TWI773697B - Aerosol generating device, and method and computer program product for operating the aerosol generating device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an aerosol generating device which suppresses temporary shortage of an aerosol source in a holding unit for holding the aerosol source supplied from a storage unit for the aerosol source. An aerosol generating device 100A includes a power supply 110, a load 132 receiving power from the power supply 110 to generate heat and atomize the aerosol source, a component 112 used to acquire a value related to the temperature of the load 132, a circuit 134 for electrically connecting the power supply 110 and the load 132, a storage unit 116 for storing the aerosol source, a holding unit for holding the aerosol source supplied from the storage unit 116 in such a state that it can be heated by the load 132, and a controller 106 configured to perform a control for increasing the holding amount of the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130, or a control for improving the possibility of increasing the holding amount, at the timing of at least one of the timing when the power supply 110 starts supplying power to the load 132 and the timing when the power supply 110 completes the supplying of power to the load 132, when a dry state in which the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the aerosol source or the sign of the dry state is detected because the aerosol source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient although the storage unit 116 is capable of supplying the aerosol source.

Description

Mist-generating device and method and computer program product for operating the mist-generating device

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

In general electronic cigarettes, heating cigarettes, nebulizers, and other mist generating devices for generating mist that the user inhales, when the source of mist that becomes mist by atomization is insufficient, when the user inhales , the sufficient mist cannot be supplied to the user. In addition, electronic cigarettes or heated cigarettes in this case have the problem of releasing unintended aroma and taste mist.

As a solution to this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of detecting depletion of a mist source based on a change in the heater temperature when electric power is supplied to a heater that heats the mist source. The other Patent Documents 2 to 11 also disclose various techniques for solving the above-mentioned problems or having the possibility of contributing to the solving of the above-mentioned problems.

However, these conventional techniques cannot specifically specify Whether the shortage of mist source occurs in any part of the mist generating device. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the configuration, operation method, and the like of the mist generating device for performing appropriate control when the mist source is insufficient.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2654469

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

Patent Document 3: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2471392

Patent Document 4: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2257195

Patent Document 5: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2493342

Patent Document 6: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2895930

Patent Document 7: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2797446

Patent Document 8: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2654471

Patent Document 9: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2870888

Patent Document 10: Specification of European Patent Application Publication No. 2654470

Patent Document 11: International Publication No. 2015/100361

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

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

The second problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a mist generator for suppressing a temporary shortage of the mist source in the holding portion for holding the mist source supplied from the storage portion of the mist source, and a device for operating the mist generator. methods and procedures.

In order to achieve the object of solving the above-mentioned first problem, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; The circuit is used to obtain the value related to the temperature of the load; the circuit is used to electrically connect the power source with the load; the storage part is used to store the mist source; the holding part is used to keep the mist source supplied from the storage part into a a state in which the load can be heated; and a control unit configured to discriminate that the mist generating device is in a shortage of the mist source stored in the storage unit according to a change in a value related to the temperature of the load after the circuit functions. The first state, or the second state in which the mist source held by the holding portion is insufficient although the storage portion can supply the mist source.

In one embodiment, in the first state, the mist source stored in the storage part is insufficient, and in the second state, although the storage part can supply the mist source, the mist source held by the holding part is insufficient. Insufficient, the temperature of the load will exceed the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which mist is generated by the evaporation of the mist source.

In one embodiment, the circuit is provided with a parallel connection In the first path and the second path of the power supply and the load, the first path is used for atomization of the mist source, the second path is used for obtaining a value related to the temperature of the load, and the control unit The tethering configuration is to make the first path and the second path function interactively.

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

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to: based on the relationship between the load and the load after the first path functions or while the second path functions. The change of the temperature-related value distinguishes the aforementioned first state from the aforementioned second state.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to distinguish the first state and The aforementioned second state.

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured such that when the number of operations or the amount of operation of the load increases after the storage unit is replaced with a new one or the storage unit is supplemented with the mist source, the second path is activated. Before the function, the number of the aforementioned first path actions is reduced.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to: based on the difference between the load and the load after the first path functions or while the second path functions. The change of the temperature-related value distinguishes the aforementioned first state from the aforementioned second state.

In one embodiment, the first path has a smaller resistance value than the second path, and the control unit is configured to: according to the load after the operation with the first path is completed or while the second path is functioning The change of the temperature-related value distinguishes the aforementioned first state from the aforementioned second state.

In one embodiment, the first path has a resistance value smaller than that of the second path, and the control unit is constructed by the following steps: The time differential value of the temperature-related value of the load during the period in which the second path functions, distinguishes the first state from the second state.

