EA040474B1 - AEROSOL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AEROSOL DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to an aerosol device that generates an aerosol for inhalation by a user and a method for manufacturing said device.

State of the art

In an aerosol device such as a conventional electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, or a nebulizer, an aerosol device capable of generating an aerosol for inhalation by a user, if the user inhales when the amount of the aerosol source to be nebulized to generate the aerosol is insufficient, the user cannot be delivered enough aerosol. In addition, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, there is a problem in that an aerosol having an undesirable inhalable flavor may be emitted.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for determining the presence of an aerosol source based on the electrical power required to maintain the temperature of a heater configured to heat the aerosol source. Patent Document 2 discloses an aerosol device containing a shunt circuit in addition to an aerosol generating circuit. Patent Document 3 discloses a method for reading, from the power supply side, information delivered by an aerosol source storage cartridge and performing control based on the information. Patent Documents 4-12 also disclose various methods that solve the problem described above or may contribute to solving the problem described above.

However, conventional methods require components including an ammeter and a voltmeter to detect the insufficiency of an aerosol source, resulting in an increase in cost, weight and size of the apparatus, and the like. In addition, conventional methods use a parameter that varies depending on the errors of the device components, which leads to a low accuracy in determining the insufficiency of the aerosol source. In addition, it is necessary to develop a method for determining the insufficiency of the aerosol source with higher accuracy after replacing the cartridge.

Patent Documents.

Patent Document 1. European Patent Application Publication No. 2797446.

Patent Document 2. European Patent Application Publication No. 1412829.

Patent Document 3. International Publication No. WO 2015/138560.

Patent Document 4. European Patent Application Publication No. 2471392.

Patent Document 5. European Patent Application Publication No. 2257195.

Patent Document 6. European Patent Application Publication No. 2654469.

Patent Document 7. International Publication No. WO 2015/100361.

Patent Document 8. Japanese Translation of PCT International Application No. 2017-503520.

Patent Document 9. International Publication No. WO 2017/084818.

Patent Document 10 European Patent Application Publication No. 2399636.

Patent Document 11. Japanese translation of PCT International Application No. 2016531549.

Patent Document 12. International Publication No. WO 2016/143079.

Technical problem

The present invention has been developed in view of the problems described above. The first problem solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol device with fewer required components and with high accuracy in determining the insufficiency of the aerosol source, and a method and program for actuating this device.

The second problem solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol device that reduces the influence of product component errors on the aerosol source failure detection accuracy, and a method for manufacturing the aerosol device.

The third problem solved by the present invention is to provide an aerosol device that can determine the insufficiency of the aerosol source with higher accuracy after replacing the cartridge, and a method and program for driving this device.

Solution

In order to solve the above-described first problem, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol device is provided, comprising a power source, a storage unit that stores the aerosol source, or an aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source, a load that generates heat after receiving electric power from power supply and sprays the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit or held in the aerosol carrier material using heat, and the electrical resistance value of the load changes depending on the temperature, a circuit that electrically connects the power supply and the load, and the power supply configured to determining whether the amount of the aerosol source that can be supplied from the storage unit or held in the aerosol carrier material is insufficient based on the first voltage value, which is the voltage value applied to the entire circuit, and the second value voltage value, which is the voltage value,

- 1 040474 applied to a section in the circuit, and the voltage to be applied varies in accordance with changes in load temperature.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient when the second voltage value satisfies the first condition a plurality of times while the first voltage value is adjusted to have a constant value, or when the electrical resistance value of the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value, satisfies the second condition multiple times.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient when the first condition is continuously satisfied a plurality of times or when the second condition is continuously satisfied a plurality of times.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to store the number of times the first condition is met or the number of times the second condition is met and decrease the number of times the first condition is not met or the second condition is not met.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to reset the number of times the first condition is not met or the second condition is not met.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a connector that allows attachment/detachment of a cartridge including a storage unit or an aerosol product including an aerosol carrier material and that allows detection of attachment/detachment of the cartridge or aerosol product. The control unit is configured to store the number of times the first condition is met or the number of times the second condition is met and decrease the number of times the cartridge or aerosol product is attached to the connector.

In an embodiment, the identification information or usage history of the cartridge or aerosol-forming article can be obtained in a predetermined manner. The control unit is configured to determine whether to reduce the number of times based on the identification information or history of use of the cartridge or aerosol-forming article that is attached to the connector.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to store the number of times the first condition is satisfied, or the number of times the second condition is satisfied, to determine whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient based on comparing the number of times with a predetermined threshold, and not increase the number of times , reduce the amount of increase in the number of times, or raise the predetermined threshold when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied in a state in which the aerosol generation request timing change does not correspond to the predetermined normal change.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient using the first reference condition based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value, and the second reference condition different from the first reference condition, and determining that the source amount aerosol is insufficient when the first reference condition is satisfied a plurality of times or when the second reference condition is satisfied a fewer number of times than a plurality of times.

In an embodiment, the second reference condition is more difficult to satisfy than the first reference condition.

In an embodiment, the first reference condition is whether the second voltage value satisfies the first threshold at the time the first voltage value is adjusted to have a constant value, or whether the load electrical resistance value derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second threshold. voltage. The second reference condition is whether the second voltage value satisfies a threshold higher than the first threshold, or whether the load electrical resistance value satisfies a threshold higher than the second threshold.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine if the second reference condition is met before determining whether the first reference condition is met.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to perform at least one of cutting off the supply of electrical power from the power source to the load or notifying the user, without determining whether the first reference condition is satisfied when the second reference condition is satisfied, and determining whether that the amount of aerosol source is insufficient.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and provides the converted voltage for supply to the entire circuit. The control unit is configured to control the conversion unit.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the conversion unit to output a constant voltage when determining whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient.

- 2 040474

In an embodiment, the aerosol device includes a sensor that outputs a second voltage value. The control unit is configured to determine whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient based on the first voltage value, which is a constant voltage value, and the second voltage value, which is output from the sensor.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine if the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient based on comparing the second voltage value output from the sensor with a predetermined threshold.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device includes a first sensor and a second sensor that output a first voltage value and a second voltage value, respectively. The control unit is configured to determine whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient based on comparing the load electrical resistance value derived from the output values of the first sensor and the second sensor with a predetermined threshold.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a known resistor that is in series with the load and has a known electrical resistance value. The second voltage value is the voltage value applied to the load or known resistor.

In an embodiment, the known resistor has an electrical resistance value higher than the electrical resistance value of the load. The aerosol device includes a sensor that outputs a second voltage value based on a comparison of the reference voltage with an amplified voltage applied to the load.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for driving an aerosol device, the method comprising the step of atomizing an aerosol source using heat generated by supplying electrical power from a power source to a load whose electrical resistance value varies with temperature, and a step of determining whether the amount of the aerosol source ready to be supplied to generate the aerosol is not sufficient, based on the first voltage value, which is the voltage value supplied to the entire circuit that electrically connects the power supply and the load, and the second voltage value, which is the value voltage applied to a section in the circuit, and the voltage to be applied varies in accordance with changes in load temperature.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol device is provided, comprising a power source, a storage unit that stores the aerosol source, or an aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source, a load that generates heat after receiving electrical power from the power source, and atomizes the source aerosol supplied from the storage unit or held in the aerosol carrier material using heat, and the electric resistance value of the load changes depending on the temperature, a circuit that electrically connects the power supply and the load, and a control unit configured to estimate the residual amount aerosol source stored in the storage unit or held in the aerosol carrier material, based on the first voltage value, which is the voltage value supplied to the entire circuit, and the second voltage value, which is the voltage value supplied to to a section in the circuit, with the voltage to be applied varying in accordance with changes in load temperature.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for driving an aerosol device, the method comprising the step of atomizing an aerosol source using heat generated by supplying electrical power from a power source to a load whose electrical resistance value varies with temperature, and a step of estimating the residual amount of the aerosol source, based on the first voltage value, which is the voltage value supplied to the entire circuit that electrically connects the power supply and the load, and the second voltage value, which is the voltage value supplied to the section in the circuit, and the voltage to be supplied varies according to changes in load temperature.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol device is provided, comprising a power source, a storage unit that stores the aerosol source, or an aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source, a load that generates heat after receiving electrical power from the power source, and atomizes the source aerosol supplied from the storage unit or held in the aerosol carrier material using heat, a circuit that electrically connects the power supply and the load, and a control unit configured to determine whether there is not enough aerosol that can be supplied from the storage unit to the load or held in the aerosol carrier material based on the first voltage value, which is the voltage value applied to the entire circuit, and the second voltage value, which is the voltage value applied to the area in the circuit, while the control unit is configured to to receive the first voltage value from the memory and the second voltage value from the sensor.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided

- 3 040474 actuating the aerosol device, the method comprising the step of spraying the aerosol source using heat generated when electrical power is supplied from the power source to the load, and the step of determining whether the amount of the aerosol source ready to be supplied is insufficient to generate the aerosol, based on the first voltage value, which is the voltage value applied to the entire circuit that electrically connects the power supply and the load, and the second voltage value, which is the voltage value applied to the area in the circuit, and the first voltage value is received from the memory, and the second the voltage value is received from the sensor.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol device is provided, comprising a power source, a storage unit that stores the aerosol source, or an aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source, a load that generates heat after receiving electrical power from the power source, and atomizes the source aerosol source using heat, a circuit that electrically connects the power supply and the load, and a control unit configured to estimate the residual amount of the aerosol source stored in the storage unit or held in the aerosol carrier material based on the first voltage value, which is the voltage value applied to the entire circuit, and a second voltage value, which is a voltage value applied to a section in the circuit, and the control unit is configured to receive the first voltage value from the memory and the second voltage value from the sensor.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for driving an aerosol device, the method comprising the step of spraying an aerosol source using heat generated by supplying electric power from the power source to a load, and the step of estimating the residual amount of the aerosol source based on the first a voltage value which is a voltage value supplied to the entire circuit that electrically connects the power supply and a load, and a second voltage value which is a voltage value supplied to a section in the circuit, wherein the first voltage value is received from the memory and the second voltage value is received from the sensor.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a program is provided for instructing a processor, while the processor is executing, to perform any of the methods described above.

In order to solve the above-described second problem, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol device is provided, comprising a power source, a load that generates heat after receiving electric power from the power source, and sprays the aerosol source using heat, and the electrical resistance value of the load changes in depending on temperature, the first circuit used to cause the load to spray the aerosol source, the second circuit used to determine the voltage, which changes in accordance with changes in the temperature of the load, connected in parallel with the first circuit and having an electrical resistance value higher than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit, a data acquisition unit that receives the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit and the load, and a sensor that provides a voltage value that changes in accordance with changes in the temperature of the load.

In an embodiment, the second circuit contains a known resistor that is in series with the load and has a known electrical resistance value. The sensor outputs the voltage value applied to the load or a known resistor as a voltage value, which changes according to changes in the load temperature.

In an embodiment, the known resistor has an electrical resistance value higher than the electrical resistance value of the load, and the sensor outputs a voltage value applied to the load.

In an embodiment, a voltage value that changes in response to changes in load temperature is obtained based on a comparison of the reference voltage value with an amplified voltage value applied to the load.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device includes a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and provides the converted voltage for supply to the second circuit and load. The data acquisition unit receives the set value of the output voltage of the conversion unit at the time when current flows in the second circuit.

In an embodiment, the conversion unit is connected between the higher voltage node of the nodes to which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected and the power supply.

In an embodiment, the conversion unit is a switching regulator that is capable of stepping down and outputting the input voltage.

In an embodiment, the storage unit that stores the aerosol source and the load are contained in a cartridge that is connectable/detachable to the aerosol device via a connector. The cartridge does not contain a sensor.

- 4 040474

In an embodiment, the second circuit contains a known resistor that is in series with the load and has a known electrical resistance value. The storage unit that stores the aerosol source and the load are contained in a cartridge that is connectable/disconnectable to the aerosol device via a connector. The sensor outputs the voltage value applied to the load and the connector as a voltage value, which changes according to changes in the temperature of the load.

In an embodiment, the aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source is contained in an aerosol-forming article that is insertable/removable into/from the aerosol/th device/s. The aerosol-forming article does not contain a sensor.

In an embodiment, the known resistor has an electrical resistance value such that a current flows in the second circuit having a value that allows a distinction to be made between a state in which current flows in the second circuit and a state in which no current flows in the second circuit.

In an embodiment, the known resistor has an electrical resistance value such that a current flows in the second circuit having a value that allows a distinction to be made between a state in which current flows in the second circuit and a state in which no current flows in the second circuit, in the case when the power supply voltage is the discharge end voltage.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device includes a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and provides the converted voltage for supply to the second circuit and load. The known resistor has an electrical resistance value such that a current flows in the second circuit having a value that allows a distinction to be made between a state in which current flows in the second circuit and a state in which no current flows in the second circuit, in the case where the second circuit and the load is supplied with the output voltage of the conversion unit.

In an embodiment, the known resistor has an electrical resistance value such that a current flows in the second circuit having a value that allows a distinction to be made between a state in which current flows in the second circuit and a state in which no current flows in the second circuit, in the case when the load temperature is the temperature reached only when the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient.

In an embodiment, the known resistor has an electrical resistance value such that only the electrical power necessary for the thermal inertia of the load is supplied to the load while current is flowing in the second circuit.

In an embodiment, the known resistor has an electrical resistance value such that the load does not form an aerosol while current is flowing in the second circuit.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a first switch that connects and disconnects the electrical conduction of the first circuit, a second switch that connects and disconnects the electrical conduction of the second circuit, and a control unit configured to control the switching of the first switch and the second switch so that the on time the first switch was longer than the turn-on time of the second switch.

