TW201932029A - Aerosol generating device, and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention provides an aerosol generating device capable of suppressing an influence of product error of a component on detection accuracy concerning the shortage of an aerosol source. An aerosol generating device includes: a power supply (110), a load (132) for atomizing the aerosol source by heat generated by electricity supplied from the power supply (110), the load (132) has electric resistance value that varies with temperature, a first circuit (202) used for load (132) to atomizes the aerosol source, a second circuit (204) used for detecting a voltage that varies with the temperature change and connected in parallel with the first circuit (202) and having an electric resistance value larger than that of the first circuit (202), an acquiring section for acquiring a value of voltage applied to the second circuit (204) and the load (132), and sensors (112B, 112D) for outputting a value of voltage that varies with temperature change of the load (132).

Description

Mist generation device and method for manufacturing mist generation device

The present invention relates to a mist generating device for generating an aerosol for use by a user, and a method for producing a mist generating device.

In a general mist, a heated cigarette, a nebulizer or the like, a mist generating device for generating a mist for a user to absorb, if the mist source becomes fogging after being atomized, the user performs a suction. , it is impossible to provide sufficient fog to the user. Moreover, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heated cigarette, there is a problem that mist which may have an unexpected cigarette smell may be released.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of detecting whether or not there is a mist source based on electric power required to maintain the temperature of a heater that heats a mist source. Patent Document 2 discloses a mist generating device that has a shunt circuit in addition to the mist generating circuit. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique of reading information on a cartridge of a storage mist source on a power source side, and controlling based on the information. Various techniques for solving the above problems or which may contribute to solving the above problems are also disclosed in Patent Documents 4 to 12.

However, in the prior art, in order to detect a shortage of a mist source, it is necessary to have a constituent element including an ammeter and a voltmeter, so that the cost, weight, size, and the like of the device increase. Further, since the conventional technique uses a parameter that is easily changed due to an error of constituent elements of the device, the detection accuracy of the shortage of the mist source is low. In addition, it is necessary to develop a technique for detecting a shortage of a mist source with better accuracy after replacing the cartridge.

[Previous Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: European Patent Publication No. 2797446

Patent Document 2: European Patent Publication No. 1412829

Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2015/138560

Patent Document 4: European Patent Publication No. 2471392

Patent Document 5: European Patent Publication No. 2257195

Patent Document 6: European Patent Publication No. 2654469

Patent Document 7: International Publication No. 2015/100361

Patent Document 8: Japanese Special Table No. 2017-503520

Patent Document 9: International Publication No. 2017/084818

Patent Document 10: European Patent Publication No. 2399636

Patent Document 11: Japanese Special Table No. 2016-531549

Patent Document 12: European Patent Publication No. 2016/143079

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

A first object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device and a method and a program for operating the device, wherein the number of required constituent elements is small and the detection accuracy of the fog source is insufficient.

A second object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device and a method for producing a mist generating device, which are capable of suppressing an influence of a product error of a constituent element on a detection accuracy associated with a shortage of a mist source.

A third object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device and a method and a program for operating the same, which are capable of detecting a shortage of a mist source with better accuracy after replacing the cartridge.

In order to solve the above-described first problem, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device including: a power source; a storage portion for storing a mist source; or a mist substrate for holding the mist source; The mist source supplied from the storage unit or held by the mist substrate is atomized by heat generated by the power supplied from the power source, and the resistance value of the load changes with temperature; a circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load; and a control unit configured to determine, based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value, whether the mist source that is supplied by the storage unit or the mist source held in the mist substrate is insufficient The first voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to the entire circuit, and the second voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to a portion of the circuit in which the applied voltage changes according to a temperature change of the load.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: a case where the second voltage value satisfies the first condition plural times during the period in which the first voltage value is controlled to be constant, or the resistance value of the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second condition In the case of a plurality of times, it was determined that the mist source was insufficient.

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

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: store the number of times that the first condition is satisfied or the number of times that the second condition is satisfied, and if the first condition is not satisfied or the second condition is not satisfied, Reduce the aforementioned number of times.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to return the number of times to an initial value when the first condition is not satisfied or the second condition is not satisfied.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a connecting portion that detachably attaches the cartridge containing the storage portion or the mist generating article including the mist substrate, and detects the cartridge or the mist generating article Assembly and disassembly. The control unit is configured to memorize the number of times the first condition is satisfied or the number of times the second condition is satisfied, and the number of times is reduced each time the cartridge or the mist generating article is attached to the connecting portion.

In one embodiment, the identification information or the use history of the cartridge or the mist-generating article can be obtained by a predetermined method. The control unit is configured to be configured according to the cartridge or attached to the connecting portion The aforementioned identification information of the mist generating article or the use history is used to determine whether or not to reduce the number of times.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: store the number of times that the first condition is satisfied or the number of times that the second condition is satisfied, and determine whether the mist source is insufficient according to the comparison between the number of times and a predetermined threshold value, and The change in the time series required to generate the mist is inconsistent with the predetermined normal change, but the first condition or the second condition is satisfied, the number of times is not increased or the amount of increase of the number of times is decreased, or the predetermined The threshold is increased.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether the mist source is insufficient by using a first reference based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value and a second reference different from the first reference. When the number of times of satisfying the first reference plural or the number of times satisfying the second reference is less than the plurality of times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient.

In one embodiment, the second reference is less than the first criterion.

In one embodiment, the first reference is whether the second voltage value satisfies a first threshold during a period in which the first voltage value is controlled to be constant, or is derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value Whether the resistance value of the aforementioned load satisfies the second threshold. The second reference is whether the second voltage value satisfies a threshold greater than the first threshold, or whether the resistance value of the load satisfies a threshold greater than the second threshold.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether the first condition is satisfied before determining whether the first criterion is satisfied. Two benchmarks.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to perform the power supply to the load by the power source without determining whether or not the first reference is satisfied when the mist source is insufficient. Stop or at least one of the notifications to the user.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a conversion unit that converts an output voltage of the power source and outputs the entire voltage to the circuit. The control unit is configured to control the conversion unit.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the conversion unit to output a constant voltage when determining whether the mist source is insufficient.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a sensor that outputs the second voltage value. The control unit is configured to determine whether or not the mist source is insufficient based on the first voltage value that is a value of the constant voltage and the second voltage value that is output from the sensor.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether the mist source is insufficient based on a comparison between the second voltage value output from the sensor and a predetermined threshold.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a first sensor and a second sensor that respectively output the first voltage value and the second voltage value. The control unit is configured to determine whether the mist source is insufficient based on a comparison between a resistance value of the load derived from values output from the first sensor and the second sensor and a predetermined threshold.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a known resistor and a known resistance value that is connected in series to the load. The second voltage value is a value applied to the load or the voltage of the aforementioned resistor.

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a resistance value greater than the load. The mist generating device is provided with a sensor that outputs the second voltage value based on a comparison between a reference voltage and an amplified voltage applied to the load.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: providing a mist source by supplying heat from a power source to a load generated by a load whose resistance value changes with temperature a step of atomizing; and determining, according to the first voltage value and the second voltage value, a step of determining whether the mist source for supplying the mist is insufficient, the first voltage value being applied to electrically connecting the power source and the foregoing The value of the voltage of the entire circuit of the load, and the second voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to a portion of the circuit in which the voltage applied varies with the temperature of the load.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power source; a storage portion for storing a mist source; or a mist substrate for holding the mist source; and a load for using the power source The heat generated by the supplied electric power causes the mist source supplied from the storage unit or the mist source to be atomized, and the resistance value of the load changes with temperature; the circuit is electrically connected The power source and the load; and the control unit are configured to be based on the first power And determining, by the pressure value and the second voltage value, a remaining amount of the mist source stored in the storage unit or held by the mist substrate, wherein the first voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to the entire circuit, and the second value The voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to a portion where the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load as described above.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: generating a mist source by supplying heat from a power source to a load whose resistance value changes with temperature a step of atomizing; and estimating a remaining amount of the mist source based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value, the first voltage value being applied to a voltage of the entire circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load The value, the second voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to a portion of the circuit in which the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power source; a storage portion for storing a mist source; or a mist substrate for holding the mist source; and a load for using the power source The heat generated by the supplied electric power causes atomization of the mist source supplied from the storage unit or the mist substrate; the circuit electrically connects the power source and the load; and the control unit is configured to Determining, by the first voltage value and the second voltage value, whether the mist source that is supplied from the storage portion to the load or in the mist substrate is insufficient, and the first voltage value is applied to a voltage of the entire circuit The second voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to a part of the circuit, and the control unit is configured to acquire the first voltage value from the memory. The aforementioned second voltage value is obtained from the sensor.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: a step of atomizing a mist source by generating heat generated by supplying power from a power source; and And determining, by the voltage value and the second voltage, whether the mist source for generating the mist is insufficient, and the first voltage is applied to a value of a voltage of the entire circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load. The second voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to a portion of the circuit, and the first voltage value is obtained from a memory, and the second voltage value is obtained from a sensor.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power source; a storage portion for storing a mist source; or a mist substrate for holding the mist source; and a load for using the power source Heat generated by the supplied electric power to atomize the mist source; the circuit electrically connects the power source and the load; and the control unit configured to estimate the storage unit based on the first voltage value and the second voltage a remaining amount of the aforementioned mist source held by the stored or the mist substrate, the first voltage being a value of a voltage applied to a whole of the circuit, the second voltage being a value of a voltage applied to a portion of the circuit, The control unit is configured to acquire the first voltage value from the memory and acquire the second voltage value from the sensor.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: a step of atomizing a mist source by heat generated by supplying power from a power source to a load; And estimating a remaining amount of the mist source according to the first voltage value and the second voltage value, wherein the first voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to a whole of a circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load, the second voltage The value is a value of a voltage applied to a portion of the circuit, and the first voltage value is obtained from a memory, and the second voltage value is obtained from a sensor.

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

In order to solve the above-described second problem, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power source; and a load generated by heat generated by electric power supplied from the power source The mist source is atomized, and the resistance value changes with temperature; the first circuit is used to atomize the mist source for the aforementioned load; the second circuit is for detecting the temperature change with the aforementioned load. The voltage is used, and is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a resistance value larger than the first circuit; the acquisition unit obtains a value of a voltage applied to the second circuit and the load; and a sensor outputs The value of the voltage that varies with the temperature of the aforementioned load.

In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a known resistor having a known resistance value connected in series with the load. The sensor outputs a value of a voltage applied to the load or the aforementioned resistor as a value of a voltage that varies with a temperature change of the load.

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a resistance value larger than the load, and the sensor output is applied to the load. The value of the voltage.

In one embodiment, the value of the voltage that varies with the temperature change of the load is obtained based on a comparison between the value of the reference voltage and the value of the amplified voltage applied to the load.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a conversion unit that converts an output voltage of the power source and outputs the voltage to the second circuit and the load. The acquisition unit acquires a target value of an output voltage of the conversion unit while a current flows through the second circuit.

In one embodiment, the conversion unit is connected between a node on a high voltage side of a node to which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected, and the power source.

In one embodiment, the conversion unit is a switching regulator that steps down the input voltage and outputs the voltage.

In one embodiment, the storage portion for storing the mist source and the load are included in the cartridge that is detachably attached to the mist generating device through the connecting portion. The aforementioned sensor is not included in the aforementioned cartridge.

In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a known resistor having a known resistance value connected in series with the load. The storage portion for storing the mist source and the load are included in the cartridge that is detachably attached to the mist generating device through the connection portion. The sensor outputs a value of a voltage applied to the load and the connection portion as a value of a voltage that varies with a temperature change of the load.

In one embodiment, the mist substrate that holds the mist source is included in the mist generating article that can be inserted and removed with respect to the mist generating device. The aforementioned sensor is not included in the aforementioned mist generating article.

In one embodiment, the known resistor system has a current that allows a current to flow through the second circuit and a current that does not flow through the second circuit, and flows through the second circuit. resistance.

In one embodiment, the known resistor system has a current that allows a current to flow through the second circuit and a current that does not flow through the second circuit, and the voltage of the power source is a discharge. The case where the voltage is terminated flows through the resistance value of the aforementioned second circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a conversion unit that converts an output voltage of the power source and outputs the voltage to the second circuit and the load. The known resistor system has a current having a state in which a current can flow through the second circuit and a state in which no current flows through the second circuit, and an output voltage in the converter is applied to the second circuit. And the case of the aforementioned load flows through the resistance value of the aforementioned second circuit.

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a current that allows a current to flow through the second circuit and a current that does not flow through the second circuit, and the temperature of the load is only The temperature at which the aforementioned mist source is insufficient may flow through the resistance value of the second circuit.

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a resistance value that supplies only electric power necessary for keeping the load warmed during a current flowing through the second circuit to the load.

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a resistance value in which the load does not generate mist during a period in which a current flows through the second circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a first switch that electrically turns the first circuit on or off; and a second switch that electrically connects the second circuit And the control unit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch to switch the first switch to be turned on (on) longer than the second switch.

