TWI766938B - Aerosol generating device, and method and computer program product for activating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol generating device having a small number of required constituting components and high detection precision regarding lack of aerosol source.

An aerosol generating device 100 has: a power supply 110; a reservoir 116A for storing an aerosol source or an aerosol base material 116B for holding an aerosol source; a load 132 atomizing the aerosol source supplied from reservoir 116A or held by the aerosol base material 116B by heating due to the electricity of the power supply 110, which has an electric resistance value varying according to temperature; a circuit 134 electrically connecting with the power supply 110 and the load 132; and a controller 106 determining whether or not the aerosol source capable being supplied by the reservoir 116A or held by the aerosol base material 116B is insufficient, based on a first voltage value which is the value of the voltage applied to the whole circuit 134, and a second voltage value which is the value of the voltage applied to the place where the applied voltage changes according to the temperature change of the load 132.

Description

Mist generating device and method and computer program product for operating the same

The present invention relates to a mist generating device for generating aerosol for a user to inhale, and a method and program for operating the device.

In general electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, nebulizers and other mist generating devices for generating mist for the user to inhale, when the mist source that will become mist after atomization is insufficient, if the user inhales , it cannot provide sufficient mist to the user. Also, in the case of electronic cigarettes or heated cigarettes, there is a problem that mist having an unintended cigarette smell may be emitted.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of detecting whether or not a mist source is still present based on the electric 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 in which information contained in a cartridge storing a mist source is read on the power supply side, and control is performed based on the information. Various techniques for solving or possibly contributing to the above-mentioned problems are also disclosed in Patent Documents 4 to 12.

However, in the conventional technology, in order to detect the shortage of the mist source, it is necessary to have components including a current meter and a voltmeter, so the cost, weight, size, and the like of the device increase. In addition, the conventional technology uses parameters that are easily fluctuated due to errors in the constituent elements of the device, and thus has low detection accuracy regarding the shortage of mist sources. In addition, technology must be developed to detect the lack of mist supply with better accuracy after changing the cartridge.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: Specification of European Patent Publication No. 2797446

Patent Document 2: Specification of European Patent Publication No. 1412829

Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2015/138560

Patent Document 4: Specification of European Patent Publication No. 2471392

Patent Document 5: Specification of European Patent Publication No. 2257195

Patent Document 6: Specification of European Patent Publication No. 2654469

Patent Document 7: International Publication No. 2015/100361

Patent Document 8: JP 2017-503520 Specification

Patent Document 9: International Publication No. 2017/084818

Patent Document 10: Specification of European Patent Publication No. 2399636

Patent Document 11: JP 2016-531549 Specification

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

The present invention has been made 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 require a small number of components and have a high detection accuracy for insufficient mist source.

The second problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generating device and a method for manufacturing the mist generating device, which suppress the influence of product errors of constituent elements on detection accuracy related to a shortage of 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 shortage of mist source with better accuracy after the cartridge is replaced.

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

In one embodiment, the aforementioned control unit is configured as: In the case where the second voltage value satisfies the first condition a plurality of times during the control of the first voltage value to be constant, or the resistance value of the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second condition In the case of multiple times, it is determined that the aforementioned mist source is 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 when 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 previous number of times.

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with: a connecting portion for attaching and detaching a cartridge including the storage portion or a mist generating article including the mist base material, and capable of detecting the cartridge or the mist generating article. assembly and disassembly. The control unit is configured to memorize the number of times the first condition is satisfied or the number of times the second condition is satisfied, and to reduce the number of times each time the cartridge or the mist generating article is attached to the connection part.

In one embodiment, the identification information or usage history of the cartridge or the mist-generating article can be obtained by a predetermined method. The aforementioned control portion is configured to: according to the aforementioned cartridge attached to the aforementioned connecting portion or The identification information or the use history of the mist generating article is used to determine whether to reduce the 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 mist source is insufficient according to the comparison between the number of times and a preset threshold, and In the case where the change of the time series required to generate mist is inconsistent with the preset normal change, but the aforementioned first condition or the aforementioned second condition is satisfied, the aforementioned number of times shall not be increased or the amount of increase of the aforementioned number of times shall be decreased, or the aforementioned The preset 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 mist source is insufficient, And when the said first criterion is satisfied a plurality of times or when the number of times the second criterion is satisfied is less than the plurality of times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient.

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

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

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether or not the first criterion is satisfied before determining whether or not the first criterion is satisfied. Two benchmarks.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to supply power to the load from the power source without determining whether or not the first criterion is satisfied when the second criterion is satisfied and the mist source is determined to be insufficient. At least one of cessation or notification to users.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and outputs the output voltage 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 or not the mist source is insufficient.

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a larger resistance value than the load. The mist generating device is provided with a sensor for outputting the second voltage value according to the comparison between the reference voltage and the amplified voltage applied to the load.

In addition, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: operating a mist source by supplying heat from a power source to a load whose resistance value varies with temperature. The step of atomization; and the step of determining whether the mist source that can be supplied to generate mist is insufficient according to a first voltage value and a second voltage value, the first voltage value being applied to electrically connecting the power source and the mist source 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 varies with the temperature of the load.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device, the mist generating device comprising: a power source; a storage part for storing a mist source or a mist base material for holding the mist source; and a load, which is provided by the power source The heat generated by the supplied electric power causes the mist source supplied from the storage part or held by the mist substrate to atomize, and the resistance value of the load changes with the temperature; the circuit is electrically connected the power source and the load; and the control unit configured to be based on the first power source A voltage value and a second voltage value are used to estimate the remaining amount of the mist source stored in the storage unit or held by the mist base material. The first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit. The second The voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the portion of the circuit where the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load.

In addition, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: operating a mist source by generating heat generated by supplying power from a power source to a load whose resistance value varies with temperature The step of atomizing; and the step of estimating the remaining amount of the mist source according to a first voltage value and a second voltage value, the first voltage value being applied to the voltage of the whole circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load The second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the portion of the circuit where the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load.

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device, the mist generating device comprising: a power source; a storage part for storing a mist source or a mist base material for holding the mist source; and a load, which is provided by the power source The heat generated by the supplied electric power atomizes the mist source supplied from the storage unit or held by the mist base material; a circuit is electrically connected to the power source and the load; and a control unit is configured to Whether or not the mist source that can be supplied from the storage unit to the load or held in the mist substrate is insufficient is determined according to a first voltage value and a second voltage value, the first voltage value being the voltage applied to the entire circuit , the second voltage value 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 the memory, The aforementioned second voltage value is obtained from the sensor.

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

Further, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device, the mist generating device comprising: a power source; a storage part for storing a mist source or a mist base material for holding the mist source; and a load, which is provided by the power source The heat generated by the supplied electric power causes the mist source to be atomized; a circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and the load; 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 entirety of the circuit, the second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to a part of the circuit, The control unit is configured to acquire the first voltage value from a memory and acquire 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: the step of atomizing a mist source by generating heat generated by supplying power to a load from a power source; and The step of estimating the remaining amount of the mist source according to a first voltage value and a second voltage value, the first voltage value being the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load, the second voltage The value is the value of the voltage applied to a portion of the circuit, and the first voltage value is obtained from the memory and the second voltage value is obtained from the sensor.

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned second problem, according to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power supply; The mist source is atomized, and the resistance value will change with temperature; the first circuit is used to atomize the mist source for the load; the second circuit is used to detect the temperature change of the load. The first circuit is connected in parallel with the resistance value larger than that of the first circuit; the obtaining part obtains the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit and the load; and the sensor outputs the following The value of the voltage that changes with the temperature change of the aforementioned load.

In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a known resistor with 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 of the load.

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

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and outputs the output voltage to be applied to the second circuit and the load. The acquisition unit acquires a target value of the output voltage of the conversion unit during a period in which a 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 source.

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

In one embodiment, the storage portion for storing the mist source and the load are contained in a cartridge that can be attached and detached with respect to the mist generating device through the connection portion. The aforementioned sensor is not included in the aforementioned cartridge.

In one embodiment, the second circuit includes a known resistor with 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 which can be attached and detached with respect to the mist generating device through the connection part. The sensor outputs the value of the voltage applied to the load and the connection portion as the value of the voltage that changes with the temperature of the load.

In one embodiment, the mist base material holding the mist source is included in the mist generating article which can be inserted and withdrawn with respect to the mist generating device. The aforementioned sensor is not included in the aforementioned mist generating article.

In one embodiment, the known resistor system has a current having a magnitude capable of distinguishing a state in which a current flows through the second circuit and a state in which no current flows through the second circuit, and a current flowing through the second circuit. resistance.

In one embodiment, the known resistor system has a current having a magnitude capable of distinguishing 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 voltage of the power supply is the discharge voltage. The condition of the termination voltage flows through the resistance value of the aforementioned second circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a conversion unit that converts the output voltage of the power supply and outputs the output voltage to be applied to the second circuit and the load. The above-mentioned known resistor system has a current having a magnitude capable of distinguishing 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 output voltage of the conversion portion is applied to the second circuit. And the condition of the aforementioned load flows through the resistance value of the aforementioned second circuit.

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a current having a magnitude capable of distinguishing 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 mist source is insufficient flows through the resistance value of the second circuit.

In one embodiment, the known resistance system has a resistance value for supplying to the load only the electric power necessary to keep the load 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 while a current flows through the second circuit.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a first switch for turning on or off the electrical conduction of the first circuit; and a second switch for turning on and 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) for a longer time than the second switch.

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

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned third problem, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power source; The mist source is atomized, and has the temperature-resistance value characteristic that the resistance value changes with the temperature; the memory, which memorizes the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristic; the sensor, which outputs the value related to the resistance value of the aforementioned load; and a control unit configured to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic according to 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 according to the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the load generates mist and the room temperature.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to, when it is determined that the temperature of the load is the room temperature, the preset condition is satisfied, the output value of the sensor before the mist is generated according to the load and the room temperature are formed. Corresponding relationship between, and correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic.

