TWI744466B - 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 generating device and manufacturing method of mist generating device

The present invention relates to a mist generating device and a manufacturing method of the mist generating device for generating aerosol for the user to inhale.

In general e-cigarettes, heated cigarettes, nebulizers, etc., which are used to generate mist for users to inhale, when the source of mist that will become mist after atomization is insufficient, if the user inhales , It is impossible to provide sufficient mist to the user. Moreover, in the case of electronic cigarettes or heated cigarettes, there may be a problem that mists with unexpected cigarette smell may be emitted.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of detecting whether there is a mist source based on the power required to maintain the temperature of a heater for heating the mist source. Patent Document 2 discloses a mist generating device having a shunt circuit in addition to the mist generating circuit. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique: read the information contained in the cartridge storing the fog source on the power supply side, and perform control based on the information. Patent Documents 4 to 12 also disclose various technologies for solving the above-mentioned problems or possibly contributing to the solution of the above-mentioned problems.

However, in order to detect the shortage of the fog source, the conventional technology must have components including an ammeter and a voltmeter, so the cost, weight, and size of the device will increase. In addition, the conventional technology uses parameters that are likely to vary due to errors in the components of the device, so the detection accuracy regarding insufficient fog sources is low. In addition, it is necessary to develop a technology to detect the lack of mist source with better accuracy after replacing the cartridge.

[Prior Technical Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: European Patent Publication No. 2797446 Specification

Patent Document 2: European Patent Publication No. 1412829 Specification

Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2015/138560

Patent Document 4: European Patent Publication No. 2471392 Specification

Patent Document 5: European Patent Publication No. 2257195 Specification

Patent Document 6: European Patent Publication No. 2654469 Specification

Patent Document 7: International Publication No. 2015/100361

Patent Document 8: Japanese Special Form No. 2017-503520 Specification

Patent Document 9: International Publication No. 2017/084818

Patent Document 10: European Patent Publication No. 2399636 Specification

Patent Document 11: Japanese Special Form No. 2016-531549 Specification

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

The present invention was completed in view of the above-mentioned problems.

The first problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device and a method and program for operating the device, which requires a small number of components and high detection accuracy regarding insufficient mist sources.

The second problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device and a method of manufacturing the mist generating device, which suppress the influence of product errors of constituent elements on detection accuracy related to insufficient mist sources.

The third problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device and a method and program for operating the device, which can detect the lack of mist source with better accuracy after replacing the cartridge.

In order to solve the above-mentioned first problem, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device is provided. The mist generating device is provided with: a power source; a storage part for storing a mist source or a mist substrate for holding the foregoing mist source; a load, Atomizing the mist source supplied from the storage part or held by the mist base material by the heat generated by the electric power supplied by the power supply, and the resistance value of the load changes with temperature; A circuit electrically connecting the power supply and the load; and the control unit is configured to determine whether the source of the mist that can be supplied by the storage unit or that the mist base is held in the mist base is insufficient according to the first voltage value and the second voltage value, The first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit, and the second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the part of the circuit where the applied voltage changes with the temperature of the load.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned control unit is configured as follows: When the second voltage value satisfies the first condition several times while 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 multiple cases, it was judged that the aforementioned 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 a plurality of times, or the second condition is continuously satisfied a plurality of times.

In one embodiment, 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 when 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 the initial value when the first condition is not satisfied or the second condition is not satisfied.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with: a connection part that makes the cartridge containing the storage part or the mist generating article containing the mist base material detachable, and can detect the cartridge or the mist generating article The assembly and disassembly. The control unit is configured to memorize the number of times that the first condition is satisfied or the number of times that the second condition is satisfied, and each time the cartridge or the mist generating article is attached to the connecting portion, the number of times is reduced.

In one embodiment, a predetermined method can be used to obtain the identification information or usage history of the cartridge or the mist generating article. The aforementioned control part is configured as follows: according to the aforementioned cartridge or The aforementioned identification information or the aforementioned usage history of the aforementioned mist-generating article is used to determine whether to reduce the aforementioned number of times.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to memorize 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 fog source is insufficient based on the comparison between the number of times and a predetermined threshold, and It is required that the change in the time series of fog generation is inconsistent with the established normal change, but when the aforementioned first condition or the aforementioned second condition is met, the aforementioned number of times is not increased or the amount of increase of the aforementioned number of times is reduced, or the aforementioned predetermined The threshold is increased.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to use a first reference based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value and a second reference different from the first reference to determine whether the fog source is insufficient, And when the first criterion is satisfied plural times or the second criterion is satisfied less than the plural times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned second criterion is more difficult to satisfy than the aforementioned first criterion.

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

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

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: when the second criterion is satisfied and the fog source is determined to be insufficient, the first criterion is not satisfied, and the power supply to the load is performed. At least one of the suspension or notification to the user.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and outputs it to be applied to the entire 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 aforementioned second voltage value. The control unit is configured to determine whether the mist source is insufficient based on the first voltage value that becomes the value of the constant voltage and the second voltage value 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 value.

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with a known resistance, which has a known resistance value connected in series with the aforementioned load. The aforementioned second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the aforementioned load or the aforementioned known resistance.

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

In addition, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: generating a source of mist by supplying power from a power source to heat generated by a load whose resistance value changes with temperature. The step of atomizing; and the step of determining whether the source of the fog gas that can be supplied to generate the fog is insufficient according to the first voltage value and the second voltage value, the first voltage value is applied to electrically connect the power source and the aforementioned The value of the voltage of the entire circuit of the load, and the second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the portion of the circuit where the applied voltage changes with the temperature of the load.

In addition, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device is provided. The mist generating device is provided with: a power source; a storage portion for storing a mist source or a mist substrate for holding the mist source; The heat generated by the supplied power atomizes the mist source supplied from the storage part or held by the mist base material, and the resistance value of the load changes with temperature; the circuit is electrically connected The aforementioned power supply and the aforementioned load; and the control unit, which is configured to The second voltage value is used to estimate the remaining amount of the mist source stored in the storage portion or held by the mist base material. The first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit, and the second The voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the part where the applied voltage of the aforementioned circuit changes with the temperature of the aforementioned load.

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

In addition, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device is provided. The mist generating device is provided with: a power source; a storage portion for storing a mist source or a mist substrate for holding the mist source; The heat generated by the supplied power atomizes the mist source supplied from the storage part or held by the mist base; an electric circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and the load; and the control part is configured as The first voltage value and the second voltage value are used to determine whether the source of the mist that can be supplied from the storage unit to the load or the mist base material is insufficient. The first voltage value is the voltage applied to the entire circuit The second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to a part of the circuit, and the control unit is configured to obtain the first voltage value from a memory, Obtain the aforementioned second voltage value from the sensor.

Furthermore, according to the 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 according to the first The voltage value and the second voltage are used to determine whether the supply of the mist source for generating mist is insufficient. The first voltage is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit electrically connected to the power supply and the load, the The second voltage value is a value of a voltage applied to a part of the circuit, the first voltage value is obtained from a memory, and the second voltage value is obtained from a sensor.

In addition, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device is provided. The mist generating device is provided with: a power source; a storage portion for storing a mist source or a mist substrate for holding the mist source; The heat generated by the supplied power atomizes the mist source; the circuit electrically connects the power source and the load; and the control unit is configured to estimate the location of the storage unit based on the first voltage value and the second voltage. The remaining amount of the mist source stored or held by the mist substrate, the first voltage is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit, and the second voltage is the value of the voltage applied to a part of the circuit, The control unit is configured to obtain the first voltage value from a memory and obtain the second voltage value from a sensor.

Furthermore, according to the 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 The step of estimating the remaining amount of the fog source based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value. The value is the value of the voltage applied to a part of the circuit, and the first voltage value is obtained from a memory, and the second voltage value is obtained from a sensor.

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned second problem, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device is provided. The mist generating device is provided with: a power source; The mist source is atomized, and the resistance value changes with temperature; the first circuit is used for the foregoing load to atomize the foregoing mist source; the second circuit is to detect the change with the temperature change of the foregoing load The voltage is used, and it is connected in parallel with the first circuit and has a resistance value larger than that of the first circuit; the acquisition unit acquires the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit and the load; and a sensor that outputs The value of the voltage that changes with the temperature of the aforementioned load.

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

In one embodiment, the known resistance has a resistance value larger than that of 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 changes with the temperature change of the load is obtained based on the 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 is provided with a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and outputs it to be applied to the second circuit and the load. The acquisition unit acquires the target value of the output voltage of the conversion unit during a period in which current flows through the second circuit.

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

In one embodiment, the aforementioned conversion unit is a switching regulator that can step down the input voltage and then output it.

In one embodiment, the storage part for storing the mist source and the load are contained in a cartridge that can be detached from the mist generating device through the connecting part. The aforementioned sensor is not included in the aforementioned cartridge.

In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a known resistance having a known resistance value connected in series with the load. The storage part for storing the mist source and the load are included in a cartridge that can be detached from the mist generating device through the connecting part. The sensor outputs the value of the voltage applied to the load and the connection part as the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load.

In one embodiment, the mist substrate holding the mist source is included in a mist generating article that can be plugged and unplugged with respect to the mist generating device. The aforementioned sensor is not included in the aforementioned mist generating article.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned known resistance system has: a current having a magnitude that can distinguish a state in which current flows through the second circuit and a state in which no current flows through the second circuit, and flows through one of the second circuits. resistance.

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a current that can distinguish between a state where a current flows through the second circuit and a state where no current flows through the second circuit, and the voltage at the power supply is discharge The termination voltage flows through the resistance value of the aforementioned second circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and outputs it to be applied to the second circuit and the load. The aforementioned known resistance system has: a current having a magnitude that can distinguish a state in which current flows through the second circuit and a state in which no current flows through the second circuit, and the output voltage of the conversion section is applied to the second circuit And the aforementioned load conditions flow through the resistance value of the aforementioned second circuit.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned known resistance system has a current that can distinguish between a state in which a current flows through the second circuit and a state in which no current flows through the second circuit, and the temperature of the load is only The temperature that can be reached when the fog source is insufficient flows through the resistance value of the second circuit.

In one embodiment, the known resistance has a resistance value that allows only the electric power necessary for keeping the load to be kept warm while the current flows through the second circuit.

In one embodiment, the known resistor has a resistance value such that the load does not generate mist during the period when a current flows through the second circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with: a first switch for turning on or off the electrical conduction of the first circuit; and a second switch for turning on or off the electrical conduction of the second circuit. On or off; and a control unit configured to control the first switch and the second switch so that the first switch is switched on (on) time longer than the second switch.

In one embodiment, the turn-on (turn-on) time of the second switch is the minimum time that the control unit can achieve.

