CIRCUIT UNIT FOR AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE AND AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE

Abstract

A circuit unit of an aerosol generation device according to the present invention comprises: a heater connector to which a heater that consumes power supplied from a power supply and heats an aerosol source is connected; a controller that includes a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal for serial communications and controls the supply of power to the heater from the power supply; a first IC that is separate from the controller and that includes a third communication terminal for serial communications; a second IC that is separate from the controller and the first IC and that includes a fourth communication terminal for serial communications; a first communication line that connects the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal; a second communication line that connects the second communication terminal and the fourth communication terminal; a first substrate; and a second substrate that is separate from the first substrate and that is distanced from the first substrate, wherein the controller and the first IC are mounted on the first substrate, and the second IC is mounted on the second substrate.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circuit unit for an aerosol generation device and an aerosol generation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products are known as devices that generate aerosols by heating an aerosol source. Electronic cigarettes generate aerosols by atomizing the liquid that serves as the aerosol source. On the other hand, heated tobacco products generate aerosols by heating the stick that serves as the aerosol source without burning it. Hereinafter, electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products will be collectively referred to as "aerosol generating devices." Please note that unless otherwise specified, "aerosol generating devices" also include nebulizers and electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products whose aerosol sources do not contain tobacco-derived components. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-526889 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2019-511909 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0000146 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Today's aerosol generators, with their increasing functionality, often contain multiple ICs. Serial communication is used for communication between the ICs. However, as the number of ICs connected via serial communication increases, the wiring patterns on the board become more complex and denser. This can result in increased costs, heat generation, and increased communication congestion.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an aerosol generating device and its circuit unit in which electrical components for serial communication are mounted on a substrate in an improved manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first feature is a circuit unit of an aerosol generation device having: a heater connector to which a heater that consumes power supplied from a power source to heat an aerosol source is connected; a controller that includes first and second communication terminals for serial communication and controls the supply of power from the power source to the heater; a first IC that is separate from the controller and includes a third communication terminal for serial communication; a second IC that is separate from the controller and the first IC and includes a fourth communication terminal for serial communication; a first communication line connecting the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal; a second communication line connecting the second communication terminal and the fourth communication terminal; a first substrate; and a second substrate that is separate from the first substrate and spaced apart from the first substrate, wherein the controller and the first IC are mounted on the first substrate and the second IC is mounted on the second substrate. A second feature is that, in the circuit unit according to the first feature, a communication protocol used in the first communication line is the same as a communication protocol used in the second communication line. A third feature is that in the circuit unit according to the first feature, a communication protocol used in the first communication line is I2C or SPI. A fourth feature is that in the circuit unit according to the second or third feature, the second board is a board adjacent to the first board, and the communication protocol used in the second communication line is I2C or SPI. A fifth feature is that, in the circuit unit described in the second or third feature, the circuit unit further includes a third board that is separate from the first board and the second board and spaced apart from the first board and the second board, and a third communication line that connects a sixth communication terminal of the first board and a seventh communication terminal of the third board, wherein the third board is spaced apart from the first board more than the second board, and the communication protocol used on the third communication line is UART. A sixth feature is that in the circuit unit described in any one of the second to fifth features, the communication frequency on the second communication line is higher than the communication frequency on the first communication line, and the communication protocol used on the first communication line is I2C. A seventh feature is that in the circuit unit described in any one of the second to fifth features, the number of ICs connected to the controller via the first communication line is greater than the number of ICs connected to the controller via the second communication line, and the communication protocol used in the first communication line is I2C. An eighth feature is that, in the circuit unit described in any one of the first to seventh features, the circuit unit further includes a third IC that is separate from the controller, the first IC, and the second IC and includes a fifth communication terminal for serial communication, the first communication line connects the first communication terminal and the fifth communication terminal, and the third IC is mounted on the first substrate. A ninth feature is that in the circuit unit described in the eighth feature, the controller is configured to communicate with the first IC when a first condition is satisfied, and to communicate with the third IC when a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied. A tenth feature is that in the circuit unit described in the eighth feature, the controller operates in any one of a plurality of modes, and the plurality of modes includes a mode in which the controller communicates with only the third IC out of the first IC and the third IC. An eleventh feature is that, in a circuit unit described in any one of the first to tenth features, the number of ICs connected to the controller via the first communication line is greater than the number of ICs connected to the controller via the second communication line. A twelfth feature is that, in the circuit unit according to the eleventh feature, the second IC is the only IC connected to the controller via the second communication line. A thirteenth feature is that, in the circuit unit according to the twelfth feature, the second IC is a fuel gauge IC that acquires information about the power supply. A fourteenth feature is that, in the circuit unit according to the first feature, a communication protocol used in the first communication line is different from a communication protocol used in the second communication line. A fifteenth feature is an aerosol generation device comprising: a heater connector to which a heater that consumes power supplied from a power source to heat an aerosol source is connected; a controller including a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal for serial communication and controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heater; a first IC that is separate from the controller and includes a third communication terminal for serial communication; a second IC that is separate from the controller and the first IC and includes a fourth communication terminal for serial communication; a first communication line connecting the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal; a second communication line connecting the second communication terminal and the fourth communication terminal; a first substrate; and a second substrate that is separate from the first substrate and spaced apart from the first substrate, wherein the controller and the first IC are mounted on the first substrate and the second IC is mounted on the second substrate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the first feature, the complexity and density of wiring can be suppressed, and the cost of the aerosol generation device can be reduced. According to the second feature, the complexity and density of wiring can be suppressed, and the cost of the aerosol generation device can be reduced. According to the third feature, controller can communicate with the IC frequently and without delay, enabling the aerosol generation device to have high functionality. According to the fourth feature, the cost of the aerosol generating device can be reduced by suppressing the complexity and density of the wiring, and controller can communicate with the IC frequently and without delay, enabling the aerosol generation device to have high functionality. According to the fifth feature, by adopting a protocol according to the distance between the substrates, it is possible to reduce the cost of the aerosol generation device while realizing high performance of the aerosol generation device. According to the sixth feature, I2C communication, which can simplify wiring because it uses a small number of terminals for communication, can reduce the cost of the aerosol generation device while achieving high functionality of the aerosol generation device. According to the seventh feature, I2C communication, which does not change the number of first communication terminals of the controller even if the number of connected ICs increases, makes it possible to reduce the cost of the aerosol generating device while increasing the functionality of the aerosol generating device. According to the eighth feature, the controller does not need to have a dedicated communication terminal for communicating with the third IC, which prevents the wiring from becoming too complicated and dense, thereby reducing the cost of the aerosol generating device and achieving high functionality of the aerosol generating device. According to the ninth feature, the timing of communication between the multiple ICs sharing the first communication line does not overlap, so that a decrease in communication speed can be suppressed. According to the tenth feature, since the multiple ICs sharing the first communication line communicate in different modes, a decrease in communication speed can be suppressed, thereby realizing high functionality of the aerosol generation device. According to the eleventh feature, the frequency of communication with the IC connected to the second communication line can be increased, thereby improving the accuracy of control using information from the IC connected to the second communication line. According to the twelfth feature, the frequency of communication with the second IC can be increased without restrictions, thereby improving the accuracy of control using information from the second IC connected to the second communication line. According to the thirteenth feature, it becomes easier to obtain the latest information on the power supply from the fuel gauge IC, thereby improving the safety of the aerosol generating device. According to the fourteenth feature, communication speed and accuracy with the IC can be improved by communicating using an appropriate protocol according to the characteristics and implementation method of the IC. According to the fifteenth feature, the complexity and density of wiring can be suppressed, and the cost of the aerosol generation device can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device observed from diagonally above. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device observed from diagonally below. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a view of the top surface of the aerosol generating device with the shutter removed. [Figure 1D] FIG. 10 is a front view of the main body housing with the outer panel removed. [Figure 2A] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration inside the outer case that appears when the inner panel is removed. [Figure 2B] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of the appearance of a circuit unit built into an external case. [Figure 3A] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the front surface side of the MCU board used in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3B] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the back side of the MCU board used in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating circuit elements that appear on a power supply line and voltages that appear between the circuit elements. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a charging IC used in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of a charging IC operating in a charging mode. [Figure 6B] 1 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of a charging IC that operates in a power supply mode using a BUS voltage VUSB. [Figure 6C] 1 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of a charging IC that operates in a power supply mode using a BUS voltage VUSB and a battery voltage VBAT. [Figure 6D] 1 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of a charging IC that operates in a power supply mode using a battery voltage VBAT. [Figure 6E] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of a charging IC that operates in a power supply mode using the OTG function of a battery voltage VBAT. [Figure 7A] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of the front surface side of a USB connector board used in the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of the rear surface side of the USB connector board used in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the function of a fuel gauge IC. [Figure 9] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating examples of the configuration of an LED, a Bluetooth board, and a Hall IC board used in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication protocol adopted in a circuit unit. [Figure 11] This is a diagram explaining the concept of I2C communication. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation modes provided in the aerosol generation device used in the first embodiment and the conditions for transition between the operation modes. [Figure 13] 4 is a table illustrating the content of communication for each operation mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating communication during a charging mode M1. [Figure 15] 10 is a table illustrating the content of communication for each operation mode in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 11 is a table illustrating the content of communication for each operation mode in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a connection configuration for SPI communication, which is one form of serial communication. [Figure 18] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of the external configuration of an aerosol generating device compatible with an electronic cigarette. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] <First Embodiment> <Example of external configuration of aerosol generating device> First, a description will be given of an example of the external configuration of the aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 1. The aerosol generation device 1 used in embodiment 1 is a form of heated tobacco. FIG. 1A is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device 1 observed from diagonally above. FIG. 1B is a view of the front side of the aerosol generation device 1 observed from diagonally below. FIG. 1C is a diagram showing the top surface of the aerosol generation device 1 with the shutter 30 removed. FIG. 1D is a front view of the main body housing 20 with the outer panel 10 removed.