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device is provided with: a mist generating article, a cartridge including the aforementioned load and a storage portion for storing the aforementioned mist source, or a mist including the aforementioned load and holding the aforementioned mist source. The gas base material; and the connecting part are used to make the cartridge detachable or the mist generating article to be pluggable. The predetermined condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the cartridge was loaded into 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 preset 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 preset threshold.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the load, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied, control the output value of the sensor to correspond to the output value of the load. The load does not generate mist until the estimated value of the temperature is established in correspondence.

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

In one embodiment, the predetermined power is power that does not increase the temperature of the load above the resolution of the sensor.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned preset power system does not make the The power that the temperature of the aforementioned load increases.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the power supplied from the power source to the load, and based on the output value of the sensor and the fog start when power sufficient to generate mist is 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 a predetermined power to the load when the output value of the sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value when power sufficient to generate mist is supplied to the load. In the case where the amount of change in the output value of the sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold value, the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic is not corrected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the power supply from the power source to the load so that the power sufficient to generate mist is supplied to the load, and is configured to be in a stable state according to 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 value characteristic.

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the temperature of the 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 the information related to the load or the cartridge having the load , to correct the memorized slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance characteristic.

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

In one embodiment, the temperature of the load is proportional to the resistance value. The control unit is configured to: based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before generating the mist and the room temperature according to the load, and the output of the sensor when supplying power sufficient to generate the mist to the load The correspondence between the value and the temperature at which the mist starts to generate, come to the calibration The slope and intercept of the previously memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic.

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a mist generating article, a cartridge having the storage portion for carrying and storing the mist source, or a mist base material for supporting the load and holding the mist source; and a connecting portion , which is used to make the cartridge detachable or to make the mist generating article pluggable. The control unit is configured to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic only when it is detected that the cartridge is removed from the connection unit or the mist generating article is pulled out from the connection unit.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to determine whether the correction should be performed according to a preset condition before correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic stored in the memory.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes: a mist generating article, a cartridge having the storage portion for carrying and storing the mist source or a mist base material for supporting the load and holding the mist source; and a connecting portion , which is used to make the cartridge detachable or to make the mist generating article pluggable. The control part is configured to memorize the resistance value of the cartridge removed from the connection part or the mist generating article pulled out from the connection part. The preset 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 values of the aforementioned mist generating articles of the connecting portion are different.

In one embodiment, the preset condition is: during the period when power is continuously supplied to the load, the rate of change of the resistance value of the cartridge attached to the connection part or the resistance of the mist generating article inserted into the connection part The rate of change of the value is lower than the preset threshold.

In one embodiment, the preset 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 value is not corrected, the In the above-mentioned temperature-resistance value characteristics, the temperature of the above-mentioned 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 includes: a mist generating article, a cartridge having the storage portion for carrying and storing the mist source, or a mist base material for supporting the load and holding the mist source; and a connecting portion , which is used to make the cartridge detachable or to make the mist generating article pluggable. The sensor is not included in the cartridge or the mist generating article. The control unit is configured to correct the memorized temperature according to the corresponding relationship between the value obtained by subtracting the preset 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 includes: a first circuit used for atomizing the mist source for the load; and a second circuit for detecting a resistance value that is related to the load. The value of OFF is used, 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 includes a circuit that electrically connects the power source and the load. The sensor outputs at least the value of the voltage applied to the portion of the circuit where the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load. The control unit is configured to derive the resistance value of the load from the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the output value of the sensor.

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

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: heat generated by supplying power to a load having a temperature-resistance characteristic in which the resistance value varies with temperature , to atomize the mist source; and according to 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, The steps of correcting the aforementioned temperature-resistance value characteristic stored in the memory.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load for atomizing a mist source by heat generated by the power supplied from the power source, and Has a temperature-resistance feature where the resistance value varies with temperature a memory for memorizing the temperature-resistance characteristic; a sensor that outputs a value related to the resistance of the load; and a control unit configured to execute a preset control according to the temperature-resistance characteristic, The control unit is configured to correct the value related to the predetermined control according to the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load corresponding to the output value.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, the method comprising: heat generated by supplying power to a load having a temperature-resistance characteristic in which the resistance value varies with temperature , the steps of atomizing the mist source; the steps of performing preset control according to the temperature-resistance value characteristic; and the output value of the sensor outputting a value related to the resistance value of the load and corresponding to the output value The step of correcting the value related to the predetermined control according to the corresponding relationship between the estimated value of the temperature of the load and the value.

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

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

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a mist generating device that suppresses the influence of product errors of constituent elements on the detection accuracy of mist source shortage.

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

100A, 100B‧‧‧Mist generator

102‧‧‧Main body

104A‧‧‧Cylinder

104B‧‧‧Mist-generating articles

106‧‧‧Control Department

108‧‧‧Notification Department

110‧‧‧Power

112, 112A to 112d‧‧‧Sensors

114‧‧‧Memory

116A‧‧‧Storage

116B‧‧‧Mist Substrate

118A, 118B‧‧‧Atomization Department

120‧‧‧Air inlet flow path

121‧‧‧Mist flow path

122‧‧‧Suction Port

124‧‧‧Arrow

130‧‧‧Maintenance Department

132, 132A, 132B, 132C‧‧‧load

132-1‧‧‧First load

132-2‧‧‧Second load

134‧‧‧Circuits

202‧‧‧First Circuit

204‧‧‧Second circuit

206, 210, 214‧‧‧FET

208‧‧‧Conversion Department

212‧‧‧Resistance

216‧‧‧Diode

218‧‧‧Inductors

220‧‧‧Capacitor

702‧‧‧Comparators

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 showing the configuration of a mist generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of the mist generating device according to the 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 of determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in one embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration for obtaining the value of the voltage which changes with the temperature change of the load in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for detecting the shortage of the mist source.

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 13 is a graph for explaining that the temperature threshold for determining whether the mist source is insufficient may become too high due to the manufacturing variation of the load 132 .

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

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

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and nebulizers. Embodiments of the present invention may include various mist generating devices for generating aerosol for a user to inhale.

Fig. 1A shows the generation of mist according to an embodiment of the present invention A schematic block diagram of the configuration of the apparatus 100A. Please note that FIG. 1A is a diagram schematically and conceptually showing each component of the mist generating device 100A, and does not show the exact arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of each component 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 body 102 may include a control part 106 , a notification part 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, a voltage sensor, etc., which are collectively referred to as "sensor 112" in this specification. The body 102 may also include a circuit 134 to be described later. As an example, the cartridge 104A may include a storage portion 116A, an atomization portion 118A, an air introduction flow path 120 , a mist flow path 121 , a suction port portion 122 , a holding portion 130 , and a load 132 . A portion of the elements contained within body 102 may be contained within cartridge 104A. A portion of the elements contained within cartridge 104A may be contained within body 102 . The cartridge 104A may be configured to be detachable from the main body 102 . Alternatively, all of the components contained in the body 102 and the cartridge 104A may be contained in the same housing instead of the body 102 and the cartridge 104A.

The storage portion 116A may be configured as a storage tank for accommodating the mist source. In this case, the mist source is a liquid such as polyols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, or water. In the case where the mist generating device 100A is an electronic cigarette, the mist source in the storage unit 116A may contain tobacco raw materials that emit cigarette flavor components after heating, or may be derived from the extraction of tobacco raw materials thing. The holding part 130 holds the mist source. For example, the holding part 130 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and holds the 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 material can be used. In the case where the mist generating device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the mist source may further contain a drug for inhalation by the patient. As another example, the storage portion 116A may have a configuration capable of replenishing the depleted mist source. Alternatively, the storage unit 116A may be configured to be replaceable with a new storage unit 116A when the mist is consumed. In addition, the mist source is not limited to liquid, but can also be solid. In the case where the mist source is solid, the storage portion 116A may be a container with a storage space.

The atomizing part 118A is configured to generate mist by atomizing the mist source. When the sensor 112 detects the inhalation action, the atomizing part 118A generates mist. For example, the sucking action can be detected using a flow sensor or a flow sensor. In this case, the absolute value or variation of the flow rate or flow rate of the air in the air introduction flow path 120 generated if the user sucks while holding the mouthpiece 122 satisfies a preset condition, the flow sensor or the flow rate The sensor detects the sucking action. Alternatively, for example, a pressure sensor may be used to detect the sucking action. In this case, if the user holds the mouthpiece 122 for inhalation and the preset conditions such as making the air introduced into the flow path 120 become negative pressure are satisfied, the pressure sensor can detect the inhalation action. In addition, the flow sensor, the velocity sensor and the pressure sensor can respectively only output the flow, velocity and pressure of the air introduced into the flow path 120, and then the control unit 106 can detect the sucking action according to the output.

In addition, for example, a button, a touch panel, an acceleration sensor, etc. can be used without detecting the inhalation action, or without waiting for the inhalation action to be detected, the atomizing part 118A generates mist, or supplies power from the power supply 110 . To the atomizing 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 properly mist the user at the point 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 an operation on a button or a touch panel.

For example, the holding part 130 is provided to connect the storage part 116A and the atomization part 118A. In this case, a part of the holding part 130 comes into contact with the mist source through the inside of the storage part 116A. Another portion of the holding portion 130 extends to the atomizing portion 118A. The other portion of the holding portion 130 extending to the atomizing portion 118A may be housed in the atomizing portion 118A, or may pass through the atomizing portion 118A and then to the interior of the storage portion 116A. The mist source is supplied from the storage portion 116A to the atomization portion 118A by utilizing the capillary phenomenon of the holding portion 130 . As an example, the atomizing part 118A is provided with a heater, and the heater includes a load 132 electrically connected to the power source 110 . The heater is arranged so as to be in contact with or close to the holding portion 130 . When a puffing action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118A or controls the power supply to the heater, and heats the mist source conveyed by 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 leads to 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 indicated by arrow 124 . The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for feeding the mixed fluid of mist and air generated in the atomizing portion 118A to the suction port 122 .