In addition, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a mist generating device is provided. The method of manufacturing the mist generating device includes: a step of configuring a power source; and a step of configuring a load, the load being supplied by the aforementioned power source. The heat generated by the electric power causes the mist source to atomize, and the resistance value changes with temperature; the step of forming a first circuit, the first circuit is used for the foregoing load to atomize the mist source; forming a second The step of the second circuit. The second circuit is used to detect the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the aforementioned load, and is connected in parallel with the aforementioned first circuit and has a resistance value larger than that of the aforementioned first circuit; the step of configuring the acquisition unit , The obtaining part obtains the power applied to the second circuit and the load And the step of configuring a sensor that outputs the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature of the aforementioned load.

In order to solve the above-mentioned third problem, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device is provided. The mist generating device is provided with: a power source; The mist source is atomized, and has a temperature-resistance value characteristic whose resistance value changes with temperature; a memory, which stores the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristic; a sensor, which outputs a value related to the resistance value of the aforementioned load; And the control unit is configured to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristics based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load corresponding to the output value.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the mist is generated and the room temperature according to the load.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to, when a predetermined condition that the temperature of the load is judged to be room temperature is satisfied, the output value of the sensor before mist is generated based on the load and the room temperature And correct the memorized temperature-resistance characteristics.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned predetermined condition is that a predetermined time has passed since the previous mist generation.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with: a mist generating article, a cartridge containing the aforementioned load and a storage part storing the aforementioned atomization source, or a mist containing the aforementioned load and holding the aforementioned mist source The gas substrate; and the connecting part are used to make the cartridge detachable or to make the mist generating article pluggable. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the cartridge was installed in the connecting portion or the mist generating article was inserted into the connecting portion.

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

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the power supplied from the power source to the load, and if the predetermined condition is satisfied, control the output value of the sensor to correspond to the output value. Before the estimated value of the temperature is established, the aforementioned load will not cause mist to be generated.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the predetermined power to be supplied from the power source to the load, which is smaller than the power required to raise the temperature of the load to the temperature at which the load can generate mist. , And the temperature-resistance characteristic is corrected based on the output value of the sensor during the period when the predetermined power is supplied to the load.

In one embodiment, the predetermined electric power system does not raise the temperature of the load above the power of the resolution of the sensor.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned established power system does not use The electric power that the temperature of the aforementioned load has risen.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the power supplied from the power source to the load, and the output value of the sensor and the fog start when there is enough power for fog generation to be supplied to the load. The corresponding relationship between the temperatures at the time of generation is used to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristics.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to supply power to the load when the output value of the sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold when sufficient power for mist generation is supplied to the load, or to supply a predetermined power to the load. In the event that the amount of change in the output value of the sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the memorized temperature-resistance characteristic is not corrected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the power supply from the power supply to the load, so that enough power to generate mist is supplied to the load, and when it becomes a stable state based on a value other than room temperature The corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor and the temperature generated when the mist is generated is used to correct the memorized temperature-resistance characteristic.

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 memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the aforementioned load is proportional to the resistance value. The mist generating device is provided with a database that stores one of the resistance value of the load and the slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance characteristic according to the type of the load. Aforementioned control The system is configured to calibrate one of the slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic based on the output value of the sensor and the database, and based on 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 one of the slope and the intercept of the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristic.

In one embodiment, according to the type of the load, the database stores the resistance value of the load at room temperature or the temperature at which mist is generated, and the other of the slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance characteristic. One side.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the aforementioned load is proportional to the resistance value. The control unit is configured to: based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load corresponding to the output value, and information related to the load or the cartridge equipped with the load , To correct the memorized slope and intercept of the aforementioned temperature-resistance characteristic.

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

In one embodiment, the temperature of the aforementioned load is proportional to the resistance value. The control unit is configured as follows: the corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor before the mist is generated and the room temperature according to the load, and the output of the sensor when the power sufficient to generate the mist is supplied to the load The corresponding relationship between the value and the temperature when the fog starts to form, come to The slope and intercept of the aforementioned temperature-resistance characteristic are memorized.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to: when the output value of the sensor is above a threshold value when sufficient power for mist generation is supplied to the load, or when a predetermined power is supplied to the load When the amount of change in the output value of the sensor is above the threshold, the memorized temperature-resistance characteristic is not corrected.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with: a mist generating article, a cartridge having the aforementioned load and storage part for storing the aforementioned atomization source, or a mist substrate having the aforementioned load and holding the aforementioned mist source; and a connection part , It is used to make the aforementioned cartridge removable or make the aforementioned mist generating items pluggable. The control unit is configured to calibrate the memorized temperature-resistance characteristic only when it detects that the cartridge is removed from the connecting portion or the mist generating article is pulled out of the connecting portion.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether the correction should be performed based on a predetermined condition before correcting the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with: a mist generating article, a cartridge having the aforementioned load and storage part for storing the aforementioned atomization source, or a mist substrate having the aforementioned load and holding the aforementioned mist source; and a connection part , It is used to make the aforementioned cartridge removable or make the aforementioned mist generating items pluggable. The control part is configured to memorize the resistance value of the cartridge detached from the connection part or the mist generating article pulled out from the connection part. The aforementioned established conditions are the resistance value memorized by the control part and the resistance value of the cartridge newly installed in the connection part or the newly inserted The resistance value of the aforementioned mist generating article of the connection part is different.

In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is the rate of change of the resistance value of the cartridge installed in the connection part or the resistance value of the mist generating article inserted into the connection part during the continuous power supply to the load The rate of change is lower than the established threshold.

In one embodiment, the predetermined condition is: from the corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load corresponding to the output value, it is determined that if the memorized memory is not corrected With temperature-resistance characteristics, the temperature of the aforementioned load is estimated to be much lower 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 is provided with: a mist generating article, a cartridge having the aforementioned load and storage part for storing the aforementioned atomization source, or a mist substrate having the aforementioned load and holding the aforementioned mist source; and a connection part , It is used to make the aforementioned cartridge removable or make the aforementioned mist generating items pluggable. The aforementioned sensor is not included in the aforementioned cartridge or the aforementioned mist generating article. The control unit is configured to correct the memorized temperature based on the correspondence between the value obtained by subtracting the predetermined value from the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load corresponding to the output value − Resistance value characteristics.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with: a first circuit, which is used to atomize the mist source for the load; and a second circuit, which is used to detect the resistance value of the load. The value of off is used, and it is connected in parallel with the aforementioned first circuit, and the resistance value is larger than that of the first circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with an electric circuit that electrically connects the power source and the load. The sensor at least outputs the value of the voltage applied to the part of the circuit where the applied voltage changes with the temperature change of the load. The control unit is configured to derive the resistance value of the load based on the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the output value of the sensor.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and outputs it to be applied to the entire 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.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: heating by supplying power to a load having a temperature-resistance characteristic whose resistance value changes with temperature , To atomize the mist source; and the corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor outputting a value related to the resistance value of the aforementioned load and the estimated value of the temperature of the aforementioned load corresponding to the output value, To calibrate the aforementioned temperature-resistance characteristics stored in the memory.

In addition, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device is provided. The mist generating device is provided with: a power source; a load for atomizing the mist source by heat generated by the power supplied from the power source, and Has a temperature-resistance characteristic that the resistance value changes with temperature 性; a memory that memorizes the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristics; a sensor that outputs a value related to the aforementioned load resistance value; and the control unit is configured to perform predetermined control based on the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristics, the aforementioned The control unit is configured to correct the value related to the predetermined control based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load corresponding to the output value.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: heating by supplying power to a load having a temperature-resistance characteristic whose resistance value changes with temperature , To atomize the mist source; the step of performing predetermined control according to the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristic; and the output value of the sensor corresponding to the value corresponding to the output value of the resistance value of the aforementioned load The corresponding relationship between the estimated values of the temperature of the aforementioned load to correct the value related to the aforementioned predetermined control.

Furthermore, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a program is provided, when the program is executed by a processor, the processor executes the above-mentioned method.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device and a method and program for operating the device. The number of necessary components is small and the detection accuracy of the lack of mist source is high.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device which suppresses the influence of product errors of constituent elements on the detection accuracy of insufficient mist sources.

According to the third embodiment of the present invention, a mist generating device and a method and program for operating the device can be provided, which can detect the shortage of the mist source with better accuracy after replacing the cartridge.

100A, 100B‧‧‧Mist generating device

102‧‧‧Ontology

104A‧‧‧Cartridge

104B‧‧‧Fog producing items

106‧‧‧Control Department

108‧‧‧Notification Department

110‧‧‧Power

112, 112A to 112D‧‧‧Sensor

114‧‧‧Memory

116A‧‧‧Storage Department

116B‧‧‧Mist base material

118A, 118B‧‧‧Atomization Department

120‧‧‧Air introduction flow path

121‧‧‧Fog Air Flow Path

122‧‧‧Suction

124‧‧‧Arrow

130‧‧‧Retention Department

132, 132A, 132B, 132C‧‧‧Load

132-1‧‧‧First load

132-2‧‧‧Second load

134‧‧‧Circuit

200‧‧‧Circuit

202‧‧‧First Circuit

204‧‧‧Second circuit

206, 210, 214‧‧‧FET

208‧‧‧Conversion Department

212‧‧‧Resistor

216‧‧‧Diode

218‧‧‧Inductor

220‧‧‧Capacitor

702‧‧‧Comparator

704‧‧‧A/D converter

706, 708‧‧‧Amplifier

710‧‧‧Power

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

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

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

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration related to a part of the mist generating device in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining whether the source of mist is insufficient in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining whether the fog source is insufficient in an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining whether the fog source is insufficient in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process executed when the user's inhalation mode is a mode other than the one assumed in the embodiment of the present invention.

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

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for detecting insufficient fog source.

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

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

FIG. 11A is a flowchart of an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a flowchart of an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an embodiment of the present invention.

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

Figure 13 is a graph used to illustrate that the temperature threshold used to determine whether the fog source is insufficient may become too high due to the manufacturing variability of the load 132.

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

Figure 15 is a graph showing an example of temperature-resistance characteristics of different loads made 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 electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and nebulizers, but are not limited to these. Embodiments of the present invention may include various mist generating devices for generating aerosol for the user to inhale.

Figure 1A shows the fog generation of an embodiment of the present invention A schematic block diagram of the configuration of the device 100A. Please note that Figure 1A is a diagram schematically and conceptually showing the components of the mist generating device 100A, and does not show the strict arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of the components and the mist generating device 100A. picture.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the mist generating device 100A includes a first member 102 (hereinafter referred to as "main body 102") and a second member 104A (hereinafter referred to as "cartridge 104A"). As shown in the figure, as an example, the main body 102 may include a control unit 106, a notification unit 108, a power supply 110, a sensor 112, and a memory 114. The mist generating device 100A may have sensors such as a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, and a voltage sensor, which are collectively referred to as the "sensor 112" in this specification. The main body 102 may further include a circuit 134 described later. As an example, the cartridge 104A may include a storage part 116A, an atomization part 118A, an air introduction flow path 120, a mist flow path 121, a suction port 122, a holding part 130, and a load 132. A part of the elements contained in the body 102 may be contained in the cartridge 104A. A part of the elements contained in the cartridge 104A may be contained in the body 102. The cartridge 104A can be configured to be detachable from the main body 102. Alternatively, all the components contained in the main body 102 and the cartridge 104A may be contained in the same casing to replace the main body 102 and the cartridge 104A.