[0011] The aerosol generation device 1 used in the first embodiment has a size that allows the user to hold it in one hand. The aerosol generating device 1 has a main housing 20, an external panel 10 attached to the front of the main housing 20, and a shutter 30 arranged on the top surface of the main housing 20 and capable of sliding along the top surface. The outer panel 10 is a member that can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 20. In the first embodiment, the outer panel 10 is attached and detached by the user.

[0012] An information window 10A is provided on the outer panel 10. The information window 10A is provided in a position facing a light-emitting element provided on the main body housing 20. In the case of the first embodiment, an LED (=Light Emitting Diode) 302 (see FIG. 2B) is used as the light-emitting element. The information window 10A in the first embodiment is made of a light-transmitting material. However, the information window 10A may be a hole that penetrates from the front surface to the back surface. The lighting or blinking of the light-emitting element represents the state of the aerosol generation device 1. The lighting or blinking of the light-emitting element may be controlled by the MCU 101, which will be described later. The outer panel 10 not only serves as a decoration but also as a buffer against heat emitted from the main body housing 20 .

[0013] The external panel 10 is deformed when the user presses a position below the information window 10A with their fingertip. When the external panel 10 is depressed with the fingertip, the push button 23 provided on the main body housing 20 can be pressed.

[0014] A Type C USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector 21 is provided on the bottom side of the main body housing 20. The shape and type of the USB connector 21 are merely examples. In other words, the USB connector 21 may be a USB other than Type C. In the case of the first embodiment, the USB connector 21 is used exclusively for charging the battery 50 (see FIG. 2A) built into the main body housing 20. An insertion hole 22 is provided on the top surface of the main housing 20. The stick, which is the aerosol source, is inserted into the paper tube. The stick has a generally cylindrical appearance wrapped in the paper tube. The insertion hole 22 is exposed when the shutter 30 is opened and is concealed when the shutter 30 is closed. In the first embodiment, the opening of insertion hole 22 is substantially circular. The diameter of the opening is such that a substantially cylindrical stick can be inserted. In other words, the diameter of the stick is such that it can be inserted into insertion hole 22.

[0015] A magnet is attached to the inside of the shutter 30. Opening and closing of the shutter 30 is detected by a Hall IC 401 (see FIG. 2B) provided on the main body housing 20 side. The Hall IC 401, also known as a magnetic sensor, is composed of a Hall element and an operational amplifier, etc. The Hall element is an element that outputs a voltage according to the strength of the magnetic field of a magnet. The main body housing 20 is made up of an inner panel 20A and an outer case 20B. In the case of the first embodiment, the inner panel 20A is fastened to the outer case 20B with screws.

[0016] A push button 23 is disposed approximately in the center of the inner panel 20A. As described above, the push button 23 is operated by deformation of the outer panel 10. By operating the push button 23, a tactile switch 301 (see FIG. 2B) located behind the push button 23 and on the outer case 20B side is operated. The push button 23 is used, for example, to turn the power of the device main body on and off, heat the heater, and perform Bluetooth pairing. If the push button 23 is pressed and held (for example, for 5 seconds or more) with the external panel 10 removed, a reset function is activated. In the first embodiment, BLE (=Bluetooth Low Energy) is used as Bluetooth. The tactile switch 301 may be exposed from approximately the center of the inner panel 20A, thereby eliminating the need for the push button 23. In this case, the deformation of the outer panel 10 is transmitted directly to the tactile switch 301.

[0017] A light-transmitting element 24 that transmits light is exposed on the inner panel 20A at a position corresponding to the information window 10A of the outer panel 10. The light-transmitting element 24 is disposed at a position that covers the surface of the LED 302. Magnets 25 used to attach the outer panel 10 are provided on the top and bottom of the inner panel 20A. The magnets 25 are provided in positions facing the magnets on the outer panel 10. These magnets allow the outer panel 10 to be detachably attached to the inner panel 20A. In the first embodiment, the magnet 25 is fixed to the chassis 500 (see FIG. 2A) in the outer case 20B and is exposed from the opening of the inner panel 20A. Alternatively to the first embodiment, the magnet 25 may be fixed to the inner panel 20A.

[0018] <Example of internal configuration of aerosol generating device> FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration inside the outer case 20B that appears when the inner panel 20A (see FIG. 1D) is removed. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the circuit unit 1000 housed in the outer case 20B. In the first embodiment, the circuit unit 1000 refers to the portion of the outer case 20B from which the battery 50, the chassis 500, and the heater of the heating unit 40 have been removed.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the outer case 20B contains a heating unit 40, a battery 50, an MCU (Micro Control Unit) board 100, a USB connector board 200, an LED and Bluetooth (registered trademark) board 300, a Hall IC board 400, a vibrator 60, and a chassis 500 to which these components are attached. That is, four separate boards are provided inside the outer case 20B. The four boards are spaced apart from one another.

[0020] The heating unit 40 is a unit that heats the tobacco stick inserted into the insertion hole 22 (see FIG. 1C). The insertion hole 22 is defined as a space surrounded by the inner wall of a cylindrical container 22A. The container 22A used in the first embodiment has a bottom, although a container 22A without a bottom may also be used. In the case of the container 22A used in the first embodiment, a flat portion is provided on the side wall thereof. In other words, the flat portion is provided on the cross section when the container 22A is cut along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the container 22A.

[0021] The flat portion compresses and deforms the side surface of the tobacco stick inserted into the opening of the insertion hole 22 (see FIG. 1C), improving heating efficiency. The cross-sectional shape may be approximately circular, approximately elliptical, or approximately polygonal. The cross-sectional shape may be the same from the opening side to the bottom surface, or it may change from the opening side to the bottom surface.

[0022] The container 22A is preferably made of a metal with high thermal conductivity. In the first embodiment, the container 22A is made of, for example, stainless steel. A film-like heater that covers the outer periphery of the container 22A is disposed on the outer periphery. The heater generates heat by consuming power supplied from the battery 50. When the heater generates heat, the stick is heated from the periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0023] Heating unit 40 is connected to heater connectors 206A and 206B (see FIG. 7A) provided on USB connector board 200 and receives a supply of power. Heating unit 40 is also provided with a thermistor 41 used to detect puffs (i.e., inhaled air) and a thermistor 42 used to measure the heater temperature. The resistance values ​​of thermistors 41 and 42 change significantly due to the rise in temperature caused by heat generation from the heater and the fall in temperature caused by puffs. Thermistor 41 may be a PTC (=Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor, whose resistance value increases with increasing temperature, or an NTC (=Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor, whose resistance value decreases with increasing temperature. Similarly, thermistor 42 may be a PTC thermistor or an NTC thermistor. The change in the resistance value of the thermistor 41 or the thermistor 42 is detected as a change in voltage by the MCU 101 (see FIG. 3A). In addition, the MCU 101 measures the temperature of the outer case 20B through a separate thermistor.