The suction port 122 is located at the terminal end of the mist flow path 121, and is configured to open the mist flow path 121 toward the outside of the mist generating device 100A. The user sucks while holding the mouthpiece 122, thereby sucking the air containing the mist into the oral cavity.

The notification unit 108 may include a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, and the like. The notification unit 108 is configured to notify the user of what has happened by light emission, display, sound, vibration, etc. as necessary.

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 source 110 can be connected to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the mist generating device 100A for charging. Only the power supply 110 can be removed from the main body 102 or the mist generating device 100A, and then a new power supply 110 can be replaced. It is also possible to replace the entire 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 a plurality of sensors used to obtain the value of the voltage applied to the whole or a specific portion of the circuit 134, the value related to the resistance value of the load 132, the value related to the temperature, and the like. Sensor 112 may be assembled within circuit 134 . The sensor 112 can also be The functionality is built into the controller 106 . The sensor 112 may further 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 flow rate. The sensor 112 may also include a weight sensor for detecting the weight of the components of the storage portion 116A and the like. The sensor 112 may also be configured to count the number of puffs made by the user using the mist generating device 100A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to be able to accumulate the energization time to the atomizing unit 118A. The sensor 112 may also be configured to detect the height of the liquid level in the reservoir 116A. The control unit 106 and the sensor 112 may be configured to be able to obtain or detect the SOC (State Of Charge), the integrated current value, the voltage, and the like of the power supply 110 . The SOC can be obtained by a current accumulation method (Coulomb counting method), a SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) method, or the like. The sensor 112 can also be a user-operable operation button or the like.

The control unit 106 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 computer-executable commands 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 can also store setting data and the like necessary for the control of the mist generating device 100A. For example, the memory 114 can store the control program of the notification part 108 (the form of light, sound, vibration, etc.), the control program of the atomization part 118A, the values 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 the data from the memory 114 as necessary and uses it for the control of the mist generating device 100A. control, and store the data in the memory 114 as needed.

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

As shown in Fig. 1B, the mist generating device 100B has a similar configuration to that of the mist generating device 100A in Fig. 1A. However, the configuration of the second member 104B (hereinafter referred to as "the mist generating article 104B" or the "stick 104B") is different from the configuration of the second member 104A. As an example, the mist-generating article 104B may include a mist substrate 116B, a misting portion 118B, an air introduction flow path 120 , a mist flow path 121 , and a suction port 122 .

A portion of the elements contained within body 102 may be contained within mist-generating article 104B. A portion of the elements contained within the mist-generating article 104B may be contained within the body 102 . The mist-generating article 104B may be configured to be able to be inserted and removed from the main body 102 . Alternatively, all the components contained in the body 102 and the mist-generating article 104B may be contained in the same casing instead of the body 102 and the mist-generating article 104B.

The mist substrate 116B may be constructed as a solid carrying the mist source. As in the case of the storage portion 116A of FIG. 1A, the mist source may be a liquid such as polyols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or water, or the like. The aerosol source in the aerosol substrate 116B may contain tobacco raw materials or extracts derived from tobacco raw materials that emit cigarette flavor components upon heating. In the case where the mist generating device 100B is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the mist source may further contain a drug for inhalation by the patient. The mist base material 116B can be configured to be able to be replaced with a new mist base material 116B when the mist source is exhausted. In addition, the mist source is not limited to liquid, but can also be solid.

The atomizing part 118B is configured to generate mist by atomizing the mist source. When the sensor 112 detects the inhalation action, the atomizing part 118B generates mist. The atomizing part 118B is provided 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 atomizing unit 118B or controls the power supply to the heater, and heats the mist source contained in the mist substrate 116B to atomize the mist source. Another example of the atomizing part 118B can 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 leads 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 indicated by arrow 124 . The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixed fluid of mist and air generated in the atomizing portion 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 thereof by the atomizing portion 118B located or inserted therein. Alternatively, the mist generating article 104B may be configured to be heated from the outside by the atomizing portion 118B configured to surround or accommodate the mist generating article 104B.

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

In the mist generating device, when the mist source is insufficient, if the user inhales, sufficient mist cannot be provided to the user. Moreover, in the case of electronic cigarettes or heated cigarettes, there may be unintended of cigarette-flavored mist (referred to as "unexpected conditions"). Except when the mist source in the storage part 116A or the mist base 116B is insufficient, when there is a sufficient mist source in the storage part 116A but the mist source in the holding part 130 is temporarily insufficient, unexpected situations may also occur. . The inventors of the present invention invented a mist generating device that performs appropriate control when the mist source is insufficient, and a method and program for operating the device. Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail mainly assuming that the mist generating device has the configuration shown in FIG. 1A . However, if necessary, the case where the mist generating device has the configuration shown in FIG. 1B will also be described together. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiment of the present invention is applicable even when the mist generating device has various configurations other than those shown in Figs. 1A and 1B.

<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 FIG. 2 includes a power source 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 resistors") , a first circuit 202, a second circuit 204, a switch Q1 including a first field effect transistor (FET: Field Emission Transistor) 206, a conversion part 208, a switch Q2 including a second FET 210, and a resistor 212 (hereinafter also referred to as "shunt resistance"). The sensor 112 may be built in other components such as the control unit 106 or the conversion unit 208 . For example, PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient: Positive Temperature Coefficient Characteristic) heater or NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient: Negative Temperature Coefficient Characteristic) heater, so that the resistance value of the load 132 changes with temperature. Shunt resistor 212 is connected in series with load 132 and has a known resistance value. The resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 may not change substantially with respect to temperature. The shunt resistor 212 has a larger resistance value than the load 132 . Depending on the implementation, the sensors 112C and 112D may also be omitted. Instead of using FETs, various elements such as iGBTs and contactors may be used as switches Q1 and Q2, which is obvious to those skilled in the art.

The converter 208 is, for example, a switching converter, and may include a 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, a step-up switching converter, a buck-boost switching converter, or an LDO (Linear DropOut, linear regulator) regulator, etc. can also be used instead of the drop-down shown in Figure 2. voltage switching converter. The converter 208 is not an essential element and can be omitted. The conversion unit 208 may be controlled by a control unit (not shown) that is independent of the control unit 106 . The not-shown control unit may also be built in the conversion unit 208 .

The circuit 134 shown in FIG. 1A is electrically connected to the power source 110 and the load 132 , and may include a first circuit 202 and a second circuit 204 . The first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 are connected in parallel with respect to the power source 110 and the load 132 . The first circuit 202 may include a switch Q1. second circuit 204 Switch Q2 and resistor 212 (and optional sensor 112D) may be included. The first circuit 202 may have a smaller resistance value than the second circuit 204 . In this example, the sensor 112B and the sensor 112D are voltage sensors, which are configured to detect the voltages at both ends of the load 132 and the resistor 212 , respectively. However, the structure 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, which can detect the value of the current flowing through the load 132 and/or the resistor 212 .

As indicated by the dotted arrows in FIG. 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 cause the first circuit 202 to function by switching the switch Q1 from the off state to the on state, and to cause the second circuit 204 to function by switching the switch Q2 from the off state to the on state . The control unit 106 may also be configured to alternately perform the functions of the first circuit 202 and the second circuit 204 by switching the switches Q1 and Q2 alternately.

The first circuit 202 is used for atomization of the mist source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the ON state to enable the first circuit 202 to function, electric power is supplied to the heater (ie, 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 portion 130 in the atomizing portion 118A (in the case of the mist generating device 100B in FIG. 1B, the mist source carried on the mist base 116B) is atomized, and the mist is generated. 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 the like. As an example, consider the case where sensors 112B and 112D as shown in FIG. 2 are voltage sensors. When the switch Q2 is on and the second circuit 204 is functioning, current flows through the switch Q2 , the resistor 212 and the load 132 . Sensors 112B and 112D obtain the value of the voltage applied to load 132 and/or the value of the voltage applied to 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 determined. From the output voltage V _out of the converter 208 and the current value, the total value of the resistance values of the resistor 212 and the load 132 can be obtained. Therefore, the known resistance value R _shunt can be subtracted from the total value to obtain the resistance value of the load 132 . Resistor value R _HTR . When the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic in which the resistance value changes with temperature, the relationship between the resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature is known in advance, and the resistance value of the load 132 is obtained as described above. R _HTR , the temperature of the load 132 can be estimated. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that the resistance value and temperature of the load 132 can be estimated using the value of the current flowing through the resistor 212 . In this example, the value related to the resistance value of the load 132 may include the voltage value, the current value and the like of the load 132 . Specific examples of the sensors 112B and 112D are not limited to voltage sensors, but may also include other elements such as current sensors (eg, Hall elements).

The sensor 112A detects the output voltage of the power supply 110 during discharge or no load. The sensor 112C detects the output voltage of the converter 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.

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

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

Among them, V _Batt is the voltage applied to the whole circuit. When the converter 208 is not used, V _Batt is the output voltage of the power supply 110 . When the converter 208 is used, V _Batt corresponds to the target voltage of the converter 208 . V _HTR is the voltage applied to the heater. The voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 can also be used in place of V _HTR .

As described below, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 can be based on the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit (the output voltage of the power supply 110 or the target voltage of the conversion unit 208 ) (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 ) where the voltage applied in the circuit varies with the temperature of the load 132 (hereinafter referred to as the “second voltage value”) is used to determine Whether the mist source that can be supplied by the storage unit 116A (or the mist source contained in the mist base 116B) is insufficient. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the mist source is insufficient by only adding a minimum number of sensors to the configuration of the conventional mist generating device. Especially in the case of using the converter 208, in the above-mentioned formula for obtaining the resistance value _RHTR of the load 132, the parameters to be obtained from the sensor 112 are only the voltage applied to the heater or the shunt resistance. The voltage of 212 and other values can be 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 the accuracy of determining whether an unexpected situation occurs can be greatly improved.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process of determining whether or not the mist source is insufficient in one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the description is made on the case where all the steps are performed by the control unit 106 . However, please note that some of the steps may also be performed by other elements of the mist generating device 100 .