In one embodiment, the on-time of the second switch is a minimum time that can be achieved by the control unit.

Further, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a mist generating device comprising: a step of arranging a power source; and a step of arranging a load supplied by the power source The heat generated by the electric power causes the mist source to be atomized, and the resistance value changes with temperature; in the step of forming the first circuit, the first circuit is used to atomize the mist source for the load; a second circuit step for detecting a voltage that varies with a temperature change of the load, and is connected in parallel with the first circuit and having a larger resistance value than the first circuit; and the step of arranging the acquisition unit The acquisition unit obtains the electricity applied to the second circuit and the load a value of the pressure; and a step of configuring a sensor that outputs a value of a voltage that varies with a change in temperature of the aforementioned load.

In order to solve the above-described third problem, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power source; and a load generated by heat generated by electric power supplied from the power source The mist source is atomized, and has a temperature-resistance value characteristic in which the resistance value changes with temperature; the memory stores the temperature-resistance value characteristic; the sensor outputs a value related to the resistance value of the aforementioned load; And a control unit configured to correct the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic based on a correspondence relationship between an output value of the sensor and an estimated value of a temperature of the load corresponding to the output value.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic by a correspondence relationship between an output value of the sensor before the generation of the mist and the room temperature based on the load.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine that the temperature of the load is a predetermined condition of the room temperature, and the output value of the sensor before the mist is generated and the room temperature according to the load. Corresponding relationship, and correcting the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristics.

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a mist generating article, a cartridge including the load and a storage portion storing the atomizing source, or a mist including the load and the mist source; a gas substrate; and a connecting portion for detaching the cartridge or for inserting and removing the mist generating article. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined period of time elapses from the start of the cartridge mounting to the connecting portion or from the insertion of the mist generating article into the connecting portion.

In one embodiment, the sensor is configured to output one of a temperature of the power source, a temperature of the control unit, a temperature inside the mist generating device, and a temperature around the mist generating device. The predetermined condition is that the temperature of the sensor output is changed to room temperature, or the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the sensor output and the room temperature is changed to a predetermined threshold or less.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control supply of power from the power source to the load, and control an output value of the sensor to correspond to the output value when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The aforementioned load does not cause fogging before the estimated value of the temperature establishes a correspondence.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control a predetermined electric power that is smaller than a power required to increase a temperature of the load to a temperature at which the load can generate a mist, and supply the power from the power source to the load. And correcting the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristic based on the output value of the aforementioned sensor during the period in which the predetermined power is supplied to the load.

In one embodiment, the predetermined power system does not increase the temperature of the load to a power equal to or higher than the resolution of the sensor.

In one embodiment, the predetermined power system does not The aforementioned temperature of the load is increased.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control electric power supplied from the power source to the load, and start outputting of the sensor and fog based on supply of electric power sufficient to generate mist to the load. The correspondence between the temperatures at the time of generation is corrected to correct the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristics.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to supply a predetermined value of electric power to the load when the output value of the sensor is sufficient to supply electric power generated by the mist to the load. In the case where the amount of change in the output value of the aforementioned sensor is above the threshold value, the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic is not corrected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control supply of power from the power source to the load, and supply power sufficient to generate mist to the load, and when the value other than room temperature becomes stable. The stored temperature-resistance value characteristic is corrected by the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the temperature generated when the mist is generated.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the load is proportional to the resistance value, and the control unit is configured to correct an intercept of the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the load is proportional to the resistance value. The mist generating device includes a database that stores one of a resistance value of the load and a slope and an intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic in accordance with the type of the load. The aforementioned control The part is configured to correct one of a slope and an intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic based on an output value of the sensor and the database, and according to the output value of the sensor and the corrected temperature - One of the slope and the intercept of the resistance value characteristic is used to correct the other of the slope and the intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic.

In one embodiment, the database stores, in accordance with the type of the load, a resistance value of the load at a temperature at room temperature or a mist generating temperature, and a slope and an intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic. One party.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the load is proportional to the resistance value. The control unit is configured to: correlate an output value of the sensor with an estimated value of a temperature of the load corresponding to the output value, and information related to the load or the cartridge having the load To correct the slope and intercept of the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristics.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to communicate with the external terminal, at least the identification information of the load, the identification information of the package of the cartridge or the cartridge, and the user input. One obtains information relating to the aforementioned load or the aforementioned cartridge.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the load is proportional to the resistance value. The control unit is configured to: a correspondence between an output value of the sensor before the generation of the mist and the room temperature according to the load, and an output of the sensor when the power sufficient to generate the mist is supplied to the load. The correspondence between the value and the temperature at which the mist starts to be generated The slope and intercept of the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristic being memorized.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to be configured such that when the output value of the sensor is sufficient to supply electric power generated by the mist to the load, the output value of the sensor is equal to or greater than a threshold value, or when predetermined power is supplied to the load In the case where the amount of change in the output value of the aforementioned sensor is greater than the threshold value, the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic is not corrected.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a mist generating article; a cartridge having the load and the storage portion storing the atomizing source; or a mist substrate having the load and the mist source; and a connecting portion It is used to make the aforementioned cartridge detachable or to insert and remove the aforementioned mist generating articles. The control unit is configured to correct the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic only when it is detected that the cartridge is detached from the connecting portion or the mist-generating article is pulled out from the connecting portion.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether or not the correction should be performed based on a predetermined condition before correcting the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a mist generating article; a cartridge having the load and the storage portion storing the atomizing source; or a mist substrate having the load and the mist source; and a connecting portion It is used to make the aforementioned cartridge detachable or to insert and remove the aforementioned mist generating articles. The control unit is configured to store the resistance value of the mist-generating article removed from the connecting portion or the mist-generating article extracted from the connecting portion. The predetermined condition is a resistance value stored by the control unit and a resistance value of the cartridge newly installed to the connecting portion or newly inserted into the foregoing The aforementioned mist generating article of the connecting portion has different resistance values.

In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is a rate of change in the resistance value of the cartridge attached to the connecting portion or a resistance value of the mist-generating article inserted into the connecting portion while the power is continuously supplied to the load. The rate of change is below a predetermined threshold.

In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the stored relationship between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load corresponding to the output value is determined to be correct if the memory is not corrected. The temperature-resistance value characteristic presumes that the temperature of the aforementioned load is much smaller than the actual value.

In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the output value of the sensor is smaller than a predetermined threshold.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a mist generating article; a cartridge having the load and the storage portion storing the atomizing source; or a mist substrate having the load and the mist source; and a connecting portion It is used to make the aforementioned cartridge detachable or to insert and remove the aforementioned mist generating articles. The aforementioned sensor system is not included in the aforementioned cartridge or the aforementioned mist-generating article. The control unit is configured to correct the stored temperature by a correspondence between a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from an output value of the sensor and an estimated value of a temperature of the load corresponding to the output value. Resistance value characteristics.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a first circuit for atomizing the mist source for the load; and a second circuit for detecting a resistance value of the load The value of OFF is used, connected in parallel with the aforementioned first circuit, and the resistance value is larger than the first circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load. The sensor is configured to output at least a value of a voltage applied to a portion of the circuit in which the applied voltage varies with a temperature change of the load. The control unit is configured to derive a resistance value of the load based on a value of a voltage applied to the entire circuit and an output value of the sensor.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a conversion unit that converts an output voltage of the power source and outputs the entire voltage to the circuit. The control unit is configured to control the conversion unit to apply a constant voltage to the entire circuit when the resistance value of the load is to be derived.

Further, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: generating heat by a load applied to a load having a temperature-resistance characteristic in which a resistance value changes with temperature a step of atomizing the mist source; and a correspondence between an output value of the sensor outputting a value related to the resistance value of the load and an estimated value of the temperature of the load corresponding to the output value, The step of correcting the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristics stored in the memory.

Further, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power source; and a load that atomizes a mist source by heat generated by electric power supplied from the power source, and Temperature-resistance value with resistance value that varies with temperature a memory for storing the temperature-resistance characteristic; a sensor for outputting a value related to a resistance value of the load; and a control unit configured to perform a predetermined control according to the temperature-resistance value characteristic, The control unit is configured to correct a value related to the predetermined control based on a correspondence relationship between an output value of the sensor and an estimated value of a temperature of the load corresponding to the output value.

Further, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: generating heat by a load applied to a load having a temperature-resistance characteristic in which a resistance value changes with temperature a step of atomizing the mist source; a step of performing a predetermined control according to the temperature-resistance value characteristic; and an output value of the sensor according to a value outputting a resistance value of the load and corresponding to the output value The step of correcting the value related to the predetermined control described above by the correspondence between the estimated values of the temperatures of the loads.

Further, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a program is provided which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to execute the above method.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device and a method and a program for operating the device, which are required to have a small number of constituent elements and high detection accuracy with respect to a shortage of a mist source.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device which suppresses the influence of the product error of the constituent elements on the detection accuracy of the fog source shortage.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device and a method and a program for operating the device, which can detect the shortage of the mist source with better accuracy after the cartridge is replaced.

100A, 100B‧‧‧ fog generating device

102‧‧‧Ontology

104A‧‧‧匣

104B‧‧‧Mist generating items

106‧‧‧Control Department

108‧‧‧Notice Department

110‧‧‧Power supply

112, 112A to 112D‧‧‧ sensors

114‧‧‧ memory

116A‧‧‧Storage Department

116B‧‧‧Mist substrate

118A, 118B‧‧‧Atomization Department

120‧‧‧Air introduction flow path

121‧‧‧Fog air flow road

122‧‧‧Sucker

124‧‧‧Arrow

130‧‧‧ Keeping Department

132, 132A, 132B, 132C‧‧‧ load

132-1‧‧‧First load

132-2‧‧‧second load

134‧‧‧ Circuitry

200‧‧‧ circuit

202‧‧‧First circuit

204‧‧‧Second circuit

206, 210, 214‧‧‧FET

208‧‧‧Transition Department

212‧‧‧resistance

216‧‧ ‧ diode

218‧‧‧Inductors

220‧‧‧ capacitor

702‧‧‧ comparator

704‧‧‧A/D converter

706, 708‧ ‧ amplifier

710‧‧‧Power supply

902, 904, 906, 1302, 1304, 1306, 1502, 1504, 1506‧‧‧ Temperature-resistance characteristics

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 in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process executed when the user's suction mode is a mode other than the assumed mode in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a view showing a circuit configuration for obtaining a value of a voltage which changes with temperature change of a load in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for detecting a shortage of a mist source.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the resistance value of the load composed of the same metal and the temperature.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11A is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11B is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a graph for explaining that the temperature threshold for judging whether or not the mist source is insufficient may become too high due to the manufacturing variation of the load 132.

Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a graph showing an example of temperature-resistance value characteristics of different loads composed of different metals.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiments of the present invention include an electronic cigarette, a heated cigarette, and a nebulizer, but are not limited thereto. Embodiments of the present invention may include a variety of mist generating devices for generating aerosols for use by a user.

FIG. 1A is a mist generation according to an embodiment of the present invention. A schematic block diagram of the configuration of the device 100A. Note that FIG. 1A schematically and conceptually shows a diagram of each component included in the mist generating device 100A, and does not show the strict arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, and the like of each element and the mist generating device 100A. Figure.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the mist generating device 100A includes a first member 102 (hereinafter referred to as "body 102") and a second member 104A (hereinafter referred to as "cylinder 104A"). As shown, the main body 102 can include a control unit 106, a notification unit 108, a power source 110, a sensor 112, and a memory 114 as an example. The mist generating device 100A may have sensors such as a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, a voltage sensor, etc., which are collectively referred to as "sensor 112" in this specification. The body 102 can also include circuitry 134 as described below. As an example, the cartridge 104A may include a reservoir portion 116A, an atomization portion 118A, an air introduction channel 120, a mist flow path 121, a mouthpiece portion 122, a holding portion 130, and a load 132. A portion of the components contained within the body 102 can be contained within the cartridge 104A. A portion of the components contained within the cartridge 104A can be included within the body 102. The cartridge 104A can be configured to be detachable from the body 102. Alternatively, all of the components included in the body 102 and the cartridge 104A may be contained in the same housing instead of the body 102 and the cartridge 104A.

The storage unit 116A can be configured as a storage tank for housing a mist source. In this case, the mist source is a liquid such as glycerin, propylene glycol or the like, or water. The mist generating device 100A is in the case of an electronic cigarette, and the mist source in the storage portion 116A may contain a tobacco raw material that emits a cigarette flavor component after heating or is extracted from the tobacco raw material. Things. The holding portion 130 holds a mist source. For example, the holding portion 130 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and the liquid mist source is held in the gap between the fibers or in the pores of the porous material. As the aforementioned fibrous or porous material, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or tobacco raw material or the like can be used. The mist generating device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, and the mist source may further contain a drug for inhalation by the patient. As another example, the storage portion 116A may have a configuration that can supplement the consumed mist source. Alternatively, the storage unit 116A may be configured to be able to replace a new storage unit 116A when the mist is consumed. Further, the mist source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. The storage portion 116A in the case where the mist source is solid may be a container having a storage space.

