EA044769B1 - AEROSOL-GENERATING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently known aerosol-generating devices (electronic vaporizer devices), for example so-called electronic cigarettes and nebulizers (inhalers), which atomize (convert into aerosol) the liquid or solid that is the source of the aerosol, using a load that operates by applying power to it from a power source, such as a heater or converter, to enable the user to inhale a nebulized liquid or solid.

For example, a system for generating inhalable vapor using an electronic vaporizer device has been proposed (eg, Patent Document 1). In this technology, whether evaporation occurs or not is determined by controlling the power supplied to the coil, which corresponds to the heater for atomizing the aerosol source. The description states that a decrease in the power required to maintain a given coil temperature indicates that there is not enough liquid in the fluid wick to allow normal evaporation to occur.

Also provided is an aerosol-generating device (eg, Patent Document 2) that detects the presence of an aerosol-generating body that includes or corresponds to an aerosol source in the vicinity of a heating element configured to heat the aerosol-generating body by comparison with a threshold value, power or energy. , which must be supplied to the heating element in order to maintain the temperature of the heating element at the set temperature.

Bibliography

Patent literature.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Out No. 2017-501805.

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Out No. 2015-507476.

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Out No. 2005-525131.

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Laid Out No. 2011-515093.

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Laid Out No. 2013-509160.

Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Laid Out No. 2015-531600.

Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Laid Out No. 2014-501105.

Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Laid-Out No. 2014-501106.

Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent Laid-Out No. 2014-501107.

Patent Document 10: International Publication No. 2017/021550.

Patent Document 11: Japanese Patent Laid Out No. 2000-041654.

Patent Document 12: Japanese Patent Laid Out No. 3-232481.

Patent Document 13: International Publication No. 2012/027350.

Patent Document 14: International Publication No. 1996/039879.

Patent Document 15: International Publication No. 2017/021550.

The essence of the invention

Technical problem.

When an aerosol is generated using a conventional aerosol generating apparatus, power supply from the power supply to the heater is controlled such that the temperature of the heater is around the boiling point of the aerosol source. If a sufficient amount of aerosol source remains and the amount of aerosol generated is controlled, then the power supplied from the power supply to the heater is constant or shows a continuous change. In other words, if a sufficient amount of aerosol source remains and feedback control is performed to maintain the heater temperature at a set temperature or within a specified temperature range, then the power supplied from the power supply to the heater is a constant value or shows a continuous change.

The residual amount of the aerosol source is an important variable that is used in various types of control performed by the aerosol generating device. If the residual amount of the aerosol source is not determined or cannot be determined with sufficient accuracy, then, for example, there is a risk that power from the power supply to the heater will continue to be supplied even if the aerosol source has already been consumed, and the amount of charge of the power source will be wasted.

Therefore, the aerosol generating device proposed in Patent Document 2 determines whether there is a sufficient amount of the aerosol source by the power required to maintain the temperature of the heater. However, power is typically measured using multiple sensors, in which case it is difficult to accurately determine the residual amount of an aerosol source or its consumption from the measured power unless the errors of the said sensors are accurately calibrated or the control is performed without taking into account the errors.

Other methods for determining the residual amount of an aerosol source have been proposed:

- 1 044769 methods that use the temperature of the heater or the electrical resistance value of the heater, as described in Patent Document 3 and Patent Document 4. It is known that the temperature and the electrical resistance value of the heater, in the case where a sufficient amount of the aerosol source remains, take values different from when the aerosol source is used up. However, these methods require specialized sensors or multiple sensors, and therefore it is also difficult for these methods to accurately estimate the residual amount of an aerosol source or its consumption.

In the case where the sensor did not have a suitable resolution, it was difficult to accurately determine, for example, the reduction of the residual quantity. There was also the problem that aerosol was generated when the residual amount of the aerosol source was measured, etc. using a sensor.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to block generation in an aerosol generating device during measurement or to improve the accuracy of the aerosol source residual estimation performed by the aerosol generating device.

Solution to the problem.

The aerosol generating device of the present invention includes a power source, a load configured to have a resistance value that varies with temperature, and to generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source when power is supplied thereto from the power source, a sensor configured with a resistor connected in series with the load and capable of outputting a measured value that is a value of current flowing through the resistor or a value of voltage applied to the resistor, and a control unit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the load and receiving an output signal from the sensor, wherein the resistor has a resistance value that is set such that the response of a change in the measured value to a change in temperature of the resistance value is within a set range.

A resistor has a resistance value that is set such that the response of a change in the measured value to a change in temperature of the resistance value is within a set range. If the response is high, then, for example, the detection performance of the sensor is improved, but there is a risk that an aerosol will be generated during the measurement. On the contrary, if the response is low, aerosol formation during measurement may be blocked, but the detection performance of the sensor will also be reduced. In the above configuration, a balanced resistance value can be set.

It is also possible to have a configuration in which the resistor has a resistance value that satisfies at least one of the first condition that the amount of aerosol generated by the load during the boost period during which power is supplied from the power supply to the resistor does not exceed a threshold value, and the second conditions that the control unit can determine the residual amount of the aerosol source or flavor source from the measured value. According to the first condition, the generation of aerosol during measurement can be blocked, and according to the second condition, the accuracy of the estimation of the residual amount of the aerosol source performed by the aerosol generating device can be improved.

The resistance value can be set to satisfy the first condition. Namely, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the aerosol generating device further comprises a mouthpiece end that is provided at an end portion of the aerosol generation device to discharge the aerosol, wherein a threshold value is set such that the aerosol is not discharged from the mouthpiece end during the replenishment period. In other words, it is also possible to have a configuration in which a threshold value is set such that the heat generated by the load is not used for evaporation heat of the aerosol source or the flavor source. A configuration is also possible in which the resistance is set to such a value that no aerosol is generated as a result of heat generated by the load.

The resistance value can also be set to satisfy the second condition. Namely, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the resistance value is set such that the measured value obtained when power is supplied to the load and the measured value obtained when the residual amount of the aerosol source or the flavor source does not exceed the set amount are different from each other, to be visible to the control unit. In other words, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the resistance value is set such that the absolute value of the difference between the measured value obtained when power is supplied to the load and the measured value obtained when the residual amount of the aerosol source or the flavor source does not exceed the set amount, exceeds the resolution of the control unit. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the resistance value is set such that the measured value obtained when an aerosol is generated and the measured value obtained when the residual amount of the aerosol source or flavor source does not exceed the set amount are different from each other so as to be distinguishable for the unit management. A configuration is also possible in which the resistance value is set such that

- 2 044769 The absolute value of the difference between the measured value obtained when an aerosol is generated and the measured value obtained when the residual amount of the aerosol source or flavor source does not exceed a set amount exceeds the resolution of the control unit. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the resistance value is set such that the measured value obtained when power is applied to the load and the measured value obtained when aerosol is generated are different from each other so as to be distinguishable to the control unit. It is also possible to configure the resistance value such that the absolute value of the difference between the measured value obtained when power is applied to the load and the measured value obtained when aerosol is generated exceeds the resolution of the control unit.

Alternatively, the resistance value satisfies the first condition and the second condition. In this case, the generation of aerosol during measurement can be blocked and the accuracy of the residual amount of the aerosol source estimated by the aerosol generating device can be improved. Namely, two contradictory problems can be solved simultaneously.

It is also possible to have a configuration in which the resistance value is closer to the largest value at which the second condition is satisfied than to the smallest value at which the first condition is satisfied. In this configuration, it is possible to increase as much as possible the resolution relevant to the determination of the residue, while at the same time blocking the formation of aerosol during the measurement. Namely, the resolution can be increased as much as possible while two conflicting problems are being solved simultaneously, and accordingly the accuracy of the aerosol source residual estimated by the aerosol generating device can be maximized.

It is also possible to have a configuration in which the aerosol generating device further includes power circuitry configured to electrically connect the power source to the load and contain a first power supply circuit for supplying power to the load other than through the sensor and a second power supply circuit for supplying power to the load. through the sensor. In particular, you can use this configuration.

It is also possible to have a configuration in which the power circuit includes a first node that is connected to a power source and from which the power circuit branches into a first power supply circuit and a second power supply circuit, a second node that is provided after the first node and in which the first power supply circuit power and the second power supply circuit converge with each other, and a linear regulator that is provided between the first node and the sensor in the second power supply circuit. With this configuration, the occurrence of conversion loss in the linear regulator in the first power supply circuit can be eliminated, and the detection accuracy of the residual quantity in the second power supply circuit can be improved.

An aerosol generating device in accordance with another aspect of the present invention includes a power source, a load configured to have a resistance value that varies with temperature, and to generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source when power is applied thereto. from the power supply, a sensor configured with a resistor connected in series with the load and capable of outputting a measured value, which is the value of the current flowing through the resistor or the value of the voltage applied to the resistor, and a control unit configured to control the supply of power from power source to the load and receiving an output signal from the sensor, wherein the resistor has a resistance value that satisfies at least one of the first condition that the amount of aerosol generated by the load during the boost period during which power is supplied from the power source to resistor does not exceed a threshold value, and the second condition is that the change in the residual amount of the aerosol source or the flavor source can be determined by the control unit from the measured value.