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

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to distinguish the above according to the thermal history of the load when the circuit functions. The conditions of the first state and the aforementioned second state are modified.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to obtain a time-series change of the request according to a request for fog generation, and to correct the condition based on a thermal history of the load derived from the time-series change of the request.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to modify the above-mentioned such that the shorter the time interval from the end of the above-mentioned request to the start of the next above-mentioned request, the less likely the first state is to be determined to occur. condition.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured such that an older thermal history included in the thermal history of the load affects the correction of the condition more than a newer thermal history included in the thermal history of the load. The impact of the modification of the aforementioned conditions is still small.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the condition according to the thermal history of the load derived from the temperature of the load when the circuit functions.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to correct the condition so that the higher the temperature of the load when the circuit functions, the less likely the first state is to be determined to occur.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source; The mist generating device is in a first state where the stored mist source is insufficient, or is in a state where the stored mist source is not enough. The aforesaid mist source, which is not deficient but maintained in a state capable of being heated by the aforesaid load, is the step of the second deficient state.

In addition, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load for receiving power from the power source to generate heat to atomize the mist source; and a member for obtaining a temperature with the load a circuit for electrically connecting the power source and the load; a storage portion for storing the mist source; a holding portion for maintaining the mist source supplied from the storage portion in a state where the load can be heated; and The control unit is configured to determine whether the mist generating device is in the mist generation device that is capable of supplying the mist source but is held by the holding unit according to a change in a value related to the temperature of the load after the circuit functions. Insufficient source state.

In one embodiment, the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source because the storage unit can supply the mist source, but the mist source held by the holding unit is insufficient in the state.

Furthermore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source; and determining based on a change in a value related to the temperature of the load It is a step of whether the mist generating device is in a state of insufficient mist source, which is maintained in a state capable of being heated by the load, although the mist source stored therein is not insufficient.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device including: a power source; and a load receiving power from the power source. Electricity generates heat and atomizes the mist source: the component is used to obtain the value related to the temperature of the aforementioned load; the circuit is to electrically connect the aforementioned power source with the aforementioned load; the storage part is to store the aforementioned mist source; the holding part, The mist source supplied from the storage unit is kept in a state in which the load can be heated; and the control unit is configured to distinguish the generation of the mist according to a change in a value related to the temperature of the load after the circuit functions. Whether the device is in the first state due to the shortage of the mist source stored in the storage part, or is in the second state where the storage part can supply the mist source but the mist source held by the holding part is insufficient; and in the aforementioned In the first state, since the mist source stored in the storage part is insufficient, and in the second state, although the storage part can supply the mist source but the mist source held by the holding part is insufficient, the temperature of the load will increase. A predetermined temperature lower than the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source is reached earlier than in other states different from the first state and the second state.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source; The mist generating device is in a first state in which the stored mist source is insufficient, or is in a state where the stored mist source is not insufficient but is kept in a state that can be heated by the load. The mist source is insufficient. The step of the second state; in the first state, the stored mist source is insufficient, and in the second state, although the stored mist source is not insufficient, it is maintained to be able to use the negative The above-mentioned mist source in the state of being heated under load is insufficient, and the temperature of the above-mentioned load reaches the boiling point of the above-mentioned mist source earlier than the other conditions which are different from the above-mentioned first state and the above-mentioned second state or is caused by evaporation of the above-mentioned mist source. The temperature at which the mist generation occurs is still lower than the predetermined temperature.

Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program which, when 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 comprising: a power source; a load for receiving power from the power source to generate heat to atomize the mist source; and a member for obtaining The value associated with the temperature of the load; the circuit is to electrically connect the power source to the load; the storage part is to store the mist source; the holding part is to keep the mist source supplied from the storage part so that the load can The heating state; and the control unit, which executes the following control: when the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source when the temperature of the load is detected due to the shortage of the mist source held by the holding unit although the storage unit can supply the mist source. In a dry state or a precursor to the dry state, at least one of when the power supply starts to supply power to the load and when the power supply completes power supply to the load, the holding amount of the mist source held by the holding portion is increased. control, or control that increases the possibility of increasing the aforementioned holding amount.

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

In one embodiment, the system is structured such that the control unit performs the following control: when the dry state or the precursor of the dry state is detected, the interval from the completion of the generation of the mist to the next start of the generation of the mist is performed. Set the control to be longer than the previous interval.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a notification unit that notifies the user, and the control unit is configured to perform control so as to cause the notification unit to function when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected. On the other hand, when the drying state or a precursor of the drying state is detected after the notification unit has functioned once or several times, the next interval is controlled to be longer than the previous interval.

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a supply unit capable of adjusting at least one of the amount and the speed of the mist source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit. The control unit is configured to control the mist source so as to increase at least one of an amount or a speed of the mist source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected. Supply Department.

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a temperature adjustment unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the mist source. The control unit is configured to control the temperature adjustment unit so as to warm the mist source when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the temperature adjustment unit to heat the mist source during a period when mist is not generated by the load.

In one Embodiment, the said control part is comprised so that the said load may be used as the said temperature regulation part.

