Power unit for aerosol aspirator, and aerosol aspirator

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for connecting a control main body of an aerosol delivery device to a computer via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable and a connector (for example, USB2.0, 3.0, 3.1, USB Type-C). Patent Documents 2 and 3 also disclose techniques for connecting a USB (for example, USB Type-C) cable to a device that generates an aerosol.

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] death However, in the prior art, Power unit for aerosol aspirator there was room for improvement from the perspective of miniaturization.

[0005] The present invention ,small is capable of realizing Power unit for aerosol aspirator miniaturization.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is, A power unit for an aerosol aspirator, A circuit board having a roughly L-shape, comprising a short portion, a long portion, and a connecting portion to which the short portion and the long portion are connected, A cartridge holder is positioned in the cutout portion of the circuit board and holds a cartridge for storing an aerosol source, The first electronic component mounted on the aforementioned connecting portion, The second electronic component mounted on the aforementioned short portion, A third electronic component mounted on the aforementioned elongated portion, The system comprises an MCU having pins electrically connected to the first electronic component, the second electronic component, and the third electronic component, respectively. A portion of the aforementioned MCU is implemented in the aforementioned connecting portion. This is the power unit for an aerosol aspirator. Another aspect of the present invention is: An aerosol aspirator comprising the power supply unit of the aerosol aspirator described above and the cartridge, The cartridge has a load for heating the aerosol source. This is an aerosol aspirator.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention ,small it is possible to realize Power unit for aerosol aspirator and provide

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an aerosol inhaler according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the power supply unit in the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MCU of the power supply unit in the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a charging terminal included in the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1 and a plug inserted into the charging terminal. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the circuit configuration when the first surface of the circuit board in the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1 is viewed from the right side. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing a main part of the circuit configuration when the ground layer of the circuit board in the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1 is viewed from the right side. [Figure 9]Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the circuit configuration of the power supply layer of the circuit board in the aerosol aspirator, viewed from the right side. [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of the circuit configuration of the aerosol aspirator, viewed from the right side of the second side of the circuit board. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes a power supply unit for an aerosol generator, which is one embodiment of the present invention. First, an aerosol aspirator, which is an example of an aerosol generator equipped with the power supply unit of this embodiment, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0010] (Aerosol inhaler) Aerosol inhaler 1 is a device for generating and inhaling an aerosol with added flavor without combustion. It is preferably small enough to fit in the hand and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, aerosol inhaler 1 may also have an egg-shaped or elliptical shape. In the following description, in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped aerosol inhaler, the three orthogonal directions will be referred to as the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction, in order of length. Also, for convenience, in the following description, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, we define the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions, and will refer to the front as Fr, the back as Rr, the left side as L, the right side as R, the up direction as U, and the down direction as D.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the aerosol aspirator 1 comprises 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 interchangeable.

[0012] (Power supply unit) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the power supply unit 10 houses the power supply 12, internal holder 13, circuit board 60, intake sensor 15 and other various sensors inside a roughly rectangular power supply unit case 11 (hereinafter also referred to as the inside of the case). By housing the power supply 12 and circuit board 60 (including the MCU 50, discharge terminal 41, charging terminal 43, etc., described later) together in the power supply unit case 11, it is made easier for the user to carry and improves user convenience.

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

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

[0015] Between the top and rear surfaces of the power supply unit 10, there is an inclined surface that slopes downward as it approaches the rear. An operating section 18 that can be operated by the user is provided on the inclined surface. The operating section 18 consists of button-type switches, a touch panel, etc., and is used to activate / deactivate the MCU 50 and various sensors, etc., reflecting the user's intentions.

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

[0017] Furthermore, the charging terminal 43 may be configured to include, for example, a power receiving coil, enabling contactless power reception from an external power source. In this case, the power transmission method (wireless power transfer) may be electromagnetic induction, magnetic resonance, or a combination of both. As another example, the charging terminal 43 may be connectable to various USB terminals, etc., and may also have the power receiving coil described above.

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

[0019] A power supply 12 is located in the left-side space of the internal holder 13. The power supply 12 is a rechargeable secondary battery, an electric double-layer capacitor, etc., and is preferably a lithium-ion secondary battery. The electrolyte of the power supply 12 may consist of one of a gel electrolyte, an electrolyte solution, a solid electrolyte, an ionic liquid, or a combination thereof.

[0020] A roughly L-shaped circuit board 60 is arranged in the space formed by the right-side space of the internal holder 13 and the lower space formed between the cartridge holding portion 13a and the lower surface of the power supply unit 10. By making the circuit board 60 roughly L-shaped, it is possible to arrange other components in its cutout portion, thereby enabling miniaturization of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol inhaler 1. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first cartridge 20 (i.e., the aerosol source 22 and load 21 described later) and the cartridge holder 14 that holds it are arranged in the cutout portion of the roughly L-shaped circuit board 60. That is, the power supply unit case 11 houses the first cartridge 20 and the other components arranged in the cutout portion of the L-shaped circuit board 60. As a result, the aerosol inhaler 1 can be miniaturized, and for example, an aerosol inhaler 1 that fits in the hand of an average adult can be realized.

[0021] The circuit board 60 is constructed by stacking multiple layers (four layers in this embodiment) of substrates, and electronic components (elements) such as the MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 50 and the charging IC 55, which will be described later, are mounted on it.

[0022] As will be described in detail later using Figure 5, etc., the MCU 50 is a control device (controller) that controls various aspects of the aerosol inhaler 1, connected to various sensor devices such as the inhalation sensor 15 that detects the puffing (inhalation) action, the operation unit 18, the notification unit 45, and the memory 19 that stores the number of puffing actions or the energizing time to the load 21, etc. Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly composed of a processor and further includes storage media such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) that store various information necessary for the operation of the processor. In this specification, a processor is, for example, an electrical circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. Note that some of the elements connected to the MCU 50 in Figure 5 (for example, the inhalation sensor 15 and the memory 19) may be provided inside the MCU 50 as a function of the MCU 50 itself.

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

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

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

[0026] The through-hole 13b is larger than the discharge terminal 41, and is configured to allow air to flow into the first cartridge 20 through the gap formed between the through-hole 13b and the discharge terminal 41.

[0027] An intake sensor 15 for detecting puffing is provided on the outer circumferential surface 14a of the cartridge holder 14 at a position facing the circuit board 60. The intake sensor 15 may be composed of a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor, or the like. The cartridge holder 14 is also provided with a vertically elongated hole 14b that allows the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 to be visually inspected. The system is configured so that the user can visually inspect the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge 20 through the hole 14b of the first cartridge 20 via a light-transmitting remaining amount confirmation window 11w provided in the power supply unit case 11.

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

[0029] The power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake 11i for drawing in outside air. The air intake 11i is provided, for example, in the remaining charge confirmation window 11w.

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

[0031] The reservoir 23 is partitioned to surround the aerosol channel 25 and stores the aerosol source 22. The reservoir 23 may contain a porous material such as a resin web or cotton, and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated into the porous material. Alternatively, the reservoir 23 may not contain a porous material on a resin web or cotton, and may store only the aerosol source 22. The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water.

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

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

[0034] The aerosol channel 25 is located downstream of the load 21 and is situated on the centerline of the first cartridge 20.

[0035] (Second cartridge) The second cartridge 30 stores the flavor source 31. The second cartridge 30 is detachably housed in a cartridge housing section 17b provided in the mouthpiece 17.

