TW201916816A - Aerosol generating device, and method and program for operating the aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol generating device which performs appropriate control when an aerosol source is insufficient. An aerosol generating device 100A includes a power supply 110, a load 132 receiving power from the power supply 110 to generate heat and atomize the aerosol source, an element 112 used to acquire a value related to the temperature of the load 132, a circuit 134 for electrically connecting the power supply 110 and the load 132, a storage unit 116 for storing the aerosol source, a holding unit 130 for holding the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit 116 in such a state that it can be heated by the load 132, and a controller 106 configured to distinguish whether the aerosol generating device 100A is in a first state in which the aerosol source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient, or in a second state in which the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient although the storage unit 116 can supply the aerosol source, based on the change in the value related to the temperature of the load 132 after the circuit 134 has performed function or when the circuit 134 is performing function, and perform a first control in the case that the first state is detected, and perform a second control different from the first control in the case that the second state is detected.

Description

 Mist generating device and method and program for operating the mist generating device  

The present invention relates to a mist generating device for generating a mist that is sucked by a user, and a method and a program for operating the mist generating device.

In a mist generating device for generating a mist that is sucked by a user, such as an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, or a nebulizer, when the mist source is fogged by atomization, the user performs suction. At this time, sufficient fog cannot be supplied to the user. In addition, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, there is a problem that an unintended scent of mist is released.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for detecting the exhaustion of a mist source in accordance with a change in heater temperature when electric power is supplied to a heater that heats a mist source. Other Patent Documents 2 to 11 also disclose various techniques useful for solving the above problems or having the possibility of solving the above problems.

However, such prior art cannot specifically specify whether or not a mist source is insufficient in the mist generating device. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the configuration and operation method of the mist generating device for performing appropriate control when the mist source is insufficient.

 [Previous Technical Literature]    [Patent Literature]  

Patent Document 1: European Patent Application Publication No. 2654469

Patent Document 2: European Patent Application Publication No. 1412829

Patent Document 3: European Patent Application Publication No. 2471392

Patent Document 4: European Patent Application Publication No. 2257195

Patent Document 5: European Patent Application Publication No. 2493342

Patent Document 6: European Patent Application Publication No. 2895930

Patent Document 7: European Patent Application Publication No. 2797446

Patent Document 8: European Patent Application Publication No. 2654471

Patent Document 9: European Patent Application Publication No. 2870888

Patent Document 10: European Patent Application Publication No. 2654470

Patent Document 11: International Publication No. 2015/100361

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems.

A first object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device that performs appropriate control when a mist source is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the mist generating device.

A second problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device for preventing a temporary shortage of a mist source in a holding portion that holds a mist source supplied from a storage portion of a mist source, and to operate the mist generating device. Method and program.

In order to achieve the object of solving the above-described first problem, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device includes: a power source; and a load is generated by receiving power from the power source to generate heat, and atomizing the mist source; And a circuit for electrically connecting the power source to the load; the storage unit is configured to store the mist source; and the holding unit is configured to maintain the mist source supplied from the storage unit a state in which the load can be heated; and a control unit configured to distinguish that the mist generating device is insufficient in the mist source stored in the storage unit according to a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the function of the circuit In the first state, the second state in which the mist source is insufficient, although the mist source is supplied to the storage portion, but the mist source is insufficient.

In the first embodiment, in the second state, the mist source is stored in the storage unit, and the mist source is supplied to the storage unit because the mist source is supplied to the storage unit in the second state. Insufficient, the temperature of the load may exceed the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source.

In one embodiment, the circuit includes a first path and a second path connected in parallel to the power source and the load, wherein the first path is used for atomization of the mist source, and the second path is used for the load In the acquisition of the temperature-related value, the control unit is configured to cause the first path to interact with the second path.

In one embodiment, the first path and the second path system respectively have a switch, and the switch functions by switching the switch from the off state to the on state, and the control unit is configured to: configure the first path After the switch is switched from the on state to the off state, a predetermined interval is set until the switch of the second path is switched from the off state to the on state.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to be configured to perform the load after the first path functions or the second path functions The change in the value of the temperature correlation distinguishes the aforementioned first state from the aforementioned second state.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to distinguish the first state from the time required after the function of the first path or the second path reaches a threshold value after the value associated with the temperature of the load reaches a threshold value. The aforementioned second state.

In one embodiment, it is determined that the time when the first state is generated is shorter than the time when it is determined that the second state is generated.

In one embodiment, the circuit includes a first path and a second path connected in parallel to the power source and the load, wherein the first path is used for atomization of the mist source, and the second path is used for the load In the acquisition of the temperature-related value, the control unit is configured to cause the second path to function after the operation of the first path is completed.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to cause the second path to function after the operation of the first path is completed a plurality of times.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: when the storage unit is replaced with a new product or after the mist source is added to the storage unit, the number of operations or the amount of operation of the load increases, and the second path is played The number of times the aforementioned first path is actuated is reduced before the function.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to perform the load according to a period after the first path functions or the second path functions The change in the value of the temperature correlation distinguishes the aforementioned first state from the aforementioned second state.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to perform the load according to a period after the operation of the first path is completed or the second path functions. The change in the value associated with the temperature distinguishes the first state from the aforementioned second state.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to: a time differential value according to a value associated with a temperature of the load during a period in which the second path functions The first state and the second state are distinguished.

In one embodiment, it is determined that the time differential value when the second state occurs is smaller than the time differential value when it is determined that the first state is generated.

In one embodiment, the circuit includes: a single path connected in series to the load and used for atomization of the mist source and acquisition of a value associated with a temperature of the load; and smoothing power supplied to the load element.

In one embodiment, the circuit includes a single path connected in series to the load and used for atomization of the mist source and acquisition of a value associated with a temperature of the load, and the mist generating device further includes a low pass filter. The value associated with the temperature of the load obtained by the element passes through the low pass filter, and the control unit is configured to obtain a value associated with the temperature after passing through the low pass filter.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to distinguish the first state from the second state in accordance with a time required until a value associated with a temperature of the load reaches a threshold value after the function is performed from the single path.

In one embodiment, it is determined that the time when the first state is generated is shorter than the time when it is determined that the second state is generated.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct a condition for distinguishing the first state from the second state in accordance with a heat history of the load when the circuit functions.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the time series of the request according to the request for generating a mist, and correct the condition according to the heat history of the load that is derived from the change in the time series of the request.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the time interval from the end of the request to the start of the next request, and to determine that the first state is less likely to occur. condition.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to cause an influence of an older heat history included in the heat history of the load on the correction of the condition, and a new heat history record included in the heat history of the load. The impact of the correction of the aforementioned conditions is still small.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the condition based on a heat history of the load from a temperature of the load when the circuit functions.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the condition by determining that the temperature of the load when the function of the circuit is higher, and determining that the first state is unlikely to occur.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of atomizing a mist source by heating a load; and a difference depending on a value associated with a temperature of the load The mist generating device is in a first state in which the mist source is stored, or is insufficient in the state in which the mist source is not insufficient but is maintained in a state capable of being heated by the load. The second state of the steps.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load that generates heat from the power source to generate heat, and atomizes the mist source; and an element for obtaining a temperature with the load a circuit for electrically connecting the power source to the load; a storage unit for storing the mist source; and a holding unit for maintaining the mist source supplied from the storage unit in a state in which the load can be heated; The control unit is configured to determine whether the mist generating device is capable of supplying the mist source but the mist held by the holding portion, depending on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the function of the circuit Insufficient source status.

In one embodiment, in the above state, the mist source is insufficient because the mist source is supplied to the storage portion, and the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: heating a load to atomize a mist source; and determining a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load Whether or not the mist generating device is in a state in which the mist source is not insufficient but is held in a state in which the mist source is insufficient by the load is insufficient.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load that generates heat from a power source to generate heat, and atomizes a mist source; and an element is configured to acquire a temperature associated with the load a circuit for electrically connecting the power source to the load; a storage unit for storing the mist source; and a holding unit for maintaining the mist source supplied from the storage unit in a state in which the load can be heated; and a control unit a system configuration that distinguishes whether the mist generating device is in a first state due to a shortage of the mist source stored in the storage portion, or in the foregoing, depending on a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the function of the circuit a second state in which the mist source is insufficient but the mist source is insufficient in the storage portion; and in the first state, the mist source stored in the storage portion is insufficient, and in the second state Since the aforementioned reservoir is capable of supplying the aforementioned mist source, the aforementioned mist is retained by the holding portion. Insufficient, the temperature of the load reaches a predetermined lower temperature than the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source earlier than other states different from the first state and the second state. temperature.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of atomizing a mist source by heating a load; and a difference depending on a value associated with a temperature of the load The mist generating device is in a first state in which the mist source is stored, or is in a state in which the mist source that is stored is not insufficient but is maintained in a state capable of being heated by the load. a second state; in the first state, the mist source is insufficient due to the storage, and in the second state, the mist source is kept insufficient to be heated by the load because the mist source is not insufficient. The mist source of the state is insufficient, and the temperature ratio of the load reaches the boiling point of the mist source or the generation of mist by evaporation of the mist source earlier than the other states different from the first state and the second state. The temperature is still low at a given temperature.

Furthermore, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a program is provided which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform any of the above methods.

In order to solve the above-described second problem, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device includes: a power source; a load is generated by receiving power from the power source to generate heat, and atomizing the mist source; a value related to a temperature of the load; the circuit electrically connecting the power source to the load; the storage unit stores the mist source; and the holding unit holds the mist source supplied from the storage unit at the load The control unit performs a control to detect that the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source when the mist source is supplied to the storage unit but the mist source is insufficient by the holding unit. In a dry state or a precursor to the dry state, at least one of the time when the power source starts supplying power to the load and the power source completes power supply to the load, and the holding amount of the mist source held by the holding portion is increased. The control, or the control that increases the likelihood of the aforementioned increase in the amount of holding.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a notifying unit that notifies the user, and the control unit is configured to cause the notifying unit to function when detecting the dry state or the precursor of the dry state.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to perform an interval of detecting the occurrence of the mist from the completion of the generation of the mist after the detection of the dry state or the precursor of the dry state. Set to a longer control than the previous interval.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a notification unit that notifies the user, and the control unit is configured to perform a control to cause the notification unit to function when the dry state or the dry state is detected. On the other hand, when the notification unit is subjected to the function of the dry state or the dry state after the function of the notification unit is performed once or plural times, the next interval is set to be longer than the previous interval.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the length of the interval based on at least one of a viscosity of the mist source, a remaining amount of the mist source, a resistance value of the load, and a temperature of the power source.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a supply unit that can adjust at least one of the amount or speed of the mist source supplied to the holding unit by the storage unit. The control unit is configured to control the foregoing by increasing at least one of the amount or speed of the mist source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit when the dry state or the dry state is detected. Supply Department.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the circuit so as to reduce the amount of mist generated when detecting the dry state or the precursor of the dry state.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a temperature regulating unit that can adjust the temperature of the mist source. The control unit is configured to adjust the temperature adjustment unit so as to warm the mist source when detecting the dry state or the precursor of the dry state.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the temperature adjustment unit to warm the mist source while the mist is not generated by the load.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to use the load as the temperature adjustment unit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a changing unit that can change the ventilation resistance in the mist generating device. The control unit is configured to control the changing unit so as to increase the ventilation resistance when detecting the dry state or the precursor of the dry state.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a requesting unit that requests the generation of the mist. The control unit is configured to control the circuit in accordance with a correlation in which the amount of fog generation is increased according to the larger the demand, and to detect the dry state or the precursor of the dry state, so as to correspond to the size of the request The aforementioned correlation is corrected in such a manner that the amount of fog generation is reduced.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to execute the first mode and the second mode, and the first mode is configured to set an interval from when the generation of the mist is completed to when the next mist is generated. The second mode is controlled by at least one of when the power supply starts to supply power to the load and when the power supply completes power supply to the load, and the remaining amount is not controlled. The increased control or the control of increasing the possible amount of the aforementioned holding amount is increased, and when the dry state or the precursor of the dry state is detected, the second mode is performed more preferentially than the first mode.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to execute the first mode when detecting the dry state or the precursor of the dry state after executing the second mode.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to detect the dry state based on a temperature change of the load from a function of the circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a requesting unit that outputs a request for generating mist. The control unit is configured to detect a precursor to the dry state in accordance with a change in the time series of the above requirements.