The storage portion 116A may be configured as a storage tank for storing the mist source. In this case, the mist source is a liquid such as polyols such as glycerin and propylene glycol or water. When the mist generating device 100A is an electronic cigarette, the mist source in the storage part 116A may contain tobacco raw materials that emit cigarette flavor components after heating or extract from tobacco raw materials Things. The holding part 130 holds the mist source. For example, the holding portion 130 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and holds a liquid mist source in the gaps between the fibers or the pores of the porous material. As the aforementioned fibrous or porous material, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or tobacco raw materials can be used. When the mist generating device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the mist source may also contain medicine for inhalation by the patient. As another example, the storage portion 116A may have a configuration capable of replenishing the consumed mist source. Alternatively, the storage portion 116A may be configured to be able to be replaced with a new storage portion 116A when the mist is consumed. In addition, the source of mist is not limited to liquid, but may also be solid. When the mist source is solid, the storage portion 116A may be a container with a storage space.

The atomizing part 118A is configured to atomize the mist source to generate mist. When the sensor 112 detects the inhalation action, the atomizing part 118A generates mist. For example, the tasting action can be detected by a flow sensor or a flow sensor. In this case, the flow rate or the absolute value or change of the flow rate of the air in the air introduction flow path 120 generated by the user holding the mouthpiece 122 to inhale and taste meets a predetermined condition, the flow sensor or the flow rate sensor The detector detects the sucking and tasting action. Or, for example, a pressure sensor can also be used to detect the sucking action. In this case, if the user grips the mouthpiece 122 for inhalation and satisfies a predetermined condition such as a negative pressure in the air introduction flow path 120, the pressure sensor detects the inhalation action. In addition, the flow sensor, the flow sensor, and the pressure sensor may respectively output only the flow rate, flow rate, and pressure of the air introduced into the flow path 120, and then the control unit 106 detects the inhalation action based on the output.

In addition, for example, buttons, touch panels, or acceleration sensors can also be used instead of detecting the inhalation action, or without waiting until the inhalation action is detected, the atomizing part 118A generates mist, or power is supplied from the power supply 110. To the atomization part 118A. With such a configuration, even if the heat capacity of the holding portion 130 and the load 132 constituting the atomizing portion 118A or the mist source itself is large, the atomizing portion 118A can actually make the mist properly when the user wants to inhale the mist. generate. In addition, the sensor 112 may also include a sensor or an acceleration sensor for detecting the operation of the button or the touch panel.

For example, the holding portion 130 is provided to connect the storage portion 116A and the atomizing 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. The other part of the holding portion 130 extends to the atomizing portion 118A. The other part of the holding portion 130 extending to the atomizing portion 118A may be contained in the atomizing portion 118A, or may pass through the atomizing portion 118A and then pass to the inside of the storage portion 116A. The mist source is transported from the storage part 116A to the atomization part 118A by using the capillary phenomenon of the holding part 130. As an example, the atomizing part 118A is equipped with a heater, and the heater includes a load 132 electrically connected to the power supply 110. The heater is arranged to be in contact with or close to the holding portion 130. When the inhalation action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomization unit 118A or controls the power supply to the heater, and heats the mist source delivered through the holding unit 130 to atomize the mist source. Another example of the atomizing part 118A may be an ultrasonic atomizer that is atomized by ultrasonically vibrating the mist source. The air introduction flow path 120 is connected to the atomizing part 118A, and the air introduction flow path 120 is connected to The outside of mist generating device 100A. The mist generated in the atomizing part 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 shown by arrow 124. The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixed fluid of the mist and air generated in the atomizing part 118A to the suction port 122.

The suction port 122 is configured to be located at the end of the mist flow path 121, and the mist flow path 121 is opened toward the outside of the mist generating device 100A. The user grips the mouthpiece 122 and inhales, thereby sucking the mist-containing air into the oral cavity.

The notification unit 108 may include light-emitting elements such as LEDs, displays, speakers, vibrators, and the like. The notification unit 108 is configured to use light emission, display, sound, vibration, etc., to notify the user of what is happening as needed.

The power supply 110 supplies electric 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 supply 110 can be connected to an external power supply through a predetermined port (not shown) of the mist generating device 100A to thereby charge. The power supply 110 can only be detached from the main body 102 or the mist generating device 100A, and then replaced with a new power supply 110. It is also possible to replace the whole body 102 with a new body 102 to replace the power supply 110 with a new power supply 110.

The sensor 112 may include one or more sensors used in order to obtain the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit 134 or a specific part, the value related to the resistance value of the load 132, or the value related to the temperature. The sensor 112 can be assembled in the circuit 134. You can also connect the sensor 112 The functions are built in the control unit 106. The sensor 112 may also include a pressure sensor for detecting changes in the pressure in the air introduction flow path 120 and/or the mist flow path 121 or a flow sensor for detecting the flow rate. The sensor 112 may also include a weight sensor for detecting the weight of components such as the storage portion 116A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to count the number of puffs made by the user who uses the mist generating device 100A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to be able to accumulate the energization time to the atomization part 118A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to be able to detect the height of the liquid surface in the storage portion 116A. The control unit 106 and the sensor 112 may be configured to be able to obtain or detect the SOC (State Of Charge) of the power supply 110, the integrated current value, the voltage, and the like. The SOC can be obtained by the current accumulation method (Coulomb counting method), the SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, etc. The sensor 112 may also be an operation button that can be operated by the user.

The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module configured as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 may be configured to control the operation of the mist generating device 100A in accordance with a computer-executable command stored in the memory 114. The memory 114 is a storage medium such as ROM, RAM, and fresh memory. In addition to the commands executable by the computer as described above, the memory 114 may also store setting data necessary for the control of the mist generating device 100A. For example, the memory 114 can store the control program of the notification unit 108 (lighting, sound, vibration, etc.), the control program of the atomization unit 118A, the value obtained and/or detected by the sensor 112, Various data such as the heating history of the atomizing part 118A. The control unit 106 reads data from the memory 114 as necessary and uses it for the control of the mist generating device 100A. Control, and store data to the memory 114 as needed.

FIG. 1B is a schematic block diagram of the structure 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 in FIG. 1A. However, the configuration of the second member 104B (hereinafter referred to as "mist generating article 104B" or "stick 104B") is different from that of the second member 104A. As an example, the mist generating article 104B may include a mist base 116B, an atomizing part 118B, an air introduction flow path 120, a mist flow path 121, and a suction port 122. A part of the elements contained in the body 102 may be contained in the mist generating article 104B. A part of the elements included in the mist generating article 104B may be included in the body 102. The mist generating article 104B may be configured to be able to be inserted and removed with respect to the main body 102. Alternatively, all the components contained in the main body 102 and the mist generating article 104B may be contained in the same casing to replace the main body 102 and the mist generating article 104B.

The mist substrate 116B can be constructed as a solid carrying a mist source. As in the case of the storage portion 116A in Fig. 1A, the mist source may be a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or water. The mist source in the mist substrate 116B may contain tobacco raw materials that emit cigarette flavor components after heating or extracts derived from tobacco raw materials. When the mist generating device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the mist source may also contain medicines for inhalation by the patient. The mist base 116B can be configured to be able to replace with a new mist base 1161B when the mist source is exhausted. In addition, the source of mist is not limited to liquid, but may also be solid.

The atomizing part 118B is configured to atomize the mist source to generate mist. When the sensor 112 detects the inhalation action, the atomizing part 118B generates mist. The atomizing part 118B is equipped with a heater (not shown), and the heater includes a load electrically connected to the power supply 110. When the inhalation action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomization unit 118B or controls the power supply to the heater, and heats the mist source carried in the mist base 116B to atomize the mist source. Another example of the atomizing part 118B may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes the mist source by ultrasonic vibration. The air introduction flow path 120 is connected to the atomizing part 118B, and the air introduction flow path 120 opens to the outside of the mist generating device 100B. The mist generated in the atomizing part 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 shown by arrow 124. The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixed fluid of the mist and air generated in the atomizing part 118B to the suction port 122. In the mist generating device 100B, the mist generating article 104B is configured to be heated from the inside by the atomizing part 118B located or inserted into the inside thereof. Alternatively, the mist-generating article 104B may be configured in a form in which the mist-generating article 104B is surrounded or housed by the atomizing part 118B to heat it from the outside.

The control unit 106 is configured to control the mist generating apparatuses 100A and 100B (hereinafter collectively referred to as "mist generating apparatus 100") according to the embodiment of the present invention in various methods.

In the mist generating device, if the user inhales when the source of mist is insufficient, it will not provide sufficient mist to the user. Moreover, in the case of electronic cigarettes or heated cigarettes, there may be unexpected The smoke of cigarette smoke (this phenomenon is called "unexpected condition"). Except when the source of mist in the storage section 116A or the mist base 116B is insufficient, unexpected conditions may also occur when there is a sufficient source of mist in the storage section 116A but the source of mist in the holding section 130 is temporarily insufficient. . The inventor of the present invention invented a mist generating device that performs appropriate control when the source of mist is insufficient, and a method and program for operating the device. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the mist generating device has the configuration shown in FIG. 1A, and each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. However, if necessary, the case where the mist generating device has the configuration shown in Fig. 1B will also be explained. The embodiment of the present invention is also applicable to the case where the mist generating device has various configurations other than those shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. This is obvious to those skilled in the art.

<First Embodiment>

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an exemplary circuit configuration related to a part of the mist generating device 100A in the first embodiment of the present invention.

The circuit 200 shown in Figure 2 includes: a power supply 110, a control unit 106, sensors 112A to 112D (hereinafter collectively referred to as "sensors 112"), and a load 132 (hereinafter also referred to as "heater resistance") , The first circuit 202, the second circuit 204, the switch Q1 including the first field effect transistor (FET: Field Emission Transistor) 206, the conversion portion 208, the switch Q2 including the second FET 210, and the resistor 212 (hereinafter also referred to as "Shunt resistance"). The sensor 112 can be built in other components such as the control unit 106 or the conversion unit 208. Using for example PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient: a positive temperature coefficient characteristic) heater or NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient: negative temperature coefficient characteristic) heater, so that the resistance value of the load 132 will change 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 not change substantially with the temperature. The shunt resistor 212 has a resistance value larger than that of the load 132. Depending on the implementation, the sensors 112C and 112D can also be omitted. Instead of using FETs, various elements such as iGBTs and contactors may be used as switches Q1 and Q2. This is obvious 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 supply 110 so that the converted output voltage is applied to the entire circuit. In addition, step-up switching converters or buck-boost switching converters, or LDO (Linear DropOut, linear regulator) regulators, etc. can also be used instead of the step-down converter shown in Figure 2. Voltage type switching converter. The conversion part 208 is not an essential element, and can be omitted. It is also possible to configure the conversion unit 208 to be controlled by a control unit, not shown, which is independent of the control unit 106. The control unit not shown in the figure can also be built in the conversion unit 208.