The atomizing unit 118A is configured to atomize the mist source to generate mist. When the sensor 112 detects the sucking action, the atomizing portion 118A generates mist. For example, the suction action can be detected using a flow sensor or a flow rate sensor. In this case, the absolute value or the amount of change in the flow rate or the flow rate of the air in the air introduction flow path 120 generated by the user sucking the suction port portion 122 may satisfy the predetermined condition, the flow rate sensor or the flow velocity sense. The detector detects the suction action. Alternatively, the pressure sensor can be used to detect the suction action, for example. In this case, if the user satisfies the suction port 122 and satisfies the predetermined condition that the inside of the air introduction channel 120 becomes a negative pressure or the like, the pressure sensor detects the suction operation. Further, the flow rate sensor, the flow rate sensor, and the pressure sensor may output only the flow rate, the flow rate, and the pressure in the air introduction flow path 120, and then the control unit 106 may detect the suction operation based on the output.

In addition, for example, a button, a touch panel, an acceleration sensor, or the like may be used without detecting the suction action, or the atomizing portion 118A may generate fog or power from the power source 110 without waiting for the detection of the suction action. The atomizing unit 118A is given. With such a configuration, even if, for example, the heat capacity of the holding portion 130 and the load 132 of the atomizing portion 118A or the mist source itself is large, the atomizing portion 118A can actually make the mist suitable when the user wants to absorb the mist. generate. Additionally, the sensor 112 can also include a sensor or acceleration sensor for detecting operation of the button or touch panel.

For example, the holding portion 130 is configured to connect the storage portion 116A and the atomization portion 118A. In this case, a part of the holding portion 130 is in contact with the mist source through the inside of the storage portion 116A. Another portion of the retaining portion 130 extends to the atomizing portion 118A. The other portion of the holding portion 130 extending to the atomizing portion 118A may be housed in the atomizing portion 118A or may be passed through the atomizing portion 118A and then to the inside of the storage portion 116A. The mist source is transported from the storage portion 116A to the atomizing portion 118A by the capillary phenomenon of the holding portion 130. As an example, the atomizing unit 118A is provided with a heater, and the heater includes a load 132 electrically connected to the power source 110. The heater is configured to be in contact with or close to the holding portion 130. When the suction operation is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118A or controls the supply of power to the heater, and heats the mist source sent by the holding unit 130 to atomize the mist source. Another example of the atomizing portion 118A may be an ultrasonic atomizer that is atomized by ultrasonic vibration of a mist source. The air introduction flow path 120 is connected to the atomization portion 118A, and the air introduction flow path 120 is connected to The outside of the mist generating device 100A. The mist generated at the atomizing portion 118A is mixed with the air introduced through the air introduction flow path 120. The mixed flow system of mist and air is sent to the mist flow path 121 as indicated by arrow 124. The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure that transports a mixed fluid of mist and air generated in the atomizing unit 118A to the mouthpiece portion 122.

The mouthpiece portion 122 is configured to be located at the end of the mist flow path 121, and opens the mist flow path 121 toward the outside of the mist generating device 100A. The user sucks the mouthpiece 122 to suck the air containing the mist into the mouth.

The notification unit 108 may include a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like. The notification unit 108 is configured to notify the user of what is happening by using light emission, display, sounding, vibration, or the like as needed.

The power source 110 supplies power to each element of the mist generating device 100A such as the notification unit 108, the sensor 112, the memory 114, the load 132, and the circuit 134. The power source 110 can be charged by being connected to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the mist generating device 100A. Only the power source 110 can be detached from the body 102 or the mist generating device 100A, and then the new power source 110 can be replaced. The body 102 can also be replaced entirely with a new body 102 whereby the power source 110 can be replaced with a new power source 110.

The sensor 112 may include one or a plurality of sensors for use in order to obtain a value of a voltage applied to a whole or a specific portion of the circuit 134, a value related to a resistance value of the load 132, a temperature-dependent value, or the like. The sensor 112 can be assembled within the circuit 134. The sensor 112 can also be The functionality is built into the controller 106. The sensor 112 may also include a pressure sensor for detecting a change in pressure within the air introduction flow path 120 and/or the mist flow path 121 or a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate. The sensor 112 may also include a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the components of the reservoir 116A and the like. The sensor 112 can also be configured to count the number of puffs made by the user using the mist generating device 100A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to be able to accumulate the energization time for the atomizing portion 118A. The sensor 112 can also be configured to detect the height of the liquid level in the reservoir 116A. The control unit 106 and the sensor 112 can be configured to be able to obtain or detect the SOC (State Of Charge), the current integrated value, the voltage, and the like of the power source 110. The SOC can be obtained by a current accumulation method (Coulomb counting method), a SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 112 can also be a user operable operation button or the like.

The control unit 106 can be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 can be configured to control the operation of the mist generating device 100A in accordance with a computer executable command stored in the memory 114. The memory 114 is a memory medium such as a ROM, a RAM, or a flash memory. In addition to the commands executable by the computer as described above, the memory 114 may store setting data and the like necessary for the control of the mist generating apparatus 100A. For example, the memory 114 can store the control program of the notification unit 108 (such as the illumination, vocalization, vibration, etc.), the control program of the atomization unit 118A, and the value acquired and/or detected by the sensor 112, Various materials such as the heating history of the atomizing unit 118A. The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 as needed and uses it for the control of the mist generating device 100A. Data is stored and stored in 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 Fig. 1B, the mist generating device 100B has a configuration similar to that of the mist generating device 100A of Fig. 1A. However, the configuration of the second member 104B (hereinafter referred to as "fog-generating article 104B" or "stick 104B") is different from the configuration of the second member 104A. As an example, the mist generating article 104B may include a mist substrate 116B, an atomizing portion 118B, an air introduction channel 120, a mist flow path 121, and a mouthpiece portion 122. A portion of the components contained within the body 102 can be included within the mist generating article 104B. A portion of the components contained within the mist generating article 104B can be contained within the body 102. The mist generating article 104B can be configured to be insertable and detachable with respect to the body 102. Alternatively, all of the components included in the body 102 and the mist generating article 104B may be contained in the same casing instead of the body 102 and the mist generating article 104B.

The mist substrate 116B can be configured as a solid carrying a mist source. As in the case of the storage portion 116A of Fig. 1A, the mist source may be, for example, a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol or a liquid such as water. The mist source in the mist substrate 116B may contain a tobacco material that emits a cigarette flavor component after heating or an extract derived from the tobacco material. The mist generating device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, and the mist source may further contain a drug for inhalation by the patient. The mist substrate 116B can be configured to be able to replace a new mist substrate 1161B when the mist source is exhausted. Further, the mist source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid.

The atomizing unit 118B is configured to atomize the mist source to generate mist. When the sensor 112 detects the suction operation, the atomizing portion 118B generates mist. The atomizing unit 118B is provided with a heater (not shown), and the heater includes a load electrically connected to the power source 110. When the suction operation is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118B or controls the supply of power to the heater, and heats the mist source contained in the mist substrate 116B to atomize the mist source. Another example of the atomizing portion 118B may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes a mist source by ultrasonic vibration. The air introduction flow path 120 is connected to the atomization portion 118B, and the air introduction flow path 120 is opened to the outside of the mist generation device 100B. The mist generated at the atomizing portion 118B is mixed with the air introduced through the air introduction flow path 120. The mixed flow system of mist and air is sent to the mist flow path 121 as indicated by arrow 124. The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure that transports a mixed fluid of mist and air generated in the atomization unit 118B to the mouthpiece portion 122. In the mist generating device 100B, the mist generating article 104B is configured to be heated from the inside of the atomizing portion 118B located inside or inserted therein. Alternatively, the mist generating article 104B may be configured to be heated from the outside by the atomizing portion 118B configured to surround or house the mist generating article 104B.

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

In the mist generating device, when the mist source is insufficient, if the user performs the suction, it is impossible to provide sufficient fog to the user. Moreover, in the case of e-cigarettes or heated cigarettes, there may be unanticipated releases. The smell of cigarettes is called "unexpected conditions". When the mist source in the storage portion 116A or the mist substrate 116B is insufficient, an unexpected situation may occur when there is a sufficient mist source in the storage portion 116A but the mist source in the holding portion 130 is temporarily insufficient. . The inventors of the present invention have invented a mist generating device that performs appropriate control when the mist source is insufficient, and a method and a program for operating the device. Hereinafter, the embodiment in which the mist generating device has the configuration shown in FIG. 1A is mainly described, and each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the case where the mist generating device has the configuration shown in Fig. 1B will be described together if necessary. The embodiment of the present invention is also applicable to the case where the mist generating device has various configurations other than the configuration of the first embodiment A and the first panel, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

<First Embodiment>

Fig. 2 is a view showing an exemplary circuit configuration of a part of the mist generating apparatus 100A in the first embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 includes a power source 110, a control unit 106, sensors 112A to 112D (hereinafter collectively referred to as "sensor 112"), and a load 132 (hereinafter also referred to as "heater resistor"). a first circuit 202, a second circuit 204, a switch Q1 including a first Field Effect Transistor (FET) 206, a conversion unit 208, a switch Q2 including a second FET 210, and a resistor 212 (hereinafter also referred to as "shunt resistance"). The sensor 112 can be built in other constituent elements such as the control unit 106 or the conversion unit 208. Using, for example, PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient: Positive temperature coefficient characteristic) Heater or NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) heater, so that the resistance value of the load 132 changes with temperature. The shunt resistor 212 is connected in series with the load 132 and has a known resistance value. The resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 may be such that there is no substantial change with respect to temperature. Shunt resistor 212 has a greater resistance than load 132. Depending on the embodiment, the sensors 112C and 112D may be omitted. Instead of using FETs, various components such as iGBTs, contactors, and the like may be used as the switches Q1 and Q2, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The conversion unit 208 is, for example, a switching converter, and may include an FET 214, a diode 216, an inductor 218, and a capacitor 220. The conversion unit 208 can be controlled by the control unit 106 to convert the output voltage of the power source 110 so that the converted output voltage is applied to the entire circuit. In addition, a step-up switching converter or a buck-boost switching converter, or an LDO (Linear DropOut) regulator can be used instead of the drop shown in FIG. Press-type switching converter. Converter 208 is not a necessary component and may be omitted. The conversion unit 208 may be controlled by a control unit (not shown) that is independent of the control unit 106. The control unit (not shown) may be built in the conversion unit 208.

The circuit 134 shown in FIG. 1A is electrically connected to the power source 110 and the load 132, and may include the first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204. The first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 are connected in parallel with respect to the power source 110 and the load 132. The first circuit 202 can include a switch Q1. Second circuit 204 Switch Q2 and resistor 212 (and optional sensor 112D) can be included. The first circuit 202 can have a smaller resistance value than the second circuit 204. In this example, the sensor 112B and the sensor 112D are voltage sensors configured to detect voltages across the load 132 and the resistor 212, respectively. However, the configuration of the sensor 112 is not limited to this. For example, the sensor 112 can also be a current sensor that uses a known resistor or a Hall element to detect the value of the current flowing through the load 132 and/or the resistor 212.

As indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 2, the control unit 106 can control the switch Q1, the switch Q2, and the like, and can obtain the value detected by the sensor 112. The control unit 106 can be configured to cause the first circuit 202 to function by switching the switch Q1 from the off state to the on state, and to cause the second circuit 204 to function by switching the switch Q2 from the off state to the on state. . The control unit 106 may be configured to cause the first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 to alternately function by alternately switching the switches Q1 and Q2.

The first circuit 202 is used for atomization of a mist source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the on state and the first circuit 202 is functioning, power is supplied to the heater (i.e., the load 132 in the heater), and the load 132 is heated. By the heating of the load 132, the mist source held by the holding portion 130 in the atomizing portion 118A (the mist source contained in the mist substrate 116B in the case of the mist generating device 100B in Fig. 1B) is atomized to cause fogging. generate.

The second circuit 204 is used to obtain a value of a voltage applied to the load 132, a value related to a resistance value of the load 132, a value of a voltage applied to the resistor 212, and the like. As an example, consider the case where the sensors 112B and 112D shown in Fig. 2 are voltage sensors. When the switch Q2 is turned on and the second circuit 204 is functioning, current flows through the switch Q2, the resistor 212, and the load 132. The sensors 112B and 112D respectively obtain the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 and/or the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212. The value of the current flowing through the load 132 can be obtained using the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212 obtained by the sensor 112D and the known resistance value R _{shunt of the} resistor 212. According to the output voltage V _{out of the} converter 208 and the current value, the total value of the resistance values of the resistor 212 and the load 132 can be obtained. Therefore, by subtracting the known resistance value R _shunt from the total value, the load 132 can be obtained. Resistance value R _HTR . In the case where the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic in which the resistance value changes with temperature, the relationship between the resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature and the resistance value of the load 132 obtained as described above are obtained based on the previously known relationship. R _HTR , the temperature of the load 132 can be estimated. Those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to estimate the resistance value and temperature of the load 132 using the value of the current flowing through the resistor 212. The value associated with the resistance value of the load 132 in this example may include the voltage value, current value, and the like of the load 132. Specific examples of the sensors 112B and 112D are not limited to voltage sensors, and may include other elements such as current sensors (for example, Hall elements).