Further, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of atomizing a mist source by heating a load; and a case where the mist source stored therein is not insufficient but When the mist source is maintained in a state in which the load can be heated, and the temperature of the load exceeds the dry state of the boiling point of the mist source or the precursor of the dry state is detected, when the supply of the load is started At least one of the time when the power supply to the load is completed is performed by a control for increasing the amount of holding of the mist source to be held or a control for increasing the possibility of increasing the amount of the holding.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load that generates heat from the power source to generate heat, and atomizes the mist source; and an element is configured to obtain a temperature associated with the load a circuit for electrically connecting the power source to the load; a storage unit for storing the mist source; and a holding unit for maintaining the mist source supplied from the storage unit in a state in which the load can be heated; and a control unit After the completion of the generation of the mist, the amount of the mist source equal to or greater than the amount of the mist source used for the generation of the mist is performed in an interval corresponding to the period from the storage portion to the holding portion. The control for suppressing the generation of the mist or the possibility of suppressing the generation of the mist is improved.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a notification unit that notifies the user. The control unit is configured to control the notification unit in a first mode while mist is generated, and to control the notification unit in a second mode different from the first mode during the interval.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a requesting unit that outputs a request for generating mist. The control unit is configured to control the notification unit in a third mode different from the second mode when the request is obtained during the interval.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the circuit so that fogging is prohibited during the period of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a requesting unit that outputs a request for generating mist. The control unit is configured to correct the length of the interval in accordance with at least one of the size and the change of the above requirements.

Further, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source to generate a mist; and after the generation of the mist is completed, In the interval corresponding to the period in which the amount of the mist source stored above the amount of the mist source is maintained in a state in which the load can be heated, the control for suppressing the generation of the mist or the mist is performed. This produces control that is more likely to be suppressed.

Further, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load that generates heat from the power source to generate heat, and atomizes the mist source; and an element for obtaining a temperature with the load a circuit for electrically connecting the power source to the load; a storage unit for storing the mist source; and a holding unit for maintaining the mist source supplied from the storage unit in a state in which the load can be heated; The control unit performs control for completing the load on the load when the power source starts supplying power to the load while the power source is capable of supplying the mist source but the mist source is insufficient. At least one of the power supply is controlled to increase the amount of the mist source held by the holding portion or to increase the amount of the holding amount.

Further, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of atomizing a mist source by heating a load; and maintaining the mist source stored therein without being insufficient When the mist source that is capable of being heated by the load is insufficient, at least one of the time when the power supply to the load is started and when the power supply to the load is completed is performed, and the amount of the mist source to be held is performed. The step of controlling the increase, or increasing the likelihood that the aforementioned amount of holding is increased.

Further, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform any of the above methods.

In order to solve the above-described first problem, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device includes: a power source; a load is generated by receiving power from the power source to generate heat, and atomizing the mist source; a value related to a temperature of the load; the circuit electrically connecting the power source to the load; the storage unit stores the mist source; and the holding unit holds the mist source supplied from the storage unit at the load And a control unit configured to distinguish the mist generating device from being stored in the storage unit in accordance with a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the function of the circuit or during a function a first state in which the mist source is insufficient, or a second state in which the mist source is supplied but the mist source is insufficient in the storage portion, and the first control is executed when the first state is detected. The second control different from the aforementioned first control is executed when the second state is detected.

In one embodiment, in the first state, the mist source stored in the storage portion is insufficient, and in the second state, the mist source is supplied to the storage portion, but the mist source is held by the holding portion. Insufficient, the temperature of the aforementioned load will exceed the boiling point of the aforementioned mist source.

In one embodiment, the second control is such that the mist source stored in the storage portion is greatly reduced as compared with the first control.

In one embodiment, in the second control, the control performed by the control unit changes a greater number of variables and/or a larger number of algorithms than the control performed by the control unit in the first control.

In one embodiment, the number of times the user is required to operate the mist in order to allow the generation of the mist in the second control is smaller than the number of times the user is required to allow the operation of the mist in the first control.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to prevent at least the generation of the mist from being generated for a predetermined period of time in the first control and the second control.

In one embodiment, the period during which the generation of the mist is prohibited in the second control is shorter than the period during which the generation of the mist is prohibited in the first control.

In one embodiment, the first control and the second control respectively have a reset condition for shifting from a state in which fogging is prohibited to a state in which fogging is allowed to occur. The aforementioned resetting condition of the first control is stricter than the aforementioned resetting condition of the second control.

In one embodiment, the number of replacement operations of the components of the mist generating device included in the resetting condition of the first control is replaced by a component of the mist generating device included in the resetting condition of the second control. There are still many jobs.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device has one or more notification units, and the one or more notification units notify the user. The number of the notification units that function in the first control is larger than the number of the notification units that function in the second control.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device has one or more notification units, and the one or more notification units notify the user. In the first control, the time during which the notification unit functions is longer than the time during which the notification unit functions in the second control.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device has one or more notification units, and the one or more notification units notify the user. In the first control, the amount of electric power supplied to the notification unit from the power source is larger than the amount of electric power supplied to the notification unit from the power source in the second control.

Further, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of atomizing a mist source by heating a load; and performing atomization with the mist source or atomizing the mist source; The change in the value of the temperature of the load during the period is different from the fact that the mist generating device is in a first state in which the mist source is insufficient, or is in a state in which the mist source is not insufficient but is retained. a second state in which the mist source is insufficient in a state of being heated by the load; and performing a first control when the first state is detected, and a step different from the first control when detecting the second state Two control steps.

In one embodiment, in the first state, the mist source stored is insufficient, and in the second state, the mist source stored is not insufficient but is maintained to be heated by the load. In the state where the mist source is insufficient, the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source.

Further, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform any of the above methods.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device that performs appropriate control when the mist source is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the mist generating device.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device that suppresses a temporary shortage of a mist source in a holding portion that holds a mist source supplied from a storage portion of a mist source, and a method of operating the mist generating device Program.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device that performs appropriate control when the mist source is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the mist generating device.

100, 100A, 100B‧‧‧ fog generating device

102‧‧‧ first component

104‧‧‧Second component

106‧‧‧Control Department

108‧‧‧Notice Department

110‧‧‧Power supply

112‧‧‧ Elements

114‧‧‧ memory

116‧‧‧Storage Department

118‧‧‧Atomization Department

120‧‧‧Air intake flow path

121‧‧‧Fog air flow road

122‧‧‧Sucker

124‧‧‧ arrow

126‧‧‧ third component

128‧‧‧Scent source

130‧‧‧ Keeping Department

132‧‧‧load

134, 200, 800‧‧‧ circuits

202, 302‧‧‧ First path

204, 304‧‧‧ second path

206, 210‧‧‧ switch

208, 308, 808‧‧ ‧ constant voltage output circuit

212, 222, 224, 312, 812, 822, 824‧‧‧ resistance

214, 226, 314, 322, 814, 826 ‧ ‧ capacitors

218, 818‧‧‧ error amplifier

220, 820‧‧‧ reference voltage source

300‧‧‧ circuits

306‧‧‧First FET

310‧‧‧Second FET

316, 816‧‧ FET

318‧‧‧Inductors

320‧‧‧ diode

802‧‧‧ single path

1502‧‧‧Flow or flow rate sensor

1504‧‧‧Liquid properties

1506‧‧‧Temperature Sensor

1508‧‧‧ Current Sensor

1510‧‧‧Sucking capacity derivation department

1512‧‧‧Sucking interval derivation unit

1514‧‧‧Liquid Viscosity Derivation Department

1516‧‧‧ outside temperature

1518‧‧‧Maintenance contact quantity derivation unit

1520‧‧‧heater resistance value

1522, 1524, 1526, 1528, 1530, 1532 ‧ ‧ pre-defined relationship

Q1, Q2‧‧‧ switch

Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a mist generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a mist generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a view showing an exemplary circuit configuration of a part of the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a view showing another exemplary circuit configuration of a part of the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for detecting a shortage of a mist source according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a view showing an example of the timing of switching between the switches Q1 and Q2 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the process of detecting the shortage of the mist source in the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the process of detecting the shortage of the mist source in the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a view showing an exemplary circuit configuration of a part of the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a timing chart showing the atomization of the mist source having the switch Q1 and the remaining amount of the mist source in the mist generating device of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the process of detecting the shortage of the mist source in the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a graph conceptually showing a change in time series of resistance values of a load when a user performs normal suction using a mist generating device.

Fig. 12A is a graph conceptually showing a time-series change in the resistance value of the load when the interval between the end of the suction by the user and the start of the next suction is shorter than the normal interval.

Fig. 12B is a flow chart showing the process of correcting the conditions for distinguishing the first state from the second state when the suction performed by the user in the first embodiment of the present invention is performed at a short interval.

Fig. 13A is a graph conceptually showing a time series change of the resistance value of the load when the load is cooled due to the deterioration of the load or the like as compared with the normal case.

Fig. 13B is a view showing a process for correcting the conditions of the first state and the second state when the time required for the load cooling is longer than the normal case in the first embodiment of the present invention. flow chart.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing a process of suppressing the temporary shortage of the mist source in the holding portion in the mist generating device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a view showing a specific example of correction of the suction interval by the processing of Fig. 14.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Further, the embodiment of the present invention includes an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette or an atomizer, and the present invention is not limited by the embodiments. Embodiments of the invention may include a wide variety of mist generating devices for generating a source of mist that is drawn by a user.

Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a mist generating device 100A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is to be noted that FIG. 1A schematically and conceptually shows each member of the mist generating device 100A, and does not show the strict arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, and the like of each member and the mist generating device 100A.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the mist generating device 100A has a first member 102 and a second member 104. As shown in the figure, as an example, the first member 102 may include the control unit 106, the notification unit 108, the power source 110, the sensor, and the like 112 and the memory 114. The first member 102, in turn, can include circuitry 134, which will be described later. As an example, the second member 104 may include the storage portion 116, the atomization portion 118, the air suction flow path 120, the mist flow path 121, the suction port portion 122, the holding portion 130, and the load 132. A portion of the components included within the first member 102 may also be included within the second member 104. A portion of the components included within the second member 104 may also be included within the first member 102. The second member 104 can also be configured to be detachable from the first member 102. Alternatively, instead of the first member 102 and the second member 104, all of the members included in the first member 102 and the second member 104 are contained in the same casing.