In an embodiment, the turn on time of the second switch is the minimum period of time that can be provided by the control unit.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing an aerosol device, the method comprising the step of setting a power source and setting a load spraying the aerosol source using heat generated when electric power is supplied from the power source and having an electrical resistance value that changes depending on the temperature, the step of forming the first circuit used to cause the load to spray the aerosol source, the step of forming the second circuit used to determine the voltage that changes in accordance with changes in temperature of the load connected in parallel with the first circuit and having an electrical resistance value higher, than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit, a mounting step of a data acquisition unit that receives the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit and the load, and a sensor mounting step that outputs a voltage value that is changed adjusted according to changes in load temperature.

To solve the above-described third problem, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol device is provided, comprising a power source, a load that generates heat after receiving electric power from the power source, and sprays the aerosol source using heat, and has a resistance value temperature dependence characteristic, with which the load electrical resistance value changes with temperature, a memory that stores the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value, a sensor that outputs a value related to the load resistance value, and a control unit configured to calibrate the stored resistance value temperature dependence characteristic based on the correspondence between the sensor output value and the load temperature estimate corresponding to the output value.

- 5 040474

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to calibrate the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the load forms an aerosol and the room temperature.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to calibrate the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the load forms an aerosol and the room temperature when a predetermined condition is created that determines that the load temperature is room temperature.

In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous generation of the aerosol.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a cartridge that includes a load and a storage unit that stores an aerosol source, or an aerosol generating article that includes a load and an aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source, and a connector that allows attachment/detachment. cartridge or insertion/removal of an aerosol-forming article. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined period of time elapses after the cartridge is attached to the connector or the aerosolizing article is inserted into the connector.

In an embodiment, the sensor is configured to output any of the temperature of the power supply, the temperature of the control unit, the temperature inside the aerosol device, and the outside temperature of the aerosol device. The predetermined condition may be that the temperature output from the sensor becomes the room temperature, or the absolute value of the difference between the temperature output from the sensor and the room temperature does not exceed a predetermined threshold.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power source to the load and control the load so as not to generate an aerosol until the sensor output value correlates with the temperature estimate corresponding to the output value when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

In the embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the supply of a given electrical power from the power source to the load, while the specified electrical power is lower than the electrical power required to raise the load temperature to a temperature at which the load is capable of forming an aerosol, and to calibrate the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value according to the output value of the sensor at the time when the specified electrical power is supplied to the load.

In an embodiment, the set electrical power is the electrical power that does not cause the load temperature to rise beyond the resolution of the sensor.

In an embodiment, the specified electrical power is the electrical power that does not cause the load temperature to rise.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power source to the load and calibrate the retained characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor when electrical power sufficient to generate aerosol is supplied to the load and the temperature that causes the formation of aerosol.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured not to calibrate the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value when the output value of the sensor, when the electrical power sufficient to generate an aerosol is supplied to the load, is at a level not lower than the threshold, or when the amount of change in the output value of the sensor, when the specified electric power supplied to the load is at a level not lower than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the supply of electrical power from the power source to the load and calibrate the retained characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor when electrical power sufficient to generate an aerosol is supplied to the load and in a steady state with a value other than at room temperature, and a temperature that causes the formation of an aerosol.

In an embodiment, the temperature and the value of the electrical resistance of the load are proportional and the control unit is configured to calibrate the intersection point of the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value.

In an embodiment, the temperature and the value of the electrical resistance of the load are proportional. The aerosol device contains a database that stores the electrical resistance value of the load and one parameter of the angle of inclination and the point of intersection of the characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value for each type of load. The control unit is configured to calibrate one parameter from the angle of inclination and the point of intersection of the characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value according to the output value of the sensor and the database and to calibrate another parameter from the angle of inclination and the point of intersection of the characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value according to the output value of the sensor and 6 040474 to one parameter from the angle of inclination and the point of intersection of the characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value.

In an embodiment, the database stores the electrical resistance value of the load at room or aerosol temperature and another parameter from the slope angle and the intersection point of the resistance value temperature dependence characteristic for each type of load.

In an embodiment, the temperature and the value of the electrical resistance of the load are proportional. The control unit is configured to calibrate the angle of inclination and the point of intersection of the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the estimate of the load temperature corresponding to the output value, and information about the load and the cartridge including the load.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to obtain load or cartridge information from at least one of an external terminal link, load identification information, cartridge or cartridge packaging identification information, and user input.

In an embodiment, the temperature and the value of the electrical resistance of the load are proportional. The control unit is configured to calibrate the angle of inclination and the intersection point of the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the load forms an aerosol and the room temperature and the correspondence between the output value of the sensor when sufficient electrical power is supplied to the load. for the formation of an aerosol, and the temperature causing the formation of an aerosol.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured not to calibrate the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value when the output value of the sensor, when the electrical power sufficient to generate an aerosol is supplied to the load, is at a level not lower than the threshold, or when the amount of change in the output value of the sensor, when the specified electrical power is supplied to the load, is at a level not lower than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a cartridge that includes a load and a storage unit that stores an aerosol source, or an aerosol generating article that includes a load and an aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source, and a connector that allows attachment/detachment. cartridge or insertion/removal of an aerosol-forming article. The control unit is configured to calibrate the retained characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value only when the cartridge is disconnected from the connector or the aerosol-forming product is removed from the connector.

In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether or not to perform a calibration based on a predetermined condition prior to calibrating the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a cartridge that includes a load and a storage unit that stores an aerosol source, or an aerosol generating article that includes a load and an aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source, and a connector that allows attachment/detachment. cartridge or insertion/removal of an aerosol-forming article. The control unit is configured to store the resistance value of the cartridge disconnected from the connector, or the resistance value of the aerosol-forming product removed from the connector. The predetermined condition is that the resistance value stored by the control unit is different from the resistance value of the cartridge just connected to the connector or the resistance value of the aerosol product just inserted into the connector.

In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the rate of change of the resistance value of the cartridge connected to the connector, or the rate of change of the resistance value of the aerosolizing article inserted into the connector, is below a predetermined threshold while power is being supplied to the load.

In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is that, based on the correspondence between the sensor output value and the load temperature estimate corresponding to the output value, a determination is made that the load temperature is estimated to be less than the actual value if the stored resistance value temperature response is not calibrated.

In an embodiment, the predetermined condition is for the sensor output to be below a predetermined threshold.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a cartridge that includes a load and a storage unit that stores an aerosol source, or an aerosol generating article that includes a load and an aerosol carrier material that holds the aerosol source, and a connector that allows attachment/detachment. cartridge or insertion/removal of an aerosol-forming article. The cartridge or aerosol product does not contain a sensor. The control unit is configured to calibrate the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the value obtained by subtracting the set value from the output value of the sensor and the estimated load temperature corresponding to the output value.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a first circuit used to cause the load to spray the aerosol source and a second circuit used to determine a value related to the load resistance value connected in parallel with the first circuit and having an electrical resistance value higher than the electrical resistance value of the first chains.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device contains circuitry that electrically connects the power supply and the load. The sensor provides at least a value of the voltage applied to the area in the circuit, while the voltage to be applied varies in accordance with changes in load temperature. The control unit is configured to output the value of the electrical resistance of the load, based on the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit, and the output value of the sensor.

In an embodiment, the aerosol device comprises a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and provides the converted voltage for supply to the entire circuit. The control unit is configured to control the conversion unit to apply a constant voltage to the entire circuit to output the electrical resistance value of the load.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for driving an aerosol device, the method comprising the step of spraying an aerosol source using heat generated by supplying electrical power to a load having a resistance value temperature dependence characteristic with which the electrical resistance value of the load varies depending on temperature, and a step of calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value stored in the memory based on a correspondence between an output value of a sensor that outputs a value related to the load resistance value and an estimate of the load temperature corresponding to the output value.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol device that includes a power source, a load that generates heat after receiving electric power from the power source, and sprays the aerosol source using heat, and has a resistance value temperature dependence characteristic with which the electrical resistance value load varies with temperature, a memory that stores the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value, a sensor that outputs a value related to the load resistance value, and a control unit configured to perform predetermined control on the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value, the control unit configured to calibrate a value related to a given control based on the correspondence between the sensor output value and the estimated load temperature corresponding to the output value June.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for driving an aerosol device, the method comprising the step of spraying an aerosol source using heat generated by supplying electrical power to a load having a resistance value temperature dependence characteristic with which the electrical resistance value of the load varies depending on the temperature, a step of executing a predetermined control according to the resistance value temperature dependence characteristic, and a step of calibrating a value related to the predetermined control based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor that outputs the value related to the load resistance value and the load temperature estimation corresponding to the output value.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a program is provided for instructing a processor, while the processor is executing, to perform any of the methods described above.

Useful effects of the invention

In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, an aerosol device is provided with fewer required components and with high accuracy in determining the insufficiency of the aerosol source and a method and programs for actuating this device.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol device that reduces the effect of article component errors on the accuracy of aerosol source failure detection, and a method for manufacturing the aerosol device.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol device that can detect an insufficiency of an aerosol source with higher accuracy after replacing a cartridge, and a method and program for driving the device.

- 8 040474

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1A is a block diagram of a configuration of an aerosol device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a block diagram of a configuration of an aerosol device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary layout configuration of a portion of an aerosol device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process performed when a user's inhalation pattern is an unexpected pattern, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary circuit configuration for obtaining a voltage value that changes in accordance with changes in load temperature, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of an aerosol source failure determination process.

Fig. 9 is a graph of an approximate relationship between the electrical resistance value and the temperature of each of the loads made of the same metal.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11A is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11B is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a graph showing that the temperature threshold for determining that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient may become too high due to the production load deviation 132.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a graph of an exemplary temperature dependence of the resistance value of each of the different loads that are made of different metals.

Description of embodiments of the invention

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention include an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, and a nebulizer, but are not limited to an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, and a nebulizer. Embodiments of the present invention may include various aerosol devices for generating an aerosol inhaled by a user.

Fig. 1A is a configuration block diagram of an aerosol device 100A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that FIG. 1A schematically and conceptually illustrates the components contained in the aerosol device 100A and does not show the exact location, shape, size, spatial arrangement, or the like. components and aerosol device 100A.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the aerosol device 100A includes a first member 102 (hereinafter referred to as the main body 102) and a second member 104A (hereinafter referred to as the cartridge 104A). As shown in the drawing, as an example, the main body 102 may include a control unit 106, a notification unit 108, a power supply 110, a sensor 112, and a memory 114. The aerosol device 100A may include sensors such as a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, and

- 9 040474 voltage sensor, and these sensors are collectively referred to as sensor 112 in this disclosure. The main body 102 may also include circuitry 134 described later. By way of example, the cartridge 104A may include a storage unit 116A, a spray unit 118A, an air inlet 120, an aerosol flow path 121, a mouthpiece 122 holding assembly 130, and a load 132. Some of the components contained in the main body 102 may include in cartridge 104A. Some of the components contained in cartridge 104A may be contained in main body 102. Cartridge 104A may be releasably coupled to main body 102. Alternatively, all of the components contained in main body 102 and cartridge 104A may be contained in a single body, instead of the main body 102 and the cartridge 104A.

The storage unit 116A may be in the form of a container that stores the aerosol source. In this case, the source of the aerosol is a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or water. When the aerosol device 100A is an electronic cigarette, the aerosol source in the storage unit 116A may include a tobacco source material that emits an inhalable flavor component when heated, or an extract extracted from the tobacco source material. The holding assembly 130 holds the aerosol source. For example, the containment assembly 130 is formed from a fibrous or porous material and retains an aerosol source, which is a liquid, in gaps between fibers or pinholes of the porous material. For example, as the aforementioned fiber or porous material, cotton, glass fiber, tobacco raw material or the like can be used. When the aerosol device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug to be inhaled by the user. In another example, storage unit 116A may be configured in which a consumable aerosol source can be replenished. Alternatively, the storage unit 116A itself can be configured to be changed when the aerosol source is used up. The aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid. When the aerosol source is a solid, the storage unit 116A may be a hollow container.

The spray unit 118A is configured to spray the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. When an inhalation action is detected by the sensor 112, the spray unit 118A generates an aerosol. For example, the inhalation action may be detected by a flow sensor or a flow sensor. In this case, if the absolute value or amount of change in the flow rate or flow rate of the air in the air inlet 120 satisfies the predetermined condition, with the air flow generated in the air inlet 120 when the mouthpiece 112 is taken into the mouth and inhaled, the flow sensor or the flow sensor can detect inhalation action. Alternatively, for example, the inhalation action may be detected by a pressure sensor. In this case, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, the pressure inside the air inlet 120 becomes negative when the user takes the mouthpiece 112 into the mouth and inhales, the pressure sensor can detect the inhalation action. It should be noted that the flow sensor, the flow sensor, and the pressure sensor may be configured to produce an output signal only, respectively, of the flow rate, flow rate, and pressure in the air inlet 120, so that the control unit 106 detects the inhalation action from the output signal.

Alternatively, the nebulization unit 118A may generate an aerosol, or the nebulization unit 118A may receive electrical power from the power supply 110, using, for example, a push button, touch pad, or acceleration sensor, so that it is not necessary to detect an inhalation action or wait for an inhalation action to be detected. Such a configuration allows the nebulization unit 118A to appropriately generate the aerosol at the time the user actually inhales the aerosol, even when, for example, the heat capacity of the holding assembly 130 and the loads 132 that form the nebulization unit 118A or the heat capacity of the aerosol source itself is significant. It should be noted that sensor 112 may include a sensor that detects a press of a push button or touch pad, or an acceleration sensor.

