Power source unit for aerosol generation device, and aerosol generation device

Abstract

An aerosol generation device (100) comprises: a power supply unit (111) that supplies power to a heating unit (121); a control unit (116); a substrate (10) on which the control unit (116) is provided; conductive members (20a, 20b) that connect the power supply unit (111) and the substrate (10); and a case (30) that accommodates the abovementioned elements. The conductive members (20a, 20b) comprise: power supply-side contacts (21a, 21b) that contact the power supply unit (111); substrate-side contacts (22a, 22b) that contact the substrate (10); and fixing parts (26a, 26b) that are provided between the power supply-side contacts (21a, 21b) and the substrate-side contacts (22a, 22b), and that are fixed to the substrate (10), the case (30), or another member that is accommodated in the case (30) and is different from the substrate (10) and the case (30).

Description

Power supply unit for aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device.

[0002] In general, the aerosol generating device heats the aerosol source by supplying power from a power source to a heater under the control of a control unit.

[0003] In such an aerosol generating device, a board on which a control unit is mounted inside the case is connected to a power source by a conductive member, which can supply power. Examples of the conductive member include copper wire coated with an insulating material, flexible flat cables (FFCs), and flexible printed circuits (FPCs). However, from the viewpoint of cost, metal foils such as aluminum foil and copper foil, and metal plates containing nickel or the like can also be used.

[0004] Since the aerosol generating device is held by the user during use, it may be accidentally dropped. The impact of the drop may cause the contact between the conductive member and the electrode or substrate to separate, or the conductive member to be damaged around the contact. Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which a wire is flexibly abutted between the outer peripheral surface of the control module and the inner peripheral surface of the soft installation base.

[0005] Japan Special Table No. 2017-503515

[0006] In an aerosol generating device, regardless of the type or material of the conductive member, it is desirable to effectively prevent the contact between the conductive member and the electrode or substrate from peeling off, or the conductive member from being damaged around the contact.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, and an aerosol generation device, which can prevent the contact between a conductive member and an electrode or a substrate from peeling off, and prevent the conductive member from being damaged.

[0008] The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure comprises: a power supply that supplies power to a heating section that heats an aerosol source; a control section that controls the supply of power from the power supply to the heating section; a substrate on which the control section is provided; a conductive member that connects the power supply to the substrate; and a case that houses the power supply, the control section, the substrate, and the conductive member, wherein the conductive member comprises a power supply side contact with the power supply, a substrate side contact with the substrate, and a fixing section that is provided between the power supply side contact and the substrate side contact and is fixed to the substrate, the case, or another member that is housed in the case and different from the substrate and the case.

[0009] The aerosol generating device of the present disclosure includes: a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device; and the heating unit.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the conductive member is fixed to the substrate, the case, or another member different from the substrate and the case by a fixing portion, so that even if an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol generating device, it is possible to prevent the contact between the conductive member and the electrode or the substrate from peeling off or the conductive member from being damaged.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first configuration example of an aerosol generation device (aerosol generation device 100A). FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an aerosol generation device (aerosol generation device 100B). FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first connection example in which a substrate 10 and a power supply unit 111 are electrically connected by conductive members 20a and 20b. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical wiring of the substrate 10 in the first connection example. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second connection example in which a substrate 10 and a power supply unit 111 are electrically connected by conductive members 20a and 20b. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical wiring of the substrate 10 in the second connection example. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third connection example in which a substrate 10 and a power supply unit 111 are electrically connected by conductive members 20a and 20b. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical wiring of the substrate 10 in the third connection example. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth example of a connection configuration in which the substrate 10 and the power supply unit 111 are electrically connected by conductive members 20a and 20b. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical wiring of the substrate 10 in the fourth example of the connection configuration. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth example of a connection configuration in which the substrates 10A and 10B and the power supply unit 111 are electrically connected by conductive members 20a and 20b. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical wiring of the substrates 10A and 10B in the fifth example of the connection configuration. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a sixth example of a connection configuration in which the substrates 10A and 10B and the power supply unit 111 are electrically connected by conductive members 20a and 20b. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical wiring of the substrates 10A and 10B in the sixth example of the connection configuration.