[0036] The second cartridge 30 imparts flavor to the aerosol generated when the aerosol source 22 is atomized by the load 21 by passing the aerosol through the flavor source 31. The raw material pieces constituting the flavor source 31 can be shredded tobacco or molded bodies formed from tobacco raw materials into granules. The flavor source 31 may also be composed of plants other than tobacco (for example, mint, herbs, etc.). The flavor source 31 may be imparted with flavorings such as menthol.

[0037] The aerosol inhaler 1 can generate (i.e., produce) aerosols with added flavor using an aerosol source 22, a flavor source 31, and a load 21. In other words, the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 constitute an aerosol generating source that produces aerosols with added flavor.

[0038] The aerosol source used in the aerosol inhaler 1 may be configured such that the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are separate, or that the aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are integrally formed, or that the flavor source 31 is omitted and substances that may be included in the flavor source 31 are added to the aerosol source 22, or that drugs or the like are added to the aerosol source 22 instead of the flavor source 31.

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

[0040] Furthermore, the aerosol aspirator 1 is provided with a notification unit 45 for notifying various information (see Figure 5). The notification unit 45 may be composed of a light-emitting element, a vibration element, or a sound output element. The notification unit 45 may also be a combination of two or more elements from among the light-emitting element, vibration element, and sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be provided in the power supply unit 10, the first cartridge 20, or the second cartridge 30, but it is preferable to provide it in the power supply unit 10, which is not a consumable item.

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

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

[0043] As described above, the charging terminal 43 is a receptacle into which the other plug can be inserted, and is equipped with multiple pins (terminals) that are electrically connected to the pins of the inserted plug. Specifically, the charging terminal 43 is equipped with pins A1 (indicated as "A1" in Figure 4), A4 (indicated as "A4" in Figure 4), A5 (indicated as "A5" in Figure 4), A6 (indicated as "A6" in Figure 4), A7 (indicated as "A7" in Figure 4), A8 (indicated as "A8" in Figure 4), A9 (indicated as "A9" in Figure 4), and A12 (indicated as "A12" in Figure 4). It includes pins B1 (shown as "B1" in Figure 4), B4 (shown as "B4" in Figure 4), B5 (shown as "B5" in Figure 4), B6 ​​(shown as "B6" in Figure 4), B7 (shown as "B7" in Figure 4), B8 (shown as "B8" in Figure 4), B9 (shown as "B9" in Figure 4), and B12 (shown as "B12" in Figure 4).

[0044] Pins A1, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, and A12, and pins B1, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, and B12 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the mating surface with the plug on the charging terminal 43. This allows the plug to be inserted into the charging terminal 43 regardless of its orientation, improving user convenience.

[0045] Please note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the charging terminal 43 are described. Also, although the charging terminal 43 is provided with pins A8 and B8 in this embodiment, these pins are not used and can be omitted, as will be described later.

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

[0047] As an example, in this embodiment, the recommended input voltage for the charging IC 55 is a minimum of 4.35[V] and a maximum 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. This allows the protection IC 61 to supply an appropriate voltage to the charging IC 55. Furthermore, if the aforementioned 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 as IN in Figure 4) and output terminal (indicated as OUT in Figure 4) of the protection IC 61. In addition, the protection IC 61 may also have various protection functions to protect the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10 (for example, an overcurrent detection function and an overvoltage detection function).

[0048] Furthermore, 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, thereby reducing power loss due to passing through the protection IC 61.

[0049] The protection IC61 has multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the protection IC61. Specifically, the protection IC61 has an IN pin (indicated as "IN" in Figure 4), a VSS pin (indicated as "VSS" in Figure 4), a GND pin (indicated as "GND" in Figure 4), an OUT pin (indicated as "OUT" in Figure 4), a VBAT pin (indicated as "VBAT" in Figure 4), and a CE pin (indicated as "CE" in Figure 4).

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

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

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

[0053] This power path function allows power to be supplied to the power supply unit 10 system, including the LDO regulator 62, the first DC / DC converter 63, and the second DC / DC converter 64, via the charging terminal 43, even while the power supply 12 is being charged. Therefore, when the power supply unit 10 system is used while the power supply 12 is being charged, the load on the power supply 12 is reduced (i.e., degradation of the power supply 12 is suppressed), while still allowing the power supply unit 10 system to be used. In addition, it is possible to improve the charging speed of the power supply 12 and shorten the charging time. Furthermore, using this power path function, even if the power supply 12 is over-discharged, it is possible to restore the power supply unit 10 system using the power supplied via the charging terminal 43.

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

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

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

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

[0058] The MCU50 operates using the input low-voltage system voltage as its power source and performs various controls on the aerosol aspirator 1. For example, the MCU50 can control the heating of the load 21 by controlling the on / off state of the switch SW4 (described later) located in the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10 and the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63. The MCU50 can also control the display of the display 16 by controlling the operation of the display driver 65. Furthermore, the MCU50 can control the vibration of the vibrator 47 by controlling the on / off state of the switch SW3 (described later) located in the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10.

[0059] The MCU50 has multiple pins (terminals) for electrically connecting the inside and outside of the MCU50. Specifically, the MCU50 has the VDD pin (indicated as "VDD" in Figure 4), the VDD_USB pin (indicated as "VDD_USB" in Figure 4), the VSS pin (indicated as "VSS" in Figure 4), the PC1 pin (indicated as "PC1" in Figure 4), the PA8 pin (indicated as "PA8" in Figure 4), the PB3 pin (indicated as "PB3" in Figure 4), the PB15 pin (indicated as "PB15" in Figure 4), and the PB4 pin (indicated as "PB" in Figure 4). It includes the following pins: PC6 pin (shown as "PC6" in Figure 4), PA0 pin (shown as "PA0" in Figure 4), PC5 pin (shown as "PC5" in Figure 4), PA11 pin (shown as "PA11" in Figure 4), PA12 pin (shown as "PA12" in Figure 4), PC12 pin (shown as "PC12" in Figure 4), PB8 pin (shown as "PB8" in Figure 4), and PB9 pin (shown as "PB9" in Figure 4).

[0060] Please note that in this embodiment, only the main pins of the MCU50 are described. Also, in this embodiment, the MCU50 is provided with a VDD pin and a VDD_USB pin, but these may be combined into a single pin.

[0061] As described above, the intake sensor 15 is a sensor device that detects puffing action, and is configured to output a signal indicating the value of the pressure (internal pressure) change inside the power supply unit 10 caused by the user's suction through the intake port 32, as described later, as the detection result.

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

[0063] The vibrator 47 is provided connected to a positive terminal 47a on a power line 60E (described later) and a negative terminal 47b on a ground line 60N. It includes a motor (not shown) that rotates its rotating shaft in response to a voltage input via the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b, and an eccentric weight (not shown) attached to the rotating shaft of the motor. The vibrator 47 generates vibration when a voltage (for example, a low-voltage system voltage) is input via the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b, causing the motor and the eccentric weight to rotate.

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

[0065] The vibrator 47 is installed in the power supply unit 10, and the positive terminal 47a and negative terminal 47b are connected to the terminals of the vibrator 47, for example, by solder. In other words, the positive terminal 47a and negative terminal 47b are connectors that connect the vibrator 47 in a way that makes it impossible (or difficult) to remove. Note that "impossible (or difficult) to remove" refers to a configuration in which the vibrator cannot be removed within the scope of the intended use of the power supply unit 10.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0076] Furthermore, the power line 60A is connected to the ground line 60N via a varistor (Variable Resistor: nonlinear resistive element) VR1. Here, a varistor has two terminals (electrodes), and when the voltage between these terminals is lower than a predetermined varistor voltage (for example, 27[V] in this embodiment), 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 decreases sharply.