According to the first condition, the generation of aerosol during measurement can be blocked, and according to the second condition, the accuracy of the estimation of the residual amount of the aerosol source performed by the aerosol generating device can be improved.

An aerosol generating device in accordance with another aspect of the present invention includes a power source, a load configured to have a resistance value that varies with temperature, and to generate an aerosol by atomizing the aerosol source or heating the flavor source when power is applied thereto. from a power source, a sensor configured with a resistor connected in series with the load, and capable of outputting a measured value, which is the value of the current flowing through the resistor or the value of the voltage applied to the resistor, at least one adjustment resistor for adjusting the magnitude of the current, supplied to the load, and a control unit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the load and receive an output signal from the sensor, wherein the resistance values of the resistor and the adjustment resistor satisfy the first condition that the amount of aerosol generated by the load during the recharge period is the time during which power is supplied from the power source to the load does not exceed a threshold value, and the resistor has a resistance value that is set such that the response of a change in the measured value to a change in temperature of the resistance value is within a set range.

In this configuration, aerosol generation may be blocked during measurement, or the accuracy of the aerosol source residual estimated by the aerosol generating device may be improved by using a control resistor value in addition to the sensor resistance value.

It is also possible to have a configuration where the resistor value is greater than the load resistance value. In this way, for example, the formation of aerosols during measurement can be blocked.

It should be noted that everything that is set forth in relation to the solution of the problem can be combined within the scope of the present invention without deviating from the problem solved by the present invention and the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, everything that is set forth in relation to the solution of the problem can be represented in the form of a system that includes one or more devices that include a computer, a processor, an electrical circuit, etc., a method to be performed by the device, or program to be executed by the device. The program can also be executed over a network. It is also possible to provide a storage medium that stores the program.

Useful effects of the invention.

In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to block the formation of an aerosol in the aerosol generating device during measurement or to improve the accuracy of the estimation of the residual amount of an aerosol source performed by the aerosol generating device.

Brief description of drawings

In fig. 1 is a perspective view showing one example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device.

In fig. 2 is an exploded view showing one example of an aerosol generating device.

In fig. 3 is a block diagram showing one example of the internal structure of an aerosol generating device.

In fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing one example of a circuit configuration of an aerosol generating device.

In fig. 5 is a flowchart representing processing for estimating the amount of an aerosol source contained within a storage area.

In fig. 6 is a processing flowchart showing one example of processing for residual quantity estimation.

In fig. 7 is a timing diagram representing one example of a state in which a user is using the aerosol generating device.

In fig. 8 is a diagram showing one example of a method for determining the length of a determination period.

In fig. 9 is a diagram showing another example of changes in the value of current flowing through a load.

In fig. 10 is a processing flowchart showing one example of processing for setting a determination period.

In fig. 11 is a diagram schematically representing the energy consumption of the storage section, supply section and load.

In fig. 12 is a graph schematically representing the relationship between the energy consumed at the load and the amount of aerosol generated.

In fig. 13 shows one example of a graph representing the relationship between the residual amount of aerosol and the load resistance value.

In fig. 14 shows a schematic diagram representing a variant of the circuit included in the aerosol generating device.

In fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing another version of the circuit included in the aerosol generating device.

Description of Embodiments

An embodiment of the aerosol generating device of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. the constituent elements described in the present embodiment are exemplary. The order of operations is also one example, and the order may be changed or the procedures may be performed in parallel within the scope without deviating from the problem solved by the present invention and the technical idea of the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples unless otherwise indicated.

- 4 044769

Embodiment.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing one example of the appearance of the aerosol generating device. Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing one example of an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device 1 is an electronic cigarette, a nebulizer, etc. and generates an aerosol in response to an inhalation performed by the user and provides an aerosol for the user. It should be noted that one continuous inhalation action performed by the user will be called a puff. In the present embodiment, the aerosol generating device 1 also adds an aromatic component, etc. into the generated aerosol and releases the aerosol into the user's mouth.

As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the aerosol generating device 1 includes a main body 2, an aerosol source portion 3, and an additional component portion 4. The main body 2 supplies power and controls the operations of the device as a whole. The aerosol source portion 3 houses an aerosol source to be sprayed to generate an aerosol. The additional component portion 4 accommodates components such as aroma component, nicotine, etc. The user can inhale an aerosol containing a fragrance, etc. while holding the mouthpiece, which is the end portion on the side of the portion 4 of the additional component, in the mouth.

The aerosol generating device 1 is formed by assembling, for example, a main body 2, an aerosol source portion 3, and an additional component portion 4 by a user. In the present embodiment, the main body 2, the aerosol source portion 3, and the additional component portion 4 are cylindrical in shape, truncated conical in shape, etc. with a predetermined diameter and can be connected in the order of the main body 2, the aerosol source section 3 and the additional component section 4. The main body 2 and the aerosol source portion 3 are connected to each other by screwing a male threaded portion and a female threaded portion that are respectively provided, for example, at the end portions of the main body 2 and the aerosol source portion 3. The aerosol source portion 3 and the additional component portion 4 are connected to each other, for example, by inserting the additional component portion 4 including a side surface having conical elements into a tubular portion provided at one end of the aerosol source portion 3. The aerosol source portion 3 and the additional component portion 4 may be disposable replaceable parts.

Internal configuration.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing one example of the internal structure of the aerosol generating device 1. The main body 2 includes a power supply 21, a control unit 22 and an inhalation sensor 23. The control unit 22 is electrically connected to the power source 21 and the inhalation sensor 23. The power source 21 is, for example, a rechargeable battery and supplies power to the electrical circuit contained in the aerosol generating device 1. The control unit 22 is a processor, such as a microcontroller (MCU: microcontrol unit), and controls the operations of the electrical circuit contained in the aerosol generating device 1. device 1. The inhalation sensor 23 is an air pressure sensor, a flow rate sensor, etc. When the user inhales from the mouthpiece of the aerosol generating device 1, the inhalation sensor 23 outputs a value in accordance with the negative pressure or flow rate of the gas flow generated inside the aerosol generating device 1. Namely, the control unit 22 can detect the inhalation from the output value of the inhalation sensor 23.

The aerosol source section 3 of the aerosol generating device 1 includes a storage section 31, a supply section 32, a load 33 and a residual amount sensor 34. The storage portion 31 is a container for storing a liquid aerosol source to be atomized by heating. It should be noted that the aerosol source is a material based on high molecular weight alcohols, such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosol source may also be a liquid mixture (also called a flavor source) that further contains liquid nicotine, water, flavor, etc. It is assumed that such an aerosol source is prefilled within the storage area 31. It should be noted that the source of the aerosol can also be a solid substance, which does not necessarily require a storage area 31.

The supply portion 32 includes a wick that is formed by twisting a fibrous material such as fiberglass. The supply section 32 is connected to the storage section 31. The supply portion 32 is also connected to the load 33, or at least a portion of the supply portion 32 is located near the load 33. The aerosol source spreads through the wick by capillarity and moves to a portion where the aerosol source can be atomized as a result of heating by the load 33. Otherwise In other words, the supply portion 32 absorbs the aerosol source from the storage portion 31 and transfers the aerosol source to or in the vicinity of the load 33. It should be noted that ceramic instead of fiberglass can also be used for the wick.

The load 33 is, for example, a coil-shaped heater and generates heat as a result of current flowing through the load 33. For example, the load 33 has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), and the resistance value of the load 33 is substantially in direct proportion

- 5 044769 national dependence on temperature due to heat release. It should be noted that the load 33 does not necessarily have to have a positive temperature coefficient and only requires that there be a correlation between the resistance value of the load 33 and the temperature due to heat generation. For example, a configuration in which the load 33 has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) is also possible. It should be noted that the load 33 may be wound on a wick or, conversely, the circumferential surface of the load 33 may be covered with a wick. The control unit 22 controls the supply of power to the load 33. When the aerosol source is supplied from the storage portion 31 to the load 33 by the supply portion 32, the aerosol source is vaporized under the influence of the heat generated by the load 33, and an aerosol is generated. If the inhalation action of the user is detected by the output value of the inhalation sensor 23, the control unit 22 supplies power to the load 33 to generate an aerosol. If the residual amount of the aerosol source contained within the storage portion 31 is sufficiently large, then a sufficient amount of the aerosol source is supplied to the load 33 and the heat generated by the load 33 is transferred to the aerosol source, in other words, the heat generated by the load 33 serves to heat and evaporate the source aerosol, and therefore the temperature of the load 33 almost never rises above a preset, preset temperature. On the other hand, if the aerosol source contained within the storage portion 31 is consumed, then the amount of the aerosol source supplied to the load 33 per unit time is reduced. As a result, the heat generated by the load 33 is not transferred to the aerosol source, in other words, the heat generated by the load 33 is not used to heat and evaporate the aerosol source, and therefore the load 33 becomes unnecessarily heated and the resistance value of the load 33 increases accordingly.