The sensor 112A detects an output voltage when the power source 110 is discharged or when there is no load. The sensor 112C detects the output voltage of the conversion section 208. Alternatively, the output voltage of the conversion unit 208 may be a predetermined target voltage. These voltages are the voltages applied to the entire circuit.

Load temperature T _HTR 132 when the load resistance value R _HTR 132 can be expressed as the following equation.

R _HTR (T _HTR )=(V _HTR ×R _shunt )/(V _Batt -V _HTR )

Among them, V _Batt is the voltage applied to the entire circuit. In the case where the conversion portion 208 is not used, V _Batt is the output voltage of the power source 110. In the case where the conversion unit 208 is used, V _Batt corresponds to the target voltage of the conversion unit 208. V _HTR is the voltage applied to the heater. Instead of the V _{HTR ,} the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 can also be used.

As described below, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 can be based on the voltage applied to the entire circuit (the output voltage of the power source 110 or the target voltage of the converter 208) (hereinafter referred to as the "first voltage value"), and It is determined that the voltage applied to the circuit changes with the temperature of the load 132 (the voltage applied to the load 132 or the shunt resistor 212) (hereinafter referred to as the "second voltage value"). Whether or not the mist source (or the mist source contained in the mist substrate 116B) that can be supplied from the storage portion 116A is insufficient. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the mist source is insufficient by adding a minimum sensor to the configuration of the conventional mist generating device. In particular, in the case where the conversion portion 208 is used, in the above equation for determining the resistance value R _HTR of the load 132, the parameter to be obtained from the sensor 112 is only applied to the heater voltage or applied to the shunt resistor. The voltage of 212 is stored in the memory 114 as a constant. Therefore, the influence of the error of the sensor 112 on the resistance value R _HTR of the load 132 can be reduced to the limit, so that the discrimination accuracy of an unexpected situation can be greatly improved.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the case where all the steps are performed by the control unit 106 will be described. However, please note that some of the steps may also be performed by other components of the mist generating device 100.

Processing begins at step 302. In step 302, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the user's taste is detected based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, or the like. For example, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's taste is detected when the output values of the sensors continuously change. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's suction is detected based on whether the button for starting the generation of the mist is pressed or the like.

If the suction is not detected (the result of step 302 is "NO"), the processing of step 302 is repeated.

If it is determined that the suction is detected (YES in step 302), the processing proceeds to step 304. In step 304, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the current count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (for example, 3). Here, the count value shows the number of times the first condition (or the second condition) to be determined in step 314 to be described later is satisfied. The count value can be stored in the memory 114.

If the count value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step 304), the processing proceeds to step 306. In step 306, the control unit 106 determines that the mist source (or the mist source contained in the mist substrate 116B) that can be supplied from the storage unit 116A is insufficient. Then, the process proceeds to step 308, and the control unit 106 performs control for notifying the user that there is an abnormality (the fog source is insufficient). For example, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to perform an operation for letting the user know that there is abnormal light emission, display, sounding, vibration, or the like. After step 308, the process ends. In this case, in order to re-use the mist generating device 100 to generate mist, it is necessary to replace the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B, or to refill the mist source to the storage portion 116A or the mist substrate 116B.

If the count value is less than the threshold ("NO" in step 304), the process proceeds to step 310. At step 310, the control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to be on, and causes the first circuit 202 to function. Then, electric power is supplied to the load 132, and the mist source is atomized to generate mist.

Then, the process proceeds to step 312. The control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to off, switches the switch Q2 to be on, and causes the second circuit 204 to function. The control unit 106 measures the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 by the sensor 112B. Alternatively, the control unit 106 can measure the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 by the sensor 112D. Since the resistance value of the load 132 varies with temperature, the temperature of the load 132 changes, the voltage applied to the load 132, and the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 also change.

Then, the process proceeds to step 314. The control unit 106 compares the voltage value measured in step 312 with a predetermined threshold value (for example, V ₁ ), and determines whether or not the measured voltage value is equal to or greater than V ₁ . Here, V ₁ may be set to a voltage value applied to the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 becomes a predetermined temperature higher than the boiling point of the mist source. Further, the temperature T _HTR load 132 is applied to the load when the voltage value of V _HTR 132 may be expressed as the following equation.

V _HTR (T _HTR )=I _HTR (T _HTR )×R _HTR (T _HTR )

Wherein, I _HTR (T _HTR ) is the current flowing through the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR . This formula is variable to form the following formula.

V _HTR (T _HTR )=V _Batt /{R _shunt +R _HTR (T _HTR )}×R _HTR (T _HTR )=R _HTR /{R _shunt +R _HTR (T _HTR )}×V _Batt =1/{ R _shunt /R _HTR (T _HTR )+1}×V _Batt

Therefore, if the temperature of the load 132 rises, the voltage applied to the load 132 increases.

Alternatively, control unit 106 may compare the voltage applied to shunt resistor 212 to a predetermined threshold in step 314 instead of comparing the voltage applied to load 132 to a predetermined threshold. When comparing the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 to a predetermined threshold, it should be noted that it must be determined whether the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is below a predetermined threshold. In this regard, it can be explained as follows. First, the voltage V _shunt applied to the shunt resistor 212 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR can be expressed as follows.

V _shunt (T _HTR )=V _Batt -V _HTR (T _HTR )

Substituting the voltage V _HTR applied to the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 described above is T _HTR is substituted into the equation, it can be changed into the following expression.

V _shunt (T _HTR )=V _Batt -1/{R _shunt /R _HTR (T _HTR )+1}×V _Batt =[1-1/{R _shunt /R _HTR (T _HTR )+1}]×V _Batt

Therefore, if the temperature of the load 132 rises, the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 decreases. That is, in order to determine whether or not to perform the notification of the high temperature warning of the subsequent step 318 and the prohibition or stop of the supply of the power to the load 132, it is necessary to determine whether the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is below a predetermined threshold.

In step 314, the control unit 106 may determine a second voltage value (a value applied to the voltage of the load 132 or applied to the shunt) during a period in which the first voltage value (the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit) is controlled to be constant. Whether the value of the voltage of the resistor 212) satisfies the first condition. As described above, whether the first condition in the case where the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 is used as the second voltage value is equal to or greater than V ₁ , and the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is used as the second voltage value. The first condition is whether it is below V ₁ . Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine whether the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second condition (above the predetermined resistance value R ₁ or more). Alternatively, the first condition or the second condition may be satisfied for a plurality of times, and after the step 304, the processing is advanced to the step 306, where it is determined that the mist source is insufficient. According to this configuration, it is determined that the fog source is insufficient when the predetermined condition is satisfied for a plurality of times. Since there is no difference in the noise mixed in the output value of the sensor 112, the resolution of the sensor 112, and even if the reservoir portion 116A or the mist substrate 116B as a whole has a sufficient amount of mist source, it will be sucked. The reason why the holding portion 130 or at least a portion of the mist substrate 116B is dried due to the method may be insufficient even if the predetermined condition satisfies the mist source. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the fog source shortage is improved as compared with the case where the condition is satisfied only once and it is determined that the mist source is insufficient.

When the conversion unit 208 (switching converter or the like) as shown in FIG. 2 is used, the control unit 106 controls the conversion unit 208 to convert the output voltage of the power source 110, and then applies the converted output voltage to the circuit. All. The control unit 106 controls the conversion unit 208 to output a constant voltage. Therefore, the first voltage is stabilized, and the accuracy of detecting whether the mist source is insufficient is improved as compared with the case where the voltage of the power source 110 is directly applied. In this case, it may be determined in step 314 whether the first condition is satisfied. That is, the second voltage value can be used only to determine whether the mist source is insufficient. On the other hand, in the case where the converter 208 is not used, it can be determined in step 314 that Whether the second condition is met.

In this example, the control unit 106 determines whether the mist source is insufficient based on the first voltage value of the constant voltage value and the second voltage value output by the sensor 112B or 112D. The control unit 106 may also determine whether the mist source is insufficient according to a comparison between the second voltage value output by the sensor 112B or 112D and a predetermined threshold. In this case, it is only necessary to detect the second voltage, so that the room for noise mixing can be reduced, and the detection accuracy is improved.

The sensor 112B can be configured to output a second voltage value based on a comparison between the reference voltage and the amplified voltage applied to the load 132. For example, the sensor 112B can obtain a difference (analog value) between the reference voltage belonging to the analog value and the amplification value of the voltage applied to the load 132 belonging to the analog value, and then convert the difference into a digital value. The digit value can be used as the second voltage value described above.

In one example, the first voltage value can be stored in the memory 114. The control unit 106 can obtain the first voltage value and the second voltage value from the memory 114 and the sensor 112B or 112D, respectively.

In the case where the conversion unit 208 is not used, the first voltage value and the second voltage value are respectively output using the sensor 112A and the sensor 112B or the sensor 112D. The control unit 106 can determine whether the mist source is insufficient based on a comparison between the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the output values output from the sensors and a predetermined threshold.

If the measured voltage value is less than V ₁ (the result of step 314 is "NO"), the process proceeds to step 316. At step 316, the control unit 106 may reset the count value. For example, the control unit 106 can return the count value to the initial value.

As described above, in the process 300, the control unit 106 may return the count value to the initial value (for example, 0) if the first condition is not satisfied or the second condition is not satisfied. Thereby, even if the condition is satisfied only once due to the temporary drying of the holding portion 130 or the like, the subsequent detection accuracy can be secured.

If the measured voltage value is equal to or greater than V ₁ (YES in step 314), the processing proceeds to step 318. In this case, the temperature of the load 132 may become higher than necessary. At step 318, the control unit 106 issues a notification of the high temperature warning. For example, the control unit 106 can notify the warning by causing the notification unit 108 to operate in a predetermined manner.

Next, the process proceeds to step 320, and the control unit 106 prohibits or stops the supply of power to the load 132. Next at step 322, the control unit 106 increments the count value. For example, the control unit 106 increments the count value by one. After step 322, the process returns to step 302. In addition, steps 318 and 320 may also be omitted.

In the process 300, the control unit 106 may determine that the fog gas source is insufficient when the first condition described above continuously satisfies the plurality of times or the second condition continuously satisfies the plurality of times. In this way, the detection accuracy of the fog source shortage can be further improved. In addition, after step 322, the determination of step 304 may be directly performed without waiting for the user's taste to be detected in step 302.

According to the embodiment of Fig. 3, the value (the first voltage value) applied to the entire circuit and the electric power applied to the circuit can be applied. Whether the pressure is a value (second voltage value) to which the portion of the load 132 changes depending on the temperature of the load 132 determines whether the mist source or the mist source contained in the mist substrate 116B is insufficient. . That is, the remaining amount of the mist source or the mist source contained in the mist substrate 116B that can be supplied from the storage portion 116A can be estimated.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in another embodiment of the present invention.

The processing of steps 402 to 418 in Fig. 4 is the same as the processing of steps 302 to 318 in Fig. 3, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

After step 418, the process proceeds to step 419. In step 419, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the voltage value applied to the load 132 measured in step 412 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold (V ₂ ). Here, V ₂ may be set to a voltage value applied to the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 changes to a predetermined temperature higher than V ₁ . Further, as described above, it should be noted that in the case where the voltage value applied to the shunt resistor 212 is used instead of the voltage value applied to the load 132, V ₂ is a value smaller than V ₁ , and the judgment is applied to the sub-portion. Whether the voltage value of the path resistance 212 is below V ₂ .

If the measured voltage value is V ₂ or more (YES in step 419), the processing proceeds to steps 406 and 408, and then ends.

If the measured voltage value is less than V ₂ (the result of step 419 is "NO"), the process proceeds to step 420. The processing of steps 420 and 422 is the same as the processing of steps 320 and 322, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, after step 422, the determination of step 404 may be directly performed without waiting for the user's suction to be detected in step 402.

As described above, in the process 400, the control unit 106 determines that the first reference (step 414) based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value and the second reference (step 419) different from the first reference are used. Is the fog source insufficient? The control unit 106 determines that the mist source is insufficient when the first reference is satisfied plural times or when the second reference is satisfied less than the plurality of times. The second reference is difficult to satisfy than the first reference. Therefore, since the process 400 has a two-stage determination criterion, it is possible to determine whether or not the mist source is insufficient, and the quality of the mist generating device 100 is improved.

In one example, when the voltage value applied to the load 132 is used as the second voltage value, the first reference may be whether the second voltage value that controls the first voltage value for a certain period satisfies the first threshold (eg, V ₁ Above), or whether the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies a second threshold (for example, a predetermined threshold R ₁ or more). In the case of using the voltage value applied to the load 132 as the second voltage value, the second reference may be whether the second voltage value satisfies a threshold greater than the first threshold, or whether the resistance value of the load 132 satisfies a second threshold Threshold.