[0024] The battery 50 is a power source that supplies the power required for the operation of the circuit unit built into the outer case 20B. In the first embodiment, a rechargeable lithium ion secondary battery or the like is used as the battery 50. The power of the battery 50 is supplied to each part through a power supply line connected to a negative electrode 51 and a positive electrode 52. On the outer periphery of the battery 50, a thermistor 53 used for measuring the temperature of the battery 50 (hereinafter referred to as "battery temperature") is provided. The change in the resistance value of the thermistor 53 is detected as a change in voltage by the remaining amount meter IC 201 (see FIG. 7B) on the USB connector board 200. The thermistor 53 may use a PTC thermistor or an NTC thermistor.

[0025] <Configuration of the MCU board 100> FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the front side of the MCU board 100 used in the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the back side of the MCU board 100 used in the first embodiment. The front and back surfaces in FIGS. 3A and 3B are used only in the description of the first embodiment. The MCU board 100 is a double-sided mounting board.

[0026] On the MCU board 100, an MCU 101 for controlling the operation of the entire device, an EEPROM 102 for recording information related to the use of the device, etc., and a charging IC 103 for switching the power supply path are mounted. The MCU 101 is a so-called controller. The operation of the MCU 101 is defined through the execution of firmware or a program operating on the firmware. In the first embodiment, the MCU 101 uses I2C communication or UART communication, which is a serial communication method, for communication with other ICs. In the case of the first embodiment, two communication lines for I2C communication are prepared.

[0027] The first system is a communication line used by the MCU 101 for I2C communication with the EEPROM 102 and the charging IC 103 mounted on the same board as itself (i.e., the MCU board 100). The second system is a communication line used by the MCU 101 for I2C communication with the remaining amount meter IC 201 mounted on another board (i.e., the USB connector board 200) adjacent to the MCU board 100. The first and second systems do not have electrical contacts. Therefore, communication through the first system and communication through the second system are independent of each other. The MCU 101 uses UART communication to communicate with an LED located farther from the MCU board 100 than the USB connector board 200 and with a Bluetooth IC 303 (see FIG. 9) mounted on the Bluetooth board 300.

[0028] The charging IC103 receives the battery voltage V from the battery 50. BAT The BAT terminal receives power from the external power supply, and the BUS voltage V USB A VBUS terminal is provided to receive the power supply. In the case of the aerosol generation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the battery voltage V BAT The power supply line used to supply the battery voltage V is branched into two systems. The charging IC 103 is connected to one of the power supply lines. The other power supply line is connected to the fuel gauge IC 201 and the boost DC / DC circuit 202 (see FIG. 7B) that generates the voltage to be applied to the heater. In addition, the battery voltage V BAT is also connected to the protection IC 203 of the battery 50 (see FIG. 7B).

[0029] The MCU board 100 is equipped with a load switch 104 that turns on or off a power line connecting an external power supply and a charging IC 103. The external power supply is an external device connected via a USB connector 21. Examples of external devices include a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and an electrical outlet.

[0030] The MCU board 100 receives the voltage V output from the charging IC 103. cc to 3.3V system power supply V cc33_0 The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 105 generates the voltage V output from the charging IC 103. cc Boosts the system power supply V cc33_0 The voltage V output from the charging IC 103 may be generated. cc Steps down the system power supply V cc33_0 The voltage V output from the charging IC 103 may be generated.cc is output as is to supply the system power supply V cc33_0 may be generated. The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 105 converts the battery voltage V BAT If the battery voltage V is lower than 3.3V, it will be boosted. BAT If the battery voltage V is higher than 3.3V, it will step down BAT If is equal to 3.3V, it is output as is. Here, the system power supply V cc33_0 is a primitive power source that continues to supply power even when the MCU101 is not operating.

[0031] System power supply V cc33_0 is supplied via the power line to a power switch driver 108, a load switch 106 for stopping the system, and a flip-flop 107 that latches (saves) a value indicating whether the heater is in an overheated state. In other words, these circuit elements continue to operate even when the system is stopped. When the load switch 106 for stopping the system is off, the system power supply V cc33_0 As a result, most of the circuit elements, including the MCU 101, stop operating.

[0032] The MCU board 100 is equipped with a power switch driver 108. B1 08 is a circuit that controls the on and off of the load switch 106 . When the power switch driver 108 detects that the push button 23 (see FIG. 1D) is pressed while the external panel 10 is removed, it controls the load switch 106 to turn off. The removal of the external panel 10 is detected by a Hall IC 304 (see Figure 9) used to detect the attachment / detachment of the external panel 10 to the main body housing 20, and a single Schmitt trigger inverter 305 (see Figure 9) that receives the output potential of the Hall IC 304 as its input.

[0033] The MCU 101 is not involved in the control of the load switch 106 by the power switch driver 108. That is, the control of the load switch 106 is executed independently of the MCU 101. In this embodiment, the system power supply of 3.3 V supplied to each part from the load switch 106 in the ON state is V cc33 The system power supply V continues to be supplied even when the system is stopped. cc33_0 Distinguish from.

[0034] When the shutter 30 is in the open state, the MCU board 100 is provided with a system power supply V CC33_SLP A load switch 109 is implemented to supply Therefore, when the shutter 30 is closed, the three thermistors are connected to the system power supply V CC33_SLP The load switch 109 is supplied with a 3.3V system power supply V from the load switch 106 for stopping the system. cc33 is supplied. The MCU board 100 is equipped with a flip-flop 110 that latches a value indicating whether the temperature of the external case 20B is abnormal or not. The flip-flop 110 receives a signal from the load switch 106 for stopping the system to the system power supply V cc33 is supplied.

[0035] The MCU board 100 is equipped with an operational amplifier 111 used to measure the heater resistance value (heater temperature). A connector 112 for the vibrator 60 is mounted on the MCU board 100. Connectors 113A and 113B for the thermistor 42 that measures the heater temperature are mounted on the MCU board 100. The connector 113A is for the positive electrode, and the connector 113B is for the negative electrode. 。 Connectors 114A and 114B for the thermistor 41 used to detect puffs (that is, inhaled air) are mounted on the MCU board 100. The connector 114A is for the positive electrode, and the connector 114B is for the negative electrode.

[0036] Connectors 115A and 115B for thermistors used to detect the temperature of the outer case 20B are mounted on the MCU board 100. The connector 115A is for the positive electrode, and the connector 115B is for the negative electrode. The MCU board 100 uses a flexible board 600 on which a wiring pattern is formed to be used for communication with circuit elements mounted on boards other than the MCU board 100. The flexible board 600 also includes a power supply pattern.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating circuit elements that appear on a power supply line and voltages that appear between each circuit element. In the aerosol generation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the power supply line of the battery 50 is branched into two systems. One of the two systems is connected to the BAT terminal of the charging IC 103, and the other system is connected to the VBAT terminal of the fuel gauge IC 201 and the VIN terminal of the step-up DC / DC circuit 202. By branching the power supply line into two systems, the large current supplied to the heater does not have to pass through the charging IC 103. This prevents the charging IC 103 from becoming bulky.

[0038] The fuel gauge IC201 is connected to the system power supply V cc33 It operates when the battery voltage V is supplied to the BAT terminal. BAT etc. will be monitored. The boost DC / DC circuit 202 converts the battery voltage V BAT The boost voltage V is applied to the heater. boost However, the supply of power to the heater is realized by controlling the ON state of a MOS type FET (not shown) connected to the output terminal of the boost DC / DC circuit 202. Incidentally, the fuel gauge IC 201 and the step-up DC / DC circuit 202 are mounted on the USB connector board 200.

[0039] The charging IC 103 receives the battery voltage V BAT or the bus voltage V supplied from an external power source USB Voltage from V cc and supplies it to the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 105. The step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 105 V cc to 3.3V system power supply V cc33_0 and supplies it to the load switch 106 etc. The system power supply V cc33_0 The power supply continues even when the system is stopped (when the MCU 101 is stopped).

