increase the power supplied to the load 21 by supplying the voltage boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 to the load 21. Thereby, the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 can be increased, and the flavor of the aerosol inhaler 1 can be improved.

[0173] However, on the other hand, if excessive power is supplied to the load 21, it may lead to a decrease in user convenience or rather a decrease in flavor. Specifically, for example, the amount of the aerosol source 22 that can be stored in the first cartridge 20 (reservoir 23) is limited. Therefore, if excessive power is supplied to the load 21 to increase the amount of aerosol generated too much, the aerosol source 22 will be depleted early, and replenishment of the aerosol source 22, that is, replacement of the first cartridge 20 will be required frequently, and the user convenience may decrease.

[0174] Also, the wick 24 also has a limit on the amount of the aerosol source 22 that can be supplied from the reservoir 23 to the load 21 per unit time. Therefore, if the power supplied to the load 21 is excessive with respect to the amount of the aerosol source 22 supplied to the load 21, rapid (for example, unnatural for the user) aerosol generation may occur, leading to a decrease in flavor.

[0175] Therefore, the power supply unit 10 supplies an appropriate amount of electric power to the load 21, making the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 appropriate, improving the aroma taste in the aerosol inhaler 1 while suppressing a decrease in user convenience. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, in the power supply unit 10, a switch SW4 connected between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the load 21 is provided, and by switching the switch SW4, excessive power is prevented from being supplied to the load 21, making the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 appropriate.

[0176] Hereinafter, the details of the power supplied to the load 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Note that FIG. 6 shows the main part for supplying power to the load 21 in the electric circuit of the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 4, and the illustration of parts other than the main part is omitted as appropriate.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 6, the first DC / DC converter 63 includes a logic circuit 631, a PWM control circuit 632, a gate driver 633, a first internal switch SW634, and a second internal switch SW635.

[0178] The logic circuit 631 is a circuit that performs various operations necessary for the first DC / DC converter 63 to operate. The logic circuit 631 is connected to the EN pin and the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63, and when an operation command (i.e., a high-level voltage signal) from the MCU 50 is input to the EN pin, it operates using the power supplied via the VIN pin. When the logic circuit 631 operates, the first DC / DC converter 63 operates. Note that the logic circuit 631 also supplies the power supplied via the VIN pin to the PWM control circuit 632. Thereby, the PWM control circuit 632 can operate using the power supplied from the logic circuit 631.

[0179] Also, the logic circuit 631 is connected to the MODE pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 and the PWM control circuit 632, and outputs operation mode information corresponding to the voltage input to the MODE pin to the PWM control circuit 632. Here, the operation mode information is information specifying the operation mode of the first DC / DC converter 63. For example, when the voltage input to the MODE pin is at a high level, the logic circuit 631 outputs operation mode information specifying the PWM mode. On the other hand, when the voltage input to the MODE pin is at a low level, the logic circuit 631 outputs operation mode information specifying the PFM mode.

[0180] However, as described above, in this embodiment, the MODE pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is connected to the power supply line 60D. Therefore, the voltage input to the MODE pin when the first DC / DC converter 63 can operate is always at a high level. Accordingly, the operation mode information output from the logic circuit 631 when the first DC / DC converter 63 can operate also always specifies the PWM mode. Thereby, the operation mode when the first DC / DC converter 63 operates can be fixed to the PWM mode.

[0181] In this way, by fixing the operation mode of the first DC / DC converter 63 to the PWM mode, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the output of the first DC / DC converter 63 caused by the transition of the operation mode of the first DC / DC converter 63 between the PWM mode and the PFM mode, and it is possible to stabilize the output of the first DC / DC converter 63. Thereby, it is possible to stabilize the power supplied to the load 21 and suppress a decrease in the aroma taste in the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0182] Also, in aerosol generation, the load 21 requires a relatively large current (for example, about 1.5 [A]). When attempting to output such a relatively large current from the first DC / DC converter 63, generally, the efficiency of the first DC / DC converter 63 is better when operating in the PWM mode rather than the PFM mode. That is, for generating power to supply a heavy load that requires a relatively large current such as the load 21, the PWM mode is more suitable than the PFM mode. Therefore, by operating the first DC / DC converter 63 in the PWM mode, compared to the case of operating it in the PFM mode, the power required by the load 21 can be generated efficiently. For example, an increase in the aerosol generation amount per unit of power for one charge of the power source 12 can be achieved.

[0183] The PWM control circuit 632 is connected to the logic circuit 631 and the gate driver 633, and controls the gate driver 633 according to the operation mode specified by the operation mode information received from the logic circuit 631. For example, when the operation mode specified by the operation mode information is the PWM mode, the PWM control circuit 632 instructs the gate driver 633 to perform switching of at least one of the first internal switch SW634 and the second internal switch SW635 in the PWM method. The PWM control circuit 632 may instruct the gate driver 633 to perform switching of only one of the first internal switch SW634 and the second internal switch SW635 in the PWM method and maintain the other of the first internal switch SW634 and the second internal switch SW635 in the on state. Also, the PWM control circuit 632 is configured to be able to acquire the voltage value of the output voltage from the VOUT pin of the first DC / DC converter 63, that is, downstream of the second internal switch SW635.