The circuit 134 shown in FIG. 1A is electrically connected to the power supply 110 and the load 132, and may include a first circuit 202 and a second circuit 204. The first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 are connected in parallel with the power supply 110 and the load 132. The first circuit 202 may include a switch Q1. Second circuit 204 It may include a switch Q2 and a resistor 212 (and an optional sensor 112D). The first circuit 202 may have a resistance value smaller than that of the second circuit 204. In this example, the sensor 112B and the sensor 112D are voltage sensors, which are configured to detect the voltage 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 using a known resistor or a Hall element, and can detect the value of the current flowing through the load 132 and/or the resistor 212.

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

The first circuit 202 is used for atomization of the mist source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the conductive state to enable the first circuit 202 to function, electric power is supplied to the heater (that is, the load 132 in the heater) to heat the load 132. By the heating of the load 132, the mist source held by the holding part 130 in the atomizing part 118A (the mist generating device 100B in Fig. 1B is the mist source carried by the mist base 116B) is atomized to make the mist generate.

The second circuit 204 is used to obtain the value of the voltage applied to the load 132, the value related to the resistance value of the load 132, the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212, and so on. As an example, consider the case where the sensors 112B and 112D shown in Figure 2 are voltage sensors. When the switch Q2 is turned on and the second circuit 204 is functioning, current will flow through the switch Q2, the resistor 212, and the load 132. The sensors 112B and 112D obtain the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 and/or the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212, respectively. 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, the value of the current flowing through the load 132 can be obtained. Based on the output voltage V _{out of the} conversion unit 208 and the current value, the total value of the resistance values of the resistance 212 and the load 132 can be obtained. Therefore, the known resistance value R _shunt can be subtracted from the total value to obtain the resistance value of the load 132 Resistance value R _HTR . In the case that the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic that the resistance value changes with temperature, the resistance value of the load 132 is calculated according to the relationship between the resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature known in advance and the resistance value of the load 132 as described above. R _HTR , the temperature of the load 132 can be estimated. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can understand that the resistance value and temperature of the load 132 can be estimated 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, etc. of the load 132. The 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 the output voltage of the power supply 110 when it is discharged or when there is no load. The sensor 112C detects the output voltage of the conversion unit 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. When the conversion unit 208 is not used, V _Batt is the output voltage of the power supply 110. When the conversion unit 208 is used, V _{Batt is} equivalent to the target voltage of the conversion unit 208. V _HTR is the voltage applied to the heater. The voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 can also be used instead of V _HTR .

As described below, according to this embodiment, the control unit 106 can be based on the value of the voltage (the output voltage of the power supply 110 or the target voltage of the conversion unit 208) applied to the entire circuit (hereinafter referred to as the "first voltage value"), and The value of the voltage (the voltage applied to the load 132 or the shunt resistor 212) of the part where the voltage applied to the circuit changes with the temperature change of the load 132 (hereinafter referred to as the "second voltage value"), to determine Whether the mist source (or the mist source carried in the mist base 116B) that can be supplied by the storage portion 116A is insufficient. According to this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the mist source is insufficient only by adding a minimum sensor to the configuration of the conventional mist generating device. Especially in the case of using the conversion unit 208, in the above-mentioned _{formula used to obtain the resistance value R HTR} of the load 132, the only parameter to be obtained from the sensor 112 is the voltage applied to the heater or the shunt resistance The voltage of 212 and other values are all stored in the memory 114 as constants. 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 accuracy of judging whether an unexpected situation occurs is greatly improved.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining whether the source of mist is insufficient in an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the description will be made assuming that all the steps are performed by the control unit 106. However, please note that some of the steps can also be performed by other components of the mist generating device 100.

Processing starts in step 302. In step 302, the control unit 106 determines whether the user's inhalation is detected based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, etc. For example, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation is detected when the output value of these sensors continuously changes. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation has been detected based on the depression of a button for starting the generation of mist.

If no inhalation is detected (the result of step 302 is "No"), the processing of step 302 is repeated.

If it is determined that inhalation is detected (the result of step 302 is "YES"), the process proceeds to step 304. In step 304, the control unit 106 determines whether the current count value is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value (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 described later is satisfied. The count value can be stored in the memory 114.

If the count value is above the threshold (the result of step 304 is "YES"), the process proceeds to step 306. In step 306, the control unit 106 determines that the source of mist that can be supplied by the storage unit 116A (or the source of mist contained in the mist base 116B) 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 (insufficient mist source). For example, the control unit 106 makes the notification unit 108 perform actions to let the user know that there is abnormal light emission, display, sound, vibration, etc. After step 308, the process ends. In this case, in order to reuse the mist generating device 100 to generate mist, the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B must be replaced, or the mist source must be refilled in the storage portion 116A or the mist base 116B.

If the count value is less than the threshold value (the result of step 304 is “No”), the process proceeds to step 310. In step 310, the control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to ON, and causes the first circuit 202 to function. Then, electric power is supplied to the load 132 to atomize the mist source to generate mist.

Then, the process proceeds to step 312. The control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to off, switches Q2 to on, and enables the second circuit 204 to function. The control unit 106 uses the sensor 112B to measure the value of the voltage applied to the load 132. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may use the sensor 112D to measure the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212. Since the resistance value of the load 132 changes 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 the measured voltage value is equal to or greater than _{V 1.} Here, V ₁ can be set as the 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 )

Among them, I _HTR (T _HTR ) is the current flowing through the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR. This formula can be changed into 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 will increase.

Alternatively, the control unit 106 may compare the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 with a predetermined threshold in step 314 instead of comparing the voltage applied to the load 132 with the predetermined threshold. When comparing the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 with a predetermined threshold, it should be noted that it must be determined whether the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is below the predetermined threshold. Regarding this point, the following can be explained. First, when the temperature of the load 132 is T _{HTR , the voltage V shunt} applied to the shunt resistor 212 can be expressed as the following equation.

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 mentioned above is T _HTR into this equation, it can be transformed into the following equation.

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 will decrease. That is, in order to determine whether to perform the subsequent high temperature warning notification in step 318 and prohibit or stop power supply to the load 132 in step 320, it must be determined whether the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is below a predetermined threshold.

In step 314, the control unit 106 may also determine the second voltage value (the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 or the value of the voltage applied to the shunt during the period when the first voltage value (the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit) is controlled to a certain period Whether the value of the voltage of the resistor 212 satisfies the first condition. Conditions as the first line of a second load voltage value of the voltage value of 132 As described above, if applied to use more than V _1, the value of the voltage applied to the use of the shunt resistor 212, a second voltage value as the 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 (being a predetermined resistance value R ₁ or more). When the first condition or the second condition is satisfied multiple times, the process may proceed to step 306 after step 304, and it is determined that the source of mist is insufficient. According to this configuration, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient when the predetermined condition is satisfied multiple times. Since it is irrelevant to the noise mixed in the output value of the sensor 112, the resolution of the sensor 112, and even if the storage part 116A or the mist base 116B as a whole still has a sufficient amount of mist source, it will be sucked For reasons such as drying of at least a part of the holding portion 130 or the mist base 116B caused by the method, there may be cases where the mist source is not insufficient even if the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Therefore, compared with the case where the condition is satisfied only once and the fog source is determined to be insufficient, the detection accuracy of the fog source is improved.

In the case of using the conversion unit 208 (switching converter, etc.) shown in Figure 2, the control unit 106 controls the conversion unit 208 to convert the output voltage of the power supply 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 will be stable, and compared with the case where the voltage of the power supply 110 is directly applied, the accuracy of detecting whether the fog source is insufficient will be improved. In this case, it can be determined in step 314 whether the first condition is satisfied. That is, only the second voltage value can be used to determine whether the fog source is insufficient. On the other hand, when the conversion unit 208 is not used, it can be determined in step 314 to be Whether to meet the second condition.

In this example, the control unit 106 determines whether the fog source is insufficient based on the above-mentioned first voltage value, which is a certain voltage value, and the second voltage value output by the sensor 112B or 112D. The control unit 106 may also determine whether the fog source is insufficient based on the comparison of the second voltage value output by the sensor 112B or 112D with a predetermined threshold value. In this case, only the second voltage needs to be detected, so the room for noise mixing can be reduced, and the detection accuracy will be improved.

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

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.

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

If the measured voltage value is less than V ₁ (the result of step 314 is “NO”), the process proceeds to step 316. In 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) when the first condition is not satisfied or the second condition is not satisfied. Thereby, even when the condition is satisfied only once due to temporary drying of the holding portion 130, etc., the detection accuracy thereafter can be ensured.

If the measured voltage value is _{greater than or equal to V 1} (the result of step 314 is "YES"), the process proceeds to step 318. In this case, the temperature of the load 132 becomes higher than necessary. In step 318, the control unit 106 causes the notification of the high temperature warning to be issued. For example, the control unit 106 may notify the warning by causing the notification unit 108 to act in a predetermined manner.

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

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

According to the embodiment shown in Figure 3, it can be based on the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit (the first voltage value) and the voltage applied in the circuit The value of the voltage (second voltage value) applied to the part where the pressure changes with the temperature of the load 132 to determine whether the source of mist that can be supplied by the storage section 116A or the source of mist contained in the mist base 116B is insufficient . That is, the remaining amount of the mist source that can be supplied by the storage portion 116A or the mist source carried in the mist base 116B can be estimated.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining whether the source of mist is insufficient in another embodiment of the present invention.

Since the processing of steps 402 to 418 in FIG. 4 is the same as the processing of steps 302 to 318 in FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted here.

After step 418, the process proceeds to step 419. In step 419, the control unit 106 determines whether the voltage value applied to the load 132 measured in step 412 is greater than or _{equal to a predetermined threshold value (V 2 ).} Here, V ₂ can be set as the voltage value applied to the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 changes to a _{predetermined temperature higher than V 1.} In addition, as mentioned above, it should be noted that when 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 it is determined that the voltage applied to the sub Whether the voltage value of the circuit resistance 212 is below V ₂ .

If the measured voltage value is _{greater than or equal to V 2} (the result of step 419 is "Yes"), the process 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, so the description thereof will be omitted. In addition, after step 422, the determination in step 404 may be directly performed without waiting for the user's inhalation in step 402 to be detected.