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. First, two configuration examples (a first configuration example and a second configuration example) to which the configuration of the aerosol generating device of the present disclosure can be applied will be described. Note that, in the following, identical or similar elements will be denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and their description may be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0013] <<1. Configuration Example of Aerosol Generating Device>> The aerosol generating device is a device that generates an aerosol to be inhaled by a user.

[0014] (1) First Configuration Example Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an aerosol generation device. As shown in Fig. 1, an aerosol generation device 100A of this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavor imparting cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavor imparting cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavor imparting cartridge 130.

[0015] The power supply unit 111A stores electric power. Then, the power supply unit 111A supplies electric power to each component of the aerosol generation device 100A based on the control of the control unit 116A. The power supply unit 111A may be configured by, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0016] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the aerosol generating device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with inhalation by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0017] The notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. The information notified to the user by the notification unit 113A includes, for example, various information such as the SOC (State Of Charge) indicating the charge state of the power supply unit 111A, the preheating time for suction, the period during which suction is possible, etc. The notification unit 113A is configured, for example, by a light-emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays images, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0018] The storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of the aerosol generation device 100 A. The storage unit 114A is configured by a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory, for example.

[0019] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in accordance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)), NFC (Near Field Communication), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area).

[0020] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the aerosol generation device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a microprocessor.

[0021] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol is generated by atomizing the aerosol source. The aerosol source is a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source may contain a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the aerosol generating device 100A is a medical inhaler, such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a drug.

[0022] The liquid guide portion 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 123, from the liquid storage portion 123. The liquid guide portion 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage portion 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0023] The heating unit 121A generates an aerosol by heating the aerosol source and atomizing the aerosol source. The heating unit 121A is configured in any shape, such as a coil, film, or blade, and is made of any material, such as metal or polyimide. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil wound with a heating resistor, such as nichrome or stainless steel, and is wound around the liquid guiding unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guiding unit 122 is heated and atomized, generating an aerosol. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A.

[0024] As an example, power supply to heating unit 121A may be performed when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply to heating unit 121A may be stopped when sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0025] The heating unit 121A may be configured to generate aerosol by vibration or induction heating. When the aerosol is generated by vibration, the aerosol generating device 100A includes a vibration unit as the heating unit 121A. The vibration unit is configured, for example, by a plate-shaped member including piezoelectric ceramics that functions as an ultrasonic vibrator. When the vibration unit vibrates, the aerosol source guided to the surface of the vibration unit by the liquid guide unit 122 is atomized by ultrasonic waves generated by the vibration of the vibration unit, thereby generating the aerosol.

[0026] Furthermore, when aerosol generation is performed by induction heating, the aerosol generation device 100A includes a susceptor and an electromagnetic induction source as the heating unit 121A. The susceptor is made of a conductive material such as metal and generates heat by electromagnetic induction. The susceptor is disposed in close proximity to the liquid guide unit 122. As an example, the susceptor is made of a metal conductor and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. The electromagnetic induction source heats the susceptor by electromagnetic induction. The electromagnetic induction source is made of, for example, a coil-shaped conductor and generates a magnetic field when an alternating current is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. When a magnetic field is generated, an eddy current is generated in the susceptor, generating Joule heat. The aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized by this Joule heat, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0027] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. For example, the flavor source 131 may be a tobacco-derived product, such as a processed product obtained by molding shredded tobacco or tobacco raw materials into granules, sheets, or powder. The flavor source 131 may also contain a non-tobacco-derived product made from plants other than tobacco (e.g., mint and herbs). For example, the flavor source 131 may contain a flavor component such as menthol. The flavor source 131 may also be a stick-shaped member. When the aerosol generating device 100A is a medical inhaler, the flavor source 131 may contain a drug to be inhaled by the patient. Note that the flavor source 131 is not limited to a solid, but may be a liquid containing flavor components such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The flavor source 131 may also be placed inside a container such as a capsule.