[0184] The gate driver 633 is connected to the VIN pin and the VOUT pin of the first DC / DC converter 63, and controls the on / off of the first internal switch SW634 and the second internal switch SW635 based on the comparison between the input voltage (hereinafter also referred to as Vin) to the VIN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 and the output voltage (hereinafter also referred to as Vout) from the VOUT pin of the first DC / DC converter 63.

[0185] Here, the first internal switch SW634 and the second internal switch SW635 are switches (openers) realized by, for example, MOSFETs built in the first DC / DC converter 63. The gate driver 633 can control the on / off of the first internal switch SW634 and the second internal switch SW635 by controlling the gate voltages of the first internal switch SW634 and the second internal switch SW635.

[0186] The boost ratio (also referred to as the boost factor) of the first DC / DC converter 63, that is, Vout / Vin, changes according to the duty ratio of the switching with respect to the first internal switch SW634. And there is a relationship between the boost ratio of the first DC / DC converter 63 and the efficiency of the first DC / DC converter 63. Generally, the greater the boost ratio of the first DC / DC converter 63, the greater the loss during boosting, and the efficiency of the first DC / DC converter 63 deteriorates. Therefore, it is desirable that the boost ratio of the first DC / DC converter 63 be as low as possible within the range where a voltage suitable for heating the load 21 can be obtained from the output voltage of the power supply 12 (that is, Vin).

[0187] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first DC / DC converter 63 is configured to output a voltage within the range of 4.0 [V] or more and 4.5 [V] or less (hereinafter also referred to as 4.0 to 4.5 [V]). In this way, if the first DC / DC converter 63 outputs a voltage near the full charge voltage (4.2 [V]) of the power supply 12, the difference between Vin and Vout can be reduced. Therefore, the boost ratio of the first DC / DC converter 63 can be lowered, the efficiency of the first DC / DC converter 63 can be improved, and for example, an increase in the amount of aerosol generated per unit power for one charge of the power supply 12 can be achieved.

[0188] More specifically, the first DC / DC converter 63 may be configured to output a voltage within the range of 4.0 [V] or more and 4.2 [V] or less (hereinafter also referred to as 4.0 to 4.2 [V]). Alternatively, the first DC / DC converter 63 may be configured to output a voltage equal to or lower than the full charge voltage (4.2 [V]) of the power supply 12. In this way, if the first DC / DC converter 63 outputs a voltage equal to or lower than the full charge voltage of the power supply 12, depending on the remaining capacity of the power supply 12, the boost ratio of the first DC / DC converter 63 can be set to the most efficient "1" (i.e., Vout = Vin), and the efficiency of the first DC / DC converter 63 can be further improved.

[0189] Also, a capacitor CD11 that functions as a decoupling capacitor (smoothing capacitor) is connected to the output side of the first DC / DC converter 63. In this embodiment, the capacitor CD11 is configured by connecting a capacitor CD111 and a capacitor CD112 in parallel. The capacitor CD111 and the capacitor CD112 are capacitors having a capacitance of, for example, about 50 [μF]. That is, the capacitance of the capacitor CD11 is about 100 [μF].

[0190] In this way, by connecting the capacitor CD11 having a relatively large capacitance to the output side of the first DC / DC converter 63, as shown in (A) in FIG. 6, a steady-wave voltage with the ripple removed from the voltage output from the first DC / DC converter 63 can be input to the switch SW4. Therefore, the power supplied to the load 21 via the switch SW4 can be stabilized, and it is possible to suppress the reduction of the flavor in the aerosol inhaler 1 due to the supply of unstable power to the load 21.

[0191] As described above, the switch SW4 turns on in response to the on command of the MCU 50 and turns off in response to the off command of the MCU 50. The MCU 50 switches the switch SW4 with a duty ratio of less than 1. As a result, the voltage output from the switch SW4 is not the steady-wave voltage output by the first DC / DC converter 63, but is in the form of a pulse including an off period (a period of 0 [V]), as shown in (B) in FIG. 6. Therefore, the power supplied to the load 21 per unit time can be suppressed, and the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 can be made appropriate.

[0192] Also, the duty ratio when switching the switch SW4 is, for example, single and fixed. Thereby, the processing load on the MCU 50 during aerosol generation can be reduced, the power supplied to the load 21 can be stabilized, the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 can be stabilized, and the flavor in the aerosol inhaler 1 can be improved.

[0193] More specifically, whether the power supply 12 is fully charged or in a discharge termination state, the MCU 50 makes the duty ratio equal when switching the switch SW4. Thereby, regardless of the remaining capacity of the power supply 12, the power supplied to the load 21 can be stabilized, and the generation amount of the aerosol by the load 21 can be stabilized and the flavor of the aerosol inhaler 1 can be improved. Note that the MCU 50 can determine the remaining capacity of the power supply 12, that is, whether the power supply 12 is in a fully charged state or a discharge termination state, based on the remaining capacity information received from the charging IC 55.