The storage portion 116 can constitute a tank that accommodates a liquid. The mist source is a liquid such as a polyol such as glycerin (glycerol) or propylene glycol or water. When the mist generating device 100A is an electronic cigarette, the mist source in the storage portion 116 may be a cigarette raw material that releases an aromatic component by heating or an extract derived from the cigarette raw material. The holding portion 130 holds a mist source. For example, the holding portion 130 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and maintains a mist source of liquid in the gap between the fibers or the pores of the porous material. As the fibrous or porous material described above, for example, cotton or glass fiber, or a raw material for cigarettes or the like can be used. When the mist generating device 100A is a medical inhaler such as an atomizer, the mist source may contain a drug to be inhaled by the patient. As another example, the storage portion 116 may have a configuration that can supplement the source of the mist gas consumed. Alternatively, the storage portion 116 may be configured to replace the storage portion 116 itself when the mist source is consumed. Furthermore, the source of the mist is not limited to a liquid, but may be a solid. The storage portion 116 when the mist source is a solid may also be a cavity type container.

The atomizing unit 118 is configured to atomize a mist source to generate mist. When the suction operation is detected by the element 112, the atomizing portion 118 generates mist. For example, the holding portion 130 is provided to connect the storage portion 116 and the atomization portion 118. In this case, one of the holding portions 130 is in contact with the mist source through the inside of the reservoir portion 116. The other portion of the holding portion 130 extends toward the atomizing portion 118. Further, another portion of the holding portion 130 that extends toward the atomizing portion 118 may be housed in the atomizing portion 118 or passed through the atomizing portion 118 and passed through the inside of the storage portion 116. The mist source is transported from the storage portion 116 to the atomizing portion 118 by the capillary effect of the holding portion 130. As an example, the atomizing unit 118 includes a heater including a load 132 electrically connected to the power source 110. The heater is disposed in such a manner as to contact or approach the holding portion 130. When the suction operation is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118 to heat the mist source that is transported through the holding unit 130, thereby atomizing the mist source. Another example of the atomizing unit 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes a mist source by ultrasonic vibration. The air suction flow path 120 is connected to the atomization unit 118, and the air suction flow path 120 is connected to the outside of the mist generation device 100A. The mist generated in the atomizing portion 118 is mixed with the air taken in through the air suction passage 120. As indicated by an arrow 124, a mixed fluid of mist and air is sent out to the mist flow path 121. The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixed fluid of the mist and air generated by the atomization unit 118 to the mouthpiece portion 122.

The mouthpiece portion 122 is located at the end of the mist flow path 121 and is configured to open the mist flow path 121 to the outside of the mist generating device 100A. The user inhales the mist-containing air into the oral cavity by sucking the mouthpiece 122.

The notification unit 108 may include a light-emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode), a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like. The notification unit 108 can be configured to notify the user of a plurality of notifications by illumination, display, sounding, vibration, etc., as needed.

The power source 110 supplies electric power to each member of the mist generating device 100A such as the notification unit 108, the element 112, the memory 114, the load 132, and the circuit 134. The power source 110 can also be connected to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the mist generating device 100A, thereby enabling charging. It is also possible to remove only the power source 110 from the first member 102 or the mist generating device 100A, or to replace it with the new power source 110. Furthermore, the power source 110 can be replaced with the new power source 110 by replacing the entire first member 102 with the new first member 102.

Element 112 is a component used to obtain a value associated with the temperature of load 132. The element 112 can also be constructed to be used to obtain a value required for the current flowing through the load 132, the resistance value of the load 132, and the like.

The element 112 may also include a pressure sensor that detects a change in pressure in the air intake flow path 120 and/or the mist flow path 121 or a flow rate detector that detects a flow rate. Element 112 may also include a weight sensor that detects components such as reservoir portion 116. The element 112 can also be configured to calculate the number of times of suction performed by the user of the mist generating device 100A. The element 112 may be configured to accumulate the energization time of the atomization unit 118. The element 112 can also be configured to detect the height of the liquid level in the storage portion 116. The element 112 can also be configured to detect or detect the SOC (State of Charge, charge state), current integrated value, voltage, and the like of the power source 110. The SOC can also be obtained by a current accumulation method (coulomb calculation method) or a SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method. The element 112 can also be an operation button or the like that can be operated by a user.

The control unit 106 can be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 may be configured to control the operation of the mist generating device 100A in accordance with a command executable by a computer stored in the memory 114. The memory 114 is a memory medium such as a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), or a flash memory. The memory 114 can store setting data and the like necessary for the control of the mist generating apparatus 100A in addition to the above-described computer-executable commands. For example, the memory 114 may store various methods such as a control method (light emission, sounding, vibration, etc.) of the notification unit 108, a value acquired and/or detected by the element 112, and a heating history of the atomization unit 118. Kind of information. The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 as needed and uses it for control by the mist generating device 100A, and stores the data in the memory 114 as needed.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a mist generating device 100B according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, the mist generating device 100B includes not only the mist generating device 100A of FIG. 1A but also the third member 126. The third member 126 can also include a source of flavor 128. For example, when the mist generating device 100B is an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, the flavor source 128 may contain an aromatic component contained in the cigarette. As shown, the mist flow path 121 extends across the second member 104 and the third member 126. The mouthpiece portion 122 is provided to the third member 126.

The fragrance source 128 is a member for imparting a fragrance to a mist source. The flavor source 128 is disposed in the middle of the mist flow path 121. The mixed fluid of the mist and the air generated by the atomizing unit 118 (hereinafter, it is noted that the mixed fluid is simply referred to as mist) flows through the mist flow path 121 to the mouthpiece portion 122. In this way, the flavor source 128 is disposed downstream of the atomizing portion 118 for the flow of the mist. In other words, in the mist flow path 121, the flavor source 128 is located closer to the mouthpiece portion 122 than the atomizing portion 118. Therefore, the mist generated by the atomizing portion 118 passes through the flavor source 128 and reaches the mouthpiece portion 122. When the mist passes through the flavor source 128, the aroma component contained in the flavor source 128 is imparted to the mist. For example, when the mist generating device 100B is an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, the flavor source 128 may be cut tobacco, or a processed product obtained by forming a tobacco material into a granular form, a flake form, or a powder form may be derived from a tobacco. Fragrance source 128 can also be made from non-fertilizers made from plants other than tobacco, such as peppermint or herbs. As an example, the flavor source 128 contains a nicotine component. The flavor source 128 may also contain a flavor component such as menthol. Not only the flavor source 128, but also the storage portion 116 may have a substance containing an aromatic flavor component. For example, the mist generating device 100B may hold a tobacco-derived aroma substance in the flavor source 128, and may also be configured to include the tobacco-derived aroma substance in the storage portion 116.

By sucking the mouthpiece 122, the user can inhale the mist containing the fragrance imparted into the mouth.

The control unit 106 is configured to control the mist generating devices 100A and 100B according to the embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "mist generating device 100") by various methods.

In the mist generating device, when the mist source is insufficient, when the user performs suction, the user cannot supply sufficient mist. Moreover, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, mist which has an unexpected aroma (hereinafter referred to as "unexpected behavior") may be released. The inventors of the present invention have recognized that, not only when the mist source in the storage unit 116 is insufficient, but also the mist source is sufficiently left in the storage unit 116, but the unexpected behavior is caused when the mist source in the holding unit 130 is temporarily insufficient. And as an important issue to be solved. In order to solve such problems, the inventors of the present invention have invented a mist generating device capable of specifying whether or not any of the mist source in the storage unit 116 and the mist source in the holding unit 130 is insufficient, and operating the mist generating device. Method and program. The inventors of the present invention have also invented a method and a program for suppressing the temporary shortage of a mist source that holds a mist source from a mist source supplied from a storage portion of a mist source, and a method of operating the mist generating device. The inventors of the present invention have also invented a state in which the mist generating device 100 is distinguished whether or not the mist source stored in the storage portion 116 is insufficient, or the mist portion is capable of supplying the mist source, but the mist source held by the holding portion 130 is insufficient. In the case of another state, a mist generating device capable of performing appropriate control and a method and a program for operating the mist generating device can be performed. In the following, it is mainly assumed that the mist generating device has the configuration shown in Fig. 1A, and each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the case where the mist generating device has various configurations such as the configuration shown in FIG. 1B.

<First embodiment>

Fig. 2 is a view showing an exemplary circuit configuration of a portion of the mist generating device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 includes a power supply 110, a control unit 106, an element 112, a load 132 (also referred to as a "heater resistor"), a first path 202, and a second path 204, including a first field effect transistor. Switch Q1 of (FET) 206, constant voltage output circuit 208, switch Q2 including second FET 210, and resistor 212 (also referred to as "shunt resistor"). Those skilled in the art of the present invention will understand that not only FETs but also various elements such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (iGBT) and connectors can be used as switches Q1 and Q2.

The circuit 134 shown in FIG. 1A electrically connects the power source 1101 and the load 132 and includes a first path 202 and a second path 204. The first path 202 and the second path 204 are connected in parallel to the power source 110 (and the load 132). The first path 202 includes a switch Q1. The second path 204 includes a switch Q2, a constant voltage output circuit 208, a resistor 212, and an element 112. The first path 202 has a smaller resistance value than the second path 204. In the present example, the element 112 is a voltage sensor and is configured to detect the voltage value across the resistance 212. However, the configuration of the element 112 is not limited to this. For example, element 112 can also be a current sensor and detect the value of the current flowing through resistor 212.

As indicated by a broken line arrow in Fig. 2, the control unit 106 can control the switch Q1, the switch Q2, and the like, and can acquire the value detected by the element 112. The control unit 106 may be configured to switch the switch Q1 from the off state to the on state by switching the switch Q1 from the off state to the on state, thereby switching the switch Q2 from the off state to the on state. The second path 204 is made to function. The control unit 106 may be configured to interactively switch the switches Q1 and Q2 to cause the first path 202 and the second path 204 to function interactively. With this configuration, as will be described later, even after the mist is generated (after the user performs the suction), even if the mist is generated (the user performs the suction), it is possible to distinguish whether or not the mist generating device is in the first state ( The state in which the mist source is stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient or the second state (the state in which the mist source is supplied to the storage unit 130 is insufficient in the state in which the mist source is supplied) is detected, and the shortage of the mist source is detected.

Alternatively, the control unit 106 may switch the switch Q1 of the first path 202 from the on state to the off state until the switch Q2 of the second path 204 is switched from the off state to the on state, and a predetermined interval is set. .

The first path 202 is used for atomization of a mist source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the on state and the first path 202 is functioning, power is supplied to the heater (or the load 132 in the heater), and the load 132 is heated. Due to the heating of the load 132, the mist source of the holding portion 130 held in the atomizing portion 118 is atomized to generate mist.