As described above, in the process 400, the control unit 106 uses the first reference (step 414) based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value and the second reference (step 419) that is different from the first reference (step 419) to determine Whether the fog source is insufficient. The control unit 106 determines that the mist source is insufficient when the first criterion is satisfied plural times, or when the second criterion is satisfied less than the plural times. The second criterion is more difficult to meet than the first criterion. Therefore, the process 400 has a two-stage determination criterion, so it can be determined immediately whether the mist source is insufficient, and the quality of the mist generating device 100 will be 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 during a certain period of time when the first voltage value is controlled to meet the first threshold value (for example, V ₁ Above), or whether the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value meets the second threshold (for example, the 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 meets a threshold value greater than the first threshold value, or whether the resistance value of the load 132 meets a threshold value greater than the second threshold value 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 a certain period of time when the first voltage value is controlled to meet the first threshold value (for example, V ₁ or less), or whether the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second threshold (for example, the predetermined threshold R ₁ or more). In the case of using the voltage value applied to the shunt resistor 212 as the second voltage value, the second reference may be whether the second voltage value meets a threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, or whether the resistance value of the load 132 meets the second threshold value Large threshold.

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

In one example, when the second criterion is satisfied and the fog source is determined to be insufficient, the control unit 106 may not determine whether the first criterion is satisfied, but may stop the power supply from the power supply 110 to the load 132 or notify the user At least one party.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining whether the source of mist is insufficient in another embodiment of the present invention.

Since the processing of steps 502 to 514 and steps 518 to 522 in FIG. 5 are the same as the processing of steps 302 to 314 and steps 318 to 322 in FIG. 3, their description is 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. In 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. Please 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 can memorize the number of times the first condition is satisfied or the number of times the second condition is satisfied, and if the The case of the first condition or the case of not satisfying the second condition reduces the number of times. Thereby, even when the condition is satisfied only once due to temporary drying of the holding portion 130, etc., the detection accuracy thereafter can be ensured.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may be provided with: the cartridge 104A including the storage portion 116A or the mist generating article 104B including the mist base 116B can be attached and detached, and the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B can be detected的连接部。 The connection part. For example, the mist generating device 100 may be provided with a physical switch that can be activated during the above-mentioned attachment and detachment, a magnetic detection unit for detecting the above-mentioned attachment and detachment, and the like. The control unit 106 may have a function capable of authenticating the ID of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B. The control unit 106 can detect the loading of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B based on the physical switch action, the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection unit, or the ID change of the mounted cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B, etc. dismantle. The control unit 106 may be configured to memorize the number of times that the first condition is satisfied or the number of times that the second condition is satisfied, and each time the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is attached, even if the number of times is reduced. In this example, when the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is replaced, the count value is decreased. Therefore, there is no need to inherit the count value memorized for the cartridge 104A or the mist-generating article 104B before replacement, so the detection accuracy of the new cartridge 104A or the mist-generating article 104B will be improved.

In the above example, a predetermined method can be used to obtain the identification information or usage history of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B. The control unit 106 can determine whether to use the above-mentioned secondary The number decreases. For example, the count value can be decreased when the replaced cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is a new product. Therefore, the number of times will not be reset when the same cartridge 104A or mist generating article 104B is mounted again, so the detection accuracy of the cartridge will be improved.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process performed when the user's inhalation pattern is a pattern other than the one assumed in the embodiment of the present invention. The processing of Fig. 6 can be performed at any appropriate stage in the processing of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 3 to 5.

In step 602, the control unit 106 uses a flow sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. to detect the user's inhalation pattern.

Then, the process proceeds to step 604, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the measured inhalation mode is an inhalation mode other than the one assumed. For example, the control unit 106 may perform this determination by comparing the measured inhalation pattern with the normal inhalation pattern stored in the memory 114. The general absorption pattern may include various patterns known to those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field of the present invention, such as Gaussian distribution. The control unit 106 may perform step 604 according to whether the measured height of the inhalation pattern, the length of the flat portion, the interval between two inhalations, etc., deviate from the usual value in the usual inhalation line by a predetermined threshold. The judgment.

If the measured inhalation mode is an inhalation mode other than the assumed case (the result of step 604 is "YES"), the process proceeds to step 606. In step 606, the control unit 106 may increase the count threshold used in steps 304, 404, and 504. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may change the content of the processing without increasing the count value in steps 322, 422, and 522. Or, control The section 106 can reduce the increment of the count value used in steps 322, 422, and 522.

If the measured inhalation pattern is not an inhalation pattern other than the one assumed (the result of step 604 is “No”), the process proceeds to step 608. In step 608, the control unit 106 does not perform the above-mentioned setting change performed in step 606.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 106 can set the predetermined threshold (counting The threshold value) is increased, the number of times (count value) is not increased, or the increase of the number of times (count value) is decreased. Therefore, even if the user’s inhalation is unusual when the time for one inhalation is very long, the time interval between two inhalations is very short, etc., the first condition or the second condition is met, whether the source of mist Insufficient detection accuracy will also be improved.

In the above description, the first embodiment of the present invention is the mist generating device and the method of operating the mist generating device as an example. However, it should be understood that the present invention can also be used as a program that causes the processor to execute the method after being executed by a processor, or a computer-readable memory medium storing the program.

<Second Embodiment>

As described above for the first embodiment of the present invention, the mist generating device 100 having the configuration shown in Figs. 1A to 2 is operated in accordance with the processing shown in Figs. 3 to 6, and it can be determined whether the source of mist is insufficient. (Presumably fog The remaining amount of air source).

The state of insufficient mist source includes: a state in which the mist source stored in the storage portion 116A is exhausted, a state in which the mist source held in the holding portion 130 is temporarily exhausted, and the 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 of the first embodiment of the present invention has a small number of necessary components and high detection accuracy related to the insufficient mist source, so it is superior to the prior art. However, the sensor 112B used to measure the voltage applied to the load 132 may have a product error. The sensor 112A used to measure the output voltage of the power supply 110 may also have product errors. In addition, the output voltage of the power supply 110 in an unbalanced state (polarized state) is likely to oscillate. The inventor of the present invention believes that such product errors and the like will affect the accuracy of detection performed by the mist generating device 100 of the present invention, which is a problem that should be further solved. The second embodiment of the present invention provides a mist generating device that solves this problem, and further improves the detection accuracy of whether the mist source is insufficient.

The basic configuration of the mist generating device 100 of this embodiment is the same as the configuration of the mist generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and the circuit 200 shown in FIG.

The mist generating device 100 is provided with: a power supply 110; a load 132 for atomizing the mist source by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power supply 110, and its resistance value changes with temperature; a first circuit 202 , Is to allow the load 132 to atomize the mist source and be used by the user; the second circuit 204 is used to detect the electrical changes that change with the temperature of the load 132 The first circuit 202 is connected in parallel with the first circuit 202, and the resistance value is larger than that of the first circuit 202; the acquiring unit acquires 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 with the temperature of the load 132 is output. 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 formula.

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

Among them, 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 supply 110 , V _shunt is the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212. When the mist generating device 100 has the conversion unit 208, V _Batt corresponds to the output voltage of the conversion unit 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 will also change 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-mentioned acquisition unit may be a sensor 112A that detects the output voltage of the power supply 110. In the case where the mist generating device 100 has the conversion unit 208, the set value of the output voltage of the conversion unit 208 that is controlled to a certain value can be stored in the memory 114. In this case, the acquiring unit may be a reader that reads the setting value from the memory 114.

The second circuit 204 includes a shunt resistor 212, and the shunt resistor 212 has a known resistance value. The shunt resistance 212 and the load 132 are connected in series. The sensor 112B and the sensor 112D respectively output the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212 as the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature of the load 132.

As described above for the first embodiment of the present invention, the voltage value applied to the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212 can be used to determine whether the fog source is insufficient. The second circuit 204 used to obtain this voltage value has a shunt resistance 212, and therefore has a resistance value larger than that of the first circuit 202 used to generate mist.

In this embodiment, the shunt resistor 212 preferably has a resistance value larger than that of 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 the 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, description will be given based on a specific example.

Assuming that the normal temperature is 25°C, the boiling point of the mist source is 200°C, and the temperature of the load 132 when it is judged 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 value of the current flowing through the shunt resistor 212 included in the second circuit 204 is equal to the value of the current 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 equation.

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

Wherein, V _out is the value of the voltage applied to the combined resistance formed by the shunt resistance 212 and the load 132 connected in series. In the case where the mist generating device 100 does not have the conversion unit 208, V _out corresponds to the output voltage of the power supply 110. When the mist generating device 100 has the conversion unit 208, V _out corresponds to the output voltage of the conversion unit 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 )

Among them, R _HTR (T _RT ) is the resistance value of the load 132 at room temperature, and R _HTR (T _delep. ) is the resistance value of the load 132 in the overheating state. For example, when V _out =2.0V, R _HTR (T _RT )=1Ω, R _HTR (T _delep. )=2Ω, R _shunt =199Ω, ΔI _Q2 =0.05mA. In addition, the value of the current flowing through the second circuit 204 at room temperature is calculated as I _Q2 (T _RT )=10.00 mA. The value of the current flowing through the second circuit 204 in the overheating 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 overheating state is V _shunt (T _RT )=1990.00 mV, V _shunt (T _delep. )=1980.05 mV, respectively. 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 overheating state is V _HTR (T _RT )=10.00 mV, and V _HTR (T _delep. )=19.90 mV, respectively. The difference between the two |ΔV _HTR |=9.90mV.

FIG. 7 shows the circuit configuration for obtaining the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load 132 in an embodiment. The circuit 700 shown in Fig. 7 except for the first circuit 202, the second circuit 204, the switches Q1 and Q2, the shunt resistor 212, the load 132, and the sensors 112B and 112D which form part of the circuit 200 shown in Fig. 2. Besides, it also has 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 does not need to have both the sensors 112B and 112D, and may only have any one of them. Similarly, the circuit 700 does not need to have both amplifiers 706 and 708, and may only have either one of them.

In the circuit 700, when the second circuit 204 is functioning (when the current flows as shown by the arrow), the comparator 702 obtains the reference voltage V _ref (analog value) output from the power supply 710 and applies it to the shunt resistor 212 or the load 132 The difference (analog value) between the voltages (analog value). The A/D converter 704 converts this difference into a digital value, 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 level of 5.0V. When comparing with the reference voltage, the voltage value applied to the shunt resistor 212 or the load 132 is preferably 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 2 times. Therefore, the difference of 9.95mV between the applied voltage in the normal temperature state and the applied voltage in the overheated state is only magnified by about 2 times. In contrast, 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 of 9.90mV between the applied voltage in the normal temperature state and the applied voltage in the overheated state can also be amplified by about 200 times. Therefore, compared with the case of measuring the applied voltage of the shunt resistor 212, the accuracy of distinguishing between the normal temperature state and the overheated state in the case of measuring the applied voltage of the load 132 is higher. Therefore, if the applied voltage of the load 132 is used for determination, the detection accuracy of insufficient fog source will be improved.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 includes a conversion unit 208 that converts the output voltage of the power supply 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 obtaining unit may obtain 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 a 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 supply 110. Thereby, the conversion unit 208 is arranged upstream of the first circuit 202 for generating mist and the second circuit 204 for voltage measurement. Therefore, the voltage applied to the load 132 can be highly controlled even when the mist is generated, so that the cigarette smell components and the like contained in the mist generated by the mist generating device 100 can be stabilized.