[0040] The load switch 106 is connected to the 3.3V system power supply V cc33 This system power supply V cc33 is also supplied to the fuel gauge IC201. The load switch 109 is connected to the 3.3V system power supply V only when performing temperature measurements with three thermistors. CC33_SLP is output to the power supply line. The three thermistors referred to here refer to the thermistor 41 used to detect the puff, the thermistor 42 used to measure the heater temperature, and the thermistor used to measure the temperature of the outer case 20B. The charging IC 103 is BAT The 5V power supply generated from V cc5 The LED 302 is supplied with the bus voltage V USB may be provided.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the charging IC 103 used in the first embodiment. The charging IC 103 shown in FIG. 5 includes an I2C interface 103A, a logic circuit 103B, a gate driver 103C, a low dropout regulator (hereinafter referred to as "LDO") 103D, and four MOS type FETs Q1 to Q4. The I2C interface 103A is used for I2C communication with the MCU 101 on the same board.

[0042] The battery 50 is connected to the BAT terminal of the charging IC 103 through a power supply line. Therefore, the battery voltage VBAT is supplied. The USB connector 21 is connected to the VBUS terminal of the charging IC 103 through a load switch 104 (see FIG. 4). The load switch 104 is connected to the VBUS terminal of the charging IC 103 through a BUS voltage V USB The power supply is controlled to be on only when power is received from the bus voltage V USB If no power reception is detected, the load switch 104 is controlled to be in the off state. The MCU 101 may switch the load switch 104 between the on state and the off state.

[0043] The charging IC 103 supports five types of power supply modes. Five power supply modes: charging mode, BUS voltage V USB Power supply mode by bus voltage V USB and the battery voltage V BAT Power supply mode by both battery voltage V BAT Power supply mode by battery voltage V BAT This is a power supply mode using the OTG (=On-The-Go) function.

[0044] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of the charging IC 103 operating in the charging mode. The charging mode is executed when a low level signal is applied from the MCU 101 to the CE terminal while a USB cable is connected to the USB connector 21 (see FIG. 1B). In the charging mode, FETs Q1 and Q4 are controlled to be on, FET Q3 is controlled to be off, and FET Q2 is controlled by PWM (=Pulse Width Modulation). By controlling FETs Q1 to Q4 in this way, the charging IC 103 operates as a step-down regulator (converter). The bus voltage V applied to the VBUS terminal USB is a power supply of approximately 5V.

[0045] The on / off of FET Q2 is controlled by a gate driver 103C. The switching of the gate driver 103C is performed based on the charging current and charging voltage that the logic circuit 103B obtains from terminals and wiring (not shown). The switching of FET Q2 causes the BUS voltage V USB is stepped down to a voltage suitable for charging the battery 50. The voltage V output from the SW terminal of the charging IC103 through the inductance cc is re-input to the SYS terminal, and then output (charges) from the BAT terminal to the battery 50 (see FIG. 2A).

[0046] Figure 6B shows the BUS voltage V USB 1 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of a charging IC 103 operating in a power supply mode according to the present invention. This power supply mode is executed when a USB cable is connected to the USB connector 21 (see FIG. 1B) and a high-level signal is applied to the CE terminal from the MCU 101 while an abnormality has occurred in the battery 50. The abnormality in the battery 50 here refers to a state in which discharging of the battery 50 is prohibited due to an over-discharged state or a deep-discharged state. When a high-level signal is applied to the CE terminal, the PWM control of FET Q2 is stopped.

[0047] In this power supply mode, FETs Q1 and Q2 are controlled to be on, and FETs Q3 and Q4 are controlled to be off. FETQ1 and Q2 are controlled to be on and FETQ3 is controlled to be off, so the system power supply that appears at the SW terminal V cc is the bus voltage V USB is equal to Since the FET Q4 is turned off, the battery 50 is disconnected from the charging IC 103.

[0048] Figure 6C shows BUS Voltage V USB and the battery voltage V BAT 10 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of the charging IC 103 that operates in both power supply modes. This power supply mode is executed when a USB cable is connected to the USB connector 21 (see FIG. 1B) and there is no abnormality in the battery 50, and a high-level signal is applied from the MCU 101 to the CE terminal. In this power supply mode, FETs Q1 and Q4 are controlled to be on, FET Q3 is controlled to be off, and FET Q2 is PWM controlled.

[0049] In this power supply mode, the PWM control is performed so that the voltage at the SYS pin is equal to the battery voltage V BAT Therefore, the step-up / step-down DC / DC circuit 105 (see FIG. 4) is configured to have a BUS voltage V USB The power derived from the power supply 10 and the power derived from the battery 50 are combined and supplied. In this power supply mode, the voltage at the SYS pin and the battery voltage V BAT Since the voltage Vcc is the same, the discharge of the battery 50 continues.

[0050] Figure 6D shows the battery voltage V BAT 1 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of the charging IC 103 operating in a power supply mode according to the present invention. This power supply mode is executed when a high-level signal is applied from the MCU 101 to the CE terminal while no USB cable is connected to the USB connector 21 (see FIG. 1B). In this power supply mode, the FET Q4 is controlled to be on, and the FETs Q1, Q2 and Q3 are controlled to be off.

[0051] In this power supply mode, the voltage V output from the SYS pin cc is the battery voltage V BAT Therefore, the battery voltage V BAT When the voltage value of drops below that of the fully charged state, the voltage V cc also decreases in the same way. In this power supply mode, the voltage at the SYS pin, V cc fluctuates. The line between the SW terminal and the VBUS terminal is blocked by the parasitic diode of FETQ1, so the 5V voltage is not generated by the reverse current (OTG function) of the charging IC103.

[0052] Figure 6E shows the battery voltage V BAT 1 is a diagram illustrating a power supply path of the charging IC 103 operating in a power supply mode using the OTG function. This power supply mode is executed when a high-level signal is applied from the MCU 101 to the CE terminal while the I2C interface 103A is instructed by the MCU 101 via I2C communication to use the OTG function. In this power supply mode, FETs Q1 and Q4 are controlled to be on, FET Q2 is controlled to be off, and FET Q3 is PWM controlled. By controlling FETs Q1 to Q4 in this way, the charging IC 103 operates as a step-up regulator (converter).

[0053] In this power supply mode, the voltage V output from the SYS terminal cc is the battery voltage V BAT Therefore, the battery voltage V BAT When the voltage value of drops below that of the fully charged state, the voltage V cc also decreases in the same way. In this power supply mode, while FETQ3 is turned on, current flows to the GND terminal via the inductance. After this, when FETQ3 is turned off, a back electromotive force is generated in the inductance. This back electromotive force causes a voltage V cc A voltage boosted to 5V appears. The output of 5V voltage enables the use of LED302 (see Figure 2B). Note that for LED302 to emit light, a transistor inside MCU101 must be closed. In other words, LED302 is connected to ground via a transistor inside MCU101.

[0054] In the above description, the case where the CE terminal of the charging IC 103 operates in negative logic in each operation mode has been described. However, a charging IC 103 that operates in positive logic for the CE terminal may be used instead. In this case, for example, in order to operate the charging IC 103 in the charging mode, a high-level signal may be applied from the MCU 101 to the CE terminal.

[0055] <Configuration of the USB connector board> FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the front surface side of the USB connector board 200 used in the first embodiment. FIG. 7B is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the back surface side of the USB connector board 200 used in the first embodiment. The front and back surfaces in FIGS. 7A and 7B are used only in the description in the first embodiment. The USB connector board 200 is a board that handles a higher voltage than other boards.

[0056] The USB connector board 200 is also a double-sided mounting board. A USB connector 21 is mounted on the USB connector board 200. The USB connector 21 in the present embodiment is used to receive power supply from an external power source via a USB cable. In addition, a remaining capacity meter IC 201 for collecting information on the battery 50 (see FIG. 2A) and a boost DC / DC circuit 202 are mounted on the USB connector board 200.

[0057] The remaining capacity meter IC 201 has a VBAT terminal, and the power supply line of the battery 50 is connected to this VBAT terminal. However, the remaining capacity meter IC 20, cc33 operates by receiving the supply of the 3.3V system power supply V from the load switch 106 (see FIG. 4), and acquires information such as the remaining capacity of the battery 50 based on the input to the VBAT terminal and the like. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the function of fuel gauge IC 201. Fig. 8 shows digital calculation unit 201A, register 201B, and I2C interface 201C as typical components of fuel gauge IC 201. Although not shown in Fig. 8, fuel gauge IC 201 has terminals to which information about battery 50 is input, such as a VBAT terminal.