The residual quantity sensor 34 provides measurement data for estimating the residual quantity of the aerosol source contained within the storage portion 31 based on the temperature of the load 33. The residual quantity sensor 34 includes, for example, a resistor (shunt resistor) that is connected in series with the load 33 to to measure the current, and a meter that is connected in parallel with the resistor to measure the voltage value across the resistor. It should be noted that the resistor value is a constant value that is determined in advance and does not essentially change with temperature. Therefore, the value of current flowing through the resistor can be determined from the known resistance value and the measured voltage value.

It should be noted that instead of the above-described measuring device that uses a shunt resistor, a measuring device that uses a Hall effect element can be used. The Hall effect element is located in the on position in series with the load 33. Namely, the gap core, which includes the Hall effect element, is located around the wire, which is connected in series with the load 33. The Hall effect element detects the magnetic field generated by the current, flowing through it. In the case where a Hall effect element is used, the expression current flowing through the element means the current that flows through the wire, which is located in the center of the core with a gap and is not in contact with the Hall effect element, and the value of the current for this current is equal to the value of the current flowing through the load 33. In the present embodiment, the residual amount sensor 34 outputs a value of the current flowing through the resistor. Alternatively, one can also use the voltage value applied between opposite ends of the resistor, or the value obtained by performing a predefined operation on the current value or voltage value, instead of the current value or voltage value itself. These measured values, which can be used instead of the value of the current flowing through the resistor, are values that change according to the value of the current flowing through the resistor. Namely, the residual quantity sensor 34 is only required to output a measured value corresponding to the value of the current flowing through the resistor. It goes without saying that the technical idea of the present invention covers cases where said measured values are used instead of the value of the current flowing through a resistor.

The additional component portion 4 of the aerosol generating device accommodates cut tobacco leaves and an aromatic component 41, such as menthol. The additional component portion 4 contains air holes on the mouthpiece side and in the portion to be connected with the aerosol source portion 3, and when the user inhales from the mouthpiece, a negative pressure is generated inside the additional component portion 4, the aerosol generated in the aerosol source portion 3 is sucked in, nicotine, aromatic component, etc. are added to the aerosol at the additional component section 4, and the aerosol is released into the user's mouth.

It should be noted that the internal configuration shown in FIG. 3 provides one example. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the aerosol source portion 3 is provided along the side surface of the cylinder and has a toric shape that includes a cavity extending along the center of the circular cross-section. In this case, the supply portion 32 and the load 33 may be located in the central cavity. In addition, an element may additionally be provided

- 6 044769 output, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or vibrator, to indicate the status of the device to the user.

Circuit configuration.

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing one example of a circuit configuration portion in an aerosol generating device related to determining a residual amount of an aerosol source and controlling power supply to a load. The aerosol generating device 1 includes a power source 21, a control unit 22, a voltage conversion unit 211, switches (switching elements) Q1 and Q2, a load 33 and a residual quantity sensor 34. The portion that connects the power supply 21 to the load 33 and includes the switches Q1 and Q2 and the voltage conversion unit 211 will also be referred to as the power circuit of the present invention. The power supply 21 and the control unit 22 are provided in the main body 2 shown in FIG. 1-3, and the voltage conversion unit 211, switches Q1 and Q2, load 33 and residual quantity sensor 34 are provided at the aerosol source portion 3, for example, shown in FIG. 1-3. By connecting the main body 2 and the aerosol source section 3, their constituent elements are electrically connected to each other and the circuit shown in FIG. 4. It should be noted that it is also possible to have a configuration in which at least some of the voltage conversion unit 211, switches Q1 and Q2, and residual quantity sensor 34 are provided, for example, in the main body 2. In the case where the source portion 3 The aerosol and the additional component portion 4 are configured as disposable replacement parts, the cost of the replacement parts can be reduced by reducing the number of components contained in the replacement parts.

The power supply 21 has a direct or indirect electrical connection with each component element and supplies power to the circuit. The control unit 22 is connected to the keys Q1 and Q2 and the residual quantity sensor 34. The control unit 22 receives the output value of the residual amount sensor 34 to calculate a design value regarding the aerosol source remaining inside the storage portion 31, and controls the opening and closing of switches Q1 and Q2 based on the calculated design value, the output value of the inhalation sensor 23, etc. d.

Switches Q1 and Q2 are semiconductor switches, such as unipolar MOSFETs (metal oxide field-effect semiconductor transistors). One end of switch Q1 is connected to power supply 21, and the other end of switch Q1 is connected to load 33. When switch Q1 is closed, power may be supplied to load 33 to generate an aerosol. The control unit 22 closes the key Q1, for example, upon detecting an inhalation action by the user. It should be noted that the circuit that passes through the switch Q1 and the load 33 will also be called the aerosol generation circuit and the first power supply circuit.

One end of the switch Q2 is connected to the power source 21 through the voltage conversion unit 211, and the other end of the switch Q2 is connected to the load 33 through the residual quantity sensor 34. When switch Q2 is closed, the output value of the residual quantity sensor 34 can be obtained. It should be noted that the circuit that passes through the switch Q2, the residual quantity sensor 34 and the load 33, and from which the residual quantity sensor 34 outputs a set measured value, will also be called the residual quantity detection circuit and the second power supply circuit of the present invention. It should be noted that if the residual amount sensor 34 uses a Hall effect element, then the residual amount sensor 34 need not be connected to the switch Q2 and the load 33 and only need to be able to provide a set measured value in the position between the switch Q2 and the load 33. Otherwise In other words, it only requires that the wire that connects switch Q2 to load 33 pass through the Hall effect element.

The above circuit shown in FIG. 4 includes a first node 51 from which a circuit extending from the power source 21 branches into an aerosol generation circuit and a residual quantity determination circuit, and a second node 52 which is connected to the load 33 and in which an aerosol generation circuit and a residue determination circuit quantities are connected to each other.

The voltage conversion unit 211 is configured to convert the output voltage of the power supply 21 and output the converted voltage to the load 33. Specifically, the voltage conversion unit 211 is a voltage stabilizer, an LDO (low dropout voltage regulator) shown in FIG. 4, and outputs constant voltage. One end of the voltage conversion unit 211 is connected to the power supply 21, and the other end of the voltage conversion unit 211 is connected to the switch Q2. The voltage conversion unit 211 includes switch Q3, resistors R1 and R2, capacitors C1 and C2, a comparator Comp, and a constant voltage source that outputs a reference voltage Vref. It should be noted that if the LDO stabilizer shown in FIG. 4, then the output voltage V _{out of} the LDO regulator can be determined using the following expression (1):

V _O ut=R2/(Rl+R2) ^x VREF ... (1)

Switch Q3 is, for example, a semiconductor switch and is opened and closed depending on the output signal of the comparator Comp. One end of the key Q3 is connected to the power source 21, and the output voltage changes according to the open-close duty cycle of the switch Q3. The output voltage of switch Q3 is divided by resistors R1 and R2, which are connected in series, and is fed to one input of the comparator Comp. The reference voltage Vref is applied to the other input of the comparator Comp. In this case, a signal is output that shows the result of comparing the reference voltage Vref with the output voltage of switch Q3. Even if the voltage value supplied to switch Q3 changes, as long as the voltage value is at least a preset value, the output voltage of switch Q3 can be made constant based on the feedback signal received from the comparator Comp as described above. Comparator Comp and switch Q3 will also be referred to as voltage conversion unit of the present invention.

It should be noted that one end of the capacitor C1 is connected to the end portion of the voltage conversion unit 211 on the side of the power supply 21, and the other end of the capacitor C1 is grounded. Capacitor C1 stores energy and protects the circuit from voltage surges. One end of capacitor C2 is connected to the terminal of switch Q3, and capacitor C2 smoothes the output voltage.

If a power source such as a rechargeable battery is used, the voltage of the power supply decreases as the state of charge decreases. By using the voltage conversion unit 211 according to the present embodiment, a constant voltage can be supplied even if the power supply voltage changes to some extent.

The residual quantity sensor 34 includes a shunt resistor 341 and a voltmeter 342. One end of the shunt resistor 341 is connected to the voltage conversion unit 211 via switch Q2. The other end of the shunt resistor 341 is connected to the load 33. Namely, the shunt resistor 341 is connected in series with the load 33. The voltmeter 342 is connected in parallel with the shunt resistor 341 and can measure the amount of voltage drop across the shunt resistor 341. The voltmeter 342 is also connected to the control unit 22 and outputs the measured value of the voltage drop across the shunt resistor 341 to the control unit 22.

Process the residual quantity estimate.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart representing processing for estimating the amount of an aerosol source contained within the storage portion 31. It is assumed that the voltage V _out which is output by the voltage conversion unit 211 is constant. It is known that the resistance value R _shunt of the shunt resistor 341 is also constant. Therefore, the current value I _shunt for the current flowing through the shunt resistor 341 can be determined from the voltage V _shunt between the opposite ends of the shunt resistor 341 using the following expression (2):

Ishunt ⁼ Vshunt/Rshunt'··· (2)

It should be noted that the current value IHTR for the current flowing through the load 33 connected in series with the shunt resistor 341 is equal to Ishunt. The shunt resistor 341 is connected in series with the load 33, and a value corresponding to the value of the current flowing through the load is measured at the shunt resistor 341.