[0028] The air flow path 180 is a path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet 181, which is an entrance for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet 182, which is an exit for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. A liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (closer to the air inlet 181) of the air flow path 180, and a flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (closer to the air outlet 182). Air flowing in through the air inlet 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A and, as shown by arrow 190, is transported through the flavor source 131 to the air outlet 182. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air passes through the flavor source 131, flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0029] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth by the user when inhaling. Air outlet holes 182 are arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0030] The above describes an example of the configuration of the aerosol generation device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the aerosol generation device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0031] As an example, the aerosol generating device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0032] As another example, the aerosol generating device 100A may further include a flavor source heating unit (not shown) that heats the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit is, for example, configured in a film shape and arranged to cover the outer periphery of the flavor source 131. The flavor source heating unit generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A, thereby heating the flavor source 131 from the outer periphery. The flavor source heating unit may be, for example, configured in a blade shape that pierces the flavor source 131 and heats the flavor source 131 from the inside. The flavor source heating unit may also be configured to heat the flavor source 131 by vibration or induction heating. By providing such a flavor source heating unit, the temperature of the flavor source 131 can be increased compared to when a flavor source heating unit is not provided, making it possible to increase the amount of flavor components imparted to the aerosol.

[0033] As another example, the aerosol generating device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 to cause a chemical reaction, thereby generating yet another type of aerosol.

[0034] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0035] (2) Second Configuration Example Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second configuration example of an aerosol generation device. As shown in Fig. 2, the aerosol generation device 100B of this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a memory unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a storage unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144. In the aerosol generation device 100A of the first configuration example, the power supply unit 110 that stores the power supply unit 111A and the heating unit 121A are separate entities. However, in the aerosol generation device 100B of the second configuration example, the power supply unit 111B and the heating unit 121B are integrated. In other words, the aerosol generation device 100B of the second configuration example can also be said to be a power supply unit with a built-in heating unit.

[0036] Each of the power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially identical to the corresponding components included in the aerosol generating device 100A of the first configuration example.

[0037] The storage unit 140 has an internal space 141 and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a portion of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The storage unit 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside and accommodates the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 through the opening 142. For example, the storage unit 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and a bottom 143 as its bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. An air flow path that supplies air to the internal space 141 is connected to the storage unit 140. An air inlet, which is an air inlet to the air flow path, is arranged, for example, on a side surface of the aerosol generation device 100. An air outlet, which is an air outlet from the air flow path to the internal space 141, is arranged, for example, on the bottom 143.

[0038] The stick-shaped substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a mouthpiece portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. The aerosol source includes a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the aerosol generating device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may include a medicament. The aerosol source may be a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or propylene glycol, or water, containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component, or a solid containing a tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor component. When the stick-shaped substrate 150 is held in the storage portion 140, at least a portion of the substrate portion 151 is contained in the internal space 141, and at least a portion of the mouthpiece portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in their mouth and sucks, air flows into the internal space 141 via an air flow path (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth along with the aerosol generated from the base portion 151.

[0039] 2, the heating unit 121B is configured as a film heater with conductive tracks made of heating resistors whose electrical resistance value correlates with temperature, and is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the housing unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, generating an aerosol. Note that the heating resistor of the heating unit 121B can be the same as the heating resistor of the heating unit 121A described above.

[0040] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0041] The above describes an example of the configuration of the aerosol generation device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the aerosol generation device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0042] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the storage unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the storage unit 140.

[0043] As another example, the accommodation unit 140 may include an opening / closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a portion of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The accommodation unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to accommodate the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 while clamping it. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the accommodation unit 140 and heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0044] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating. In that case, the aerosol generation device 100B has at least an electromagnetic induction source such as a coil that generates a magnetic field, instead of the heating unit 121B. A susceptor that generates heat by induction heating may be provided in the aerosol generation device 100B, or may be included in the stick-shaped substrate 150.

[0045] Furthermore, the aerosol generating device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guiding unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 of the first configuration example, and the air flow path 180 may supply air to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0046] In the following description, the aerosol generation device 100A and the aerosol generation device 100B will be referred to as the "aerosol generation device 100" without distinction. Similarly, the power supply unit 111A and the power supply unit 111B will be referred to as the "power supply unit 111," the sensor unit 112A and the sensor unit 112B as the "sensor unit 112," the notification unit 113A and the notification unit 113B as the "notification unit 113," the memory unit 114A and the memory unit 114B as the "memory unit 114," the communication unit 115A and the communication unit 115B as the "communication unit 115," the control unit 116A and the control unit 116B as the "control unit 116," and the heating unit 121A and the heating unit 121B as the "heating unit 121."