[0077] Specifically, the varistor VR1 has one end connected to node N11 on the power line 60A, and the other end connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N11 is located on the power line 60A closer to the protection IC 61 than the nodes connected to pins A4 and B9, and the nodes connected to pins A9 and B4. Therefore, for example, even if static electricity is generated on pins A4, A9, B4, or B9 due to friction when inserting a plug into the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR1, protecting the protection IC 61.

[0078] Furthermore, the power line 60A is connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD1 that functions as a decoupling capacitor (also called a bypass capacitor or smoothing capacitor). This stabilizes the voltage input to the protection IC 61 via the power line 60A. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD1 is connected to node N12 on the power line 60A, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N12 is located on the power line 60A closer to the protection IC 61 than node N11. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on pins A4, A9, B4, or B9, the varistor VR1 can protect the capacitor CD1 from this static electricity. In other words, by placing node N12 on the power line 60A closer to the protection IC 61 than node N11, it is possible to achieve both overvoltage protection for the protection IC 61 and stable operation of the protection IC 61.

[0079] The A6, A7, B6, and B7 pins of the charging terminal 43 are used for inputting and outputting signals for communication between the power supply unit 10 and an external device (for example, an electronic device described later). In this embodiment, serial communication is used for communication between the power supply unit 10 and the external device, in which signals are transmitted differentially using two signal lines, Dp (also called D+) and Dn (also called D-).

[0080] Pins A6 and B6 correspond to the Dp-side signal lines. Pins A6 and B6 are connected in parallel and are connected to pin PA12 of the MCU50 via resistor R1. Resistor R1 is an element with a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element or transistor. Pin PA12 of the MCU50 is used for signal input and output in the MCU50. Therefore, Dp-side signals from external devices can be input to the MCU50 via pin A6 or B6. Conversely, Dp-side signals from the MCU50 can be output to external devices via pin A6 or B6.

[0081] Furthermore, the parallel-connected A6 and B6 pins 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 and B6 pins. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on the A6 and B6 pins due to friction when inserting a plug into the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR2, protecting the MCU 50. In addition, since a resistor R1 is provided between the A6 and B6 pins and the MCU 50, this resistor R1 can also suppress the input of high voltage to the MCU 50, thereby protecting the MCU 50.

[0082] Pins A7 and B7 correspond to the Dn-side signal lines. Pins A7 and B7 are connected in parallel and are connected to pin PA11 of the MCU50 via resistor R2. Resistor R2 is an element with a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element or transistor. Pin PA11 of the MCU50 is used for signal input and output in the MCU50. Therefore, Dn-side signals from external devices can be input to the MCU50 via pin A7 or B7. Conversely, Dn-side signals from the MCU50 can be output to external devices via pin A7 or B7.

[0083] Furthermore, the parallel-connected A7 and B7 pins 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 and B7 pins. Therefore, even if static electricity is generated on the A7 and B7 pins due to friction when inserting a plug into the charging terminal 43, this static electricity can be discharged to the ground line 60N via the varistor VR3, protecting the MCU 50. In addition, since a resistor R2 is provided between the A7 and B7 pins and the MCU 50, this resistor R2 can also suppress the input of high voltage to the MCU 50, thereby protecting the MCU 50.

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

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

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

[0087] The OUT pin of the protection IC 61 is the pin that outputs the voltage input to the IN pin of the protection IC 61 either directly or converted by the protection IC 61 (e.g., 5.5 ± 0.2 [V]). This pin is connected to the IN pin of the charging IC 55 via the power line 60B. The IN pin of the charging IC 55 is the positive power supply pin of the charging IC 55. This ensures that the charging IC 55 is supplied with the appropriate voltage converted by the protection IC 61.

[0088] Furthermore, the power line 60B is connected to the ground line 60N via capacitor CD2, which functions as a decoupling capacitor. This stabilizes the voltage input to the charging IC 55 via the power line 60B.

[0089] The VBAT pin of the protection IC 61 is used to detect whether the power supply 12 is connected by the protection IC 61, and is connected to the positive terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via resistor R5. Resistor R5 is an element with a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element or transistor, etc. The protection IC 61 can detect whether the power supply 12 is connected based on the voltage input to the VBAT pin.

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

[0091] In this embodiment, instead of the protection IC 61, a protection IC that operates when a high-level voltage is input to the CE pin and stops operating when a low-level voltage is input to the CE pin may be used. However, in this case, it should be noted that the CE pin of this protection IC must be connected to the power line 60B or power line 60A, rather than the ground line 60N.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0099] The CHG pin of the charging IC 55 outputs information regarding the charging status of the power supply 12 (hereinafter also referred to as charging status information), such as charging in progress, charging stopped, and charging complete, as well as information regarding the remaining capacity of the power supply 12 (hereinafter also referred to as remaining capacity information). The CHG pin of the charging IC 55 is connected to the PB15 pin of the MCU 50. The PB15 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin used for signal input in the MCU 50. Therefore, the charging IC 55 can notify the MCU 50 of the charging status and remaining capacity of the power supply 12 by outputting charging status information and remaining capacity information from the CHG pin.

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

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

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a capacitor CD7, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, is also provided immediately before the first DC / DC converter 63 in the power line 60D. This allows a stable standard system voltage to be supplied to the first DC / DC converter 63, thereby stabilizing the power supply from the first DC / DC converter 63 to the load 21.

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

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

[0105] Furthermore, an LED circuit C1 is provided, branched from the power line 60D. The LED circuit C1 is composed of a resistor R8, an LED 70, and a switch SW1 connected in series. Here, the resistor R8 is an element having a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of a resistive element or a transistor, etc. 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 a light-emitting part provided inside the power supply unit 10 at a position corresponding to the remaining amount confirmation window 11w, and is configured to illuminate the outside of the power supply unit 10 from the inside of the power supply unit 10 through the remaining amount confirmation window 11w. The illumination of the LED 70 improves the visibility of the remaining amount of the first cartridge 20 (specifically, the remaining amount of aerosol source 22 stored in the first cartridge 20) through the remaining amount confirmation window 11w. The switch SW1 is a switch composed of, for example, a MOSFET.

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

[0107] Furthermore, as will be described later, switch SW1 is also connected to MCU50, and turns on in response to an ON command from MCU50 and turns off in response to an OFF command from MCU50. LED circuit C1 becomes conductive when switch SW1 is turned on. Then, LED 70 lights up when LED circuit C1 becomes conductive.

[0108] 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 power line 60D. The GND pin of the LDO regulator 62 is the ground pin of the LDO regulator 62 and is connected to ground line 60N. In this way, the LDO regulator 62 is supplied with the standard system voltage output from the charging IC 55 via power line 60D.

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

[0110] The EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is used to turn the operation (function) of the LDO regulator 62 on and off. Specifically, the LDO regulator 62 operates when a high-level voltage is input to the EN pin, and stops operating when no high-level voltage is input to the EN pin.

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

[0112] In other words, the power supply unit 10 can charge the capacitor CD8 connected to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 with power from the charging IC 55, thereby inputting a high-level signal to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62. This makes it possible to restart the LDO regulator 62 with power from an external power supply and restart the MCU 50 with power from the LDO regulator 62, even if the LDO regulator 62 or MCU 50 stops due to insufficient power from the power supply 12.

[0113] As described above, the VDD pin and VDD_USB pin of the MCU50 are the positive power supply pins of the MCU50 and are connected to power line 60E. The VSS pin of the MCU50 is the negative power supply pin of the MCU50 and is connected to ground line 60N. Through these, the MCU50 is supplied with the low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 via power line 60E. Note that the VDD pin and VDD_USB pin may be combined into a single pin.