Here, the output voltage V _{out of} the voltage conversion unit 211 can be determined from the following expression (3) using the value of the load resistance RHTR 33:

Vout ⁼ Ishunt ^x (RshunrlRHTR)· ... (3)

By transforming expression (3), the resistance value RHTR of load 33 can be determined using the following expression (4):

RhTR=Vout/IshunfRshunt ‘ · · (4)

The load 33 is characterized by the above-described positive temperature coefficient (PTC), and the resistance value RHTR of the load 33 is substantially directly proportional to the temperature Thtr of the load 33, as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, the temperature T _HTR of the load 33 can be calculated from the resistance value R _htr of the load 33. In the present embodiment, information that shows the relationship between the resistance value R _htr and the temperature T _HTR of the load 33 is stored, for example, as a table in advance. Therefore, the temperature T _HTR of the load 33 can be estimated without the use of a special temperature sensor. It should be noted that, in the case where the load 33 has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC), the temperature T _HTR of the load 33 can also be estimated based on information showing the relationship between the resistance value R _htr and the temperature T _HTR .

In the present embodiment, even if the aerosol source around the load 33 is evaporated by the load 33, the aerosol source is continuously supplied through the supply portion 32 to the load 33 as long as a sufficient amount of the aerosol source is contained within the storage portion 31. Therefore, if the amount of the aerosol source remaining inside the storage portion 31 is at least a predetermined amount, then generally the temperature of the load 33 does not rise significantly above the boiling point of the aerosol source. However, when the amount of the aerosol source remaining inside the storage portion 31 decreases, the amount of the aerosol source supplied through the supply portion 32 to the load 33 also decreases, and the temperature of the load 33 increases and exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source. It is assumed that information that shows such a relationship between aerosol source residual and load temperature 33

- 8 044769 obtained in advance through experiments, etc. Based on this information and the calculated temperature THTR of the load 33, the residual amount of aerosol source accommodated by the storage section 31 can be estimated. It should be noted that the residual quantity may also be determined in the form of a ratio of the residual quantity to the capacity of the storage section 31.

Since there is a correlation between the residual amount of the aerosol source and the temperature of the load 33, it can be determined that the aerosol source within the storage portion 31 is consumed if the temperature of the load 33 exceeds a threshold temperature value that corresponds to a predetermined threshold residual amount. In addition, since there is a one-to-one correspondence between the resistance value and the temperature of the load 33, it can be determined that the aerosol source inside the storage portion 31 is exhausted if the resistance value of the load 33 exceeds a resistance value threshold value that corresponds to the above-described temperature threshold value. Moreover, the only variable parameter in the above expression (4) is the current value Ish _unt of the current flowing through the shunt resistor 341, and therefore the threshold value of the current value that corresponds to the above-described threshold value of the resistance value is determined uniquely. Here, the value of the current I _shunt of the current flowing through the shunt resistor 341 is equal to the value of the current IHTR of the current flowing through the load 33. Therefore, it can also be determined that the aerosol source inside the storage portion 31 has been consumed if the value of the current IHTR of the current flowing through the load 33 , becomes below the preset threshold value for the current value. Namely, with respect to the measured value, for example, the value of the current sent through the load 33, it is possible to determine a set value or a set range in a state in which, for example, a sufficient amount of the aerosol source remains, and determine whether the residual amount of the aerosol source is large enough, depending on whether or not the measured value is within a set range, which includes a set value or a set range. The set range can be determined, for example, using the threshold value described above.

As described above, according to an embodiment, the value of the load 33 _shunt resistance R can be calculated using one measured value, i.e. value I _shunt of the current flowing through the shunt resistor 341. It should be noted that the value of the current I _shunt flowing through the shunt resistor 341 can be determined by measuring the voltage V _shunt between opposite ends of the shunt resistor 341, as indicated by expression (2). However, the measured value produced by the sensor usually includes various errors, such as offset error, gain error, hysteresis error and linear error. In the present embodiment, a voltage conversion unit 211 is applied that outputs a constant voltage, and accordingly, when estimating the remaining amount of the aerosol source accommodated by the storage portion 31 or determining whether or not the aerosol source inside the storage portion 31 is consumed, the number of variable parameters instead of which measured values should be substituted, equal to one. Therefore, the accuracy of the calculated value of the load resistance R _shunt 33 is improved compared with the case where the value of the load resistance or the like is improved. is calculated, for example, by substituting the output values of different sensors in place of many variable parameters. As a result, the accuracy of the residual amount of the aerosol source, which is estimated by the resistance value R _shunt of the load 33, also increases.

Fig. 6 is a processing flowchart representing one example of processing for estimating a residual quantity. Fig. 7 is a timing diagram representing one example of a state in which a user uses the aerosol generating device. In fig. 7, the direction of the arrow indicates the passage of time t (s), and the graphs respectively display the opening and closing of switches Q1 and Q2, the value IHTR of the current flowing through the load 33, the calculated temperature Thtr of the load 33, and the change in the residual amount of the aerosol source. It should be noted that the thresholds Thre1 and Thre2 are predefined thresholds for determining aerosol source consumption. The aerosol generating device 1 evaluates the residual amount when used by the user and, if a reduction in the aerosol source is determined, performs a predetermined treatment.

The control unit 22 of the aerosol generating device 1 detects whether the user has performed an inhalation action based on the output signal of the inhalation sensor 23 (FIG. 6: step S1). At this stage, if the control unit 22 determines the creation of a negative voltage, a change in flow rate, etc. Based on the output signal of the inhalation sensor 23, the control unit 22 determines that the inhalation action of the user is detected. If inhalation is not detected (step S1: no), then the procedure performed in step S1 is repeated. It should be noted that the user's inhalation may also be detected by comparing the negative pressure or flow rate change with a threshold value other than 0.

In another case, if inhalation is detected (step S1: yes), then the control unit 22 performs pulse width modulation control (PWM control) with key Q1 (Fig. 6: step S2). It is assumed that inhalation is detected, for example, at time t1 in FIG. 7. After the moment

- 9 044769 time t1 control unit 22 opens and closes switch Q1 in a preset cyclic mode. When switch Q1 is opened and closed, current flows through load 33 and the temperature THTR of load 33 rises to approximately the boiling temperature of the aerosol source. The aerosol source is heated by the load temperature 33 and evaporates, and the residual amount of the aerosol source is reduced. It should be noted that when controlling switch Q1 in step S2, it is also possible to use pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control instead of PWM control.

The control unit 22 determines whether the user's inhalation action has ended based on the output signal of the inhalation sensor 23 (FIG. 6: step S3). At this stage, the control unit 22 determines that the user has stopped inhaling if the output signal of the inhalation sensor 23 no longer detects the creation of negative pressure, a change in flow rate, etc. If the inhalation is not completed (step S3: no), then the control unit 22 repeats the procedure in step S2. It should be noted that the end of the user's inhalation action may also be detected by comparing the negative pressure or flow rate change with a threshold value other than 0. Alternatively, when a predetermined period has passed after detecting the user's inhalation action in step S1, processing can be shifted to step S4, regardless of the determination made in step S3.

Otherwise, if the inhalation is completed (step S3: yes), then the control unit 22 stops PWM control with key Q1 (Fig. 6: step S4). It is assumed that the determination of the end of inspiration is performed, for example, at time t2 in FIG. 7. After time t2, switch Q1 comes into the open state (OFF), and the supply of power to load 33 is stopped. The aerosol source is supplied from the storage portion 31 through the supply portion 32 to the load 33, and the temperature T _HTR of the load 33 gradually decreases due to energy dissipation. As a result of the decrease in the temperature T _HTR of the load 33, the evaporation of the aerosol source stops, and the decrease in the residual quantity also stops.

As described above, by turning on switch Q1, current flows in the aerosol generation circuit shown in FIG. 4, at steps S2-S4, surrounded by a rounded rectangle shown by a dotted line in FIG. 6.

Thereafter, the control unit 22 continuously closes the switch Q2 for a predetermined period (Fig. 6: step S5). As a result of turning on switch Q2, current flows in the residual quantity detection circuit shown in FIG. 4, at steps S5 to S10, surrounded by a rounded rectangle shown by a dotted line in FIG. 6. At time t3 in FIG. 7 key Q2 is in the closed state (on). In the residual detection circuit, a shunt resistor 341 is connected in series with the load 33. The residual detection circuit has a higher resistance value than the aerosol generation circuit as a result of the addition of the shunt resistor 341, and the value of the current I _HTR flows through the load 33 through the residual detection circuit quantity, less than the value of the current I _HTR of the current flowing through the load 33 along the aerosol formation circuit.

In the state in which switch Q2 is closed, the control unit 22 receives the measured value from the residual amount sensor 34 and determines the value of the current flowing through the shunt resistor 341 (FIG. 6: step S6). At this stage, the value of the current I _shunt through the shunt resistor 341 is calculated using the above expression (2), for example, from the voltage between the opposite ends of the shunt resistor 341 measured by the voltmeter 342. It should be noted that the value of the current I _shunt through the shunt resistor 341 is equal to the value of the current I _HTR for current flowing through load 33.