In one example, when the voltage value applied to the shunt resistor 212 is used as the second voltage value, the first reference may be whether the second voltage value during which the first voltage value is controlled to be constant satisfies the first threshold (eg, Whether V _{1 is} equal to or lower than the second threshold (for example, a predetermined threshold R ₁ or more). In the case where the voltage value applied to the shunt resistor 212 is used as the second voltage value, the second reference may be whether the second voltage value satisfies a threshold smaller than the first threshold, or whether the resistance value of the load 132 satisfies the second threshold Large threshold.

As a modification of the process 400 of FIG. 4, step 419 may be performed before step 414. That is, the control unit 106 may be configured to first determine whether the second reference is satisfied and then determine whether the first reference is satisfied.

In an example, the control unit 106 may stop the power supply of the power source 110 to the load 132 or notify the user that the power source 110 is not satisfied with the determination of the first criterion when the second reference is satisfied and it is determined that the mist source is insufficient. At least one party.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in another embodiment of the present invention.

The processing of steps 502 to 514 and steps 518 to 522 in Fig. 5 is the same as the processing of steps 302 to 314 and steps 318 to 322 in Fig. 3, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

In step 514, if the measured voltage value applied to the load 132 is less than V ₁ (the result of step 514 is "NO"), the process proceeds to step 516. At step 516, the control unit 106 does not reset the count value but decreases the count value. For example, if the count value before the processing of step 516 is 2, the control unit 106 may decrement the count value by 1 and set it to 1. Note that when the voltage value applied to the shunt resistor 212 is used as the measured voltage value, if the measured voltage value exceeds V ₁ (the result of step 514 is NO), the process proceeds to step 516.

As described above, in the process 500, the control unit may memorize the number of times the first condition is satisfied or the number of times the second condition is satisfied, and is not satisfied The number of times is reduced by the case of the first condition or the case where the second condition is not satisfied. Thereby, even if the condition is satisfied only once because the drying of the holding portion 130 is one time, the subsequent detection accuracy can be secured.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a cartridge 104A including the reservoir portion 116A or a mist generating article 104B including the mist substrate 116B, and the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B may be attached or detached. The connection. For example, the mist generating device 100 may include a physical switch that is activated when the detachment is attached, a magnetic detecting unit that detects the detachment, and the like. The control unit 106 may have a function of being able to authenticate the ID of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B. The control unit 106 can detect the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B according to the physical switch operation, the magnetic detecting portion detecting the change of the magnetic field, or the loaded cartridge 104A or the ID of the mist generating article 104B. Demolition. The control unit 106 may be configured to memorize the number of times the first condition is satisfied or the number of times the second condition is satisfied, and the number of times is reduced each time the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is attached. In this example, the count value is decreased when the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is replaced. Therefore, since it is not necessary to inherit the count value memorized for the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B before replacement, the detection accuracy for the new cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is improved.

In the above example, the identification information or the use history of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B can be obtained by a predetermined method. The control unit 106 can determine whether or not to make the above-mentioned time based on the identification information or the use history of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B attached to the connecting portion. The number is reduced. For example, the count value may be decreased when the replaced cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is new. Therefore, the number of times is not reset when the same cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is reloaded, so that the detection accuracy of the cartridge is improved.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process performed when the user's suction pattern is a mode other than the assumed mode in the embodiment of the present invention. The processing of Fig. 6 can be carried out at any appropriate stage in the processing of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs.

In step 602, the control unit 106 measures the user's suction mode using a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like.

Then, the process proceeds to step 604, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the measured suction mode is a suction mode other than the case assumed. For example, the control unit 106 can perform the determination by comparing the measured suction pattern with a normal suction pattern stored in the memory 114. A typical mode of absorption may include various modes known to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, such as a Gaussian distribution. The control unit 106 may perform step 604 according to whether the measured height of the suction mode, the length of the gentle portion, the interval between the two suctions, and the like are deviated from the normal value in the normal sucking line shape by a predetermined threshold. The judgment.

If the detected suction mode is the suction mode other than the assumed state (YES in step 604), the process proceeds to step 606. At step 606, control unit 106 may increment the count thresholds used in steps 304, 404, and 504. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may change the content of the processing and not increase the count value in steps 322, 422, and 522. Or, control The portion 106 can reduce the amount of increase in the count value used in steps 322, 422, and 522.

If the detected suction mode is not the suction mode other than the case (the result of step 604 is "NO"), the process proceeds to step 608. At step 608, the control unit 106 does not perform the above-described setting change performed in step 606.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 106 can perform the predetermined threshold (counting) when the change in the time series in which the fog generation is required is not coincident with the predetermined normal change, and the first condition or the second condition is satisfied. The threshold value is increased, the number of times (count value) is not increased, or the amount of increase in the number of times (count value) is decreased. Therefore, whether the fog source is satisfied even if the time of the one-time suction is long, the time interval between the two suctions is short, and the user's suction is unusual, the first condition or the second condition is satisfied. Insufficient detection accuracy will also increase.

In the above description, the mist generating device and the method of operating the mist generating device according to the first embodiment of the present invention have been described as an example. It should be understood, however, that the present invention can also be implemented as a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method, or a computer-readable memory medium that stores the program.

<Second embodiment>

As described above with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mist generating apparatus 100 having the configuration shown in FIGS. 1A and 2 operates in accordance with the processing shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, and it is possible to determine whether or not the mist source is insufficient. (presumed fog The remaining amount of gas source).

The state in which the mist source is insufficient includes a state in which the mist source stored in the storage unit 116A is depleted, a state in which the mist source held in the holding unit 130 is temporarily depleted, and a mist source held in the mist generating article 104B (rod 104B) is exhausted to cause mist. The substrate 116B is in a dry state.

The mist generating device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a small number of necessary components and has high detection accuracy with respect to the shortage of the mist source, and therefore is superior to the prior art. However, the sensor 112B used to determine the voltage applied to the load 132 has an artifact error. The sensor 112A used to determine the output voltage of the power source 110 will also have a product error. Further, the output voltage of the power source 110 in the non-equilibrium state (dipole state) easily oscillates. The inventors of the present invention considered that such product errors and the like have an influence on the accuracy of the detection by the mist generating device 100 of the present invention, and are a problem to be further solved. A second embodiment of the present invention provides a mist generating device that solves the problem, and further improves the detection accuracy of whether or not the mist source is insufficient.

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 and the circuit 200 shown in Fig. 2 .

The mist generating device 100 includes a power source 110 and a load 132 that atomizes the mist source by heat generated by the power supplied from the power source 110, and the resistance value thereof changes with temperature; the first circuit 202 The second circuit 204 is configured to detect a change in temperature with a change in temperature of the load 132 in order to allow the load 132 to atomize the mist source. Pressed in parallel with the first circuit 202, and the resistance value is larger than the first circuit 202; the acquisition unit obtains the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit 204 and the load 132; and the sensor 112B or 112D The value of the voltage that changes as the temperature of the load 132 changes. The mist generating device 100 may have a conversion unit 208 such as a switching converter or may not have the conversion unit 208.

The resistance value of the load 132 can be expressed as the following mathematical expression.

R _HTR (T _HTR )=(V _HTR ×R _shunt )/(V _Batt -V _HTR )=(V _Batt -V _shunt )×R _shunt /V _shunt

Wherein, R _HTR is the resistance value of the load 132, T _HTR is the temperature of the load 132, V _HTR is the value of the voltage applied to the load 132, R _shunt is the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212, and V _Batt is the output voltage of the power source 110 V _shunt is the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212. In the case where the mist generating device 100 has the converting portion 208, V _Batt corresponds to the output voltage of the converting portion 208. Since the resistance value of the load 132 changes as the temperature of the load 132 changes, the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 also changes as the temperature of the load 132 changes. Therefore, the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 also changes as the temperature of the load 132 changes.

In the case where the mist generating device 100 does not have the conversion unit 208, the above-described acquisition unit may be the sensor 112A that detects the output voltage of the power source 110. In the case where the mist generating device 100 has the converting portion 208, the set value of the output voltage that is controlled to be constant by the converting portion 208 can be stored in the memory 114. In this case, the acquisition unit may be a reader that reads the set value from the memory 114.

The second circuit 204 includes a shunt resistor 212 having a known resistance value. The shunt resistor 212 is connected in series with the load 132. The sensor 112B and the sensor 112D respectively output values of voltages applied to the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212 as values of voltages that vary with temperature of the load 132.

As previously described for the first embodiment of the present invention, the voltage values applied to the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212 can be used to determine if the source of the mist is insufficient. Since the second circuit 204 used to obtain the voltage value has the shunt resistor 212, it has a larger resistance value than the first circuit 202 used to generate the mist.

In the present embodiment, the shunt resistor 212 preferably has a larger resistance than the load 132. The mist generating device 100 preferably uses the sensor 112B to measure the value of the voltage applied to the load 132. Then, based on a comparison between the value of the reference voltage and the value of the amplified voltage applied to the load 132, the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load 132 is obtained. Hereinafter, it demonstrates based on a specific example.

Assuming that the normal temperature is 25 ° C and the boiling point of the mist source is 200 ° C, the temperature of the load 132 when it is determined that the mist source is insufficient (overheated state) is 350 ° C. When the switch Q2 is in the on state and the second circuit 204 is functioning, the current value flowing through the shunt resistor 212 included in the second circuit 204 is equal to the current value flowing through the load 132 connected in series with the shunt resistor 212. . The current value I _Q2 at this time can be expressed as the following expression.

I _Q2 =V _out /(R _HTR (T _HTR )+R _shunt )

Here, V _out is a value applied to the voltage of the combined resistance formed by the shunt resistor 212 and the load 132 connected in series to each other. In the case where the mist generating device 100 does not have the converting portion 208, V _out corresponds to the output voltage of the power source 110. In the case where the mist generating device 100 has the converting portion 208, V _out corresponds to the output voltage of the converting portion 208. The difference between ΔI _Q2 I _Q2 and I _Q2 case where the overheated state of the case where a normal temperature can be expressed as the following equation.

ΔI _Q2 =V _out /(R _HTR (T _RT )+R _shunt )-V _out /(R _HTR (T _delep. )+R _shunt )

_Here , R _HTR (T _RT ) is the resistance value of the load 132 at normal temperature, and R _HTR (T _delep. ) is the resistance value of the load 132 in the overheated state. As an example, V _out = 2.0V, R _HTR (T _RT ) = 1 Ω, R _HTR (T _delep. ) = 2 Ω, and R _shunt = 199 Ω, ΔI _Q2 = 0.05 mA. Further, the current value flowing through the second circuit 204 at normal temperature is calculated as I _Q2 (T _RT ) = 10.00 mA. The current value flowing through the second circuit 204 in the overheated state is calculated as I _Q2 (T _delep. ) = 9.95 mA.

In this example, the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 in the normal temperature and the overheated state is V _shunt (T _RT ) = 1990.00 mV, and V _shunt (T _delep. ) = 1980.05 mV. The difference between the two | ΔV _shunt | = 9.95mV. On the other hand, the voltage applied to the load 132 in the normal temperature and the overheated state is V _HTR (T _RT ) = 10.00 mV, and V _HTR (T _delep. ) = 19.90 mV. The difference between the two | ΔV _HTR | = 9.90mV.

Fig. 7 is a view showing the circuit configuration for determining the value of the voltage which varies with the temperature change of the load 132 in the embodiment. The circuit 700 shown in FIG. 7 is in addition to the first circuit 202, the second circuit 204, the switches Q1 and Q2, the shunt resistor 212, the load 132, the sensors 112B and 112D which form part of the circuit 200 shown in FIG. In addition to There are a comparator 702, an analog/digital converter 704, amplifiers 706 and 708, and a power supply 710 for reference voltage. The circuit 700 need not be provided with both the sensors 112B and 112D, and may have only one of them. Similarly, circuit 700 need not be provided with both amplifiers 706 and 708, and may be provided with only one of them.

In the circuit 700, when the second circuit 204 functions (the current flows as indicated by the arrow), the comparator 702 obtains the reference voltage V _ref (analog value) output from the power source 710 and applies to the shunt resistor 212 or the load 132. The difference (analog) between the voltages (analog values). The difference is converted into a digital value by the A/D converter 704, and the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load 132 is obtained. The reference voltage V _ref can be set to the extent of 5.0V. When compared with this reference voltage, the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 or the load 132 is preferably first amplified to a value close to the reference voltage. In this example, the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is 1980.05 to 1990.00 mV, so the magnification required for comparison with the reference voltage is about twice. Therefore, the difference of 9.95 mV between the applied voltage in the normal temperature state and the applied voltage in the overheated state is only amplified by about 2 times. On the other hand, the voltage applied to the load 132 is 10.00 mV to 19.90 mV, and the magnification required for comparison with the reference voltage is about 200 times. Therefore, the difference between the applied voltage in the normal temperature state and the applied voltage in the overheated state can be amplified by about 200 times. Therefore, compared with the case where the applied voltage of the shunt resistor 212 is measured, the accuracy of the normal temperature state and the overheat state is higher when the applied voltage of the load 132 is measured. Therefore, by using the applied voltage of the load 132, the detection accuracy of the fog source shortage is improved.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 includes a converting unit 208 that converts an output voltage of the power source 110 and then applies the converted output voltage to the second circuit 204 and the load 132. In this case, the acquisition unit can acquire the target value of the output voltage of the conversion unit 208 while the current flows through the second circuit 204. For example, the acquisition unit can acquire the target value stored in the memory 114. According to this configuration, it is not necessary to use a sensor to measure the voltage applied to the entire circuit.