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

[0115] Here, switch SW2 is a switch configured, for example, with a MOSFET. Switch SW2 is connected to MCU50 as described later, and turns on in response to an ON command from MCU50 and turns off in response to an OFF command from MCU50. Thermistor circuit C2 becomes conductive when switch SW2 is turned on.

[0116] The resistor R9 is an element with a predetermined electrical resistance value, composed of resistive elements, transistors, etc. The thermistor TH is composed of an element having NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) characteristics or PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) characteristics, that is, an element in which electrical resistance value and temperature are correlated. The thermistor TH is placed near the power supply 12 in a state in which the temperature of the power supply 12 can be detected.

[0117] The PC1 pin of the MCU50 is connected to node N32, which is located between resistor R9 and thermistor TH in thermistor circuit C2. When thermistor circuit C2 is conducting (i.e., switch SW2 is on), a voltage divided by resistor R9 and thermistor TH is input to the PC1 pin. The MCU50 can detect the temperature of thermistor TH, i.e., the temperature of the power supply 12, from the voltage value input to the PC1 pin.

[0118] The PA8 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW2 and outputs an ON command to turn SW2 on and an OFF command to turn SW2 off. By outputting an ON command from the PA8 pin, the MCU50 can turn on the switch SW2 and make the thermistor circuit C2 conduct. Conversely, by outputting an OFF command from the PA8 pin, the MCU50 can turn off the switch SW2 and make the thermistor circuit C2 non-conductive. As a specific example, if the switch SW2 is a switch made of a MOSFET, the PA8 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. The MCU50 can then control the on / off state of the switch SW2 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PA8 pin).

[0119] Furthermore, a switch SW3 is provided in the power line 60E, prior to the positive terminal 47a. Here, switch SW3 is a switch composed of, for example, a MOSFET. Switch SW3 is connected to the MCU 50 and turns on in response to an ON command from the MCU 50, and turns off in response to an OFF command from the MCU 50.

[0120] To explain in more detail, the PC6 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW3, and is the pin that outputs an ON command to turn on the switch SW3 and an OFF command to turn off the switch SW3. By outputting an ON command from the PC6 pin, the MCU50 turns on the switch SW3, supplies power to the vibrator 47 via the power line 60E, and causes the vibrator 47 to vibrate. Conversely, by outputting an OFF command from the PC6 pin, the MCU50 can turn off the switch SW3, stopping the supply of power to the vibrator 47 via the power line 60E (i.e., the vibration of the vibrator 47). As a specific example, if the switch SW3 is a switch composed of a MOSFET, the PC6 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. The MCU50 can then control the ON / OFF state of the switch SW3 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PC6 pin).

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

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

[0123] Furthermore, capacitor CD9 may be connected to the power line 60E. Specifically, in this case, one end of capacitor CD9 is connected to node N42 on the power line 60E, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N42 is located on the power line 60E closer to the positive terminal 47a than node N41. In this way, capacitor CD9 can be placed within the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and Zener diode D, and capacitor CD9 can also protect the electronic components of the power supply unit 10, such as the power supply 12 and LDO regulator 62, which are located outside the closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and Zener diode D. Note that capacitor CD9 may be placed near the closed circuit rather than within it. As a specific example, capacitor CD9 may be placed between switch SW3 and Zener diode D. In this way as well, capacitor CD9 and Zener diode D can protect the electronic components of the power supply unit 10, such as the power supply 12 and LDO regulator 62.

[0124] The PB3 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 and outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU50 can turn the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 on or off by the voltage signal output from the PB3 pin. Specifically, the MCU50 can activate the first DC / DC converter 63 (i.e., enable the first DC / DC converter 63) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin. Conversely, the MCU50 can stop the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 (i.e., disable the first DC / DC converter 63) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin.

[0125] The PB4 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW4, which will be described later, located between the first DC / DC converter 63 and the discharge terminal 41. This pin outputs an ON command to turn on the switch SW4 and an OFF command to turn off the switch SW4. By outputting an ON command from the PB4 pin, the MCU50 can turn on the switch SW4 and supply power to the load 21, as will be described later. Conversely, by outputting an OFF command from the PB4 pin and turning off the switch SW4, the MCU50 can stop supplying power to the load 21. As a specific example, if the switch SW4 is a switch composed of a MOSFET, the PB4 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. The MCU50 can then control the ON / OFF state of the switch SW4 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PB4 pin).

[0126] As mentioned above, the PB15 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the CHG pin of the charging IC55 and is a pin that accepts input of charging status information and remaining capacity information output by the charging IC55.

[0127] The PA0 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the switch SW1 of the LED circuit C1, and is the pin to output an ON command to turn on switch SW1 and an OFF command to turn off switch SW1. By outputting an ON command from the PA0 pin to turn on switch SW1, the MCU50 can make the LED circuit C1 conductive and light up (turn on) LED 70. Conversely, by outputting an OFF command from the PA0 pin to turn off switch SW1, the MCU50 can make the LED circuit C1 non-conductive and turn off LED 70. As a specific example, if switch SW1 is a switch made of a MOSFET, the PA0 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the gate terminal of this MOSFET. The MCU50 can then control the ON / OFF state of switch SW1 by controlling the gate voltage applied to this gate terminal (i.e., the output from the PA0 pin). Furthermore, by rapidly switching between ON and OFF commands from the PA0 pin, the MCU50 can rapidly switch between the conductive and non-conductive states of the LED circuit C1, causing LED 70 to blink.

[0128] The PC5 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the OUT pin of the intake sensor 15 and is a pin that receives the output of the intake sensor 15 (i.e., a signal indicating the detection result of the intake sensor 15).

[0129] The PA11 and PA12 pins of the MCU50 are used for inputting and outputting signals for communication between the power supply unit 10 and external devices. Specifically, as mentioned above, the PA11 pin is connected to the A7 and B7 pins of the charging terminal 43 via resistor R2 and is used for inputting and outputting signals on the Dn side. Similarly, as mentioned above, the PA12 pin is connected to the A6 and B6 pins of the charging terminal 43 via resistor R1 and is used for inputting and outputting signals on the Dp side.

[0130] The PC12 pin of the MCU50 is connected to the EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 and outputs a predetermined voltage signal. The MCU50 can turn the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 on or off by the voltage signal output from the PC12 pin. Specifically, the MCU50 can activate the second DC / DC converter 64 (i.e., enable the second DC / DC converter 64) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PC12 pin. Conversely, the MCU50 can stop the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 (i.e., disable the second DC / DC converter 64) by outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PC12 pin.

[0131] The PB8 and PB9 pins of the MCU50 are used to output signals for communication between the MCU50 and other ICs, and in this embodiment, they are used for communication between the MCU50 and the display driver 65. Specifically, in this embodiment, the MCU50 and the display driver 65 communicate using I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). The PB8 pin is used to output the SCL side signal in I2C communication, and the PB9 pin is used to output the SDA side signal in I2C communication. The MCU50 can control the display driver 65 using the signals output from the PB8 and PB9 pins to control the display content of the display 16 (OLED panel 46).

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

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

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

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

[0136] A switch SW4 is provided on the power line 60F. Switch SW4 is a switch composed of, for example, a MOSFET, and more specifically, a power MOSFET with a high switching speed. As described above, switch SW4 is connected to the MCU 50 and turns on in response to an ON command from the MCU 50 and turns off in response to an OFF command from the MCU 50. When switch SW4 is turned on, the power line 60F becomes conductive, and the first high-voltage system voltage is supplied to the load 21 via the power line 60F.