[0058] The digital calculation unit 201A calculates the battery temperature T BAT (℃) and battery voltage V BAT (V) and the battery current I BAT The remaining capacity (Ah) is calculated based on the battery temperature T BAT (°C) is measured by thermistor 53 (see Figure 2A).

[0059] The digital calculation unit 201A has a function to calculate the state of charge (SOC) when a fully charged state at the current time is 100% and a completely discharged state is 0%. The calculated SOC is also stored in the register 201B. The digital calculation unit 201A also has a function for calculating the SOH (=State of Health), which is an index of the health and deterioration state of the battery 50. The calculated SOH is also stored in the register 201B. The SOH may be expressed as a ratio of the fully charged capacity at the current time to the fully charged capacity when the battery is new. The SOH when the battery is new is 100%. Instead of the fully charged capacity, the ratio of the internal resistance of the battery 50 at the current time to the internal resistance of the battery 50 when new may be used for the SOH. The I2C interface 201C is used for serial communication with the MCU 101 mounted on the adjacent MCU board 100.

[0060] Returning to the description of Figures 7A and 7B. In addition, a protection IC 203 for the battery 50 is mounted on the USB connector board 200. The protection IC 203 monitors overcharging, over-discharging, and over-current during charging and discharging of the battery 50, and protects the battery 50 when these are detected. On the USB connector board 200, connectors 204A and 204B respectively connected to the negative electrode 51 and the positive electrode 52 (see FIG. 2B) used to draw power from the battery 50 are mounted. The connector 204A is for the positive electrode, and the connector 204B is for the negative electrode. On the USB connector board 200, a connector 205 for the thermistor 53 used to measure the battery temperature is also mounted.

[0061] Also, heater connectors 206A and 206B are mounted on the USB connector board 200. The heater connector 206A is for the positive electrode, and the heater connector 206B is for the negative electrode. In addition, an overvoltage protection IC is also mounted on the USB connector board 200. The overvoltage protection IC is located between the USB connector 21 (see FIG. 1B) and the load switch 104, and is used to monitor the power supplied from the USB connector 21. When an overcurrent and / or overvoltage is detected, the overvoltage protection IC cuts off the electrical connection between the USB connector 21 and the load switch 104.

[0062] <Configuration of LED and Bluetooth Board and Hall IC Board> FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an LED and Bluetooth board 300 and a Hall IC board 400 used in the first embodiment. A tactile switch 301 and an LED 302 are mounted on the LED and Bluetooth board 300. The tactile switch 301 is used as a so-called power button. In the case of a long-press operation in a state where the external panel 10 is removed, the tactile switch 301 also functions as a reset button for the MCU 101. The number of LEDs 302 in the first embodiment is eight. In the case of Fig. 9, the LEDs 302 are arranged in a row on the LED and Bluetooth board 300. Note that the number of LEDs 302 and their arrangement on the LED and Bluetooth board 300 can be changed as desired.

[0063] The LED 302 receives a 5V voltage V from the charging IC 103 (see Figure 4) or the USB connector 21. cc5 The eight LEDs 302 emit various lights in combination to notify the user of various information. For example, the remaining capacity of the battery 50 is displayed. Also, for example, a notification that a reset will be performed is displayed. A reset is performed when the push button 23 (i.e., the tactile switch 301) is pressed and held while the external panel 10 is detached from the main body housing 20. The light emission of the LED 302 is PWM controlled by the MCU 101 (see FIG. 3A). Voltage V of 5V cc5 The LED and Bluetooth board 300 to which the power is applied are provided separately from the MCU board 100 and USB connector board 200, so that wiring and heat do not become concentrated on one board. Note that a driver may be used to more precisely control the light emission of the LED 302.

[0064] In addition, a Bluetooth IC 303 is mounted on the LED and Bluetooth board 300. The Bluetooth IC 303 communicates with a paired external device. Pairing is performed when the tactile switch 301 is pressed with the shutter 30 closed. The Bluetooth IC 303 is powered by a 3.3V system power supply V cc33 is supplied. UART communication is used for communication between the Bluetooth IC 303 and the MCU 101.

[0065] The LED and Bluetooth board 300 is equipped with a Hall IC 304 used to detect the attachment / detachment of the external panel 10 to the main body housing 20, and a single Schmitt trigger inverter 305 that stabilizes the output of the Hall IC 304 using hysteresis characteristics. The Hall IC 304 and the single Schmitt trigger inverter 305 are also powered by the 3.3V system power supply V cc33 The single Schmitt trigger inverter 305 may be omitted. A Hall IC 401 that detects the opening and closing of the shutter 30 is mounted on the Hall IC substrate 400. The Hall IC 401 is also supplied with a 3.3V system power supply V cc33 The Hall IC substrate 400 is also connected to the MCU 101 through the flexible substrate 600.

[0066] <Communication Protocol> Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication protocol employed in the circuit unit 1000 (see Fig. 2B). Specifically, Fig. 10 illustrates a communication protocol used by the MCU 101 for communication with other ICs. The MCU 101 in the first embodiment communicates with other ICs using multiple communication protocols, specifically, I2C communication and UART communication. In the first embodiment, there are two communication lines corresponding to I2C communication, and one communication line corresponding to UART communication.

[0067] In the first embodiment, the two communication lines corresponding to I2C communication are a first communication line used for communication with an IC on the same board as the MCU 101, and a second communication line used for communication with an IC on a different board from the MCU 101. There is no electrical contact between the first communication line and the second communication line. In other words, the communication on the first communication line and the communication on the second communication line are independent of each other. The third communication line is one communication line that supports UART communication. In FIG. 10, the first communication line is denoted as "I2C1" and the second communication line is denoted as "I2C2." The first communication line is implemented as a wiring pattern on the MCU board 100. In the first embodiment, the MCU board 100 is also referred to as the first board.

[0068] In the case of FIG. 10, the MCU 101 is provided with a first communication terminal 101A for the first communication line and a second communication terminal 101B for the second communication line. The MCU 101 is connected to the EEPROM 102 and the charging IC 103 through a first communication line. In the first embodiment, the charging IC 103 is also called a first IC, and the EEPROM 102 is also called a third IC. In the case of FIG. 10, the charging IC 103 is provided with a third communication terminal 103A1 for the first communication line, and the EEPROM 102 is provided with a fifth communication terminal 102A for the first communication line.

[0069] The second communication line is included in the flexible substrate 600 (see FIG. 7B) that connects the MCU substrate 100 and the USB connector substrate 200. In the first embodiment, the board surface of the MCU board 100 and the board surface of the USB connector board 200 are placed approximately parallel to each other. This relationship between the boards can also be seen from, for example, Figures 2A, 2B, and 3A. In other words, the USB connector board 200 is located next to the MCU board 100.

[0070] The distance between the flexible board 600 connecting the MCU board 100 and the USB connector board 200 is shorter than the distance between the flexible board 600 connecting the MCU board 100 and the LED and Bluetooth board 300. The distance between the flexible board 600 connecting the MCU board 100 and the LED and Bluetooth board 300 is shorter than the distance between the flexible board 600 connecting the MCU board 100 and the Hall IC board 400. This installation relationship can be seen, for example, from FIG. 9.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the USB connector board 200 is also referred to as a second board. The MCU 101 is connected to the fuel gauge IC 201 through a second communication line. In the first embodiment, the fuel gauge IC 201 is also referred to as a second IC. In the case of FIG. 10, the fuel gauge IC 201 is provided with a fourth communication terminal 201A1 for the second communication line. In the first embodiment, the LED and Bluetooth board 300 is also referred to as a third board.

[0072] The third communication line for UART communication is included in the flexible board 600 (see FIG. 7A) that connects the MCU board 100 and the LED and Bluetooth board 300. The MCU 101 is connected to the Bluetooth IC 303 through a third communication line. In the first embodiment, the Bluetooth IC 303 is also called the fourth IC. 10, the MCU 101 is provided with a sixth communication terminal 101C for the third communication line, while the Bluetooth IC 303 is provided with a seventh communication terminal 303A for the third communication line.