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a request unit that outputs a request for the generation of mist. The control unit is constructed so as to control the circuit according to the correlation that the greater the demand, the greater the amount of mist generated, and when the dry state or the precursor of the dry state is detected, so as to correspond to the magnitude of the demand. The above-mentioned correlation is corrected in such a way that the amount of mist generated decreases.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to be able to execute a first mode and a second mode, and the first mode is to set the interval from the completion of the generation of the mist to the start of the next generation of the mist to be smaller than the previous one. The interval is also longer, the second mode is based on the aforementioned power on At least one of when power is supplied to the load and when the power supply completes power supply to the load, the control to increase the holding amount or the possibility of increasing the holding amount without performing the control of the interval With the improved control, when the dry state or a precursor of the dry state is detected, the second mode is executed with priority over the first mode.

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

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

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a request unit that outputs a request to generate mist. The control unit is configured to detect the precursor of the drying state according to the change of the time series of the request.

Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source; and when the stored mist source is not insufficient but due to When the mist source kept in a state that can be heated by the load is insufficient, and the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source or a precursor of the dry state is detected, when the power supply to the load is started At least one of the time when the power supply to the load is completed, a step of controlling to increase the holding amount of the held mist source or increasing the possibility of increasing the holding amount is executed.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load for receiving power from the power source to generate heat to atomize the mist source; and a member for obtaining a temperature related to the load. a circuit for electrically connecting the power source and the load; a storage part for storing the mist source; a holding part for maintaining the mist source supplied from the storage part in a state where the load can be heated; and a control part is performed at an interval corresponding to the period when the mist source in an amount equal to or greater than the amount of the mist source used for the generation of the mist is supplied from the storage portion to the holding portion after the generation of the mist is completed. A control that suppresses the generation of mist or a control that increases the possibility of suppressing the generation of mist.

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

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

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control the circuit so as to prohibit the generation of mist during the period of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes a request unit that outputs a request to generate mist. The aforementioned control section is constructed Result: modify the length of the aforementioned interval according to at least one of the size and variation of the aforementioned requirement.

In addition, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mist generating device, comprising: heating a load to atomize a mist source to generate mist; During the interval corresponding to the period in which the amount of the mist source used for the generation of the mist is more than the amount of the mist source that is stored in the state that the load can be heated, the control for suppressing the generation of mist is performed or the mist is activated. This results in a control that has an increased likelihood of being suppressed.

In addition, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load for receiving power from the power source to generate heat to atomize the mist source; and a member for obtaining a temperature relative to the load a circuit for electrically connecting the power source and the load; a storage portion for storing the mist source; a holding portion for maintaining the mist source supplied from the storage portion in a state where the load can be heated; and The control unit executes the following control: when the storage unit can supply the mist source but the mist source held by the holding unit is insufficient, when the power supply starts to supply power to the load and the power supply completes the power supply to the load At least one of power supply is a control for increasing the holding amount of the mist source held by the holding portion, or a control for increasing the possibility of increasing the holding amount.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source; and while the stored mist source is not When the mist source is insufficient but is kept in a state capable of being heated by the load, at least one of the time when power supply to the load is started and the time when power supply to the load is completed, executes to make the held mist A control step for increasing the holding amount of the source, or controlling the possibility of increasing the aforementioned holding amount.

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

In order to solve the above-mentioned first problem, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load for receiving power from the power source to generate heat to atomize the mist source; and a member for obtaining The value associated with the temperature of the load; the circuit is to electrically connect the power source to the load; the storage part is to store the mist source; the holding part is to keep the mist source supplied from the storage part so that the load can a heating state; and a control unit configured to distinguish the mist generating device from the one stored in the storage unit according to a change in a value related to the temperature of the load after or during the functioning of the circuit The first state in which the mist source is insufficient, or in the second state in which the mist source held by the holding portion is insufficient although the storage portion can supply the mist source, the first control is executed when the first state is detected, and when When the second state is detected, a second control different from the first control is executed.

In one embodiment, in the first state, the mist source stored in the storage part is insufficient, and in the second state, the mist source is insufficient. Although the storage part can supply the mist source, the mist source held by the holding part is insufficient, and the temperature of the load will exceed the boiling point of the mist source.

In one Embodiment, the said 2nd control is compared with the said 1st control, and the said mist source stored in the said storage part is made to reduce significantly.

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

In one embodiment, the number of times the user's work is required to allow the generation of mist in the second control is smaller than the number of times that the user's work is required to allow the generation of the mist in the first control.

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

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

In one embodiment, the first control and the second control each have a return condition for transitioning from a state in which generation of mist is prohibited to a state in which generation of mist is permitted. The aforementioned reset condition of the aforementioned first control is stricter than the aforementioned reset condition of the aforementioned second control.

In one embodiment, the replacement operation of the constituent elements of the mist generating device included in the return condition of the first control The number of times is greater than the number of times of the replacement operation of the constituent elements of the mist generating device included in the return condition of the second control.

In one embodiment, the mist generating device includes one or more notification units, and the one or more notification units notify the user. The number of the notification parts functioning in the first control is greater than the number of the notification parts functioning in the second control.

