U.S. patent application number 17/568724 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-28 for power supply unit for aerosol generation device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Japan Tobacco Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Japan Tobacco Inc.. Invention is credited to Minoru KITAHARA, Yasuhiro ONO, Shujiro TANAKA.
Application Number | 20220125120 17/568724 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006065997 |
Filed Date | 2022-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220125120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ONO; Yasuhiro ; et
al. |
April 28, 2022 |
POWER SUPPLY UNIT FOR AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE
Abstract
A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes: a
power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to
heat an aerosol source; a first connector connected to a first load
configured to function by power supplied from the power supply; a
second connector configured to function by power supplied from the
power supply and connected to a second load separate from the first
load; a Zener diode connected between the first connector and the
power supply; and a variable resistor connected between the second
connector and the power supply.
Inventors: |
ONO; Yasuhiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; KITAHARA; Minoru; (Tokyo, JP) ; TANAKA;
Shujiro; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Japan Tobacco Inc. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Japan Tobacco Inc.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000006065997 |
Appl. No.: |
17/568724 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
17369976 |
Jul 8, 2021 |
11246351 |
|
|
17568724 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A24F 40/46 20200101;
A24F 40/50 20200101 |
International
Class: |
A24F 40/50 20060101
A24F040/50; A24F 40/46 20060101 A24F040/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 9, 2020 |
JP |
2020-118742 |
Claims
1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device comprising:
a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to
heat an aerosol source; a first connector connected to a first load
configured to function by power supplied from the power supply; a
second connector configured to function by power supplied from the
power supply and connected to a second load separate from the first
load; a Zener diode connected between the first connector and the
power supply; and a variable resistor connected between the second
connector and the power supply, wherein the first connector
irremovably connects the first load, and wherein the second
connector removably connects the second load.
2. A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device comprising:
a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to
heat an aerosol source; a first connector connected to a first load
configured to function by power supplied from the power supply; a
second connector configured to function by power supplied from the
power supply and connected to a second load separate from the first
load; a Zener diode connected between the first connector and the
power supply; a variable resistor connected between the second
connector and the power supply; and a case configured to house at
least the power supply and the first connector, wherein the first
connector is connected to the first load not exposed from the case,
and wherein the second connector is connected to the second load at
least partially exposed from the case.
3. A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device comprising:
a power supply configured to supply power to a heater configured to
heat an aerosol source; a first connector connected to a first load
configured to function by power supplied from the power supply; a
second connector configured to function by power supplied from the
power supply and connected to a second load separate from the first
load; a Zener diode connected between the first connector and the
power supply; and a variable resistor connected between the second
connector and the power supply wherein the first load is a vibrator
vibrating while functioning, and wherein the second load does not
vibrate while functioning.
4. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 2, wherein the first connector irremovably
connects the first load, and wherein the second connector removably
connects the second load.
5. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 3, wherein the first connector irremovably
connects the first load, and wherein the second connector removably
connects the second load.
6. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 2, further comprising: a voltage converter
connected to the second connector and configured to convert a
voltage of power supplied from the power supply, wherein the
variable resistor is connected between the second connector and the
voltage converter.
7. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 3, further comprising: a voltage converter
connected to the second connector and configured to convert a
voltage of power supplied from the power supply, wherein the
variable resistor is connected between the second connector and the
voltage converter.
8. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 1, further comprising: a first capacitor
connected between the first connector and the Zener diode; and a
second capacitor connected between the power supply and the
variable resistor.
9. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 2, further comprising: a first capacitor
connected between the first connector and the Zener diode; and a
second capacitor connected between the power supply and the
variable resistor.
10. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 3, further comprising: a first capacitor
connected between the first connector and the Zener diode; and a
second capacitor connected between the power supply and the
variable resistor.
11. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 1, further comprising: a third connector that is
configured to function by power supplied from the power supply and
to which a third load separate from the first load and the second
load is connected, wherein a path configured to connect the third
connector and the power supply does not include a Zener diode and a
variable resistor.
12. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 2, further comprising: a third connector that is
configured to function by power supplied from the power supply and
to which a third load separate from the first load and the second
load is connected, wherein a path configured to connect the third
connector and the power supply does not include a Zener diode and a
variable resistor.
13. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 3, further comprising: a third connector that is
configured to function by power supplied from the power supply and
to which a third load separate from the first load and the second
load is connected, wherein a path configured to connect the third
connector and the power supply does not include a Zener diode and a
variable resistor.
14. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 11, wherein the path does not include a voltage
converter configured to convert a voltage of power supplied from
the power supply.
15. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 12, wherein the path does not include a voltage
converter configured to convert a voltage of power supplied from
the power supply.
16. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 13, wherein the path does not include a voltage
converter configured to convert a voltage of power supplied from
the power supply.
17. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 14, wherein the path includes a resistance
connected in series with the power supply and the third
connector.
18. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 11, further comprising: a controller configured
to control a supply of power from the power supply to the first
connector, the second connector, and the third connector, wherein
the controller controls power supplied to the third connector to be
smaller than power supplied to the first connector, and wherein the
controller controls power supplied to the third connector to be
smaller than power supplied to the second connector.
19. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 12, further comprising: a controller configured
to control a supply of power from the power supply to the first
connector, the second connector, and the third connector, wherein
the controller controls power supplied to the third connector to be
smaller than power supplied to the first connector, and wherein the
controller controls power supplied to the third connector to be
smaller than power supplied to the second connector.
20. The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to claim 13, further comprising: a controller configured
to control a supply of power from the power supply to the first
connector, the second connector, and the third connector, wherein
the controller controls power supplied to the third connector to be
smaller than power supplied to the first connector, and wherein the
controller controls power supplied to the third connector to be
smaller than power supplied to the second connector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 17/369,976, filed Jul. 8, 2021, which claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese patent application No. 2020-118742,
filed on Jul. 9, 2020, the entire contents of each are incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an
aerosol generation device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a power supply unit including
a Zener diode connected in parallel to a control device between the
control device and a connector that can be electrically connected
to an external power supply in order to protect the control device
of the power supply unit for an aerosol inhaler. Further, Patent
Literatures 2 and 3 disclose a power supply unit including a Zener
diode connected in parallel to a charger between a connector and
the charger in order to stabilize a voltage input to the charger.
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6633788 [0005]
Patent Literature 2: CN 206865186 U [0006] Patent Literature 3: CN
104348214 A
[0007] In recent years, functionality of the aerosol generation
device has been increased, and accordingly, a load of the power
supply unit for the aerosol generation device also tends to
increase. Here, the load is an electronic component that functions
(that is, operates) by supplying power. An unintended overvoltage
or the like may be applied to such a load due to any factor such as
static electricity, and/or may occur. Therefore, by providing a
predetermined protection element for such a load, it is necessary
to protect the power supply unit from the overvoltage that may be
applied to the load and/or that may be generated. In the related
art, there is room for improvement from a viewpoint of
appropriately protecting the power supply unit for the aerosol
generation device including a plurality of loads.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a power supply unit for an
aerosol generation device that can appropriately protect the power
supply unit for the aerosol generation device including a plurality
of loads.
[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device
including: a power supply configured to supply power to a heater
configured to heat an aerosol source; a first connector connected
to a first load configured to function by power supplied from the
power supply; a second connector configured to function by power
supplied from the power supply and connected to a second load
separate from the first load; a Zener diode connected between the
first connector and the power supply; and a variable resistor
connected between the second connector and the power supply.
[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to
appropriately protect a power supply unit for an aerosol generation
device including a plurality of loads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aerosol inhaler according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the aerosol
inhaler of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhaler of
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a
power supply unit of the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an MCU
of the power supply unit in the aerosol inhaler of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a table showing protection elements according to
characteristics of loads provided in the aerosol inhaler of FIG.
1.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Hereinafter, a power supply unit for an aerosol generation
device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be
described. First, an aerosol inhaler, which is an example of the
aerosol generation device including the power supply unit of the
present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
3.
[0018] (Aerosol Inhaler)
[0019] An aerosol inhaler 1 is an instrument for generating an
aerosol to which a flavor is added without burning and sucking the
generated aerosol, preferably has a size that fits in a hand, and
has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The aerosol
inhaler 1 may have an ovoid shape, an elliptical shape, or the
like. In the following description, regarding the aerosol inhaler
having the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, three
orthogonal directions will be referred to as an upper-lower
direction, a front-rear direction, and a left-right direction in
descending order of length. Further, in the following description,
for convenience, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a front side, a rear
side, a left side, a right side, an upper side, and a lower side
are defined, and the front side is shown as Fr, the rear side is
shown as Rr, the left side is shown as L, the right side is shown
as R, the upper side is shown as U, and the lower side is shown as
D.
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the aerosol inhaler 1 includes a
power supply unit 10, a first cartridge 20, and a second cartridge
30. The first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are
attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit 10. In
other words, the first cartridge 20 and the second cartridge 30 are
replaceable.
[0021] (Power Supply Unit)
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the power supply unit 10 houses
various sensors and the like such as a power supply 12, an internal
holder 13, a circuit board 60, and an intake sensor 15 inside a
power supply unit case 11 having a substantially rectangular
parallelepiped shape (hereinafter, also referred to as an inside of
the case). The power supply 12, the circuit board 60 (including an
MCU 50, a discharging terminal 41, a charging terminal 43, and the
like, which will be described later), and the like are collectively
housed in the power supply unit case 11, so that carrying by a user
can be facilitated and user convenience can be improved.
[0023] The power supply unit case 11 is configured with a first
case 11A and a second case 11B that are attachable and detachable
in the left-right direction (thickness direction), and the first
case 11A and the second case 11B are assembled in the left-right
direction (thickness direction), so that a front surface, a rear
surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a lower surface of
the power supply unit 10 are formed. An upper surface of the power
supply unit 10 is formed by a display 16.
[0024] A mouthpiece 17 is provided in the upper surface of the
power supply unit 10 in front of the display 16. In the mouthpiece
17, a suction port 17a protrudes further upward than the display
16.
[0025] An inclined surface inclined downward toward the rear side
is provided between the upper surface and the rear surface of the
power supply unit 10. An operation unit 18 that can be operated by
the user is provided on the inclined surface. The operation unit 18
is configured with a button-type switch, a touch panel, and the
like, and is used when activating or interrupting the MCU 50 and
various sensors by reflecting a use intention of the user, or the
like.
[0026] On a lower surface of the power supply unit 10, the charging
terminal 43 that can be electrically connected to an external power
supply (not shown) that can charge the power supply 12 is provided.
The charging terminal 43 is, for example, a receptacle into which a
mating plug (not shown) can be inserted. As the charging terminal
43, a receptacle into which various USB terminals (plugs) or the
like can be inserted can be used. As an example, in the present
embodiment, the charging terminal 43 is a USB Type-C shaped
receptacle. Accordingly, it is possible to facilitate charging of
the power supply unit 10 (that is, the aerosol inhaler 1) at
various locations (places) and secure an opportunity capable of
charging the power supply unit 10.
[0027] The charging terminal 43 may include, for example, a power
reception coil, and may be configured to be able to receive power
transmitted from the external power supply in a non-contact manner.
A wireless power transfer method in this case may be an
electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a
combination of the electromagnetic induction type and the magnetic
resonance type. As another example, the charging terminal 43 can be
connected to various USB terminals or the like and may include the
power reception coil described above.
[0028] The internal holder 13 includes a rear wall 13r that extends
along the rear surface of the power supply unit 10, a central wall
13c that is provided at a central portion in the front-rear
direction inside the case and extends parallel to the rear wall
13r, an upper wall 13u that extends along the display 16 and
couples the rear wall 13r to the central wall 13c, a partition wall
13d that is orthogonal to the rear wall 13r, the central wall 13c,
and the upper wall 13u and divides a space partitioned and formed
by the rear wall 13r, the central wall 13c, and the upper wall 13u
into a left side space and a right side space, and a cartridge
holding portion 13a coupled to the central wall 13c and positioned
in front of the central wall 13c and above the lower surface of the
power supply unit 10.