In the state in which switch Q2 is closed, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the value of the current flowing through the load 33 is lower than a preset current threshold value (Fig. 6: step S7). Namely, the control unit 22 determines whether the measured value is within a set range, which includes a set value or a set range. In this case, the threshold value (FIG. 7: Thre1) of the current corresponds to a predetermined threshold value (FIG. 7: Thre2) of the residual amount of the aerosol source, using which it is to determine that the aerosol source inside the storage portion 31 is consumed. Namely, if the current value I _HTR of the current flowing through the load 33 is below the threshold value Thre1, then it can be determined that the residual amount of the aerosol source is less than the threshold value Thre2.

If the current value I _HTR falls below the threshold value Thre1 (step S7: yes) during a predetermined period during which switch Q2 is closed, then the control unit 22 determines the consumption of the aerosol source and performs a predetermined processing (Fig. 6: step S8 ). If the voltage value measured in step S6 and the current value found from the voltage value are lower than the preset threshold values, then the residual amount of the aerosol source is small, and accordingly, control at this step is performed to further reduce the voltage value measured at step S6, and the current value found from the voltage value. For example, the control unit 22 may stop the operation of the aerosol generating device 1 by, for example, stopping the switching of switch Q1 or Q2 or turning off the power supply to the load 33 using a fuse (not shown).

It should be noted that just as for the period from time t3 to time t4

- 10 044769 in Fig. 7, if the residual amount of the aerosol source is large enough, then the value of the current Ihtr exceeds the threshold value Thre1.

After step S8 or if the value of the current I _HTR is at least equal to the threshold value Thre1 (step S7: no) for a predetermined period during which switch Q2 is closed, the control unit 22 opens switch Q2 (Fig. 6: step S9). At time t4 in FIG. 7, the preset period has passed and the value of the current I _HTR was at least equal to the threshold value Thre1, and therefore switch Q2 is turned off. It should be noted that the predetermined period (corresponding to the period from time t3 to time t4 in Fig. 7) during which the switch Q2 is closed is shorter than the period (corresponding to the period from time t1 to time t2 in Fig. 7) , during which switch Q1 is closed at stages S2-S4. If it is determined in step S7 that the measured value is within the set range, then when inhalation is detected thereafter (step S1: yes), control is executed so that the current value (measured value) to be calculated in step S6 reaches the set value or a given range, by opening and closing switch Q1 (step S2), for example, while simultaneously adjusting the switching duty cycle. Here, the control is performed so that the amount of change of the measured value is larger in the case where the power circuit control is performed to reduce the value of the current flowing to the load 33 (also called the second control mode of the present invention) when the measured value is not in the set value. range than in the case where the power circuit control is performed to cause the measured value to approach the set value or the set range (also called the first control mode of the present invention) when the measured value is within the set range.

Thus, the processing for estimating the residual quantity ends. Thereafter, the processing returns to the procedure performed in step S1, and if the inhalation action of the user is detected, the processing shown in FIG. 6 is executed again.

At time t5 in FIG. 7, the inhalation action of the user is detected (Fig. 6: step S1: yes) and PWM control of the key Q1 begins. At time t6 in FIG. 7, it is determined that the user's inhalation action has ended (Fig. 6: step S3: yes) and the PWM control of the key Q1 is stopped. At time t7 in FIG. 7, switch Q2 is turned on (Fig. 6: stage S5) and the value of the current through the shunt resistor is calculated (Fig. 6: stage S6). Thereafter, as shown in the period after time t7 in FIG. 7, the residual amount of the aerosol source becomes less than the threshold value Thre2 and the temperature T _HTR of the load 33 increases. The value of the current I _HTR of the current flowing through the load 33 decreases, and at time t8, the control unit 22 determines that the value of the current I _HTR falls below the threshold value Thre2 (Fig. 6: step S7: yes). In this case, it is found that the aerosol cannot be generated due to the exhaustion of the aerosol source, and accordingly, the control unit 22 does not open or close the switch Q1 even if the inhalation action of the user is detected, for example, at time t8 or later. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the predetermined period then passes at time t9, and switch Q2 is turned off (Fig. 6: step S9). It should be noted that the control unit 22 may also turn off the switch Q2 at time t8 when the value of the current I _HTR falls below the threshold value Thre2.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a voltage conversion unit 211 is provided that converts the voltage, and therefore it is possible to reduce errors that may be contained in the variables used for control when estimating the remaining amount of an aerosol source or its consumption, and, for example, it is possible increase the accuracy of control performed depending on the residual amount of the aerosol source.

Determination period.

During the residual quantity estimation processing performed in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 22 obtains the measured value of the residual quantity sensor 34 while keeping the switch Q2 turned on for a predetermined period. It should be noted that the period during which switch Q2 is closed will be referred to as a energizing cycle for supplying power to the residual quantity sensor 34 and the load 33. Meanwhile, in order to determine the residual quantity, a detection period may also be used to determine the residual quantity of the aerosol source. The determination period is contained, for example, in the feeding cycle on the time axis, and the duration of the determination period is variable.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing one example of a method for determining the length of a determination period. In the graph shown in FIG. 8, the horizontal axis displays the passage of time t, and the vertical axis displays the current value I _HTR for the current flowing through the load 33. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the current value I _HTR of the current that flows when switch Q1 is opened or closed is not shown for convenience, and only the current value I _HTR is shown for the current that flows through load 33 during energizing cycles during which switch Q2 is closed. .

The periods p1 shown in FIG. 8 are normal recharge cycles, and the current value I _HTR shown on the left represents a schematic profile in the case where sufficient aerosol source remains. It is assumed that the determination period is initially equal to the recharge cycle (pl). In the example shown on the left, the temperature THTR of the load 33 increases when power is applied, and the value of the current I _htR gradually decreases as a result of the increase in the resistance value

R _htr load resistance 33 together with temperature rise T _HTR load 33, but the current value

I _HTR does not fall below the Thre1 threshold. In this case, the determination period does not change.

The current value I _htR shown in the center represents the case when the current value I _htR falls below the threshold value Thre1 during the detection period (p1). In this case, the period p2 from the beginning of the recharge cycle until the time when the value of the current I _htR becomes below the threshold value Thre1 is set as the determination period to be included in the subsequent recharge cycle. Namely, the detection period in the subsequent recharge cycle is adjusted based on the period required for the current value I _htR to fall below the threshold value Thre1 in the previous recharge cycle. In other words, the higher the probability of the aerosol source being consumed, the shorter the determination period is set. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the duration of the recharge cycle is used as a reference value, and if the value of the current I _htR falls below the threshold value Thre1 during the recharge cycle (determination period), then the probability of consumption of the aerosol source is determined to be at least equal to the threshold value (also called the second threshold value in the present invention). In other words, the detection period is set shorter than the recharge cycle only when the probability of the aerosol source being consumed is at least equal to the threshold value.

The current value I _htR shown on the right represents the case when the current value Ihtr falls below the threshold value Thre1 during the detection period (p2). The amount of aerosol source accommodated by the storage portion 31 continuously decreases while the aerosol generating device 1 is in use. Therefore, as the aerosol source is consumed, the period from the start of power delivery to the time when the current value I _htR falls below the threshold value Thre1 generally becomes shorter and shorter. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the aerosol source is determined to be exhausted (i.e., abnormal) if there have been more than a predetermined number of consecutive instances where the current value I _htR falls below the threshold value Thre1 during the detection period when the detection period is repeated with the above-described change. It should be noted that if the aerosol source is consumed, the power supply to the residual determination circuit may also be terminated, as shown in FIG. 8.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another example of changes in the value of current flowing through a load. Changes in the value of current I _htR shown at the left and center of Fig. 9 are the same as the changes shown in FIG. 8. Current value I _htR shown on the right in Fig. 9 has the same profile as in the case when a sufficient amount of the aerosol source remains and does not fall below the threshold value Thre1 during the detection period (p2). In this case, the aerosol generating device 1 shown in FIG. 3 is configured to supply the aerosol source from the storage portion 31 to the supply portion 32 by capillarity, and therefore, depending on the inhalation pattern of the user, the supply of the aerosol source is difficult to control using the control unit 22 or the like. If the user inhales over a period longer than the intended period for one puff or inhales over a time period shorter than the intended normal time period, then the amount of the aerosol source around the load 33 may temporarily become less than the normal amount. In such a case, the current value I _htR may fall below the threshold value Thre1 during the detection period, as shown in the center of FIG. 9. If the user then inhales differently, the current value I _htR does not fall below the threshold value Thre1 during the detection period, as shown on the right in FIG. 9. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the number of consecutive occasions when the current value I _htR falls below the threshold value Thre1 during the determination period does not exceed the set number when the replenishment period is repeated, and accordingly it is determined that the aerosol source contained within the storage portion 31 is not consumed.

If the above-described determination period is used, the accuracy of determining whether or not the aerosol source has been consumed can be further improved. Namely, the reference value used in the determination operation can be adjusted by changing the determination period, and the determination accuracy can be improved.

Processing option for determination.