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

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

In addition, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source; The change in the temperature-related value of the load during the period of time distinguishes whether the mist generating device is in a first state where the stored mist source is insufficient, or is in a state where the stored mist source is not insufficient but is maintained to be able to borrow The steps of the second state in which the mist source is insufficient in the state of being heated by the load; and executing the first control when the first state is detected, and executing the first control when the second state is detected. The same second control step.

In one embodiment, in the first state, the stored mist source is insufficient, and in the second state, although the stored mist source is not insufficient, it is maintained so that it can be heated by the load. The mist source in the state is insufficient, so the temperature of the load will exceed the boiling point of the mist source.

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

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

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

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

100, 100A, 100B: mist generating device

102: The first component

104: Second component

106: Control Department

108: Notification Department

110: Power

112: Components

114: Memory

116: Reservoir

118: Atomization Department

120: Air suction flow path

121: Mist flow path

122: Suction mouth

124: Arrow

126: Third member

128: Aroma Source

130: Keeping the Ministry

132: load

134, 200, 800: circuit

202, 302: The first path

204, 304: Second path

206, 210: switch

208, 308, 808: constant voltage output circuit

212, 222, 224, 312, 812, 822, 824: Resistance

214, 226, 314, 322, 814, 826: Capacitors

218, 818: Error amplifier

220, 820: reference voltage source

300: Circuit

306: First FET

310: Second FET

316, 816: FET

318: Inductor

320: Diode

802: single path

1502: Flow or Velocity Sensor

1504: Liquid Properties

1506: Temperature Sensor

1508: Current Sensor

1510: Suction volume export

1512: Suction interval lead-out

1514: Liquid viscosity lead-out

1516: Outside air temperature

1518: Holding part contact amount derivation part

1520: Heater resistance value

1522, 1524, 1526, 1528, 1530, 1532: Pre-defined relationships

Q1, Q2: switch

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

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart for detecting the shortage of the mist source according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the timing of switching between switches Q1 and Q2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

FIG. 9 shows the time sequence of atomization of the mist source with switch Q1 and estimation of the remaining amount of the mist source in the mist generating device having the FIG. 8 .

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

FIG. 11 is a graph conceptually showing a time-series change in the resistance value of the load when the user performs normal inhalation using the mist generating device.

Figure 12A conceptually shows the end of the puff performed by the user A graph showing the time-series change in the resistance value of the load when the interval between the last and the start of the next puff is shorter than the normal interval.

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

FIG. 13A is a graph conceptually showing a time-series change in the resistance value of the load when the time required to cool the load due to deterioration of the load or the like becomes longer than normal.

Fig. 13B shows the processing of the correction for distinguishing the conditions of the first state and the second state when the time required for load cooling becomes longer than that in the normal case according to the first embodiment of the present invention flow chart.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the process of suppressing the temporary shortage of the mist source of the holding portion in the mist generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a specific example of the correction of the suction interval by the process of FIG. 14 .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention include electronic cigarettes, heating cigarettes, and atomizers, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Embodiments of the present invention may include a wide variety of mist-generating devices for generating a source of mist that a user draws.

Fig. 1A is a schematic block diagram showing the configuration of a mist generator 100A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that FIG. 1A schematically and conceptually shows each component of the mist generating device 100A. The precise arrangement, shape, size, positional relationship, etc. of each member and the mist generating device 100A are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 1A , the mist generator 100A has a first member 102 and a second member 104 . As shown in the figure, for example, the first component 102 may also include a control unit 106 , a notification unit 108 , a power source 110 , a sensor and other components 112 and a memory 114 . The first member 102 may in turn include a circuit 134 to be described later. For example, the second member 104 may include a storage portion 116 , an atomization portion 118 , an air intake flow path 120 , a mist flow path 121 , a suction port portion 122 , a holding portion 130 , and a load 132 . A part of the members included in the first member 102 may be included in the second member 104 . A part of the members included in the second member 104 may also be included in the first member 102 . The second member 104 may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the first member 102 . Alternatively, instead of the first member 102 and the second member 104, all the members included in the first member 102 and the second member 104 are contained in the same housing.

The storage portion 116 can be configured as a tank for storing the liquid. The mist source is, for example, a liquid such as a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin (glycerol) and propylene glycol, and water. When the mist generating device 100A is an electronic cigarette, the mist source in the storage portion 116 may be a cigarette raw material that releases aroma components by heating or an extract derived from the cigarette raw material. The holding part 130 holds the mist source. For example, the holding part 130 is made of a fibrous or porous material, and holds a liquid mist source in the gaps between the fibers or the pores of the porous material. As the aforementioned fibrous or porous material, for example, cotton, glass fiber, or a cigarette material can be used. The mist generating device 100A is for medical inhalation such as a nebulizer When the device is used, the mist source may also contain the medicament to be inhaled by the patient. As another example, the storage part 116 may have a structure capable of replenishing the consumed mist source. Alternatively, the storage part 116 may be configured so that the storage part 116 itself can be replaced when the mist source is consumed. Furthermore, the mist source is not limited to liquid, but can be solid. When the mist source is solid, the storage part 116 may be a cavity-type container.