The second path 204 is used to obtain a value associated with the temperature of the load 132. As an example, as shown in FIG. 2, the case where the element 112 included in the second path 204 is a voltage sensor is considered. When the switch Q2 is turned on and the second path 204 functions, current flows through the constant voltage output circuit 208, the switch Q2, the resistor 212, and the load 132. The value of the current flowing through the load 132 can be obtained by using the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212 obtained by the element 112 and the known resistance value R _{shunt of the} resistor 212. Since the total value of the resistance values of the resistor 212 and the load 132 can be obtained based on the output voltage V _out of the constant voltage output circuit 208 and the current value, the known resistance value R _shunt can be subtracted from the total value. The resistance value R _{HTR of} the load load 132 is obtained. When the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic in which the resistance value is changed in response to the temperature, the relationship between the resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature of the load 132 measured in advance and the resistance value R of the load 132 obtained in the above manner. _HTR can estimate the temperature of the load 132. The value associated with the temperature of the load 132 in this example is the voltage applied to the resistor 212. However, it is possible to estimate the temperature of the load 132 using the value of the current flowing through the resistor 212 as would be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. Therefore, the specific example of the element 112 is not limited to the voltage sensor, and may include other elements such as a current sensor (for example, a Hall element).

In FIG. 2, constant voltage output circuit 208 is shown as a linear regulator (LDO) including capacitor 214, FET 216, error amplifier 218, reference voltage source 220, resistors 222 and 224, and capacitor 226. When the voltage of the reference voltage source 220 is V _REF and the resistance values of the resistors 222 and 224 are R1 and R2, respectively, the output voltage V _OUT of the constant voltage output circuit 208 becomes V _OUT = (R2 / (R1 + R2)) × V _REF . The configuration of the constant voltage output circuit 208 shown in Fig. 2 is only an example, and those skilled in the art of the present invention will understand that various configurations are possible.

Fig. 3 is a view showing another exemplary circuit configuration of a part of the mist generating device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Similarly to the case of FIG. 2, the circuit 300 shown in FIG. 3 includes a power supply 110, a control unit 106, an element 112, a load 132, a first path 302, a second path 304, and a switch Q1 including the first FET 306. A switch Q2 including a second FET 310, a constant voltage output circuit 308, and a resistor 312 are included. Different from FIG. 2, the constant voltage output circuit 308 is disposed on the power supply side of the first path 302. In this example, constant voltage output circuit 308 is an exchange regulator and includes capacitor 314, FET 316, inductor 318, diode 320, and capacitor 322. Similarly to the case of Fig. 2, the circuit shown in Fig. 3 atomizes the mist source when the first path 302 functions, and operates to obtain a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 when the second path 304 functions. B will be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. In the circuit shown in FIG. 3, the constant voltage output circuit 308 is a boost type switching regulator (boost converter) that boosts and outputs the input voltage, but may instead replace it with a boost converter (boost converter). A step-down type switching regulator (a so-called buck converter) that steps down the input voltage and outputs it, and can also be a step-up and a step-down voltage of both the input voltage Type back boost converter.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for detecting a shortage of a mist source according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case where the control section 106 executes all the steps will be described. It should be noted that a part of the steps can also be performed by other components of the mist generating device 100. Further, in the present embodiment, the circuit 200 shown in Fig. 2 is used as an example, but those skilled in the art of the present invention will understand that the circuit 300 or other circuits shown in Fig. 3 can be used.

Processing begins at step 402. In step 402, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the suction by the user is detected based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, or the like. For example, in a case where the output values of the sensors continuously change, the control unit 106 may determine that the suction by the user is detected. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the suction by the user is detected depending on whether or not the button for starting the generation of the mist is pressed.

When it is determined that the suction is detected (YES in step 402), the processing proceeds to step 404. In step 404, the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the on state to cause the first path 202 to function.

The process proceeds to step 406, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the suction is completed. When it is determined that the suction has ended (YES in step 406), the processing proceeds to step 408.

In step 408, the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the off state. In step 410, the control unit 106 sets the switch Q2 to the on state and the second path 204 to function.

The process proceeds to step 412, and the control unit 106 detects the current value of the second path 204 in a manner as explained, for example. In steps 414 and 416, control unit 106 derives the resistance value and temperature of load 132, respectively, by, for example, the method described.

The process proceeds to step 418, and the control unit 106 determines whether the temperature of the load 132 exceeds a predetermined threshold. When it is determined that the load temperature exceeds the threshold value (YES in step 418), the process proceeds to step 420, and the control unit 106 determines that the mist source in the mist generating device 100A is insufficient. On the other hand, when it is determined that the load temperature does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step 418), it is not determined that the mist source is insufficient.

The process shown in Fig. 4 is only a general flow for determining whether or not the mist source in the mist generating device 100A is insufficient, but it is necessary to pay attention to a process not shown in the embodiment of the present invention, that is, to distinguish the inside of the storage portion 116. The shortage of the mist source and the treatment of the shortage of the mist source in the holding portion 130.

In the present invention, the shortage of the mist source in the storage portion 116 includes a state in which the mist source is completely depleted in the storage portion 116, and includes a state in which the mist source cannot be sufficiently supplied to the holding portion 130. In the present invention, the shortage of the mist source in the holding portion 130 includes a state in which the mist source that covers the entire holding portion 130 is completely depleted, and the mist source in one of the holding portions 130 is also depleted.

Fig. 5 is a view showing an example of the timing of switching between the switches Q1 and Q2 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the control unit 106 may switch between the switch Q1 and the switch Q2 while the mist source is atomized (pushing by the user). As shown in FIG. 5(B), after the atomization of the mist source is completed (the suction by the user is completed), the control unit 106 may set the switch Q1 to the off state and the switch Q2 to the switch unit. On state.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the process of detecting the shortage of the mist source in the detecting mist generating device 100A of the present embodiment. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5(A), it is assumed that the switching between the switch Q1 and the switch Q2 is performed during the suction period by the user. Further, a description will be given of a case where the control unit 106 executes all the steps. However, it should be noted that a portion of the steps may also be performed by other components of the mist generating device 100.

The processing of step 602 is the same as the processing of step 402 of FIG. 4, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 106 determines that the suction by the user has started.

The process proceeds to step 604, and the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the on state to cause the first path 202 to function. Therefore, electric power is supplied to the heater (or the load 132 in the heater), and the mist source in the holding portion 130 is heated to generate mist. Furthermore, in step 605, the control unit 106 activates a timer (not shown). Other examples are, for example, a timer that is activated when the switch Q2 is set to the on state in step 606, which will be described later, and is activated when the non-switch Q1 is set to the on state.

The process proceeds to step 606, and the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the off state. In the example of Fig. 6, it should be noted that the processing is performed while the user is performing the suction. The second path 204 functions by the processing of step 606, and the element 112 acquires a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 (for example, a voltage value applied to the resistor 212, a current value flowing through the resistor 212 and the load 132, etc.) . In the manner already explained, the temperature of the load 132 is derived from the value obtained.

If the remaining amount of the mist source is sufficient, the heat applied to the load 132 in step 604 is used to generate mist generated by atomization of the mist source. Therefore, the temperature of the load 132 does not significantly exceed the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source (for example, 200 ° C). On the other hand, when the mist source in the storage portion 116 and/or the mist source in the holding portion 130 is insufficient, the mist source in the holding portion 130 is completely or partially depleted by the heating of the load 132, and the load 132 is loaded. The temperature rises.

The process proceeds to step 608, and the control unit 106 determines whether the temperature (T _HTR ) of the load 132 exceeds a predetermined temperature (for example, 350 ° C). In this example, the temperature of the load 132 is compared to the threshold of the temperature. In other embodiments, the resistance value or current value of the load 132 may be compared with the threshold value of the resistance value or the threshold value of the current value. In this case, the threshold value of the resistance value and the threshold value of the current value are set to appropriate values so that the shortage of the mist source can be sufficiently determined.

When the temperature of the load 132 does not exceed the predetermined temperature (NO in step 608), the processing proceeds to step 610. In step 610, the control unit 106 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed based on the time indicated by the timer. When the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step 610), the processing proceeds to step 612. In step 612, the control unit 106 determines that the remaining amount of the mist source in the storage unit 116 and the holding unit 130 is sufficient, and the processing ends. When the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step 610), the process returns to step 608.

When the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the predetermined temperature (YES in step 608), the processing proceeds to step 614. In step 614, the control unit 106 determines whether the time from the start of the timer to the present has not reached the predetermined threshold value Δt _thre (for example, 0.5 second).

In the case where the timer is activated when the switch Q1 is set to the on state as shown in step 605, the predetermined threshold value Δt _thre may be a first predetermined fixed value (for example, the predetermined switch Q1 is first set to the on state). The time) is the sum of the second predetermined fixed value (for example, the time when the predetermined switch Q2 is first set to the on state). Or the predetermined threshold value Δt _thre may be the total of the time when the actually measured switch Q1 is set to the on state and the second predetermined fixed value.

In the case where the timer is activated when the switch Q1 is set to the on state, the predetermined threshold value Δt _thre may be the second predetermined fixed value.

When the mist source of the storage unit 116 is insufficient, the mist source can be supplied to the storage unit 116. However, when the mist source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient, the former case is at a temperature at which the temperature of the load 132 cannot be tolerated. The time until then is short. The reason is that in the former case, since the holding unit 130 is not supplied with the mist source, the electric power supplied to the load 132 causes the temperature for the load 132 to rise, whereas the latter case is because the holding unit 116 can hold the holding unit from the storage unit 116. 130 supplies a source of mist, so the power supplied to the load 132 will also cause fogging of the source of the mist.

When the time from the start of the timer to the present time has not reached the predetermined threshold (YES in step 614), the processing proceeds to step 616. In step 616, the control unit 106 determines that the mist generating device 100 is in the first state. In the first state, since the mist source stored in the reservoir portion 116 is insufficient, the temperature of the load 132 may exceed the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source. On the other hand, when the time from the start of the timer to the current time is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (NO in step 614), the processing proceeds to step 624. In step 624, the control unit 106 determines that the mist generating device 100 is in the second state. In the second state, since the storage portion 116 can supply the mist source, the mist source maintained by the holding portion 130 is insufficient, so the temperature of the load 132 may exceed the boiling point of the mist source or the mist may be generated by evaporation of the mist source. temperature. In this manner, the control unit 106 can distinguish the first state from the time required for the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 to reach the threshold value after the function is performed from the first path 202 or the second path 204. Second state.

In the present invention, the shortage of the mist source in the first state means that the mist source in the storage unit 116 is completely depleted, or the mist source in the storage unit 116 is small, and the holding unit 130 cannot be sufficiently provided. Supply the status of the fog source. Further, in the present invention, the shortage of the mist source in the second state means that the storage unit 116 can supply the mist source, but covers the state in which the entire mist source of the holding unit 130 is completely exhausted, or the holding unit 130. A part of the state in which the fog source is exhausted. No sufficient fog can be generated in either of the first state and the second state.