Processing begins at step 302 . In step 302, the control unit 106 determines whether the user's ingestion is detected according to the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, and the like. For example, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's ingestion is detected when the output values of the sensors continuously change. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation has been detected based on, for example, pressing a button for starting the generation of mist.

If no ingestion is detected ("No" in step 302), the process of step 302 is repeated.

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

If the count value is equal to or greater than the threshold value (YES in step 304 ), the process proceeds to step 306 . In step 306, the control unit 106 determines that the mist source that can be supplied by the storage unit 116A (or the mist source 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 causes the notification unit 108 to perform an operation for notifying the user of abnormal lighting, display, sound, vibration, and the like. 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 (NO in step 304 ), the process proceeds to step 310 . In step 310 , the control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 to on, so that the first circuit 202 functions. Then, electric power is supplied to the load 132, and the mist source is atomized to generate mist.

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

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

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

Wherein, I _HTR (T _HTR ) is the current flowing through the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR . This formula can be transformed 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, when the temperature of the load 132 increases, the voltage applied to the load 132 increases.

Alternatively, the control section 106 may compare the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 to a predetermined threshold in step 314 instead of comparing the voltage applied to the load 132 to 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. This point can be explained as follows. First, the voltage V _shunt applied to the shunt resistor 212 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR can be expressed as the following equation.

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

By substituting the voltage V _HTR applied to the load 132 when the temperature of the load 132 is T _HTR described above into this formula, it can be transformed into the following formula.

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, when the temperature of the load 132 increases, the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 decreases. That is, in order to determine whether to notify the subsequent high temperature warning 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 in which the first voltage value (the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit) is controlled to be constant whether the value of the voltage of the resistor 212 ) satisfies the first condition. As described above, the _first condition in the case of using the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 as the second voltage value is whether the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is used as the second voltage value. The first condition of is whether it is below V ₁ . Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine whether or not the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second condition (a predetermined resistance value R ₁ or more). When the first condition or the second condition is satisfied a plurality of times, the process may be advanced to step 306 after step 304, and it may be determined that the mist source is insufficient. According to this configuration, when the predetermined condition is satisfied a plurality of times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient. Since it has nothing to do with the noise mixed in the output value of the sensor 112, the resolution of the sensor 112, and even if there is still a sufficient amount of mist source in the storage part 116A or the mist substrate 116B as a whole, it will be caused by the inhalation. The holding part 130 or at least a part of the mist base 116B is dried due to the method, and the mist source may not be insufficient even if the predetermined conditions are satisfied. Therefore, compared with the case where the condition is satisfied only once and the mist source is determined to be insufficient, the detection accuracy of the insufficient mist source is improved.

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

In this example, the control unit 106 determines whether the mist source is insufficient according to the above-mentioned first voltage value which is a constant voltage value and the second voltage value output by the sensor 112B or 112D. The control unit 106 can also determine whether the mist source is insufficient according to the comparison between the second voltage value output by the sensor 112B or 112D and a preset threshold. In this case, it is only necessary to detect the second voltage, so the room for noise mixing can be reduced, and the detection accuracy can 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 take 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, 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 may 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 part 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 mist source is insufficient according to the comparison between the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the output values output by the sensors and a preset threshold value.

If the measured voltage value is less than V ₁ (NO in step 314 ), 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 (eg, 0) when the first condition is not satisfied or when the second condition is not satisfied. Thereby, even when the condition is satisfied only once due to temporary drying of the holding portion 130 or the like, the subsequent detection accuracy can be guaranteed.

If the measured voltage value is equal to or greater than V ₁ (YES in step 314 ), 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 issues a notification of a high temperature warning. For example, the control unit 106 may notify the warning by operating the notification unit 108 in a predetermined manner.

Next, the process proceeds to step 320 , and the control unit 106 prohibits or stops power supply to the load 132 . Next, in step 322, the control unit 106 increments the count value. For example, the control unit 106 increments the count value by 1. After step 322, processing 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 mist source is insufficient when the above-mentioned first condition is continuously satisfied for a plurality of times or when the above-mentioned second condition is continuously satisfied for a plurality of times. In this way, the detection accuracy of insufficient mist source can be further improved. In addition, after step 322, the determination of step 304 can be directly performed without waiting until the user's taste is detected in step 302.

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

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for determining whether or not the mist source 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 or not the voltage value applied to the load 132 measured in step 412 is equal to or greater than 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 becomes 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, V2 is _a value smaller _than V1, and it is determined that the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 is smaller than V1. Whether the voltage value of the circuit resistor 212 is below V ₂ .

If the measured voltage value is equal to or greater than V ₂ (YES in step 419 ), the process proceeds to steps 406 and 408 and ends.

If the measured voltage value is less than V ₂ (NO in step 419 ), 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 of step 404 may be directly performed without waiting until the user's ingestion is detected in step 402.

As described above, in the process 400, the control unit 106 uses the first reference based on the first voltage value and the second voltage value (step 414) and the second reference 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 reference is satisfied a plurality of times, or when the second reference is satisfied by a number less than the plurality of times. The second criterion is harder to satisfy than the first criterion. Therefore, the process 400 has two-stage judgment criteria, so that it is possible to make an immediate judgment of whether the mist source is insufficient, and the quality of the mist generating device 100 can 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 which the first voltage value is controlled to be a certain period satisfies a first threshold value (eg V _{1 )} . above), or whether the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the _first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second threshold value (eg, the predetermined threshold value R1 or more). In the case of using the voltage value applied to the load 132 as the second voltage value, the second reference may be whether the second voltage value satisfies a threshold value greater than the first threshold value, or whether the resistance value of the load 132 satisfies 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 which the first voltage value is controlled to be a certain period satisfies the first threshold value (eg, 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 a second threshold value (eg, a predetermined threshold value 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 satisfies a threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, or whether the resistance value of the load 132 satisfies a threshold value smaller than 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 determine whether or not the second criterion is satisfied before determining whether or not the first criterion is satisfied.

In one example, the control unit 106 may stop the power supply from the power source 110 to the load 132 or notify the user, without making a determination as to whether the first criterion is met when the second criterion is met and the mist source is determined to be insufficient. at least one of the parties.

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

Since the processes of steps 502 to 514 and steps 518 to 522 in FIG. 5 are the same as the processes of steps 302 to 314 and steps 318 to 322 in FIG. 3, the description thereof will be omitted.

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

As described above, in the process 500, the control unit may memorize the number of times the first condition is satisfied or the number of times the second condition is satisfied, and if the number of times the second condition is not satisfied The case of the first condition or the case of not satisfying the second condition reduces the number of times. Thereby, even if the condition is satisfied only once due to temporary drying of the holding portion 130 or the like, the subsequent detection accuracy can be ensured.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include: the cartridge 104A including the storage part 116A or the mist generating article 104B including the mist substrate 116B can be attached and detached, and the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B can be detected. the connection part. For example, the mist generating device 100 may be provided with a physical switch to be actuated at the time of attachment and detachment, a magnetic detection unit for detecting 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 according to the operation of a physical switch, the change of 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 the first condition is satisfied or the number of times that the second condition is satisfied, and the number of times is decreased each time the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is attached. In this example, the count value is decreased when the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is replaced. Therefore, it is not necessary to inherit the count value memorized for the cartridge 104A or the mist-generating article 104B before replacement, so that the detection accuracy for the new cartridge 104A or the mist-generating article 104B is improved.

In the above example, the identification information or usage history of the cartridge 104A or the mist-generating article 104B can be obtained by a predetermined method. The control part 106 can determine whether to use the above-mentioned time according to the identification information or the use history of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B attached to the connecting part. number decreases. For example, the count value may be decremented when the replaced cartridge 104A or mist-generating article 104B is new. Therefore, when the same cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B is mounted again, the number of times is not reset, so that the detection accuracy of the cartridge can be improved.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary process performed when the user's breathing 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 measure the user's inhalation pattern.

Then, the process proceeds to step 604, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the detected drinking pattern is a drinking pattern other than the assumed situation. For example, the control unit 106 may make this determination by comparing the detected snorting pattern with the normal snorting pattern stored in the memory 114 . The usual absorption pattern may include various patterns known to those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, such as Gaussian distribution. The control unit 106 may perform step 604 according to whether the height of the measured smoking pattern, the length of the flat portion, the interval between two smokings, etc. deviates from the normal values in the normal smoking linear shape by a predetermined threshold value. judgment.

If the detected snorting pattern is a snorting pattern other than the assumed situation (YES in step 604 ), 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 incrementing the count value in steps 322 , 422 and 522 . Or, control Section 106 may decrease the increment of the count value used in steps 322, 422 and 522.

If the detected snorting pattern is not a snorting pattern other than that expected (NO in step 604 ), the process proceeds to step 608 . In step 608, the control unit 106 does not perform the setting change performed in step 606 described above.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control unit 106 can make the preset threshold value when the change in the time series of the required mist generation is inconsistent with the preset normal change, but the first condition or the second condition is satisfied. (count threshold) is increased, the number of times (count value) is not increased, or the increment of the number of times (count value) is decreased. Therefore, even if the user's inhalation is unusual when the user's inhalation is unusual in the case of a long time for one inhalation, a case in which the time interval between two inhalations is short, etc., whether the mist source is Insufficient detection accuracy is also improved.

In the above description, the first embodiment of the present invention has been described as an example of a mist generating device and a method of operating the mist generating device. 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 storage medium storing the program.

<Second Embodiment>

As described above with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mist generating device 100 having the configuration shown in Figs. 1A to 2 is operated according to the processes shown in Figs. 3 to 6 to determine whether or not the mist source is insufficient. (presumably fog remaining gas supply).

The state of insufficient mist source includes: a state in which the mist source stored in the storage part 116A is depleted, a state in which the mist source held in the holding part 130 is temporarily depleted, and the mist source held in the mist generating article 104B (rod 104B) is depleted and causes mist The state in which the substrate 116B becomes dry.