The atomizing part 118 is configured to generate mist by atomizing the mist source. When the suction action is detected by the member 112, the atomizing part 118 will generate mist. For example, the holding part 130 is provided so as to connect the storage part 116 and the atomizing part 118 . In this case, a part of the holding portion 130 passes through the interior of the storage portion 116 and is brought into contact with the mist source. Another part of the holding portion 130 extends toward the atomizing portion 118 . In addition, another part of the holding portion 130 extending toward the atomizing portion 118 may also be accommodated in the atomizing portion 118 , or pass through the atomizing portion 118 and then pass through the interior of the storage portion 116 . The mist source is transported from the storage portion 116 to the atomization portion 118 by the capillary effect of the holding portion 130 . For example, the atomizing unit 118 includes a heater including 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 the suction action is detected, the control unit 106 controls the heater of the atomizing unit 118 to heat the mist source conveyed through the holding unit 130, thereby atomizing the mist source. Another example of the atomizing part 118 may be an ultrasonic atomizer that atomizes the mist source by ultrasonic vibration. The air suction flow path 120 is connected to the atomizing part 118, and the air suction flow path 120 leads to the outside of the mist generating device 100A. The mist generated by the atomizing part 118 and the air sucked by the permeable air suction channel 120 mix. As indicated by the arrow 124 , the mixed fluid of mist and air is sent out to the mist flow path 121 . The mist flow path 121 has a tubular structure for conveying the mixed fluid of mist and air generated by the atomizing unit 118 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 to the outside of the mist generator 100A. The user sucks the air containing the mist into the oral cavity by holding the mouthpiece 122 and sucking.

The notification unit 108 may include a light emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode), a display, a speaker, a vibrator, and the like. The notification unit 108 can be configured to give some notifications to the user by lighting, displaying, sounding, vibrating, and the like, as needed.

The power supply 110 supplies power to each component of the mist generating apparatus 100A, such as the notification unit 108 , the component 112 , the memory 114 , the load 132 , and the circuit 134 . The power source 110 can also be connected to an external power source through a predetermined port (not shown) of the mist generating device 100A, thereby enabling charging. Only the power supply 110 may be removed from the first member 102 or the mist generating device 100A, or may be replaced with a new power supply 110 . Furthermore, the power supply 110 can be replaced with a new power supply 110 by exchanging the entire first member 102 with a new first member 102 .

The member 112 is a member used to obtain a value related to the temperature of the load 132 . The member 112 may be constructed and used so as to be able to obtain a desired value such as the value of the current flowing through the load 132, the resistance value of the load 132, and the like.

The member 112 may include a pressure sensor that detects changes in pressure in the air intake flow path 120 and/or the mist flow path 121, or a flow rate detector that detects the flow rate. The member 112 may include a weight sensor that detects members such as the reservoir 116 . The means 112 may be configured to count the number of puffs performed by the user using the mist generating device 100A. The member 112 may be configured to accumulate the energization time to the atomizing part 118 . The member 112 may be configured to detect the height of the liquid level in the reservoir 116 . The means 112 may be configured to obtain or detect the SOC (State of Charge) of the power source 110 , the integrated current value, the voltage, and the like. The SOC can also be obtained by the current accumulation method (Coulomb calculation method), the SOC-OCV (Open Circuit Voltage, open circuit voltage) method, or the like. The member 112 may be an operation button or the like that can be operated by the user.

The control unit 106 may be an electronic circuit module formed as a microprocessor or a microcomputer. The control unit 106 may also be configured to control the operation of the mist generating device 100A in accordance with a computer-executable command stored in the memory 114 . The memory 114 is a storage medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash memory. In addition to the above-mentioned computer-executable commands, 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 may also store various types of control methods (such as light emission, sound, vibration, etc.) of the notification unit 108 , values obtained and/or detected by the component 112 , and heating history of the atomizing unit 118 . kind of information. The control unit 106 reads the data from the memory 114 according to the need, and uses it for the control of the mist generating device 100A, and stores the data in the memory 114 according to the need.

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

As shown in the figure, the mist generating device 100B includes not only the mist generating device 100A of FIG. 1A but also the third member 126 . The third member 126 may also contain a fragrance source 128 . For example, when the mist generating device 100B is an electronic cigarette or a heating cigarette, the aroma source 128 may contain the aroma component contained in the cigarette. As shown in the figure, the mist flow path 121 extends across the second member 104 and the third member 126 . The suction port 122 is provided on the third member 126 .