In one example, the conversion unit 208 is connected between the node on the high voltage side among the nodes to which the first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 are connected, and the power source 110. Thereby, the conversion unit 208 is disposed upstream of the first circuit 202 for generating mist and the second circuit 204 for voltage measurement. Therefore, even when the mist is generated, the voltage applied to the load 132 can be highly controlled. Therefore, the cigarette flavor component or the like contained in the mist generated by the mist generating device 100 is stabilized.

In one example, the conversion unit 208 is a switching regulator that can step down the input voltage and output it. The voltage conversion efficiency can also be improved by using a switching regulator in the regulator. Moreover, it is possible to suppress an overvoltage from being applied to the circuit. Further, when the first circuit 202 is made to function, the controller 106 can control the converter 208 so that the switching regulator belonging to the conversion unit 208 stops the switch, and directly outputs the voltage without converting the input voltage. In the so-called direct connection mode control conversion unit 208, since the migration loss and the switching loss in the conversion unit 208 are lost, the utilization efficiency of the electric power stored in the power supply 110 is improved.

In one example, the storage portion 116A and the load 132 that store the mist source may be included in the cartridge 104A that is detachably attached to the mist generating device 100 through the connection portion. On the other hand, the sensor 112B can be included in the body 102 instead of being included in the cartridge 104A. That is, the sensor 112B may be configured to output a value of a voltage applied to the load 132 and the connection portion as a value of a voltage that varies with a temperature change of the load 132. Thereby, the cost of the used cartridge 104A can be reduced.

In one example, the mist substrate 116B that holds the mist source may be included in the mist generating article 104B that is insertable and detachable with respect to the mist generating device 100. On the other hand, the sensor 112B may be included in the body 102 instead of being included in the mist generating article 104B. Thereby, the cost of the used object 104B can be reduced.

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

When the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 is excessively large, it is difficult to circulate the current when the voltage value of the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212 and the resistance value are measured. As a result, the current value cannot be distinguished from the error of the sensor. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately measure the voltage value and the resistance value.

In order to avoid the above problem, in one example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) may be set to have a current flow through the second circuit. The current flowing in a state different from the state in which no current flows through the second circuit 204 passes through the value of the second circuit 204. Thereby, the output values of the sensor 112B and the sensor 112D are enabled to be in phase with the noise. The size of the degree. Thus, erroneous detection as to whether or not the mist source is insufficient can be prevented.

As the power source 110 deteriorates, the output voltage of the power source 110 decreases. Therefore, the value of the current flowing through the second circuit 204 when the second circuit 204 is functioning is also reduced. It is desirable that when the voltage of the power source 110 is the discharge end voltage (the remaining power is 0%), the output values of the sensor 112B and the sensor 112D also have a magnitude that can be distinguished from the noise. For this purpose, in one example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) can be set to have such that there is a current flow through the second circuit 204. The current of a magnitude different from the state in which no current flows through the second circuit 204 flows through the value of the second circuit 204 in the case where the voltage of the power source 110 is the discharge termination voltage. Thereby, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection as to whether or not the mist source is insufficient.

As described above, the mist generating device 100 may include a conversion unit 208 that converts the output voltage of the power source 110 and then applies the converted voltage to the second circuit 204 and the load 132. In this case, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) can be set to have a state in which a current can flow through the second circuit 204 and no current. The current of a magnitude different from the state flowing through the second circuit 204 flows through the value of the second circuit 204 when the output voltage of the converter 208 is applied to the second circuit 204 and the load 132. Thereby, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection as to whether or not the mist source is insufficient.

In one example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) have: There is a current of a magnitude different from a state in which a current flows through the second circuit 204 and a state in which no current flows through the second circuit 204, and the temperature at the load 132 is a temperature that can be reached only when the mist source is insufficient. The flow passes through the value of the second circuit 204. Thereby, erroneous detection can be prevented even in a state where the mist source is insufficient and the current is most difficult to circulate.

When the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 is too small, when the voltage value of the load 132 is measured by the second circuit 204, more than necessary electric power is supplied to the load 132 to cause fogging. In this case, the fog source will be wasted.

In order to solve the above problem, in one example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) may be set to have a period in which a current flows through the second circuit 204. The power required to keep the load 132 warm is supplied to the value of the load 132. In another example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) can be set to have a load 132 that does not cause a current flow through the second circuit 204. The value of fog generation. By this configuration, it is possible to prevent the waste of the mist source from being wasted.

As an example, in the case where the mist generating device 100 has a current flowing through the second circuit 204, only the electric resistance required to heat the load 132 is supplied to the shunt resistor 212 of the load 132. First, the amount of heat Q required to keep the load 132 warm per unit time is expressed as follows.

Q = (m _wick × C _wick ) × (T _{BP -} ΔT _wick ) + (m _coil × C _coil ) × (T _{BP -} ΔT _coil ) + (m _liquid × C _liquid ) × (T _{BP -} ΔT _liquid )

_Here , m _wick , m _coil , and m _liquid are the masses of the mist source held by the holding portion 130, the load 132, and the holding portion 130, respectively. C _wick , C _coil , and C _liquid are specific heats of the mist source held by the holding portion 130 , the load 132 , and the holding portion 130 , respectively. -ΔT _wick , -ΔT _coil , and -ΔT _liquid are temperature drops per unit time of the mist source held by the holding portion 130, the load 132, and the holding portion 130, respectively. In addition, T _BP is the boiling point of the mist source.

For simplification, ΔT _wick , ΔT _coil , and ΔT _{liquid can} all be regarded as ΔT of the same value. The Q of this case can be expressed as the following formula.

Q=(m _wick ×C _wick +m _coil ×C _coil +m _liquid ×C _liquid )×(T _BP -ΔT)

When the expression in parentheses is expressed as Σm × C, Q can be expressed as the following expression.

Q=(Σm×C)×(T _BP -ΔT)

In addition, the electric power W consumed by the load 132 during the period in which the current flows through the second circuit 204 is expressed as follows.

W=V _HTR ×I _Q2 =(V _out -V _shunt )×I _Q2 =(V _out -I _Q2 ×R _Shunt )×I _Q2

Wherein, V _HTR is the value of the voltage applied to the load 132, I _Q2 is the value of the current flowing through the second circuit, and V _out is the voltage applied to the combined resistance of the shunt resistor 212 and the load 132 connected in series. The value, V _shunt is the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212, and R _shunt is the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212.

In other words, during the period in which a current flows through the second circuit 204, in order to supply only the electric power required to heat the load 132 to the load 132, the following equation must be satisfied.

W=Q

Substituting the above equation into W, and sorting the resistance value R _{shunt of the} shunt resistor 212, the following expression is obtained.

(V _out -I _Q2 ×R _shunt )×I _Q2 =Q -R _shunt ×I _Q2 ² +V _out ×I _Q2 =QR _shunt =V _out /I _Q2 -Q/I _Q2 ² =(V _out /V _HTR ) × R _HTR - (R _HTR /V _HTR ) ² × Q

Therefore, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) can be set to a value satisfying the above formula. The V _HTR can be regarded as a value obtained by multiplying V _out by a predetermined coefficient smaller than 1. Further, since the above discussion uses an ideal model and approximates it, it is possible to introduce ±Δ as a correction term in the above equation.

A switch (switch) Q1 is used to turn the electrical conduction of the first circuit 202 on or off. The switch (switch) Q2 turns the electrical connection of the second circuit 204 on or off. In one example, the control unit 106 can control the switches Q1 and Q2 such that the switch Q1 is switched on with a longer (on) time than the switch Q2. The time (on time) from when the switch Q2 is switched to the on state to when it is switched to the off state can be set as the minimum time that the control unit 106 can achieve. According to such a configuration, in order to measure the voltage of the load 132 or the shunt resistor 212, the time during which the switch Q2 is turned on is shorter than the time during which the switch Q1 is turned on in order to generate mist. therefore, It can suppress the waste of the fog source.

As an example, the mist generating device of the present embodiment can be manufactured by a method including the following steps.

In the step of arranging the load 132, the load 132 atomizes the mist source by the heat generated by the power supplied from the power source 110, and the resistance value changes with temperature.

The step of forming the first circuit 202, the first circuit 202 being used by the user to cause the load 132 to atomize the mist source

̇ forming a second circuit 204, the second circuit 202 is connected in parallel with the first circuit 202 for detecting a voltage that varies with the temperature change of the load 132, and the resistance value is larger than the first circuit 202.

In the step of the configuration acquisition unit, the acquisition unit acquires the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit 204 and the load 132.

The step of configuring the sensor 112B (or the sensor 112D), the sensor 112B (or the sensor 112D) is a value that outputs a voltage that varies with the temperature of the load 132.

<Third embodiment>

When the mist source stored in the storage unit 116A is insufficient, the cartridge 104A must be replaced. Similarly, when the mist source contained in the mist substrate 116B is insufficient, the mist generating article 104B must be replaced. The resistance value of the heater (load 132) contained in the cartridge 104A (or the mist generating article 104B) has a manufacturing variation. Therefore, the same setting is used for all the cartridges 104A in order to detect the shortage of the mist source (for example, the resistance value of the load 132 is If the threshold value is closed, the threshold value related to the voltage value of the load 132, or the like, the fog source may not be accurately detected. In this case, the fog generating device 100 may cause an unexpected behavior or the like, which may cause a problem from the viewpoint of safety. The inventors of the present invention have recognized that such a problem is a new subject. According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device that solves the problem is provided, and the detection accuracy of whether or not the mist source is insufficient is further improved.

Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process for detecting a shortage of a mist source. Here, the case where all the steps are performed by the control unit 106 will be described. However, please note that some of the steps may 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. However, other circuits may be used, which are obvious to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. . This point is the same in the other flowcharts below.

Processing begins at step 802. In step 802, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the user's taste is detected based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, or the like. For example, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's taste is detected when the output values of the sensors continuously change. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's suction is detected based on a button pressed by the user to start the generation of the mist or the like.

If it is determined that the suction is detected (YES in step 802), the processing proceeds to step 804. In step 804, the control unit 106 causes the switch Q1 to be in an on state to cause the first circuit 202 to function.

Next, the process proceeds to step 806, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the acquiescence is over. If it is determined that the suction is over (the result of step 806 is "Yes", the process proceeds to step 808.

At step 808, the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to the off state. In step 810, the control unit 106 turns the switch Q2 into an on state to cause the second circuit 204 to function.

Then, the process proceeds to step 812, and the control unit 106 derives the resistance value of the load 132. For example, the control unit 106 can detect the current value flowing through the second circuit 204, and derive the resistance value of the load 132 based on the current value.

Then, the process proceeds to step 814, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the resistance value of the load 132 exceeds a predetermined threshold. The threshold value may be set to a resistance value when the temperature of the load 132 satisfies a predetermined temperature higher than the boiling point of the mist source. If it is determined that the resistance value of the load exceeds the threshold value (YES in step 814), the processing proceeds to step 816, and the control unit 106 determines that the mist source in the mist generating device 100 is insufficient. On the other hand, if it is determined that the resistance value of the load does not exceed the threshold value (NO in step 814), it is not determined that the mist source is insufficient.

Note that Fig. 8 is a view showing a general flow chart for determining whether or not the mist source in the mist generating device 100 is insufficient.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the resistance value of the load (heater) 132 composed of the same metal A and the temperature. Basically, the temperature of the load 132 is proportional to the resistance value. Since the resistance value of the load 132 has manufacturing variations, as shown, each of the different loads 132 has a different resistance value of R, R ₁ , R _{2 ,} etc. at room temperature (for example, 25 ° C). In the case where 350 ° C is used as the temperature threshold of the load 132 as a criterion for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient, as shown in the figure, the threshold value of the resistance value of the load 132 as a criterion for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient is set in each system. It is a different value of R', R' ₁ , and R' ₂ .

The configuration of the mist generating device of the present embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the mist generating device 100 shown in Figs. 1A and 1B and the circuit 200 shown in Fig. 2 . In one example, the mist generating device includes a power source 110 and a load 132 that atomizes the mist source by heat generated by the power supplied from the power source 110, and the resistance value thereof changes with temperature. The temperature-resistance value characteristic shown in FIG. 9; the memory 114 is a memory temperature-resistance value characteristic; and the sensor outputs a value related to the resistance value of the load 132 (resistance value, current value, voltage value, etc.) And a control unit configured to correct the stored temperature-resistance value personality based on a correspondence between an output value of the sensor and an estimated value of a temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value.