After step 616, the process proceeds to step 618, and the control unit 106 uses the notification unit 108 or the like to enable the user to recognize that the mist generating device 100 is in the first state and should perform the replacement of the storage portion 116 (or the mist source in the storage portion 116). Supplement) the affair. The process proceeds to step 620, and the control unit 106 shifts to the removal check mode. The process proceeds to step 622, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the removal of the storage portion 116 (or the replenishment of the mist source) has been detected. When the removal of the storage portion 116 is detected (YES in step 622), the processing is terminated. If not ("NO" at step 622), the process returns to step 618.

After step 624, the process proceeds to step 626, and the control unit 106 uses the notification unit 108 or the like to issue a warning so that the fog generating device 100 is in the second state, and can be recognized by the user. Then the processing ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, depending on the change in the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 after the function of the circuit 134, it is distinguished whether or not the mist generating device 100A is in the first state in which the mist source stored in the storage portion 116 is insufficient, or is in the first state. Although the storage unit 116 can supply the mist source, the mist source held by the holding unit 130 is in a second state in which the mist source is insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the mist source is completely depleted.

Furthermore, as described above, the timer can be activated when the switch Q1 is set to the off state, or can be activated when the switch Q2 is set to the on state. The control unit 106 can distinguish the first state from the second state in accordance with a change in the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 after the first path 202 functions or the second path 204 functions. Therefore, in the configuration in which the first path 202 for generating mist and the second path 204 for detecting the shortage of the mist source are alternately set to be in an on state, the first state and the second state can be distinguished.

In the modification of the embodiment of Fig. 6, the first state may be defined as a state in which the temperature of the load 132 is different from the first state and the second state because the mist source stored in the storage portion 116 is insufficient. The other state reaches a predetermined temperature earlier than the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source. Further, the second state may be defined as a state in which the mist source is supplied by the storage portion 116, but the mist source held by the holding portion 130 is insufficient, so the temperature ratio of the load 132 is the first state and the second state described above. Different other states reach a predetermined temperature lower than the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source. In these cases, the accuracy of detecting the shortage of the mist source is inferior to that of the embodiment of Fig. 6 described above, but it is possible to perform faster detection.

As described above, in the embodiment of Fig. 6, the control executed in the first state in which the mist source is stored in the storage portion 116 is insufficient (steps 618 to 622), and the mist source can be supplied to the storage portion 116, but the holding portion is provided. The control performed by the second state in which the fog source is insufficient to maintain 130 (step 626) is different.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing another process of detecting the shortage of the mist source in the mist generating device 100A of the present embodiment. In this example, as shown in Fig. 5(B), it is assumed that the switch Q1 is set to the off state and the switch Q2 is set to the on state after the end of the suction by the user.

The processing of step 702 is the same as the processing of step 602 of FIG.

The process proceeds to step 704, and the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the on state to cause the first path 202 to function. Therefore, the heater (load 132) is supplied with electric power, and the mist source in the holding portion 130 is heated to generate mist.

The process proceeds to step 706, and the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the off state and the switch Q2 to the on state. It should be noted that in the example of Fig. 7, the processing is performed after the end of the suction by the user. The second path 204 functions by the processing of step 706, and the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 is obtained by the element 112, and the temperature of the load 132 is derived based on the acquired value.

The process proceeds to step 708, and the control unit 106 starts the timer.

Processing proceeds to step 710. The processing of step 710 is the same as the processing of step 608.

When the temperature of the load 132 does not exceed the predetermined temperature (NO in step 710), the processing proceeds to step 712. The processing of steps 712 and 714 is the same as the processing of steps 610 and 612.

When the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the predetermined temperature (YES in step 710), the processing proceeds to step 716. In step 716, the control unit 106 determines whether the time differential value of the temperature of the load 132 is greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, a value smaller than 0).

When the mist source of the user's suction holding portion 130 is insufficient, the mist source of the storage portion 116 is insufficient and the storage portion 116 can supply the mist source, but the mist source held by the holding portion 130 is insufficient. In the former case, the time differential value of the temperature of the load 132 after the user has finished pumping is large. The reason for this is that in the former case, the temperature of the load 132 rises, stagnate, or gradually decreases due to the fact that the holding unit 130 is not supplied with the mist source after the user has finished pumping, whereas the latter case is used. After the suction is completed, the mist source can be supplied from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130, so that the temperature of the load 132 is lowered.

When the time differential value of the temperature of the load 132 is larger than the threshold value (YES in step 716), the processing proceeds to step 718. In step 718, the control unit 106 determines that the mist generating device 100A is in the first state in which the mist source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient. On the other hand, the time differential value of the temperature of the load 132 is smaller than the threshold value (NO in step 716), and the processing proceeds to step 726. In step 726, the control unit 106 determines that the mist generating device 100A is in the second state in which the mist source is supplied to the storage unit 116, but the mist source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient.

The processing from steps 720 to 724 is the same as the processing from steps 618 to 622. The processing of step 728 is the same as the processing of step 626.

In the example of Fig. 7, the control unit 106 causes the second path 204 to function after the operation of the first path 202 is completed. Therefore, in a static state in which no mist is generated, the mist generating device 100 can be distinguished from the first state or the second state with good precision.

Further, according to the example of FIG. 7, the control unit 106 can distinguish the first state from the second by the change in the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 after the completion of the operation of the first path 202 or during the period in which the second path 204 functions. status. In the configuration in which the first path 202 for generating mist and the second path 204 for detecting the shortage of the mist source are sequentially turned on, the first state and the second state can be distinguished.

Further, in the example of FIG. 7, the control unit 106 may cause the second path 204 to function after the operation of the first path 202 is completed plural times. For example, after the switch Q1 is turned on/off 5 times (the user has done 5 times of pumping), the switch Q2 is set to the on state. In this case, after the control unit 106 replaces the storage unit 116 with a new product or supplements the storage unit 116 with the mist source, the number of operations of the load 132 or the cumulative operation amount increases, and before the second path 204 functions. The number of times the first path 202 is actuated is reduced.

Similarly to the embodiment of Fig. 6, the embodiment of Fig. 7 is also different from the control executed in the first state (steps 720 to 724) and the control executed in the second state (step 728).

Fig. 8 is a view showing an exemplary circuit configuration of a part of the mist generating device 100A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit 800 shown in FIG. 8 has a power supply 110, a control unit 106, an element 112, a load 132, a single path 802, a switch Q1 including a FET 806, a constant voltage output circuit 808, and a resistor 812.

Circuit 134 may also be constructed in a manner that includes a single path 802 as shown in FIG. Path 802 is connected in series to load 132. Path 802 can include switch Q1 and resistor 812. In this example, the circuit 134 may further have an element (not shown) that smoothes the power supplied to the load 132. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise during the transition (on and off of the switch) or noise due to the surge current, and it is possible to accurately distinguish between the first state and the second state.

As indicated by a broken line arrow in Fig. 8, the control unit 106 can control the switch Q1 and can acquire the value detected by the element 112.

The control unit 106 causes the path 802 to function by switching the switch Q1 from the off state to the on state.

Path 802 is used for atomization of a mist source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the on state and the path 802 is functioning, the load 132 is supplied with power, and the load 132 is heated. By the heating of the load 132, the mist source held in the holding portion 130 in the atomizing portion 118 is atomized to generate mist.

Path 802 is further used to obtain a value associated with the temperature of load 132. When the switch Q1 is in the on state and the path 802 is functioning, the current flows through the constant voltage output circuit 808, the switch Q1, the resistor 812, and the load 132. In the case described in connection with FIG. 2, when the element 112 is a voltage sensor, the voltage value applied to the resistor 812 can be used as a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 to estimate the temperature of the load 132. As in the example of Fig. 2, the specific example of the element 112 is not limited to the voltage sensor, and may include other elements such as a current sensor (for example, a Hall element).

The mist generating device 100A having the configuration shown in Fig. 8 may further have a low pass filter (not shown). The value (current value, voltage value, etc.) associated with the temperature of the load 132 obtained by the use element 112 can also pass through the low pass filter. In this case, the control unit 106 may acquire a value associated with the temperature after passing through the low-pass filter, and derive the temperature of the load 132 using the value.

As in the case of Fig. 2, constant voltage output circuit 808 is shown as a linear regulator (LDO) including capacitor 814, FET 816, error amplifier 818, reference voltage source 820, resistors 822 and 824, and capacitor 826. The configuration of the constant voltage output circuit 808 is merely an example, and may be of various configurations.

Fig. 9 is a timing chart showing the atomization of the mist source of the switch Q1 and the remaining amount of the mist source in the mist generating device 100A having the circuit 800 of Fig. 8. Since the circuit of Fig. 8 has only a single path 802, the control unit 106 also detects whether or not the mist source is insufficient during the atomization of the mist source (during the user's suction).

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the process of detecting the shortage of the mist source in the mist generating device 100A of the present embodiment. This example is a case where the mist generating device 100A is assumed to have the circuit 800 shown in FIG.

The processing of step 1002 is the same as the processing of step 602 of Fig. 6, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 106 determines that the suction by the user has started.

The process proceeds to step 1004, and the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the on state to cause the path 802 to function. Therefore, the heater (load 132) is supplied with electric power, and the mist source in the holding portion 130 is heated to generate mist. The control unit 106 further acquires a value (for example, a value applied to the resistor 812, a current value flowing through the load 132, and the like) associated with the temperature of the load 132 by the element 112. As has been explained, the temperature of the load 132 is derived based on the value obtained.

In step 1005, the control unit 106 activates a timer (not shown).

The processing of steps 1006 to 1024 is the same as the processing of steps 608 to 626.

Similarly to the embodiments of Figs. 6 and 7, in the embodiment of Fig. 10, the control executed in the first state (steps 1016 to 1020) is different from the control executed in the second state (step 1024).

Fig. 11 is a graph conceptually showing a time-series change in the resistance value of the load 132 when the user performs normal suction using the mist generating device 100A.

When the suction by the user is detected, the load 132 is supplied with electric power to heat the load 132. The temperature of the load 132 rises from room temperature (e.g., 25) to the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source (e.g., 200 ° C). When there is a sufficient mist source in the holding portion 130, the heat applied to the load 132 is used for atomization of the mist source. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11, the temperature of the load 132 is stabilized in the vicinity of the above temperature. When the suction by the user ends, the power supply to the load 132 is stopped, and the temperature of the load 132 is lowered toward the room temperature.

When the interval from the end of the suction by the user to the start of the next suction is sufficiently long, as shown in Fig. 11, the load 132 is cooled and the temperature returns to room temperature. On the premise that a sufficient amount of the mist source is stored in the storage portion 116, a sufficient amount of the mist source can be supplied from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130 until the start of the next suction. Here, the suction and the interval in this manner are referred to as "normal" suction and "normal" intervals, respectively.

The resistance value of the load 132 varies depending on the temperature of the load 132. In the example of Fig. 11, the temperature of the load 132 rises from room temperature (25 ° C) to the boiling point of the mist source (200 ° C), and the resistance value of the load 132 rises from R (T _RT = 25 ° C) to R ( T _BP = 200 ° C). When the temperature of the load 132 reaches the boiling point of the mist source and the atomization of the mist source starts, the temperature of the load 132 is stabilized, and therefore, the resistance value of the load 132 is also stabilized. While the atomization of the mist source is completed and the temperature of the load 132 is lowered to room temperature, the resistance value of the load 132 is also lowered. As described above, the example of Fig. 11 performs normal suction, so that the resistance value of the load 132 returns to R (T _RT = 25 ° C) at the start of the next suction.