The fragrance source 128 is a member for imparting fragrance to the mist source. The fragrance source 128 is arranged in the middle of the mist flow path 121 . The mixed fluid of mist and air generated by the atomizing part 118 (it should be noted that the mixed fluid may be simply referred to as mist) flows to the suction port 122 through the mist flow path 121 . In this way, the fragrance source 128 is provided downstream of the atomizing part 118 with respect to the flow of the mist. In other words, in the mist flow path 121 , the fragrance source 128 is located closer to the suction port 122 than the atomizing portion 118 is. Therefore, the mist generated by the atomizing part 118 reaches the suction port 122 after passing through the fragrance source 128 . When the mist passes through the aroma source 128, the aroma components contained in the aroma source 128 are imparted to the mist. For example, when the mist generating device 100B is an electronic cigarette or a heating cigarette, the flavor source 128 can be cut tobacco, or a processed product of granulated, flake, or powdered tobacco raw material, and the like is derived from tobacco. The flavor source 128 can also be made from plants other than tobacco (eg, mint or herbs, etc.) that are not derived from tobacco. As an example, the flavor source 128 contains a nicotine component. The fragrance source 128 may also contain fragrances such as menthol Element. Not only the aroma source 128 but also the storage part 116 may have a substance containing an aroma component. For example, the mist generating device 100B may hold a tobacco-derived flavor material in the flavor source 128 , and may be configured to contain the tobacco-derived flavor material in the storage portion 116 .

The user sucks by holding the mouthpiece 122, and can inhale the mist containing the fragrance into the oral cavity.

The control part 106 is comprised so that it may control the mist generator 100A and 100B (henceforth "mist generator 100" collectively) which concerns on embodiment of this invention by various methods.

In the mist generating device, when the mist source is insufficient, when the user performs suction, sufficient mist cannot be supplied to the user. Furthermore, in the case of an electronic cigarette or a heating cigarette, a mist having an unexpected aroma (hereinafter, this phenomenon is also referred to as "unexpected behavior") may be released. The inventors of the present application have found that not only when the mist source in the storage part 116 is insufficient, but also when the mist source in the holding part 130 is temporarily insufficient even though the mist source remains sufficiently in the storage part 116, unexpected behavior may occur. and make it an important issue to be solved. In order to solve these problems, the inventors of the present application have invented a mist generating device capable of specifically specifying whether or not either the mist source in the storage portion 116 and the mist source in the holding portion 130 is insufficient, and a mist generating device for operating the mist generating device. methods and procedures. The inventors of the present invention have also invented a mist generating device and a method and program for operating the mist generating device which suppress the temporary shortage of the mist source in the holding portion holding the mist source supplied from the mist source storage portion. The inventors of the present application have also discovered that the mist generation device 100 is discriminated as to whether or not the mist stored in the storage unit 116 A mist generating device capable of performing appropriate control and a mist generating device capable of performing appropriate control in a state where the air source is insufficient, or in another state in which the mist source held by the holding portion 130 is insufficient although the storage portion 116 can supply the mist source. Methods and programs of action. Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail mainly on the assumption that the mist generating device has the configuration shown in FIG. 1A . However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention that the embodiment of the present invention can be applied even when the mist generating device has various configurations such as the configuration shown in Fig. 1B.

<First Embodiment>

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

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

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

As indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 2 , the control unit 106 can control the switch Q1 , the switch Q2 , and the like, and can acquire the value detected by the member 112 . The control unit 106 may also be constructed so as to enable the first path 202 to function by switching the switch Q1 from an OFF state to an ON state, and to enable the first path 202 to function by switching the switch Q2 from an OFF state to an ON state. The second path 204 is made functional. The control unit 106 may also be constructed such that the first path 202 and the second path 204 function alternately by switching the switches Q1 and Q2 alternately. With this configuration, as described later, even after the mist is generated (after the user inhales), and even during mist generation (the user is inhaling), it can be discriminated whether or not the mist generating device is in the first state ( The mist source stored in the storage part 116 is insufficient), or the second state (although the storage part 116 can supply the mist source, but the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient), the shortage of the mist source is detected.

It is also possible to construct a configuration: after the control unit 106 switches the switch Q1 of the first path 202 from the ON state to the OFF state, until the switch Q2 of the second path 204 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state, a predetermined interval is set. .

The first path 202 is used for atomization of the mist source. When the switch Q1 is switched to the ON state and the first path 202 functions, the Electricity is supplied to the heater (or the load 132 within the heater) so that the load 132 is heated. Due to the heating of the load 132, the mist source of the holding part 130 held in the atomizing part 118 is atomized to generate mist.

The second path 204 is used to obtain a value associated with the temperature of the load 132 . For example, as shown in FIG. 2, consider the case where the component 112 included in the second path 204 is a voltage sensor. When the switch Q2 is turned on and the second path 204 is functioning, current flows through the constant voltage output circuit 208 , the switch Q2 , the resistor 212 and the load 132 . Using the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212 obtained by the member 112 and the known resistance value R _shunt of the resistor 212 , the value of the current flowing through the load 132 can be obtained. Since the total value of the resistance values of the resistor 212 and the load 132 can be obtained from the output voltage V _out of the constant voltage output circuit 208 and the current value, the known resistance value R _shunt can be subtracted from the total value. The resistance value R _HTR of the load load 132 is obtained. When the load 132 has a positive or negative temperature coefficient characteristic of changing the resistance value according to the temperature, the relationship between the resistance value of the load 132 and the temperature of the load 132 determined in advance and the resistance value R of the load 132 obtained in the above manner are used. _HTR , the temperature of the load 132 can be estimated. The value associated with the temperature of load 132 in this example is the voltage applied to resistor 212 . However, the fact that the temperature of the load 132 can be estimated by using the value of the current flowing through the resistor 212 should be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. Therefore, the specific example of the component 112 is not limited to the voltage sensor, and may also include other components such as a current sensor (eg, a Hall element).