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

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

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

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

[0141] As mentioned above, the EN pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is used to turn the operation of the first DC / DC converter 63 on or off, and is connected to the PB3 pin of the MCU 50.

[0142] The MODE pin of the first DC / DC converter 63 is used to set the operating mode of the first DC / DC converter 63. The first DC / DC converter 63 is, for example, a switching regulator and can operate in two modes: pulse width modulation (PWM mode) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM mode). In this embodiment, by connecting the MODE pin to the power supply line 60D, a high-level voltage is input to the MODE pin when the first DC / DC converter 63 is operational, and the first DC / DC converter 63 is set to operate in PWM mode.

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

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

[0145] Furthermore, a varistor VR5 is connected to the power line 60G. Specifically, one end of the varistor VR5 is connected to node N61 on the power line 60G, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. 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.

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

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

[0148] Furthermore, a capacitor CD12, which functions as a decoupling capacitor, is connected to the power line 60G. Specifically, one end of the capacitor CD12 is connected to node N62 on the power line 60G, and the other end is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, node N62 is located on the power line 60G on the second DC / DC converter 64 side of node N61. This allows for a stable second high-voltage system voltage to be supplied to the display driver 65, and even if static electricity is generated on the display 16, the varistor VR5 can protect the capacitor CD12 from this static electricity.

[0149] The EN pin of the second DC / DC converter 64 is used to turn the operation of the second DC / DC converter 64 on or off, and is connected to the PC12 pin of the MCU 50, as described above.

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

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

[0152] The SCL pin of the display driver 65 is the pin that receives the SCL signal in the I2C communication between the MCU50 and the display driver 65, and as mentioned above, it is connected to the PB8 pin of the MCU50. The SDA pin of the display driver 65 is the pin that receives the SDA signal in the I2C communication between the MCU50 and the display driver 65, and as mentioned above, it is connected to the PB9 pin of the MCU50.

[0153] The IXS pin of the display driver 65 is used to configure whether the communication between the display driver 65 and another IC (MCU50 in this embodiment) is performed using I2C communication or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication. In this embodiment, by connecting the IXS pin to the power line 60E, a high-level voltage is input to the IXS pin, setting the communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU50 to be performed using I2C communication. Alternatively, by inputting a low-level voltage to the IXS pin, the communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU50 may be set to be performed using SPI communication.

[0154] (MCU) Next, we will explain the configuration of the MCU50 with reference to Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the MCU 50 includes an aerosol generation request detection unit 51, a temperature detection unit 52, a power control unit 53, and a notification control unit 54 as functional blocks realized by the processor executing a program stored in a ROM (not shown).

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

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

[0157] The power control unit 53 controls the supply of power to each electronic component of the aerosol 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 the first high-voltage system voltage to the load 21 via the positive-side discharge terminal 41a. As a result, the MCU 50 supplies power of the first high-voltage system voltage to the load 21, causing the load 21 to heat (function) and generate aerosols. By boosting the power from the charging IC 55 (i.e., the power of the standard system voltage) to the first high-voltage system voltage using the first DC / DC converter 63 and supplying it to the load 21 in this way, the amount of aerosol generated by the load 21 and the flavor can be improved compared to when power from the charging IC 55 is supplied to the load 21 without boosting the voltage.

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

[0159] Furthermore, the power control unit 53 operates the second DC / DC converter 64 at a predetermined timing, thereby supplying the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 via the display driver 65. As a result, the MCU 50 can supply power from the second high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46, enabling the OLED panel 46 to operate (function).

[0160] Furthermore, when the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects a request for aerosol generation, the power control unit 53 turns on switch SW1 to make the LED circuit C1 conductive, causing the LED 70 to light up (function). In this case, the connector 70a is supplied with a voltage obtained by stepping down the standard system voltage from the charging IC 55 through resistor R8. In other words, by turning on switch SW1, the power control unit 53 can supply power to the LED 70 via connector 70a at a voltage obtained by stepping down the standard system voltage through resistor R8.

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

[0162] The notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify various types of information. For example, the notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to notify the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in response to the detection of the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30. The notification control unit 54 detects and notifies the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 based on the cumulative number of puff operations or the cumulative energized time to the load 21 stored in the memory 19. The notification control unit 54 is not limited to notifying the replacement timing of the second cartridge 30, but may also 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, etc.

[0163] Furthermore, the notification control unit 54 may determine that the second cartridge 30 is used (i.e., the remaining amount is zero or empty) when a puff operation is performed a predetermined number of times with one unused second cartridge 30 set, or when the cumulative energization time to the load 21 due to the puff operation reaches a predetermined value (for example, 120 seconds), and notify the timing for replacing the second cartridge 30.

[0164] Furthermore, if the notification control unit 54 determines that all second cartridges 30 included in the set have been used up, it may determine that one first cartridge 20 included in the set has been used up (i.e., the remaining amount is zero or empty) and notify the system of the timing to replace the first cartridge 20. In addition to or instead of these, the notification control unit 54 may also notify the system of 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.

[0165] (The plug that is inserted into the charging terminal) Next, the plug inserted into the charging terminal 43 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example of the mating surface between the charging terminal 43 and the plug, and an example of the mating surface between the plug and the charging terminal 43.

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

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

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

[0169] Furthermore, the plug 100 includes pins B1 (indicated as "B1" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), B2 (indicated as "B2" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), B3 (indicated as "B3" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), B4 (indicated as "B4" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), B5 (indicated as "B5" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), B8 (indicated as "B8" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), B9 (indicated as "B9" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), B10 (indicated as "B10" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), B11 (indicated as "B11" in Figure 6 of the plug 100), and B12 (indicated as "B12" in Figure 6 of the plug 100).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0176] Furthermore, pin A2 of plug 100 corresponds to the TX1p (also known as TX1+) signal line of the SuperSpeed ​​signal lines. Pin A3 of plug 100 corresponds to the TX1n (also known as TX1-) signal line of the SuperSpeed ​​signal lines. Pin A10 of plug 100 corresponds to the RX2n (also known as RX2-) signal line of the SuperSpeed ​​signal lines. Pin A11 of plug 100 corresponds to the RX2p (also known as RX2+) signal line of the SuperSpeed ​​signal lines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0202] Suppose the charging terminal 43 is configured to have pins that connect to each of the pins on the plug 100. In this case, the charging terminal 43 will require a large number of pins, and the wiring (especially the ground line 60N) for connecting each pin of the charging terminal 43 to the electrical circuit of the power supply unit 10 (for example, the electrical circuit of the circuit board 60) will also increase. Consequently, the configuration of the electrical circuits of the charging terminal 43 and the circuit board 60 will become more complex, which is expected to increase the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43 and the manufacturing cost of the power supply unit 10 (i.e., the aerosol inhaler 1). Here, the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43 refers to the area required to mount the charging terminal 43 on the circuit board 60, and includes, for example, the area required to mount the charging terminal 43 itself on the circuit board 60 and the area of ​​the wiring that connects each pin of the charging terminal 43 to the electrical circuit of the circuit board 60. An increase in the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43 will lead to an increase in the size of the power supply unit 10, and consequently, an increase in the size of the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0203] Therefore, in this embodiment, the charging terminal 43 is provided with pins that are connected to only some of the pins of the plug 100. This suppresses the complexity of the electrical circuit configuration of the charging terminal 43 and the circuit board 60, thereby reducing the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43 and enabling miniaturization of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol inhaler 1. Furthermore, by suppressing the complexity of the electrical circuit configuration of the charging terminal 43 and the circuit board 60, the manufacturing cost of the power supply unit 10 (i.e., the aerosol inhaler 1) can also be reduced.