According to the present embodiment, the PTC characteristic of the cartridge 104A (or the mist generating article 104B) is corrected in accordance with the correspondence relationship between the resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature. Therefore, even if the PTC characteristics of the cartridge 104A (or the mist generating article 104B) have individual differences, the PTC characteristics can be corrected to the correct values. Note that the NTC characteristics can be corrected in the same way when the load 132 has the NTC characteristic.

Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load 132 in an embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the mist generating device of the present embodiment has a mist generating device 100A as shown in FIG. 1A or a mist generating device 100B shown in FIG. 1B. The composition of the sample. However, the same processing is also applied to various mist generating devices having other configurations, which will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

The processing of step 1002 is the same as the processing of step 308 of the third embodiment of the first embodiment, step 408 of the fourth drawing, and step 508 of the fifth drawing. The control unit 106 performs control to notify the user that there is an abnormality. For example, the control unit 106 causes the notification unit 108 to perform operations such as light emission, display, sounding, and vibration. In this case, in order to re-use the mist generating device 100 to generate mist, the user must remove the cartridge 104A (or the mist generating article 104B) and replace it with a new cartridge.

Next, the process proceeds to step 1004, and the control unit 106 performs a check of whether or not to remove it to detect whether or not the cartridge 104A has been removed. In one example, the mist generating device 100 may be provided with a connecting portion that allows the detecting cartridge 104A to be detachable or the mist generating article 104B to be inserted and removed. The control unit 106 can correct the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the memory only when the detecting cartridge 104A is detached from the connecting portion or the mist generating article 104B is pulled out from the connecting portion. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the correction at the wrong timing.

As described above, the control unit 106 can determine whether or not correction should be performed according to a predetermined condition before correcting the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic. In one example, the control unit 106 can memorize the resistance value of the cartridge 104A removed from the connection portion or the resistance value of the mist generating article 104B removed from the connection portion. The predetermined condition may be that the resistance value stored by the control unit 106 is different from the resistance value of the cartridge 104A newly attached to the connecting portion or the resistance value of the mist generating article 104B newly inserted into the connecting portion. In another example, the above The predetermined condition may be that the rate of change of the resistance value of the cartridge 104A attached to the connecting portion during the continuous supply of the load 132 or the rate of change of the resistance value of the mist generating article 104B inserted in the connecting portion is lower than the predetermined speed. Threshold. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress unnecessary correction in the case where the temporarily removed cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is again connected. Further, in an example, the predetermined condition may be that the temperature-resistance of the memory is not corrected if the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value is determined. The value characteristic will presumably estimate the temperature of the load 132 to be much less than the actual value.

According to the result of the processing of step 1004, in step 1006, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the removal of the cartridge 104A (or the extraction of the mist generating article 104B) is detected. Further, in step 1006, the control unit 106 may determine whether or not the cartridge 104A is attached (or the mist-generating article 104B is inserted) after detecting the removal of the cartridge 104A (or the removal of the mist-generating article 104B). ). Then, it is possible to proceed to step 1008 only when the loading of the cartridge 104A (or the insertion of the mist generating article 104B) is detected.

If the removal of the cartridge 104A is detected (YES in step 1006), the processing proceeds to step 1008. At step 1008, the control unit 106 stops the supply of power to the load 132 for a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be set to, for example, a sufficient time for the temperature of the load 132 to drop to room temperature.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1010, and the control unit 106 turns the switch Q2 into an on state. Thereby, the second circuit 204 is made to function.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1012, and the control unit 106 obtains a value related to the resistance value of the load 132. For example, the mist generating device 100A may have a current sensor to detect a current value flowing through the second circuit 204. The control unit 106 can obtain the resistance value of the load 132 based on the current value and the voltage value obtained by the sensor 112B. Alternatively, as described in the first embodiment, in step 1012, the control unit 106 may obtain the voltage value of the load 132 by the sensor 112B.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1014, and the control section 106 corrects the temperature-resistance value characteristic memorized for the load 132. For example, assume that the temperature-resistance value characteristic 902 shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the memory before the process 1000 is performed. If the resistance value of the load 132 at room temperature obtained in step 1008 is R ₁ , then in step 1014 , the control unit 106 may use the temperature-resistance value characteristic 904 instead of the temperature-resistance value characteristic 902 .

At step 1014, the control unit 106 can correct the intercept of the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic (in the case of the example of Fig. 9, R, R ₁ , R ₂ ). Since only the intercept of the PTC characteristic is corrected, it is only necessary to obtain information of one point among the relationship between the resistance value and the temperature, and it can be corrected more quickly.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a data bank that stores one of the resistance value of the load 132 and the slope and the intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic corresponding thereto according to the type of the load 132. The control unit 106 can correct one of the slope and the intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic based on the output value of the sensor and the data bank. The control unit 106 can also correct the slope and the intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic according to one of the output value of the sensor and the slope and the intercept of the corrected temperature-resistance value characteristic. The other side of it. In another example, the above-described database may be located outside the mist generating device 100, and the control unit 106 may obtain necessary information by communicating with the database or the like.

In one example, the above-mentioned database may be stored in the resistance value of the load 132 at room temperature or at a temperature at which the mist is generated, and the slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic corresponding thereto according to the type of the load 132. The other side.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1016, and the control unit 106 updates the threshold value R _threshold for the resistance value in the determination of whether or not the mist source is insufficient (for example, step 814 in Fig. 8). In the above embodiment, the line from the value of R _threshold R 'is changed to R' _1.

As described above, in an example, the control unit 106 can correct the stored relationship by the correspondence between the output value (voltage value, current value, resistance value, and the like) of the sensor before the generation of the mist by the load 132 and the room temperature. Temperature-resistance value characteristics. Since the PTC characteristics are corrected on the basis of the room temperature, the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristics is improved.

Further, in an example, the control unit 106 may determine the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the generation of the mist and the room temperature based on the load 132 when the predetermined condition that the temperature of the load 132 is determined to be room temperature is satisfied. To correct the stored temperature-resistance value characteristics. Thereby, the correction is performed in a case where the condition that the temperature is substantially determined to fall to room temperature is established. Therefore, the temperature of the load at the time of correction is likely to be room temperature, and the accuracy of correction of the PTC characteristics is improved.

In one case, the established condition can be from the previous fog The generation begins with a predetermined time. As described above, the predetermined time is passed from the generation of the previous mist, and the temperature of the load is regarded as the condition of the room temperature. Therefore, the possibility that the load at the time of correction is sufficiently cooled to fall to room temperature is increased.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a cartridge 104A or a mist generating article 104B and a connecting portion, the cartridge 104A having a load 132 and a storage portion 116A for storing an atomizing source, the mist generating article 104B having a load 132 and The mist source substrate 116B is maintained, and the connection portion allows the cartridge 104A to be detachable or the mist generating article 104B to be inserted and removed. The predetermined condition described above may be a predetermined time period from when the cartridge 104A is attached to the joint portion or when the mist-generating article 104B is inserted into the joint portion. As described above, when the predetermined time elapses from the connection of the cartridge 104A, the temperature of the load is regarded as the condition of the room temperature. Therefore, the possibility that the temperature of the load at the time of correction is sufficiently cooled to fall to room temperature is increased.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a temperature sensor as a sensor 112 that outputs the temperature of the electrical component of the body 102 constituting the power source 110 and the control unit 106, or the body 102. Any of the internal temperature or the surrounding temperature. The predetermined condition described above may be that the temperature output by the sensor 112 is room temperature, or the absolute value of the difference between the temperature and the room temperature output by the sensor 112 becomes below a predetermined threshold. Such a condition can also be a condition that the temperature of the load is regarded as room temperature. Therefore, in a case where the temperature output from the sensor 112 is the temperature of the power source 110 or the temperature of the control unit 106 or the temperature inside the body 102, the mist generating device 100 is in a standby mode in which no operation or power consumption is small. In other words Since it is in a state where power is not supplied to the load 132, the possibility that the temperature of the load at the time of correction is sufficiently cooled to fall to room temperature is increased. In addition, in the case where the temperature outputted by the sensor 112 is the temperature around the body 102, the mist generating device 100 is not placed at a room temperature of a high temperature or a low temperature, nor is the absolute value of the difference between the room temperature and the room temperature being very high. In the case of a large environment, the possibility that the temperature of the load at the time of calibration has dropped to room temperature is increased.

In one example, the control unit 106 is configured to control the load 132 to prevent fogging before the output value of the sensor is associated with the estimated value of the temperature corresponding to the output value, when the predetermined condition is satisfied. generate. It should be understood that there may be cases where the temperature-resistance characteristic is corrected depending on the output value of the sensor, and there may be cases where this is not the case. According to the above configuration, the mist is not generated until the resistance value is measured. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the temperature of the load at the time of correction becomes much higher than the room temperature. Further, since the mist-gas is generated without using the temperature-resistance value characteristic before the correction, it is possible to suppress the cigarette flavor which affects the mist.

In one example, the control unit 106 can supply a predetermined electric power smaller than the electric power required to increase the temperature of the load 132 to the load 132 to generate a temperature at which the mist is generated, from the power source 110 to the load 132. The control unit may also correct the temperature-resistance value characteristic based on the output value of the sensor during the period in which the predetermined power is supplied to the load 132.

In one example, the predetermined electric power may be electric power that does not raise the temperature of the load 132 to be equal to or higher than the resolution of the sensor. In another example, the predetermined power described above may be power that does not increase the temperature of the load 132.

In one example, the control unit 106 may be based on a correspondence between an output value of the sensor and an estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value, and a load 132 or a cartridge 104A having the load 132. Information (such as a coefficient indicating the slope of the temperature-resistance value characteristic, etc.) to correct the slope and intercept of the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic. Thereby, the slope is also corrected based on the information related to the cartridge 104A and not only the intercept is corrected. Therefore, even if the connection is a case involving a different cylinder of the load 132 composed of different metals, it is possible to perform high-precision correction for each of the cartridges.

In one example, the control unit 106 can obtain from at least one of communication with the external terminal, identification information of the load 132, identification information of the package of the cartridge 104A or the cartridge 104A, and user input. Load 132 or information about cartridge 104A.

Fig. 11A is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in the embodiment of the present invention.

Since the processing of steps 1102A to 1106A is the same as the processing of steps 1002 to 1006 in Fig. 10, the description thereof will be omitted.

If the removal of the cartridge 104A is detected (YES in step 1106A), the processing proceeds to step 1108A. In step 1108A, if the user's suction is detected, the control unit 106 turns the switch Q1 into an on state. Therefore, the first circuit 202 functions to generate mist.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1110A, and the control unit 106 turns the switch Q1 to the off state and the switch Q2 to the on state. therefore, The first circuit 202 does not function, and the second circuit 204 functions as a second circuit 204. Since the processing of steps 1112A to 1116A is the same as the processing of steps 1012 to 1016 in Fig. 10, the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 11B is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in the embodiment of the present invention.

The processing of steps 1102B to 1112B is the same as the processing of steps 1102A to 1112A in Fig. 11A, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

In step 1113B, the control unit 106 determines whether or not the value acquired in step 1112B is smaller than a predetermined threshold. For example, the resistance value of the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 reaches a temperature higher than the boiling point of the mist source (for example, 300 ° C) can be set as the threshold. By performing the determination of step 1113B, it can be determined whether the load 132 is in a state in which mist is generated or in a state in which the mist source is insufficient and mist is not generated.

If the acquired value is smaller than the threshold (YES in step 1113B), the processing proceeds to step 1114B. Since the processing of steps 1114B and 1116B is the same as the processing of steps 1114A to 1116A, the description thereof will be omitted.

If the acquired value is equal to or greater than the threshold ("NO" in step 1113B), the processing of steps 1114B and 1116B is not performed and the processing 1110B is terminated.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in an example, the control unit 106 sets between the output value of the sensor when the power sufficient for generating the mist is supplied to the load 132 and the temperature at which the mist starts to be generated. Correspondence to correct the temperature-resistance value of the memory. Since the PTC characteristics are corrected with the fog generation temperature as a reference, the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristics is improved.

In an example, the control unit 106 does not correct the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic when the output value of the sensor when the power sufficient to generate the mist is supplied to the load 132 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Thereby, the PTC characteristics are not corrected in the case where the temperature (resistance value) of the load is extremely high. Therefore, the temperature of the excessive load in the case where the mist source is depleted is not erroneously determined as the mist generation temperature, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristic is remarkably deteriorated. In still another example, the control unit 106 does not correct the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic when the amount of change in the output value of the sensor when the predetermined power is supplied to the load 132 is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Thereby, the PTC characteristics are not corrected in the case where the temperature (resistance value) of the load extremely changes. Therefore, the PTC characteristic is not corrected when the mist source whose temperature fluctuation of the excessive load is excessively depleted, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristic is remarkably deteriorated.