[0194] Note that as the switch SW4, it is desirable to adopt a switch with as low an on-resistance as possible. Specifically, it is desirable to adopt a switch with an on-resistance lower than that of the first internal switch SW634 and the second internal switch SW635. In this embodiment, the on-resistance of the switch SW4 is about 5 [mΩ], the on-resistance of the first internal switch SW634 is about 10 [mΩ], and the on-resistance of the second internal switch SW635 is about 20 [mΩ]. In this way, by reducing the on-resistance of the switch SW4, it is possible to suppress the voltage boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 from being excessively stepped down by the switch SW4, that is, the power supplied to the load 21 from being excessively reduced by providing the switch SW4. Therefore, an appropriate amount of electric power can be supplied to the load 21, and the generation amount of the aerosol by the load 21 can be made appropriate.

[0195] Also, a capacitor CD10 that functions as a decoupling capacitor is connected to the output side of the switch SW4. Thereby, it becomes possible to supply a voltage obtained by removing a surge (noise) from the voltage output from the switch SW4 (that is, a pulsed voltage) to the load 21. Therefore, the power supplied to the load 21 via the switch SW4 can be stabilized, and it is possible to suppress the flavor of the aerosol inhaler 1 from deteriorating due to the supply of unstable power to the load 21.

[0196] Also, it is desirable that the capacitors CD10 and CD11 are capacitors suitable for their respective applications. Specifically, it is desirable that the capacitance of capacitor CD10 is different from the capacitance of capacitor CD11. This makes it possible to employ capacitors having appropriate capacitances according to their respective applications as the capacitors CD10 and CD11.

[0197] More specifically, it is desirable that the capacitance of capacitor CD11 is larger than the capacitance of capacitor CD10. In this embodiment, the capacitance of capacitor CD10 is set to 1 [μF] or less with respect to capacitor CD11 having a capacitance of about 100 [μF]. Thus, according to capacitor CD11 having a large capacitance, ripples can be removed cleanly from the voltage output from the first DC / DC converter 63. On the other hand, according to capacitor CD10 having a small capacitance, a rectangular wave voltage obtained by removing surges from the voltage output from switch SW4 can be supplied to load 21 without the voltage output from switch SW4 being smoothed halfway. Also, it becomes possible to reduce the mounting area on the substrates of capacitors CD10 and CD11.

[0198] (Circuit board) Next, a specific example of the circuit board 60 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7 to 10. Note that it should be noted that FIGS. 7 to 10 disclose only the main parts of the circuit configuration on the circuit board 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the circuit board 60 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 located on the back side of the first surface 71. The first surface 71 and the second surface 72 are surfaces substantially perpendicular to the left-right direction. And the first surface 71 constitutes the right surface of the circuit board 60, and the second surface 72 constitutes the left surface of the circuit board 60. And the second surface 72 faces the power supply 12 and / or the second surface 72 is disposed closer to the power supply 12 than the first surface 71. In this embodiment, the second surface 72 faces the power supply 12.

[0199] A plurality of elements are mounted on a first surface 71 constituting the right surface of the circuit board 60 and a second surface 72 constituting the left surface of the circuit board 60.

[0200] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the circuit board 60 further includes a ground layer 73 and a power supply layer 74, and the ground layer 73 and the power supply layer 74 are provided between the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. That is, in the present embodiment, the circuit board 60 is a four-layer multilayer board formed by laminating the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72. In the present embodiment, the circuit board 60 is configured by laminating the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 in this order from the right. Instead of this embodiment, the circuit board 60 may be a multilayer board of five or more layers by multilayerizing at least one of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72. Further, the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 may be divided into two or more groups and laminated only within the same group. Note that in this case, although the circuit board 60 is physically divided into two or more parts, it should be noted that the order of arrangement of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 in the left-right direction remains unchanged.

[0201] When viewed from the left - right direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 on which a plurality of elements are mounted, the circuit board 60 is substantially L - shaped as a whole. Specifically, when viewed from the left - right direction, the circuit board 60 has a substantially rectangular connecting portion 600, a first portion 601 extending forward from the front end surface of the connecting portion 600, and a second portion 602 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 600. The first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 have substantially the same shape and are substantially L - shaped when viewed from the left - right direction. Specifically, the first surface 71 has a substantially rectangular connecting portion 710, a first portion 711 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 710, and a second portion 712 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 710. The second surface 72 has a substantially rectangular connecting portion 720, a first portion 721 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 720, and a second portion 722 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 720. The ground layer 73 has a substantially rectangular connecting portion 730, a first portion 731 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 730, and a second portion 732 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 730. The power supply layer 74 has a substantially rectangular connecting portion 740, a first portion 741 extending forward from the front end of the connecting portion 740, and a second portion 742 extending upward from the upper end surface of the connecting portion 740. The connecting portion 600 of the circuit board 60 is formed by the connecting portions 710, 720, 730, 740 of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 respectively. The first portion 601 of the circuit board 60 is formed by the first portions 711, 721, 731, 741 of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 respectively. The second portion 602 is formed by the second portions 712, 722, 732, 742 of the first surface 71, the ground layer 73, the power supply layer 74, and the second surface 72 respectively.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 7, on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, elements such as a display driver 65, a second DC / DC converter 64, an MCU 50, a charging IC 55, an LDO regulator 62, a protection IC 61, a first DC / DC converter 63, and a power connector 81 are mounted. Further, an intake sensor connection portion 82, a switch connection portion 83, and a vibrator connection portion 84 are formed on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60.