In the present invention, the change in the resistance value of the load 132 caused by the heating of the load 132 during the previous suction is related to the influence of the resistance value of the load 132 at the time of the next suction, which is called the "heat history" of the load. . In the case of the example of Fig. 11, since the above-described influence does not occur, the resistance value of the load 132 does not leave a heat history.

Fig. 12A is a graph conceptually showing a time-series change in the resistance value of the load 132 when the interval between the end of the suction by the user and the start of the next suction is shorter than the normal interval.

At shorter intervals, the next pumping will begin before the temperature of the load 132 returns to room temperature and the load 132 will be reheated. Fig. 12A (a) is a graph showing this situation. In the Fig. 12(A) diagram (a), the situation from the start to the end of the earliest suction is the same as the case of the normal suction in Fig. 11. When the earliest pumping is completed, the temperature of the load 132 is lowered, and the resistance value of the load 132 is also lowered. However, since the interval from the end of the earliest suction to the start of the second suction is short, the temperature of the load 132 is higher than the room temperature at the start of the second suction, and therefore, the load 132 The resistance value is also larger than the resistance value R (T _RT = 25 ° C) at room temperature. That is, unlike the example of Fig. 11, the example of Fig. 12(A) is at the beginning of the second suction, and no heat history is left at the load 132. As a result, when the load 132 is heated by the second suction, the mist source in the storage portion 116 and the holding portion 130 is insufficient, and the resistance value of the load 132 exceeds R (T _BP = 200 ° C). rise.

Fig. 12A(b) shows, based on the condition shown in Fig. 12A(a), a time series of changes in the resistance value of the load 132 at the time of repeated suction. Since the interval from the end of the earliest suction to the start of the second suction is short, the resistance value of the load 132 at the beginning of the second suction is higher than the resistance value R at room temperature (T _RT =25 ° C) is still big. Further, since the interval is short, the supply of the mist source to the holding portion 130 from the storage portion 116 is not sufficiently performed. Therefore, at the start of the second suction, the mist source in the holding portion 130 is reduced in comparison with the case where the gap having a sufficient length is provided. Since the heat history of the load 132 is left as described above and the mist source in the holding portion 130 is small, the mist source in the holding portion 130 after the mist source is heated by the load 132 to stably generate the mist in the second suction. Insufficient, and the temperature of the load 132 as shown in the figure will exceed the boiling point of the mist source. Therefore, the resistance value of the load 132 also reaches a value larger than R (T _BP = 200 ° C). By repeating this operation, the temperature of the load 132 reaches the threshold (for example, 350 ° C) shown in the embodiment described in connection with Figs. 6, 7 and 10.

The inventors of the present invention have invented a technique for correcting the first state and the second state in the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 6 , 7 , and 10 in accordance with the heat history of the load 132 . Conditions such as a threshold value (e.g., Δt _thre in step 614), whereby the control of the mist generating device 100A can be further appropriately performed when the mist source is insufficient. The technique will be described below.

Fig. 12B is a flow chart showing the process of correcting the conditions for distinguishing the first state from the second state when the suction by the user of the embodiment of the present invention is performed at a short interval.

The process starts in step 1202, and the control unit 106 sets the counter n to zero.

The processing proceeds to step 1204, the control unit 106 from a previous measurement time point of the suction end of the suction to the suction this time interval (interval _meas) until the start time point.

The process proceeds to step 1206, and the control unit 106 increments the counter n.

The process proceeds to step 1208, and the control section 106 calculates a value ( _Δinterval (n)) obtained by subtracting the interval _meas measured by the step 1204 from the interval _preset value (interval _preset ). The value of the interval _preset may be a time (for example, one second) from when the temperature of the load 132 during normal suction returns from the boiling point of the mist source to the room temperature, or may be sufficient from the storage portion 116 after the last suction is completed. The amount of time that the mist source is supplied to the holding portion 130.

The process proceeds to step 1210, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not Δinterval(n) calculated in step 1208 is larger than 0.

In the case of FIG. 12B, when Δinterval(n) is 0 or less (interval _meas is _{equal to} or greater than interval _preset ) (NO in step 1208), the processing proceeds to step 1216. However, steps 1204 through 1210 may be processed to return to step 1204 and repeat a predetermined number of times.

When Δinterval(n) is greater than 0 (interval _{meas is} smaller than the interval _preset ) (YES in step 1210), the processing proceeds to step 1212. In step 1212, the control unit 106 obtains the value Σ obtained by accumulating the calculated Δinterval(n). The calculation formula shown in step 1210 is only an example. The processing of step 1212 can be performed in such a manner that the earlier thermal history included in the thermal history of the load 132 gives the influence of the above condition (the condition for distinguishing the first state from the second state), the thermal history of the load 132 The inclusion of a newer thermal history has little impact on this condition. Thereby, even when a plurality of thermal histories are accumulated, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with good precision. It is also apparent to those skilled in the art of the present invention that a wide variety of calculations can be performed at step 1212.

The process proceeds to step 1214, and the control unit 106 can obtain the above condition (Δt _thre ) based on the integrated value Σ obtained in step 1212 and a predetermined function. In Fig. 12B, an example of a predetermined function F(Σ) is shown on the lateral side of step 1214. In this way, in step 1214, the cumulative value can be increased (the smaller the suction interval is), and the smaller the Δt _thre becomes, the more preset. Therefore, the shorter the time interval from the end of the request for the generation of the mist (the suction by the user, the pressing of the predetermined button, etc.) to the start of the next request, the possibility that the first state has occurred is determined. The lower the sex becomes, the more the above conditions are corrected.

On the other hand, when Δinterval(n) is 0 or less (interval _meas is _{equal to} or greater than interval _preset ) (NO in step 1208), the processing proceeds to step 1216. At step 1216, the control unit 106 resets the counter n. Furthermore, the process proceeds to step 1218, and Δt _thre is set to a predetermined value. That is, when the interval of the suction is sufficiently large, the condition for distinguishing the first state from the second state is not corrected.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 operates to correct the conditions for distinguishing the first state from the second state by the heat history of the load 132 when the circuit 134 functions. Therefore, even in the case where the heat history of the load 132 is left, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with good precision.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 corrects the time series of the request in accordance with the request for the generation of the fog, and corrects the heat history of the load load 132 based on the change in the time series derived from the request. It operates in a manner to distinguish the conditions of the first state from the second state. Therefore, even in the case where abnormal suction is performed, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with good precision.

The same problem as in FIGS. 12A and 12B may occur even when the time for which the user has been pumping is long, or when the time of suction is long and the interval is a normal length. This problem can be solved by this embodiment. In other words, even if the time series change required for the generation of the mist is caused by the time when the diaphragm is pumped for a longer period of time than usual, the heat history of the load 132 derived from the change can be corrected. A condition for distinguishing the first state from the second state.

Fig. 13A is a graph conceptually showing a time series change of the resistance value of the load 132 when the time required for cooling the load 132 due to the deterioration of the load 132 or the like is longer than the normal case.

Once the time required for the load 132 to cool becomes longer, even if the interval of suction is normal, the next suction can be started before the temperature of the load 132 returns to room temperature. The graph of Figure 13A shows this situation. In Fig. 13A, the condition from the beginning to the end of the earliest suction is the same as the case of the normal suction in Fig. 11. When the earliest pumping is completed, the temperature of the load 132 is lowered, and as a result, the resistance value of the load 132 is also lowered. However, since the temperature of the load 132 decreases at a slower rate, the temperature of the load 132 is higher than the room temperature at the beginning of the second suction. Therefore, the resistance value of the load 132 is also larger than the resistance value R (T _RT = 25 ° C) at room temperature. That is, unlike the example of Fig. 11, in the example of Fig. 13A, at the start of the second suction, a heat history is left on the load 132. Therefore, once the load 132 is heated by the second pumping, the resistance value of the load 132 will reach R (T _BP = 200 ° C) faster, so that more of the mist source is heated to generate more mist. Therefore, the mist source in the holding portion 130 is likely to become insufficient. By repeating such an operation, the temperature of the load 132 can reach the threshold (for example, 350 ° C) shown in the embodiments described in Figs. 6 , 7 and 10 .

The inventors of the present invention have invented the technique of correcting the first state in the embodiment described in connection with Fig. 6, Fig. 7, and Fig. 10 in accordance with the heat history of the load 132 in the above case. Conditions such as a threshold value of the second state (for example, Δt _thre in step 614) can be used to further appropriately control the mist generating device 100 when the mist source is insufficient. The following describes the technology.

Fig. 13B is a flow chart showing the process of correcting the condition for distinguishing the first state from the second state when the time required for the cooling of the load 132 is longer as compared with the normal case.

The process starts in step 1302, and the control unit 106 acquires the initial temperature T _ini of the load 132 when the suction of the user is started and the circuit 134 of the mist generating device 100A functions.

The process proceeds to step 1304, and the control unit 106 obtains the above condition (for example, Δt _thre ) in accordance with the initial temperature T _ini and a predetermined function. In Fig. 13B, an example of the predetermined function F(T _ini ) is displayed on the lateral side of step 1304. As described above, in step 1304, the higher the temperature of the load 132 when the circuit 134 of the mist generating device 100A functions, the smaller the Δt _thre becomes. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 operates to correct the above-described conditions so that the temperature of the load 132 when the circuit 134 functions is higher, and the possibility that the first state has occurred is determined to be smaller.

In the above description, the first embodiment of the present invention has described a mist generating device and a method of operating the mist generating device. However, it should be understood that when the present invention is executed by a processor, it can be implemented as a program for causing the processor to perform the method, or as a computer readable memory medium storing the program.

<Second embodiment>

The mist generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention has a shorter interval (for example, a time required to supply a sufficient amount of mist to the holding portion 130 from the reservoir portion 116) in comparison with the normal suction. When the suction is performed at a short interval, even if a sufficient amount of the mist source is stored in the storage portion 116, the temporary shortage of the mist source in the holding portion 130 occurs. In addition, the same problem occurs when the suction capacity of one suction is larger than that during normal suction. In addition, the same problem occurs when the suction time of one suction is larger than that of the normal suction. These are just examples of the suction of the above problems. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will understand that a suction pattern other than the ones having various characteristics may cause the same problem. The second embodiment of the present invention is an invention for solving the above problems.

The basic configuration of the mist generating device 100 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the mist generating device 100 shown in Figs. 1A and 1B.

The mist generating device 100 of the present embodiment may further include a supply unit that can adjust at least one of the amount or speed of the mist source supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130. The supply department can also be controlled by the control unit 106. The supply unit can be realized by various configurations such as a mechanism configured to control the opening of the storage unit 116 with respect to the opening of the atomization unit 118 by a pump disposed between the storage unit 116 and the holding unit 130.

The mist generating device 100 of the present embodiment may have a temperature regulating portion that can adjust the temperature of the mist source. The temperature adjustment unit can also be controlled by the control unit 106. The temperature adjustment unit can be realized by various configurations and arrangements.