[0073] I2C communication allows one-to-many communication. In other words, I2C communication is a bus connection. Therefore, in I2C communication, the communication destination is specified by an address. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of I2C communication. FIG. 11 illustrates communication between the MCU 101 and the fuel gauge IC 201. That is, FIG. 11 shows an example of communication using the second communication line. As shown in FIG. 11, I2C communication is performed in the order of address transmission, command transmission, and data transmission. Note that in the I2C communication shown in FIG. 11, command transmission and data transmission are in multi-byte format, but this may also be in single-byte format. Both the first and second communication lines for I2C communication have two signal lines: a clock line SCL for serial communication and a data line SDA for serial communication, regardless of the number of ICs connected. The I2C communication speed is 0.1 to 1 Mbps. The clock line SCL is used to send and receive clock pulses and ACKs that provide synchronization timing, while the data line SDA is used to send and receive the addresses, commands, and data mentioned above.

[0074] On the other hand, UART communication is a one-to-one connection and is an asynchronous communication method that does not use a clock. In the case of unidirectional communication, the number of signal lines for UART communication is one, but in the case of bidirectional communication, the number of signal lines for UART communication is two. In the example in Figure 10, three signal lines are used, including the reset line. The UART communication speed is 0.1 to 115 kbps, which is slower than the I2C communication speed. However, UART communication is capable of long-distance communication, and therefore in the first embodiment, UART communication is used for communication between the MCU 101 and the LED and Bluetooth board 300, which requires a long distance on the flexible board 600.

[0075] <Operation mode> 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation modes prepared in the aerosol generation device 1 used in the embodiment 1 and the conditions for transition between the operation modes. In the following description, the transition between the operation modes may also be referred to as a transition mode. The aerosol generation device 1 used in the embodiment has nine operation modes: charging mode M1, sleep mode M2, error mode M3, permanent error mode M4, Bluetooth pairing mode M5, active mode M6, initialization mode M7, vaping mode M8, and vaping termination mode M9. Each operation mode will be explained in turn below.

[0076] Charging mode M1 Charging mode M1 is BUS voltage V USB This is a mode in which the battery 50 is charged using the In charging mode M1, the battery voltage V of battery 50 (see Figure 2A) BAT If the voltage is extremely low, deep discharge or over-discharge may be detected.

[0077] Sleep Mode M2 In sleep mode M2, most functions are unavailable except for detecting the closed state of the shutter 30 (see FIG. 1A) and monitoring the battery 50 by the fuel gauge IC 201. For this reason, sleep mode M2 ​​consumes less power than other modes. However, the system power supply V cc33_0 As a result, the value of the flip-flop that remains powered is retained. Sleep mode M2, charging mode M1, USB cable On the other hand, the charging mode M1 is switched to when the USB is removed or charging is completed. cable In addition, sleep mode M2 ​​can also transition to Bluetooth pairing mode M5 and active mode M6. Note that in modes other than sleep mode M2, the USB cable When the power supply is connected, the mode may be changed to the charging mode M1.

[0078] Error Mode M3 Error mode M3 is a mode in which the device temporarily retreats when a recoverable error such as an abnormal temperature occurs. When the device transitions to the error mode M3, an error notification is issued, and the device returns to the sleep mode M2 ​​after a certain period of time has elapsed or after a predetermined condition for canceling the error is met. Incidentally, error mode M3 can also be entered from charging mode M1, active mode M6, vaping initialization mode M7, and vaping mode M8.

[0079] Permanent Error Mode M4 The permanent error mode M4 is a mode that prohibits transition to other modes when an irrecoverable error occurs, such as deep discharge, battery life, short circuit, etc. In Figure 12, there is also no arrow from the permanent error mode M4 to other modes.

[0080] Bluetooth pairing mode M5 Bluetooth pairing mode M5 is a mode for pairing with external devices via Bluetooth. Paired external devices are recorded in a whitelist, i.e., bonded. The mode is changed to the Bluetooth pairing mode M5 by operating the push button 23 (see FIG. 1D) while the shutter 30 is closed in the sleep mode M2. If bonding is successful or unsuccessful in Bluetooth pairing mode M5, it transitions to sleep mode M2.

[0081] Active Mode M6 Active mode M6 is a mode in which most functions are available except for heating. The active mode M6 occurs when the shutter 30 is opened in the sleep mode M2. Conversely, when the shutter 30 is closed in the active mode M6 or a certain period of time has elapsed, the mode transitions to the sleep mode M2.

[0082] Vaping initialization mode M7 Vaping initialization mode M7 is a mode that performs initial settings before starting to heat the stick. The initialization mode M7 is entered by operating the push button 23 in the active mode M6. If an error occurs during initialization, the mode switches from initialization mode M7 to error mode M3.

[0083] Vaping Mode M8 Vaping mode M8 is a mode in which the tobacco stick is heated. The heater is energized alternately for heat generation and for measuring the resistance value. The heater temperature profile changes over time. The vaping mode M8 is entered when the initial settings are completed in the initialization mode M7. If an error occurs during the vaping mode M8, the mode will transition to the error mode M3.

[0084] Vaping Quit Mode M9 The vaping termination mode M9 is a mode in which the heating termination process is executed. The vaping end mode M9 is activated when the time or number of puffs reaches an upper limit in the vaping mode M8, when the shutter 30 is closed, or when the USB cable Transition occurs when a USB is connected. cable When the vaping termination mode M9 is entered due to the connection of the power source, the mode may subsequently be entered into the charging mode M1. In addition, when the end of heating is detected in the vaping end mode M9, the mode transitions to the active mode M6.

[0085] <Communication content by operation mode> FIG. 13 is a table for explaining the content of communication for each operation mode in the first embodiment. FIG. 13 explains the details of communication for a total of 11 modes, including nine operation modes and two transition modes from sleep mode.

[0086] FIG. 13 shows communications on the three communication lines mentioned above, namely the first and second communication lines for I2C communication and the third communication line for UART communication. The MCU 101, the EEPROM 102, and the charging IC 103 are connected to the first communication line. The second communication line connects the MCU 101 and the fuel gauge IC 201. The MCU 101 and the Bluetooth IC 303 are connected to the third communication line.

[0087] Charging mode M1 The MCU 101 receives charging information from the charging IC 103 through the first communication line. Meanwhile, the MCU 101 transmits a command to turn off the OTG function to the charging IC 103 through the first communication line. That is, the MCU 101 receives charging information from the charging IC 103 through the first communication line. BAT This instructs the charging IC 103 to stop the function of generating a 5V voltage from the BUS voltage V USB will be available for supply. Similarly, the MCU 101 transmits commands to the EEPROM 102 through the first communication line. For example, the MCU 101 transmits a command to the EEPROM 102 to store the charging start date and time and the remaining battery level at that time. Also, for example, the MCU 101 transmits a command to the EEPROM 102 to store the charging end date and time and the remaining battery level at that time.

[0088] In this embodiment, the MCU 101 receives battery information from the fuel gauge IC 201 at one-second intervals via the second communication line. Note that the one-second interval is just an example. Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating communication during charging mode M1. The initial state of the processing operation shown in Fig. 14 is sleep mode M2. In sleep mode M2, when the voltage input to the PA9 terminal of the MCU101 changes to the H level, the MCU101 cable The connection is detected and the operation mode is changed to charging mode M1. USB If one end of the voltage divider is connected to ground, cable When this terminal is not connected, the potential of the PA9 terminal is equal to the ground potential.

[0089] When the charging mode M1 starts, the MCU 101 sends an OTG-off command to the charging IC 103 on the same board through the first communication line (i.e., the first system of I2C). Next, the MCU 101 changes the voltage output to the PC9 terminal to H level, and controls the load switch 104 (see FIG. 4) to be ON. When the load switch 104 is turned ON, the BUS voltage V USB Power supply will begin. The MCU 101 may control the load switch 104 to be on by setting the voltage output to the PC9 terminal to L level or indefinite. In this case, the ON terminal of the load switch 104 is supplied with the BUS voltage V USB In other words, if the voltage output to the PC9 terminal is set to L level or indefinite, the ON terminal of the load switch 104 will be set to the BUS voltage VUSB The divided voltage becomes H level. However, the BUS voltage V USB Even if power supply starts, charging of the battery 50 by the charging IC 103 does not start. Charging of the battery 50 starts when the MCU 101 issues a charge command to the charging IC 103. Note that the first communication line is not used for this command.

[0090] When the charging mode M1 starts, the MCU 101 transmits and receives I2C commands to and from the fuel gauge IC 201 at one-second intervals via the second communication line (that is, the second I2C system). MCU101 and fuel gauge using this second communication line I C Communication between the fuel gauge IC 201 and the MCU 101 continues during the charging mode M1. That is, the MCU 101 can focus on communication with the fuel gauge IC 201 without being interrupted by communication with the EEPROM 102 or the charging IC 103. In other words, the MCU 101 can communicate with the EEPROM 102 and the charging IC 103 without being hindered by communication with the fuel gauge IC 201 .