[0203] The display driver 65 is mounted above the vertical center of the second portion 712. An OLED panel 46 is disposed above the circuit board 60, and the display driver 65 and the OLED panel 46 are connected by a power line 60H.

[0204] The second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted slightly above the vertical center of the second portion 712 and in the front lower position of the display driver 65.

[0205] The MCU 50 is mounted at a position straddling the lower end of the second portion 712 and the upper end of the connecting portion 710.

[0206] The charging IC 55 is mounted at the rear end of the first portion 711.

[0207] In this way, the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71 which faces the power supply 12 and / or is located on the back side of the second surface 72 disposed near the power supply 12. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the power supply 12 from being heated by the heat generated from the charging IC 55 during charging of the power supply 12.

[0208] The LDO regulator 62 is mounted at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the connecting portion 710 and between the MCU 50 and the charging IC 55 in the front-rear direction.

[0209] In this way, the LDO regulator 62 is mounted on the first surface 71 which faces the power supply 12 and / or is located on the back side of the second surface 72 disposed near the power supply 12. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the power supply 12 from being heated by the heat generated from the LDO regulator 62 during charging of the power supply 12.

[0210] The protection IC 61 is mounted at a position below the charging IC 55 and the LDO regulator 62 and straddling the connection portion 710 and the first portion 711.

[0211] The first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted at the front upper end portion of the first portion 711.

[0212] In this way, since the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71 which faces the power supply 12 and / or is located on the back side of the second surface 72 disposed near the power supply 12, it is possible to suppress the power supply 12 from being heated by the heat generated during the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63.

[0213] The power connector 81 is a connector for electrically connecting the circuit board 60 to the power supply 12, and is mounted at the lower end portion of the first portion 711 below the first DC / DC converter 63. Power lines for connecting to the power supply 12 and the like are connected to the power connector 81. Further, the power connector 81 and the charging IC 55 are mounted on one of the left and right sides (the right side in this embodiment; that is, the front side in the aerosol inhaler 1) when viewed from the position where the charging terminal 43 is mounted on the circuit board 60. Thereby, the power connector 81 and the charging IC 55, which are elements for charging the power supply 12, can be integrated and mounted on the circuit board 60, achieving miniaturization of the circuit board 60 and high efficiency of charging.

[0214] The intake air sensor connection portion 82 is formed at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction at the front end portion of the second portion 712. A power line for connecting to the intake air sensor 15 is soldered to the intake air sensor connection portion 82.

[0215] The switch connection part 83 is formed at approximately the center in the vertical direction at the rear end part of the second part 712. A power line connected to the operation part 18 is soldered to the switch connection part 83.

[0216] The vibrator connection part 84 is formed at the lower rear end part of the connection part 710. Power lines connected to the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b of the vibrator 47 are soldered to the vibrator connection part 84.

[0217] Therefore, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the circuit board 60 while being separated from each other. More specifically, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first part 601 of the circuit board 60, and the second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted on the second part 602 of the circuit board 60. Further, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted at a position straddling the lower end part of the second part 712 of the circuit board 60 and the upper end part of the connection part 710, and the second DC / DC converter 64 is mounted at a position straddling the lower end part of the second part 712 of the circuit board 60 and the upper end part of the connection part 710, and the MCU 50 is mounted at a position straddling the lower end part of the second part 712 of the circuit board 60 and the upper end part of the connection part 710. Thereby, the distance between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 is longer than the distance between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the MCU 50, and is also longer than the distance between the second DC / DC converter 64 and the MCU 50. Here, the "distance" refers to the shortest one (i.e., the straight-line distance) when two objects are connected by a straight line. The same applies in the following description.

[0218] In this way, since the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the circuit board 60 while being separated from each other, heat and switching noise generated from one DC / DC converter can be reduced from affecting the other DC / DC converter.

[0219] In addition, since both the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, by arranging the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 on the same surface, the second surface 72 where the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are not mounted can be configured to be less affected by the heat and switching noise generated from the DC / DC converter.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 10, an LED 70, a discharge terminal 41, a power module 85, a charging terminal 43, and a thermistor TH are mounted on the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60.

[0221] The LED 70 is mounted at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction at the rear end of the second portion 722.