The mist generating device 100 of the present embodiment may have a changing unit that can change the ventilation resistance in the mist generating device 100. The change unit can also be controlled by the control unit 106. The change unit can be realized by various configurations and configurations.

The mist generating device 100 of the present embodiment may have a requesting unit that outputs a request for generation of mist. The request unit can also be controlled by the control unit 106. The requesting unit can be realized by various configurations and configurations.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing a process of suppressing the temporary shortage of the mist source of the holding unit 130 in the mist generating device 100 of the present embodiment.

The process starts at step 1402, and when the process starts, the control unit 106 sets the counter n _err to zero. The value of the counter n _err can also show the number of times the suction is detected outside of the assumption.

The process proceeds to step 1404, and the control portion 106 measures the interval of suction, the suction capacity, the length of the suction time, and the like. These are only examples of the parameters measured in step 1404. It will be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention that this embodiment can be implemented by measuring various parameters that facilitate detection of unintended aspiration at step 1404.

The process proceeds to step 1406, and the control unit 106 compares the parameter measured at step 1404 with the parameter corresponding to the normal suction, and determines whether the suction currently in progress has a suction of an unintended characteristic. For example, when the measured suction interval is shorter than a predetermined threshold, the control portion 106 determines that the current suction is an unintended suction. In other examples, when the measured suction capacity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit 106 determines that the current suction is an unintended suction. In another example, when the measured suction time is longer than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 106 determines the suction other than the current suction system. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine whether or not the current suction is performed by the technique described in connection with the sixth embodiment, the seventh diagram, the tenth diagram, the twenty-fourth diagram, the twenty-fourth diagram, and the thirteenth aspect of the first embodiment. This causes a state in which the mist source is supplied to the storage unit 116, but the mist source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient (for example, the second state in the first embodiment). For example, as described in the first embodiment, the control unit 106 may perform the determination of step 1406 in accordance with the temperature change of the load 132 after the circuit 134 is functioned. Alternatively, as described in the first embodiment, the control unit 106 may perform the determination of step 1406 in accordance with the change in the time series from the request unit.

When the current suction is not an unintended suction ("NO" in step 1406), the process returns to before step 1404. Or you can handle the end.

When the current suction is unintended suction (YES in step 1406), it is detected that although the storage unit 116 can supply the mist source, the mist source maintained by the holding unit 130 is insufficient (more specifically, Due to the shortage of the mist source of the holding portion 130, the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the dry state of the boiling point of the mist source or the precursor of the dry state. The process proceeds to step 1408, and the control section 106 increments the value of the counter n _err .

The process proceeds to step 1410, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the value of the counter n _err exceeds a predetermined threshold.

When the value of the counter n _err exceeds the predetermined threshold (YES in step 1410), the processing proceeds to step 1414. In step 1414, the control unit 106 executes control for controlling the temporary shortage of the mist source in the holding unit 130.

In step 1414, the control unit 106 may perform control to increase the amount of holding of the mist source held by the holding unit 130 or at least one of the power supply 110 when the power supply 110 starts supplying power to the load 132 and when the power supply to the load 132 is completed. This possibility of increasing the amount of increase is controlled. Thereby, it is possible to control the occurrence or recurrence of the temporary drying of the holding portion 130.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may perform a control that is longer than the previous interval from the completion of the generation of the mist to the start of the next mist generation. Thereby, the generation of the mist is prohibited during the extended interval, and the time during which the mist source is supplied from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130 can be secured. Therefore, occurrence or recurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 can be suppressed. In this example, the control unit 106 may correct the length of the interval depending on at least one of the viscosity of the mist source, the remaining amount of the mist source, the resistance value of the load 132, and the temperature of the power source 110. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the interval from becoming excessively long, and it is possible to suppress deterioration of the user experience.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the supply unit so that at least one of the amount or speed of the mist source supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 increases. Thereby, occurrence or recurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 can be suppressed without causing inconvenience to the user.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the circuit so that the amount of mist generated is reduced.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the temperature adjustment unit by heating the mist source. A general liquid mist source has a property that its viscosity is lowered when its temperature rises. In other words, when the mist source is heated at a temperature at which generation of mist does not occur, at least one of the amount or speed of the mist source supplied from the reservoir portion 116 to the holding portion 130 is increased by capillary action. The control unit 106 may control the temperature adjustment unit to warm the mist source while the mist is not generated by the load 132. Thereby, since the mist source is supplied from the reservoir portion 116 to the holding portion 130 mainly when suction is not performed, the effect of warming is easily obtained. The control unit 106 can also use the load 132 as a temperature adjustment unit. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide other heaters for heating, and simplification of the configuration or cost reduction can be achieved.

As an example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the above-described changing unit so that the ventilation resistance in the mist generating device 100 is increased.

As an example, the control unit 106 may control the circuit 134 in accordance with the greater the demand from the above-mentioned requesting unit (for example, the greater the change in the air pressure detected with respect to the suction), the greater the amount of mist generated. In step 1414, the control unit 106 may correct the correlation so as to reduce the amount of fog generated corresponding to the required size.

As an example, the configuration control unit 106 can execute the first mode and the second mode, which are set to be longer than the interval from the completion of the generation of the mist to the start of the next mist generation. The second interval is controlled by at least one of when the power supply 110 starts supplying power to the load 132 and when the power supply 110 supplies power to the load 132 is completed, and the holding unit 130 is not controlled by the interval. The control of increasing the amount of holding of the mist source or the control of increasing the possibility of increasing the amount of holding. In step 1414, the control unit 106 may perform the second mode more preferentially than the first mode. Thereby, it is possible to control the occurrence or recurrence of the temporary drying of the holding portion 130 without causing inconvenience to the user.

The control unit 106 may also execute the first mode when the dry state of the holding portion 130 or the precursor of the dry state is further detected after the second mode is executed. Therefore, since the interval control can be performed when the temporary drying of the holding portion 130 cannot be suppressed by means other than the control that may impair the convenience of the user, the convenience of the user can be ensured. The occurrence of temporary drying with the holding portion 130 or suppression of recurrence.

When the processing 1400 shown in Fig. 14 is performed plural times, the control unit 106 may select the processing executed in step 1414 from among the various processing described above each time the processing is performed. For example, it is also possible to preferentially perform processing that is less burdensome to the user among the processes that can be executed in step 1414. It is also possible to perform a process that is burdensome to the user when the process is performed and the occurrence of temporary drying of the holding unit 130 is not suppressed or reoccurred.

When the value of the counter n _{err does} not exceed the predetermined threshold value (NO in step 1410), the processing proceeds to step 1412. The user is alerted in step 1412. The warning is preferably such that the user can easily understand that sufficient fog cannot be generated due to the influence of the current suction. For example, the control unit 106 may cause the notification unit 108 to function in accordance with the detection of the above-described dry state or the precursor of the dry state. When the notification unit 108 is a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to perform operations such as light emission, display, sounding, and vibration. Thereby, the user can stop the suction, and as a result, the time for supplying the mist source from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130 can be ensured. Therefore, it is possible to suppress temporary drying of the holding portion 130, recurrence of drying, and the like.

As an example, in step 1412, the control unit 106 may perform the case where the notification unit 108 functions a plurality of times and then detects the precursor of the dry state or the dry state, and performs the setting of the next interval to be longer than the previous interval. control. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the user from being inconvenienced from the beginning, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence or recurrence of the temporary drying of the holding portion 130. In this example, the control unit 106 corrects the length of the interval in accordance with at least one of the viscosity of the mist source, the remaining amount of the mist source, the resistance value of the load 132, and the temperature of the power source 110.

In one embodiment, after the generation of the mist is completed, the control unit 106 may supply the mist source of the amount larger than the amount of the mist source used for the generation of the mist to the holding unit 130 from the storage unit 116. At the interval of the period, the control for suppressing the generation of the mist or the control for increasing the possibility of suppressing the generation of the mist is performed. Thereby, occurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 can be effectively suppressed. In this example, the control unit 106 may control the notification unit 108 in the first mode while the fog is generated, and control the notification unit 108 in the second mode different from the first mode. Thereby, the user can stop the suction, and as a result, the time during which the mist source is supplied from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130 can be ensured. Therefore, it is possible to suppress temporary drying of the holding portion 130, recurrence of drying, and the like. The control unit 106 may control the notification unit 108 in a third mode different from the second mode when the request from the request unit is acquired during the interval. The control unit 106 may control the circuit 134 in a manner that prohibits the generation of mist during the interval. Thereby, the amount of the mist source held by the holding portion 130 in the above interval is not easily reduced. As a result, occurrence or recurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 can be suppressed. The control unit 106 may correct the length of the interval based on at least one of the size and the change from the request unit. Thereby, since the length of the interval is corrected in accordance with the form of suction, the occurrence or recurrence of the temporary drying of the holding portion 130 can be suppressed by the appropriate suction interval.

Fig. 15 is a view showing a specific example of correction of the suction interval by the process 1400 of Fig. 14. The control unit 106 can correct the current suction interval A by using the correction coefficient obtained by various methods.

The control unit 106 may include a suction capacity deriving unit 1510, a suction interval deriving unit 1512, a liquid viscosity deriving unit 1514, and a holding unit contact amount deriving unit 1518, or may function as members of the members. Composition. The mist generating device 100 may be provided with at least one of a flow rate or flow rate sensor 1502, a temperature sensor 1506, a current sensor 1508, and a voltage sensor 1510. The mist generating device 100 may further include means for detecting the liquid property 1504 of the mist source.

As shown in Fig. 15, the suction capacity deriving unit 1510 derives the suction capacity based on the flow rate or flow rate value detected by the flow rate or flow rate sensor 1502. The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α1 from the derived suction capacity based on the predetermined relationship 1522 between the suction capacity and the correction coefficient α1.

The suction interval deriving portion 1512 derives the suction interval based on the flow rate or flow rate value detected by the flow rate or flow rate sensor 1502. The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α2 from the derived suction interval in accordance with a predetermined relationship 1524 between the suction interval and the correction coefficient α2.

The liquid viscosity deriving unit 1514 derives the liquid viscosity based on the liquid property of the mist source and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1506. The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α3 from the derived liquid viscosity in accordance with a predetermined relationship 1526 between the liquid viscosity and the correction coefficient α3.

The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α4 from the detected outside air temperature based on the predetermined relationship 1528 between the outside air temperature 1516 and the correction coefficient α4 detected by the temperature sensor 1506.

The holding portion contact amount deriving unit 1518 derives the holding portion contact amount based on the current value detected by the current sensor 1508 and the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor 1510. Further, the contact amount of the holding portion indicates the amount of contact between the holding portion 130 and the mist source stored in the storage portion 116. The amount of the mist source supplied from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130 by capillary action varies depending on the contact amount of the holding portion. As a result of the fluctuation of the amount of the mist source supplied to the holding portion 130, the temperature of the load 132 also fluctuates. Therefore, the holding portion can be derived from the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the current sensor 1508 and the voltage sensor 1510. The amount of contact. The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α5 from the derived contact portion contact amount in accordance with the predetermined relationship 1530 between the contact amount of the holding portion and the correction coefficient α5.

The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α6 based on a predetermined relationship 1532 between the heater resistance value 1520 derived from the detected current value and the voltage value and the correction coefficient α6.