[0029] The power supply 12 is disposed in the left side space of
the internal holder 13. The power supply 12 is a rechargeable
secondary battery, an electric double-layer capacitor, or the like,
and is preferably a lithium-ion secondary battery. An electrolyte
of the power supply 12 may be one of or a combination of a gel-like
electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an
ionic liquid.
[0030] The L-shaped circuit board 60 is disposed in a space formed
by a right side space of the internal holder 13 and a lower side
space formed between the cartridge holding portion 13a and the
lower surface of the power supply unit 10. The circuit board 60 is
configured by stacking a plurality of layers (four layers in the
present embodiment) of boards, and electronic components (elements)
such as the micro controller unit (MCU) 50 and a charging IC 55,
which will be described later, are mounted on the circuit board
60.
[0031] Although details will be described later with reference to
FIG. 5 and the like, the MCU 50 is a control device (a controller)
that is connected to various sensor devices such as the intake
sensor 15 that detects a puff (intake) operation, the operation
unit 18, a notification unit 45, a memory 19 that stores number of
times of puff operations, an energization time to the load 21, or
the like, and the like, and that performs various controls of the
aerosol inhaler 1. Specifically, the MCU 50 is mainly configured
with a processor, and further includes a storage medium such as a
random access memory (RAM) required for an operation of the
processor and a read only memory (ROM) that stores various pieces
of information. The processor in the present description is, for
example, an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as
semiconductor elements are combined. Some of the elements (for
example, the intake sensor 15 and the memory 19) connected to the
MCU 50 in FIG. 5 may be provided inside the MCU 50 as a function of
the MCU 50 itself.
[0032] The charging IC 55 is an integrated circuit (IC) that
controls charging of the power supply 12 by power input from the
charging terminal 43 and that supplies power of the power supply 12
to the electronic components and the like of the circuit board
60.
[0033] A cylindrical cartridge holder 14 that holds the first
cartridge 20 is disposed at the cartridge holding portion 13a.
[0034] A through hole 13b, which receives the discharging terminal
41 (see FIG. 3) provided so as to protrude from the circuit board
60 toward the first cartridge 20, is provided in a lower end
portion of the cartridge holding portion 13a. The discharging
terminal 41 is a connector that electrically connects the load 21
provided in the first cartridge 20. Further, the discharging
terminal 41 is a connector that removably (or easily removably)
connects the load 21, and is configured with, for example, a pin or
the like in which a spring is built. The discharging terminal 41 is
an example of a second connector in the present invention.
[0035] The through hole 13b is larger than the discharging terminal
41, and is configured such that air flows into an inside of the
first cartridge 20 via a gap formed between the through hole 13b
and the discharging terminal 41.
[0036] The intake sensor 15 that detects a puff operation is
provided on an outer peripheral surface 14a of the cartridge holder
14 at a position facing the circuit board 60. The intake sensor 15
may be configured with a condenser microphone, a pressure sensor,
or the like. Further, the cartridge holder 14 is provided with a
hole portion 14b that is long in the upper-lower direction and
through which a remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored
inside the first cartridge 20 can be visually checked, and is
configured such that the user can visually check the remaining
amount of the aerosol source 22 stored inside the first cartridge
20 through the hole portion 14b of the first cartridge 20 from a
remaining amount check window 11w that has light-transmissive
properties and is provided in the power supply unit case 11.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the mouthpiece 17 is detachably fixed to
an upper end portion of the cartridge holder 14. The second
cartridge 30 is detachably fixed to the mouthpiece 17. The
mouthpiece 17 includes a cartridge housing portion 17b that houses
a part of the second cartridge 30, and a communication path 17c
that allows the first cartridge 20 and the cartridge housing
portion 17b to communicate with each other.
[0038] The power supply unit case 11 is provided with air intake
ports 11i that take in outside air inside. The air intake port 11i
is provided in, for example, the remaining amount check window
11w.
[0039] (First Cartridge)
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the first cartridge 20 includes, inside
a cylindrical cartridge case 27, a reservoir 23 that stores the
aerosol source 22, an electrical load 21 that atomizes the aerosol
source 22, a wick 24 that draws the aerosol source from the
reservoir 23 to the load 21, and an aerosol flow path 25 through
which an aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 flows
toward the second cartridge 30.
[0041] The reservoir 23 is partitioned and formed so as to surround
a periphery of the aerosol flow path 25, and stores the aerosol
source 22. The reservoir 23 may house a porous body such as a resin
web or cotton, and the aerosol source 22 may be impregnated with
the porous body. The reservoir 23 may store only the aerosol source
22 without housing the porous body on the resin web or the cotton.
The aerosol source 22 contains a liquid such as glycerin, propylene
glycol, or water.
[0042] The wick 24 is a liquid holding member that draws the
aerosol source 22 from the reservoir 23 to the load 21 by using a
capillary phenomenon. The wick 24 is made of, for example, glass
fiber, porous ceramic, or the like.
[0043] The load 21 is a heat generation element (that is, a heater)
that heats the aerosol source 22 without burning by power supplied
from the power supply 12 via the discharging terminal 41, and is
configured with, for example, an electric heating wire (a coil)
wound at a predetermined pitch. The load 21 heats the aerosol
source 22 to atomize the aerosol source 22. As the load 21, a heat
generation resistor, a ceramic heater, an induction heating type
heater, or the like can be used. The load 21 is an example of a
heater and a second load in the present invention.
[0044] The aerosol flow path 25 is provided on a downstream side of
the load 21 and on a center line of the first cartridge 20.
[0045] (Second Cartridge)
[0046] The second cartridge 30 stores a flavor source 31. The
second cartridge 30 is detachably housed in the cartridge housing
portion 17b provided in the mouthpiece 17.
[0047] The second cartridge 30 adds a flavor to an aerosol by
passing the aerosol generated by atomizing the aerosol source 22 by
the load 21 through the flavor source 31. As a raw material piece
that constitutes the flavor source 31, chopped tobacco or a molded
body obtained by molding a tobacco raw material into a granular
shape can be used. The flavor source 31 may be formed of a plant
other than the tobacco (for example, mint, Chinese herb or herb). A
fragrance such as menthol may be added to the flavor source 31.
[0048] The aerosol inhaler 1 can generate (that is, produce) an
aerosol to which a flavor is added by the aerosol source 22, the
flavor source 31, and the load 21. That is, the aerosol source 22
and the flavor source 31 constitute an aerosol generation source
that generates the aerosol to which the flavor is added.
[0049] The configuration of the aerosol generation source used for
the aerosol inhaler 1 may be a configuration in which the aerosol
source 22 and the flavor source 31 are integrally formed, a
configuration in which the flavor source 31 is omitted and a
substance that can be contained in the flavor source 31 is added to
the aerosol source 22, a configuration in which a medicine or the
like instead of the flavor source 31 is added to the aerosol source
22, or the like, in addition to the configuration in which the
aerosol source 22 and the flavor source 31 are formed
separately.
[0050] In the aerosol inhaler 1 configured as described above, as
indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 3, air that flows in from the air
intake ports 11i provided in the power supply unit case 11 passes
through a vicinity of the load 21 of the first cartridge 20 via the
gap formed between the through hole 13b and the discharging
terminal 41. The load 21 atomizes the aerosol source 22 drawn from
the reservoir 23 by the wick 24. The aerosol generated by
atomization flows through the aerosol flow path 25 together with
the air that flows in from the intake ports, and is supplied to the
second cartridge 30 via the communication path 17c. The aerosol
supplied to the second cartridge 30 is flavored by passing through
the flavor source 31, and is supplied to a suction port 32.
[0051] The aerosol inhaler 1 is provided with the notification unit
45 that notifies various pieces of information (see FIG. 5). The
notification unit 45 may be configured with a light-emitting
element, a vibration element, or a sound output element. Further,
the notification unit 45 may be a combination of two or more
elements among the light-emitting element, the vibration element,
and the sound output element. The notification unit 45 may be
provided in any one of the power supply unit 10, the first
cartridge 20, and the second cartridge 30, but is preferably
provided in the power supply unit 10 that is not a consumable
item.
[0052] In the present embodiment, an organic light emitting diode
(OLED) panel 46 and a vibrator 47 are provided as the notification
unit 45. When an OLED of the OLED panel 46 emits light, various
pieces of information on the aerosol inhaler 1 are notified to the
user via the display 16. Further, the vibrator 47 vibrates, so that
the user is notified of the various pieces of information on the
aerosol inhaler 1 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 may be provided with another
light-emitting element or the like. Further, information notified
by the OLED panel 46 and information notified by the vibrator 47
may be different or the same.
[0053] (Electric Circuit)
[0054] Next, an electric circuit of the power supply unit 10 will
be described with reference to FIG. 4.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply unit 10 includes, as
main components, the power supply 12, the charging terminal 43, the
MCU 50, the charging IC 55, a protection IC 61, an LDO regulator
(indicated by "LDO" in FIG. 4) 62, a first DC/DC converter
(indicated by "first DC/DC" in FIG. 4) 63, a second DC/DC converter
(indicated by "second DC/DC" in FIG. 4) 64, a display driver 65,
the intake sensor 15, the OLED panel 46, and the vibrator 47.
[0056] The charging terminal 43 is the receptacle into which the
mating plug can be inserted as described above, and includes a
plurality of pins (terminals) electrically connected to a pin of
the inserted plug. Specifically, the charging terminal 43 includes
an A1 pin (indicated by "A1" in FIG. 4), an A4 pin (indicated by
"A4" in FIG. 4), an A5 pin (indicated by "A5" in FIG. 4), an A6 pin
(indicated by "A6" in FIG. 4), an A7 pin (indicated by "A7" in FIG.
4), an A8 pin (indicated by "A8" in FIG. 4), an A9 pin (indicated
by "A9" in FIG. 4), an A12 pin (indicated by "A12" in FIG. 4), a B1
pin (indicated by "B1" in FIG. 4), a B4 pin (indicated by "B4" in
FIG. 4), a B5 pin (indicated by "B5" in FIG. 4), a B6 pin
(indicated by "B6" in FIG. 4), a B7 pin (indicated by "B7" in FIG.
4), a B8 pin (indicated by "B8" in FIG. 4), a B9 pin (indicated by
"B9" in FIG. 4), and a B12 pin (indicated by "B12" in FIG. 4).
[0057] The A1 pin, the A4 pin, the A5 pin, the A6 pin, the A7 pin,
the A8 pin, the A9 pin, the A12 pin, the B1 pin, the B4 pin, the B5
pin, the B6 pin, the B7 pin, the B8 pin, the B9 pin, and the B12
pin are arranged so as to be point-symmetrical, with a center of a
fitting surface with a plug of the charging terminal 43 as a point
of symmetry. Accordingly, the plug can be inserted into the
charging terminal 43 regardless of an upper-lower direction of the
plug, and user convenience is improved.
[0058] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only
main pins among pins provided in the charging terminal 43 are
described. Further, in the present embodiment, the charging
terminal 43 is provided with the A8 pin and the B8 pin, but as will
be described later, these pins are not used and may be omitted.
[0059] The protection IC 61 is an IC having a function of
converting a voltage input via the charging terminal 43 into a
predetermined voltage as necessary and outputting the converted
voltage. Specifically, the protection IC 61 converts the input
voltage into a voltage included in a range from a minimum value to
a maximum value of a recommended input voltage of the charging IC
55. Accordingly, even when a high voltage that exceeds the maximum
value of the recommended input voltage of the charging IC 55 is
input via the charging terminal 43, the protection IC 61 can
protect the charging IC 55 from the high voltage.