Fig. 10 is a processing flowchart showing one example of processing for setting a determination period. In this embodiment, the control unit 22 performs the determination processing shown in FIG. 10, instead of the procedures performed in steps S5 to S9 during the residue estimation processing shown in FIG. 6.

First, the control unit 22 of the aerosol generating device 1 turns on the switch Q2 (Fig. 10: step S5). This step is the same as step S5 in FIG. 6.

In addition, the control unit 22 turns on the timer and begins to count the elapsed time t (Fig. 10: step S11).

- 12 044769

Then, the control unit 22 determines whether the elapsed time t is at least the determination period (Fig. 10: step S12). If the elapsed time t is shorter than the determination period (step S12: no), then the control unit 22 counts the elapsed time (Fig. 10: step S21). At this point, the increment At of the time elapsed since the timer was turned on or when the procedure in step S21 was previously performed is added to t.

In addition, the control unit 22 determines the current value I _HTR for the current flowing through the load 33 (Fig. 10: step S6). The procedure performed in this step is the same as the procedure performed in step S6 in FIG. 6.

Then, the control unit 22 determines whether the calculated current value I _HTR is lower than a preset threshold value Thre1 (Fig. 10: step S7). This step is similar to step S7 in FIG. 6. If the current value I _HTR is not less than the threshold value Thre1 (step S7: no), then the processing returns to the procedure performed in step S12.

On the contrary, if the current value IHTR is less than the threshold value Thre1 (step S7: yes), then the control unit 22 adds 1 to the counter to count the number of determination periods during which consumption is determined (Fig. 10: step S22).

Next, the control unit 22 determines whether the counter shows a value that exceeds a set value (threshold value) (step S23). If it is determined that the counter shows a value greater than the set value (step S23: yes), then the control unit 22 determines that consumption of the aerosol source is detected and performs the predetermined processing (Fig. 10: step S8). This step is identical to step S8 in FIG. 6.

On the contrary, if it is determined that the counter shows a value that does not exceed the set value (step S23: no), then the control unit 22 determines whether the replenishment cycle has ended (Fig. 10: step S31). If the recharge cycle fails (step S31: no), then the control unit 22 updates the elapsed time t and returns to the procedure performed in step S31.

On the contrary, if it is determined that the recharge cycle has ended (step S31: yes), then the control unit 22 updates the determination period (Fig. 10: step S32). At this step, the elapsed time t at the time when it is determined in step S7 that the current value I _HTR is less than the threshold value Thre1 is set as a new determination period. Namely, the detection period in the subsequent recharge cycle is adjusted based on the period required for the measured value to become less than the threshold value in the previous recharge cycle. In other words, the duration of the detection period in the subsequent recharge cycle is adjusted based on the measured value obtained in the previous recharge cycle. This can be defined as adjusting the length of the detection period in a future recharge cycle based on the measured value obtained in the current recharge cycle.

If it is determined in step S12 that the elapsed time t is at least the determination period (step S12: yes), then the control unit 22 determines whether the replenishment cycle has ended (FIG. 10: step S13). If the recharging cycle has not ended (step S13: no), the control unit 22 continues to supply power until the recharging cycle ends. The state in which the determination period has passed and the replenishment cycle has not passed is the state after the period p2 has passed and before the period p1 has passed during the period shown on the right in FIG. 9.

If it is determined that the recharge cycle has ended (step S13: yes), then the control unit 22 sets the duration of the determination period equal to the duration of the recharge cycle (Fig. 10: step S14).

In addition, the control unit 22 resets the counter (Fig. 10: step S15). Namely, the counter for counting the number of consecutive detection periods during which consumption is detected is reset because the value of the current IHTR does not fall below the threshold value Thre1 during the detection period specified together with the recharge period. It should be noted that it is also possible to have a configuration in which the counter is not reset and it is determined that an anomaly exists if the number of detection periods during which consumption is detected exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

After step S15, S8 or S32, the control unit 22 turns off the key Q2 (Fig. 10: step S9). This step is the same as step S9 in FIG. 6.

Through the above-described processing, the variable determination period shown in FIG. 8 and 9.

Shunt resistor.

The control unit 22 estimates the residual amount of the aerosol source by causing the residual amount determining circuit to operate during the period during which the user does not inhale through the aerosol generating device 1. However, it is not desirable for the mouthpiece to discharge aerosol during the period during which the user does not takes a breath. Namely, it is desirable that the amount of aerosol source evaporated by load 33 while switch Q2 is closed is as small as possible.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the control unit 22 can accurately detect a change in the residual amount of the aerosol source when the residual amount is small. Those. in a preferred embodiment, the resolution increases when the measured value of the residue sensor 34 changes significantly depending on the residual amount of the aerosol source. Subsequently, the resistance value of the shunt resistor is characterized based on this position.

Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically representing the energy consumption of a storage section, a supply section and a load. Q1 means the amount of heat generated by the wick of the supply section 32, Q2 means the amount of heat generated by the load coil 33, Q3 means the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of the aerosol source in a liquid state, Q4 means the amount of heat required to convert the aerosol source from a liquid state gaseous state and Q5 means the release of heat in the air by radiation, etc. The energy consumption Q is equal to the sum of the components Q1-Q5.

The heat capacity C (J/K) of an object is equal to the product of the mass m (g) of the object times the specific heat capacity c (J/g-K) of the object. The amount of heat Q (J/K) required to change the temperature of an object by T (K) can be expressed as txCxT. Accordingly, if the temperature THTR of the load 33 is lower than the boiling point Tb of the aerosol source, then the consumed energy C can be schematically represented by the expression below (6). It should be noted that m1 means the mass of the wick of the supply section 32, C1 means the specific heat capacity of the wick of the supply section 32, m2 means the mass of the load spiral 33, C ₂ means the specific heat capacity of the load spiral 33, m3 means the mass of the aerosol source in the liquid state, C ₃ means the specific heat the heat capacity of the aerosol source in the liquid state and T ₀ means the initial value of the load temperature is 33.

P=(t1S1+w2S2+t ₃ Sz)(Tntk-To) · ... (6)

If the temperature THTR of the load 33 is not lower than the boiling point Tb of the aerosol source, then the consumed energy C can be determined from the expression below (7). It should be noted that m ₄ means the mass of the evaporated portion of the liquid aerosol source and H ₄ means the heat of vaporization of the liquid aerosol source.

Q=(m 1С1+ГП2С2) (Тhtr-To)+ш ₃ Сз (Tb-T0)+m ₄ H ₄ ... (7)

Therefore, in order to prevent the formation of aerosol by evaporation, the threshold value E _thre must satisfy the condition represented by the expression (8) below.

E1bre<(pcC1+m2C2+tzSz)(TH-To)·... (8)

Fig. 12 is a graph schematically representing the relationship between the energy (electrical energy) consumed by the load 33 and the amount of aerosol generated. In fig. 12, the horizontal axis represents the energy and the vertical axis represents the TPM (total mass of aerosol particles: the amount of substances forming an aerosol). As shown in FIG. 12, aerosol generation begins when the energy consumed by the load 33 exceeds a predetermined threshold value Ethre, and the amount of aerosol generated increases significantly in direct proportion to the energy consumed. It should be noted that the vertical axis in FIG. 12 need not indicate the amount of aerosol generated by the load 33. For example, the vertical axis may also indicate the amount of aerosol generated by evaporation of the aerosol source. Alternatively, the vertical axis may also indicate the amount of aerosol discharged from the mouthpiece.

In this case, the energy E _HTR consumed by the load 33 can be determined from the expression below (9). It should be noted that W _HTR means the power at load 33 and tQ2 ON means the period (s) during which switch Q2 is turned on. It should be noted that switch Q2 must be turned on for a certain period in order to measure the current value across the shunt resistor.

The following expression (10) is obtained by transforming expression (9) using the current value Iq ₂ for the current flowing in the residual quantity detection circuit, the resistance value R _HT R(T _HT R) of the load 33, which varies depending on the temperature T _HTR of the load 33, and the measured voltage V _meas of the shunt resistor.

EhtR = WHTR ^x ^Q2 ON =

VhTR * IQ2 ^x tQ2_ON =

Iq2 ^x Rhtr(Thtr) ^x tQ2_0N =

V 2 ^v meas sx ^{x R} HTR\Thtr) ^x t _Q 2ON . QQ)

Therefore, if the energy E _HTR consumed by the load 33 is less than the threshold value Ethre shown in FIG. 12 and represented by the expression below (11), then an aerosol is not formed.

V 2 ^v mens s x

Ethre> Vr^,) ^{X R} HTRUhTr) ^x tQ2 0N q

This expression can be converted into the expression below (12). Namely, if the value of the resistance R _shunt of the shunt resistor satisfies expression (12), then an aerosol is not formed

- 14 044769 when processing to estimate residual quantities, which is preferable.

iRf/TeD NTV) ^X O? Ol

Rshunt > * tneas. _{Z1_4 _}

Have ^thre ... (12)

In general, it is preferable for the shunt resistor to have a small resistance value, for example about a few tens of milliohms, to reduce the effect on the circuit into which the shunt resistor is inserted. However, in the present embodiment, the lower limit of the shunt resistor resistance value is determined as described above from the standpoint of blocking aerosol generation. The lower limit value is about a few ohms, for example, which is greater than the load resistance value 33. As described above, the shunt resistor value is preferably set to satisfy the first condition that the amount of aerosol produced by the load during the make-up cycle during which power is supplied from the source supply to the resistor, no more than a preset threshold value.