[0047] 3 , the aerosol generating device 100 includes a substrate 10 on which a control unit 116 is mounted, a power supply unit 111, a chassis 50 that holds the power supply unit 111, and conductive members 20a and 20b that connect the power supply unit 111 and the substrate 10, all of which are housed inside a case 30. Note that the sensor unit 112, notification unit 113, storage unit 114, communication unit 115, and heating unit 121 are omitted.

[0048] 4, the substrate 10 includes a positive electrode side heating connection portion 12a and a negative electrode side heating connection portion 12b (hereinafter also referred to as heating connection portions 12a and 12b) connected to a heating portion 121, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 13, a positive electrode side power supply connection portion 14a and a negative electrode side power supply connection portion 14b (hereinafter also referred to as power supply connection portions 14a and 14b) connected to a power supply portion 111, a discharge circuit 15 connecting the heating connection portions 12a and 12b to the power supply connection portions 14a and 14b, and a charge circuit 16 connecting the USB port 13 to the power supply connection portions 14a and 14b. Note that in the example of FIG. 4, the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 are configured to include a portion of common wiring, but the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 may be configured entirely using different wiring.

[0049] Heater conductive members (not shown) are connected to the heating connections 12a and 12b, and the discharge circuit 15 is connected to the heating unit 121 via the heater conductive members. Conductive members 20a and 20b are connected to the power supply connections 14a and 14b, and the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 are connected to the power supply unit 111 via the conductive members 20a and 20b. More specifically, the positive electrode 111a of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the positive electrode side power supply connection 14a via the positive electrode side conductive member 20a, and the negative electrode 111b of the power supply unit 111 is connected to the negative electrode side power supply connection 14b via the negative electrode side conductive member 20b.

[0050] The discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 are connected to the control unit 116. The control unit 116 controls the supply of power from the power supply unit 111 to the heating unit 121 via the conductive members 20a and 20b, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connectors 12a and 12b, and the heater conductive member during heating. The control unit 116 also controls the supply of power from the USB port 13 to the power supply unit 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, and the conductive members 20a and 20b during charging.

[0051] The conductive members 20a, 20b are made of thin, conductive metal material, and the conductive metal material is exposed. The conductive members 20a, 20b are typically metal foils, such as aluminum foil (a foil made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy) or copper foil. Alternatively, the conductive members 20a, 20b may be metal plates, such as metal plates containing nickel or a copper alloy. The positive-side conductive member 20a has a power supply positive contact 21a at one end fixed to the positive electrode 111a of the power supply unit 111, and a board-side positive contact 22a at the other end fixed to the positive-side power supply connector 14a. The negative-side conductive member 20b has a negative-side positive contact 21b at one end fixed to the negative electrode 111b of the power supply unit 111, and a board-side negative contact 22b at the other end fixed to the negative-side power supply connector 14b. Fixing methods such as soldering and welding can be used to fix the power supply side contacts 21a and 21b of the conductive members 20a and 20b to the poles 111a and 111b of the power supply unit 111, and to fix the board side contacts 22a and 22b of the conductive members 20a and 20b to the power supply connection parts 14a and 14b of the board 10.

[0052] When the case 30 is subjected to an impact, such as when the aerosol generation device 100 is dropped, the conductive members 20a and 20b swing around the power-supply side contacts 21a and 21b and the board-side contacts 22a and 22b at both ends, which are fixed points. If the conductive members 20a and 20b, which are made of metal foil or the like, swing significantly, the contacts 21a to 22b at both ends may become detached or the conductive members 20a and 20b may be damaged around the contacts 21a to 22b, resulting in loss of electrical connection. Furthermore, depending on the strength of the impact on the case 30, the power supply unit 111, which is heavier than other components in the aerosol generation device, may become detached from the holding structure of the chassis 50, potentially damaging the conductive members 20a and 20b and the contacts 21a to 22b.