For example, a holding unit 130 is provided for communication between the storage unit 116A and the spray unit 118A. In this case, a portion of the holding assembly 130 communicates with the interior of the storage unit 116A and is in contact with the aerosol source. The other part of the retaining assembly 130 continues to the spray block 118A. It should be noted that the other part of the holding unit 130 extending to the spray unit 118A may be placed inside the spray unit 118 or may in this case also communicate with the interior of the storage unit 116A through the spray unit 118A. The aerosol source is transferred from storage unit 116A to spray unit 118A by capillary action in holding assembly 130. As an example, spray unit 118A includes a heater including load 132 that is electrically coupled to power supply 110. The heater is positioned in contact or intimate contact with the holding assembly 130. When an inhalation action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the nebulization unit 118A or the power supply to the heaters.

- 10 040474 and heats the aerosol source carried over the holding unit 130 to thereby spray the aerosol source. Another example of a spray unit 118A would be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source through ultrasonic vibrations. The air inlet 120 is connected to the spray unit 118A and communicates with the outside of the aerosol device 100A. The aerosol generated in the spray unit 118A mixes with the air drawn in through the air inlet 120. The fluid mixture of aerosol and air is supplied to the aerosol flow channel 121 as indicated by arrow 124. The aerosol flow channel 121 has a tubular structure for transporting the fluid aerosol mixture to the mouthpiece 122 formed in the spray unit 118A and air.

The mouthpiece 122 is positioned at the outlet of the aerosol flow channel 121 and is configured to provide an outlet for the aerosol flow channel 121 to the outside of the aerosol device 100A. The user holds the mouthpiece 122 in the user's mouth and inhales to thereby draw air containing the aerosol into the user's mouth.

The notification unit 108 may include a light emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode), a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like. The notification unit 108 is configured to perform specific notification of the user by emitting light, displaying information, generating sound, vibration, or the like, as required.

Power supply 110 supplies electrical power to components such as notification unit 108, sensor 112, memory 114, load 132, and circuit 134 of aerosol device 110A. The power source 110 can also be recharged by connecting to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the aerosol device 100A. Power supply 110 alone may be detachable from main body 102 or aerosol device 100A, or may be replaceable with new power supply 110. The power supply 110 can be replaced with a new power supply 110 by replacing the entire main body 102 with a new main body 102.

The sensor 112 may also include one or more sensors that are used to obtain a voltage value applied to the entire circuit 134 or a specific section thereof, a value related to the load resistance value 132, a value related to the temperature of the load 132. The sensor 112 may be included in the scheme 134 or something similar. The function of the sensor 112 may be included in the control unit 106 . Sensor 112 may also include a pressure sensor that detects voltage fluctuations in air inlet 120 and/or aerosol flow path 121, or a flow sensor that detects flow in air inlet 120 and/or aerosol flow path 121. Sensor 112 may also include a weight sensor that detects the weight of a component, such as storage unit 116A. Sensor 112 may also be configured to count the number of times a user puffs using aerosol device 100A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to integrate the time of power supply to the spray unit 118A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to determine the height of the liquid surface in the storage unit 116A. The control unit 106 and the sensor 112 may also be configured to obtain or determine SOC (degree of charge), an integrated value of current, voltage, and the like. power source 110. The SOC value can be obtained by a current integration method (Coulomb charge counting method), an SOC-OCV (open circuit voltage charging degree determination) method, or the like. The sensor 112 may also be an operating button or similar component that can be controlled by the user.

Block 106 controls the electronic circuit module, made in the form of a microprocessor or microcomputer. The control unit 106 may also be configured to control the operation of the aerosol device 100A in accordance with computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 114. The memory 114 is a storage medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or flash memory. . The memory 114, in addition to the above-described computer-executable instructions, may store setting data necessary to control the aerosol device 100A or the like. For example, the memory 114 may store various data such as the control program of the notification unit 108 (varieties and the like of light emission, sound generation, vibration, etc.), the control program of the spray unit 118A, the value received and/or read by the sensor 112 and the heating history of the spray unit 118A. The control unit 106 reads the data from the memory 114, if necessary, to use them to control the aerosol device 100A, and stores the data in the memory 114, if necessary.

Fig. 1B is a block diagram of a configuration of an aerosol device 100B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, aerosol device 100B has a configuration similar to that of aerosol device 100A in FIG. 1A. It should be noted that the configuration of the second element 104B (hereinafter referred to as the aerosol-forming article 104B or cartridge 104B) is different from the configuration of the first element 104A. By way of example, the aerosol generating article 104B may include an aerosol carrier material 116B, a spray unit 118B, an air inlet

- 11 040474 channel 120, aerosol flow channel 121 and mouthpiece 122. Some of the components contained in the main body 102 may be contained in the aerosol product 104B. Some of the components contained in the aerosol-forming article 104B may be contained in the main body 102. The aerosol-forming article 104B may be insertable/removable into/from the main body(s) 102. Alternatively, all components contained in the main body 102 and the aerosol-forming article 104B may be contained in the same housing, instead of the main body 102 and the aerosol-forming article 104B.

Aerosol carrier material 116B may be in the form of a solid containing an aerosol source. As in the case of storage unit 116A in FIG. 1A, the aerosol source can be a liquid, such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerol or propylene glycol, or water. The aerosol source in the aerosol carrier material 116B may include a tobacco source material that emits an inhalable flavor component when heated, or an extract extracted from the tobacco source material. When the aerosol device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may also include a drug to be inhaled by the patient. The aerosol carrier material 116B itself can be configured to be replaced when the aerosol source is used up. The aerosol source is not limited to a liquid and may be a solid.

The spray unit 118B is configured to spray the aerosol source and generate the aerosol. When an inhalation action is detected by sensor 112, nebulization unit 118B generates an aerosol. The spray unit 118B includes a heater (not shown) including a load that is electrically connected to the power supply 110. When the inhalation action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the spray unit 118B or energizes the heater and heats the aerosol source contained in the aerosol carrier material 116B to thereby spray the aerosol source. Another example of atomizer unit 118B would be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source through ultrasonic vibrations. The air inlet 120 is connected to the spray unit 118B and communicates with the outside of the aerosol device 100B. The aerosol generated in the spray unit 118B mixes with the air drawn in through the air inlet 120. The fluid mixture of aerosol and air is supplied to the aerosol flow channel 121 as indicated by arrow 124. The aerosol flow channel 121 has a tubular structure for transporting the fluid aerosol mixture to the mouthpiece 122, generated in the spray unit 118B and air. It should be noted that in the aerosol device 100B, the aerosol-forming article 104B is internally heated by the spray unit 118B, which is located in the aerosol-forming article 104B or inserted inside the aerosol-forming article 104B. Alternatively, aerosol product 104B may also be configured to be externally heated by spray unit 118B configured to encircle or contain aerosol product 104B.

The control unit 106 is configured to control the aerosol devices 100A and 100B (hereinafter also referred to generally as the aerosol device 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention in various ways.

In an aerosol device, if the user inhales when the amount of aerosol source is insufficient, sufficient aerosol may not be delivered to the user. In addition, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, an aerosol having an undesirable inhalable flavor (hereinafter also referred to as an undesirable mode) may be emitted. An undesired mode may occur not only when the amount of the aerosol source in the storage unit 116A or the aerosol carrier material 116B is insufficient, but also when a sufficient amount of the aerosol source remains in the storage unit 116A, but the amount of the aerosol source in the holding unit 130 is temporarily insufficient. . The present inventors have created an aerosol device that performs appropriate control when the amount of an aerosol source is insufficient, and a method and program for actuating the device. In the following, each embodiment of the present invention is described in detail, assuming generally that the aerosol device has the configuration shown in FIG. 1A. However, the case where the aerosol device has the configuration shown in FIG. 1B. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that an embodiment of the present invention also applies to the case where the aerosol device has different configurations than those shown in FIGS. 1A and B.

First Embodiment

Fig. 2 is a drawing illustrating an exemplary circuit configuration of a portion of an aerosol device 100A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 includes a power supply 110, a control unit 106, sensors 112A-112D (hereinafter collectively referred to as sensor 112), a load 132 (hereinafter also referred to as a resistance heater), a first circuit 202, a second circuit 204, a switch

- 12 040474

Q1 including a first field effect transistor (FET) 206, a conversion unit 208, a switch Q2 including a second FET 210, and a resistor 212 (hereinafter also referred to as a shunt resistor). It should be noted that the sensor 112 may be embedded in another component, such as the control unit 106 or the conversion unit 208. The electrical resistance value of load 132 varies with temperature using, for example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) heater. Shunt resistor 212 is connected in series with load 132 and has a known electrical resistance. The electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 may be substantially unchanged as the temperature changes. Shunt resistor 212 has an electrical resistance value higher than load resistance 132. Depending on the embodiment, sensors 112C and 112D may be omitted. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that not only FETs, but also various elements such as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (iGBT) and a contactor can be used as switches Q1 and Q2.

Converter 208 may be, for example, a switching converter and may include FET 214, diode 216, inductor 218, and capacitor 220. Control unit 106 may control convertor 208 such that convertor 208 converts the output voltage of power supply 110 to apply the converted output voltage to the entire circuit. Instead of the step-down converter shown in Fig. 2, a boost-type switching converter, a boost-type/buck-type switching converter, an LDO (Low Dropout Regulator), or the like can be applied. It should be noted that the transform block 208 is not an essential component and may be omitted. In addition, a control unit (not shown) provided separately from the control unit 106 may be configured to control the conversion unit 208. This control unit, not shown, may be built into the conversion unit 208.

Circuit 134 shown in FIG. 1A may be electrically coupled to power supply 110 and load 132 and may include a first circuit 202 and a second circuit 204. First circuit 202 and second circuit 204 are connected in parallel to power supply 110 and load 132. First circuit 202 may include a switch Q1. Second circuit 204 may include switch Q2 and resistor 212 (and optionally sensor 112D). The first circuit 202 may have a resistance value lower than the resistance value of the second circuit 204. In the example shown, sensors 112B and 112D are voltage sensors and are configured to detect the voltage value across the load 132 and the voltage value across the resistor 212, respectively. However, the configuration of the sensor 112 thus not limited. For example, sensor 112 may be a current sensor using a known resistor or Hall effect element and may determine the amount of current flowing through load 132 and/or resistor 212.

As shown by dashed arrows in FIG. 2, the control unit 106 may control the switch Q1, the switch Q2, or the like. and may receive the value measured by the sensor 112. The control unit 106 may be configured to switch switch Q1 from an off state to an on state to cause operation of the first circuit 202, configured to switch switch Q2 from an off state to an on state to cause operation second circuit 204. The control unit 106 may be configured to alternately switch switches Q1 and Q2 to alternately cause the first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 to operate.

The first circuit 202 is used to spray the aerosol source. When switch Q1 is turned on to cause the first circuit 202 to operate, electrical power is supplied to the heater (or load 132 in the heater) and load 132 is heated. The aerosol source held in the holding assembly 130 in the nebulization unit 118A (in the case of the aerosol device 100B in FIG. 1B, the aerosol source contained in the aerosol carrier material 116B) is atomized by heating the load 132, thereby generating an aerosol.

The second circuit 204 is used to obtain a voltage value applied to the load 132, a value related to the resistance value of the load 132, a voltage value applied to the resistor 212, and the like. By way of example, sensors 112B and 112D are assumed to be voltage sensors as shown in FIG. 2. When switch Q2 is turned on and second circuit 204 is operating, current flows through switch Q2, resistor 212, and load 132. The voltage value applied to load 132 and/or the voltage value applied to resistor 212 can be obtained by sensors 112V and 112D. . In addition, the value of the current flowing through the load 132 can be obtained using the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212, which is received by the sensor 112D, and the known resistance value Rsh _{unt of} the resistor 212. Since the sum of the resistance values of the resistor 212 and load 132 can be obtained from the output voltage V _{out of} the conversion unit 208 and the obtained current value, the value of the resistance RHTR of the load 132 can be obtained by subtracting the known value of the resistance R _shunt from the total value.

- 13 040474

When the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic with which the resistance value varies with temperature, the temperature of the load 132 can be estimated from the relationship between the previously known resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature of the load 132, and the resistance value Rhtr of the load 132, which is obtained as described above. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the resistance value and temperature of load 132 may be estimated using the value of current flowing through resistor 212. The value related to the value of load resistance 132 in this example may include a voltage value, a current value, etc. .P. load 132. The specific example of sensors 112B and 112D is not limited to a voltage sensor and may include other elements such as a current sensor (eg, a Hall effect element).

The sensor 112A detects the output voltage during discharging or in the unloaded state of the power supply 110 . Sensor 112C detects the output voltage of conversion unit 208. Alternatively, the output voltage of conversion unit 208 may be a predetermined target voltage. These voltages are the voltages applied to the entire circuit.

The resistance value R _htr of the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR can be expressed as follows.

RhTr(ThTr)= (V HTR ^x R _S hunt)/(V Batt V hTr)

Where V _Batt is the voltage applied to the entire circuit. When the conversion unit 208 is not applied, V _Batt is the output voltage of the power supply 110 . When conversion block 208 is applied, V _Batt corresponds to the desired voltage of conversion block 208. V _HTR is the voltage applied to the heater. Instead of V _HTR, you can use the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212.