[0060] As an example, in the present embodiment, the recommended
input voltage of the charging IC 55 has a minimum value of 4.35 [V]
and a maximum value of 6.4 [V]. Therefore, the protection IC 61
converts the input voltage into 5.5.+-.0.2 [V], and outputs the
converted voltage to the charging IC 55. Accordingly, the
protection IC 61 can supply an appropriate voltage to the charging
IC 55. Further, when the above-described high voltage is input via
the charging terminal 43, the protection IC 61 may protect the
charging IC 55 by opening a circuit that connects an input terminal
(denoted by IN in FIG. 4) and an output terminal (denoted by OUT in
FIG. 4) of the protection IC 61. In addition, the protection IC 61
may also have various protection functions (for example, an
overcurrent detection function and an overvoltage detection
function) for protecting the electric circuit of the power supply
unit 10.
[0061] It is preferable that the protection IC 61 is connected
between the charging terminal 43 and the charging IC 55, that is,
is electrically provided between the charging terminal 43 and the
charging IC 55. The protection IC 61 is connected between the
charging terminal 43 and the charging IC 55, so that the power
supply 12 can be discharged via the charging IC 55 without passing
through the protection IC 61, and power loss due to passing through
the protection IC 61 can be reduced.
[0062] The protection IC 61 includes a plurality of pins
(terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of
the protection IC 61. Specifically, the protection IC 61 includes
an IN pin (indicated by "IN" in FIG. 4), a VSS pin (indicated by
"VSS" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by "GND" in FIG. 4), an OUT
pin (indicated by "OUT" in FIG. 4), a VBAT pin (indicated by "VBAT"
in FIG. 4), and a CE pin (indicated by "CE" in FIG. 4).
[0063] In the protection IC 61, the IN pin is a pin to which power
supplied from the charging terminal 43 is input. The VSS pin is a
pin to which power for operating the protection IC 61 is input. The
GND pin is a grounded pin. The OUT pin is a pin that outputs power
to the charging IC 55. The VBAT pin is a pin for the protection IC
61 to detect a state of the power supply 12. The CE pin is a pin
for switching the protection function of the protection IC 61
on/off. A connection relationship of these pins will be described
later. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only
main pins among pins provided in the protection IC 61 are
described.
[0064] The charging IC 55 is an IC having a function of controlling
charging to the power supply 12 and a function of supplying the
power of the power supply 12 to the LDO regulator 62, the first
DC/DC converter 63, the second DC/DC converter 64, and the like.
For example, when supplying the power of the power supply 12, the
charging IC 55 outputs a standard system voltage corresponding to
an 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,
and the like. Here, the standard system voltage is a voltage higher
than a low-voltage system voltage described later and lower than a
first high-voltage system voltage and a second high-voltage system
voltage. The standard system voltage is, for example, an output
voltage of the power supply 12 itself, and can be a voltage of
about 3 to 4 [V].
[0065] The charging IC 55 also has a power-path function of
supplying power input via the charging terminal 43 to the LDO
regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, the second DC/DC
converter 64, and the like.
[0066] When the power-path function is used, even when the power
supply 12 is being charged, power input via the charging terminal
43 can be supplied to a system of the power supply unit 10, such as
the LDO regulator 62, the first DC/DC converter 63, and the second
DC/DC converter 64. Therefore, when the system of the power supply
unit 10 is used while charging the power supply 12, the system of
the power supply unit 10 can be used while reducing a burden on the
power supply 12 (that is, preventing deterioration of the power
supply 12). At the same time, it is also possible to improve a
charging speed of the power supply 12 and shorten a charging time.
Further, when the power-path function is used, even when the power
supply 12 is over-discharged, it is possible to recover the system
of the power supply unit 10 by using power input via the charging
terminal 43.
[0067] The charging IC 55 includes a plurality of pins (terminals)
for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the
charging IC 55. Specifically, the charging IC 55 includes an IN pin
(indicated by "IN" in FIG. 4), a BAT_1 pin (indicated by "BAT_1" in
FIG. 4), a BAT_2 pin (indicated by "BAT_2" in FIG. 4), an ISET pin
(indicated by "ISET" in FIG. 4), a TS pin (indicated by "TS" in
FIG. 4), an OUT_1 pin (indicated by "OUT_1" in FIG. 4), an OUT_2
pin (indicated by "OUT_2" in FIG. 4), an ILIM pin (indicated by
"ILIM" in FIG. 4), and a CHG pin (indicated by "CHG" in FIG.
4).
[0068] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only
main pins among pins provided in the charging IC 55 are described.
Further, in the present embodiment, the charging IC 55 is provided
with the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin, but the BAT_1 pin and the
BAT_2 pin may be combined as one pin. Similarly, in the present
embodiment, the charging IC 55 is provided with the OUT_1 pin and
the OUT_2 pin, but the OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin may be combined
as one pin.
[0069] The LDO regulator 62 is an IC having a function of
generating a low-voltage system voltage from an input standard
system voltage and outputting 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, for
example, a voltage suitable for operating the MCU 50, the intake
sensor 15, and the like. An example of the low-voltage system
voltage is 2.5 [V].
[0070] The LDO regulator 62 includes a plurality of pins
(terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of
the LDO regulator 62. Specifically, the LDO regulator 62 includes
an IN pin (indicated by "IN" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by
"GND" in FIG. 4), an OUT pin (indicated by "OUT" in FIG. 4), and an
EN pin (indicated by "EN" in FIG. 4). It should be noted that, in
the present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the
LDO regulator 62 are described.
[0071] The MCU 50 operates using the input low-voltage system
voltage as a power supply, and performs various controls of the
aerosol inhaler 1. For example, the MCU 50 can control heating of
the load 21 by controlling on/off of a switch SW4 described later
and provided in the electric circuit of the power supply unit 10
and an operation of the first DC/DC converter 63. Further, the MCU
50 can control a display of the display 16 by controlling an
operation of the display driver 65. Furthermore, the MCU 50 can
control vibration of the vibrator 47 by controlling on/off of a
switch SW3 described later and provided in the electric circuit of
the power supply unit 10.
[0072] The MCU 50 includes a plurality of pins (terminals) for
electrically connecting an inside and an outside of the MCU 50.
Specifically, the MCU 50 includes a VDD pin (indicated by "VDD" in
FIG. 4), a VDD_USB pin (indicated by "VDD_USB" in FIG. 4), a VSS
pin (indicated by "VSS" in FIG. 4), a PC1 pin (indicated by "PC1"
in FIG. 4), a PA8 pin (indicated by "PA8" in FIG. 4), a PB3 pin
(indicated by "PB3" in FIG. 4), a PB15 pin (indicated by "PB15" in
FIG. 4), a PB4 pin (indicated by "PB4" in FIG. 4), a PC6 pin
(indicated by "PC6" in FIG. 4), a PA0 pin (indicated by "PA0" in
FIG. 4), a PC5 pin (indicated by "PC5" in FIG. 4), a PA11 pin
(indicated by "PA11" in FIG. 4), a PA12 pin (indicated by "PA12" in
FIG. 4), a PC12 pin (indicated by "PC12" in FIG. 4), a PB8 pin
(indicated by "PB8" in FIG. 4), and a PB9 pin (indicated by "PB9"
in FIG. 4).
[0073] It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only
main pins among pins provided in the MCU 50 are described. Further,
in the present embodiment, the MCU 50 is provided with the VDD pin
and the VDD_USB pin, but the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin may be
combined as one pin.
[0074] The intake sensor 15 is a sensor device that detects a puff
operation as described above, and is, for example, a sensor device
configured to output a signal indicating a value of a change in a
pressure (an internal pressure) in the power supply unit 10 caused
by suction of the user through the suction port 32 as a detection
result as will be described later.
[0075] The intake sensor 15 includes a plurality of pins
(terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of
the intake sensor 15. Specifically, the intake sensor 15 includes a
VCC pin (indicated by "VCC" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by
"GND" in FIG. 4), and an OUT pin (indicated by "OUT" in FIG. 4). It
should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins
among pins provided in the intake sensor 15 are described.
[0076] The vibrator 47 is provided in a state of being connected to
a positive electrode side terminal 47a provided on a power supply
line 60E and to a negative electrode side terminal 47b provided on
a ground line 60N to be described later, and includes a motor (not
shown) that rotates a rotation shaft according to a voltage input
via the positive electrode side terminal 47a and the negative
electrode side terminal 47b, and an eccentric weight (not shown)
attached to the rotation shaft of the motor. When a voltage (for
example, a low-voltage system voltage) is input to the vibrator 47
via the positive electrode side terminal 47a and the negative
electrode side terminal 47b, the motor and the eccentric weight are
rotated to generate vibration. The vibrator 47 is an example of a
first load in the present invention.
[0077] In the present description, the term "positive electrode
side" means a higher potential side than the "negative electrode
side". That is, in the following description, the term "positive
electrode side" may be read as "high potential side". Further, in
the present description, the term "negative electrode side" means a
lower potential side than the "positive electrode side". That is,
in the following description, the term "negative electrode side"
may be read as "low potential side".
[0078] The vibrator 47 is provided in a state of being provided in
the power supply unit 10. The positive electrode side terminal 47a
and the negative electrode side terminal 47b are connected to a
terminal of the vibrator 47 by, for example, soldering. That is,
the positive electrode side terminal 47a and the negative electrode
side terminal 47b are connectors that connect the vibrator 47 such
that the vibrator 47 is unremovable (or is difficult to be
removed). The positive electrode side terminal 47a and the negative
electrode side terminal 47b are examples of a first connector in
the present invention. The term unremovable (or difficult to be
removed) refers to a mode in which the power supply unit 10 cannot
be removed as long as the power supply unit 10 is assumed to be
used.
[0079] The first DC/DC converter 63 is an IC having a function of
generating a first high-voltage system voltage from an 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 the first high-voltage system voltage. The
first high-voltage system voltage is, for example, a voltage
suitable for heating the load 21, and is 4.2 [V] as an example.
[0080] The first DC/DC converter 63 includes a plurality of pins
(terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of
the first DC/DC converter 63. Specifically, the first DC/DC
converter 63 includes a VIN pin (indicated by "VIN" in FIG. 4), an
SW pin (indicated by "SW" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by "GND"
in FIG. 4), a VOUT pin (indicated by "VOUT" in FIG. 4), a MODE pin
(indicated by "MODE" in FIG. 4), and an EN pin (indicated by "EN"
in FIG. 4). It should be noted that, in the present embodiment,
only main pins among pins provided in the first DC/DC converter 63
are described.
[0081] The second DC/DC converter 64 is an IC having a function of
generating a second high-voltage system voltage from the input
standard system voltage and outputting the generated second
high-voltage system voltage. Here, the second high-voltage system
voltage is a voltage higher than the standard system voltage as
described above. That is, the second DC/DC converter 64 boosts the
input standard system voltage to the second high-voltage system
voltage and outputs the second high-voltage system voltage.
Further, the second high-voltage system voltage is a voltage even
higher than the first high-voltage system voltage, and is, for
example, a voltage suitable for operating the OLED panel 46. An
example of the second high-voltage system voltage is 15 [V].
[0082] The second DC/DC converter 64 includes a plurality of pins
(terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of
the second DC/DC converter 64. Specifically, the second DC/DC
converter 64 includes a VIN pin (indicated by "VIN" in FIG. 4), an
SW pin (indicated by "SW" in FIG. 4), a GND pin (indicated by "GND"
in FIG. 4), a VOUT pin (indicated by "VOUT" in FIG. 4), and an EN
pin (indicated by "EN" in FIG. 4). It should be noted that, in the
present embodiment, only main pins among pins provided in the
second DC/DC converter 64 are described.