[0204] More specifically, the charging terminal 43 includes pins that connect to the A4, A9, B4, and B9 pins of the plug 100, which correspond to the power lines. This allows the power supply unit 10 to receive power from the plug 100 via the charging terminal 43 and charge the power supply 12 with the received power. In other words, the charging terminal 43 includes pins necessary to realize the functions required in the current power supply unit 10, thus preventing a decrease in user convenience due to the reduction of such pins.

[0205] On the other hand, the signals communicated by the pins on the plug 100 that correspond to high-speed signal lines and auxiliary signal lines are unlikely to be used in the current power supply unit 10. Therefore, by not providing the pins on the charging terminal 43 that connect to the pins on the plug 100 that correspond to high-speed signal lines and auxiliary signal lines, it is possible to reduce the number of pins that would otherwise be redundant for the current power supply unit 10. This allows for an appropriate reduction in the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43.

[0206] In particular, the pins corresponding to the high-speed signal lines of the plug 100 are composed of a large number of pins. Therefore, by not providing the pins on the charging terminal 43 that are connected to the pins corresponding to the high-speed signal lines of the plug 100, the number of pins on the charging terminal 43 and the wiring connecting the pins on the charging terminal 43 to the electrical circuit of the circuit board 60 can be reduced accordingly. As a result, the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43 can be further reduced, enabling miniaturization of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol aspirator 1, as well as a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0207] On the other hand, the pins corresponding to the low-speed signal lines of the plug 100 consist of fewer pins than the pins corresponding to the high-speed signal lines. Therefore, by providing the charging terminal 43 with pins that connect to the pins corresponding to the low-speed signal lines in the plug 100, communication between the power supply unit 10 and the electronic device can be achieved with fewer pins and wiring. In other words, while suppressing an increase in the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43, the power supply unit 10 can be configured to have the necessary functions (for example, functions that may be used) in the current power supply unit 10, thereby improving user convenience. More specifically, for example, the power supply unit 10 can receive new firmware from the electronic device via low-speed communication and perform firmware updates. This can improve the performance and stability of the power supply unit 10, improve user convenience, and increase user satisfaction with the aerosol inhaler 1.

[0208] Furthermore, the A6 and B6 pins of the charging terminal 43, which can be connected to the pins corresponding to the low-speed signal lines of the plug 100, are connected in parallel on the circuit board 60, and a varistor VR2 is connected in parallel to the parallel-connected A6 and B6 pins. This allows the power supply unit 10 system (e.g., MCU 50) to be protected from noise (e.g., static electricity) that may be input through these pins with fewer protection elements compared to the case where protection elements are individually connected to each of the A6 and B6 pins of the charging terminal 43. In other words, it is possible to reduce the number of protection elements while adequately protecting the power supply unit 10 system, thereby enabling miniaturization of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol aspirator 1, and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0209] Similarly, the A7 and B7 pins of the charging terminal 43, which can be connected to the pins corresponding to the low-speed signal lines of the plug 100, are also connected in parallel on the circuit board 60, and a varistor VR3 is connected in parallel to the parallel-connected A7 and B7 pins. Therefore, while properly protecting the power supply unit 10 system, the number of protective elements can be reduced, enabling miniaturization of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol aspirator 1, as well as a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0210] Furthermore, the charging terminal 43 includes A8 pins and B8 pins that are not connected to the electrical circuits of the circuit board 60, i.e., to other elements mounted on the circuit board 60. This allows for the reduction of wiring required to connect these pins to other elements, while still retaining A8 pins and B8 pins that can be connected to the A8 pins and B8 pins of the plug 100, in consideration of future functional expansion of the aerosol inhaler 1. This reduces the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43, enabling miniaturization of the power supply unit 10 and the aerosol inhaler 1, as well as reductions in manufacturing costs.

[0211] As explained above, by reducing the mounting area of ​​the charging terminal 43, the circuit board 60 itself can also be miniaturized, making it possible to form the circuit board 60 in a roughly L-shape, as shown in Figure 2. By forming the circuit board 60 in a roughly L-shape, as described above, it is possible to realize an aerosol inhaler 1 that fits in the hand of an average adult, that is, an aerosol inhaler 1 that is easy for the user to grasp. A specific example of the circuit board 60 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and 7 to 10. Note that Figures 7 to 10 disclose only the essential parts of the circuit configuration of the circuit board 60.

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

[0213] Multiple elements are mounted on the first surface 71, which constitutes the right side of the circuit board 60, and on the second surface 72, which constitutes the left side of the circuit board 60.

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

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

[0216] As shown in Figure 7, the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60 is equipped with the following components: a display driver 65, a second DC / DC converter 64, an MCU 50, a charging IC 55, an LDO regulator 62, a protection IC 61, a first DC / DC converter 63, and a power connector 81. Furthermore, the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60 also has an intake sensor connection section 82, a switch connection section 83, and a vibrator connection section 84.

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

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

[0219] The MCU50 is mounted in a position that straddles the lower end of the second section 712 and the upper end of the connecting section 710.

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

[0221] Thus, the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is located on the back side of the second surface 72, facing and / or near the power supply 12. This prevents the power supply 12 from overheating due to heat generated from the charging IC 55 during charging.

[0222] The LDO regulator 62 is mounted in the approximately central part of the connecting section 710 in the vertical direction, between the MCU 50 and the charging IC 55 in the front-to-back direction.

[0223] Thus, the LDO regulator 62 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is located on the back side of the second surface 72, which is facing and / or near the power supply 12. This prevents the power supply 12 from overheating due to the heat generated by the LDO regulator 62 while the power supply 12 is being charged.

[0224] The protection IC 61 is mounted below the charging IC 55 and the LDO regulator 62, straddling the connecting section 710 and the first section 711.

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

[0226] Thus, since the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72, which is facing and / or near the power supply 12, it is possible to suppress the heating of the power supply 12 by the heat generated when the first DC / DC converter 63 is functioning.

[0227] The power connector 81 is a connector for electrically connecting the circuit board 60 to the power supply 12, and is mounted below the first DC / DC converter 63 at the lower end of the first part 711. Power lines connecting to the power supply 12 are connected to the power connector 81. The power connector 81 and the charging IC 55 are mounted on one side (in this embodiment, the right side, i.e., 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. This allows the power connector 81 and the charging IC 55, which are elements for charging the power supply 12, to be integrated and mounted on the circuit board 60, thereby enabling miniaturization of the circuit board 60 and increased charging efficiency.

[0228] The intake sensor connection portion 82 is formed approximately in the center of the front end of the second portion 712 in the vertical direction. Power lines connecting to the intake sensor 15 are soldered to the intake sensor connection portion 82.

[0229] The switch connection portion 83 is formed approximately in the center of the rear end of the second portion 712 in the vertical direction. Power lines connecting to the operating portion 18 are soldered to the switch connection portion 83.

[0230] The vibrator connection portion 84 is formed at the rear lower end of the connecting portion 710. Power lines connecting to the positive terminal 47a and the negative terminal 47b of the vibrator 47 are soldered to the vibrator connection portion 84.

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

[0232] In this way, by mounting the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 on the circuit board 60 spaced apart from each other, the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64 can reduce the impact of heat and switching noise generated by one DC / DC converter on the other DC / DC converter.

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

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

[0235] LED 70 is mounted approximately in the center of the rear end of the second section 722 in the vertical direction.