As described below, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 can determine whether the amount of the aerosol source that can be supplied from the storage unit 116A (or the aerosol source contained in the aerosol carrier material 116B) is insufficient based on the voltage value (in hereinafter also referred to as the first voltage value) (the output voltage of the power supply 110 or the desired voltage of the conversion unit 208) supplied to the entire circuit, and the voltage value (hereinafter also referred to as the second voltage value) (the voltage supplied to the load 132 or the shunt resistor 212) applied to a section in the circuit, while the voltage to be applied varies in accordance with changes in the temperature of the load 132. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient only by introducing a very small sensor into the configuration. yu conventional aerosol device. In particular, when the conversion unit 208 is applied, the parameter obtained from the sensor 112 in the above expression to obtain the resistance value R _htr of the load 132 is only the voltage supplied to the heater or the voltage supplied to the shunt resistor 212, and therefore other values are only necessary. stored as constant values in memory 114. Accordingly, the effect of sensor 112 errors on load 132's resistance value R _htr can be minimized, resulting in a significant improvement in the accuracy of determining whether an undesired behavior has occurred.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In doing so, all steps will be described as being performed by the control unit 106 . However, it should be noted that some of the steps may be performed by another component in the aerosol device 100.

The process starts at step 302. At step 302, the control unit 106 determines whether the user's inhalation is detected based on information received from a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or the like. For example, when the output values of said sensors continuously change, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation has been detected. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation has been detected based on the fact that a button has been pressed to start aerosol generation, or the like.

When no inhalation is detected (No at step 302), the process of step 302 is repeated.

When it is determined that inhalation has been detected (Yes at step 302), the process proceeds to step 304. At step 304, control unit 106 determines whether the current count value is greater than a predetermined count threshold (eg, 3). In this case, the count value indicates the number of times the first condition (or second condition) is satisfied, detected at step 314, described later. The count value may be stored in memory 114.

When the count value is not less than the count threshold (Yes at step 304), the process proceeds to step 306. At step 306, the control unit 106 determines that the amount of the aerosol source that can be supplied from the storage unit 116A (or the aerosol source contained in the carrier material 116B aerosol) is insufficient. The process proceeds to step 308, and the control unit 106 executes controls to notify the user of an abnormality (lack of

- 14 040474 aerosol sources). For example, the control unit 106 may instruct the notification unit 108 to perform an operation such as emitting light, displaying information, generating sound, vibrating to notify the user of an abnormality. After step 308, the process ends. In this case, to generate aerosol again using the aerosol device 100, it is necessary to replace the cartridge 104A or the aerosol-forming article 104B, refill the storage unit 116A or the aerosol carrier material 116B with an aerosol source, or the like.

When the count value is below the count threshold (No at step 304), the process proceeds to step 310. At step 310, the control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to the on state and causes the operation of the first circuit 202. As a result, electrical power is supplied to the load 132, and the aerosol source sprayed, resulting in the formation of an aerosol.

The process proceeds to step 312. The control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to an off state and switches the switch Q2 to an on state. Accordingly, the second circuit 204 operates. The control unit 106 measures, using sensor 112V, the value of the voltage applied to the load 132. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may measure, using the sensor 112D, the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212. load 132 changes with temperature, the voltage applied to the load 132 and the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 change when the temperature of the load 132 changes.

The process proceeds to step 314, and the control unit 106 compares the voltage value measured in step 312 with a predetermined threshold (eg, V1) and determines whether the measured voltage value is not lower than V1. In this case, when the temperature of the load 132 becomes a set temperature that exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source, V1 may be the value of the voltage applied to the load 132. It should be noted that the voltage V _HTR applied to the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR , can be expressed as follows.

V htr(T htr)-Ihtr(T htr) ^x Rhtr(T htr)

Here, I _htr (T _htr ) means the current flowing through the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR . The expression can be modified as follows.

VHTR(THTR)=VBatt/{Rshunt+RHTR(THTR)} ^X RhTr(ThTr) =RhTr/ { Rshunt+RHTR(THTR) } ^X Vsatt = l/{Rshunt/RHTR(THTR)+l } ^x VBatt

Accordingly, when the temperature of the load 132 rises, the voltage supplied to the load 132 rises.

Alternatively, instead of the voltage applied to load 132, the control unit may compare the voltage applied to shunt resistor 212 with a predetermined threshold in step 314. It should be noted that in order to compare the voltage applied to shunt resistor 212 with a predetermined threshold, determine whether the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is not higher than a predetermined threshold. This can be described as follows. First, the voltage Vsh _unt applied to the shunt resistor 212 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR can be expressed as follows.

Vshunt(THTR)-VBatr VhTr(ThTr)

If V _HTR applied to the load 132 when the temperature of the above-described load 132 is equal to T _HTR is substituted into the above expression, this expression can be modified as follows.

Vshunt(Thtr)-VBatt-1 /{ R _S hunt/RHTR(THTr)+ 1} ^x VBatt =[!-!/{ R _s hunt/RHTR(T HTr)+ 1 } ] ^X VBatt

Accordingly, when the temperature of the load 132 rises, the voltage supplied to the load 132 rises. That is, in order to determine whether to issue a high temperature notification signal at the next step 318 and whether to block or stop power supply to the load 132 at the next step 320, it is necessary to determine whether the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is not higher than a predetermined threshold.

In step 314, the control unit 106 may determine whether the second voltage value (the voltage value supplied to the load 132 or the voltage value supplied to the shunt resistor 212) satisfies the first condition at the time when the first voltage value (the voltage value supplied to the entire circuit ) is adjusted to have a constant value. It should be noted that, as described above, when the voltage value supplied to the load 132 is used as the second voltage value, the first condition is whether the second voltage value is not lower than V1, and when the voltage value supplied to the shunt resistor 212 is used as the second voltage value, the first condition is whether the second voltage value is not higher than V1. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine whether the electrical resistance value of the load 132 derived from the first

- 15 040474 voltage values and the second voltage value to the second condition (the electrical resistance value is at a level not lower than the specified resistance value R ₁ ). In the case where the first condition or the second condition is satisfied a plurality of times, the process proceeds from step 304 to step 306, and a determination may be made that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient. According to this configuration, in the case where the predetermined condition is satisfied a plurality of times, it is determined that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient. The amount of the aerosol source is not necessarily insufficient even when the predetermined condition is satisfied, due to factors such as the noise contained in the output value of the sensor 112, the resolution of the sensor 112, and the degree of drying in at least a portion of the holding assembly 130 or the aerosol carrier material 116B, which are due to the method of inhalation, despite the fact that a sufficient amount of the aerosol source remains in the storage unit 116A or the entire aerosol carrier material 116B. Accordingly, the detection accuracy of the aerosol source insufficiency is improved as compared with the case where it is determined that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient when the condition is satisfied only once.

When the conversion unit 208 (switch converter or the like) shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 106 controls the conversion unit 208 so that the conversion unit 208 converts the output voltage of the power supply 110 to supply the converted output voltage to the entire circuit. The control unit 106 controls the conversion unit 208 to output a constant voltage. This makes it possible to maintain the first voltage stabilized and improve the accuracy of determining whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient, as compared to the case where the voltage of the power supply 110 itself is supplied. In this case, at step 314, the first condition may be determined. That is, determining whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient can be performed using only the second voltage value. On the other hand, when the transform block 208 is not applied, a second condition may be determined at step 314.

In this example, the control unit 106 determines whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient based on the first voltage value, which is the value of the above-described constant voltage, and the second voltage value, which is output from the sensor 112B or 112D. The control unit 106 may determine whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient based on the comparison of the second voltage value output from the sensor 112B or 112D with a predetermined threshold. In this case, only the second voltage is required to be determined, thereby reducing the possibility of introducing noise and increasing the accuracy of the determination.

Sensor 112V may be configured to provide a second voltage value based on a comparison of the reference voltage with the amplified voltage applied to load 132. For example, sensor 112V may obtain the difference (analog value) between the reference voltage, which has an analog value, and the amplified voltage value, applied to load 132, which is an analog value, and convert the difference to a digital value. The digital value can be used as the second voltage value described above.

In an example, the first voltage value may be stored in memory 114. Control unit 106 may obtain the first voltage value and second voltage value, respectively, from memory 114 and sensor 112B or 112D.

When the conversion unit 208 is not applied, the first voltage value and the second voltage value are output using the sensor 112A and the sensor 112B or the sensor 112D, respectively. The control unit 106 can determine if the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient based on comparing the electrical resistance value of the load 132, derived from the output values obtained from said sensors, with a predetermined threshold.

When the measured voltage value is lower than V ₁ (No at step 314), the process proceeds to step 316. At step 316, the control unit 106 may reset the count value. For example, control unit 106 may return the count value back to the original value.

So, when the process 300 is executed, the control unit 106 may return the count value back to the original value (eg, zero) when the first condition is not satisfied or the second condition is not satisfied. Thus, even when the condition is satisfied only once due to temporary drying of the holding unit 130 or the like, the accuracy of determination thereafter can be ensured.

When the measured voltage value is at least V ₁ (Yes at step 314), the process proceeds to step 318. In this case, the temperature of the load 132 becomes higher than necessary. At step 318, the control unit 106 issue a high temperature notification signal. For example, the control unit 106 may instruct the notification unit 108 to act in a predetermined manner to thereby issue an alarm notification.

The process proceeds to step 320 and the control unit 106 blocks or stops the power supply to the load 132. Then, at step 322, the control unit 106 increments the count value. For example, control block 106 increments the counter by 1. After step 322, the process returns to the point before

- 16 040474 step 302. It should be noted that steps 318 and 320 may be omitted.

When the process 300 is executed, when the above-described first condition is continuously satisfied a plurality of times or the above-described second condition is continuously satisfied a plurality of times, the control unit 106 may determine that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient. This further improves the accuracy of determining the insufficiency of the aerosol source. It should be noted that after step 322, the determination at step 304 may be performed without waiting for the user's inhalation to be detected at step 302.

In accordance with the embodiment in FIG. 3, the control unit 106 can determine whether the amount of the aerosol source that can be supplied from the storage unit 116A or the aerosol source held in the aerosol carrier material 116B is insufficient based on the first voltage value, which is the voltage value supplied to the entire circuit. ; or an aerosol source held in the aerosol carrier material 116B.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

The execution of the process at steps 402-418 in FIG. 4 is the same as the process execution in steps 302-318 in FIG. 3. They are not described here.

After step 418, the process proceeds to step 419. At step 419, the control unit 106 determines whether the value of the voltage applied to the load 132, which is measured at step 412, is not lower than a predetermined threshold (V ₂ ). V ₂ may be the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 becomes a set temperature even higher than V1. It should be noted that, as described above, when the voltage value supplied to the shunt resistor 212 is used instead of the voltage value supplied to the load 132, V ₂ is a value lower than V1, and the control unit 106 determines whether the voltage value supplied to the to the shunt resistor 212, at a level not higher than V ₂ .

When the measured voltage value is not lower than V ₂ (Yes at step 419), the process proceeds to steps 406 and 408, and then the process ends.

When the measured voltage value is lower than V ₂ (No at step 419), the process proceeds to step 420. The process execution at steps 420 and 422 is the same as the process execution at steps 320 and 322, so they will not be described. It should be noted that after step 422, the determination at step 404 may be performed without waiting for the user's inhalation to be detected at step 402.

Thus, in the process 400, the control unit 106 determines whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient using the first reference condition based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value (step 414) and the second reference condition different from the first reference condition (step 419). When the first reference condition is satisfied a plurality of times or the second reference condition is satisfied a smaller number of times than a plurality of times, the control unit 106 determines that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient. The second reference condition is more difficult to satisfy than the first reference condition. Thus, the execution of the process 400 contains a two-stage determination criterion that allows for an immediate determination whether the amount of aerosol is insufficient, and improves the quality of the aerosol device 100.

In an example, when the voltage value supplied to the load 132 is used as the second voltage value, the first reference condition may be whether the second voltage value satisfies the first threshold (e.g., the second voltage value is at or above V1) at the time when the first voltage value is adjusted to be a constant value, or whether the electrical resistance value of the load 132 derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second threshold (for example, the electrical resistance value is at or above a predetermined threshold R1) . When the voltage value applied to the load 132 is used as the second voltage value, the second reference condition may be whether the second voltage value satisfies a threshold higher than the first threshold, or whether the electrical resistance value of the load 132 satisfies a threshold greater than higher than the second threshold.

In an example, when the voltage value supplied to the shunt resistor 212 is used as the second voltage value, the first reference condition may be whether the second voltage value satisfies the first threshold (e.g., the second voltage value is not higher than V1) while the time when the first voltage value is adjusted to have a constant value, or whether the electrical resistance value of the load 132, derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value, satisfies a second threshold, (for example, the electrical resistance value is at or above a predetermined threshold R1). When the voltage value applied to the shunt is used as the second voltage value

- 17 040474 resistor 212, the second reference condition may be whether the second voltage value satisfies a threshold lower than the first threshold, or whether the load electrical resistance value 132 satisfies a threshold higher than the second threshold.

In an embodiment of process 400 in FIG. 4, step 419 may be performed before step 414. That is, control unit 106 may be configured to determine whether the second reference condition is met before determining whether the first reference condition is met.

In an example, when the second reference condition is satisfied and it is determined that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient, the control unit 106 may perform at least one of stopping the supply of electrical power from the power source 110 to the load 132 or notifying the user, without determining whether the first reference condition is satisfied.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

The execution of the process at steps 502-514 and 518-522 in FIG. 5 is the same as the process execution in steps 302-314 and 318-322 in FIG. 3, so their description is not given.

At step 514, when the measured voltage value, which is the value of the voltage applied to the load 132, is lower than 'ΎΓ (No at step 514), the process proceeds to step 516. At step 516, the control unit 106 does not reset the counting value, but reduces the counting value. For example, when the count value before the process in step 516 is 2, the control unit 106 may set the count value to 1 by decreasing the count value by 1. It should be noted that in the case where the voltage value supplied to the shunt resistor is used as the measured voltage value 212, when the measured voltage value exceeds V1 (No at step 514), the process proceeds to step 516.