The mist generating device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a small number of necessary components and high detection accuracy related to the shortage of mist sources, so it is superior to the prior art. However, the sensor 112B used to measure the voltage applied to the load 132 is subject to production errors. The sensor 112A used to measure the output voltage of the power supply 110 also has product errors. In addition, the output voltage of the power supply 110 in an unbalanced state (polarized state) tends to oscillate. The inventors of the present invention consider that these product errors and the like affect the accuracy of detection by the mist generating device 100 of the present invention, and this 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 as to whether the mist source is insufficient.

The basic configuration of the mist generating device 100 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the mist generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and the circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 .

The mist generating device 100 is provided with: a power source 110; a load 132, which atomizes the mist source by the heat generated by the electric power supplied by the power source 110, and its resistance value changes with the temperature; the first circuit 202 , which is used by the user in order to make the load 132 atomize the mist source; the second circuit 204 is used to detect the electric power that changes 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 obtaining part obtains the value of the voltage applied to the second circuit 204 and the load 132; and the sensor 112B or 112D , which is the value of the output voltage that varies with the temperature of the load 132 . The mist generating device 100 may have a switching part 208 such as a switch-type converter, or may not have the switching part 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

where 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 includes 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 with the temperature of the load 132 , the value of the voltage applied to the load 132 also changes with the temperature of the load 132 . Therefore, the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 also varies with the temperature of the load 132 .

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

The second circuit 204 includes a shunt resistor 212 having a known resistance value. Shunt resistor 212 is connected in series with load 132 . 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 varies with the temperature of the load 132 .

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

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

Assuming that the normal temperature is 25°C and the boiling point of the mist source is 200°C, the temperature of the load 132 when it is 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 formula.

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. When the mist generating device 100 does not have the converter 208 , V _out corresponds to the output voltage of the power supply 110 . When the mist generating device 100 includes the converter 208 , V _out corresponds to the output voltage of the converter 208 . The difference ΔI _Q2 between I _Q2 in the case of normal temperature and I _Q2 in the case of overheating can be expressed by the following equation.

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

Wherein, 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 an overheated state. For example, when V _out =2.0V, R _HTR (T _RT )=1Ω, R _HTR (T _delep. )=2Ω, R _shunt =199Ω, △I _Q2 =0.05mA. In addition, the current value flowing through the second circuit 204 at room temperature is calculated as I _Q2 (T _RT )=10.00mA. The value of the current flowing through the second circuit 204 in the overheated state is calculated as I _Q2 (T _delep. )=9.95mA.

In this example, the voltages applied to the shunt resistor 212 under normal temperature and overheating conditions are V _shunt (T _RT )=1990.00mV and V _shunt (T _delep. )=1980.05mV, respectively. The difference between the two |△V _shunt |=9.95mV. On the other hand, the voltages applied to the load 132 in normal temperature and overheated states are V _HTR (T _RT )=10.00mV and V _HTR (T _delep. )=19.90mV, respectively. The difference between the two |ΔV _HTR |=9.90mV.

FIG. 7 shows a circuit configuration for obtaining the value of the voltage which changes with the temperature change of the load 132 in one embodiment. The circuit 700 shown in FIG. 7 is in addition to the first circuit 202 , the second circuit 204 , the switches Q1 and Q2 , the shunt resistor 212 , the load 132 , the sensors 112B and 112D which form part of the circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 In addition, also has There are a comparator 702, an analog/digital converter 704, amplifiers 706 and 708, and a power supply 710 for a reference voltage. The circuit 700 does not need to have both the sensors 112B and 112D, and can have only one of them. Likewise, circuit 700 need not include both amplifiers 706 and 708, but may include only one of them.

In the circuit 700, the comparator 702 obtains the reference voltage _Vref (analog value) output from the power supply 710 and applies it to the shunt resistor 212 or the load 132 when the second circuit 204 is functioning (when the current is flowing as indicated by the arrows). The difference (analog value) between the voltages (analog value). This difference is converted into a digital value by the A/D converter 704, and the value of the voltage which changes with the temperature change of the load 132 is obtained. The reference voltage V _ref can be set at 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 amplification factor 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 amplified by about 2 times. On the other hand, the voltage applied to the load 132 is 10.00 mV to 19.90 mV, and the amplification factor 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 where the applied voltage of the shunt resistor 212 is measured, the accuracy of distinguishing between the normal temperature state and the overheated state is higher in the case of measuring the applied voltage of the load 132 . Therefore, by using the applied voltage of the load 132 for determination, the detection accuracy of insufficient mist source will be improved.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 includes a converter 208 that converts the output voltage of the power supply 110 and applies the converted output voltage to the second circuit 204 and the load 132 . In this case, the acquisition unit can acquire the target value of the output voltage of the conversion unit 208 while the current flows through the second circuit 204 . For example, the acquisition unit may acquire the target value stored in the memory 114 . With 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 part 208 is arrange|positioned upstream of the 1st circuit 202 for generating mist, and the 2nd 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 flavor components and the like contained in the mist generated by the mist generating device 100 can be stabilized.

In one example, the converting unit 208 is a switching regulator (back converter) that can step down the input voltage and output it. The voltage conversion efficiency can also be improved by using a switching regulator in the regulator. Also, application of overvoltage to the circuit can be suppressed. In addition, when the first circuit 202 is functioning, the controller 106 may control the converter 208 so that the switching regulator belonging to the converter 208 stops switching, and outputs the input voltage without converting it. By controlling the conversion unit 208 in the so-called direct connection mode, since the transition loss and switching loss in the conversion unit 208 are eliminated, the utilization efficiency of the electric power stored in the power supply 110 is improved.

In one example, the storage portion 116A storing the mist source and the load 132 may be included in the cartridge 104A that can be attached to and detached from the mist generating device 100 through the connection portion. On the other hand, the sensor 112B may be included in the body 102 instead of 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 portion as the value of the voltage that varies with the temperature of the load 132 . Thereby, the cost of the disposable cartridge 104A can be reduced.

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

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

If the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 is too large, it is difficult for a current to flow during the measurement of the voltage value and the resistance value of the load 132 and the shunt resistor 212 . As a result, the current value becomes indistinguishable from the sensor error. Therefore, it becomes difficult to accurately measure the voltage value and the resistance value.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned problems, in one example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (as well as the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132 ) can be set to have a value such that a current can flow through the second circuit The value of the magnitude of the current flowing through the second circuit 204 by the difference between the state of 204 and the state of no current flowing through the second circuit 204 . In this way, the output values of the sensor 112B and the sensor 112D can be distinguished from the noise. size of the other. Thus, erroneous detection as to whether or not the mist source is insufficient can be prevented.

As the power supply 110 degrades, the output voltage of the power supply 110 may decrease. Therefore, the value of the current flowing through the second circuit 204 also decreases when the second circuit 204 is made to function. It is desirable that the output values of the sensor 112B and the sensor 112D also have a magnitude that can be distinguished from noise when the voltage of the power supply 110 is the discharge end voltage (remaining power 0%). For this purpose, in one example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (as well as the voltage applied to the circuit as a whole and the resistance value of the load 132 ) can be set to have a value such that a current can flow through the second circuit 204 A current of a magnitude different from a state in which no current flows through the second circuit 204 is a value that flows through the second circuit 204 when the voltage of the power supply 110 is the discharge termination voltage. Thereby, erroneous detection as to whether or not the mist source is insufficient can be prevented.

As described above, the mist generating device 100 may include the converter 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 (as well as the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) can be set to have a state that allows current to flow through the second circuit 204 and no current Currents of different magnitudes flowing through the second circuit 204 flow through the second circuit 204 when the output voltage of the conversion unit 208 is applied to the second circuit 204 and the load 132 . Thereby, erroneous detection as to whether or not the mist source is insufficient can be prevented.

In one example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (as well as the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132) is such that A current having a magnitude that differentiates a state in which current flows through the second circuit 204 from a state in which no current flows through the second circuit 204, when the temperature of the load 132 is a temperature that can only be reached when the mist source is insufficient The value that flows through the second circuit 204 . Thereby, even in the state where the mist source is insufficient and the current is the most difficult to flow, false detection can be prevented.

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 is supplied to the load 132 and mist may be generated. In this case, the mist source will be wasted in vain.

In order to solve the above problem, in one example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (as well as the voltage applied to the whole circuit and the resistance value of the load 132 ) can be set to have the following: 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 (as well as the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132 ) can be set such that the load 132 does not cause the load 132 to cause current flow through the second circuit 204 during the period The value of fog generation. With this configuration, waste of the mist source can be prevented.

As an example, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 of the mist generating device 100 will only be supplied to the load 132 with the power required to keep the load 132 warm during the period when the current flows through the second circuit 204 . First, the heat quantity Q required to keep the load 132 warm per unit time is expressed by the following formula.

Q=(m _wick ×C _wick )×(T _BP -△T _wick )+(m _coil ×C _coil )×(T _BP -△T _coil ) +(m _liquid ×C _liquid )×(T _BP -△T _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 heats of the mist source held by the holding portion 130 , the load 132 , and the holding portion 130 , respectively. _{-ΔT wick} , _{-ΔT coil} , and _{-ΔT liquid} are the temperature drop per unit time of the holding part 130 , the load 132 , and the mist source held by the holding part 130 , respectively. In addition, T _BP is the boiling point of the mist source.

For simplicity, ΔT _wick , ΔT _coil , and ΔT _liquid can all be regarded as ΔT of the same value. Q in this case can be expressed as the following formula.

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

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

Q=(Σm×C)×(T _BP -△T)

In addition, the electric power W consumed by the load 132 while the current flows through the second circuit 204 is expressed by 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 voltage applied to the combined resistance formed by the shunt resistor 212 connected in series and the load 132 . value, V _shunt is the value of the voltage applied to the shunt resistor 212 , and R _shunt is the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 .

In other words, in order to supply only the electric power required to keep the load 132 warm to the load 132 while current flows through the second circuit 204, the following equation must be satisfied.

W=Q

Substituting the above equation into W, and arranging the resistance value R _shunt of the shunt resistor 212, the following equation is obtained.