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart for detecting the shortage of the mist source according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, the case where the control unit 106 executes all the steps will be described. It should be noted that some of the steps may also be performed by other components of the mist generating device 100 . In addition, the present embodiment uses the circuit 200 shown in FIG. 2 as an example, but those skilled in the art of the present invention will understand that the circuit 300 shown in FIG. 3 or other circuits can be used.

Processing begins at step 402 . In step 402, the control unit 106 determines whether suction by the user is detected according to the information obtained from the pressure sensor, the flow sensor, and the like. For example, when the output values of the sensors change continuously, the control unit 106 may also determine that the suction by the user is detected. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine that the suction by the user is detected based on the fact that a button for starting mist generation is pressed, or the like.

When it is determined that suction has been detected (YES in step 402 ), the process proceeds to step 404 . In step 404, the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to be in an on state so that the first path 202 functions.

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

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

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

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

The processing shown in FIG. 4 only shows the general flow of determining whether the mist source in the mist generating device 100A is insufficient, but it should be noted that the specific processing of the embodiment of the present invention is not shown, that is, the difference in the storage unit 116 Dealing with the shortage of the mist source and the shortage of the mist source in the holding part 130 .

In the present invention, the shortage of the mist source in the storage part 116 includes not only a state in which the mist source in the storage part 116 is completely depleted, but also a state in which the mist source cannot be sufficiently supplied to the holding part 130 . In the present invention, the so-called shortage of the mist source in the holding part 130 includes not only a state in which the mist source covering the entire holding part 130 is completely depleted, but also a state in which a part of the holding part 130 is depleted.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the timing of switching between switches Q1 and Q2 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5(A) , the control unit 106 may switch between the switch Q1 and the switch Q2 while the mist source is being atomized (puffing performed by the user). As shown in FIG. 5(B) , the control unit 106 may set the switch Q1 to the OFF state and set the switch Q2 to the OFF state after the atomization of the mist source is completed (the suction performed by the user is completed). On state.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of detecting the shortage of the mist source in the mist generating device 100A of the present embodiment. In this example, as shown in FIG. 5(A), it is assumed that the switch Q1 and the switch Q2 are switched during the period of suction performed by the user. In addition, the case where the control part 106 performs all steps is demonstrated. However, it should be noted that some of the steps may also be performed by other components of the mist generating device 100 .

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

The process proceeds to step 604, and the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to be in an on state to allow the first path 202 to function. Therefore, electric power is supplied to the heater (or the load 132 in the heater), and the mist source in the holding part 130 is heated to generate mist. Furthermore, in step 605, the control part 106 starts a timer (not shown). In another example, a timer is activated when the switch Q2 is turned on in step 606 to be described later, but not when the switch Q1 is turned on.

The process proceeds to step 606, and the control unit 106 sets the switch Q1 to an OFF state. In the example of Fig. 6, it should be noted that the processing is performed during the suction performed by the user. Through the process of step 606, the second path 204 is enabled to function, and the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 (eg, the value of the voltage applied to the resistor 212, the value of the current flowing through the resistor 212 and the load 132, etc.) is obtained through the component 112. . As already explained, the temperature of the load 132 is derived from the obtained value.

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

The process proceeds to step 608, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not the temperature (T _HTR ) of the load 132 exceeds a predetermined temperature (eg, 350° C.). In this example, the temperature of the load 132 is compared to a temperature threshold. In other embodiments, the resistance value or current value of the load 132 may be compared with the threshold value of the resistance value or the threshold value of the current value. In this case, the threshold value of the resistance value and the threshold value of the current value are set to appropriate values so that it can be sufficiently determined that the mist source is insufficient.

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

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

In the case where the timer is started when the switch Q1 is set to the conducting state as shown in step 605, the predetermined threshold value Δt _thre may be a first predetermined fixed value (for example, the predetermined switch Q1 is set to the conducting state first time) and a second predetermined fixed value (for example, a time equal to or less than the time at which the predetermined switch Q2 is set to the ON state first). Alternatively, the predetermined threshold value Δt _thre may be the sum of the actually measured time when the switch Q1 is set to the conducting state and the above-mentioned second predetermined fixed value.

In the case where the timer is started when the switch Q1 is set to the ON state, the predetermined threshold value Δt _thre may be the above-mentioned second predetermined fixed value.