[0053] Therefore, the conductive members 20a, 20b of the present disclosure have fixing portions 26a, 26b, respectively, that are fixed to the board 10. To explain in detail, the positive electrode side conductive member 20a has a positive electrode side fixing portion 26a that is fixed to the board 10, and the negative electrode side conductive member 20b has a negative electrode side fixing portion 26b that is fixed to the board 10. The fixing portions 26a, 26b are fixed to the board 10 at positions different from the board side contacts 22a, 22b.

[0054] In the conductive members 20a, 20b of the present disclosure, the conductive members 20a, 20b are provided at the tip of a branch portion 24 that branches off from a main conductive path 23 that connects the power supply side contacts 21a, 21b and the board side contacts 22a, 22b. The branch portion 24 is preferably provided at approximately the middle of the conductive members 20a, 20b in the longitudinal direction. The fixing portion 26a of the positive electrode side conductive member 20a is fixed to the positive electrode side power supply fixing portion 17a of the board 10 by soldering, welding, or the like, and the fixing portion 26b of the negative electrode side conductive member 20b is fixed to the negative electrode side power supply fixing portion 17b of the board 10 by soldering, welding, or the like. The fixing of the fixing portions 26a, 26b to the board 10 is not limited to soldering or welding, and any fixing method such as fixing with an adhesive, sealing, tape, or the like, or screwing may be used.

[0055] In this way, the conductive members 20a, 20b are fixed to the substrate 10 by the fixing portions 26a, 26b, so that peeling of the contacts 21a-22b and damage to the conductive members 20a, 20b can be prevented even if an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol generation device 100. Note that the fixing portions 26a, 26b do not need to be provided at the branch portion 24 branching from the main conductive path 23, but may be provided at the main conductive path 23 itself, and the main conductive path 23 itself may be fixed. Furthermore, a plurality of fixing portions 26a, 26b may be provided on one conductive member 20a, 20b.

[0056] Furthermore, the positive-side power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative-side power supply fixing portion 17b of the substrate 10 to which the fixing portions 26a, 26b of the conductive members 20a, 20b are fixed may be arranged so as to be electrically connected to the electrical circuit provided on the substrate 10, or so as not to be electrically connected to the electrical circuit provided on the substrate 10, or so as to be electrically connected to one and not to be electrically connected to the other. Arrangement so as not to be electrically connected means, for example, that the power supply fixing portions 17a, 17b are surrounded by insulating resist so that power cannot be exchanged with the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16. In other words, the fixing portions 26a, 26b of the conductive members 20a, 20b may be electrically connected to the circuit formed on the substrate 10, or may be insulated from the circuit formed on the substrate 10.

[0057] 3 and 4 , the positive power supply connection portion 14a and the negative power supply connection portion 14b are arranged so as to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. In contrast, the positive power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative power supply fixing portion 17b are arranged so as not to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. In other words, the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are insulated from the circuits provided on the substrate 10.

[0058] As a result, during heating, power from the power supply unit 111 is supplied to the heating unit 121 via the conductive members 20a and 20b, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connectors 12a and 12b, and the heater conductive member. During charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply unit 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, and the conductive members 20a and 20b. Therefore, the fixing portions 26a and 26b can prevent electrical defects from occurring in the substrate 10.

[0059] 5 and 6 , the positive power supply connection portion 14a and the negative power supply connection portion 14b are arranged so as to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. In addition, the positive power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative power supply fixing portion 17b are arranged so as to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. Specifically, on the substrate 10, the positive power supply connection portion 14a and the positive power supply fixing portion 17a are integrally formed, and the negative power supply connection portion 14b and the negative power supply fixing portion 17b are integrally formed. In other words, the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10.

[0060] As a result, during heating, power from the power supply unit 111 is supplied to the heating unit 121 via the conductive members 20a and 20b, the power supply connections 14a and 14b, the power supply fixing units 17a and 17b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connections 12a and 12b, and the heater conductive members. During charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply unit 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power supply connections 14a and 14b, the power supply fixing units 17a and 17b, and the conductive members 20a and 20b. Therefore, the fixing units 26a and 26b can be used as contacts different from the power supply connections 14a and 14b.