The control unit 106 can apply the correction coefficient α1 to the correction coefficient α6 obtained as described above to the current suction interval A in various ways. For example, the control unit 106 may multiply the value obtained by adding the value obtained by the correction coefficient α1 to the correction coefficient α6 by A as the overall correction coefficient, thereby obtaining the configured suction interval A. ' .

The above is only an example of the method of deriving the correction coefficient, and various methods can be applied. Those skilled in the art of the present invention will understand that the mist generating apparatus 100 can be constructed in various ways in order to specifically implement the processing conceptually shown in Fig. 15.

As described above, the second embodiment of the present invention has explained a mist generating device and a method of operating the mist generating device. However, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented as a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method, or a computer readable memory medium storing the program.

<Third embodiment>

As described in the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to distinguish between a first state in which the mist source stored in the storage portion is insufficient, or a mist in which the mist portion can be supplied from the storage portion. A mist generating device of a second state in which the source is insufficient. The third embodiment of the present invention described below is capable of appropriately controlling the constituents of the mist generating device having the above characteristics.

The configuration of the mist generating device described in the first embodiment of the present invention (for example, the configuration described in connection with FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 8 and the like) and the operation method (for example, association) 6th, 7th, 10th, 12th, and 13th, and the operation method of the mist generating apparatus described in the second embodiment of the present invention (for example, FIG. 14) The processing described in Fig. 15 and the like can be used as an example of the present embodiment.

As an example, the mist generating device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a power source 110, a load 132 that receives power from the power source 110 to generate heat and atomizes the mist source, and acquires a value associated with the temperature of the load 132. a component 112; a circuit 134 that electrically connects the power source 110 and the load 132; a storage portion 116 that stores the mist source; a holding portion 130 that holds the mist source supplied from the storage portion 116 in a state in which the load 132 can be heated; and the control portion 106 . The control unit 106 may be configured to distinguish the mist generating device from the first state in which the mist source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient, depending on the change in the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 during the function of the circuit 134 or the function. Or in a second state in which the mist source is insufficient while the storage portion 116 is capable of supplying the mist source, the first control is performed when the first state is detected, and the first control is performed when the second state is detected. Different second controls. Thereby, since the control when the shortage of the mist source of the storage unit 116 is detected is different from the control when the mist source of the holding unit 130 is detected is insufficient, it is possible to perform appropriate control in response to the event occurring in the mist generation device 100.

As an example, in the first state, since the mist source stored in the storage portion 116 is insufficient, the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source. In the second state, although the mist portion is capable of supplying the mist source, the mist source held by the holding portion 130 is insufficient, so that the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the mist source or the mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source. temperature.

As an example, the second control described above greatly reduces the amount of mist source stored in the storage unit 116 as compared with the first control described above. In this way, the remaining amount of the mist source of the storage portion 116 and the remaining amount of the mist of the holding portion 130 can be maintained at an appropriate value in response to the event.

As an example, the control executed by the control unit 106 in the second control also changes a greater number of variables and/or a larger number of algorithms than the control executed by the control unit 106 in the first control. The first control is executed when the first state is detected (the state in which the mist source stored in the reservoir 116 is insufficient). Therefore, the first control system may only include a replacement for the user indicating the storage portion 116 or a supplement to the mist source. On the other hand, the second control is executed when the second state is detected (although the storage portion 116 can supply the mist source, but the mist source held by the holding portion 130 is insufficient). Therefore, the second control system may include various types of control included in the process of step 1414 of Fig. 14 described in connection with the second embodiment of the present invention. For example, the second control may also include at least one of when the power source 110 starts to supply power to the load 132 and when the power source 110 completes power supply to the load 132, and also includes control for increasing the amount of holding of the mist source held by the holding portion 130. Or a control that increases the likelihood that the amount of retention is increased. The second control may include a control for setting the interval from the generation of the mist to the start of the next mist to be longer than the previous interval. The length of the interval may be corrected depending on at least one of the viscosity of the mist source, the remaining amount of the mist source, the resistance value of the load 132, and the temperature of the power source 110. The second control may also include control to increase at least one of the amount or speed of the mist source supplied from the reservoir portion 116 to the holding portion 130. The second control may also include controlling the circuit 134 in a manner that reduces the amount of fog generated. The second control may also include controlling the temperature control unit in a manner that warms the source of the mist. The second control may also include controlling the temperature adjustment unit to warm the mist source while the mist is not generated by the load 132. The second control may include controlling the above-described changing unit such that the ventilation resistance in the mist generating device 100 is increased. The second control may also control the circuit 134 in accordance with the correlation of the amount of fog generated as the request from the requesting portion increases. The second control may also include correcting the correlation in such a manner that the amount of generation of the mist corresponding to the required size is reduced. In this embodiment, it should be understood that in comparison with the first control, in order to perform the second control, a greater number of variables and/or a larger number of algorithms must be changed.

As an example, in the second control, the number of jobs required to allow the user to generate mist is smaller than the number of jobs required to allow the user to generate fog in the first control. For example, in the case of the first control, the user must perform an operation of replacing the storage unit 116, an operation of supplementing the mist source with the storage unit 116, and the like. On the other hand, the second control may include the various controls described above, but the control may be automatically performed by the components of the mist generating device 100 such as the control unit 106 without requiring the user to perform the work. At least from the above description, it should be understood that the number of operations required by the user in order to allow the generation of mist in the second control can be less than the number of operations required to allow the user to generate fog in the first control.

As an example, the control unit 106 may prohibit the generation of the mist at least for a predetermined period of time in the first control and the second control. Thereby, since the mist generating device 100 can be disabled in either of the first state and the second state, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the load 132 from rising more. The term "failure" means that the user does not supply power to the load 132 even if the mist generating device 100 is operated.

The period during which the generation of the mist is prohibited in the second control may be shorter than the period during which the generation of the mist is prohibited in the first control. In order to return to the state in which the normal control can be performed from the first state, it is necessary to perform the work such as replacing the storage unit 116. However, in order to return from the second state to the state where the normal control can be performed, it is not necessary to perform the work such as replacing the storage unit 116. . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the time during which the failure control is performed for an unnecessary length.

As an example, the first control and the second control respectively have a reset condition for shifting from a state in which fog generation is prohibited to a state in which fog generation is permitted. The term "return" means returning to a state in which the user can operate the mist generating device 100 to supply power to the load 132. The reset condition in the first control may also be set to be stricter than the reset condition in the second control. For example, the reset condition in the first control contains a greater number of conditions that should be satisfied than the reset condition in the second control. In other examples, the reset condition in the first control requires more work amount of the user's work than the reset condition in the second control. In other examples, the reset condition in the first control is more time-consuming than the reset condition in the second control. In other examples, the reset condition in the first control cannot be ended only when it is controlled by the control unit 106, but must be dependent on the manual operation of the user or the like. In contrast, the reset condition in the second control depends only on the control unit 106. The control can be done. In other examples, even if the reset condition in the second control is sufficient, the reset condition in the first control is not sufficient. The number of replacement operations of the components of the mist generating device 100 included in the resetting condition in the first control may be larger than the number of replacement operations of the components of the mist generating device 100 included in the resetting condition in the second control.

As an example, the mist generating device 100 may have one or more notification units 108. The number of notification units 108 that function in the first control may be larger than the number of notification units 108 that function in the second control. Thereby, the user can easily recognize the shortage of the mist source when the user's work is necessary in order to return to the normal state. As a result, an earlier return can be achieved. In another example, the time during which the first control notification unit 108 functions may be longer than the time during which the notification unit 108 functions in the second control. In other examples, the amount of electric power supplied from the power source 110 to the notifying unit 108 in the first control may be larger than the amount of electric power supplied from the power source 110 to the notifying unit in the second control.

In the above description, the third embodiment of the present invention describes a mist generating device and a method of operating the mist generating device. However, it should be understood that when the present invention is executed by a processor, it can be implemented as a program for causing the processor to perform the method, or a computer-readable memory medium storing the program.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that changes, additions, improvements, and the like of the embodiments can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments, but should be defined only by the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (15)

 A mist generating device includes: a power source; a load that receives heat from the power source to generate heat, and atomizes the mist source; an element is used to obtain a value associated with a temperature of the load; and the circuit is configured to connect the power source to the load The storage unit is configured to store the mist source; the holding unit holds the mist source supplied from the storage unit in a state in which the load can be heated; and the control unit is configured to function according to the circuit Thereafter, or a change in the temperature-dependent value of the load during the period in which the function is being performed, the mist generating device is different from the first state in which the mist source is stored in the storage unit, or the storage unit is supplied in the storage unit. a second state in which the mist source is insufficient by the holding portion, the first control is performed when the first state is detected, and the second control is different from the first control when the second state is detected. .    The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein in the first state, the mist source stored in the storage portion is insufficient, and in the second state, the mist may be supplied by the storage portion. However, the source of the mist gas held by the holding portion is insufficient, and the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source.    The mist generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second control is such that the mist source stored in the storage portion is significantly reduced as compared with the first control.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control executed by the control unit in the second control is more than the control change performed by the control unit in the first control. A number of variables and / or a large number of algorithms.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in the second control, the number of times the user is required to operate the mist to allow the generation of the mist is larger than the first control The generation of fog is allowed and the number of operations required by the user is still small.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent at least a generation of mist from being generated for a predetermined period of time in the first control and the second control.    The mist generating device according to claim 6, wherein the period during which the generation of the mist is prohibited in the second control is shorter than the period during which the generation of the mist is prohibited in the first control.    The mist generating device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the first control and the second control respectively have a resetting condition for transferring from a state in which fogging is prohibited to a state in which fogging is allowed to occur, The aforementioned reset condition of the first control is stricter than the aforementioned reset condition of the second control.    The mist generating device according to claim 8, wherein the number of times of replacing the components of the mist generating device included in the resetting condition of the first control is larger than the returning condition of the second control The number of replacement operations of the constituent elements of the mist generating device included is also large.    The mist generating device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more notification units, wherein the one or more notification units notify the user of the number of the notification units that function in the first control, There are more than the number of notification units that function in the aforementioned second control.    The mist generating device according to claim 1 or 10, further comprising one or more notification units, wherein the one or more notification units notify the user that the notification unit functions in the first control The time required for the notification unit to function in the second control is longer.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising one or more notification units, wherein the one or more notification units notify the user that the first control is The amount of electric power supplied to the notification unit by the power source is larger than the amount of electric power supplied to the notification unit from the power source in the second control.    A method for operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source; and a change in a value associated with a temperature of the load after the atomizing of the mist source or during atomization of the mist source, The mist generating device is different from the first state in which the mist source is stored, or is insufficient in the state in which the mist source is not insufficient but is maintained in a state capable of being heated by the load. a second state; and performing a first control when the first state is detected, and performing a second control different from the first control when the second state is detected.    The method for operating a mist generating device according to claim 13, wherein in the first state, the mist source stored in the storage portion is insufficient, and in the second state, the storage portion is The mist source can be supplied, but the mist source held by the holding portion is insufficient, and the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source.    A program, when executed by a processor, causes the aforementioned processor to perform the method as set forth in claim 13 or 14.