Thus, when the process 500 is executed, the control may store the number of times the first condition is satisfied or the number of times the second condition is satisfied, and decrease the number of times the first condition is not satisfied or the second condition is not satisfied. Thus, even when the condition is satisfied only once due to temporary drying of the holding unit 130 or the like, the accuracy of determination thereafter can be ensured.

In an example, the aerosol device 100 may include a connector that allows attachment/detachment of a cartridge 104A including a storage unit 116A, or insertion/removal of an aerosol product 104B including an aerosol carrier material 116B, and that is capable of detection of attachment/detachment cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B. For example, the aerosol device 100 may include a physical switch used for attaching and detaching as described above, a magnetic detection assembly that detects attaching and detaching, and the like. The control unit 106 may have a function to authenticate the identifier (ID) of the cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B. The control unit 106 can detect attachment and detachment of the cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B based on whether the physical switch has been actuated, the magnetic detection assembly has detected a change in the magnetic field, the ID of the attached cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B has changed, or the like. The control unit 106 may be configured to store the number of times the first condition is met or the number of times the second condition is met and increment the number of times the cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B is attached to the connector. In this example, when the cartridge 104A or the aerosol product 104B is replaced, the count decreases. Accordingly, it is not necessary to inherit the count value stored for the cartridge 104A or the aerosol product 104B before replacement, whereby the detection accuracy for the new cartridge 104A or the new aerosol product 104B is improved.

In the above example, the identification information or usage history of the cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B can be obtained in a predetermined manner. The control unit 106 may determine whether to reduce the above-described number of times based on the identification information or history of use of the cartridge 104A or aerosol-forming article 104B that is attached to the connector. For example, when cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B is replaced with a new cartridge or product, the count value can be reduced. Accordingly, the same cartridge 104A or the same aerosol-forming article 104B will be attached again, the number of times is not reset, whereby the detection accuracy for that cartridge is improved.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process performed when a user's inhalation pattern is an unexpected pattern, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The process in Fig. 6 may be performed at any suitable step in the process according to the embodiments of the present invention as described in FIG. 3-5.

- 18 040474

At step 602, the control unit 106 measures the user's inhalation pattern using a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like.

The process proceeds to step 604 and the control unit 106 determines whether the measured inhalation pattern is an unexpected inhalation pattern. For example, control unit 106 may make a determination by comparing the measured inhalation pattern with a normal inhalation pattern stored in memory 114. The normal inhalation pattern may include various patterns known to those skilled in the art, including Gaussian and the like. The control unit 106 may determine step 604 based on whether the height and length of the tail of the measured inhalation pattern deviate, the interval between inhalation and the next inhalation, and the like. from the normal value in the normal inhalation pattern by a predetermined threshold value.

When the measured inhalation pattern is an unexpected inhalation pattern (Yes at step 604), the process proceeds to step 606. At step 606, control unit 106 may increase the counting thresholds applied at steps 304, 404, and 504. Alternatively, control unit 106 may change the composition of the process being executed so that the count value is not incremented in steps 322, 422, and 522. Alternatively, control unit 106 may decrease the incremental count value used in steps 322, 422, and 522.

When the measured inhalation pattern is not an unexpected inhalation pattern (No at step 604), the process proceeds to step 608. At step 608, the control unit 106 does not change the settings as it does at step 606.

So, in the present embodiment, when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied in a state in which the aerosol generation request timing change does not correspond to a predetermined normal change, the control unit 106 may increase the predetermined threshold (count threshold), may increase the number of times (count threshold). value) can reduce the amount of increase in the number of times (count value) or do something similar. Thus, even when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, when the user's inhalation is irregular, such as in the case where a single inhalation is taken for a long period of time, in the case where the interval between inhalations is short, or the like, the determination accuracy, whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient increases.

In the above description, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described as an aerosol device and a method for driving the aerosol device. However, it should be understood that the present invention, when executed by a processor, may be embodied in a program that causes the processor to execute a method, or in a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

Second Embodiment

As described for the first embodiment of the present invention, the aerosol device 100 having the configurations shown in FIG. 1A-2 is operated in accordance with the process depicted in FIG. 3-6, using which it is possible to determine whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient (estimate the residual amount of the aerosol source).

The state in which the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient includes a state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116A is used up, a state in which the aerosol source held in the holding unit 130 is temporarily consumed, and a state in which the source the aerosol held in the aerosol-forming article 104B (cartridge 104B) is used up and the aerosol carrier material 116B is dry.

The aerosol device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a small number of required components and has a high accuracy in detecting the insufficiency of an aerosol source, and is therefore superior to the conventional aerosol device. However, the sensor 112V for measuring the voltage applied to the load 132 has a manufacturing deviation. The sensor 112A for measuring the output voltage of the power supply 110 also has a manufacturing deviation. In addition, the output voltage of the power supply 110 in the transient state (polarization state) tends to fluctuate.

As a further problem to be solved, the inventors of the present invention have found that the aforementioned manufacturing variations affect the detection accuracy of the aerosol device 100 of the present invention. The purpose of the second embodiment of the present invention is to provide an aerosol device that solves this additional problem, which further improves the accuracy of determining whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient.

The basic configuration of the aerosol device 100 according to the present embodiment is similar to that of the aerosol device 100 shown in each of FIGS. 1A and B, and with circuit configuration 200 shown in FIG. 2.

The aerosol device 100 includes a power source 110, a load 132 that generates heat after receiving electric power from the power source 110 and atomizes the aerosol source using heat, and in which the electrical resistance value changes with temperature, the first circuit 202, used to cause the load 132 to spray the aerosol source, a second circuit 204, used to determine a voltage that changes in accordance with changes in temperature of the load 132, connected in parallel with the first circuit 202 and having an electrical resistance value higher than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit 202, a data acquisition unit that receives a voltage value applied to the second circuit 204 and load 132, and a sensor 112B or 112D that outputs a voltage value that varies in response to temperature changes of load 132. The aerosol device 100 may or may not include self block 208 p transformations, for example, a pulse converter.

The load (heater) resistance value 132 can be expressed as follows. RhTr(ThTr)=(V HTR ^X R _S hunt)/(V Ball V htr) ⁼ (V Batt” V shunt) ^x Rshunt/V shunt

Where RHTR is the electrical resistance value of the load 132, T _HTR is the temperature of the load 132, V _HTR is the voltage applied to the load 132, R _shunt is the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212, V _Batt is the output voltage of the power supply 110, and V _shunt is the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212. When the aerosol device 100 includes a conversion unit 208, V _Batt is the output voltage of the conversion unit 208. Since the value of the electrical resistance of the load 132 changes in response to changes in the temperature of the load 132, the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 also changes in response to changes in the temperature of the load 132. Accordingly, the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 also changes in response to changes in temperature. load 132.

When the aerosol device 100 does not include a conversion unit 208, the data acquisition unit described above may be a sensor 112A that senses the output voltage of the power supply 110. When the aerosol device 100 includes a conversion unit 208, the set value of the output voltage of the conversion unit 208, which is adjusted to be a constant value, may be stored in the memory 114. In this case, the data acquisition unit may be a reader that reads the set value from the memory 114.

The second circuit 204 includes a shunt resistor 212, and the shunt resistor 212 has a known electrical resistance value. Shunt resistor 212 is connected in series with load 132. Sensors 112B and 112D provide voltage values applied to load 132 and shunt resistor 212, respectively, as voltage values that vary in response to changes in temperature of load 132.

As described for the first embodiment of the present invention, the value of the voltage applied to load 132 or shunt resistor 212 can be used to determine if the amount of aerosol source is insufficient. Since the second circuit 204 used to obtain the voltage value includes the shunt resistor 212, the second circuit 204 has an electrical resistance value higher than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit 202 used to generate the aerosol.

In the present embodiment, shunt resistor 212 preferably has an electrical resistance value higher than the electrical resistance value of load 132. Preferably, aerosol device 100 measures the voltage value applied to load 132 using sensor 112V. The voltage value that changes in accordance with changes in the temperature of the load 132 is obtained based on a comparison of the reference voltage value and the boost voltage value applied to the load 132. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described in connection with its specific examples.

It is assumed that the normal temperature is 25°C, the boiling point of the aerosol source is 200°C, and the load temperature 132 is 350°C when a determination is made that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient (overheated state). When switch Q2 is in the on state and second circuit 204 is operating, the value of current flowing through shunt resistor 212 contained in second circuit 204 is equal to the value of current flowing through load 132 that is connected in series with shunt resistor 212. The value of the current Iq ₂ in this case can be expressed as follows.

Where V _out is the value of the voltage applied to the composite resistor formed by the shunt resistor 212 and the load 132, which are connected to each other in series. It should be noted that when the aerosol device 100 does not include the converter 208, V _out corresponds to the output voltage of the power supply 110. In addition, when the aerosol device 100 includes a conversion unit 208, V _out corresponds to the output voltage of the conversion unit 208. The difference AIq ₂ between Iq ₂ at normal temperature and Iq ₂ in superheated condition is expressed as follows.

- 20 040474

AIq2=V out/(RhTr(T R.T. )+Rshunt) V out/(RhTr(T delep.)+Rshunt)

Where R _htR (T _R . _t .) is the value of load resistance 132 at normal temperature and R _HTR (T _delep .) is the value of load resistance 132 in an overheated condition. As an example, when Vout=2.0V, Rhtr(Tr.t.)=1Ω, RHTR(Tdeiep.)=2Ω, and Rshunt=199Ω, then Δ^=0.05mA. In addition, the calculated value Iq ₂ ( _R . _t .) of the current flowing in the second circuit 204 at normal temperature is 10.00 mA. The calculated IQ ₂ (T _delep .) value of the current flowing in the second circuit 204 in an overheated state is 9.95 mA.

In this example, the voltages V _shunt (T _R . _T .) and V _shunt (T _delep .) applied to the shunt resistor 212 in the normal temperature state and the overheated state are 1990.00 mV and 1980.05 mV, respectively. The difference ΔV _shunt between the two voltages is 9.95 mV. On the other hand, the voltages V _htR (T _R . _t .) and V _HTR (T _delep .) applied to the load 132 in the normal temperature state and the overheated state are 10.00 mV and 19.90 mV, respectively. The difference ΔV _HTR between the two voltages is 9.90 mV.

Fig. 7 illustrates a circuit configuration for obtaining a voltage value that changes in accordance with changes in the temperature of the load 132, in accordance with an embodiment. Circuit 700 shown in FIG. 7 includes a comparator 702, an A/D converter 704, amplifiers 706 and 708, and a voltage reference 710, in addition to a first circuit 202, a second circuit 204, switches Q1 and Q2, a shunt resistor 212, a load 132, and sensors 112V and 112D. , which form part of the circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2. Circuit 700 need not include both sensors 112B and 112D, and circuit 700 is only required to include either of sensors 112B and 112D. Circuit 70 also need not include both amplifiers 706 and 708, and it is only required that circuit 70 include either of amplifiers 706 and 708.

In the circuit 700, when the second circuit 204 is operating (the current flows as indicated by the arrow), the difference (analogue value) between the reference voltage V _ref (analogue value) at the output of the power supply 710 and the voltage (analogue value) supplied to the shunt resistor 212, or load 132 is obtained by a comparator 702. A voltage value that changes in accordance with changes in temperature of the load 132 is obtained by converting the difference to a digital value using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 704.

The reference voltage V _ref can be set to approximately 5.0 V. When compared with this reference voltage, it is preferable that the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 or load 132 is amplified to a value close to the reference voltage. In this example, since the voltage applied to shunt resistor 212 is in the range of 1980.05 mV to 1990.00 mV, the possible gain to compare against the reference voltage is approximately two. Accordingly, the difference of 9.95 mV between the applied voltage in the normal temperature state and the applied voltage in the overheated state is also only about doubled. On the contrary, since the voltage applied to the load 132 is in the range of 10.00 mV to 19.90 mV, the possible gain for comparison with the reference voltage is approximately 200. Accordingly, the difference of 9.90 mV between the applied voltage in the state at normal temperature and applied voltage in an overheated state can also increase by a factor of approximately 200. Accordingly, the accuracy of distinguishing between the normal temperature state and the overheated state when the voltage supplied to the load 132 is measured is higher than when the voltage supplied to the shunt resistor 212 is measured. Accordingly, the voltage supplied to the load 132 is measured, which improves the failure detection accuracy. aerosol source.

In an example, the aerosol device 100 includes a conversion unit 208 that converts the output voltage of the power supply 110 and supplies the converted output voltage to the second circuit 204 and the load 132. In this case, the data acquisition unit can receive the output voltage setpoint of the conversion unit 208 at the time when current flows in the second circuit 204. For example, the data acquisition unit may receive a setpoint stored in memory 114. According to this configuration, there is no need to measure the voltage applied to the entire circuit by means of a sensor.

In the example, the conversion unit 208 is connected between the node with the higher voltage of the nodes to which the first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 and the power source 110 are connected. Thus, the conversion unit 208 is located before the first circuit 202 for generating an aerosol and the second circuit 204 for measuring voltage. Accordingly, the voltage applied to the load 132 can be finely controlled also at the time of aerosol generation, whereby the respirable flavor component and the like contained in the aerosol generated by the aerosol device 100 is stabilized.

As an example, conversion unit 208 is a switching regulator (buck converter) that can step down and output an input voltage. Among the stabilizers, a switching regulator is used, which increases the efficiency of voltage conversion. In addition, it can prevent excessive voltage from being applied to the circuit. It should be noted that,

- 21 040474 to cause the operation of the first circuit 202, the control unit 106 may control the conversion unit 208 so that the switching regulator, which is the conversion unit 208, stops switching and outputs the input voltage as it is, without converting it. The control unit 106 controls the conversion unit 208 in the so-called direct connection mode, which ensures that there are no transient losses and switching losses in the conversion unit 208 and improves the efficiency of using the electrical power stored in the power supply 110.