[0061] 7 and 8 , a discharge control unit 116P that controls discharge and a charge control unit 116Q that controls charging are separately provided on the circuit board 10. The positive power supply connection portion 14a and the negative power supply connection portion 14b are arranged to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on the circuit board 10. The positive power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative power supply fixing portion 17b are arranged to be electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided on the circuit board 10. That is, the circuit board side contacts 22a and 22b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on the circuit board 10, and the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided on the circuit board 10.

[0062] As a result, during heating, power from the power supply unit 111 is supplied to the heating unit 121 via the conductive members 20a and 20b, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connectors 12a and 12b, and the heater conductive member. During charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply unit 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power supply fixing units 17a and 17b, and the conductive members 20a and 20b.

[0063] 9 and 10 , a discharge control unit 116P for controlling discharge and a charge control unit 116Q for controlling charging are separately provided on the circuit board 10. The positive power supply connection portion 14a and the negative power supply connection portion 14b are arranged so as to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on the circuit board 10. Of the positive power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative power supply fixing portion 17b, only the positive power supply fixing portion 17a is arranged so as to be electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided on the circuit board 10, while the negative power supply fixing portion 17b is arranged so as not to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 provided on the circuit board 10. In other words, the fixing portion 26a of the positive conductive member 20a is electrically connected to the circuit provided on the circuit board 10, and the fixing portion 26b of the negative conductive member 20b is insulated from the circuit provided on the circuit board 10.

[0064] As a result, during heating, power from the power supply unit 111 is supplied to the heating unit 121 via the conductive members 20a and 20b, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connectors 12a and 12b, and the heater conductive member. During charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply unit 111 via the charging circuit 16, the positive power supply fixing unit 17a, the negative power supply connector 14b, and the conductive members 20a and 20b.

[0065] In the fifth example shown in Figures 11 and 12, two circuit boards 10A and 10B are provided. A discharge control unit 116P for controlling discharge is provided on the circuit board 10A, and a charge control unit 116Q for controlling charging is provided on the circuit board 10B. The positive power supply connection portion 14a and the negative power supply connection portion 14b are provided on the circuit board 10A and are arranged to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on the circuit board 10A. The positive power supply fixing portion 17a and the negative power supply fixing portion 17b are provided on the circuit board 10B and are arranged to be electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided on the circuit board 10B. That is, the circuit board contacts 22a and 22b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 provided on the circuit board 10A, and the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are electrically connected to the charge circuit 16 provided on the circuit board 10B.

[0066] As a result, during heating, power from the power supply unit 111 is supplied to the heating unit 121 via the conductive members 20a and 20b, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connectors 12a and 12b, and the heater conductive member. During charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply unit 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power supply fixing units 17a and 17b, and the conductive members 20a and 20b.

[0067] Furthermore, in the examples described above, the fixing portions 26a, 26b of the conductive members 20a, 20b are fixed to the substrate 10 (10A, 10B), but this is not limited to this, and they may also be fixed to a member other than the substrate 10 (10A, 10B), such as the chassis 50, the case 30, etc.

[0068] 13 and 14 , the fixing portions 26a and 26b of the conductive members 20a and 20b are fixed to a chassis 50 that holds a power supply unit 111. The chassis 50 is made of insulating resin, so that the fixing portions 26a and 26b are insulated from each other.

[0069] The positive power supply connector 14a and the negative power supply connector 14b are disposed so as to be electrically connected to the discharge circuit 15 and the charge circuit 16 provided on the substrate 10. As a result, during heating, power from the power supply unit 111 is supplied to the heating unit 121 via the conductive members 20a and 20b, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, the discharge circuit 15, the heating connectors 12a and 12b, and the heater conductive member. During charging, power from the USB port 13 is supplied to the power supply unit 111 via the charging circuit 16, the power supply connectors 14a and 14b, and the conductive members 20a and 20b.

[0070] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0071] This specification describes at least the following items. Note that the components in parentheses correspond to those in the above-described embodiment, but are not limited to these.