[0083] The display driver 65 is an IC having a function of
operating by using an input low-voltage system voltage as a power
supply, and supplying a second high-voltage system voltage to the
OLED panel 46 while controlling the OLED panel 46 so as to control
a display of the display 16.
[0084] The display driver 65 includes a plurality of pins
(terminals) for electrically connecting an inside and an outside of
the display driver 65. Specifically, the display driver 65 includes
a VDD pin (indicated by "VDD" in FIG. 4), a VSS pin (indicated by
"VSS" in FIG. 4), a VCC_C pin (indicated by "VCC_C" in FIG. 4), an
SDA pin (indicated by "SDA" in FIG. 4), an SCL pin (indicated by
"SCL" in FIG. 4), and an IXS pin (indicated by "IXS" in FIG. 4). It
should be noted that, in the present embodiment, only main pins
among pins provided in the display driver 65 are described.
[0085] The components of the power supply unit 10 described above
are electrically connected to one another by a lead wire or the
like provided on the circuit board 60 of the power supply unit 10.
Hereinafter, electrical connection of the components of the power
supply unit 10 will be described in detail.
[0086] The A1 pin, the A12 pin, the B1 pin, and the B12 pin of the
charging terminal 43 are ground pins. The A1 pin and the B12 pin
are connected in parallel and grounded by the ground line 60N.
Similarly, the A12 pin and the B1 pin are also connected in
parallel and grounded by the ground line 60N. In FIG. 4, the ground
line 60N (that is, a line having a potential of substantially 0
[V]) is indicated by a thick solid line.
[0087] The A4 pin, the A9 pin, the B4 pin, and the B9 pin of the
charging terminal 43 are pins that receive an input of power from a
plug of an external power supply inserted into the charging
terminal 43 to the power supply unit 10. For example, when the plug
is inserted into the charging terminal 43, predetermined USB bus
power is supplied to the power supply unit 10 from the inserted
plug via the A4 pin and the B9 pin, or the A9 pin and the B4 pin.
Further, power corresponding to USB power delivery (USB PD) may be
supplied to the power supply unit 10 from the plug of the external
power supply inserted into the charging terminal 43.
[0088] Specifically, the A4 pin and the B9 pin are connected in
parallel and connected to the IN pin of the protection IC 61 via
the power supply line 60A. The IN pin of the protection IC 61 is a
power supply pin of the protection IC 61 on a positive electrode
side. Further, the A9 pin and the B4 pin are also connected in
parallel, and connected to the IN pin of the protection IC 61 via
the power supply line 60A.
[0089] The power supply line 60A is connected to the ground line
60N via a variable resistor (a nonlinear resistance element) VR1.
Here, the variable resistor is an element that includes two
terminals (electrodes), has a relatively high electric resistance
value when a voltage between the two terminals is lower than a
predetermined variable resistor voltage (for example, 27 [V] in a
case of the present embodiment), and has a property in which the
electric resistance value rapidly decreases when the voltage
between the two terminals is equal to or higher than the variable
resistor voltage.
[0090] Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR1 is
connected to a node N11 provided in the power supply line 60A, and
the other end of the variable resistor VR1 is connected to the
ground line 60N. Here, the node N11 is provided in the power supply
line 60A on a protection IC 61 side with respect to a node
connected to the A4 pin and the B9 pin and a node connected to the
A9 pin and the B4 pin. Therefore, for example, even when static
electricity is generated in the A4 pin, the A9 pin, the B4 pin, or
the B9 pin due to friction between the charging terminal 43 and the
plug when the plug is inserted into the charging terminal 43, the
static electricity can be released to the ground line 60N via the
variable resistor VR1 to protect the protection IC 61.
[0091] The power supply line 60A is connected to the ground line
60N via a capacitor CD1 that functions as a decoupling capacitor
(also referred to as a bypass capacitor or a smoothing capacitor).
Accordingly, a voltage input to the protection IC 61 via the power
supply line 60A can be stabilized. Specifically, one end of the
capacitor CD1 is connected to a node N12 provided in the power
supply line 60A, and the other end of the capacitor CD1 is
connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N12 is provided in
the power supply line 60A on the protection IC 61 side with respect
to the node N11. Therefore, even when static electricity is
generated at the A4 pin, the A9 pin, the B4 pin, or the B9 pin, the
variable resistor VR1 can protect the capacitor CD1 from the static
electricity. That is, in the power supply line 60A, by providing
the node N12 on the protection IC 61 side with respect to the node
N11, it is possible to achieve both protection of the protection IC
61 from overvoltage and a stable operation of the protection IC
61.
[0092] The A6 pin, the A7 pin, the B6 pin, and the B7 pin of the
charging terminal 43 are pins used for input and output of a signal
for communication between the power supply unit 10 and an external
apparatus. In the present embodiment, serial communication in which
signals are transmitted differentially by two signal lines Dp (also
referred to as D+) and Dn (also referred to as D-) is used for
communication between the power supply unit 10 and the external
apparatus.
[0093] The A6 pin and the B6 pin are pins corresponding to a signal
line on a Dp side. The A6 pin and the B6 pin are connected in
parallel, and are connected to the PA12 pin of the MCU 50 via a
resistor R1. The resistor R1 is an element that is configured with
a resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a
predetermined electric resistance value. Further, the PA12 pin of
the MCU 50 is a pin used for input and output of a signal of the
MCU 50. Therefore, a signal on the Dp side from the external
apparatus can be input to the MCU 50 via the A6 pin or the B6 pin.
Further, the signal on the Dp side from the MCU 50 can be output to
the external apparatus via the A6 pin or the B6 pin.
[0094] The A6 pin and the B6 pin are also connected to the ground
line 60N via a variable resistor VR2. Therefore, for example, even
when static electricity is generated in the A6 pin and the B6 pin
due to the friction between the charging terminal 43 and the plug
when the plug is inserted into the charging terminal 43, the static
electricity can be released to the ground line 60N via the variable
resistor VR2 to protect the MCU 50. Further, since the resistor R1
is provided between the pins A6 and B6 and the MCU 50, the resistor
R1 can also prevent input of a high voltage to the MCU 50 and
protect the MCU 50.
[0095] The A7 pin and the B7 pin are pins corresponding to a signal
line on a Dn side. The A7 pin and the B7 pin are connected in
parallel and connected to the PA11 pin of the MCU 50 via a resistor
R2. The resistor R2 is an element that is configured with a
resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a
predetermined electric resistance value. Further, the PA11 pin of
the MCU 50 is a pin used for input and output of a signal of the
MCU 50. Therefore, a signal on the Dn side from the external
apparatus can be input to the MCU 50 via the A7 pin or the B7 pin.
Further, a signal on the Dn side from the MCU 50 can be output to
the external apparatus via the A7 pin or the B7 pin.
[0096] The A7 pin and the B7 pin are also connected to the ground
line 60N via a variable resistor VR3. Therefore, for example, even
when static electricity is generated in the A7 pin or the B7 pin
due to the friction between the charging terminal 43 and the plug
when the plug is inserted into the charging terminal 43, the static
electricity can be released to the ground line 60N via the variable
resistor VR3 to protect the MCU 50. Further, since the resistor R2
is provided between the pins A7 and B7 and the MCU 50, the resistor
R2 can also prevent input of a high voltage to the MCU 50 and
protect the MCU 50.
[0097] The A5 pin and the B5 pin of the charging terminal 43 are
pins used to detect an upper-lower direction of the plug inserted
into the charging terminal 43. For example, the A5 pin is a pin
corresponding to a signal line of a first configuration channel
(CC) signal (a CC1 signal), and the B5 pin is a pin corresponding
to a signal line of a second CC signal (a CC2 signal). The A5 pin
is connected to the ground line 60N via the resistor R3, and the B5
pin is connected to the ground line 60N via a resistor R4.
[0098] The A8 pin and the B8 pin of the charging terminal 43 are
not connected to the electric circuit of the power supply unit 10.
Therefore, the A8 pin and the B8 pin are not used and may also be
omitted.
[0099] As described above, the IN pin of the protection IC 61 is
the power supply pin of the protection IC 61 on the positive
electrode side and is connected to the power supply line 60A. The
VSS pin of the protection IC 61 is a power supply pin of the
protection IC 61 on a negative electrode side and is connected to
the ground line 60N. Further, the GND pin of the protection IC 61
is a ground pin of the protection IC 61 and is connected to the
ground line 60N. Accordingly, when the plug of the external power
supply is inserted into the charging terminal 43, power (for
example, USB bus power) is supplied to the protection IC 61 via the
power supply line 60A.
[0100] The OUT pin of the protection IC 61 is a pin from which a
voltage input to the IN pin of the protection IC 61 is output as it
is or a voltage (for example, 5.5.+-.0.2 [V]) converted by the
protection IC 61 is output, and is connected to the IN pin of the
charging IC 55 via the power supply line 60B. The IN pin of the
charging IC 55 is a power supply pin of the charging IC 55 on a
positive electrode side. Accordingly, an appropriate voltage
converted by the protection IC 61 is supplied to the charging IC
55.
[0101] The power supply line 60B is connected to the ground line
60N via a capacitor CD2 that functions as a decoupling capacitor.
Accordingly, a voltage input to the charging IC 55 via the power
supply line 60B can be stabilized.
[0102] The VBAT pin of the protection IC 61 is a pin used by the
protection IC 61 for detecting presence or absence of connection of
the power supply 12, and is connected to a positive electrode side
terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via a resistor R5. The resistor
R5 is an element that is configured with a resistance element, a
transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance
value. The protection IC 61 can detect that the power supply 12 is
connected based on a voltage input to the VBAT pin.
[0103] The CE pin of the protection IC 61 is a pin for turning
on/off an operation (various functions) of the protection IC 61.
Specifically, the protection IC 61 operates when a low-level
voltage is input to the CE pin, and stops the operation when a
high-level voltage is input to the CE pin. In the present
embodiment, the CE pin of the protection IC 61 is connected to the
ground line 60N so that the low-level voltage is always input.
Therefore, the protection IC 61 always operates during a supply of
power, and performs conversion to a predetermined voltage,
overcurrent detection, overvoltage detection, and the like.
[0104] Instead of the protection IC 61 in the present embodiment, a
protection IC that operates when a high-level voltage is input to a
CE pin and stops the operation 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 the protection IC needs to be connected to the
power supply line 60B or the power supply line 60A instead of the
ground line 60N.
[0105] As described above, the IN pin of the charging IC 55 is the
power supply pin of the charging IC 55 on the positive electrode
side, and is connected to the power supply line 60B. Further, the
charging IC 55 is connected to the ground line 60N by, for example,
a power supply pin on a negative electrode side (not shown).
Accordingly, a voltage output from the protection IC 61 is supplied
to the charging IC 55 via the power supply line 60B.
[0106] The BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin of the charging IC 55 are
pins used to transmit and receive power between the charging IC 55
and the power supply 12, and are connected to the positive
electrode side terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via a power
supply line 60C. A negative electrode side terminal 12b of the
power supply 12 is connected to the ground line 60N.
[0107] Specifically, the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin are connected
in parallel, connected to the positive electrode side terminal 12a,
and connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD3. When the
power supply 12 is discharged, electric charge is accumulated in
the capacitor CD3, and a voltage output from the power supply 12 is
input to the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin. Further, when the power
supply 12 is charged, a voltage for charging the power supply 12 is
output from the BAT_1 pin and the BAT_2 pin, and is applied to the
positive electrode side terminal 12a of the power supply 12 via the
power supply line 60C.
[0108] The power supply line 60C is connected to the ground line
60N via a capacitor CD4 that functions as a decoupling capacitor.