It should be noted that it is also possible to have a configuration in which the resistance value of the shunt resistor is not increased and an adjustment resistor is additionally provided in series with the shunt resistor to increase the total resistance value. In this case, a configuration is also possible in which the voltage between the opposite ends of the additional control resistor is not measured.

Fig. 13 is one example of a graph representing the relationship between the residual amount of aerosol and the value of the load resistance 33. In the graph shown in FIG. 13, the horizontal axis displays the residual amount of the aerosol source, and the vertical axis displays the resistance value of the load 33 determined depending on the temperature of the load 33. R _HTR (TD _epletion ) means the resistance value at the time when the aerosol source is consumed. R _htr (T _r . _t .) means the resistance value at room temperature. In this case, the accuracy of estimating the residual amount of the aerosol source can be increased by appropriately setting not only the voltage and current, but also the range of measurement of the resistance value or temperature of the load 33 relative to the resolution of the control unit 22, which has a bit depth. On the other hand, when the difference between the resistance values R _HTR (T _Depletion ) and R _htr (T _r . _t .) of the load 33 increases, the width of the change depending on the residual amount of the aerosol source increases. In other words, the accuracy of the estimated residual amount calculated by the control unit 22 can be improved by increasing the variation width of the value of the load resistance 33, which changes depending on the temperature of the load 33, in addition to setting the resolution of the control unit 22 and the measurement range.

The current value Iq _{2 ON} (T _Depletion ), which is determined from the output value of the residual amount sensor 34 at the time when the aerosol source is consumed, can be determined from the expression (13) below using the resistance value R _HTR (T _Depletion ) of the load 33 at a given moment.

^I Q2..On(T Depletion) = R _{slmM +} R _HTR (T _Depletion ) ( ₁₃ )

Similarly, the value of the current Iq _{2 on} (T _r . _t .), which is determined from the output value of the residual amount sensor 34 at the time when the load 33 is at room temperature, can be determined from the following expression (14) using the resistance value R _htr ( T _r . _t .) load 33 at a given time.

Q2 On(TR.t)) R _s ) _nml + RhtrITrt) ... (14)

In addition, the difference Δ^ ₂ _ _ον , obtained by subtracting the current value lQ ₂ _ _ON (T _Depletion ) from the current value Iq _{2 on} (T _r . _t .), can be determined from the expression below (15).

VOllt ^out

Q2^° ^N R _s h _un t + RhTr(Tr.t) Rshunt + RhTr(T Depletion) {RhTrO Depletion) ^HTR^Rt)} ^X {^s/junt ^HTR(Tr.t)} ^X №/ iunt + ^HTR^T Depletion" ... (15)

From expression (15) it can be found that if R _shunt increases, the difference AIq ₂ _q _N between the current value Iq ₂ _ _on (T _r . _t .) and the current value lQ ₂ _ _ON (T _Depletion ) decreases, and it is impossible Accurately estimate the residual quantity of the aerosol source. Therefore, the value of the resistance Rshunt of the shunt resistor is determined so that the difference ΔIQ _{2 ON} is greater than the desired threshold value ΔI _thre , as represented by the expression below (16).

[R^Tr(1 Depletion).....^НТН^ СТ·)) ^χ ^out thre < {R _dimt + Rhth(Trt)} * {Rshunt + Rhtr(.T Depletion)} ... (16 )

By solving expression (16) with respect to the value of resistance R _shunt , the condition that the value of resistance R _shunt must satisfy in order to sufficiently increase the resolution of the calculated residual value can be determined from expression (17) below,

- 15 044769 using the desired threshold Alth-e. Therefore, the resistance value R _shunt is set to satisfy expression (17).

d/b ² 4с · b

Rshunt < 2 Q7) |b = RHTRCrDepletion) + RhTr(Tr.T.) {Rhtr(Tr.t.) - RhTi(Toer1eRup)} ^x ^out ^c - RhTRU Depletion) ^x RhTr(Tr.T.) -- 77

Aithre

In the present embodiment, the resistance value Rshunt is set so that the difference AIq ₂ _ _on between the current value Iq ₂ _ _O n(T _R .t.) for the current flowing through the load 33 at room temperature and the current value Iq _{2 ON} (T _DepletIon ) for the current flowing through the load 33 when the aerosol source is consumed was large enough to be determined by the control unit 22. Alternatively, a configuration is also possible in which, for example, the value of the resistance R _shunt is set such that the difference between the value of the current flowing through the load 33 at approximately the boiling point of the aerosol source and the value of the current flowing through the load 33 when the aerosol source spent was large enough to be detected by control unit 22. In general, the accuracy of estimating the residual amount of an aerosol source increases when the temperature difference corresponding to the current difference, which can be determined by the control unit 22, becomes smaller.

The specific impact that the resolution of the control unit 22 and the residual determination circuit settings, including the value of the load resistance 33, have on the accuracy of the aerosol source residual estimation is described in more detail below. If an n-bit microcontroller is used for the control unit 22 and VREF is used as a reference voltage, then the resolution of the control unit 22 can be determined from the following expression (18).

Vrff

Resolution (V/bit) = ^z ...(18)

The difference AVq _{2_on} between the value that is detected by the voltmeter 342 when the load 33 is at room _temperature and the value that is detected by the voltmeter 342 when the aerosol source is consumed can be determined from the following expression (19) based on expression (15).

Rshunt Rshunt

IΔV _Q2 ON ⁼ π I o 7 ^X Vout - p . RV ^x Vout -

Rshunt + ^k HTrUr.T.7 Kshunt + K _H trU Depletion!

Rshunt XV _out X { _{Rshimt +} R _htr ( _Trt ) R _shunt + R _HTR ( T _Depletion )} ... (19)

Therefore, in accordance with expression (18) and (19), the control unit 22 can determine the value represented by expression (20) below and integer multiples of this value as voltage differences in the range from 0 to AVq _2On .

AVq ₃ ON V ₀₁ | _t 1 1

Resolution ^{= 2 XXR} shunt ^x lR _blllIll +· R _htr (T _rt ) R _shillll t + Kntk(Toe _R | _e iopV ... (20)

Moreover, according to expression (20), the control unit 22 can determine the value represented by expression (21) below and integer multiples thereof as heater temperatures in the range from room temperature to load temperature 33 at the time when the source aerosol has been used up.

(TDepietion - T _r .t.) x Resolution on (T Depletion Tr.t.) x Vref

-------------------X

X Vout X Rshunt

Rshunt + RhTr(Tr.T.) Rshunt + KnTkPrerkPop’’ ...(21)

The table below shows one example of the resolution of the control unit 22 with respect to the temperature of the load 33 in cases where the variables in expression (21) change.

Variable parameter [units] Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Option 5 Tr.t. [°C] 25 25 25 25 25 TDepition [°C] 400 400 400 400 400

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Vref [V] 2 2 2 2 2 η [bit] 10 10 16 10 8 Vout [V] 2.5 2.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Rshunt [Ohm] 3 10 3 3 3 Rhtr(Tr.t.) [Ohm] 1 1 1 1 1 RHTR(TDepletion) [Ohm] 2 2 1.5 1.5 1.5 Resolution [°C] 2.0 3.9 0.3 17.6 70.3

It is obvious from the table that the resolution of the control unit 22 relative to the temperature of the load 33 changes significantly when the parameter values are adjusted. To determine whether or not the aerosol source has been consumed, the control unit 22 must be able to distinguish between at least room temperature, which is the temperature at the time when control of the control unit 22 is not executed or started, and the temperature at the time when the aerosol source has been used up. Namely, the difference between the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 obtained at room temperature and the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 obtained at the temperature at the time when the aerosol source is consumed must be significant to be discernible to the control unit 22. In other words, the resolution of the control unit 22 relative to the temperature of the load 33 should be no more than the difference between the temperature at the time when the aerosol source is consumed and the room temperature.

As described above, if the residual amount of the aerosol source is large enough, then the temperature of the load 33 is maintained near the boiling point of the aerosol source. To more accurately determine whether the aerosol source is consumed, it is preferable that the control unit 22 is capable of distinguishing between the boiling point of the aerosol source and the temperature at the time when the aerosol source is consumed. Namely, it is preferable that the difference between the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 obtained at the boiling temperature of the aerosol source and the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 obtained at the temperature at the time when the aerosol source is consumed is large enough to be discernible to the unit 22 management. In other words, it is preferable that the resolution of the control unit 22 with respect to the temperature of the load 33 is not greater than the difference between the temperature at the time when the aerosol source is consumed and the boiling point of the aerosol source.