In one example, the converter 208 is a switching regulator (back converter) that can step down the input voltage and then output it. In the regulator, the voltage conversion efficiency can also be improved by using a switching regulator. Furthermore, the application of overvoltage to the circuit can be suppressed. In addition, when the first circuit 202 is made to function, the control unit 106 can control the conversion unit 208 to stop the switching of the switching regulator belonging to the conversion unit 208 and directly output the input voltage without converting it. When the conversion unit 208 is controlled in the so-called direct connection mode, since the migration loss and switching loss in the conversion unit 208 disappear, 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 for storing the mist source may be included in the cartridge 104A that can be attached to and detached from the mist generating device 100 through the connecting portion. On the other hand, the sensor 112B may be contained in the body 102 instead of being contained in the cartridge 104A. That is, the sensor 112B may be configured to output the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 and the connection part as the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load 132. In this way, the cost of the disposable cartridge 104A can be reduced.

In one example, the mist base 116B that maintains the mist source may be included in the mist generating article 104B that can be plugged into and removed from 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 mist generating article 104B that is used and thrown away can be reduced.

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

If the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 is too large, it is difficult for current to flow during the measurement of the voltage value and resistance value of the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212. As a result, the current value cannot be distinguished from the error of the sensor. Therefore, it may be difficult to accurately measure the voltage value and the resistance value.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned 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) can be set to have: so that a current can flow through the second circuit The state of 204 is different from the state of no current flowing through the second circuit 204 by the magnitude of the current flowing through the second circuit 204. In this way, the output values of the sensor 112B and the sensor 112D can be compared with the noise. The size of another degree. Therefore, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection as to whether the fog source is insufficient.

As the power supply 110 deteriorates, the output voltage of the power supply 110 will decrease. Therefore, the value of the current flowing through the second circuit 204 when the second circuit 204 is made to function is also reduced. It is desirable that when the voltage of the power supply 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 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 a value that allows current to flow through the second circuit 204 A current of a magnitude different from a state where no current flows through the second circuit 204 flows through the second circuit 204 when the voltage of the power supply 110 is the discharge end voltage. In this way, it is possible to prevent false detection as to whether the fog 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 supply 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 where current can flow through the second circuit 204 and no current A current of a magnitude different from the state of the second circuit 204 flows through the value of the second circuit 204 when the output voltage of the conversion unit 208 is applied to the second circuit 204 and the load 132. In this way, it is possible to prevent false detection as to whether the fog 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) has: A current of a magnitude that can distinguish the state where current flows through the second circuit 204 and the state where no current flows through the second circuit 204, when the temperature of the load 132 is a temperature that can be reached only when the source of mist is insufficient The value of the flow through the second circuit 204. This prevents false detection even in the state where the fog source is insufficient and the current is most difficult to flow.

If 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 power than necessary may be supplied to the load 132 and fog may be generated. In this case, the source of mist 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) can be set to have: 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: during the period of current flowing through the second circuit 204, the load 132 will not cause The value of mist generation. With this structure, the waste of the fog source can be prevented.

As an example, it will be discussed that the mist generating device 100 supplies only the power required to keep the load 132 warm to the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 of the load 132 while the current is flowing through the second circuit 204. First, the amount of heat Q required to keep the load 132 warm per unit time is expressed as the following equation.

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} )

Among them, m _wick , m _coil , and m _liquid are the masses of the mist source held by the holding part 130, the load 132, and the holding part 130 respectively. C _wick , C _coil , and C _liquid are the specific heat 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 the 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 simplicity, △T _wick , △T _coil and △T _{liquid can} all be regarded as the same value of △T. In this case, Q can be expressed as the following formula.

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

Express the formula in parentheses as Σm×C, then Q can be expressed as the following formula.

Q=(Σm×C)×(T _BP -△T)

In addition, the power W consumed by the load 132 while the current flows through the second circuit 204 is expressed as the following equation.

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

Among them, 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 value of the voltage applied to the combined resistance formed by the shunt resistor 212 and the load 132 connected in series. 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, in order to supply only the power required to keep the load 132 warm to the load 132 during the period when current flows through the second circuit 204, the following equation must be satisfied.

W=Q

Substituting the above equation into W, and _{sorting out the resistance value R shunt of the} shunt resistor 212, the following equation will be 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, it is only necessary to set the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (and the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) to a value that satisfies the above formula. V _HTR can be regarded as a _{value obtained by multiplying V out} by a predetermined coefficient smaller than 1. In addition, the above discussion uses an ideal model and approximates it, so ±Δ can be introduced as a correction term in the above equation.

The 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 conduction of the second circuit 204 on or off. In one example, the control unit 106 may control the switches Q1 and Q2 so that the switch Q1 is switched on (on) time longer than the switch Q2. The time from when the switch Q2 is switched to the on state to the time when the switch Q2 is switched to the off state (on time) can be set as the minimum time that can be achieved by the control unit 106. According to such a configuration, the time during which the switch Q2 is turned on in order to measure the voltage of the load 132 or the shunt resistance 212 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 fog source.

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

˙The step of arranging load 132, load 132 uses the heat generated by the power supplied by power supply 110 to atomize the mist source, and its resistance value will change with temperature

˙The step of forming the first circuit 202. The first circuit 202 is used by the user for the load 132 to atomize the mist source

˙The step of forming the second circuit 204. The second circuit 204 is connected to the first circuit 202 in parallel with the user in order to detect the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load 132, and the resistance value of the second circuit 204 is larger than that of the first circuit 202

˙The step of arranging the 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) outputs the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature of the load 132.

<Third Embodiment>

If the source of mist stored in the storage portion 116A is insufficient, the cartridge 104A must be replaced. Similarly, when the source of mist contained in the mist substrate 116B is insufficient, the mist generating article 104B must be replaced. The resistance value of the heater (load 132) included in the cartridge 104A (or the mist generating article 104B) has manufacturing variations. Therefore, in order to detect the shortage of the fog source, the same setting is used for all the cartridges 104A (for example, the resistance value of the load 132 is If it is related to the threshold value, the threshold value related to the voltage value of the load 132, etc.), it may not be possible to accurately detect the insufficient fog source. In this case, unexpected behavior of the mist generating device 100 may occur, which may cause problems from the viewpoint of safety. The inventor of the present invention recognizes that such a problem is a new subject. The third embodiment of the present invention provides a mist generating device that solves this problem, and further improves the detection accuracy of whether the mist source is insufficient.

Fig. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for detecting insufficient fog source. Here, a case where all the steps are performed by the control unit 106 will be described. However, please note that some of the steps can also be performed by other components of the mist generating device 100. In addition, the present embodiment is described using the circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 as an example, but other circuits may also be used. This point is obvious to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. . This point is the same in the other flowcharts below.

Processing starts in step 802. In step 802, the control unit 106 determines whether the user's inhalation is detected based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, etc. For example, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation is detected when the output value of these sensors continuously changes. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation is detected based on a button or the like pressed by the user to start the generation of mist.

If it is determined that inhalation is detected (the result of step 802 is "YES"), the process proceeds to step 804. In step 804, the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q1 to make the first circuit 202 function.

Next, the process proceeds to step 806, and the control unit 106 determines whether the inhalation is over. If it is determined that the inhalation is over (the result of step 806 is "Yes"), the process proceeds to step 808.

In step 808, the control unit 106 turns the switch Q1 into an off state. In step 810, the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q2 to enable 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 the resistance value of the load 132 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value can be set as the resistance value when the temperature of the load 132 meets 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 process 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 (the result of step 814 is "No"), it is not determined that the fog source is insufficient.

Please note that FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a general flow example for determining whether 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 made of the same metal A and the temperature. Basically, the temperature of the load 132 is proportional to the resistance value. Because the resistance value of the load 132 has manufacturing variations, as shown in the figure, at room temperature (for example, 25° C.), each different load 132 has different resistance values such as _{R, R 1} , R _{2, and so on.} In the case where 350°C is used as the temperature threshold of the load 132 as the criterion for judging whether the fog source is insufficient, as shown in the figure, the threshold of the resistance value of the load 132, which is the criterion for judging whether the fog source is insufficient, is set in each system It is _{R ', R' 1, R} ' ₂ of a different value.

The configuration of the mist generating device of this 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 is provided with: a power supply 110; a load 132 is used to atomize the mist source by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power supply 110, and its resistance value changes with temperature It has the temperature-resistance value characteristic shown in Figure 9; the memory 114 is a memory temperature-resistance value characteristic; the sensor is an output value related to the resistance value of the load 132 (resistance value, current value, voltage value, etc.) ); and the control unit is configured to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value personality based on the corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value.

According to this embodiment, the PTC characteristic of the cartridge 104A (or the mist generating article 104B) is corrected based on the correspondence 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 a correct value. Please note that the same method can be used to calibrate the NTC characteristic when the load 132 has the NTC characteristic.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of 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 this embodiment has the same type as the mist generating device 100A shown in FIG. 1A or the mist generating device 100B shown in FIG. 1B. Kind of composition. However, the same processing is applied to various mist generating devices having other configurations, which is obvious to those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

The processing of step 1002 is the same as the processing of step 308 in FIG. 3, step 408 in FIG. 4, and step 508 in FIG. 5 in the first embodiment. 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 actions such as light emission, display, sound generation, 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.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1004, and the control unit 106 checks whether the cartridge 104A has been removed to detect whether the cartridge 104A has been removed. In one example, the mist generating device 100 may be provided with a connection part that allows the detection cartridge 104A to be detachable or to allow the mist generating article 104B to be plugged and unplugged. The control unit 106 can correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic only when detecting that the cartridge 104A is removed from the connection portion or the mist generating article 104B is pulled out of the connection portion. As a result, it is possible to suppress correction at the wrong timing.

As described above, the control unit 106 can first determine whether to perform correction based on a predetermined condition before correcting the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic. In one example, the control unit 106 may 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 above-mentioned predetermined condition may be that the resistance value memorized by the control part 106 is different from the resistance value of the cartridge 104A newly installed in the connection part or the resistance value of the mist generating article 104B newly inserted into the connection part. In another example, the above The established condition may be: the change speed of the resistance value of the cartridge 104A installed on the connection part or the change speed of the resistance value of the mist generating article 104B inserted on the connection part during the continuous power supply to the load 132 is lower than the predetermined speed The threshold. With this configuration, unnecessary correction can be suppressed when the cartridge 104A that has been temporarily removed or the mist generating article 104B is reconnected again. Also, in one example, the above-mentioned predetermined condition may be: 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, it is determined that if the memorized temperature-resistance is not corrected The value characteristic estimates that the temperature of the load 132 is too much lower than the actual value.