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

[0237] The power module 85 is mounted on the first part 721 below the discharge terminal 41. The power module 85 comprises a switch SW4, a capacitor CD10, and a varistor VR4. Alternatively, the power module 85 may be configured to include the switch SW4 but omit the capacitor CD10 and varistor VR4. In this case, the capacitor CD10 and varistor VR4 may be provided between the discharge terminal 41 and the power module 85.

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

[0239] Furthermore, when viewed from the left and right, on the first surface 71 located on the back side of the second surface 72, at least a portion of the protection IC 61 is mounted in an area that overlaps with the charging terminals 43 mounted on the second surface 72 (see Figure 7).

[0240] This allows for high-density mounting of components on the circuit board 60, making the circuit board 60 even smaller.

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

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

[0243] On the second surface 72, a thermistor circuit C2 is formed by a thermistor TH and a resistor R9. The resistor R9 is mounted on the second surface 72 in front of the thermistor TH. Thermistor TH is positioned spaced apart from the resistor R9, and at least one of the multiple elements is mounted at a position where the straight-line distance from the resistor R9 is shorter than the straight-line distance from the resistor R9 to the thermistor TH. In this embodiment, the switch SW2 is mounted at a position where the straight-line distance from the resistor R9 is shorter than the straight-line distance from the resistor R9 to the thermistor TH.

[0244] In this way, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72, spaced apart from the resistor R9, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated by the resistor R9. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0245] Furthermore, since the thermistor TH is mounted on the second surface 72, which is different from the first surface 71 on which the MCU50 is mounted, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated by the MCU50. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0246] Furthermore, since the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the first DC / DC converter 63. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0247] Furthermore, since the LDO regulator 62 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the LDO regulator 62. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0248] Furthermore, since the charging IC 55 is mounted on the first surface 71, which is different from the second surface 72 on which the thermistor TH is mounted, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the charging IC 55. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

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

[0250] Furthermore, the discharge terminal 41 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the first part 601 of the circuit board 60. For example, the discharge terminal 41 may be mounted on a part of the circuit board 60 other than the first part 601 and connected to an element mounted on the first part 601. Similarly, the display driver 65 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the second part 602 of the circuit board 60. For example, the display driver 65 may be mounted on a part of the circuit board 60 other than the second part 602 and connected to an element mounted on the second part 602.

[0251] Thus, since the discharge terminal 41 is mounted or connected to the first part 601 of the circuit board 60, and the display driver 65 is mounted or connected to the second part 602 of the circuit board 60, the discharge terminal 41 can be placed close to the first DC / DC converter 63, and the display driver 65 can be placed close to the second DC / DC converter 64. Therefore, the path for supplying the power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 to the load 21 can be shortened, and the path for supplying the power boosted by the second DC / DC converter 64 to the OLED panel 46 can be shortened. This reduces the loss of power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the impact on other elements due to the loss of power boosted by the first DC / DC converter 63 and the second DC / DC converter 64, and to suppress the decrease in the amount of aerosol that can be generated in one charge.

[0252] Furthermore, the first DC / DC converter 63 is mounted on the first side 71, and the power module 85 is mounted on the second side 72. In this way, since the first DC / DC converter 63 and the power module 85 are mounted on different sides of the circuit board 60, it is possible to suppress the concentration of heat generated from the first DC / DC converter 63 and the power module 85 when supplying power to the load 21.

[0253] Furthermore, since both the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 are mounted on the first portion 721 of the second surface 72, they are mounted in close proximity to each other. This allows the length of the portion of the power line 60F that electrically connects the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41 to be shortened, thereby reducing power loss between the power module 85 and the discharge terminal 41. 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.

[0254] Furthermore, when viewed from the left-right direction, no elements are mounted in the region of the first surface 71, which is located on the back side of the second surface 72, that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72.

[0255] Therefore, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from each element mounted on the first surface 71, which is located on the back side of the second surface 72. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0256] The second surface 72 has a high-density region 72A on which many elements are mounted and the mounting density of the mounted elements is high, and a low-density region 72B on which the mounting density of the mounted elements is sparser than that of the high-density region 72A. In this embodiment, the first portion 721, the upper region of the connecting portion 720, and the region near the vertical center of the connecting portion 720 between the connecting portion 720 and the first portion 721 are the high-density region 72A. In this embodiment, the thermistor TH is mounted in the rear and lower region of the connecting portion 720, which is one of the low-density regions 72B on which the mounting density of the mounted elements is sparser than that of the high-density region 72A. In this embodiment, in addition to the rear and lower region of the connecting portion 720, the lower region of the second portion 722 and the rear and upper region of the second portion 722 are the low-density region 72B.

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

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

[0259] The ground line 60N is not formed in the region that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left or right direction. Therefore, thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the ground line 60N. As a result, thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0260] The ground line 60N is not formed in the rear lower end region of the ground layer 73, which includes the region that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left and right directions. In other words, the ground line 60N has a shape that cuts out the rear lower end region of the ground layer 73 when viewed from the left and right directions. Therefore, the ground line 60N is not formed in the region that overlaps with the thermistor TH when viewed from the left and right directions, and is also formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH. Consequently, thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the ground line 60N. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0261] As shown in Figure 9, the power supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60 has power supply paths 743 formed therein that supply power to each element mounted on the circuit board 60. The power supply paths 743 consist of power lines 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60G, etc. The power supply paths 743 are conductive circuit wirings formed on the power supply layer 74 of the circuit board 60 by printing or other means.

[0262] The power supply path 743 is not formed in an area that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left or right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0263] The power supply path 743 is not formed in the rear lower end region of the power supply layer 74, which includes the region that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left and right directions. Furthermore, the power supply path 743 is formed so as not to surround the thermistor TH when viewed from the left and right directions. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less affected by the heat generated from the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

[0264] Thus, neither the ground line 60N of the ground layer 73 nor the power supply path 743 of the power layer 74 are formed in a region that overlaps with the thermistor TH mounted on the second surface 72 when viewed from the left or right direction. Therefore, the thermistor TH is less affected by heat generated from both the ground line 60N and the power supply path 743. As a result, the thermistor TH can more accurately detect the temperature of the power supply 12.

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

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

[0267] As described above, in this embodiment, of the power connector 81, MCU 50, charging IC 55, and charging terminal 43, the power connector 81, MCU 50, and charging IC 55 are mounted on the first surface 71 of the circuit board 60, while the charging terminal 43 is mounted on the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60. By distributing the charging terminal 43 and other components for charging the power supply 12 across both the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 of the circuit board 60 in this way, the heat generated by them when charging the power supply 12 can be dispersed. It should be noted that, not limited to the example described in this embodiment, the heat generated by the charging terminal 43 and other components for charging the power supply 12 can be dispersed by distributing them across both the first surface 71 and the second surface 72. In other words, for example, among the power connector 81, MCU 50, charging IC 55, and charging terminal 43, the MCU 50 and charging IC 55 may be mounted on the first surface 71, and the power connector 81 and charging terminal 43 may be mounted on the second surface 72.

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

[0269] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, and so on as appropriate.

[0270] This specification describes at least the following matters. Although the corresponding components etc. in the above-described embodiments are shown in parentheses, it is not limited thereto.