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

Therefore, the resistance value of the shunt resistor 212 (as well as the voltage applied to the entire circuit and the resistance value of the load 132 ) may be set to a value satisfying 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, since the above discussion uses an ideal model and is approximated, ±Δ as a correction term can be introduced into the above formula.

The switch (switch) Q1 is used to turn on or off the electrical conduction of the first circuit 202 . 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 turned on (on) for a longer time than that of the switch Q2. The time (on time) from when the switch Q2 is switched to the ON state until it is switched to the OFF state can be set to the minimum time that can be achieved by the control unit 106 . With such a configuration, the time during which the switch Q2 is turned on to measure the voltage of the load 132 or the shunt resistor 212 is shorter than the time during which the switch Q1 is turned on to generate mist. therefore, It can suppress the waste of the mist source.

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

‧The step of disposing the load 132, the load 132 atomizes the mist source by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power supply 110, and the resistance value of the load 132 will change with the temperature

‧The step of forming the first circuit 202, the first circuit 202 is used by the user in order for the load 132 to atomize the mist source

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

‧The step of arranging the obtaining part, the obtaining part obtains 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 which changes with the temperature of the load 132 .

<Third Embodiment>

When the mist source stored in the storage portion 116A is insufficient, the cartridge 104A must be replaced. Likewise, in the event that the mist source carried by the mist substrate 116B is insufficient, the mist generating article 104B must be replaced. The resistance value of the heater (load 132) contained in the cartridge 104A (or the mist-generating article 104B) has manufacturing variability. Therefore, in order to detect the shortage of the mist source, the same setting is used for all the cartridges 104A (eg, the resistance value of the load 132 is different If the threshold value of OFF, the threshold value related to the voltage value of the load 132, etc.), there is a possibility that the shortage of the mist source cannot be accurately detected. In this case, the mist generating device 100 may behave unexpectedly or the like, which may cause a problem from the viewpoint of safety. The inventors of the present invention recognized that such a problem is a new problem. A third embodiment of the present invention provides a mist generating device that solves this problem, and further improves the detection accuracy as to whether the mist source is insufficient.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for detecting the shortage of the mist source. Here, the description will be given of the case where all the steps are performed by the control unit 106 . However, please note that some of the steps may also be performed by other elements 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, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. . This point is the same for other flow charts below.

Processing begins at step 802 . In step 802, the control unit 106 determines whether the user's ingestion is detected according to the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, and the like. For example, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's ingestion is detected when the output values of the sensors continuously change. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the user's inhalation has been detected based on the user's pressing of a button or the like for starting the generation of mist.

If it is determined that ingestion has been detected (YES in step 802 ), the process proceeds to step 804 . In step 804 , the control unit 106 turns the switch Q1 into an on state to allow the first circuit 202 to function.

Next, the process proceeds to step 806, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the ingestion has ended. If it is determined that the smoking is over (the result of step 806 is: "Yes"), the process proceeds to step 808.

In step 808, the control unit 106 turns off the switch Q1. In step 810 , the control unit 106 turns the switch Q2 into an on state to allow 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 according to the current value.

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

Please note that FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a general flow 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 variation, as shown in the figure, at room temperature (eg, 25° C.), each different load 132 has different resistance values of R, R ₁ , R ₂ and the like. In the case where 350°C is used as the temperature threshold of the load 132 as the criterion for determining whether the mist source is insufficient, as shown in the figure, the threshold value of the resistance value of the load 132 as the criterion for determining whether the mist source is insufficient is set in each system. are different values of R', R' ₁ , and R' ₂ .

The configuration of the mist generating device of the present embodiment is basically the same as the configuration of the mist generating device 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and the circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 . In one example, the mist generating device is provided with: a power source 110; a load 132 is used to atomize the mist source by the heat generated by the electric power supplied by the power source 110, and the resistance value thereof varies with temperature. It has the temperature-resistance value characteristic shown in FIG. 9; the memory 114 stores the temperature-resistance value characteristic; the sensor outputs values related to the resistance value of the load 132 (resistance value, current value, voltage value, etc. ); and a control unit configured to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value personality according to 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.

According to the present 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 characteristic of the cartridge 104A (or the mist generating article 104B) has individual differences, the PTC characteristic can be corrected to a correct value. Note that in the case where the load 132 has NTC characteristics, the NTC characteristics can be corrected in the same way.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of the load 132 in one embodiment of the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the mist generating device of the present embodiment has the same mist generating device 100A shown in Fig. 1A or mist generating device 100B shown in Fig. 1B. kind of composition. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains that the same process can be applied to various mist generating devices having other configurations.

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 of 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 emit light, display, sound, vibrate, or the like. In this case, in order to reuse the mist generating device 100 to generate mist, the user must remove the cartridge 104A (or the mist generating article 104B) and replace it with a new cartridge.

Next, the process proceeds to step 1004, and the control unit 106 performs a detachment check to detect whether the cartridge 104A has been detached. In one example, the mist generating device 100 may be provided with a connecting portion that enables the detection cartridge 104A to be detachable or the mist generating article 104B to be inserted and removed. The control section 106 may correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic only when the detection cartridge 104A is detached from the connection section or the mist generating article 104B is pulled out from the connection section. Thereby, correction at the wrong timing can be suppressed.

As described above, before calibrating the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic, the control unit 106 may first determine whether to perform the calibration according to a preset condition. In one example, the control unit 106 can memorize the resistance value of the cartridge 104A detached from the connection part or the resistance value of the mist generating article 104B removed from the connection part. The above preset 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-mentioned preset The condition may be: the change speed of the resistance value of the cartridge 104A mounted on the connection part or the change speed of the resistance value of the mist generating article 104B inserted in the connection part during the period of continuous power supply to the load 132 is lower than a preset value threshold. With this configuration, unnecessary correction can be suppressed when the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B that has been temporarily removed is reconnected. In addition, in one example, the above-mentioned preset 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 stored temperature is not corrected - The resistance value characteristic would presume the temperature of the load 132 to be 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 or not removal of the cartridge 104A (or extraction 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 generation article 104B) is detected after the removal of the cartridge 104A (or the extraction of the mist generation article 104B) is detected. ). Then, proceeding to step 1008 may only occur if the loading of the cartridge 104A (or the insertion of the mist-generating article 104B) is detected.

If removal of the cartridge 104A is detected (YES in step 1006 ), 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 preset time can be set to be 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. Thereby, the second circuit 204 functions.

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 according to the current value and the voltage value obtained by the sensor 112B. Alternatively, as described in the first embodiment, in step 1012 , the control unit 106 may 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 characteristic memorized for the load 132 . For example, it is assumed that the temperature-resistance value 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 , in step 1014 , the control unit 106 may use the temperature-resistance value characteristic 904 instead of the temperature-resistance value characteristic 902 .

In step 1014, the control unit 106 may correct the intercepts of the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristics (in the case of the example of FIG. 9, R, R ₁ , and R ₂ ). Since only the intercept of the PTC characteristic is corrected, only one point of information in the relationship between the resistance value and the temperature can be obtained, and the correction can be performed 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 corresponding temperature-resistance value characteristic 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 according to the output value of the sensor and the database. The control unit 106 can also correct the slope and the intercept of the temperature-resistance characteristic according to the output value of the sensor and one of the slope and the intercept of the corrected temperature-resistance characteristic of the other party. In another example, the above-mentioned database may be located outside the mist generating device 100 , and the control unit 106 may obtain necessary information by communicating with the database or the like.

In one example, the above-mentioned database can be respectively stored in the resistance value of the load 132 at room temperature or at the temperature where fog will be generated, and the slope and intercept of the corresponding temperature-resistance value characteristic according to the type of the load 132 . the other side.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1016 , and the control unit 106 updates the threshold value R _threshold of the resistance value used in the determination of whether the mist source is insufficient (eg, step 814 in FIG. 8 ). In the above example, the value of R _threshold is changed from R' to R' ₁ .

As described above, in one example, the control unit 106 can correct the stored temperature according to the correspondence between the output values (voltage value, current value, resistance value, etc.) of the sensor before the load 132 generates mist and the room temperature Temperature-resistance value characteristics. Since the PTC characteristics are corrected based on room temperature, the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristics is improved.

In addition, in one example, the control unit 106 may determine that the temperature of the load 132 is at room temperature when the preset condition is satisfied, according to the correspondence between the output value of the sensor before the load 132 generates mist and the room temperature relationship to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristics. In this way, correction is performed when the conditions for the temperature to be approximately lowered to room temperature are established. Therefore, the possibility that the temperature of the load at the time of calibration is definitely room temperature increases, and the accuracy of the calibration of the PTC characteristics increases.

In one example, the preset condition may be from the previous fog Generation starts after a preset time has elapsed. In this way, when a preset time elapses from the previous generation of mist, the temperature of the load is regarded as a condition of room temperature. Therefore, there is an increased possibility that the load at the time of calibration has cooled sufficiently to come down to room temperature.

In one example, the mist-generating device 100 may include a cartridge 104A or a mist-generating article 104B, the cartridge 104A having a load 132 and a storage portion 116A for storing an atomization source, the mist-generating article 104B having the load 132 and Holding the mist base material 116B of the mist source, the connecting portion enables the cartridge 104A to be detachable or the mist generating article 104B to be pluggable. The above-mentioned preset condition may be that a predetermined time has elapsed since the cartridge 104A was loaded into the connection portion or the mist-generating article 104B was inserted into the connection portion. In this way, a predetermined time elapses from the connection of the cartridge 104A, and it becomes a condition that the temperature of the load is regarded as room temperature. Therefore, the possibility that the temperature of 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 temperature sensor as the sensor 112 , and the temperature sensor outputs the temperature of the electrical components constituting the main body 102 of the power supply 110 and the control unit 106 , or the main body 102 . either the internal temperature or the ambient temperature. The above-mentioned preset 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 preset threshold. Such conditions may be conditions 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 In addition, since the load 132 is not supplied with power, it is highly likely that the temperature of the load at the time of calibration has cooled sufficiently to reach room temperature. In addition, in the case where the temperature output by the sensor 112 is the temperature around the main body 102, it means that the mist generating device 100 is not placed at a room temperature of high or low temperature, nor is it placed at a very high absolute value of the difference from the room temperature. In the case of a large environment, the possibility that the temperature of the load during calibration has dropped to room temperature is increased.