[0072] (1) A power supply unit (power supply unit 110, aerosol generation device 100B, 100) of an aerosol generation device (aerosol generation device 100A, 100B, 100) includes: a power supply (power supply unit 111A, 111B, 111) that supplies power to a heating unit (heating unit 121A, 121B, 121) that heats an aerosol source; a control unit (control unit 116A, 116B, 116, 116P) that controls the supply of power from the power supply to the heating unit; a substrate (substrate 10A, 10) on which the control unit is provided; conductive members (positive electrode side conductive member 20a, negative electrode side conductive member 20b) that connect the power supply and the substrate; and a case (case 30) that accommodates the power supply, the control unit, the substrate, and the conductive members, wherein the conductive members include: power supply side contacts with the power supply (power supply side positive electrode contact 21a, negative electrode side positive electrode contact 21b); A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device comprising: substrate-side contacts with the substrate (substrate-side positive electrode contact 22a, substrate-side negative electrode contact 22b); and fixing portions (positive electrode side fixing portion 26a, negative electrode side fixing portion 26b) provided between the power supply-side contacts and the substrate-side contacts and fixed to the substrate, the case, or another member housed in the case and different from the substrate and the case.

[0073] According to (1), the conductive member is fixed to the substrate, the case, or another member different from the substrate and the case by the fixing portion, so that even if an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol generating device, it is possible to prevent the contacts from peeling off or the conductive member from being damaged.

[0074] (2) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device described in (1), wherein the fixing portion is provided in a branch portion (branch portion 24) branching from a main conductive path (main conductive path 23) connecting the power supply side contact and the substrate side contact.

[0075] According to (2), by providing a fixing portion at the branch portion, the influence on the main conductive path can be reduced or eliminated.

[0076] (3) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device described in (1) or (2), wherein the fixing part is fixed to the substrate and insulated from circuits (discharge circuit 15, charge circuit 16) formed on the substrate.

[0077] According to (3), the fixing portion can prevent electrical problems from occurring in the substrate.

[0078] (4) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device described in (1) or (2), wherein the fixing part is fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to circuits (discharge circuit 15, charge circuit 16) formed on the substrate.

[0079] According to (4), the fixed portion can be used as another contact point.

[0080] (5) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device described in (4), wherein the substrate side contact is connected to a discharge circuit (discharge circuit 15) connected to the heating unit, and the fixing part is connected to a charging circuit (charging circuit 16) connected to a charging port (USB port 13).

[0081] According to (5), by using the board-side contact as a discharge circuit and the fixed portion as another board-side contact connected to a charging circuit, the degree of freedom in designing the board is improved.

[0082] (6) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), wherein the other member is another substrate (substrate 10B) different from the substrate, and the fixing portion is fixed to the other substrate.

[0083] According to (6), since the fixed portion is fixed to another substrate, the size of one substrate can be reduced.

[0084] (7) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device described in (6), wherein the substrate side contact is formed on the substrate and is connected to a discharge circuit (discharge circuit 15) connected to the heating unit, and the fixing portion is formed on the other substrate and is connected to a charging circuit (charging circuit 16) connected to a charging port (USB port 13).

[0085] According to (7), the discharge circuit and the charge circuit can be separated into different boards.

[0086] (8) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to (1) or (2), wherein the other member is a chassis (chassis 50) that holds the power supply, and the fixing part is fixed to the chassis.

[0087] According to (8), the fixing part can be easily fixed by using an insulating and relatively large chassis that holds the power supply as another member. Also, since there is no need to provide space on the board for fixing the fixing part, the degree of freedom in designing the board is improved.

[0088] (9) A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device described in (1) or (2), wherein the fixing part has a positive electrode side fixing part (fixing part 26a) and a negative electrode side fixing part (fixing part 26b), the positive electrode side fixing part and the negative electrode side fixing part are both fixed to the substrate, and at least one of the positive electrode side fixing part and the negative electrode side fixing part is electrically connected to a circuit (discharge circuit 15, charge circuit 16) formed on the substrate.

[0089] According to (9), at least one of the positive and negative fixed parts can be used as a contact point on the other board. The negative fixed part may be electrically connected to the ground electrode, and the positive fixed part may be electrically connected to a discharge circuit and / or a charge circuit.

[0090] (10) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the conductive member is made of a plate-shaped conductive metal material, and the conductive metal material is exposed.

[0091] According to (10), a conductive member in which a plate-shaped conductive metal material is exposed is prone to breakage upon impact, but by providing a fixing portion, it is possible to prevent the conductive member from being broken.

[0092] (11) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the conductive member is a metal foil.