[0091] After controlling the load switch 104 to the ON state, the MCU 101 writes charging start information to the EEPROM 102 via the first communication line. Specifically, the charging start date and time and the remaining battery level at that time are recorded. At this point, charging has not yet started. After this, the MCU 101 transmits a charge command to the charging IC 103. This charge command is executed by changing the potential of the PB3 terminal of the MCU 101 to the L level. The change in potential appearing at the PB3 terminal is applied to the CE terminal of the charging IC 103 (see FIG. 5). When charging starts upon receiving a charge command, the MCU 101 and the charging IC 103 send and receive I2C commands at regular time intervals (for example, every x seconds).

[0092] When the charging IC 103 eventually notifies the MCU 101 that charging is complete, the MCU 101 instructs the EEPROM 102 to write charging end information. The MCU 101 also changes the potential of the PB3 terminal to the H level to issue a charging stop command to the charging IC 103. The charging stop command to the charging IC 103 is executed by changing the potential of the PB3 terminal to the H level. After this, when the voltage input to the PA9 pin changes to the L level, the MCU101 cable Next, the MCU 101 changes the voltage output to the PC9 terminal to the L level, and controls the load switch 104 to the OFF state. When the load switch 104 is controlled to the OFF state, the BUS voltage V USB Power supply becomes impossible.

[0093] During charging mode M1, the MCU 101 communicates with the EEPROM 102 and the charging IC 103 separately. That is, the timing when the MCU 101 communicates with the EEPROM 102 does not overlap with the timing when the MCU 101 communicates with the charging IC 103. More specifically, the timing when the MCU 101 communicates with the EEPROM 102 is the initial period (before charging starts) and the final period (after charging is completed) of charging mode M1. The timing when the MCU 101 communicates with the charging IC 103 is the middle period (during charging) of charging mode M1. Furthermore, communication between the MCU 101 and the EEPROM 102, communication of an OTG-off command from the MCU 101 to the charging IC 103, and communication of charging completion from the charging IC 103 to the MCU 101 are executed when each event occurs. In other words, communication on the first communication line is executed aperiodically. On the other hand, communication on the second communication line is performed periodically during the charging mode M1.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 14, in the charging mode M1, the timing of communication on the first communication line and the timing of communication on the second communication line overlap. However, as described above, the first communication line and the second communication line are different communication lines, and therefore communication can be performed without interfering with communication on the other communication line. The second communication line is a communication line that connects a USB connector board 200 separate from the MCU board 100 on which the MCU 101 is mounted, but because it is I2C communication, it is capable of faster communication than UART communication. This makes it possible to collect information about the battery 50 at one-second intervals. In other words, the communication frequency of the second communication line is higher than the communication frequency of the first communication line. It is technically common knowledge that I2C communication, which is used for the second communication line, is not suitable for long-distance communication spanning multiple boards. However, if UART communication, which is suitable for long-distance communication, were used, the frequency of communication with the fuel gauge IC 201 would decrease, making it difficult for the MCU 101 to obtain the latest status of the battery 50. Therefore, the USB connector board 200 on which the fuel gauge IC 201 is mounted is located next to the MCU board 100. This makes it possible to communicate frequently via I2C even with the fuel gauge IC 201 mounted on a different board.

[0095] Returning to the explanation of FIG. In parallel with the communication using the first and second communication lines, the MCU 101 communicates with the LED and Bluetooth board 300 on which the Bluetooth IC 303 is mounted via a third communication line. The third communication line uses UART communication, which has a long communication distance as its communication protocol. Incidentally, the MCU 101 sends charging information to the Bluetooth IC 303. This charging information can then be transmitted to paired external devices.

[0096] Sleep Mode M2 The MCU 101 does not communicate with any of the EEPROM 102, the charging IC 103, and the Bluetooth IC 303. However, when transitioning from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2, MCU 101 sends a command to turn off the OTG function to charging IC 103 through the first communication line, and commands Bluetooth IC 303 to go to sleep through the third communication line. The transition from active mode M6 to sleep mode M2 ​​is one of the two transition modes.

[0097] On the other hand, when the device is in transition from sleep mode M2 ​​to active mode M6, the MCU 101 sends a command to turn on the OTG function to the charging IC 103 via the first communication line, and also sends a command to start the Bluetooth IC 303 via the third communication line. The transition period here is an example of a first condition in which communication is performed only with the first IC, the charging IC 103. The transition period from the sleep mode M2 ​​to the active mode M6 is also the other of the two transition modes.

[0098] Error mode M3 and permanent error mode M4 The MCU 101 stores the error information in the EEPROM 102 via the first communication line. Furthermore, the MCU 101 receives battery information from the fuel gauge IC 201 at one-second intervals via a second communication line. In addition, the MCU 101 sends error information to the Bluetooth IC 303 through the third communication line. The error mode M3 and the permanent error mode M4 are examples of the second condition for communicating with the EEPROM 102 as the third IC.

[0099] Bluetooth pairing mode M5 The MCU 101 receives information about the paired device from the Bluetooth IC 303 via the third communication line. After this, the MCU 101 stores the paired terminal information in the EEPROM 102 through the first communication line. Information to memorize. Furthermore, the MCU 101 receives battery information from the fuel gauge IC 201 at one-second intervals via a second communication line. The Bluetooth pairing mode M5 here is also an example of the second condition for communicating with the EEPROM 102 as the third IC.

[0100] Active Mode M6 The MCU 101 receives battery information every second from the fuel gauge IC 201 via the second communication line. Note that the MCU 101 in active mode M6 communicates only with the fuel gauge IC 201.

[0101] Vaping initialization mode M7 The MCU 101 stores the heating start time in the EEPROM 102 through the first communication line. Furthermore, the MCU 101 receives battery information from the fuel gauge IC 201 at one-second intervals via a second communication line. The initialization mode M7 here is also an example of the second condition for communicating with the EEPROM 102 as the third IC.

[0102] Vaping Mode M8 The MCU 101 stores the puff timing in the EEPROM 102 via the first communication line. The puff timing is detected by the thermistor 41 used to detect the puff. Furthermore, the MCU 101 receives battery information from the fuel gauge IC 201 at one-second intervals via a second communication line. The vaping mode M8 here is also an example of the second condition for communicating with the EEPROM 102 as the third IC.

[0103] Vaping Quit Mode M9 The MCU 101 stores the vaping mode time in the EEPROM 102 through the first communication line. The heating end time may also be stored. Furthermore, the MCU 101 receives battery information from the fuel gauge IC 201 at one-second intervals via a second communication line. In addition, the MCU 101 sends suction information to the Bluetooth IC 303 through a third communication line. The vaping end mode M9 here is also an example of the second condition for communicating with the EEPROM 102 as the third IC.

[0104] ·summary The circuit unit 1000 of the aerosol generation device 1 used in the first embodiment has two communication lines for I2C communication between the MCU 101 and other ICs. This allows for high-frequency, low-latency communication between multiple ICs, even if the number of ICs with which the MCU 101 communicates increases. As a result, the accuracy of control by the MCU 101 is improved and functionality is enhanced.

[0105] The two communication lines here include a first communication line mounted on the MCU board 100 and a second communication line connecting the same board with the USB connector board 200. By providing two I2C communication systems for each board, communication lines are not concentrated on one board, which prevents the wiring pattern from becoming complicated and dense. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the aerosol generation device 1 is reduced.

[0106] Furthermore, I2C communication is used for communication with the USB connector board 200 adjacent to the MCU board 100, enabling high-speed communication between the MCU 101 and the fuel gauge IC 201. In other words, the MCU 101 can acquire the state of the battery 50 with low latency. On the other hand, by using UART communication for communication with the LED and Bluetooth board 300, whose communication distance via the flexible board 600 is longer than that of the USB connector board 200, reliable communication is achieved even with the Bluetooth IC 303, which has a long communication distance.

[0107] Furthermore, since the MCU 101 communicates with each of the multiple ICs that share the first communication line at different timings, the accuracy of communication between the MCU 101 and each IC is also improved. The charging mode M1 is a mode in which the MCU 101 communicates with both the EEPROM 102 and the charging IC 103 through the first communication line. The sleep mode M2 ​​is a mode in which the MCU 101 does not communicate with either the EEPROM 102 or the charging IC 103 through the first communication line. However, the MCU 101 communicates with the fuel gauge IC 201 through the second communication line.