According to the result of the processing in step 1004, in step 1006, the control unit 106 determines whether the removal of the cartridge 104A (or the removal of the mist generating article 104B) is detected. In addition, in step 1006, the control unit 106 may also determine whether the installation of the cartridge 104A (or the insertion of the mist generating article 104B) is detected after the removal of the cartridge 104A (or the removal of the mist generating article 104B) is detected. ). 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 (the result of step 1006 is "YES"), the process proceeds to step 1008. In step 1008, the control unit 106 stops the power supply to the load 132 for a predetermined time. The predetermined time can be set as a sufficient time for the temperature of the load 132 to drop to room temperature, for example.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1010, and the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q2. This allows the second circuit 204 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 the 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 explained in the first embodiment, in step 1012, the control unit 106 may also use the sensor 112B to obtain the voltage value of the load 132.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1014, and the control unit 106 corrects the temperature-resistance value characteristics memorized for the load 132. For example, suppose that the temperature-resistance characteristic 902 shown in FIG. 9 is stored in the memory before the process 1000 is executed. 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 can use the temperature-resistance value characteristic 904 instead of the temperature-resistance value characteristic 902.

In step 1014, the control unit 106 can correct the intercept of the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic (R, R ₁ , R _{2 in} the example of Fig. 9). Since only the intercept of the PTC characteristic is calibrated, only one point of the information in the relationship between the resistance value and the temperature can be obtained, which can be calibrated more quickly.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may be provided with a database that stores the resistance value of the load 132 and one of the slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance characteristic corresponding to the load 132 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 database. The control unit 106 can also correct the slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance characteristic according to the output value of the sensor and the slope and the intercept of the corrected temperature-resistance characteristic. Of the other side. In another example, the aforementioned database may be located outside the mist generating device 100, and the control unit 106 may obtain necessary information by communicating with the database.

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

Then, the process proceeds to step 1016, and the control unit 106 updates the resistance value threshold R _threshold used for determining whether the fog 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 mentioned above, in one example, the control unit 106 can correct the memorized according to the correspondence between the output value (voltage value, current value, resistance value, etc.) of the sensor before the fog is generated by the load 132 and the room temperature. Temperature-resistance value characteristics. Since the PTC characteristics are corrected based on the room temperature, the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristics will be improved.

Also, in one example, the control unit 106 may determine that the temperature of the load 132 is at room temperature, and the predetermined condition is satisfied, according to the load 132 to make the corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor before mist generation and the room temperature , To correct the memorized temperature-resistance characteristics. In this way, it is corrected when the temperature is roughly determined to be lowered to room temperature. Therefore, the possibility that the temperature of the load during the calibration is indeed room temperature increases, and the accuracy of the calibration of the PTC characteristics will increase.

In one case, the established conditions can be from the previous fog A predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the generation. In this way, a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous generation of mist, and the temperature of the load is regarded as the room temperature. Therefore, the possibility that the load at the time of calibration has been sufficiently cooled down 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 part. The cartridge 104A has a load 132 and a storage part 116A storing an atomization source. The mist generating article 104B has a load 132 and The mist substrate 116B that maintains the mist source is connected to the cartridge 104A to be removable or the mist generating article 104B to be pluggable. The above-mentioned predetermined condition may be that a predetermined time has elapsed since the cartridge 104A was installed in the connecting portion or the mist generating article 104B was inserted into the connecting portion. In this way, a predetermined time has elapsed from the connection of the cartridge 104A, and the temperature of the load is regarded as a room temperature condition. Therefore, the possibility that the temperature of the load at the time of calibration has been sufficiently cooled down to room temperature increases.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a temperature sensor as the sensor 112. The temperature sensor outputs the temperature of the electrical components constituting the main body 102 such as the power supply 110 and the control unit 106, or the main body 102 Either the internal temperature or the surrounding temperature. The aforementioned predetermined condition may be that the temperature output by the sensor 112 is room temperature, or the absolute value of the difference between the temperature output by the sensor 112 and the room temperature becomes below a predetermined threshold. Such conditions can also be a condition in which the temperature of the load is regarded as room temperature. Therefore, when the temperature output by the sensor 112 is the temperature of the power supply 110, the temperature of the control unit 106, or the temperature inside the main body 102, the mist generating device 100 is in a standby mode with no operation or low power consumption. In other words However, because it is in a state where no power is supplied to the load 132, the temperature of the load at the time of calibration has been sufficiently cooled and the possibility that it will drop to room temperature increases. In addition, when the temperature output by the sensor 112 is the temperature around the main body 102, the mist generating device 100 is not placed at a high or low temperature room temperature, nor is it placed where the absolute value of the difference from the room temperature is very high. In large environments, the possibility that the temperature of the load has dropped to room temperature during calibration increases.

In one example, the control unit 106 is configured to control the load 132 not to cause fog until the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature corresponding to the output value are correlated when the above-mentioned predetermined conditions are satisfied. generate. It should be understood that there may be cases where the temperature-resistance characteristic is corrected according to the output value of the sensor, and there may be cases other than this. According to the above configuration, 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 during calibration becomes much higher than the room temperature. In addition, since the temperature-resistance characteristics before correction are not used to generate mist, it is possible to suppress the influence of cigarette smell on the mist.

In one example, the control unit 106 may supply a predetermined power from the power supply 110 to the load 132 that is smaller than the power required to raise the temperature of the load 132 to the temperature at which the load 132 can generate mist. The control unit may also correct the temperature-resistance value characteristics 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 aforementioned predetermined power may be power that does not increase the temperature of the load 132 above the resolution of the sensor. In another example, the aforementioned predetermined power may be power that does not increase the temperature of the load 132.

In one example, the control unit 106 can be based on the corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value, and the relationship between the load 132 or the cartridge 104A with the load 132 Information (such as the coefficient representing the slope of the temperature-resistance value characteristic, etc.) to correct the slope and intercept of the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic. In this way, not only the intercept but also the slope is corrected based on the information related to the cartridge 104A. Therefore, even if different cartridges including loads 132 made of different metals are connected, high-precision calibration can be performed for each cartridge.

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

FIG. 11A is a flowchart of an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an 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 (the result of step 1106A is "YES"), the process proceeds to step 1108A. In step 1108A, if the user's inhalation is detected, the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q1. 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 into the off state and turns the switch Q2 into the on state. therefore, The first circuit 202 does not function, and the second circuit 204 functions instead. 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 flowchart of an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an embodiment of the present invention.

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

In step 1113B, the control unit 106 determines whether the value obtained in step 1112B is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. 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 value. By performing the determination in step 1113B, it can be determined whether the load 132 is in a state where the mist is generated, or in a state where the source of mist is insufficient and the mist is not generated.

If the acquired value is less than the threshold value (the result of step 1113B is "YES"), the process 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 greater than or equal to the threshold (the result of step 1113B is "No"), the processing of steps 1114B and 1116B is not performed, and the processing 1110B is ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in one example, the control unit 106 is based on the difference between the output value of the sensor and the temperature at which the fog starts to be generated when the power sufficient for generating the mist is supplied to the load 132. To correct the memorized temperature-resistance characteristics. Since the PTC characteristic is corrected based on the mist generation temperature, the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristic will be improved.

In one example, the control unit 106 does not correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristics when the output value of the sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold value when the power sufficient for generating the mist is supplied to the load 132. Therefore, when the temperature (resistance value) of the load is extremely high, the PTC characteristic is not corrected. Therefore, the temperature of the excessively high load when the mist source is depleted is not mistakenly judged as the mist generation temperature, so that it is possible to prevent the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristics from deteriorating significantly. In yet another example, the control unit 106 does not correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristics when the amount of change in the output value of the sensor when the predetermined power is supplied to the load 132 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. In this way, when the temperature (resistance value) of the load changes extremely, the PTC characteristic is not corrected. Therefore, the PTC characteristic is not corrected when the mist source which may cause excessive temperature fluctuation of the load is exhausted, so that it is possible to prevent the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristic from deteriorating significantly.

In one example, the control unit 106 is based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor when sufficient power is supplied to the load 132 for generating mist and the value outside room temperature reaches a steady state, and the temperature at which the mist starts to be generated Relationship to correct the memorized temperature-resistance characteristics.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for 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 Figure 10. The processing of steps 1214 to 1218 and The processing of steps 1108A to 1112A in Figure 11A is the same. In the flow in Figure 12, the process proceeds to step 1220 after the first two processes are executed. In step 1220, the control unit 106 makes the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before mist generation and the room temperature based on the load 132 (obtained through steps 1208 to 1212), and there is sufficient power for mist generation Correspondence between the output value of the sensor when it is supplied to the load 132 and the temperature at which the mist starts to be generated (obtained through steps 1214 to 1218) to correct the slope and intercept of the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic . That is, two plots (temperature, resistance value) are used to correct the intercept and slope of the PTC characteristic. Therefore, there is no need to have a dedicated information acquisition means (for example, there is no need to build the information required for calibration in the cartridge 104A), and a simpler method can be used to calibrate the intercept and slope of the PTC characteristic.

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

Figure 13 is a graph used to illustrate that the temperature threshold used to determine whether the fog source is insufficient may become too high due to the manufacturing variation of the load 132. The three straight lines shown in FIG. 13 represent the temperature-resistance value characteristics of the load (heater) 132 composed of the same kind of metal A. Among them, the solid line 1302 represents the characteristics of the standard first load 132-1 with the initial resistance value R, the dashed line 1304 represents the characteristics of the second load 132-2 with the initial resistance value R ₁ higher than the standard, and the one-point chain line 1306 It represents the characteristics of the third load 132-3 with a lower initial resistance value R _{2 than the standard.} In addition, 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 changes to 350°C. In this case, as can be understood from the figure, the threshold value of the resistance of the load used to determine whether the fog 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 R _{threshold is} used as the threshold, the user will be warned at a temperature lower than the standard temperature threshold of 350°C, so that no overheating will occur. Therefore, regarding the second load 132-2, it can be said that the correction of the temperature-resistance value characteristic is not necessarily necessary. On the other hand, in the case of the third load 132-3, the resistance value will be R _threshold only when the temperature of the load reaches 370°C. Therefore, if R _{threshold is} used as the threshold, warnings will not be performed until the temperature of the load 132-3 reaches a very high temperature of 370°C, so overheating may occur. Therefore, regarding the third load 132-3, the temperature-resistance value characteristic needs to be corrected. In one example, the temperature-resistance characteristic of the load 132 may be corrected only when the initial resistance value of the load 132 is lower than R _{stand shown in FIG. 13.}

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load in an embodiment of the present invention in consideration of the above-mentioned problem spotted by the use of FIG. 13.

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

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

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

If the resistance value of the load 132 is _{greater than or equal to R stand} (the result of step 1413 is "No"), steps 1414 and 1416 are not performed and the processing ends.

According to this embodiment, the control unit 106 can determine whether to perform correction based on a predetermined condition before correcting the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic. Moreover, as described above, in one example, the predetermined condition may be: from the corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value, it is determined that if the memorized value is not corrected With the temperature-resistance characteristics of, the temperature of the load 132 is estimated to be much lower than the actual value. The established condition may be that the output value of the sensor is smaller than the established threshold. With this configuration, calibration is performed only when the temperature-resistance characteristics are not calibrated and an overheating state occurs. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary correction when the measured initial resistance value of the load contains a slight error due to the error of the sensor, etc., which does not require correction.