Accordingly, a voltage input to the power supply 12 via the power
supply line 60C can be stabilized.
[0109] The ISET pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin for setting a
value of a current output from the charging IC 55 to the power
supply 12. In the present embodiment, the ISET pin is connected to
the ground line 60N via a resistor R6. Here, the resistor R6 is an
element that is configured with a resistance element, a transistor,
or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance value.
[0110] The charging IC 55 outputs, to the power supply 12, a
current having a current value corresponding to an electric
resistance value of the resistor R6 connected to the ISET pin.
[0111] The TS pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin to which a voltage
value applied to a resistor connected to the TS pin is input and
that is used to detect an electric resistance value and a
temperature of the resistor connected to the TS pin based on the
voltage value. In the present embodiment, the TS pin is connected
to the ground line 60N via a resistor R7. Here, the resistor R7 is
an element that is configured with a resistance element, a
transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric resistance
value. Therefore, the charging IC 55 can detect an electric
resistance value and a temperature of the resistor R7 based on a
voltage value applied to the resistor R7.
[0112] The CHG pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin that outputs
information on a charging state of the power supply 12
(hereinafter, also referred to as charging state information), such
as during charging, during a charging stop, and charging
completion, and information on a 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 to
input a signal of the MCU 50. Therefore, the charging IC 55 can
notify the MCU 50 of the charging state, the remaining capacity,
and the like of the power supply 12 by outputting the charging
state information and the remaining capacity information from the
CHG pin to the MCU 50.
[0113] The OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin of the charging IC 55 are
pins from which the standard system voltage is output, 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 via a power supply line 60D. The IN pin of the LDO
regulator 62 is a power supply pin of the LDO regulator 62 on a
positive electrode side. Further, the VIN pin of the first DC/DC
converter 63 is a power supply pin of the first DC/DC converter 63
on a positive electrode side. Then, the VIN pin of the second DC/DC
converter 64 is a power supply pin of the second DC/DC converter 64
on a positive electrode side.
[0114] Specifically, the OUT_1 pin is connected to the ground line
60N and to the OUT_2 pin via a capacitor CD5 that functions as a
decoupling capacitor. Then, the OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin are
connected to the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD6 that 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.
[0115] Accordingly, 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.
[0116] In the present embodiment, a capacitor CD7 that functions as
a decoupling capacitor is also provided immediately before the
first DC/DC converter 63 of the power supply line 60D. Accordingly,
a stable standard system voltage can be supplied to the first DC/DC
converter 63, and a power supply from the first DC/DC converter 63
to the load 21 can be stabilized.
[0117] The ILIM pin of the charging IC 55 is a pin for setting an
upper limit of a value of a 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. In the present embodiment, the ILIM pin
is connected to the ground line 60N via the resistor R7. Here, the
resistor R7 is the element that is configured with the resistance
element, the transistor, or the like and has a predetermined
electric resistance value.
[0118] The charging IC 55 outputs, to the LDO regulator 62, the
first DC/DC converter 63, and the second DC/DC converter 64, a
current whose upper limit is a current value corresponding to the
electric resistance value of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM
pin. More specifically, the charging IC 55 outputs the current
having the current value corresponding to the electric resistance
value of the resistor R6 connected to the ISET pin from the OUT_1
pin and the OUT_2 pin, and stops outputting the current from the
OUT_1 pin and the OUT_2 pin when the current value reaches a
current value corresponding to the electric resistance value of the
resistor R7 connected to the ILIM pin. That is, a manufacturer of
the aerosol inhaler 1 can set an upper limit value of the current
output from the charging IC 55 to the LDO regulator 62, the first
DC/DC converter 63, and the second DC/DC converter 64 by the
electric resistance value of the resistor R7 connected to the ILIM
pin.
[0119] An LED circuit C1 is provided by branching from the power
supply line 60D. The LED circuit C1 is configured by connecting a
resistor R8, an LED 70, and a switch SW1 in series. Here, the
resistor R8 is an element that is configured with a resistance
element, a transistor, or the like and has a predetermined electric
resistance value. The resistor R8 is mainly used to limit a voltage
applied to the LED 70 and/or a current supplied to the LED 70. The
LED 70 is a light-emitting portion provided at a position
corresponding to the remaining amount check window 11w inside the
power supply unit 10, and configured to illuminate an outside of
the power supply unit 10 from an inside of the power supply unit 10
via the remaining amount check window 11w. When the LED 70 emits
light, visibility of a remaining amount of the first cartridge 20
(specifically, a remaining amount of the aerosol source 22 stored
in the first cartridge 20) via the remaining amount check window
11w is improved. The switch SW1 is, for example, a switch
configured with a MOSFET or the like.
[0120] One end of the LED circuit C1 on a resistor R8 side, that
is, one end of the resistor R8 is connected to a node N21 provided
in the power supply line 60D. The other end of the resistor R8
constitutes a connector 70a and is connected to a terminal of the
LED 70 on an anode side. One end of the switch SW1 constitutes a
connector 70b and is connected to a terminal of the LED 70 on a
cathode side. The other end of the LED circuit C1 on a switch SW1
side, that is, the other end of the switch SW1 is connected to the
ground line 60N. The LED 70 is an example of a third load in the
present invention, and the connector 70a and the connector 70b are
examples of a third connector in the present invention.
[0121] The switch SW1 is also connected to the MCU 50 as will be
described later, is turned on in response to an on command of the
MCU 50, and is turned off in response to an off command of the MCU
50. The LED circuit C1 is in a conductive state when the switch SW1
is turned on. Then, the LED 70 emits light when the LED circuit C1
is in the conductive state.
[0122] As described above, the IN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is
the power supply pin of the LDO regulator 62 on the positive
electrode side, and is connected to the power supply line 60D. The
GND pin of the LDO regulator 62 is a ground pin of the LDO
regulator 62 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Accordingly,
the standard system voltage output from the charging IC 55 is
supplied to the LDO regulator 62 via the power supply line 60D.
[0123] The OUT pin of the LDO regulator 62 is a pin that outputs a
low-voltage system voltage generated by the LDO regulator 62, and
is connected to the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50, the
VCC pin of the intake sensor 15, the VDD pin and the IXS pin of the
display driver 65, and the positive electrode side terminal 47a
connected to the vibrator 47 via the power supply line 60E. The VDD
pin and the VDD_USB pin of the MCU 50 are power supply pins of the
MCU 50 on a positive electrode side. Further, the VCC pin of the
intake sensor 15 is a power supply pin of the intake sensor 15 on a
positive electrode side. Then, the VDD pin of the display driver 65
is a power supply pin of the display driver 65 on a positive
electrode side. Accordingly, 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.
[0124] The EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 is a pin for turning
on/off an operation (a function) of the LDO regulator 62.
Specifically, the LDO regulator 62 operates when a high-level
voltage is input to the EN pin, and stops the operation when the
high-level voltage is not input to the EN pin.
[0125] In the present embodiment, the EN pin of the LDO regulator
62 is connected to the power supply line 60D and also connected to
the ground line 60N via a capacitor CD8. Therefore, when the
standard system voltage is output from the charging IC 55, electric
charge is accumulated in the capacitor CD8, the 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.
[0126] That is, in the power supply unit 10, the capacitor CD8
connected to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62 can be charged by
power from the charging IC 55, and a high-level signal can be input
to the EN pin of the LDO regulator 62. Accordingly, even when the
LDO regulator 62 and the MCU 50 are in a stopped state due to power
shortage of the power supply 12, the LDO regulator 62 can be
reactivated by power from the external power supply, and the MCU 50
can also be reactivated by power from the LDO regulator 62.
[0127] As described above, the VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin of the
MCU 50 are power supply pins of the MCU 50 on the positive
electrode side, and are connected to the power supply line 60E. The
VSS pin of the MCU 50 is a power supply pin of the MCU 50 on a
negative electrode side and is connected to the ground line 60N.
Accordingly, a low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO
regulator 62 is supplied to the MCU 50 via the power supply line
60E. The VDD pin and the VDD_USB pin may be combined as one
pin.
[0128] A thermistor circuit C2 is provided by branching from the
power supply line 60E. The thermistor circuit C2 is configured by
connecting a switch SW2, a resistor R9, and a thermistor TH in
series. One end of the thermistor circuit C2 on a switch SW2 side
is connected to a node N31 provided in the power supply line 60E.
Further, the other end of the thermistor circuit C2 on a thermistor
TH side is connected to the ground line 60N.
[0129] Here, the switch SW2 is a switch configured with, for
example, a MOSFET or the like. The switch SW2 is connected to the
MCU 50 as will be described later, is turned on in response to the
on command of the MCU 50, and is turned off in response to the off
command of the MCU 50. The thermistor circuit C2 is in a conductive
state when the switch SW2 is turned on.
[0130] The resistor R9 is an element that is configured with a
resistance element, a transistor, or the like and has a
predetermined electric resistance value. The thermistor TH includes
an element having negative temperature coefficient (NTC)
characteristics or positive temperature coefficient (PTC)
characteristics, that is, an element having a correlation between
an electric resistance value and a temperature, and the like. The
thermistor TH is disposed in the vicinity of the power supply 12 in
a state where a temperature of the power supply 12 can be
detected.
[0131] The PC1 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to a node N32
provided between the resistor R9 and the thermistor TH in the
thermistor circuit C2. When the thermistor circuit C2 is in the
conductive state (that is, when the switch SW2 is turned on), a
voltage divided by the resistor R9 and the thermistor TH is input
to the PC1 pin. The MCU 50 can detect a temperature of the
thermistor TH, that is, the temperature of the power supply 12,
based on a voltage value input to the PC1 pin.
[0132] The PA8 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that is connected to the
switch SW2 and outputs an on command to turn on the switch SW2 and
an off command to turn off the switch SW2. The MCU 50 can turn on
the switch SW2 to put the thermistor circuit C2 in the conductive
state by outputting the on command from the PA8 pin. Further, the
MCU 50 can turn off the switch SW2 to put the thermistor circuit C2
in a non-conductive state by outputting the off command from the
PA8 pin. As a specific example, when the switch SW2 is a switch
configured with a MOSFET, the PA8 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to
a gate terminal of the MOSFET. Then, the MCU 50 can control on/off
of the switch SW2 by controlling a gate voltage (that is, an output
from the PA8 pin) applied to the gate terminal.
[0133] In the power supply line 60E, the switch SW3 is provided in
front of the positive electrode side terminal 47a. Here, the switch
SW3 is a switch configured with, for example, a MOSFET or the like.
The switch SW3 is connected to the MCU 50, is turned on in response
to the on command of the MCU 50, and is turned off in response to
the off command of the MCU 50.
[0134] Specifically, the PC6 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that is
connected to the switch SW3 and outputs an on command to turn on
the switch SW3 and an off command to turn off the switch SW3. When
the on command is output from the PC6 pin, the MCU 50 can turn on
the switch SW3, supply power to the vibrator 47 by the power supply
line 60E, and vibrate the vibrator 47. Further, when the off
command is output from the PC6 pin, the MCU 50 can turn off the
switch SW3, and stop the supply of power to the vibrator 47 by the
power supply line 60E (that is, the vibration of the vibrator 47).
As a specific example, when the switch SW3 is a switch configured
with a MOSFET, the PC6 pin of the MCU 50 is connected to a gate
terminal of the MOSFET. Then, the MCU 50 can control on/off of the
switch SW3 by controlling a gate voltage (that is, an output from
the PC6 pin) applied to the gate terminal.
[0135] A Zener diode D is connected to the power supply line 60E.