In one example, the control unit 106 is configured to control the load 132 not to cause the load 132 to operate until the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature corresponding to the output value establish a corresponding relationship under the condition that the above-mentioned preset conditions are satisfied. Mist generation. It should be understood that there are cases where the temperature-resistance value characteristic is corrected according to the output value of the sensor, and there are cases where this is not the case. According to the above configuration, mist is not generated until the resistance value is measured. Therefore, it can be suppressed that the temperature of the load during calibration becomes much higher than the room temperature. Furthermore, since the mist is not generated using the temperature-resistance value characteristic before calibration, it is possible to suppress the cigarette smell that affects the mist.

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

In one example, the predetermined power may be power that does not increase the temperature of the load 132 above the resolution of the sensor. In another example, the above-mentioned preset power may be power that does not increase the temperature of the load 132 .

In one example, the control unit 106 may be based on the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value, and the relationship between the load 132 or the cartridge 104A having the load 132 . Information (such as a coefficient representing the slope of the temperature-resistance value characteristic, etc.) is used to correct the memorized slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic. Thereby, 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 may obtain and communicate with the device from at least one of communication with the external terminal, identification information of the payload 132, 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 for correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of a load in one 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 removal of the cartridge 104A is detected (YES in step 1106A), the process proceeds to step 1108A. In step 1108A, when the user's ingestion is detected, the control unit 106 turns the switch Q1 into an on state. Therefore, the first circuit 202 functions to generate mist.

Then, the process proceeds to step 1110A, and the control unit 106 turns off the switch Q1 and turns on the switch Q2. 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 for correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of a load in one 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 or not the value acquired 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 (eg, 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 of generating mist, or in a state in which mist is not generated due to insufficient mist source.

If the acquired value is smaller than the threshold value (YES in step 1113B), 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 value (NO in step 1113B), the processing of steps 1114B and 1116B is not performed, and the processing 1110B ends.

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 mist starts to be generated when the electric power sufficient for the generation of mist is supplied to the load 132 . to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristics. Since the PTC characteristic is corrected based on the mist generation temperature, the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristic is improved.

In one example, the control unit 106 does not correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic when the output value of the sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold value when sufficient power to generate mist is supplied to the load 132 . Thereby, when the temperature (resistance value) of the load is extremely high, the PTC characteristic is not corrected. Therefore, the temperature of an excessively high load when the mist source is depleted is not misjudged as the mist generation temperature, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristic is significantly deteriorated. In yet another example, the control unit 106 does not correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic when the amount of change in the output value of the sensor is greater than or equal to the threshold value when the predetermined power is supplied to the load 132 . Thereby, when the temperature (resistance value) of the load fluctuates extremely, the PTC characteristic is not corrected. Therefore, the PTC characteristic is not corrected when the mist source depleted due to excessive load and temperature fluctuation is likely to occur, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the accuracy of the correction of the PTC characteristic is significantly deteriorated.

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

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

The processing of steps 1202 to 1212 is the same as the processing of steps 1002 to 1012 in FIG. 10 . The processing of steps 1214 to 1218 and The processing of steps 1108A to 1112A in FIG. 11A is the same. In the flow of FIG. 12, the process proceeds to step 1220 after the first two processes are performed. In step 1220, the control unit 106 has the correspondence between the output value of the sensor and the room temperature (obtained through steps 1208 to 1212) before the mist is generated by the load 132, and that there is sufficient power to generate mist The corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor and the temperature at which the mist starts to be generated when supplied to the load 132 (obtained through steps 1214 to 1218 ), to correct the memorized slope and intercept of the temperature-resistance value characteristic . That is, two (temperature, resistance value) plots are used to correct the intercept and slope of the PTC characteristic. Therefore, the intercept and slope of the PTC characteristic can be corrected in a simpler method without having to have a dedicated information acquisition means (eg, without building the information required for correction into the cartridge 104A).

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

FIG. 13 is a graph for explaining that the temperature threshold for determining whether the mist 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 made of the same type of metal A. The solid line 1302 represents the characteristic of the standard first load 132-1 with the initial resistance value R, the dotted line 1304 represents the characteristic of the second load 132-2 having the initial resistance value R1 higher _than the standard, and the dotted line 1306 The characteristics of the third load 132-3 having an initial resistance value R2 lower _than the standard are represented. 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 reaches 350°C. In this case, as can be understood from the figure, the threshold value of the resistance value of the load for determining whether the mist source is insufficient is R _threshold . In the case of the second load 132 - 2 , when the temperature of the load reaches 330° C., the resistance value is R _threshold . Therefore, even if the R _threshold is used as the threshold value, the user will be warned at a temperature lower than the standard temperature threshold value of 350°C, so that an overheating state will not occur. Therefore, with regard to the second load 132-2, it can be said that the correction of the temperature-resistance value characteristic is not absolutely necessary. On the other hand, in the case of the third load 132-3, the resistance value cannot be R _threshold until the temperature of the load reaches 370°C. Therefore, if the R _threshold is used as the threshold value, the warning waits until the temperature of the load 132-3 reaches a very high temperature of 370°C, so an overheating state may occur. Therefore, regarding the third load 132-3, the temperature-resistance value characteristic needs to be corrected. In one example, the temperature-resistance value 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 for correcting the temperature-resistance value characteristic of a load in one embodiment of the present invention in consideration of the problems identified above with reference to 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 obtained in step 1412 (or the voltage value, current value, etc. associated with the resistance value) is lower than the R _stand ( or the corresponding voltage value, current value, etc.).

If the resistance value of the load 132 is lower than R _stand (YES in step 1413 ), the 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 (NO in step 1413 ), steps 1414 and 1416 are not performed, and the process ends.

According to this embodiment, before calibrating the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic, the control unit 106 may first determine whether to perform the calibration according to a preset condition. Moreover, as described above, in one example, the preset 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 With the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristic, the temperature of the load 132 is estimated to be much lower than the actual value. The preset condition may be that the output value of the sensor is smaller than the preset threshold. With this configuration, the correction is performed only when the temperature-resistance value characteristic is not corrected, an overheating state occurs. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unnecessary correction when the initial resistance value of the measured load contains a slight error due to the error of the sensor or the like when correction is not necessary.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing an example of temperature-resistance value characteristics of different loads (heaters) composed of different metals. The solid line 1502, the one-dot chain line 1504, and the dashed line 1506 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, respectively. Different types of metals have different temperature coefficients of resistance and different slopes of their characteristics. Therefore, even if the initial resistance values RA, RB, and RC of the load 132A, the load 132B, and the load 132C are the same as shown in the _{figure, the resistance values R' A , R of} the respective loads when the temperature of the respective loads reaches 350° C. ' _B and _R'C are also different. Therefore, when the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B having the load made of a certain metal is replaced with the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B having the load made of a different metal, it is necessary to update whether the mist source is insufficient or not. Threshold used in judgment. In addition, the initial resistance values _RA , _RB , and RC of the load 132A, the load 132B, and the load _132C may be different values.

In such a case, in one example, the control unit 106 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 value used for determining whether the mist source is insufficient, according to the temperature-resistance value 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 information related to the load 132 , the cartridge 104A or the mist-generating article 104B, such as such temperature-resistance value characteristics, through communication with an external terminal such as a server. The control unit 106 may also use the identification information contained in the RFID tag (tag) of the load 132 or the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B, etc., the identification information of the packaging of the cartridge 104A or the mist generating article 104B, the user's input, and the like. Obtain the information as above.

In one example, the mist-generating device 100 may include: a cartridge 104A having a load 132 and a storage portion 116A storing an atomization source, or a mist-generating article 104B, the mist-generating article 104B having a load 132 and holding mist base material 116B of mist source; and 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 determine the difference between the value obtained by subtracting the output value of the sensor from a preset value (eg, the resistance value at the place where the cartridge 104A is connected) and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value. The corresponding relationship is used to correct the memorized temperature-resistance value characteristics. According to this configuration, the main body 102 can be provided with a sensor for measuring the resistance value. Therefore, an 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 for allowing the load 132 to atomize the mist source by the user; and a second circuit 204 for detecting a value related to the resistance value of the load 132 The user is connected in parallel with the first circuit 202 , and the resistance value is larger than that of the first circuit 202 . According to this configuration, the mist generating device 100 has a dedicated circuit (the second circuit 204 ) for voltage measurement. Therefore, the electric power of the power supply 110 required to measure the resistance value of the load 132 can be suppressed.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a circuit that electrically connects the power source 110 and the load 132 . The sensor may output at least the value of the voltage applied to the portion of the circuit where the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load 132 . The control unit 106 may be configured to derive the resistance value of the load 132 from 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 a portion where the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load 132 . Pressure sensor These two voltage sensors are sufficient. Therefore, it is only necessary to add a minimum necessary sensor to the existing device.

In one example, the mist generating device 100 may include a conversion unit 208 that converts the output voltage of the power supply 110 and outputs the output voltage to be applied to the entire circuit. The control unit 106 may be configured to control the conversion unit 208 so that a constant voltage is applied to the entire circuit when the resistance value of the load 132 is derived. According to this configuration, the voltage applied to the entire circuit is controlled to be constant during the measurement of the resistance value 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 source 110; a load 132, which is used to atomize the mist source by the heat generated by the power supplied by the power source 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 part 106 can correct the value (constant, variable, threshold value) related to the preset control according to the corresponding relationship between the output value of the sensor 112 and the estimated value of the temperature of the load 132 corresponding to the output value. Wait).