[0108] In the sleep mode M2, during a transition period from the active mode M6 or a transition period to the active mode M6, the MCU 101 communicates only with the charging IC 103 via the first communication line. The active mode M6 is a mode in which the MCU 101 does not communicate with either the EEPROM 102 or the charging IC 103 through the first communication line. The remaining operating modes, namely, error mode M3, permanent error mode M4, Bluetooth pairing mode M5, initialization mode M7, vaping mode M8, and vaping termination mode M9, are modes in which MCU 101 communicates only with EEPROM 102 via the first communication line.

[0109] <Embodiment 2> The aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1A) used in the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in part of the communication in the operation mode. FIG. 15 is a table for explaining the content of communication for each operation mode in the second embodiment. The aerosol generation device 1 used in the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it does not communicate with the fuel gauge IC 201 through the second communication line in the error mode M3 and the permanent error mode M4.

[0110] <Third Embodiment> The aerosol generation device 1 (see FIG. 1A) used in the third embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment in part of the communication in the operation mode. FIG. 16 is a table for explaining the content of communication for each operation mode in the third embodiment. The aerosol generating device 1 used in the third embodiment performs all operations including the sleep mode M2. modeThe second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it communicates with the fuel gauge IC 201 through a second communication line.

[0111] <Other embodiments> (1) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-described embodiments. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-described embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0112] (2) In the above-described embodiment, I2C communication is used as the communication protocol for the first communication line and the second communication line, but SPI (=Serial Peripheral Interface) communication may be used for either one or both of them. Figure 17 is a diagram explaining the connection configuration of SPI communication, which is a form of serial communication. In the case of SPI communication, the signal lines required are a clock line, a master output line, a master input line, and slave selection lines for the number of slaves. For example, if there is one slave, there will be four signal lines, and if there are three slaves, there will be six signal lines. SPI communication is capable of communication at speeds of 1 to several Mbps, but is not suitable for long-distance communication. For this reason, SPI communication can be used as an alternative to I2C communication.

[0113] (3) In the above embodiment, the number of ICs with which the MCU 101 communicates on the same board is two, but it may communicate with only one IC, or with three or more ICs. Furthermore, although the MCU 101 communicates with one IC on the USB connector board 200, it may communicate with multiple ICs on the USB connector board 200. The same applies to communication with the LED and Bluetooth board 300.

[0114] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the only other board that uses I2C communication for communication with the MCU 101 is the USB connector board 200, but I2C communication may also be used for communication with multiple other boards if the communication distance with the MCU board 100 is short.

[0115] (5) In the above embodiment, the aerosol generation device 1 is assumed to be a heated tobacco product. However, the configuration of the circuit unit 1000 described above may also be applied to an electronic cigarette. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of an aerosol generation device 1A compatible with electronic cigarettes. The aerosol generation device 1A is a device for generating a flavored aerosol without combustion, and has a rod shape extending along the longitudinal direction A. The aerosol generation device 1A is composed of a power supply unit 710, a first cartridge 720, and a second cartridge 730 arranged along the longitudinal direction A.

[0116] Here, the first cartridge 720 is detachable from the power supply unit 710. The second cartridge 730 is detachable from the first cartridge 720. In other words, the first cartridge 720 and the second cartridge 730 are each replaceable. Power supply unit 710 corresponds to outer case 20B (see FIG. 1D) in the first embodiment, and has an MCU and other circuits built in in addition to a battery. In other words, power supply unit 710 has a built-in circuit equivalent to circuit unit 1000. Incidentally, a button 714 is provided on the side of power supply unit 710. This button 714 corresponds to push button 23 (see FIG. 1D).

[0117] The first cartridge 720 incorporates a tank that stores the liquid that is the aerosol source, a wick that draws the liquid from the tank by capillary action, and a coil that heats and vaporizes the liquid held in the wick. The first cartridge 720 is also called an atomizer. In addition, the first cartridge 720 has a built-in flavor unit that adds flavor to the aerosol. The second cartridge 730 is provided with a mouthpiece 732 . The external appearance of the aerosol generation device 1A shown in FIG. 18 is an example.

[0118] (6) In the above embodiment, the aerosol generating device has been described as a type that heats the aerosol source. However, it can also be applied to a nebulizer that generates aerosol using ultrasound or the like. In this case, an ultrasonic vibrator is used instead of a heater. In this case, the MCU is configured to be able to control the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator. (7) In the above-described embodiment, an aerosol generating device is exemplified, but the configuration of the circuit unit described above can also be applied to portable electronic devices that do not have an aerosol generating mechanism, particularly portable electronic devices that incorporate multiple ICs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1, 1A... aerosol generating device, 10... outer panel, 10A... information window, 20... main body housing, 20A… Interior Panel 、 20B...outer case, 22...insertion hole, 22A...container, 24...light-transmitting part, 30...shutter, 40...heating unit, 50...battery, 60...vibrator, 100...MCU board, 101...MCU, 102...EEPROM, 103...charging IC, 104, 106, 109...load switch, 200...USB connector board, 201...gauge IC, 300...LED and Bluetooth board, 303...Bluetooth IC, 400...Hall IC board, 500...chassis, 600...flexible board, 710...power supply unit, 720...first cartridge, 730...second cartridge, 1000...circuit unit

Claims

1. a heater connector to which a heater that consumes power supplied from a power source to heat the aerosol source is connected; a controller including a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal for serial communication, the controller controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heater; a first IC that is separate from the controller and includes a third communication terminal for serial communication; a second IC that is separate from the controller and the first IC and includes a fourth communication terminal for serial communication; a first communication line connecting the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal; a second communication line connecting the second communication terminal and the fourth communication terminal; a first substrate; a second substrate that is separate from and spaced apart from the first substrate; and the controller and the first IC are mounted on the first substrate; the second IC is mounted on the second substrate; Circuit unit of the aerosol generator.

2. The communication protocol used in the first communication line is the same as the communication protocol used in the second communication line. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

3. the communication protocol used on the first communication line is I2C or SPI; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

4. the second substrate is a substrate adjacent to the first substrate, the communication protocol used on the second communication line is I2C or SPI; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. a third substrate that is separate from the first substrate and the second substrate and is spaced apart from the first substrate and the second substrate; a third communication line connecting a sixth communication terminal of the first board and a seventh communication terminal of the third board; and the third substrate is farther from the first substrate than the second substrate; the communication protocol used on the third communication line is UART; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. a communication frequency on the second communication line is higher than a communication frequency on the first communication line; the communication protocol used on the first communication line is I2C; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. the number of ICs connected to the controller via the first communication line is greater than the number of ICs connected to the controller via the second communication line; the communication protocol used on the first communication line is I2C; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

8. a third IC that is separate from the controller, the first IC, and the second IC and includes a fifth communication terminal for serial communication; the first communication line connects the first communication terminal and the fifth communication terminal; the third IC is mounted on the first substrate; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The controller When a first condition is satisfied, communication with the first IC is performed; The communication device is configured to communicate with the third IC when a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

10. the controller operates in one of a plurality of modes; the plurality of modes includes a mode in which the controller communicates with only the third IC out of the first IC and the third IC; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 8.

11. the number of ICs connected to the controller via the first communication line is greater than the number of ICs connected to the controller via the second communication line; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the second IC is the only IC connected to the controller via the second communication line; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 11.

13. The second IC is a fuel gauge IC that acquires information about the power supply. A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 12.

14. a communication protocol used in the first communication line is different from a communication protocol used in the second communication line; A circuit unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 .

15. a heater connector to which a heater that consumes power supplied from a power source to heat the aerosol source is connected; a controller including a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal for serial communication, the controller controlling the supply of power from the power source to the heater; a first IC that is separate from the controller and includes a third communication terminal for serial communication; a second IC that is separate from the controller and the first IC and includes a fourth communication terminal for serial communication; a first communication line connecting the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal; a second communication line connecting the second communication terminal and the fourth communication terminal; a first substrate; a second substrate that is separate from and spaced apart from the first substrate; and the controller and the first IC are mounted on the first substrate; the second IC is mounted on the second substrate; Aerosol generator.

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