Here, the Zener diode is a diode that includes two terminals
(electrodes) on an anode side and a cathode side, and in which a
current rapidly flows from the cathode side to the anode side when
a voltage of a terminal on the anode side exceeds a predetermined
Zener voltage (also referred to as a breakdown voltage, for
example, in a case of the present embodiment, a voltage lower than
the variable resistor voltage described above).
[0136] Specifically, one end of the Zener diode D on the anode side
is connected to the ground line 60N, and the other end of the Zener
diode D on the cathode side is connected to a node N41 provided in
the power supply line 60E. Here, the node N41 is provided between
the switch SW3 and the positive electrode side terminal 47a in the
power supply line 60E. Accordingly, even when a
counter-electromotive force having a voltage higher than the Zener
voltage of the Zener diode D is generated from the vibrator 47 when
the vibrator 47 is turned on/off, as indicated by an arrow of a
reference numeral C3 in FIG. 4, a current due to the
counter-electromotive force can flow through a closed circuit
formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D. Therefore, it is
possible to prevent the current due to the counter-electromotive
force from flowing to an outside of the closed circuit formed by
the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D, and to protect the
electronic components of the power supply unit 10 such as the power
supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62 provided outside the closed
circuit.
[0137] A capacitor CD9 may be connected to the power supply line
60E. Specifically, in this case, one end of the capacitor CD9 is
connected to a node N42 provided in the power supply line 60E, and
the other end of the capacitor CD9 is connected to the ground line
60N. Here, the node N42 is provided on a positive electrode side
terminal 47a side with respect to the node N41 in the power supply
line 60E. In this way, the capacitor CD9 can be disposed in the
closed circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D
described above, and the capacitor CD9 can also protect the
electronic components of the power supply unit 10 such as the power
supply 12 and the LDO regulator 62 provided outside the closed
circuit formed by the vibrator 47 and the Zener diode D. The
capacitor CD9 may not be provided in the closed circuit described
above, but may be provided in the vicinity of the closed circuit.
As a specific example, the capacitor CD9 may be provided between
the switch SW3 and the Zener diode D. Even in this way, the
capacitor CD9 and the Zener diode D can protect the electronic
components of the power supply unit 10 such as the power supply 12
and the LDO regulator 62.
[0138] The PB3 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that is connected to the
EN pin of the first DC/DC converter 63 and outputs a predetermined
voltage signal. The MCU 50 can turn on/off the operation of the
first DC/DC converter 63 by the voltage signal output from the PB3
pin. Specifically, the MCU 50 can cause the first DC/DC converter
63 to operate (that is, enable the first DC/DC converter 63) by
outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin. Further,
the MCU 50 can stop the operation of the first DC/DC converter 63
(that is, disable the first DC/DC converter 63) by outputting a
low-level voltage signal from the PB3 pin.
[0139] The PB4 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that is connected to the
switch SW4 described later and provided between the first DC/DC
converter 63 and the discharging terminal 41, and that outputs an
on command to turn on the switch SW4 and an off command to turn off
the switch SW4. The MCU 50 can supply power to the load 21 as will
be described later by outputting the on command from the PB4 pin to
turn on the switch SW4. Further, the MCU 50 can stop the supply of
power to the load 21 by outputting the off command from the PB4 pin
to turn off the switch SW4. As a specific example, when the switch
SW4 is a switch configured with a MOSFET, the PB4 pin of the MCU 50
is connected to a gate terminal of the MOSFET. Then, the MCU 50 can
control on/off of the switch SW4 by controlling a gate voltage
(that is, an output from the PB4 pin) applied to the gate
terminal.
[0140] As described above, the PB15 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that
is connected to the CHG pin of the charging IC 55 and receives
input of the charging state information and the remaining capacity
information output by the charging IC 55.
[0141] The PA0 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that is connected to the
switch SW1 of the LED circuit C1 and outputs an on command to turn
on the switch SW1 and an off command to turn off the switch SW1.
The MCU 50 can put the LED circuit C1 in a conductive state to
cause the LED 70 to emit light (be turned on) by outputting the on
command from the PA0 pin to turn on the switch SW1. Further, the
MCU 50 can put the LED circuit C1 in a non-conductive state to turn
off the LED 70 by outputting the off command from the PA0 pin to
turn off the switch SW1. As a specific example, when the switch SW1
is a switch configured with a MOSFET, the PA0 pin of the MCU 50 is
connected to a gate terminal of the MOSFET. Then, the MCU 50 can
control on/off of the switch SW1 by controlling a gate voltage
(that is, an output from the PA0 pin) applied to the gate terminal.
Further, the MCU 50 can switch between the conductive state and the
non-conductive state of the LED circuit C1 at a high speed to cause
the LED 70 to blink by outputting while switching the on command
and the off command from the PA0 pin at a high speed.
[0142] The PC5 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that is connected to the
OUT pin of the intake sensor 15 and receives an output of the
intake sensor 15 (that is, a signal indicating a detection result
of the intake sensor 15).
[0143] The PA11 pin and the PA12 pin of the MCU 50 are pins used
for input and output of a signal for communication between the
power supply unit 10 and the external apparatus. Specifically, as
described above, the PA11 pin is connected to the A7 pin and the B7
pin of the charging terminal 43 via the resistor R2, and is used
for input and output of a signal on the Dn side. Further, as
described above, the PA12 pin is connected to the A6 pin and the B6
pin of the charging terminal 43 via the resistor R1, and is used
for input and output of a signal on the Dp side.
[0144] The PC12 pin of the MCU 50 is a pin that is connected to the
EN pin of the second DC/DC converter 64 and outputs a predetermined
voltage signal. The MCU 50 can turn on/off an operation of the
second DC/DC converter 64 by the voltage signal output from the
PC12 pin. Specifically, the MCU 50 can cause the second DC/DC
converter 64 to operate (that is, enable the second DC/DC converter
64) by outputting a high-level voltage signal from the PC12 pin.
Further, the MCU 50 can stop the operation of the second DC/DC
converter 64 (that is, disable the second DC/DC converter 64) by
outputting a low-level voltage signal from the PC12 pin.
[0145] The PB8 pin and the PB9 pin of the MCU 50 are pins used to
output a signal for communication between the MCU 50 and another
IC, and are used for communication between the MCU 50 and the
display driver 65 in the present embodiment. Specifically, in the
present embodiment, the MCU 50 and the display driver 65 perform
inter-integrated circuit (I2C) communication. The PB8 pin is used
to output a signal of the I2C communication on an SCL side, and the
PB9 pin is used to output a signal of the I2C communication on an
SDA side. The MCU 50 can control the display driver 65 by the
signals output from the PB8 pin and the PB9 pin to control a
display content of the display 16 (the OLED panel 46).
[0146] As described above, the VCC pin of the intake sensor 15 is
the power supply pin of the intake sensor 15 on the positive
electrode side, and is connected to the power supply line 60E. The
GND pin of the intake sensor 15 is a ground pin of the intake
sensor 15 and is connected to the ground line 60N. Accordingly, the
low-voltage system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 is
supplied to the intake sensor 15 via the power supply line 60E.
[0147] As described above, the OUT pin of the intake sensor 15 is a
pin that outputs the signal indicating the detection result of the
intake sensor 15, and is connected to the PC5 pin of the MCU 50.
Accordingly, the intake sensor 15 can notify the MCU 50 of the
detection result.
[0148] As described above, the VIN pin of the first DC/DC converter
63 is the power supply pin of the first DC/DC converter 63 on the
positive electrode side, and is connected to the power supply line
60D. Further, the VIN pin of the first DC/DC converter 63 is also
connected to the SW pin (the switch pin) of the first DC/DC
converter 63 via a coil CL1. The GND pin of the first DC/DC
converter 63 is a ground pin of the first DC/DC converter 63, and
is connected to the ground line 60N.
[0149] The VOUT pin of the first DC/DC converter 63 is a pin that
outputs the first high-voltage system voltage generated by the
first DC/DC converter 63, and is connected to the positive
electrode side discharging terminal 41a of the discharging terminal
41 via a power supply line 60F. The negative electrode side
discharging terminal 41b of the discharging terminal 41 is
connected to the ground line 60N.
[0150] The switch SW4 is provided in the power supply line 60F. The
switch SW4 is, for example, a switch configured with a MOSFET or
the like, and more specifically, is a power MOSFET having a high
switching speed. The switch SW4 is connected to the MCU 50 as
described above, is turned on in response to the on command of the
MCU 50, and is turned off in response to the off command of the MCU
50. When the switch SW4 is turned on, the power supply line 60F is
in a conductive state, and the first high-voltage system voltage is
supplied to the load 21 via the power supply line 60F.
[0151] A variable resistor VR4 is connected to the power supply
line 60F. Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR4 is
connected to a node N51 provided in the power supply line 60F, and
the other end of the variable resistor VR4 is connected to the
ground line 60N. Here, the node N51 is provided on a positive
electrode side discharging terminal 41a side with respect to the
switch SW4, that is, on an output side of the switch SW4 in the
power supply line 60F. In other words, the variable resistor VR4 is
connected between the discharging terminal 41 and the power supply
12, more specifically, between the discharging terminal 41 and the
first DC/DC converter 63 (more specifically, the switch SW4).
[0152] Therefore, for example, even when static electricity is
generated in the discharging terminal 41 due to friction between
the discharging terminal 41 and the load 21 when the first
cartridge 20 is replaced, the static electricity can be released to
the ground line 60N via the variable resistor VR4 to protect the
switch SW4, the first DC/DC converter 63, the power supply 12, and
the like. Further, even when the variable resistor VR4 fails, the
switch SW4 and the first DC/DC converter 63 can serve as a barrier
against noise (in this case, the static electricity generated in
the discharging terminal 41) for another element (for example, the
charging IC 55) on a power supply 12 side with respect to the
switch SW4 and the first DC/DC converter 63, and can protect
another element.
[0153] A capacitor CD10 that functions as a decoupling capacitor is
connected to the power supply line 60F. Specifically, one end of
the capacitor CD10 is connected to a node N52 provided in the power
supply line 60F, and the other end of the capacitor CD10 is
connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N52 is provided
between the node N51 and the switch SW4 in the power supply line
60F. In other words, the capacitor CD10 is connected to the output
side of the switch SW4. Accordingly, power supply from the switch
SW4 to the load 21 can be stabilized, and even when static
electricity is generated in the discharging terminal 41, the
variable resistor VR4 can protect the capacitor CD10 from the
static electricity.
[0154] A capacitor CD11 that functions as a decoupling capacitor
may be connected to the power supply line 60F. Specifically, in
this case, one end of the capacitor CD11 is connected to a node N53
provided in the power supply line 60F, and the other end of the
capacitor CD11 is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node
N53 is provided between the switch SW4 and the first DC/DC
converter 63 in the power supply line 60F. In other words, the
capacitor CD11 is connected to an output side of the first DC/DC
converter 63. Accordingly, power supply from the first DC/DC
converter 63 to the switch SW4 (for example, the power MOSFET) can
be stabilized. As a result, power supply to the load 21 can be
stabilized.
[0155] As described above, the EN pin of the first DC/DC converter
63 is a pin for setting the operation of the first DC/DC converter
63 on/off and is connected to the PB3 pin of the MCU 50.
[0156] The MODE pin of the first DC/DC converter 63 is a pin for
setting an operation mode of the first DC/DC converter 63. The
first DC/DC converter 63 is, for example, a switching regulator,
and can have a pulse width modulation mode (hereinafter, also
referred to as a PWM mode) and a pulse frequency modulation mode
(hereinafter, also referred to as a PFM mode) as operation modes.
In the present 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 can operate, and the first DC/DC
converter 63 is set to operate in the PWM mode.