[0222] The discharge terminal 41 is mounted so as to protrude upward from the upper end of the first portion 721. The discharge terminal 41 is a pin or the like with a built-in spring, and is connected to the load 21 of the first cartridge 20, and the power of the power supply 12 is supplied from the discharge terminal 41 to the load 21.

[0223] The power module 85 is mounted on the first portion 721 below the discharge terminal 41. The power module 85 includes a switch SW4, a capacitor CD10, and a varistor VR4. Also, although the power module 85 includes the switch SW4, it may be configured not to include the capacitor CD10 and the varistor VR4. In this case, the capacitor CD10 and the varistor VR4 may be provided between the discharge terminal 41 and the power module 85.

[0224] The charging terminal 43 is mounted so as to protrude downward from the lower end of the second surface 72 at a position straddling the connecting portion 720 and the first portion 721 in the front-rear direction.

[0225] Furthermore, when viewed from the left - right direction, on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72, at least a part of the protection IC61 is mounted in a region overlapping with the charging terminal 43 mounted on the second surface 72 (see FIG. 7).

[0226] As a result, elements can be mounted on the circuit board 60 with high density, and the circuit board 60 can be made even smaller in size.

[0227] The thermistor TH is mounted in a region behind and below the connection portion 720. Therefore, the thermistor TH is mounted at the rear lower end of the entire second surface 72.

[0228] Since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72 facing the power supply 12 and / or closer to the power supply 12 than the first surface 71, the thermistor TH can be arranged to face the power supply 12 and / or closer to the power supply 12. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0229] On the second surface 72, a thermistor circuit C2 is formed by the thermistor TH and the resistor R9. The resistor R9 is mounted on the second surface 72 in front of the thermistor TH. The thermistor TH is spaced apart from the resistor R9, and at least one of the plurality of elements is mounted at a position where the straight - line distance from the resistor R9 is shorter than the straight - line distance from the resistor R9 to the thermistor TH. In the present embodiment, the switch SW2 is mounted at a position where the straight - line distance from the resistor R9 is shorter than the straight - line distance from the resistor R9 to the thermistor TH.

[0230] In this way, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72 spaced apart from the resistor R9, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the resistor R9. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0231] In addition, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72 different from the first surface 71 on which the MCU 50 is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the MCU 50. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0232] In addition, since the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71 different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the first DC / DC converter 63. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0233] In addition, since the LDO regulator 62 is mounted on the first surface 71 different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the LDO regulator 62. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0234] In addition, since the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71 different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the charging IC 55. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0235] In addition, both the first DC / DC converter 63 and the discharge terminal 41 connected to the load 21 that consumes the power output by the first DC / DC converter 63 are mounted on the first portion 601 of the circuit board 60. Further, both the second DC / DC converter 64 and the display driver 65 connected to the OLED panel 46 that consumes the power output by the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60.

[0236] Note that the discharge terminal 41 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the first portion 601 of the circuit board 60. For example, the discharge terminal 41 may be mounted on a portion of the circuit board 60 other than the first portion 601 and connected to an element mounted on the first portion 601. Also, the display driver 65 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60. For example, the display driver 65 may be mounted on a portion of the circuit board 60 other than the second portion 602 and connected to an element mounted on the second portion 602.

[0237] In this way, since the discharge terminal 41 is mounted or connected to the first portion 601 of the circuit board 60 and the display driver 65 is mounted or connected to the second portion 602 of the circuit board 60, the discharge terminal 41 can be arranged close to the first DC / DC converter 63, and the display driver 65 can be arranged close to the second DC / DC converter 64. Therefore, the path for supplying the power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 to the load 21 can be shortened, and the path for supplying the power boosted by the second DC / DC converter 64 to the OLED panel 46 can be shortened. Thereby, the loss of the power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 can be reduced. And the influence on other elements due to the loss of the power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 can be suppressed, and the decrease in the amount of aerosol that can be generated by one charge can be suppressed.

[0238] Also, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71, and the power module 85 is mounted on the second surface 72. In this way, since the first DC / DC converter 63 and the power module 85 are mounted on different surfaces of the circuit board 60, when supplying power to the load 21, the concentration of the heat generated from the first DC / DC converter 63 and the heat generated from the power module 85 can be suppressed.

[0239] In addition, since both the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 are mounted on the first portion 721 of the second surface 72, they are mounted in proximity to each other. As a result, the length of the portion of the power line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 can be shortened, and the power loss between the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 can be reduced. Also, a pulsed current flows through the portion of the power line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41. Therefore, by shortening the length of the portion of the power line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41, the influence of this pulsed current on other elements can be suppressed.

[0240] Also, when viewed from the left - right direction, in the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72, no element is mounted in the region overlapping the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72.