In the above description, the third embodiment of the present invention has been described as an example of a mist generating device and a method of operating the mist generating device. However, it should be understood that the present invention can also be implemented as a program which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

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

100A‧‧‧Mist generator

102‧‧‧Main body

104A‧‧‧Cylinder

106‧‧‧Control Department

108‧‧‧Notification Department

110‧‧‧Power

112‧‧‧Sensor

114‧‧‧Memory

116A‧‧‧Storage

118A‧‧‧Atomization Department

120‧‧‧Air inlet flow path

121‧‧‧Mist flow path

122‧‧‧Suction Port

124‧‧‧Arrow

130‧‧‧Maintenance Department

132‧‧‧Load

134‧‧‧Circuits

Claims (26)

A mist generating device, comprising: a power source; a storage part for storing a mist source or a mist base material for holding the mist source; a load, which is supplied from the storage part by the heat generated by the electric power supplied by the power source or the mist source held by the mist base material is atomized, and the resistance value of the load will change with temperature; the circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and the load; and the control unit is configured as follows: A voltage value and a second voltage value are used to determine whether the mist source that can be supplied by the storage unit or the mist source held in the mist substrate is insufficient, wherein the first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit, and the The control unit is further configured to control the first voltage value to a constant period when the second voltage value satisfies the first condition a plurality of times, or when the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value When the resistance value satisfies the second condition multiple times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient; the second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the load or shunt resistor in the circuit, and the load or the shunt The resistance is that the applied voltage will change with the temperature of the load; the first condition is: the first voltage value is controlled so that the second voltage value during a certain period is above a predetermined voltage value; The second condition is that the resistance value of the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value is greater than or equal to a predetermined resistance value. The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine that when the first condition is continuously satisfied for a plurality of times, or when the second condition is continuously satisfied for a plurality of times The aforementioned mist source is insufficient. The mist generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to memorize and display the count value of the number of times that the first condition is satisfied, or display the count value of the number of times that the second condition is satisfied. , and when the first condition is not satisfied, or the second condition is not satisfied, the count value is decreased. The mist generating device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to return the count value to the initial value when the first condition is not satisfied or when the second condition is not satisfied value. The mist generating device described in claim 1 or 2 of the scope of the application is provided with: a connecting portion for attaching and detaching the cartridge including the storage portion or the mist generating article including the mist base material, and capable of detecting the aforementioned When attaching and detaching the cartridge or the mist generating article, the control unit is configured to memorize and display the count value of the number of times that the first condition is satisfied, or display the count value of the number of times that the second condition is satisfied, and whenever there is the cartridge When the cartridge or the aforementioned mist generating article is attached to the aforementioned connecting portion, the aforementioned count value is decreased. The mist generating device according to claim 5, wherein the control section is configured to determine whether to use the cartridge or the mist generating article attached to the connecting section based on identification information or usage history. The aforementioned count value decreases. The mist generating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to memorize and display the count value of the number of times the first condition is satisfied, or display the count value of the number of times the second condition is satisfied. Numerical value, according to the comparison between the aforementioned count value and the preset threshold value, to determine whether the aforementioned mist source is insufficient, the change in the time series of the requirements for generating mist is inconsistent with the preset change, and the aforementioned first condition or the aforementioned second condition is satisfied. In the case of conditions, the aforementioned count value is not increased or the increment amount of the aforementioned count value is decreased, or the aforementioned preset threshold value is increased. A mist generating device, comprising: a power source; a storage part for storing a mist source or a mist base material for holding the mist source; a load, which is supplied from the storage part by the heat generated by the electric power supplied by the power source or the mist source held by the mist base material is atomized, and the resistance value of the load will change with temperature; the circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and the load; and the control unit is configured as follows: a voltage value and a second voltage The first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the whole of the circuit, and the control unit is further configured to: use according to 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 mist source is insufficient, and if the first reference is satisfied multiple times, or, When the number of times the first criterion is satisfied and the number of times that the second criterion is satisfied is less than the number of times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient; the second voltage value is applied to the load or point in the circuit. The value of the voltage of the shunt resistance, and the load or the shunt resistance is the one whose applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load. The mist generating device according to claim 8, wherein the first reference is that the second voltage value during which the first voltage value is controlled to be greater than or equal to a first threshold value, or from the first voltage value is controlled to be greater than or equal to the first threshold The resistance value of the load derived from a voltage value and the second voltage value is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, and the second reference is that the second voltage value is greater than or equal to a threshold value greater than the first threshold value, or the load The resistance value is greater than or equal to a threshold value greater than the aforementioned second threshold value. The mist generating device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether the second criterion is satisfied before determining whether the first criterion is satisfied. The mist generating device according to claim 10, wherein the control unit is configured to not perform the determination as to whether the first criterion is satisfied when the second criterion is satisfied and the mist source is determined to be insufficient, Then, at least one of stopping the power supply of the power source to the load or notifying the user is performed. The mist generating device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a conversion unit for converting the output voltage of the power supply and outputting it to the entire circuit, and the control unit configured to control the conversion department. The mist generating device according to claim 12, wherein the control unit is configured to control the conversion unit to output a constant voltage when determining whether the mist source is insufficient. The mist generating device according to claim 13, comprising: a sensor for outputting the second voltage value, and the control unit configured to: based on the first voltage value and Whether the mist source is insufficient is determined from the second voltage value output by the sensor. The mist generating device according to claim 14, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether the mist source is not based on a comparison between the second voltage value output from the sensor and a preset threshold value insufficient. The mist generating device according to the claim 1 or 2 of the scope of the application, comprising: a first sensor and a second sensor, which respectively output the first voltage value and the second voltage value, The control unit is configured to determine whether the mist source is insufficient according to the comparison between the resistance value of the load derived from the values output by the first sensor and the second sensor and a preset threshold. The mist generating device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a known resistance, which is connected in series with the load and has a known resistance value, and the second voltage value is applied to the load or the known resistance the value of the voltage. The mist generating device according to claim 17, wherein the known resistance system has a larger resistance value than the load, and the mist generating device is provided with: a sensor that is applied to the reference voltage and the amplified The voltage of the load is compared, and the second voltage value is output. A method for operating a mist generating device, comprising the steps of: atomizing a mist source by supplying heat from a power supply to a load whose resistance value varies with temperature; and according to a first voltage value and a second The voltage value is used to determine whether the mist source that can be supplied to generate mist is insufficient, wherein the first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit that electrically connects the power source and the load, and the second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the portion of the circuit where the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the load, and the second voltage value satisfies the first condition while the first voltage value is controlled to be constant multiple times condition, or when the resistance value of the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second condition for multiple times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient; the first condition is: the first voltage The second voltage value during which the value is controlled for a certain period is greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage value; the second condition is: the resistance value of the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value is greater than or equal to the predetermined resistance value . A mist generating device, comprising: a power source; a storage part for storing a mist source or a mist base material for holding the mist source; a load, which is supplied from the storage part by the heat generated by the electric power supplied by the power source or the mist source held by the mist base material is atomized, and the resistance value of the load will change with temperature; the circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and the load; and the control unit is configured as follows: A voltage value and a second voltage value are used to estimate the remaining amount of the mist source stored in the storage unit or held by the mist substrate, wherein the first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit, and The control unit is further configured to control the first voltage value to a constant period when the second voltage value satisfies the first condition a plurality of times, or when the second voltage value is derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value. The resistance value of the load is full If the second condition is satisfied several times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient; the second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the load or the shunt resistance in the circuit, and the load or the shunt resistance is all The applied voltage will change with the temperature of the load; the first condition is: the second voltage value during which the first voltage value is controlled for a certain period is above the predetermined voltage value; the second condition is: : The resistance value of the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value is greater than or equal to a predetermined resistance value. A method for operating a mist generating device, comprising the steps of: atomizing a mist source by supplying heat from a power supply to a load whose resistance value varies with temperature; and according to a first voltage value and a second The remaining amount of the mist source is estimated by the voltage value, wherein the first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit that electrically connects the power source and the load, and the first voltage value is controlled to a certain period of time When the second voltage value satisfies the first condition multiple times, or when the resistance value of the load derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value satisfies the second condition multiple times, it is determined that the mist source is insufficient ; The aforementioned second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the aforementioned load or shunt resistor in the aforementioned circuit, and the aforementioned load or aforementioned shunt resistor is the one that the applied voltage varies with the temperature of the aforementioned load; The first condition is: the second voltage value during which the first voltage value is controlled for a certain period is greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage value; the second condition is: derived from the first voltage value and the second voltage value The resistance value of the load is equal to or greater than a predetermined resistance value. A mist generating device, comprising: a power source; a storage part for storing a mist source or a mist base material for holding the mist source; a load, which is supplied from the storage part by the heat generated by the electric power supplied by the power source The mist source is atomized by the mist source or the mist source held by the mist substrate; a circuit is electrically connected to the power source and the load; The first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the whole of the circuit, the second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to a part of the circuit For the value of the voltage, the control unit is configured to obtain the first voltage value from the memory and obtain the second voltage value from the sensor. A method for operating a mist generating device, comprising the steps of: atomizing a mist source by generating heat generated by supplying power to a load from a power source; and determining that supply can be performed according to a first voltage value and a second voltage value And whether the mist source used to generate mist is insufficient, wherein the first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load, and the second voltage value is applied to a part of the circuit The value of the voltage, and the first voltage value is obtained from the memory, and the second voltage value is obtained from the sensor. A mist generating device, comprising: a power source; a storage part for storing mist source or a mist base material for holding the mist source; a load for atomizing the mist source by the heat generated by the electric power supplied by the power source; The circuit is electrically connected to the power source and the load; and the control unit is configured to estimate the residual of the mist source stored in the storage unit or held by the mist substrate 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, 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 from the memory The second voltage value is obtained from the sensor. A method for operating a mist generating device, comprising the steps of: atomizing a mist source by heating generated by supplying power to a load; and estimating the mist according to a first voltage value and a second voltage value The remaining amount of the source, wherein the first voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to the entire circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load, the second voltage value is the value of the voltage applied to a part of the circuit, and from The memory obtains the first voltage value, and the sensor obtains the second voltage value. A computer program product for operating a mist generating device, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to execute the method described in any one of the 19th, 21st, 23rd and 25th claims.

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