[0157] As described above, the VIN pin of the second DC/DC
converter 64 is the power supply pin of the second DC/DC converter
64 on the positive electrode side, and is connected to the power
supply line 60D. Further, the VIN pin of the second DC/DC converter
64 is also connected to the SW pin (the switch pin) of the second
DC/DC converter 64 via a coil CL2. The GND pin of the second DC/DC
converter 64 is a ground pin of the second DC/DC converter 64 and
is connected to the ground line 60N.
[0158] The VOUT pin of the second DC/DC converter 64 is a pin that
outputs the second high-voltage system voltage generated by the
second DC/DC converter 64, and is connected to the VCC_C pin of the
display driver 65 via a power supply line 60G. Accordingly, the
second DC/DC converter 64 can supply the second high-voltage system
voltage to the display driver 65.
[0159] A variable resistor VR5 is connected to the power supply
line 60G. Specifically, one end of the variable resistor VR5 is
connected to a node N61 provided in the power supply line 60G, and
the other end of the variable resistor VR5 is connected to the
ground line 60N. In other words, the variable resistor VR5 is
connected between a connector portion connected to the VCC_C pin of
the display driver 65 and the second DC/DC converter 64 in the
power supply line 60G.
[0160] Therefore, even when static electricity is generated in the
display 16 by contact of the display 16 exposed to an outside of
the aerosol inhaler 1 with any object (for example, a hand of the
user) and the static electricity flows back to a second DC/DC
converter 64 side via the OLED panel 46 and the display driver 65,
the static electricity can be released to the ground line 60N via
the variable resistor VR5, and the second DC/DC converter 64 and
the like can be protected from the static electricity. Further,
even when the variable resistor VR5 fails, the second DC/DC
converter 64 can serve as a barrier against noise (in this case,
the static electricity generated in the display 16) for another
element (for example, the LDO regulator 62) on the power supply 12
side with respect to the variable resistor VR5, and can protect
another element. That is, in the power supply line 60G, by
providing the node N62 on a second DC/DC converter side with
respect to the node N61, it is possible to achieve both protection
of the display driver 65 from overvoltage and a stable operation of
the display driver 65.
[0161] From the same viewpoint, a variable resistor VR6 is also
connected to the power supply line 60E. Specifically, one end of
the variable resistor VR6 is connected to a node N43 provided in
the power supply line 60E, and the other end of the variable
resistor VR6 is connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node
N43 is provided between the LDO regulator 62 and the switch SW3 in
the power supply line 60E. Therefore, even when static electricity
is generated in the display 16 by contact of the display 16 exposed
to the outside of the aerosol inhaler 1 with any object and the
static electricity flows back to an LDO regulator 62 side via the
OLED panel 46 and the display driver 65, the static electricity can
be released to the ground line 60N via the variable resistor VR6,
and the LDO regulator 62 can be protected from the static
electricity.
[0162] A capacitor CD12 that functions as a decoupling capacitor is
connected to the power supply line 60G. Specifically, one end of
the capacitor CD12 is connected to a node N62 provided in the power
supply line 60G, and the other end of the capacitor CD12 is
connected to the ground line 60N. Here, the node N62 is provided on
the second DC/DC converter 64 side with respect to the node N61 in
the power supply line 60G. Accordingly, a stable second
high-voltage system voltage can be supplied to the display driver
65, and even when static electricity is generated in the display
16, the variable resistor VR5 can protect the capacitor CD12 from
the static electricity.
[0163] The EN pin of the second DC/DC converter 64 is a pin for
setting the operation of the second DC/DC converter 64 on/off and
is connected to the PC12 pin of the MCU 50 as described above.
[0164] As described above, the VDD pin of the display driver 65 is
the power supply pin of the display driver 65 on the positive
electrode side and is connected to the power supply line 60E.
Further, the VSS pin of the display driver 65 is a power supply pin
of the display driver 65 on a negative electrode side and is
connected to the ground line 60N. Accordingly, the low-voltage
system voltage output from the LDO regulator 62 is supplied to the
display driver 65 via the power supply line 60E. The low-voltage
system voltage supplied to the display driver 65 is used as a power
supply for operating the display driver 65.
[0165] The VCC_C pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that
receives the second high-voltage system voltage, and is connected
to the VOUT pin of the second DC/DC converter 64 via the power
supply line 60G as described above. When receiving the second
high-voltage system voltage by the VCC_C pin, the display driver 65
supplies the received second high-voltage system voltage to the
OLED panel 46 via a power supply line 60H. Accordingly, the display
driver 65 can cause the OLED panel 46 to operate. The display
driver 65 and the OLED panel 46 may also be connected by another
line (not shown).
[0166] The SCL pin of the display driver 65 is a pin that receives
a signal on an SCL side in I2C communication between the MCU 50 and
the display driver 65, and is connected to the PB8 pin of the MCU
50 as described above. Further, the SDA pin of the display driver
65 is a pin that receives a signal on an SDA side in the I2C
communication between the MCU 50 and the display driver 65, and is
connected to the PB9 pin of the MCU 50 as described above.
[0167] The IXS pin of the display driver 65 is a pin for setting
which of the I2C communication and serial peripheral interface
(SPI) communication is used to perform communication between the
display driver 65 and another IC (the MCU 50 in the present
embodiment). In the present embodiment, by connecting the IXS pin
to the power supply line 60E, a high-level voltage is input to the
IXS pin, and the communication between the display driver 65 and
the MCU 50 is set to be performed by the I2C communication. The
communication between the display driver 65 and the MCU 50 may be
set to be performed by the SPI communication by inputting a
low-level voltage to the IXS pin.
[0168] (MCU)
[0169] Next, a configuration of the MCU 50 will be described with
reference to FIG. 5.
[0170] As shown in FIG. 5, the MCU 50 includes an aerosol
generation request detection unit 51, a temperature detection unit
52, a power control unit 53, and a notification control unit 54 as
functional blocks implemented by the processor executing a program
stored in a ROM (not shown).
[0171] The aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects an
aerosol generation request based on an output result of the intake
sensor 15. The intake sensor 15 is configured to output a value of
a change in a pressure (an internal pressure) in the power supply
unit 10 caused by suction of the user through the suction port 32.
The intake sensor 15 is, for example, a pressure sensor that
outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current
value) corresponding to an internal pressure that changes according
to a flow rate of air sucked from an intake port (not shown) toward
the suction port 32 (that is, a puff operation of the user). The
intake sensor 15 may be configured with a condenser microphone or
the like. The intake sensor 15 may output an analog value or may
output a digital value converted from the analog value. Further,
the intake sensor 15 may transmit an output to the aerosol
generation request detection unit 51 by using the I2C
communication, the SPI communication, or the like described
above.
[0172] The temperature detection unit 52 detects a temperature of
the power supply 12 based on an 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 a temperature of the thermistor TH, that is, the
temperature of the power supply 12 based on a voltage value input
from the thermistor circuit C2 to the MCU 50 (for example, the PC1
pin) at that time. Further, for example, an electric resistance
value of the load 21 may be configured to be detectable, and the
temperature detection unit 52 may detect a temperature of the load
21.
[0173] The power control unit 53 controls a supply of power to the
electronic components of the aerosol inhaler 1. For example, when
the aerosol generation request detection unit 51 detects the
aerosol generation request, the power control unit 53 causes the
first DC/DC converter 63 to operate and controls switching of the
switch SW4 to supply the first high-voltage system voltage to the
load 21 via the positive electrode side discharging terminal 41a.
Accordingly, the MCU 50 can supply power of the first high-voltage
system voltage to the load 21, cause the load 21 to be heated (to
function), and cause an aerosol to be generated. Then, in this way,
power from the charging IC 55 (that is, power of the standard
system voltage) is boosted to the first high-voltage system voltage
by the first DC/DC converter 63 and supplied to the load 21, so
that an amount of an aerosol generated by the load 21 and a flavor
can be improved as compared with a case where the power from the
charging IC 55 is supplied to the load 21 without being
boosted.
[0174] The power control unit 53 supplies the standard system
voltage to the vibrator 47 via the positive electrode side terminal
47a by turning on the switch SW3 at a predetermined timing.
Accordingly, the MCU 50 can supply the power of the standard system
voltage to the vibrator 47 to cause the vibrator 47 to vibrate
(function).
[0175] The power control unit 53 supplies the second high-voltage
system voltage to the OLED panel 46 via the display driver 65 by
causing the second DC/DC converter 64 to operate at a predetermined
timing. Accordingly, the MCU 50 can supply power of the second
high-voltage system voltage to the OLED panel 46 to cause the OLED
panel 46 to operate (function).
[0176] When the aerosol generation request detection unit 51
detects the aerosol generation request, the power control unit 53
further turns on the switch SW1 to put the LED circuit C1 in a
conductive state, and causes the LED 70 to emit light (function).
In this case, a voltage obtained by lowering the standard system
voltage from the charging IC 55 by the resistor R8 is supplied to
the connector 70a. That is, by turning on the switch SW1, the power
control unit 53 can supply power of the voltage obtained by
lowering the standard system voltage by the resistor R8 to the LED
70 via the connector 70a.
[0177] For example, the power control unit 53 performs control such
that the power supplied to the LED 70 is smaller than power
supplied to other electronic components such as the load 21, the
OLED panel 46, and the vibrator 47. That is, the power control unit
53 performs control such that the power supplied to the connector
70a is smaller than the power supplied to the positive electrode
side discharging terminal 41a, the positive electrode side terminal
47a, and the like. Accordingly, it is possible to supply
appropriate power to the LED 70 with a simple configuration, and to
implement high functionality of the aerosol inhaler 1 while
preventing an increase in a manufacturing cost of the aerosol
inhaler 1 (for example, the power supply unit 10).
[0178] The notification control unit 54 controls the notification
unit 45 to notify various pieces of information. For example, the
notification control unit 54 controls the notification unit 45 to
notify a replacement timing of the second cartridge 30 in response
to 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 a cumulative
number of times of the puff operation or a cumulative energization
time to the load 21 stored in the memory 19. The notification
control unit 54 may notify not only the replacement timing of the
second cartridge 30, but also a replacement timing of the first
cartridge 20, a replacement timing of the power supply 12, a
charging timing of the power supply 12, and the like.
[0179] In a state where one unused second cartridge 30 is set, when
the puff operation is performed a predetermined number of times, or
when the cumulative energization time to the load 21 by the puff
operation reaches a predetermined value (for example, 120 seconds),
the notification control unit 54 may determine that the second
cartridge 30 has been used (that is, the remaining amount is zero
or empty), and may notify the replacement timing of the second
cartridge 30.
[0180] When it is determined that all of the second cartridges 30
included in the one set have been used, the notification control
unit 54 may determine that one first cartridge 20 included in the
one set has been used (that is, the remaining amount is zero or
empty), and may notify the replacement timing of the first
cartridge 20. In addition to or instead of these, the notification
control unit 54 may also notify a remaining amount of the first
cartridge 20, a remaining amount of the second cartridge 30, a
remaining capacity of the power supply 12, and the like.
[0181] (Overvoltage Protection According to Loads Provided in
Aerosol Inhaler 1)
[0182] Finally, loads provided in the aerosol inhaler 1 and
protection against an overvoltage and the like according to the
loads are summarized. As shown in FIG. 6, the aerosol inhaler 1
includes the vibrator 47, the display 16, the first cartridge 20
(that is, the load 21), the LED 70, and the intake sensor 15 as
loads that function (that is, operate) by a power supply.
[0183] The vibrator 47 is disposed inside the power supply unit
case 11, and is provided in a state of not being exposed to the
outside of the aerosol inhaler 1 (see "not exposed" for "exposed to
outside" corresponding to the vibrator in FIG. 6). Therefore, the
vibrator 47 does not generate noise that is due to static
electricity generated when the vibrator 47 is in contact with any
object outside the aerosol inhaler 1.