In an example, storage unit 116A, which stores the aerosol source, and load 132 may be contained in a cartridge 104A that can be connected/disconnected to aerosol device 100 via a connector. On the other hand, sensor 112V is not contained in cartridge 104A and may be contained in main body 102. That is, sensor 112V may be configured to output a voltage value applied to load 132 and connector as a voltage value that changes in accordance with temperature changes. load 132. Thus, the cost of the disposable cartridge 104A can be reduced.

In an example, an aerosol carrier material 116B that retains an aerosol source may be contained in an aerosol-forming article 104B that is insertable/removable into/from the aerosol device(s) 100. On the other hand, the sensor 112B is not contained in the aerosol-forming article 104B and may contained in the main body 102. Thus, the cost of the disposable aerosol-forming article 104B can be reduced.

Hereinafter, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 in the present embodiment will be discussed.

When the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 is too large, almost no current flows when the voltage values of the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212 and their resistance values are measured. As a result, the current value is lost in the sensor error. As a result, it is difficult to accurately measure the voltage value and the resistance value.

To avoid the above problem, in the example, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (both the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the electrical resistance value of the load 132) can be set such that a current having a value that allows a distinction to be made between the state in which the current flows in the second circuit 204, and the state in which the current does not flow in the second circuit 204 is such that the current flows in the second circuit 204. Thus, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 is such that the output values of the sensor 112V and the 112D sensor are not lost in the noise. Accordingly, it can prevent an error in determining whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient.

When the power supply 110 is triggered, the output voltage of the power supply 110 is also reduced. Accordingly, when the second circuit 204 operates, the value of the current flowing in the second circuit 204 decreases. In addition, in the case where the voltage of the power supply 110 is equal to the discharge end voltage (residual amount 0%), it is desirable that the output values of the sensor 112V and the sensor 112D be such that the output values of the sensor 112V and the sensor 112D are not lost in noise. To this end, in the example, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (both the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the electrical resistance value of the load 132) can be set such that a current having a value that allows a distinction to be made between the state in which the current flows in the second circuit 204, and the state in which no current flows in the second circuit 204 is such that current flows in the second circuit 204 in the case where the voltage of the power supply 110 is equal to the discharge end voltage. This can prevent an error in determining whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient.

As described above, the aerosol device 100 may include a conversion unit 208 that converts the output voltage of the power supply 110 and supplies the converted voltage to the second circuit 204 and the load 132. In this case, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit, and the value of the electrical resistance of the load 132) can be set such that a current having a value that allows a distinction to be made between a state in which current flows in the second circuit 204 and a state in which no current flows in the second circuit 204 has such the value at which the current flows in the second circuit 204 when the output voltage of the conversion unit 208 is supplied to the second circuit 204 and the load 132. This can prevent an error in determining whether the aerosol source is insufficient.

In the example, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (both the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the electrical resistance value of the load 132) is such that a current having a value that allows a distinction to be made between the state in which the current flows in the second circuit 204, and the state in which current does not flow in the second circuit 204 is such that current flows in the second circuit 204 in the case where the temperature of the load 132 is an achievable temperature only when the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient. This can prevent a detection error even in a state in which almost no current flows due to insufficient aerosol source.

When the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 is too low, more electrical power is supplied to the load 132 when the voltage value across the load 132 is measured using the second circuit 204, which can cause aerosol formation. In this case, the source of the aerosol is used up.

To solve the above problem, in the example, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (both the voltage supplied to the entire circuit and the electrical resistance value of the load 132) can be set to provide a value such that only the electrical power required is supplied to the load 132. for the thermal inertia of the load 132 while current is flowing in the second circuit 204. In another example, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (both the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the electrical resistance value of the load 132) can be set to provide such the value at which the load 132 does not generate aerosol while current flows in the second circuit 204. These configurations can prevent the aerosol source from being wasted.

As an example, with respect to the aerosol device 100A, the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 will be considered, in which only the electrical power necessary for the thermal inertia of the load 132 is supplied to the load 132 while the current flows in the second circuit 204. First, the amount of heat Q required for the thermal inertia of the load 132 per unit time is expressed as follows.

Q \u003d (m _w ick ^x Cwick) ^x (Tv.r.-AT _those 1 _C to) + (m _co ii ^x Cco4) ^χ (TB. _P .-AT _coil )

Here, m _wick , m _coil , and m _liquid are the masses of the aerosol sources held in the holding unit 130, the load 132, and the holding unit 130, respectively. C _wick , C _coil and C _liquid are the specific heats of the aerosol sources held in the holding assembly 130, load 132 and holding assembly 130, respectively. -AT _Wick , -AT _coil and -AT _liquid mean reductions per unit time in the temperature of the holding unit 130, the load 132 and the holding unit 130, respectively. In addition, _{T.V. R.} is the boiling point of the aerosol source.

It should be noted that for simplicity, all values of AT _Wick , AT _coil and AT _liquid can be considered as one value of AT. Q in this case is expressed as follows.

Q=(m _W i _C kxC\vi _C k+ni _C (!ii ^x C\ _4l |i+mii _qu ^^

The expression in brackets is replaced by the expression ΣmχC, and Q is expressed as follows.

Q=(EmxC)x(T _B . _P .-AT)

The electrical power W consumed in the load 132 while current is flowing in the second circuit 204 is expressed as follows.

W=Vhtr ^x Iq2 =( V out-V shunt) ^x Iq2 =( V ouflQ2 ^x _Rs hunt) ^x IQ2

Where V _HTR is the value of the voltage applied to the load 132, Iq ₂ is the value of the current flowing in the second circuit, V _out is the value of the voltage applied to the composite resistor formed by the shunt resistor 212 and the load 132, which are connected to each other in series, Vshunt is the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212, and R _shunt is the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212.

That is, in order to ensure that only the electrical power required for the thermal inertia of the load 132 is supplied to the load 132 while current is flowing in the second circuit 204, the condition of the following equation must be satisfied.

W=Q

When the above expression is substituted into W to thereby obtain the electrical resistance value R _shunt of the shunt resistor 212, the electrical resistance value R _shunt is expressed as follows.

( V _out -lQ ₂ X Rshunt) ^x Iq2=Q

-Rshunt ^x Iq2 ² +V out ^x Iq2=Q

Rshunt=V out/lQ2-Q/lQ2 ² =( V out/V htr) ^x Rhtr- (Rhtr/V htr) ^{2 X} Q

Accordingly, it is only required that the electrical resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (both the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the electrical resistance value of the load 132) be set so as to satisfy the above expression. It should be noted that V _HTR can be considered as the value obtained by multiplying V _out by a given factor less than 1. In addition, since an ideal model is used for this analysis and an approximation is performed, ±Δ can be entered into the above expression as an amendment.

Switch Q1 is used to connect and disconnect the electrical conductivity of the first circuit 202. Switch Q2 is used to connect and disconnect the electrical conductivity of the second circuit 204. In the example, the control unit 106 may control the switching of switches Q1 and Q2 so that switch Q1 has an on time that is longer than the time turn on switch Q2. The time period (on time) from when the switch Q2 switches to the on state until the time when the switch Q2 switches to the off state may be the minimum time period that can be provided by the control unit 106. According to such a configuration, the period of time that switch Q2 is on to sense the voltage across load 132 or shunt resistor 212 will be shorter than the period of time that switch Q1 is on to produce aerosol. Accordingly, wasteful consumption of the aerosol source can be prevented.

As an example, an aerosol device according to the present embodiment can be manufactured according to a method including the following steps.

A step of installing a load 132 that generates heat upon receiving electric power from the power supply 110 and atomizes the aerosol source using heat, and in which the electrical resistance value changes with temperature.

The step of generating the first circuit 202 used to cause the aerosol source to be sprayed by the load 132.

The step of generating a second circuit 204 used to determine a voltage that changes according to temperature changes of a load 132 connected in parallel with the first circuit 202 and having an electrical resistance value higher than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit 202.

The stage of mounting the data acquisition unit, which receives the value of the voltage supplied to the second circuit 204 and the load 132.

Mounting step for a 112V sensor (or 112D sensor) that outputs a voltage value that varies according to changes in load temperature 132

Third Embodiment

When the amount of the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116A is insufficient, the cartridge 104A needs to be replaced. Similarly, when the amount of the aerosol source contained in the aerosol carrier material 116B is insufficient, the aerosol generating article 104B needs to be replaced. The resistance value of the heater (load 132) contained in the cartridge 104A (or aerosol product 104B) has a manufacturing deviation. Accordingly, if the same settings are used for all cartridges 104A (for example, a threshold related to the load resistance value 132, a threshold related to the voltage value at the load 132, etc.) to determine the insufficiency of the aerosol source, then the insufficiency of the aerosol source cannot be be determined with high accuracy in some cases. In this case, from a safety point of view, there may be a problem that the aerosol device 100 creates an undesirable behavior or the like. The inventors of the present invention have identified such a problem as a new problem. The purpose of the third embodiment of the present invention is to solve such a new problem and provide an aerosol device with further improved accuracy in determining whether the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of an aerosol source failure determination process. In this case, all steps will be described as being performed by the control unit 106 . However, it should be noted that some of the steps may be performed by another component in the aerosol device 100. It should be noted that the present embodiment is described using circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 by way of example, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the description could be given using a different scheme. This applies to subsequent other flowcharts.

The process begins at step 802. At step 802, the control unit 106 determines whether the user's inhalation is detected based on information received from a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, or the like. For example, when the output values of said sensors continuously change, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation has been detected. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation has been detected based on whether a button has been pressed to start aerosol generation, or the like.

When it is determined that inhalation has been detected (Yes at step 802), the process proceeds to step 804. At step 804, the control unit 106 switches switch Q1 to the on state to cause the first circuit 202 to operate.

The process proceeds to step 806 and the control unit 106 determines whether inhalation has ended. When

- 24 040474 it is determined that the inhalation has ended (Yes at step 806), the process proceeds to step 808.

At step 808, the control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to the off state. At step 810, the control unit 106 switches the switch Q2 to the on state to cause the operation of the second circuit 204.

The process proceeds to step 812 and control unit 106 outputs the value of load resistance 132. For example, control unit 106 may determine the value of the current flowing in the second circuit 204 and output the value of load resistance 132 from the found current value.

The process proceeds to step 814, and the control unit 106 determines whether the value of the load resistance 132 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold can be set to a resistance value when the temperature of the load 132 reaches a predetermined temperature above the boiling point of the aerosol source. When it is determined that the load resistance value exceeds the threshold (Yes at step 814), the process proceeds to step 816, and the control unit 106 determines that the amount of the aerosol source in the aerosol device 100 is insufficient. On the other hand, when it is determined that the load resistance value does not exceed the threshold (No in step 814), the determination that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient is not performed.

It should be noted that FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a general workflow for determining if the amount of aerosol source in aerosol device 100 is insufficient.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing an exemplary relationship between the electrical resistance value and the temperature of each of the loads (heaters) 132 made of the same metal A. Basically, the temperature and the electrical resistance value of the load 132 are proportional. Because the resistance value of load 132 has a manufacturing variance as shown in the drawing, loads 132 may have resistance values such as R, R1, and R ₂ that are different from each other at room temperature (eg, 25°C). When the temperature of 350°C is used as the load temperature threshold 132, which is a criterion for determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient, as shown in the drawing, load resistance value thresholds 132, which is a criterion for determining whether an aerosol source is insufficient, have R', R1' and R2' values that are different from each other.

The configuration of the aerosol device according to the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the aerosol device 100 shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2. In an example, the aerosol device includes a power source 110, a load 132 that generates heat after receiving electrical power from the power source 110, and sprays the aerosol source using heat, and has a resistance value temperature dependence characteristic shown in FIG. 9, according to which the electrical resistance value changes with temperature, a memory 114 that stores a temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value, a sensor that outputs a value (electrical resistance value, current value, voltage value, or the like) related to the load resistance value 132 , and a control unit configured to calibrate the stored temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the sensor output value and the load temperature estimate 132 corresponding to the output value.

According to the present embodiment, the PTC characteristic (positive temperature coefficient characteristic) of the cartridge 104A (or aerosol product 104B) is calibrated based on the relationship between the electrical resistance value and the temperature of the load 132. Accordingly, even when there is an individual difference in the PTC characteristic of the cartridge 104A ( or aerosol-forming article 104B), the PTC characteristic can be calibrated to a precise value. It should be noted that even when the load 132 has an NTC characteristic (negative temperature coefficient characteristic), the NTC characteristic can be calibrated in the same way.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature response characteristic of a load resistance value 132, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the aerosol device of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the aerosol device 100A shown in FIG. 1A or the aerosol device 100B shown in FIG. 1B. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the same process can be applied to various aerosol devices having different configurations.

The process at block 1002 is the same as the processes at block 308 in FIG. 3, step 408 in FIG. 4 and step 508 in FIG. 5 with respect to the first embodiment. The control unit 106 performs control to notify the user of an abnormality. For example, the control unit 106 instructs the notification unit 108 to perform an operation such as light emission, information display, sound generation, vibration. In this case, to generate an aerosol using the aerosol device 100, the user must detach the cartridge 104A (or aerosol

- 25 040474 item 104B) and replace with a new cartridge.

The process proceeds to step 1004 and the control unit 106 performs a disconnect check to detect if the cartridge 104A has been disconnected. In an example, the aerosol device 100 may include a connector that attaches/detachs the cartridge 104A or inserts/removes the aerosol product 104B. The control unit 106 can only calibrate the stored resistance value temperature response characteristics when it detects that the cartridge 104A is detached from the connector or the aerosol-forming article 104B is removed from the connector. This can prevent calibration from being performed at the wrong time.