[0271] (1) A power supply (power supply 12) capable of supplying power to a heater (load 21) that heats an aerosol source (aerosol source 22), A receptacle (charging terminal 43) configured to be insertable with a plug (plug 100) having a plurality of pins, and receiving power for charging the power supply from the inserted plug, A charger (charging IC 55) configured to control charging of the power supply by the power received by the receptacle, A power supply unit (power supply unit 10) of an aerosol generating device (aerosol suction device 1) including The receptacle includes pins that can be connected only to some of the pins of the plurality of pins, Power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

[0272] According to (1), since the receptacle includes pins that can be connected only to some of the pins of the plug, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the electrical circuit configuration of the receptacle and the power supply unit, and reduce the mounting area of the receptacle, thereby realizing miniaturization of the power supply unit and ultimately the aerosol generating device. In addition, if the receptacle is configured to be able to insert a popular plug, it becomes easier to charge the power supply unit (i.e., the aerosol generating device) at various locations (places), and it is possible to ensure opportunities to charge the power supply unit.

[0273] (2) The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (1), The receptacle includes pins (A4 pin, A9 pin, B4 pin, B9 pin) that can be connected to the pins of the power lines of the plug, and is configured to be unable to connect to the pins of the first signal line among the plurality of signal lines of the plug, Power supply unit of an aerosol generating device.

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

[0275] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating apparatus described in (2), The receptacle includes pins (A6 pin, A7 pin, B6 pin, B7 pin) that can be connected to the pins of the second signal line among the plurality of signal lines. The second signal line is a signal line used for communication at a lower speed than the first signal line. Power supply unit for an aerosol generator.

[0276] According to (3), since the receptacle is equipped with a pin that can be connected to the pin of the second signal line, which is suitable for an aerosol generator because it is used for communication at a lower speed than the first signal line, the power supply unit can be configured to have the necessary functions, thereby improving user convenience.

[0277] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating apparatus described in (3), The circuit board (circuit board 60) on which the receptacle is mounted is provided, The aforementioned receptacle is, The device is configured to allow insertion of a plug at a first angle (upside-up orientation) and a plug at a second angle (upside-down orientation) rotated 180 degrees in the rolling direction from the first angle, A first pin (A6 pin, A7 pin) that can be connected to the pin of the second signal line of the plug inserted at the first angle, A second pin (B6 pin, B7 pin) that can be connected to the pin of the second signal line of the plug inserted at the second angle, Equipped with, The aforementioned circuit board is The first pin and the second pin are connected in parallel. The device includes protective elements (varistors VR2, VR3) connected in parallel to the first and second pins which are connected in parallel. Power supply unit for an aerosol generator.

[0278] According to (4), since the protection elements are connected in parallel to the first and second pins which are connected in parallel on the circuit board, the power supply unit system can be protected from noise that may be input through these pins with fewer protection elements compared to the case where a protection element is connected individually to each of the first and second pins. In other words, while adequately protecting the power supply unit system, it is possible to reduce the number of protection elements, thereby enabling miniaturization of the power supply unit and aerosol generator, as well as reducing manufacturing costs.

[0279] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating apparatus described in (1), The circuit board (circuit board 60) on which the receptacle is mounted is provided, The receptacle includes pins (pin A8, pin B8) that can be connected to some of the signal lines among the multiple signal lines provided by the plug. Some of the pins that can be connected to the aforementioned signal lines are not connected to other elements mounted on the circuit board. Power supply unit for an aerosol generator.

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

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

[0282] According to (6), since the receptacle and the elements can be mounted using both the first surface and the second surface of the circuit board, the circuit board can be miniaturized.

[0283] (7) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (6), The element is mounted at a location on the second surface that is located on the vertical back side of the location on the first surface where the receptacle is mounted. Power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0284] (7) According to (7), since the receptacle can be mounted in a small area, the element is mounted at a location on the second surface that is located on the vertical back side of the location on the first surface where the receptacle is mounted, so that the circuit board can be miniaturized.

[0285] (8) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (7), Comprising a circuit board (circuit board 60) on which the receptacle is mounted and at least a part of which is L-shaped. Power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0286] (8) According to (8), since other components can be arranged in the notch of the L-shaped circuit board, the power supply unit can be miniaturized. <00,00978> (9) A power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to (8), Comprising the power supply, the receptacle, the charger, and a case (power supply unit case 11) for housing the circuit board. The case can accommodate the heater and the aerosol source in the notch of the L-shaped circuit board. Power supply unit of the aerosol generating device.

[0288] (9) According to (9), since the case for housing the power supply, the circuit board, etc. can accommodate the heater and the aerosol source in the notch of the L-shaped circuit board, the aerosol generating device can be miniaturized.

[0289] (10) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating apparatus described in (8), A connector (power connector 81) electrically connects the power supply and the circuit board, Controller (MCU50) and Equipped with, The circuit board has a first surface (first surface 71) and a second surface (second surface 72) which is the back surface of the first surface or is located on the back side of the first surface. Some of the connector, the controller, the charger, and the receptacle are mounted on the first surface. The remaining parts of the connector, controller, charger, and receptacle are mounted on the second surface. Power supply unit for an aerosol generator.

[0290] According to (10), since the receptacles and elements for charging the power supply are distributed and mounted on both the first and second surfaces, the heat generated by them when charging the power supply can be dispersed.

[0291] (11) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating apparatus described in (8), The power supply and the circuit board are electrically connected by a connector (power connector 81), The connector and the charger are mounted on one side of the circuit board, on the left or right side, as viewed from the position where the receptacle is mounted. Power supply unit for an aerosol generator.

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

[0293] 1. Aerosol aspirator (aerosol generator) 10 Power supply units 12 Power supply 21. Load (Heater) 50 MCUs (Controllers) 55 Charging IC (charger) 60 Circuit boards 61 Protection ICs (devices) 71 Page 1 72 2nd page 81 Power connector (connector)

Claims

1. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator, A circuit board having a roughly L-shape, comprising a short portion, a long portion, and a connecting portion to which the short portion and the long portion are connected, A cartridge holder is positioned in the cutout portion of the circuit board and holds a cartridge for storing an aerosol source, The first electronic component mounted on the aforementioned connecting portion, The second electronic component mounted on the aforementioned short portion, A third electronic component mounted on the aforementioned elongated portion, The MCU comprises pins electrically connected to the first electronic component, the second electronic component, and the third electronic component, respectively. A portion of the aforementioned MCU is mounted on the connecting portion. Power unit for an aerosol aspirator.

2. A power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator according to Claim 1, The MCU is mounted across the elongated portion and the connecting portion. Power unit for an aerosol aspirator.

3. A power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator according to Claim 2, The area of ​​the MCU mounted on the elongated portion is smaller than the area of ​​the MCU mounted on the connecting portion. Power unit for an aerosol aspirator.

4. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The circuit board has a power supply layer inside in which power supply paths are formed to supply power to each mounted element. Power unit for an aerosol aspirator.

5. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The second electronic component is a switch. Power unit for an aerosol aspirator.

6. A power supply unit for the aerosol aspirator according to Claim 5, The aforementioned switch is a MOSFET. Power unit for an aerosol aspirator.

7. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A light-emitting element is arranged in the aforementioned elongated portion. Power unit for an aerosol aspirator.

8. A power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The system further includes a power supply that provides power to the aforementioned MCU. Power unit for an aerosol aspirator.

9. An aerosol aspirator comprising a power supply unit for an aerosol aspirator according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and the cartridge, The cartridge has a load for heating the aerosol source. Aerosol aspirator.

10. An aerosol aspirator according to claim 9, The MCU controls the heating of the aerosol source by the load. Aerosol aspirator.

11. An aerosol aspirator according to claim 9 or 10, The second electronic component is a switch, The MCU controls the heating of the aerosol source by the load by turning the switch on and off. Aerosol aspirator.

12. An aerosol aspirator according to claim 11, The aforementioned switch is a MOSFET. Aerosol aspirator.

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