[0184] The vibrator 47 is provided in a state of being provided in
the power supply unit 10, and is basically not attached to or
detached from the power supply unit 10 (see "provided" for
"connection to main body" corresponding to the vibrator in FIG. 6).
Therefore, the vibrator 47 does not generate noise (ESD:
Electro-Static Discharge) that is due to static electricity or a
surge generated when the vibrator 47 is attached to or detached
from the power supply unit 10.
[0185] The vibrator 47 generates a counter-electromotive force by
being operated, and may become a noise source of noise due to the
counter-electromotive force (see "presence" for "presence or
absence of possibility of becoming noise source" and
"counter-electromotive force" for "type of noise" corresponding to
the vibrator in FIG. 6).
[0186] For the vibrator 47 having such characteristics as a load,
by providing the Zener diode D having a polarity as a protection
element (see "Zener diode" for "overvoltage protection element"
corresponding to the vibrator in FIG. 6), it is possible to
appropriately protect the system of the aerosol inhaler 1 (the
power supply unit 10) from an overvoltage that may occur due to the
vibrator 47.
[0187] The display 16 is formed on the upper surface of the power
supply unit 10, and is provided in a state where at least a part
thereof is exposed to the outside of the aerosol inhaler 1 (see
"exposed" for "exposed to outside" corresponding to the display in
FIG. 6). Therefore, the display 16 may generate noise that is due
to static electricity generated when the display 16 is in contact
with any object (for example, the hand of the user) outside the
aerosol inhaler 1 (see "static electricity" for "type of noise"
corresponding to the display in FIG. 6).
[0188] The display 16 is provided in a state of being provided in
the power supply unit 10, and is basically not attached to or
detached from the power supply unit 10 (see "provided" for
"connection to main body" corresponding to the display in FIG. 6).
Therefore, the display 16 does not generate noise (ESD) that is due
to static electricity or a surge generated when the display 16 is
attached to or detached from the power supply unit 10.
[0189] The display 16 does not generate the counter-electromotive
force even when the display 16 operates. That is, the display 16
may not become a noise source that generates noise by itself (see
"absence" for "presence or absence of possibility of becoming noise
source" corresponding to the display in FIG. 6).
[0190] For the display 16 having such characteristics as a load,
since it is necessary to step down high-voltage static electricity,
by providing the variable resistors VR5 and VR6 having a large
allowable current (see "variable resistor" for "overvoltage
protection element" corresponding to the display in FIG. 6), it is
possible to appropriately protect the system of the aerosol inhaler
1 (the power supply unit 10) from an overvoltage that may occur due
to the display 16. Further, a cost of the Zener diode tends to be
higher than that of the variable resistor. Therefore, by adopting
the variable resistor as the protection element, it is also
possible to prevent a large number of Zener diodes and to prevent
an increase in a manufacturing cost of the power supply unit
10.
[0191] The first cartridge 20 is basically housed in the cartridge
holder 14, and is provided in a state of not being exposed to the
outside of the aerosol inhaler 1 (see "not exposed" for "exposed to
outside" corresponding to the first cartridge in FIG. 6).
Therefore, the first cartridge 20 does not generate noise that is
due to static electricity generated when the first cartridge 20 is
in contact with any object outside the aerosol inhaler 1.
[0192] The first cartridge 20 is provided in a state of being
attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit 10, and can
be attached to and detached from the power supply unit 10 (see
"attachable and detachable" for "connection to main body"
corresponding to the first cartridge in FIG. 6). Therefore, the
first cartridge 20 may generate noise (ESD) that is due to static
electricity or a surge generated when the first cartridge 20 is
attached to or detached from the power supply unit 10 (see "static
electricity" for "type of noise" corresponding to the first
cartridge in FIG. 6).
[0193] The first cartridge 20 does not generate the
counter-electromotive force even when the first cartridge 20 is
operated. That is, the first cartridge 20 may not become a noise
source that generates noise by itself (see "absence" for "presence
or absence of possibility of becoming noise source" corresponding
to the first cartridge in FIG. 6).
[0194] Similar to the display 16, for the first cartridge 20 having
such characteristics as a load, since it is necessary to step down
high-voltage static electricity, by providing the variable resistor
VR4 having a large allowable current (see "variable resistor" for
"overvoltage protection element" corresponding to the first
cartridge in FIG. 6), it is possible to appropriately protect the
system of the aerosol inhaler 1 (the power supply unit 10) from an
overvoltage that may occur due to the first cartridge 20.
[0195] The LED 70 is disposed inside the power supply unit case 11,
and is provided in a state of not being exposed to the outside of
the aerosol inhaler 1 (see "not exposed" for "exposed to outside"
corresponding to the LED in FIG. 6). Therefore, the LED 70 does not
generate noise that is due to static electricity generated by
friction against any object outside the aerosol inhaler 1.
[0196] The LED 70 is provided in a state of being provided in the
power supply unit 10, and is basically not attached to or detached
from the power supply unit 10 (see "provided" for "connection to
main body" corresponding to the LED in FIG. 6). Therefore, the LED
70 does not generate noise (ESD) that is due to static electricity
or a surge generated when the LED 70 is attached to or detached
from the power supply unit 10.
[0197] The LED 70 does not generate the counter-electromotive force
even when the LED 70 is operated. That is, the LED 70 may not
become a noise source that generates noise by itself (see "absence"
for "presence or absence of possibility of becoming noise source"
corresponding to the LED in FIG. 6).
[0198] In the LED 70 having such characteristics as a load, an
overvoltage is less likely to occur. Therefore, a manufacturing
cost of the aerosol inhaler 1 can be reduced by not providing the
LED 70 with a Zener diode or a variable resistor for a purpose of
protecting the LED 70 from the overvoltage and the like caused by
the LED 70.
[0199] The intake sensor 15 also has characteristics as a load
similar to that of the LED 70. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of
the aerosol inhaler 1 can be reduced by not providing the intake
sensor 15 with a Zener diode or a variable resistor for a purpose
of protecting the intake sensor 15 from an overvoltage and the like
caused by the intake sensor 15.
[0200] As described above, according to the power supply unit 10 of
the present embodiment, the system of the aerosol inhaler 1 (the
power supply unit 10) can be appropriately protected by providing
overvoltage protection elements according to the characteristics
(types) of the loads.
[0201] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiment, and can be appropriately modified, improved, and the
like.
[0202] At least the following matters are described in the present
description.
[0203] Corresponding components in the above embodiment are shown
in parentheses. However, the present invention is not limited
thereto.
(1) A power supply unit (the power supply unit 10) for an aerosol
generation device (the aerosol inhaler 1) including:
[0204] a power supply (the power supply 12) configured to supply
power to a heater (the load 21) configured to heat an aerosol
source;
[0205] a first connector (the positive electrode side terminal 47a)
connected to a first load (the vibrator 47) configured to function
by power supplied from the power supply;
[0206] a second connector (the positive electrode side discharging
terminal 41a) configured to function by power supplied from the
power supply and connected to a second load (the load 21) separate
from the first load;
[0207] a Zener diode (the Zener diode D) connected between the
first connector and the power supply; and
[0208] a variable resistor (the variable resistor VR4) connected
between the second connector and the power supply.
[0209] According to (1), since the protection elements provided for
the loads can be made different according to the loads connected to
the connectors, the power supply unit for the aerosol generation
device including a plurality of loads can be appropriately
protected.
(2) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to (1),
[0210] in which the first connector irremovably connects the first
load, and
[0211] in which the second connector removably connects the second
load.
[0212] According to (2), since the variable resistor is provided as
a protection element for the connector where static electricity may
be generated by removing (that is, attaching or detaching) a load,
the power supply unit for the aerosol generation device can be
appropriately protected from the static electricity. Further, by
adopting the variable resistor as the protection element, it is
possible to prevent a large number of Zener diodes, which are
likely to be expensive, and to prevent an increase in a
manufacturing cost of the power supply unit.
(3) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to (1) or (2), further including:
[0213] a case configured to house at least the power supply and the
first connector,
[0214] in which the first connector is connected to the first load
not exposed from the case, and
[0215] in which the second connector is connected to the second
load at least partially exposed from the case.
[0216] According to (3), since the variable resistor is provided as
the protection element for the connector where static electricity
may be generated by, for example, being in contact with any object
(for example, a hand of a user) outside the case due to at least a
part being exposed from the case, the power supply unit for the
aerosol generation device can be appropriately protected from the
static electricity.
(4) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to any one of (1) to (3),
[0217] in which the first load vibrates while functioning, and
[0218] in which the second load does not vibrate while
functioning.
[0219] According to (4), since the Zener diode is provided as the
protection element for a load that is a noise source itself to
generate vibration, it is possible to appropriately protect the
power supply unit for the aerosol generation device from noise
generated by the load that is the noise source.
(5) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to any one of (2) to (4), further including:
[0220] a voltage converter connected to the second connector and
configured to convert a voltage of power supplied from the power
supply,
[0221] in which the variable resistor is connected between the
second connector and the voltage converter.
[0222] According to (5), since the voltage converter is provided
behind the variable resistor as a protection element on an entrance
path of static electricity, even when the variable resistor fails,
the voltage converter can serve as a barrier against noise (the
static electricity) for other elements behind the variable resistor
and the voltage converter and can protect other elements.
(6) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to any one of (1) to (5), further including:
[0223] a first capacitor (the capacitor CD9) connected between the
first connector and the Zener diode; and
[0224] a second capacitor (the capacitor CD10) connected between
the power supply and the variable resistor.
[0225] According to (6), by providing the capacitors respectively
between the first connector and the Zener diode and between the
power supply and the variable resistor, the capacitors can be
provided at appropriate positions, and the power supply unit for
the aerosol generation device can be appropriately protected.
(7) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to any one of (1) to (6), further including:
[0226] a third connector (the connector 70a) that is configured to
function by power supplied from the power supply and to which a
third load (the LED 70) separate from the first load and the second
load is connected,
[0227] in which a path configured to connect the third connector
and the power supply does not include a Zener diode and a variable
resistor.
[0228] According to (7), by not providing the Zener diode and the
variable resistor in the path that connects the third connector and
the power supply, it is possible to prevent an increase in the
manufacturing cost of the power supply unit and enlargement of an
electric circuit.
(8) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to (7),
[0229] in which the path does not include a voltage converter
configured to convert a voltage of power supplied from the power
supply.
[0230] According to (8), by not providing the voltage converter in
the path that connects the third connector and the power supply, it
is possible to prevent the increase in the manufacturing cost of
the power supply unit and the enlargement of the electric
circuit.
(9) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to (8),
[0231] in which the path includes a resistance (the resistor R8)
connected in series with the power supply and the third
connector.
[0232] According to (9), by providing the resistance connected in
series with the power supply and the third connector in the path
that connects the third connector and the power supply, it is
possible to supply appropriate power to the third load with a
simple configuration, and it is possible to implement increased
functionality of the aerosol generation device while preventing the
increase in the manufacturing cost of the power supply unit and the
enlargement of the electric circuit.
(10) The power supply unit for the aerosol generation device
according to any one of (7) to (9), further including:
[0233] a controller (the MCU 50) configured to control a supply of
power from the power supply to the first connector, the second
connector, and the third connector,
[0234] in which the controller controls power supplied to the third
connector to be smaller than power supplied to the first connector,
and
[0235] in which the controller controls power supplied to the third
connector to be smaller than power supplied to the second
connector.
[0236] According to (10), since the power supplied to the third
connector can be limited more than the power supplied to other
connectors, it is possible to supply appropriate power to the third
load with the simple configuration, and it is possible to implement
the increased functionality of the aerosol generation device while
preventing the increase in the manufacturing cost of the power
supply unit and the enlargement of the electric circuit.
* * * * *