[0241] Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the elements mounted on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0242] The second surface 72 has a high - density region 72A where a large number of elements are mounted and the mounting density of the mounted elements is high, and a low - density region 72B where the mounting density of the mounted elements is lower than that of the high - density region 72A. In the present embodiment, the first portion 721, the region above the connecting portion 720, and the region near the vertical center of the connecting portion 720 between the connecting portion 720 and the first portion 721 are the high - density region 72A. In the present embodiment, the thermistor TH is mounted in the region behind and below the connecting portion 720, which is one of the low - density regions 72B where the mounting density of the mounted elements is lower than that of the high - density region 72A. In the present embodiment, in addition to the region behind and below the connecting portion 720, the region below the second portion 722 and the region behind and above the second portion 722 are the low - density regions 72B.

[0243] Therefore, since the thermistor TH is mounted in a region where the mounting density of the elements to be implemented is sparse, it is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from other elements mounted on the circuit board 60. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0244] As shown in FIG. 8, a ground line 60N is formed in the ground layer 73 of the circuit board 60. In the present embodiment, the ground line 60N is a conductive thin film formed on the ground layer 73 of the circuit board 60 and has the reference potential of the circuit board 60.

[0245] The ground line 60N is not formed in a region overlapping with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left - right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the ground line 60N. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0246] The ground line 60N is not formed in a region at the lower - rear end of the ground layer 73 including a region overlapping with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left - right direction. In other words, the ground line 60N has a shape in which the region at the lower - rear end of the ground layer 73 is cut out when viewed from the left - right direction. Thus, the ground line 60N is not formed in a region overlapping with the thermistor TH when viewed from the left - right direction and is formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the ground line 60N. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0247] As shown in FIG. 9, a power - supply path 743 for supplying power to each element mounted on the circuit board 60 is formed in the power - supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60. The power - supply path 743 is composed of power - supply lines 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60G, etc. The power - supply path 743 is a conductor circuit wiring formed on the power - supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60 by printing or the like.

[0248] When viewed from the left - right direction, the power supply path 743 is not formed in the region overlapping with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0249] When viewed from the left - right direction, the power supply path 743 is not formed in the region at the rear lower end of the power supply layer 74, which includes the region overlapping with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72. Further, the power supply path 743 is formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH when viewed from the left - right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0250] In this way, neither the ground line 60N of the ground layer 73 nor the power supply path 743 of the power supply layer 74 is formed in the region overlapping with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left - right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from both the ground line 60N and the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately.

[0251] Returning to FIG. 2, the internal holder 13 holds the circuit board 60 on the right side of the partition wall 13d and holds the power supply 12 on the left side of the partition wall 13d. In this way, since both the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 are held by the internal holder 13, the thermistor TH can be maintained at a position suitable for detecting the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0252] Note that the internal holder 13 may hold only a part of the circuit board 60 on the right side of the partition wall 13d and hold only a part of the power supply 12 on the left side of the partition wall 13d. More specifically, the internal holder 13 may hold the circuit board 60 and the power supply 12 such that the position of the power supply 12 facing the thermistor TH is exposed from the internal holder 13 in the left-right direction of the thermistor TH. In this way, since the temperature of the power supply 12 is transmitted to the thermistor TH without passing through the partition wall 13d, the thermistor TH can detect the temperature of the power supply 12 more accurately and quickly.

[0253] Also, as described above, in the present embodiment, among the power connector 81, the MCU 50, the charging IC 55, and the charging terminal 43, the power connector 81, the MCU 50, and the charging IC 55 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, and the charging terminal 43 is mounted on the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60. In this way, by dispersedly mounting the charging terminal 43 and elements for charging the power supply 12 on both the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60, the heat generated by these when charging the power supply 12 can be dispersed. Note that, not limited to the example described in the present embodiment, if the charging terminal 43 and elements for charging the power supply 12 are separately mounted on both the first surface 71 and the second surface 72, the heat generated by these when charging the power supply 12 can be dispersed. That is, for example, among the power connector 81, the MCU 50, the charging IC 55, and the charging terminal 43, the MCU 50 and the charging IC 55 may be mounted on the first surface 71, and the power connector 81 and the charging terminal 43 may be mounted on the second surface 72.

[0254] As described above, according to the power supply unit 10 of the present embodiment and the aerosol inhaler 1 including the power supply unit 10, by supplying an appropriate amount of electric power to the load 21, the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 is made appropriate, and while suppressing a decrease in user convenience, the aroma taste in the aerosol inhaler 1 can be improved.

[0255] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc.

[0256] For example, in the above-described embodiment, both the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60. However, the first DC / DC converter 63 may be mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, and the second DC / DC converter 64 may be mounted on the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60. By doing so, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 can be spaced apart from each other by mounting them on different surfaces, so that heat and switching noise generated from one DC / DC converter can be reduced from affecting the other DC / DC converter.

[0257] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the ground layer 73 has substantially the same shape as the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 when viewed in the left-right direction. However, the ground layer 73 may have a shape in which the region of the rear lower end is cut out with respect to the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. By doing so, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the ground line 60N. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0258] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the power supply layer 74 has substantially the same shape as the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 when viewed in the left-right direction. However, the power supply layer 74 may have a shape in which the region of the rear lower end is cut out with respect to the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. By doing so, the thermistor TH is less likely to be affected by the heat generated from the power supply path 743. As a result, the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected more accurately by the thermistor TH.