Figure 15 is a graph showing an example of temperature-resistance characteristics of different loads (heaters) made of different metals. The solid line 1502, the one-dot chain line 1504, and the dashed line 1506 respectively represent the characteristics of the load 132A made of metal A, the load 132B made of metal B, and the load 132C made of metal C. The type of metal is different, so the temperature coefficient of resistance is also different, and the slope of each characteristic is also different. Accordingly, even when the load is shown as 132A, 132B and the load of the load 132C initial resistance value R _A, R _B, and R _C is the same value, the resistance value R of each load of each load when the temperature reached 350 ℃ _'A, R _'B and R' _C are different. Therefore, when replacing the cartridge 104A or mist generating article 104B with a load made of a certain metal with a cartridge 104A or mist generating article 104B with a load made of a different metal, it is necessary to update whether the mist source is insufficient The threshold used in the judgment. Further, the load 132A, 132B initial resistance value of the load of 132C and a load R _A, R _B, and R _C may also be a different value.

In such a case, in one example, the control unit 106 may measure the initial resistance value of the load 132 when a new cartridge 104A or mist generating article 104B is inserted into the mist generating device 100. Then, the control unit 106 can calculate the resistance threshold used in determining whether the fog source is insufficient based on the temperature-resistance characteristic of the load 132 of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B. In one example, the control unit 106 can obtain such temperature-resistance characteristics and other information related to the load 132 or the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B through communication with an external terminal such as a server. The control unit 106 can also use the identification information contained in the load 132 or the RFID tag of the cartridge 104A or the mist-generating article 104B, the identification information of the package of the cartridge 104A or the mist-generating article 104B, and the user's input. Obtain the information as above.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include: a cartridge 104A or a mist generating article 104B, the cartridge 104A has a load 132 and a storage part 116A storing an atomization source, and the mist generating article 104B has a load 132 and holding The mist base 116B of the mist source; and the connection The part is used to make the cartridge 104A detachable or to make the mist generating article 104B pluggable. In this example, the sensor may not be included in the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B. The control unit 106 can be based on the correspondence between the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value (for example, the resistance value at the point where the cartridge 104A is connected) from the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value. Relationship to correct the memorized temperature-resistance characteristics. According to this structure, a sensor for measuring the resistance value can be provided in the main body 102. Therefore, the increase in cost, weight, volume, etc. 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 to allow the load 132 to atomize the mist source by the user; and a second circuit 204 to detect a value related to the resistance of the load 132 The user is connected in parallel with the first circuit 202, and the resistance value is greater than that of the first circuit 202. According to this configuration, the mist generating device 100 has a dedicated circuit (second circuit 204) for voltage measurement. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the power of the power supply 110 required for the measurement of the resistance value of the load 132.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a circuit electrically connecting the power source 110 and the load 132. The sensor can at least output the value of the voltage applied to the part of the circuit where the applied voltage changes with the temperature change of the load 132. The control unit 106 may 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 sensor for measuring the voltage applied to the part where the applied voltage changes with the temperature change of the load 132. The two voltage sensors are sufficient. Therefore, it is only necessary to add the minimum necessary sensor to the existing device.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a conversion unit 208 that converts the output voltage of the power supply 110 and then outputs it to be applied 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 structure, the voltage applied to the entire circuit is controlled to be constant when the resistance value is measured by the converter. Therefore, the accuracy of the measured resistance value is improved.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include: a power supply 110; a load 132, which is used to atomize the mist source by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power supply 110, and has a resistance value that changes with temperature The temperature-resistance value characteristic; the memory 114, which stores the temperature-resistance value characteristic; the sensor 112, which outputs a value related to the resistance value of the load 132; Perform predetermined control. The control unit 106 can correct the value related to the predetermined control (constant, variable, threshold, etc.) 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 third embodiment of the present invention has been described as an example of the mist generating device and the method of operating the mist generating device. However, it should be understood that the present invention can also be implemented as a program that causes the processor to execute the method when executed by a processor, or a computer-readable memory medium storing the program.

As mentioned above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but it should be understood that these descriptions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that changes, additions, improvements, etc. of the embodiment can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-mentioned embodiments, but should only be defined by the scope of patent applications and their equivalents.

106‧‧‧Control Department

110‧‧‧Power

112A to 112D‧‧‧Sensor

132‧‧‧Load

200‧‧‧Circuit

202‧‧‧First Circuit

204‧‧‧Second circuit

206, 210, 214‧‧‧FET

208‧‧‧Conversion Department

212‧‧‧Resistor

216‧‧‧Diode

218‧‧‧Inductor

220‧‧‧Capacitor

Claims (19)

A fog generating device is provided with: a power supply; a load, which atomizes the fog source by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power supply, and the resistance value of the load changes with temperature; a first circuit, It is used to make the load atomize the mist source; the second circuit is used to detect the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load, and it is connected in parallel with the first circuit, including the known device connected in series with the load. The resistance value of the second circuit is a known resistance, and the resistance value of the second circuit is greater than that of the first circuit; the acquisition part is to obtain the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit and the load; and the sensor is the output The value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the aforementioned load; the resistance value of the aforementioned known resistance is such that there is a current that can distinguish the state where the current flows through the second circuit and the state where the current does not flow through the second circuit. , When the voltage of the aforementioned power supply is the discharge termination voltage, it flows through the aforementioned second circuit. According to the mist generating device described in claim 1, wherein the sensor outputs the value of the voltage applied to the load or the known resistance as the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load. The mist generating device described in item 2 of the scope of patent application, wherein: The aforementioned known resistance has a resistance value larger than that of the aforementioned load, and the aforementioned sensor outputs the value of the voltage applied to the aforementioned load. The mist generating device described in item 3 of the scope of patent application, wherein the change with the temperature change of the load is obtained based on the comparison between the value of the reference voltage and the value of the amplified voltage applied to the load The value of the voltage. For example, the mist generating device described in any one of items 1 to 4 of the scope of the patent application is provided with: a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and then outputs it to be applied to the second circuit and the load; the aforementioned acquisition The unit obtains the target value of the output voltage of the conversion unit during the period when a current flows through the second circuit. According to the mist generating device described in item 5 of the scope of patent application, the conversion unit is connected between a node on the high voltage side among the nodes connected to the first circuit and the second circuit and the power source. For the mist generating device described in item 5 of the scope of patent application, wherein the aforementioned conversion unit is a switching regulator that can step down the input voltage and then output it. The mist generating device described in any one of items 1 to 4 in the scope of the patent application, wherein the storage part storing the mist source and the load are included in the mist generating device which can be detached from the mist generating device through the connecting part The cartridge; the aforementioned sensor is not included in the aforementioned cartridge. The mist generating device described in any one of items 1 to 4 in the scope of patent application, wherein: The storage part for storing the mist source and the load are included in a cartridge that can be attached and detached from the mist generating device through the connection part; the sensor outputs the value of the voltage applied to the load and the connection part As the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the aforementioned load. The mist generating device according to any one of items 1 to 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the mist base material holding the mist source is included in a mist generating article that can be plugged and unplugged with respect to the mist generating device; The detector is not included in the aforementioned mist-generating article. For example, the mist generating device described in any one of items 2 to 4 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the aforementioned known resistance system has: can make it possible to distinguish between a state where a current flows through the second circuit and a state where no current flows through the aforementioned first circuit. 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 described in item 11 of the scope of patent application is provided with: a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and then outputs it to be applied to the second circuit and the load; the known resistance has: A current having a magnitude that can distinguish the state in which current flows through the second circuit and the state in which no current flows through the second circuit, in the output of the conversion section The voltage applied to the second circuit and the load flows through the resistance value of the second circuit. For example, the mist generating device described in any one of items 1 to 4 of the scope of the patent application is provided with: a first switch, which makes the electrical conduction of the aforementioned first circuit turn on or off; and a second switch, The electrical conduction of the second circuit is turned on or off; and the control unit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch so that the first switch is longer than the second switch Switch on (on) time of the switch. According to the mist generating device described in item 13 of the scope of patent application, the turn-on (turn-on) time of the second switch is the minimum time that the control unit can achieve. The mist generating device described in any one of items 1 to 4 of the scope of the patent application includes a control unit configured to determine whether it will be applied to the entire circuit including the first circuit and the second circuit. When the value of the voltage is controlled for a certain period of time, whether the value of the voltage applied to the load meets a predetermined condition. The mist generating device described in any one of items 1 to 4 of the scope of patent application includes a control unit configured to determine the voltage applied to the entire circuit including the first circuit and the second circuit Whether the resistance value of the load derived from the value of and the value of the voltage applied to the load meets a predetermined condition. A mist generating device, which is provided with: a power source; The load is used to atomize the mist source by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power supply, and the resistance value of the load changes with temperature; the first circuit is used to make the load atomize the mist The second circuit is used to detect the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the load, connected in parallel with the first circuit, including a known resistance with a known resistance value connected in series with the load, and the first The resistance value of the two circuits is larger than that of the first circuit; the acquisition part is to acquire the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit and the load; and the sensor is to output a voltage that changes with the temperature of the load The value; the resistance value of the aforementioned known resistor is such that there is a current that can distinguish the state of the current flowing through the aforementioned second circuit and the state of the current not flowing through the aforementioned second circuit, and the temperature of the aforementioned load is only at the aforementioned When the mist source is insufficient to reach the temperature, it flows through the aforementioned second circuit. A fog generating device is provided with: a power supply; a load, which atomizes the fog source by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power supply, and the resistance value of the load changes with temperature; a first circuit, It is used to make the load atomize the mist source; the second circuit is used to detect the temperature change of the load The voltage that changes due to change is connected in parallel with the first circuit, and includes a known resistance with a known resistance value connected in series with the load, and the resistance of the second circuit is greater than that of the first circuit; the acquisition part is required Obtain the value of the voltage applied to the aforementioned second circuit and the aforementioned load; and the sensor, which outputs the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature of the aforementioned load; the resistance value of the aforementioned known resistor is such that the current flows through During the period of the second circuit, only the electric power necessary for keeping the load kept warm is supplied to the load. A method of manufacturing a mist generating device includes: a step of disposing a power source; a step of disposing a load. The load is atomized by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power source, and the resistance value of the load is Changes with temperature; the step of forming a first circuit, the first circuit is used to make the load atomize the source of mist; the step of forming a second circuit, the second circuit is used to detect the load with the The voltage that changes due to temperature changes is connected in parallel with the first circuit, and includes a known resistance having a known resistance value connected in series with the load, and the resistance of the second circuit is greater than that of the first circuit; Step, the acquiring unit needs to acquire the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit and the load; and The step of configuring a sensor, which outputs the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature of the aforementioned load; the resistance of the aforementioned known resistor is such that it can distinguish the state of the current flowing through the aforementioned second circuit and the current A current of a magnitude that does not flow through the state of the second circuit flows through the second circuit when the voltage of the power supply is the discharge end voltage.

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