Thus, the control unit 106 can determine whether or not to perform calibration based on a predetermined condition prior to calibrating the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value. In an example, the control unit 106 may store the resistance value of the cartridge 104A disconnected from the connector, or the resistance value of the aerosol product 104B removed from the connector. The above-described predetermined condition may be that the resistance value stored in the control unit 106 is different from the resistance value of the cartridge 104A just connected to the connector or the resistance value of the aerosol product 104B just inserted into the connector. In another example, the predetermined condition described above may be that the rate of change of the resistance value of the cartridge 104A attached to the connector or the rate of change of the resistance value of the aerosol product 104B inserted into the connector is below a predetermined threshold at the time when power is supplied to the load 132 continues. In these configurations, optional calibration may be disabled when the cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B that was previously detached is reattached, or the like. In addition, in the example, the above-described predetermined condition may be that, based on the correspondence between the sensor output value and the estimated load temperature 132 corresponding to the output value, it is determined that the load temperature 132 is estimated to be lower than the actual value, if the stored temperature dependence characteristic of the value resistance is not calibrated.

At step 1006, the control unit 106 determines whether detachment of the cartridge 104A (or removal of the aerosol product 104B) is detected based on the result of the process at step 1004. It should be noted that at step 1006, the control unit 106 may determine whether attachment of the cartridge 104A (or insertion of the aerosol-forming article 104B), after detaching the cartridge 104A (or removing the aerosol-forming article 104B). In addition, the process may proceed to step 1008 only when the attachment of the cartridge 104A (or the insertion of the aerosolizing article 104B) has been detected.

When the disconnection of cartridge 104A has been detected (Yes at step 1006), the process proceeds to step 1008. At step 1008, control unit 106 disables power supply to load 132 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time may be, for example, a period of time sufficient for the temperature of the load 132 to become room temperature.

The process proceeds to step 1010 and the control unit 106 switches the switch Q2 to the on state. This causes the operation of the second circuit 204.

The process proceeds to step 1012 and the control unit 106 obtains a value related to the load resistance value 132. For example, the aerosol device 100A may include a current sensor to determine the value of the current flowing in the second circuit 204. The control unit 106 may receive the load resistance value 132 according to the current value and voltage value obtained by the 112V sensor. Alternatively, as described in connection with the first embodiment, at step 1012, the control unit 106 may obtain a value of the load voltage 132 using the sensor 112V.

The process proceeds to step 1014 and control 106 calibrates the stored resistance value temperature response for load 132. For example, it is assumed that the resistance value temperature response 902 shown in FIG. 9 has been stored in memory before executing the process 1000. When the room temperature resistance value of the load 132 is R1, the resistance value obtained in step 1008, the control unit 106 may use the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value 904 instead of the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value 902 at step 1014.

At step 1014, the control unit 106 may calibrate the intercept point of the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value (R, R1 and R2 in the example shown in Fig. 9). Since only the point of intersection of the PTC characteristic is calibrated, the only thing required is to obtain information about only one point of the relationship between resistance value and temperature, which allows faster calibration.

In an example, the aerosol device 100 may include a database that stores the electrical resistance value of the load 132 and one parameter of the slope and the intersection point of the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value corresponding to the electrical resistance value for each type of load 132. The control unit 106 may calibrate

- 26 040474 one parameter from the angle of inclination and the point of intersection of the characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value from the output value of the sensor and the database. In addition, the control unit 106 may calibrate another parameter from the slope and the intersection point of the resistance value temperature dependence characteristic from the sensor output value and one parameter from the slope and the intersection point of the calibrated resistance value temperature dependence characteristic. In another example, the database described above may be located outside the aerosol device 100, and the control unit 106 may receive the necessary information by communicating with the database or the like.

In an example, the database described above may store the electrical resistance value of the load 132 at room or aerosol temperature, another parameter from the angle of inclination and the intersection point of the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value corresponding to the electrical resistance value for each type of load 132.

The process proceeds to step 1016 and control 106 adjusts the resistance value threshold R _threshold used to determine if the amount of aerosol source is insufficient (eg, step 814 in FIG. 8). In the above example, the value of R _threshold is changed from R' to R1'.

Thus, in the example, the control unit 106 may calibrate the temperature-resistance characteristic of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value (voltage value, current value, resistance value, or the like) of the sensor before the load 132 generates an aerosol and room temperature. Since the PTC characteristic is calibrated based on room temperature, the accuracy of the PTC characteristic calibration is improved.

In addition, in the example, when a predetermined condition is set that determines that the temperature of the load 132 is equal to room temperature, the control unit 106 may calibrate the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the load 132 generates an aerosol, and room temperature. Thus, calibration is performed when a condition is established that it is possible that the temperature of the load 132 has reached room temperature. Accordingly, it is more likely that the load temperature at the time of calibration is undoubtedly room temperature, whereby the calibration accuracy of the PTC characteristic is improved.

In an example, the predetermined condition may be that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous generation of the aerosol. As a result, the fact that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the previous generation of aerosol becomes a condition for considering the load temperature to be room temperature. Accordingly, the load is sufficiently cooled during calibration, and therefore it is more likely that the temperature of the load drops to room temperature.

In an example, aerosol device 100 may include a cartridge 104A that includes a load 132 and a storage unit 116A for storing an aerosol source, or an aerosol generating article 104B that includes a load 132 and an aerosol carrier material 116B for holding an aerosol source, and a connector , which allows the attachment/detachment of the cartridge 104A or the insertion/removal of the aerosol product 104B. The above-described predetermined condition may be that a predetermined period of time elapses after the cartridge 104 is attached to the connector or the aerosol-forming article 104B is inserted into the connector. Thus, the fact that a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the cartridge 104A is connected becomes a condition for considering the load temperature to be room temperature. Accordingly, the temperature of the load during calibration is sufficiently reduced, and therefore it is more likely that the temperature of the load has been reduced to room temperature.

In an example, the aerosol device 100 may include, as the sensor 112, a temperature sensor that outputs the temperature of an electrical component forming the main body 102 including the power supply 110, the control unit 106, and the like, or any of the temperature inside the main body 102 and the temperature outside the main body 102. The above-described predetermined condition may be that the temperature output from the sensor 112 is room temperature, or the absolute value of the difference between the temperature output from the sensor 112 and the room temperature does not exceed a predetermined threshold. Such a condition can also be a condition for considering the load temperature as room temperature. Accordingly, when the temperature output from the sensor 112 is the temperature of the power supply 110 and the temperature of the control unit 106 or the temperature inside the main body 102, the aerosol device 100 is not in operation or is in a low power standby mode. In other words, the aerosol device 100 is in a state in which no electrical power is supplied to the load 132, so that the temperature of the load during calibration is sufficiently low, and it becomes more likely that the temperature of the load is reduced to room temperature. In addition, when the temperature output from the sensor 112 is the temperature of the air outside the main body 102, the aerosol device 100 does not remain in an environment in which the absolute value of the difference between the temperature output from the sensor 112 and the room temperature instead of the room temperature , which includes high temperature and low temperature, is significant, thereby increasing the likelihood that the load temperature during calibration is reduced to room temperature.

In an example, when the predetermined condition described above is satisfied, the control unit 106 may control the load 132 so as not to generate an aerosol until the sensor output value matches the temperature estimate corresponding to the output value. It should be understood that the temperature response characteristic of the resistance value may or may not be calibrated to the output value of the sensor. According to this configuration, no aerosol is generated until the resistance value is measured. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation where the load temperature at the time of calibration is much higher than the room temperature. In addition, since the aerosol is generated using the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value before calibration, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of inhalable flavor in the aerosol.

In an example, control unit 106 may supply a given electrical power from power supply 110 to load 132, wherein the specified electrical power is less than the electrical power required to raise the temperature of load 132 to a temperature at which load 132 can form an aerosol. In addition, the control unit can calibrate the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value from the output value provided by the sensor at the time when the load 132 is supplied with a predetermined electrical power.

In the example, the electrical power setpoint described above may be an electrical power that does not cause the temperature of the load 132 to rise beyond the resolution of the sensor. In another example, the electrical power setpoint described above may be an electrical power that does not cause the temperature of the load 132 to rise.

In an example, the control unit 106 may calibrate the slope and intercept of the stored resistance value temperature response characteristic based on the correspondence between the sensor output value and the load temperature estimate 132 corresponding to the output value, and information (e.g., a coefficient indicating the slope of the resistance value temperature dependence characteristic). ) about the load 132 or the cartridge 104A including the load 132. Thus, not only the point of intersection, but also the angle of inclination is also calibrated based on the information about the cartridge 104A. Accordingly, even when another cartridge including a load 132 made of a different metal is connected, calibration can be performed with high accuracy for each cartridge.

In an example, control unit 106 may obtain information about load 132 or cartridge 104A from at least one of a communication line with an external terminal, load identification information 132, cartridge identification information 104A or cartridge packaging 104A, and user-entered information.

Fig. 11A is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The process execution in steps 1102A-1106A is the same as the process execution in steps 1002-1006 in the example of FIG. 10, so their description is not given.

When cartridge 104A disconnection has been detected (Yes at 1106A), the process proceeds to 1108A. In step 1108A, upon detecting the user's inhalation, the control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to the on state. Accordingly, this causes the operation of the first circuit 202, whereby an aerosol is formed.

The process proceeds to step 1110A, and the control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to the off state and the switch Q2 to the on state. Accordingly, this causes the first circuit 202 to stop functioning, but instead causes the second circuit 204 to function. The execution of the process in steps 1112A-1116A is the same as the execution of the process in steps 1012-1016 in FIG. 10, so their description is not given.

Fig. 11B is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The process execution in steps 1102B-1112B is the same as the process execution in steps 1012A-1112A in FIG. 11A, so no description is given.

In step 1113B, the control unit 106 determines whether the value obtained in step 1112B is below a predetermined threshold. For example, the threshold may be set to the value of load resistance 132 when the temperature of load 132 reaches a temperature (eg, 300° C.) above the boiling point of the aerosol source. By performing the determination in step 1113B, the control unit 106 may determine whether the load 132 is in an aerosol generation state or in a state in which aerosol is not generated due to insufficient aerosol source.

When the received value is below the threshold (Yes at 1113B), the process proceeds to 1114B. The process execution in steps 1114B and 1116B is the same as the process execution in steps 1114A and 1116A, so they will not be described.

When the received value is at or above the threshold (No at 1113B), the processes of steps 1114B and 1116B are not executed, and then the execution of process 1110B ends.

Thus, according to the present embodiment, in the example, the control unit 106 calibrates the temperature-response characteristic of the resistance value to be stored based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor when the load 132 is supplied with electrical power sufficient to generate an aerosol and the temperature to cause an aerosol to form. . Since the PTC characteristic is calibrated to the aerosol formation temperature, the calibration accuracy of the PTC characteristic is improved.

In an example, when the output value of the sensor, when the load 132 is supplied with electrical power sufficient to generate an aerosol, is at or above the threshold, the control unit 106 does not calibrate the stored characteristic of the temperature dependence of the resistance value. Thus, when the temperature (resistance value) of the load is extremely high, the PTC characteristic is not calibrated. Accordingly, since the control unit 106 does not erroneously assume that the excessively high load temperature when the aerosol source is exhausted is the aerosol generation temperature, the calibration accuracy of the PTC characteristic can be prevented from drastically degrading. Alternatively, in another example, the control unit 106 does not calibrate the stored resistance value temperature response when the amount of change in the sensor output when a given electrical power is applied to the load 132 is at or above a threshold. Thus, when the temperature (resistance value) of the load changes very significantly, the PTC characteristic is not calibrated. Accordingly, when the aerosol source is exhausted, which may cause a very large change in load temperature, the PTC characteristic is not calibrated, whereby the accuracy of the calibration of the PTC characteristic can be tolerated to decrease sharply.

In the example, the control unit 106 calibrates the temperature-resistance characteristic of the resistance value based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor, when the load 132 is supplied with electrical power sufficient to generate aerosol, and in steady state, with a value different from the value at room temperature, and temperature causing the formation of an aerosol.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The process execution in steps 1202-1212 is the same as the process execution in steps 1002 and 1012 in FIG. 10. The process execution in steps 1214-1218 is the same as the process execution in steps 1108A and 1112A in FIG. 11A. In the sequence of operations in FIG. 12, both process data are executed, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step 1220. At step 1220, the control unit 106 calibrates the slope angle and the intercept of the stored resistance value temperature dependence characteristic based on the correspondence (obtained in steps 1208-1212) between the sensor output value to how load 132 generates aerosol and room temperature and the correspondence (based on the results of steps 1214-1218) between the sensor output when sufficient electrical power is applied to load 132 to generate aerosol and the temperature that causes aerosol to form. That is, the intersection point and slope of the PTC characteristic are calibrated using two graphs (temperature and resistance value). Accordingly, the intercept and slope of the PTC characteristic can be calibrated in a simpler manner that does not require special information from the data acquisition unit (eg, without the need to include information needed for calibration in the cartridge 104A).

Similar to the example in FIG. 11B, in the above example, when the output value of the sensor, when the load 132 is supplied with electrical power sufficient to produce aerosol, is at or above a threshold, the control unit 106 is not required to calibrate the resistance value temperature dependence characteristic.