[0259] Also, for example, in the present embodiment, the temperature of the power supply 12 is obtained by the thermistor TH. However, the temperature of the power supply 12 may be obtained not only by the thermistor TH but also by any temperature sensor.

[0260] Also, for example, in the present embodiment, the circuit board 60 is configured by a connecting portion 600, a first portion 601, and a second portion 602, and is substantially L-shaped as a whole. However, a part of the circuit board 60 may be configured in a substantially L-shape by the connecting portion 600, the first portion 601, and the second portion 602.

[0261] In the above-described embodiment, the circuit board 60 and the power source 12 are arranged inside the power supply unit case 11 so as to overlap in the left-right direction. However, the circuit board 60 and the power source 12 may not overlap in the left-right direction and may be offset and arranged inside the power supply unit case 11. However, even in this case, it should be noted that the second surface 72 is arranged closer to the power source than the first surface 71.

[0262] At least the following matters are described in this specification. Although the corresponding components, etc. in the above-described embodiment are shown in parentheses, it is not limited thereto.

[0263] (1) A connector (discharge terminal 41) to which a heater (load 21) for heating an aerosol source (aerosol source 22) is connected, A power source (power source 12), A step-up converter (first DC / DC converter 63) connected between the power source and the connector, A switch (switch SW4) connected between the step-up converter and the connector, And, A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol generating device (aerosol suction device 1).

[0264] According to (1), since it is provided with a switch connected between the step-up converter and the connector, the power supplied to the heater can be appropriately controlled by the opening and closing of the switch, and the amount of aerosol generated by the heater can be made appropriate.

[0265] (2) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (1), Comprising a controller (MCU50) configured to switch the switch at a duty ratio of less than 1. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

[0266] According to (2), since the controller switches the switch at a duty ratio of less than 1, the voltage output from the switch becomes pulsed including an off period. Therefore, the power supplied to the heater per unit time can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the supply of excessive power to the heater, supply an appropriate amount of power to the heater, and make the amount of aerosol generated by the heater appropriate.

[0267] (3) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (2), The duty ratio is single and fixed. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

[0268] According to (3), the processing load on the controller during aerosol generation can be reduced, the power supplied to the heater can be stabilized, the amount of aerosol generated by the heater can be stabilized, and the aroma and taste can be improved.

[0269] (4) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (2), The controller is Capable of acquiring information regarding the remaining capacity of the power supply, Configured to make equal the duty ratio when the information regarding the remaining capacity indicates a fully charged state of the power supply and the duty ratio when the information regarding the remaining capacity indicates a discharge termination state of the power supply. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

[0270] According to (4), regardless of the remaining capacity of the power supply, the power supplied to the heater can be stabilized, the amount of aerosol generated by the heater can be stabilized, and the aroma and taste can be improved.

[0271] (5) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (2) to (4), which is separate from the heater and includes a load (OLED panel 46) that functions by the electric power supplied from the power supply, wherein the controller is configured to stop the function of the load while operating the boost converter and the switch. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

[0272] (5) According to this, while the controller operates the boost converter and the switch, since it is configured to stop the function of the load, it is possible to prevent the electric power supply to the heater and the electric power supply to the load from being performed simultaneously, suppress the discharge of a large current from the power supply, and suppress the deterioration of the power supply due to the discharge of the large current. In addition, the electric power supplied to the heater can be stabilized, the generation amount of the aerosol by the heater can be stabilized, and the aroma taste can be improved.

[0273] (6) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the boost converter includes a pin (MODE pin) capable of designating an operation mode when the boost converter operates, and a fixed value is input to the pin. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

[0274] (6) According to this, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the output of the boost converter caused by the transition of the operation mode of the boost converter, and to stabilize the output of the boost converter.

[0275] (7) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the boost converter is configured to output 4.0 to 4.5 [V]. A power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

[0276] According to (7), the boosting ratio of the boost converter can be lowered, the efficiency of the boost converter can be improved, and for example, an increase in the amount of aerosol generation per unit of power for one charge of the power supply can be achieved.

[0277] (8) A power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to (7), wherein the boost converter is configured to output 4.0 to 4.2 [V]. Power supply unit of the aerosol generation device.

[0278] (8) According to (8), depending on the remaining capacity of the power supply, it is possible to set the boosting ratio of the boost converter to "1" which is the most efficient, and the efficiency of the boost converter can be further improved.

[0279] (9) A power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the boost converter is configured to output a voltage equal to or lower than the full charge voltage of the power supply. Power supply unit of the aerosol generation device.

[0280] (9) According to (9), depending on the remaining capacity of the power supply, it is possible to set the boosting ratio of the boost converter to "1" which is the most efficient, and the efficiency of the boost converter can be further improved.

[0281] (10) A power supply unit of the aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (9), a first smoothing capacitor (capacitor CD11) connected to the output side of the boost converter, a second smoothing capacitor (capacitor CD10) connected to the output side of the switch, comprising: Power supply unit of the aerosol generation device.