In one example, the control unit 106 corresponds to the output value of the sensor when the power sufficient for generating the mist is supplied to the load 132 and the value other than the room temperature reaches the steady state, and the temperature at which the mist starts to be generated. Relationship to correct the stored temperature-resistance value characteristics.

Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an embodiment of the present invention.

The processing of steps 1202 to 1212 is the same as the processing of steps 1002 to 1012 in FIG. Steps 1214 to 1218 are processed and The processing of steps 1108A to 1112A in Fig. 11A is the same. In the flow of Fig. 12, after the processing of the first two is performed, the process proceeds to step 1220. At step 1220, the control unit 106 causes the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the mist generation and the room temperature according to the load 132 (obtained via steps 1208 to 1212), and has sufficient power for generating the mist. Correcting the relationship between the output value of the sensor supplied to the load 132 and the temperature at which the mist starts to be generated (obtained via steps 1214 to 1218) to correct the slope and intercept of the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic . That is, two (temperature, resistance value) plots are used to correct the intercept and slope of the PTC characteristic. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a dedicated information acquisition means (for example, it is not necessary to built the information required for the correction in the cartridge 104A), and the intercept and slope of the PTC characteristic can be corrected in a simpler manner.

As in the example of FIG. 11B, in the above-described example, the control unit 106 may not correct the memory when the output value of the sensor when the power sufficient for generating the mist is supplied to the load 132 is above the threshold. Temperature-resistance value characteristics.

Figure 13 is a graph for explaining that the temperature threshold used to determine whether the mist source is insufficient may become too high due to the variation in the manufacture of the load 132. The three straight lines shown in Fig. 13 indicate the temperature-resistance value characteristics of the load (heater) 132 composed of the same kind of metal A. Wherein, the solid line 1302 indicates characteristics of the first load 132-1 having a standard initial resistance value R of the dotted line 1304 represents a second characteristic of the load is higher than the standard _1132-2 initial resistance value R, 1306-dot chain line The characteristic of the third load 132-3 having an initial resistance value R ₂ lower than the standard is indicated. Further, it is assumed that the boiling point of the mist source is 200 ° C, and it is determined that the mist source is insufficient when the temperature of the first load 132-1 is changed to 350 °C. In this case, as can be understood from the figure, the threshold value of the resistance value of the load for determining whether the mist source is insufficient is R _threshold . In the case of the second load 132-2, the resistance value is R _threshold when the temperature of the load reaches 330 °C. Therefore, even if the R _{threshold is} used as the threshold value, the user is warned at a temperature lower than the standard temperature threshold of 350 ° C, so that the overheating state does not occur. Therefore, regarding the second load 132-2, the correction of the temperature-resistance value characteristic can be said to be unnecessary. On the other hand, in the case of the third load 132-3, the temperature of the load reaches 370 ° C, and the resistance value is R _threshold . Therefore, if the R _{threshold is} used as the threshold, the warning or the like is waited until the temperature of the load 132-3 reaches a very high temperature of 370 ° C, so that an overheating state may occur. Therefore, regarding the third load 132-3, it is necessary to correct the temperature-resistance value characteristic. In one example, the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load 132 can be corrected only when the initial resistance value of the load 132 is lower than the R _stand shown in FIG.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in the embodiment of the present invention in consideration of the above-described problem of the first embodiment.

The processing of steps 1402 to 1412 is the same as the processing of steps 1002 to 1012 in Fig. 10, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

In step 1413, the control unit 106 determines whether the resistance value (or the voltage value, current value, and the like associated with the resistance value) of the load 132 at room temperature obtained in step 1412 is lower than the R _stand shown in FIG. Or the corresponding voltage value, current value, etc.).

If the resistance value of the load 132 is lower than R _stand (YES in step 1413), the processing proceeds to step 1414. The processing of steps 1414 and 1416 is the same as the processing of steps 1014 and 1016 in Fig. 10, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

If the resistance value of the load 132 is equal to or greater than _Rstand (the result of the step 1413 is "NO"), the processes are terminated without performing steps 1414 and 1416.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 can determine whether or not correction should be performed based on predetermined conditions before correcting the stored temperature-resistance value characteristic. Further, as described above, in an example, the predetermined condition may be determined from the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value, and it is determined that the memory is not corrected. The temperature-resistance value characteristic presumes that the temperature of the load 132 is much smaller than the actual value. The established condition may be that the output value of the sensor is smaller than a predetermined threshold. With this configuration, the correction is performed only when the overheated state occurs if the temperature-resistance value characteristic is not corrected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary correction in the case where the initial resistance value of the measured load contains a slight error due to an error of the sensor or the like without correction.

Fig. 15 is a graph showing an example of temperature-resistance value characteristics of different loads (heaters) composed of different metals. The solid line 1502, the one-point chain line 1504, and the broken line 1506 respectively indicate the characteristics of the load 132A composed of the metal A, the load 132B composed of the metal B, and the load 132C composed of the metal C. Since the types of metals are different, the temperature coefficient of resistance is also different, and the slope of each characteristic is also different. Therefore, even if the initial resistance values R _A , R _{B ,} and R _C of the load 132A, the load 132B, and the load 132C are the same value, the resistance values R' _A and R of the respective loads when the temperature of each load reaches 350 ° C are obtained. ' _B and R' _C are also different. Therefore, when replacing the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B having a load made of a certain metal with the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B having a load composed of a different metal, it is necessary to update whether or not the mist source is insufficient. The threshold used in the decision. In addition, the initial resistance values R _A , R _{B ,} and R _{C of the} load 132A, the load 132B, and the load 132C may be different values.

In such a case, in one example, the control unit 106 can measure the initial resistance value of the load 132 when a new cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is inserted into the mist generating device 100. Then, the control unit 106 can calculate the resistance threshold value used for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient based on the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the cartridge 104A or the load 132 of the mist generating article 104B. In one example, the control unit 106 can obtain information relating to the load 132 or the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B by such communication with an external terminal such as a server. The control unit 106 can also transmit the identification information contained in the load 132 or the cartridge 104A or the RFID tag of the mist generating article 104B, the identification information of the package of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B, the input of the user, and the like. Get the information as above.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a cartridge 104A or a mist generating article 104B having a load 132 and a storage portion 116A for storing an atomizing source, the mist generating article 104B having a load 132 and holding a mist source of the mist source 116B; and a connection The part is used to make the cartridge 104A detachable or to enable the mist generating article 104B to be inserted and removed. In this case, the sensor may not be included in the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B. The control unit 106 can correspond to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value of the sensor (for example, a resistance value at a position where the cartridge 104A is connected) with an estimated value of a temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value. Relationship to correct the stored temperature-resistance value characteristics. According to this configuration, the sensor for measuring the resistance value can be provided to the body 102. Therefore, an increase in cost, weight, volume, and the like of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B can be suppressed.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a first circuit 202 for causing the load 132 to atomize the mist source to be used by the user, and a second circuit 204 for detecting a value related to the resistance value of the load 132. The user is connected in parallel with the first circuit 202 and has a larger resistance than the first circuit 202. According to this configuration, the mist generating device 100 has a dedicated circuit (second circuit 204) for voltage measurement. Therefore, the power of the power source 110 required for the measurement of the resistance value of the load 132 can be suppressed.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a circuit that electrically connects the power source 110 and the load 132. The sensor can output at least a value of a voltage applied to a portion of the circuit in which the applied voltage changes as the temperature of the load 132 changes. The control unit 106 can be configured to derive the resistance value of the load 132 based on the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the output value of the sensor. According to this configuration, it is only necessary to use a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage applied to the entire circuit and a voltage for measuring the voltage applied to the portion where the applied voltage changes with the temperature of the load 132. The pressure sensor is just two voltage sensors. Therefore, it is only necessary to add a minimum necessary sensor to the existing device.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a conversion unit 208 that converts an output voltage of the power source 110 and outputs it to the entire circuit. The control unit 106 may be configured to control the conversion unit 208 to apply a constant voltage to the entire circuit when the resistance value of the load 132 is derived. According to this configuration, the voltage applied to the entire circuit is controlled to be constant by the converter when measuring the resistance value. Therefore, the correctness of the measured resistance value is improved.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a power source 110 and a load 132 that atomizes the mist source by heat generated by the power supplied from the power source 110, and has a resistance value that varies with temperature. The temperature-resistance value characteristic; the memory 114 is a memory temperature-resistance value characteristic; the sensor 112 outputs a value related to the resistance value of the load 132; and the control unit 106 is configured to be based on the temperature-resistance value characteristic. Perform predetermined control. The control unit 106 can correct the value (constant, variable, threshold, etc.) related to the predetermined control based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor 112 and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value. ).

In the above description, the mist generating device and the method of operating the mist generating device according to the third embodiment of the present invention have been described as an example. It should be understood, however, that the present invention can be implemented as a program that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to execute the method, or a computer-readable memory medium that stores the program.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but it should be understood that the description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be understood that changes, additions, improvements, and the like of the embodiments may 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 only by the scope of the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims (19)

A mist generating device includes: a power source; a load that atomizes a mist source by heat generated by the power supplied from the power source, and a resistance value of the load changes with temperature; a first circuit, The second circuit is for detecting a voltage that varies with the temperature change of the load, and is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a resistance value higher than the first one. The circuit is large; the acquisition unit is configured to obtain a value of a voltage applied to the second circuit and the load; and the sensor outputs a value of a voltage that varies according to a temperature change of the load. The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the second circuit includes a known resistor having a known resistance value connected in series with the load, and the sensor output is applied to the load or the aforementioned known The value of the voltage of the resistor is a value of a voltage that changes as the temperature of the load changes. The mist generating device according to claim 2, wherein the known resistance system has a resistance value larger than the load, and the sensor outputs a value of a voltage applied to the load. The mist generating device according to claim 3, wherein the change in the temperature of the load is determined according to a comparison between a value of the reference voltage and a value of the amplified voltage applied to the load. The value of the voltage. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a conversion unit that converts an output voltage of the power source and outputs the voltage to the second circuit and the load; The part acquires a target value of the output voltage of the converter in a period in which a current flows through the second circuit. The mist generating device according to claim 5, wherein the converting portion is connected between a node on a high voltage side of a node to which the first circuit and the second circuit are connected, and the power source. The mist generating device according to claim 5, wherein the converting unit is a switching regulator that steps down an input voltage and outputs the same. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the storage portion for storing the mist source and the load are included in the transmission connecting portion and are detachable from the mist generating device. The cartridge is not included in the aforementioned cartridge. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second circuit includes a known resistor having a known resistance value connected in series with the load; The storage unit for storing the mist source and the load are included in the cartridge that is detachably attached to the mist generating device through the connecting portion, and the sensor outputs a value of a voltage applied to the load and the connecting portion. The value of the voltage that varies as the temperature of the aforementioned load changes. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mist substrate that holds the mist source is included in a mist generating article that can be inserted and removed with respect to the mist generating device; The detector is not included in the aforementioned mist generating article. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the known resistance system has a state in which a current can flow through the second circuit and a current flow through the first The current of the magnitude of the state of the two circuits flows through the resistance value of the aforementioned second circuit. The mist generating device according to claim 11, wherein the known resistance system has a state in which a state in which a current flow can pass through the second circuit and a state in which no current flows through the second circuit are caused. The current flows through the resistance value of the second circuit when the voltage of the power source is the discharge termination voltage. The mist generating device according to claim 11, further comprising: a converting unit that converts an output voltage of the power source and outputs the same Applying to the second circuit and the load; the known resistor has a current that allows a current to flow through the second circuit and a current that does not flow through the second circuit. The output voltage of the portion is applied to the second circuit and the load to flow through the resistance value of the second circuit. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the known resistance system has a state in which a current can flow through the second circuit and a current flow through the second circuit. The current of the magnitude of the current flows through the resistance value of the second circuit when the temperature of the load is a temperature that can be reached only when the mist source is insufficient. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the known resistance system has only the load holding means during a period in which a current flows through the second circuit. The necessary power is supplied to the resistance value of the aforementioned load. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the known resistance system has a mist that does not cause a mist during a current flowing through the second circuit. The resulting resistance value. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first switching device is configured to electrically connect the first circuit Or disconnecting; the second switch is configured to electrically turn on or off the second circuit; and the control unit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch to enable the first switch The switching is performed with a turn-on (on) time longer than the aforementioned second switch. The mist generating device according to claim 17, wherein the second switch is turned on (on) for a minimum time that can be achieved by the control unit. A method for manufacturing a mist generating device includes: a step of arranging a power source; and a step of arranging a load, the load is atomizing the mist source by heat generated by the power supplied from the power source, and the resistance value of the load is Changing with temperature; forming a first circuit, the first circuit is for the aforementioned load to atomize the mist source; forming a second circuit for detecting the load a voltage that changes in temperature and is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a larger resistance value than the first circuit; and in the step of arranging the acquisition unit, the acquisition unit is configured to obtain a voltage applied to the second circuit and the load And a step of configuring a sensor that outputs a value of a voltage that varies with a change in temperature of the aforementioned load.