[0093] According to (11), by fixing the metal foil, which is particularly prone to breakage, with the fixing portion, it is possible to prevent the contacts from peeling off and the conductive member from being damaged.

[0094] (12) The power supply unit according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the conductive member is a metal plate.

[0095] According to (12), by fixing the metal plate with the fixing portion, it is possible to prevent the contact from peeling off.

[0096] (13) A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the fixing portion is provided at a position approximately midway between the power supply side contact and the substrate side contact.

[0097] According to (13), by fixing the middle part of the conductive member, which is subject to large displacement when an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol generating device, damage to the conductive member can be effectively prevented.

[0098] (14) An aerosol generating device comprising: a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device according to any one of (1) to (13); and the heating unit.

[0099] According to (14), the conductive member is fixed to the substrate, the case, or another member different from the substrate and the case by the fixing portion, so that even if an impact or the like is applied to the aerosol generating device, the conductive member can be prevented from being damaged.

[0100] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A, 10B Board 20a Positive electrode side conductive member (conductive member) 20b Negative electrode side conductive member (conductive member) 13 USB port (charging port) 15 Discharge circuit (circuit) 16 Charging circuit (circuit) 21a Power supply side positive electrode contact (power supply side contact) 21b Negative source side positive electrode contact (power supply side contact) 22a Board side positive electrode contact (board side contact) 22b Board side negative electrode contact (board side contact) 23 Main conductive path 24 Branching portion 26a Positive electrode side fixing portion (fixing portion) 26b Negative electrode side fixing portion (fixing portion) 30 Case 50 Chassis 100 Aerosol generating device (power supply unit) 100A Aerosol generating device 100B Aerosol generating device (power supply unit) 110 Power supply unit 111, 111A, 111B Power supply portion 116, 116A, 116B: control unit 116P: discharge control unit (control unit) 121, 121A, 121B: heating unit

Claims

1. a power supply that supplies power to a heating unit that heats the aerosol source; a control unit that controls the supply of power from the power source to the heating unit; a substrate on which the control unit is provided; a conductive member connecting the power supply and the substrate; A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, comprising: a case that accommodates the power supply, the control unit, the substrate, and the conductive member, The conductive member is a power supply side contact with the power supply; a substrate-side contact with the substrate; A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, comprising: a fixing portion provided between the power supply side contact and the substrate side contact, and fixed to the substrate, the case, or another member housed in the case and different from the substrate and the case.

2. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, The fixing portion is provided at a branching portion that branches off from a main conductive path connecting the power supply side contact and the substrate side contact, in a power supply unit of an aerosol generation device.

3. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the fixing portion is fixed to the substrate and insulated from a circuit formed on the substrate.

4. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the fixing portion is fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a circuit formed on the substrate.

5. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 4, the substrate-side contact is connected to a discharge circuit connected to the heating unit, The fixing part is a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device, which is connected to a charging circuit that is connected to a charging port.

6. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, the other member is a substrate different from the substrate, The fixing portion is a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device that is fixed to the other substrate.

7. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 6, the substrate-side contact is formed on the substrate and is connected to a discharge circuit connected to the heating unit; The fixing portion is formed on the other substrate and is connected to a charging circuit connected to a charging port, which is a power supply unit for an aerosol generating device.

8. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, the other member is a chassis that holds the power supply, The fixing part is a power supply unit of the aerosol generating device fixed to the chassis.

9. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, the fixing portion has a positive electrode side fixing portion and a negative electrode side fixing portion, the positive electrode side fixed portion and the negative electrode side fixed portion are both fixed to the substrate, A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, wherein at least one of the positive electrode side fixing portion and the negative electrode side fixing portion is electrically connected to a circuit formed on the substrate.

10. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device, wherein the conductive member is made of a plate-shaped conductive metal material, and the conductive metal material is exposed.

11. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device, wherein the conductive member is a metal foil.

12. 3. The power supply unit according to claim 1 or 2, The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device, wherein the conductive member is a metal plate.

13. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, The power supply unit of the aerosol generating device, wherein the fixing portion is provided approximately midway between the power supply side contact and the substrate side contact.

14. A power supply unit for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2; The aerosol generating device includes the heating unit.