In addition, if the residual amount sensor 34 serves not only to obtain a measured value to be used for determining whether the aerosol source has been consumed or not, but also as a sensor for determining the temperature of the load 33, then it is preferable that the control unit 22 is capable of distinguishing between room temperature and a temperature that is a temperature at a time when control of the control unit 22 is not executed or started, and a boiling temperature of the aerosol source. Namely, it is preferable that the difference between the measured value of the residual quantity sensor 34 obtained at room temperature and the measured value of the residual quantity sensor obtained at the boiling point of the aerosol source is large enough to be distinguishable by the control unit 22 . In other words, it is preferable that the resolution of the control unit 22 relative to the temperature of the load 33 is no greater than the difference between the boiling point of the aerosol source and the room temperature.

To use the residual quantity sensor 34 to more accurately determine the temperature of the load 33, it is preferable that the resolution of the control unit 22 regarding the temperature of the load 33 is no more than 10°C. It is more preferable that the resolution be no greater than 5°C. It is even preferable that the resolution be no more than 1°C. To accurately distinguish between the case where the aerosol source is about to be consumed and the case where the aerosol source has actually been consumed, it is preferable that the resolution of the control unit 22 with respect to the temperature of the load 33 is a divisor of the difference between the temperature at the time when the aerosol source is consumed and the room temperature.

It should be noted that, as can be seen from the table, the resolution of the control unit 22 relative to the temperature of the load 33 can be easily increased by increasing the bit capacity of the control unit 22, in other words, by increasing the performance of the control unit 22. However, increasing the performance of the control unit 22 leads to an increase in its cost, weight, size, etc.

As described above, the value of the shunt resistor can be determined to satisfy at least the first condition that the amount of aerosol generated by the load 33 does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, or the second condition that the reduction in the residual amount of the aerosol source can be determined by the output control unit 22 the value of the residual amount sensor 34, and more preferably, the value of the shunt resistor is determined to satisfy both the first condition and the second condition. A configuration is also possible in which the shunt resistor has a significant value

- 17 044769 value is closer to the largest value of the values with which the second condition is satisfied than to the smallest value of the values with which the first condition is satisfied. In this configuration, the resolution relevant to residue determination can be increased as much as possible while blocking aerosol formation during measurement. As a result, the residual amount of an aerosol source can not only be assessed accurately, but also within a short period of time and, accordingly, aerosol formation during measurement can be blocked even more effectively.

It can be stated that both the first condition and the second condition relate to the response of a change in the value of the current flowing through the load 33, which is the measured value of the residual quantity sensor 34, to a change in the temperature of the load 33. The case where a strong response of the change in the value of the current flowing occurs through the load 33, to a change in the temperature of the load 33, is the case where the total resistance composed of the shunt resistor 341 and the load 33 connected in series is dominated by the load 33. Namely, the resistance value Rsh _unt of the shunt resistor is small, and therefore the second condition can be satisfied easy, but it is difficult to satisfy the first condition.

On the other hand, a case where there is a weak response of a change in the value of the current flowing through the load 33 to a change in the temperature of the load 33 is a case where the total resistance constituted by the shunt resistor 341 and the load 33 connected in series is dominated by the shunt resistor 341. A it is the resistance value R _shunt of the shunt resistor that is large, and therefore the first condition can be satisfied easily, but the second condition is difficult to satisfy.

Those. To satisfy the first condition, the response of a change in the value of the current flowing through the load 33 to a change in the temperature of the load 33 must not be higher than the established upper limit. On the other hand, to satisfy the second condition, the response of a change in the value of the current flowing through the load 33 to a change in the temperature of the load 33 must be at least equal to the specified lower limit. To satisfy both the first condition and the second condition, the response of a change in the value of the current flowing through the load 33 to a change in the temperature of the load 33 must be within a range that is specified by the set upper limit and the set lower limit.

Option 1 of the scheme.

Fig. 14 is a circuit diagram showing a variant of the circuit included in the aerosol generating device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the residue detection circuit also serves as an aerosol generation circuit. Namely, the voltage conversion unit 211, switch Q2, residual quantity sensor 34 and load 33 are connected in series. Aerosol generation and residue assessment are performed using a single circuit. The residual quantity can also be estimated in this configuration.

Option 2 schemes.

Fig. 15 is a circuit diagram showing another circuit included in the aerosol generating device 1. The example shown in FIG. 15 includes a voltage conversion unit 212, which is a switching regulator, instead of a linear regulator. In one example, voltage converter 212 is a boost converter and includes inductor L1, diode D1, switch Q4, and capacitors C1 and C2 that operate as smoothing capacitors. The voltage conversion unit 212 is located up to the point where the circuit extending from the power supply 21 branches into an aerosol generation circuit and a residual quantity determination circuit. Accordingly, voltages different from each other can be respectively outputted to the aerosol generation circuit and the residual quantity determination circuit as a result of the opening and closing of the switch Q4 of the voltage conversion unit 212 controlled by the control unit 22. It should be noted that, in the case where a switching regulator is used instead of a linear regulator, the switching regulator can also be provided in the same position as the linear regulator shown in FIG. 14.

It is also possible to have a configuration in which the voltage conversion unit 212 is controlled such that, when the aerosol generating circuit is commanded to operate, it is subject to less voltage restrictions than the residual amount determining circuit, which generally requires a constant voltage to be applied. to determine the residual quantity of an aerosol source, the power loss is less than that which occurs when the residual quantity determination circuit is ordered to operate. In this configuration, the waste of the amount of charge of the power supply 21 can be stopped. In addition, the control unit 22 performs control so that the current that flows through the load 33 through the residual quantity detection circuit is less than the current that flows through the load 33 through the aerosol generation circuit. Thus, by causing the residual amount determination circuit to operate, aerosol formation at the load 33 can be blocked while the residual amount of the aerosol source is being assessed.

- 18 044769

It is also possible to have a configuration in which, while the aerosol generation circuit is directed to operate, the switching regulator is driven in a feed-forward mode (also referred to as a feed-forward state) in which the switching of the low-side switch Q4 is stopped and the switch Q4 is maintained on condition. Namely, the duty cycle of key Q4 can also be set to 100%. The losses that occur when a switching regulator switches include transient losses and switching losses that accompany switching, in addition to dielectric conduction losses. However, if the switching regulator is operated in the feed-forward mode, only dielectric conduction losses occur in the switching regulator, and the efficiency of using the charge amount of the power supply 21 is accordingly increased. It is also possible to have a configuration in which the switching regulator is operated in feed-forward mode for a portion of the period during which the aerosol generation circuit is directed to operate. In one example, if the charge amount of the power supply 21 is sufficiently large and the output voltage of the power supply 21 is high, then the switching regulator is driven in feedforward mode. On the other hand, if the charge amount of the power supply 21 is small and the output voltage of the power supply 21 is low, the switching regulator can be switched. In this configuration, the residual quantity can also be estimated and losses can be reduced compared to the case where a linear controller is used. It should be noted that instead of a boost converter, a buck converter or a buck/boost converter can also be used.

Other examples.

The desired object to be heated by the aerosol generating device may be a liquid source of flavoring that contains nicotine and other additional materials. In this case, the generated aerosol is inhaled by the user without passing through the area containing the additional component. In the case where such a flavoring source is used, the residual amount can also be accurately estimated using the above-described aerosol generating device.

The control unit 22 performs control in such a way that the keys Q1 and Q2 are not turned on simultaneously. Namely, the control unit 22 performs control so that the aerosol generation circuit and the residue detection circuit do not operate simultaneously. A configuration is also possible in which a dead time is provided, during which both switches Q1 and Q2 are turned off, when switching opens and closes switches Q1 and Q2. This way, it is possible to eliminate the situation in which current flows through two circuits. On the other hand, it is preferable to shorten the dead time as much as possible so as not to allow the temperature of the load 33 to decrease during the dead time.

The processing shown in FIG. 6 is described under the assumption that the residual amount estimation processing is performed once for one puff performed by the user. However, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the processing for estimating the residual quantity is performed once for a plurality of puffs instead of being performed for each puff. It is also possible to have a configuration in which, after changing the aerosol source portion 3, the residual amount estimation processing starts after a predetermined number of puffs because a sufficient amount of the aerosol source remains after the replacement. Namely, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the frequency of power supply to the residual amount determination circuit is lower than the frequency of power supply to the aerosol generation circuit. In this configuration, the processing for estimating the residual amount is blocked from being executed redundantly and is performed only at suitable times, and accordingly, the efficiency of using the amount of charge of the power supply 21 is improved.

List of items

- Aerosol-generating device;

- main body;

- power supply;

211 - power supply circuit;

212 - power supply circuit;

- Control block;

- inhalation sensor;

- aerosol source area;

- storage area;

- supply section;

- load;

- residual quantity sensor;

341 - shunt resistor;

342 - voltmeter;

- area of the additional component;

- aromatic component;

- 19 044769

- first node;

- second node.

Claims (1)

An aerosol-generating device comprising a power source; a heater configured to generate an aerosol by heating the aerosol source when power is supplied to the heater from the power source; a resistor connected in series with the heater; and a control unit configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the heater and receive a measured value, which is a value of current flowing through the resistor or a voltage value applied to the resistor, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the presence of an aerosol source from the difference of the measured value and a value corresponding to the consumption of the aerosol source, wherein the resistor has a resistance value that is greater than the resistance value of the heater.