[0282] (10) According to (10), the first smoothing capacitor can remove ripple from the output of the boost converter, and the second smoothing capacitor can remove surges (noise) from the output of the switch.

[0283] (11) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (10), The capacitance of the first smoothing capacitor is different from the capacitance of the second smoothing capacitor, The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0284] (11) enables capacitors with appropriate capacitances according to their respective uses to be adopted as the first smoothing capacitor and the second smoothing capacitor.

[0285] (12) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (10), The capacitance of the first smoothing capacitor is larger than the capacitance of the second smoothing capacitor, The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0286] (12) enables the ripple to be appropriately removed from the output of the boost converter by the first smoothing capacitor and the surge (noise) to be appropriately removed from the output of the switch by the second smoothing capacitor while narrowing the mounting area on the substrates of the first smoothing capacitor and the second smoothing capacitor.

[0287] (13) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (12), The on-resistance of the switch is lower than the on-resistance of the switches (first internal switch SW634, second internal switch SW635) built in the boost converter, The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0288] (13) can suppress the voltage boosted by the boost converter from being overly stepped down by the switch, that is, can suppress the power supplied to the heater from being overly reduced by providing the switch, and can make the amount of aerosol generated by the heater appropriate.

[0289] (14) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (13), a circuit board having a first surface (first surface 71) on which the boost converter is mounted, and a second surface (second surface 72) that is the back surface of the first surface or is located on the back side of the first surface and on which the switch is mounted, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

[0290] (14) According to (14), since the boost converter is mounted on the first surface and the switch is mounted on the second surface, it is possible to suppress the concentration of heat generated from the boost converter and heat generated from the switch when power is supplied to the heater.

[0291] (15) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to (14), the connector is mounted on the second surface, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

[0292] (15) According to (15), since the connector is mounted on the second surface in the same manner as the switch, these can be mounted close to each other. Thereby, the length of the portion connecting the connector and the switch electrically can be shortened, and the power loss between the connector and the switch can be reduced. Further, by shortening the length of the portion connecting the connector and the switch electrically, the influence of the pulsed current flowing through this portion on other elements can be suppressed.

[0293] (16) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to (14), the second surface faces the power supply and / or the second surface is disposed closer to the power supply than the first surface, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

[0294] (16) According to (16), it is possible to suppress the power supply from being heated by the heat generated during the operation of the boost converter.

[0295] (17) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein a varistor (varistor VR4) connected between the connector and the power supply is provided. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

[0296] (17) According to (17), since a varistor connected between the connector and the power supply is provided, even when noise such as static electricity enters from the connector, the system of the power supply unit such as the power supply can be protected by the varistor from this noise.

[0297] (18) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to (17), wherein the varistor is connected to the output side of the switch. A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

[0298] (18) According to (18), since the varistor is connected to the output side of the switch, even when noise such as static electricity enters from the connector, the switch can be protected from this noise.

[0299] (19) An aerosol generating device comprising the power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (18), wherein the power supply unit, the heater, a storage unit (reservoir 23) for storing the liquid aerosol source, a transport unit (wick 24) for transporting the aerosol source from the storage unit to a position where it can be heated by the heater, are provided. An aerosol generating device.

[0300] (19) According to (19), it is possible to suppress the supply of excessive power to the heater with respect to the amount of the aerosol source that can be stored in the storage unit and the amount of the aerosol source transported to the heater by the transport unit.

Explanation of Signs

[0301] 1 Aerosol inhaler (aerosol generating device) 10 Power supply unit 12 Power supply 21 Load (heater) 23 Reservoir (storage section) 24 Wick (transport section) 41 Discharge terminal (connector) 50 MCU (controller) 63 First DC / DC converter (boost converter) 71 First surface 72 Second surface CD10 Capacitor (second smoothing capacitor) CD11 Capacitor (first smoothing capacitor) SW4 Switch (switching device) VR4 Varistor

Claims

1. An induction heating heater for heating an aerosol source, a power supply, a boost converter that receives a first voltage based on the output voltage of the power supply and outputs a second voltage generated by boosting the input first voltage, a MOSFET that receives the second voltage and turns on / off the power supply to the heater, an MCU connected to the gate terminal of the MOSFET and configured to output a signal having a duty ratio of less than 1, a circuit board on which the boost converter, the MCU, and the MOSFET are mounted, comprising, the duty ratio is single and fixed, an aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1, wherein the on-resistance of the MOSFET is lower than the on-resistance of a switch built in the boost converter, an aerosol generating device.

3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the MOSFET is connected to the heater via a connector, and the connector is mounted on the surface of the circuit board where the MOSFET is mounted, an aerosol generating device.

4. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a capacitor connected in parallel to the heater, and the capacitor is mounted on the surface of the circuit board where the MOSFET is mounted, an aerosol generating device.

5. The aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the boost converter or the MCU is not mounted on the surface of the circuit board where the MOSFET is mounted, an aerosol generating device.

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