Fig. 13 is a graph showing that the temperature threshold for determining that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient may become too high due to the production load deviation 132. The three straight lines in FIG. 13 show the characteristics of the temperature dependences of the resistance values of the loads (heaters) 132 made of the same type of metal A. In this case, the solid line 1302 shows the characteristic of the standard first load 132-1 having the initial resistance value R, the dashed line 1304 shows the characteristic of the second load 132- 2 having an initial value of resistance R1 that is higher than the initial value of the standard load, and the dashed line 1306 shows the response of the second load 132-3 having an initial value of resistance R2 that is lower than the initial value of the standard load. In addition, it is assumed that the determination that the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient is performed when the boiling point of the aerosol source is

- 29 040474

200°C, and the temperature of the first load 132-1 is 350°C. In this case, as can be understood from the drawing, the load resistance value threshold for determining whether the aerosol source is insufficient is Rth _re sh _old . In the case of the second load 132-2, the resistance value is Rth _re sh _old when the load temperature reaches 330°C. Accordingly, since an alarm is issued to the user at a temperature below the standard temperature threshold of 350°C, even when Rt _hreshold is used as a threshold, the overheat condition does not occur. Accordingly, with regard to the second load 132-2, it can be said that the calibration of the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value is not necessary. On the other hand, in the case of the third load 132-3, the resistance value becomes R _threshold after the load temperature reaches 370°C. Accordingly, when R _threshold is used as a threshold, the warning signal is not issued until the temperature of the load 132-3 reaches 370° C., that is, a very high temperature, whereby an overheating condition may occur. Accordingly, in the case of the third load 132-3, it is necessary to calibrate the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value. In the example, the temperature response characteristic of the load resistance value 132 can only be calibrated when the initial load resistance value 132 is below Rs _tand shown in FIG. 13.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of an exemplary execution of a process for calibrating a temperature dependence characteristic of a load resistance value, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in view of the idea indicated in FIG. 13.

The process execution in steps 1402-1412 is the same as the process execution in steps 1002-1012 in FIG. 10, so their description is not given.

At step 1413, the control unit 106 determines whether the resistance value (or voltage value, current value, or the like value related to the resistance value) of load 132 at room temperature, which is obtained at step 1412, is at a level lower than R _stand (or value voltage, current value, or the like corresponding to that value) shown in FIG. 13.

When the load resistance value 132 is at a level lower than R _stand , (Yes at step 1413), the process proceeds to step 1414. The execution of the process at steps 1414 and 1416 is the same as the execution of the process at blocks 1014 and 1016 in FIG. 10, so their description is not given.

When the value of the load resistance 132 is at least R _stand (No at step 1413), the processes of steps 1414 and 1416 are not executed and the process ends.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 may determine whether or not to perform calibration based on a predetermined condition prior to calibrating the stored resistance value temperature dependence characteristic. As described above, in the example, the predetermined condition may be that, based on the correspondence between the sensor output value and the load temperature estimate 132 corresponding to the output value, a determination is made that the load temperature 132 is estimated to be lower than the actual value if the stored temperature dependence characteristic resistance values are not calibrated. The predetermined condition may be that the output value of the sensor is below a predetermined threshold. In these configurations, calibration is performed only when an overtemperature condition occurs if the resistance value temperature response is not calibrated. Accordingly, when it is not necessary to perform calibration, for example, when the measured initial value of the load resistance includes a small error such as a sensor error, then performing an undesired calibration can be avoided.

Fig. 15 is a plot of an exemplary temperature response of the resistance value of each of the different loads (heaters) 132 that are made from different metals. Solid line 1502, dashed line 1504, and dashed line 1506 show the characteristics of metal A load 132A, metal B load 132B, and metal C load 132C, respectively. Different types of metals have different temperature coefficients of resistance and different slopes of the corresponding characteristics. Accordingly, as shown in the drawing, even when the initial values of the resistances RA, R _B and RC of the load 132A, the load 132B and the load 132C have the same value, the resistance values R'A, R' _B and R'C of the respective loads when the temperatures of the respective loads reach 350°C, differ from each other. As can be understood, when the cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B including a load made of some metal is replaced by a cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B including a load made of a different metal, it is necessary to adjust the threshold used to determine insufficiency of the aerosol source. It should be noted that the initial values of the resistances RA, R _B and RC of load 132A, load 132B and load 132C may be different values.

In such a case, in an example, the control unit 106 may measure the initial value of the load resistance 132 when a new cartridge 104A or a new aerosol-forming article 104B is inserted into the aerosol device 100. The control unit 106 may then calculate a resistance threshold used to determine the insufficiency of the aerosol source from the temperature dependence characteristic.

- 30 040474 value of the load resistance value 132 contained in the cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B. In an example, the control unit 106 may receive information about the load 132 or the cartridge 104A or the aerosol product 104B, such as a resistance temperature response characteristic, via a communication link with an external terminal such as a server. The control unit 106 may also obtain such information from the identification information contained in the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag of the load 132 or the cartridge 104A or the aerosol product 104B, or the like, from the packaging identification information of the cartridge 104A or the aerosol product 104B, information entered user, etc.

In an example, the aerosol device 100 may include a cartridge 104A that includes a load 132 and a storage unit 116A for storing an aerosol source, or an aerosol generating article that includes a load 132 and an aerosol carrier material 116B for holding the aerosol source, and a connector , which allows the attachment/detachment of the cartridge 104A or the insertion/removal of the aerosol product 104B. In this example, the sensor is not necessarily contained in the cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B. The control unit 106 may calibrate the stored resistance value temperature response based on a correspondence between a value obtained by subtracting a setpoint value (e.g., the resistance value at the location to which the cartridge 104A is connected) from the sensor output value and the load temperature estimate 132 corresponding to the output value. According to this configuration, a sensor for measuring a resistance value is provided in the main body 102. Accordingly, it can prevent an increase in cost, weight, volume, and the like. cartridge 104A or aerosol product 104B.

In an example, the aerosol device 100 may include a first circuit 202 used to cause the load 132 to spray the aerosol source and a second circuit 204 used to determine a value related to the resistance value of the load 132 connected in parallel with the first circuit 202 and having an electrical value. resistance value is higher than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit 202. According to this configuration, the aerosol device 100 includes a special circuit (second circuit 204) for measuring voltage. Accordingly, this may reduce the electrical power of the power supply 110 required to measure the resistance value of the load 132.

In an example, aerosol device 100 may include circuitry that electrically couples power source 110 and load 132. temperature of the load 132. The control unit 106 may output the electrical resistance value of the load 132 based on the voltage value applied to the entire circuit and the output value of the sensor. According to this configuration, it is only required that only two voltage sensors be used, two voltage sensors including a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage supplied to the entire circuit and a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage supplied to the section, wherein the voltage, to be supplied varies in accordance with changes in the temperature of the load 132. Accordingly, it is only required that the minimum necessary sensors be added to the existing device.

In an example, the aerosol device 100 may include a conversion unit 208 that converts the output voltage of the power supply 110 and provides the converted voltage for supply to the entire circuit. To output the electrical resistance value of the load 132, the control unit 106 may control the conversion unit 208 to supply a constant voltage to the entire circuit. In this configuration, the use of a converter allows the control unit 106 to adjust the voltage applied to the entire circuit to keep it at a constant level when the resistance value is measured. Accordingly, the plausibility of the measured resistance value increases.

In an example, the aerosol device 100 may include a power supply 110, a load 132 that generates heat after receiving electrical power from the power supply 110, and sprays using heat the aerosol source, and has a resistance value temperature dependence characteristic with which the electrical resistance value varies with temperature, a memory 114 that stores the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value, a sensor 112 that outputs a value related to the resistance value of the load 132, and a control unit 106 configured to perform predetermined control on the temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value. The control unit 106 may calibrate a value (constant, variable, threshold, or the like) related to a predetermined control based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor 112 and the load temperature estimate 132 corresponding to the output value.

In the above description, the third embodiment of the present invention has been described as an aerosol device and a method for driving the aerosol device. However, it will be understood that the present invention, when executed by a processor, can be implemented as a

Claims (18)

a gram that instructs the processor to execute the method, or in the form of a computer-readable storage medium that stores the program. The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, and it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the present invention. It should be understood that modifications, additions, alterations, and the like can be appropriately made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above embodiments, but should be defined only by the claims and the equivalents of the claims. List of reference positions. 100A, 100B - aerosol device, 102 - main body, 104A - cartridge, 104B - aerosol product, 106 - control unit, 108 - notification unit, 110 - power supply, 112A-112D sensor, 114 - memory, 116A - storage unit, 116B aerosol carrier material, 118A, 118B spray unit, 120 air inlet, 121 aerosol flow channel, 122 mouthpiece, 130 retaining assembly, 132 load, 134 circuit, 202 first circuit, 204 second circuit , 206, 210, 214 - field effect transistor (FET), 208 - conversion unit, 212 - resistor, 216 - diode, 218 - inductance, 220 capacitor, 702 - comparator, 704 - analog-to-digital converter (ADC), 706, 708 - amplifier, 710 - power supply, 902, 904, 906, 1302, 1304, 1306, 1502, 1504, 1506 - temperature dependence characteristic of the resistance value CLAIM 1. An aerosol device containing a power source; a load that generates heat after receiving electric power from the power source and atomizes the aerosol source using the heat, wherein the electrical resistance value of the load changes with temperature; a first circuit used to cause the load to spray the aerosol source; a second circuit used to detect a voltage that varies in response to changes in load temperature, connected in parallel with the first circuit and having an electrical resistance value greater than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit, the second circuit comprising a resistor which is connected in series with the load and has an electrical resistance value ; a data acquisition unit that receives a voltage value supplied to the second circuit and the load; a sensor that outputs a voltage value that changes according to changes in load temperature; wherein the resistor has an electrical resistance value such that a current that has a value that allows a distinction to be made between a state in which current flows in the second circuit and a state in which no current flows in the second circuit flows in the second circuit in the case when the power supply voltage is the end-of-discharge voltage, and the value of Rsh _{unt of} the electrical resistance of the resistor is expressed as follows: ^R shunt= ^(V out ^/V HTR ^)xR HTR ^-(R HTR ^/V HTR ⁾² x ^Q where Vout is the value of the voltage applied to the combined resistor formed by the resistor and load connected in series, V _HTR is the value of the voltage applied to the load, RHTR is the value of the electrical resistance of the load, and Q is the amount of heat required to retain the heat of the load per unit time. 2. The aerosol device of claim 1, wherein the sensor outputs a voltage value applied to the load or resistor as a voltage value that changes in response to changes in load temperature. 3. The aerosol device of claim 2, wherein the resistor has an electrical resistance value greater than the electrical resistance value of the load, and the sensor outputs a voltage value applied to the load. 4. The aerosol device of claim 3, wherein a voltage value that changes in response to changes in load temperature is obtained based on a comparison of the reference voltage value with an amplified voltage value applied to the load. 5. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power source and outputs the converted voltage for supply to the second circuit and load, while the data acquisition unit receives the set value of the output voltage of the conversion unit into then the time when current flows in the second circuit. 6. The aerosol device of claim 5, wherein the conversion unit is connected between the higher voltage node of the nodes to which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected and the power source. - 32 040474 7. An aerosol device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the conversion unit is a switching regulator capable of reducing and outputting the input voltage. 8. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the storage unit that stores the aerosol source and the load are contained in a cartridge that is connectable/disconnectable to the aerosol device via a connector and the cartridge does not contain a sensor. 9. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the storage unit that stores the aerosol source and the load are contained in a cartridge that is connectable/disconnectable to the aerosol device via a connector, and the sensor outputs a voltage value applied to the load and connector, as a voltage value that changes according to load temperature changes. 10. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the aerosol carrier material that retains the aerosol source is contained in an aerosol-forming article that is insertable/retrievable into/from the aerosol/aerosol device/devices, and the aerosol-forming article does not contains a sensor. 11. The aerosol device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the resistor has an electrical resistance value such that a current flows in the second circuit that has an amount that allows a distinction to be made between the state in which the current flows in the second circuit and the state , in which no current flows in the second circuit. 12. The aerosol device according to claim 11, comprising a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and outputs the converted voltage to supply it to the second circuit and the load, while the resistor has such an electrical resistance value that a current flows in the second circuit, which has a value that allows a distinction to be made between a state in which current flows in the second circuit and a state in which no current flows in the second circuit in the case where the output voltage of the conversion unit is applied to the second circuit and the load. 13. The aerosol device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the resistor has an electrical resistance value such that a current flows in the second circuit that has an amount that allows a distinction to be made between a state in which current flows in the second circuit and a state , in which no current flows in the second circuit, in the case where the load temperature is the temperature reached only when the amount of the aerosol source is insufficient. 14. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 2-4 and 11-13, wherein the resistor has an electrical resistance value such that only the electrical power necessary for the thermal inertia of the load is supplied to the load while current flows in the second circuit . 15. An aerosol device according to any one of claims 2-4 and 11-13, wherein the resistor has an electrical resistance value such that the load does not generate an aerosol while current is flowing in the second circuit. 16. Aerosol device according to any one of paragraphs.1-15, containing the first switch, which connects and disconnects the electrical conductivity of the first circuit; a second switch that connects and disconnects the electrical conduction of the second circuit; and a control unit configured to control the switching of the first switch and the second switch so that the turn-on time of the first switch is longer than the turn-on time of the second switch. 17. The aerosol device of claim 16, wherein the second switch on time is the minimum time period that can be provided by the control unit. 18. A method of manufacturing an aerosol device, which installs a power source configured to supply electrical power to spray the aerosol source; set the load, in which the value of the electrical resistance varies depending on the temperature; forming a first circuit used to cause the aerosol source to be atomized by means of a load; forming a second circuit, used for detecting a voltage that changes in accordance with changes in load temperature, connected in parallel with the first circuit and having an electrical resistance value greater than the electrical resistance value of the first circuit, while the second circuit contains a resistor, which is connected in series with the load and has the value of electrical resistance; installing a data acquisition unit that receives the value of the voltage supplied to the second circuit and the load; and installing a sensor that outputs a voltage value that changes according to changes in load temperature; while the resistor has such a value of electrical resistance that the current, which has a