Comparing the situation in which the mist source of the storage part 116 is insufficient, and the situation in which the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient, although the storage part 116 can supply the mist source, the former situation reaches a high temperature that cannot tolerate the temperature of the load 132 . The time so far is short. The reason for this is that, in the former case, since the holding portion 130 is not supplied with a mist source, the electric power supplied to the load 132 increases the temperature used for the load 132 . In this case, since the mist source can be supplied to the holding portion 130 from the storage portion 116, the electric power supplied to the load 132 is also used for atomization of the mist source.

When the time from the start of the timer to the present has not reached the predetermined threshold value (YES in step 614 ), the process proceeds to step 616 . In step 616, the control unit 106 determines that the mist generating device 100 is in the first state. In the first state, since the mist source stored in the storage part 116 is insufficient, the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which mist is generated due to the evaporation of the mist source. On the other hand, when the time from the start of the timer to the present is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (NO in step 614 ), the process proceeds to step 624 . In step 624, the control unit 106 determines that the mist generating device 100 is in the second state. In the second state, although the storage part 116 can supply the mist source, but the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient, the temperature of the load 132 will exceed the boiling point of the mist source or the mist is generated due to the evaporation of the mist source. temperature. In this way, the control unit 106 can be configured to distinguish between the first state and the second state.

In the present invention, the shortage of the mist source in the first state refers to a state in which the mist source in the storage part 116 is completely depleted, or because the mist source in the storage part 116 is small and the holding part 130 cannot be sufficiently supplied. Status of the supply mist source. In addition, in the present invention, the so-called shortage of the mist source in the second state refers to a state in which the entire holding portion 130 is completely depleted of the mist source although the storage portion 116 can supply the mist source, or a state where the holding portion 130 is completely depleted. Part of the mist source is depleted. in the first state and either of the second state cannot generate sufficient mist.

After step 616, the process proceeds to step 618, where the control unit 106 operates the notification unit 108, etc., so that the user can recognize that the mist generating device 100 is in the first state and the storage unit 116 should be replaced (or the mist source in the storage unit 116). supplement) of the affair. The process proceeds to step 620, and the control unit 106 shifts to the detachment inspection mode. The process proceeds to step 622, and the control unit 106 determines whether or not removal of the storage unit 116 (or replenishment of the mist source) has been detected. When the removal of the storage unit 116 is detected (“Yes” in step 622 ), the process ends. If not (“NO” in step 622 ), the process returns to before step 618 .

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

As described above, according to the present embodiment, whether or not the mist generating device 100A is in the first state in which the mist source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient, or is in the first state in which the mist source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient, is discriminated according to the change in the value related to the temperature of the load 132 after the circuit 134 functions. Although the storage part 116 can supply the mist source, the second state in which the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient. Therefore, it can be determined with high accuracy whether or not the mist source is completely depleted.

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

In the modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the first state can also be defined as a state in which the temperature ratio of the load 132 is different from the first state and the second state because the mist source stored in the storage part 116 is insufficient. The other state of the gas reaches a predetermined temperature earlier than the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which the generation of mist occurs by the evaporation of the mist source. Furthermore, the second state can also be defined as the following state: although the storage part 116 can supply the mist source, but the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient, the temperature ratio of the load 132 is higher than that of the first state and the second state. Different other states reach a predetermined temperature earlier than the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which mist generation occurs by evaporation of the mist source. In these cases, compared with the above-described embodiment of FIG. 6 , the accuracy of detecting the shortage of the mist source is poor, but faster detection can be performed.

As described above, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the control (steps 618 to 622) executed in the first state in which the mist source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient is different from the storage unit 116 that can supply the mist source, but the holding unit The control (step 626 ) performed in the second state in which the mist source is insufficient maintained by 130 is different.

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

The processing of step 702 is the same as the processing of step 602 in FIG. 6 .

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

The process proceeds to step 706, and the control section 106 sets the switch Q1 to the OFF state and sets the switch Q2 to the ON state. It should be noted that in the example of FIG. 7, the processing is performed after the suction by the user is completed. Through the process of step 706, the second path 204 functions, the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 is obtained by the component 112, and the temperature of the load 132 is derived according to the obtained value.

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

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

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

When the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the predetermined temperature (YES in step 710 ), the process proceeds to step 716 . In step 716 , the control unit 106 determines whether or not the time differential value of the temperature of the load 132 is larger than a predetermined threshold value (for example, a value smaller than 0).

Insufficient mist source of the holding part 130 during the user's suction In this case, the situation in which the mist source of the storage part 116 is insufficient is compared with the situation in which the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient although the storage part 116 can supply the mist source. The time differential value of the temperature of the load 132 is large. The reason is that in the former case, the temperature of the load 132 rises, stagnates, or gradually continues to decrease because the mist source is not supplied to the holding portion 130 after the user finishes puffing, whereas the latter case is due to the use of Since the mist source can be supplied from the storage part 116 to the holding part 130 after the suction is completed, the temperature of the load 132 is lowered.

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

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

In the example of FIG. 7 , the control unit 106 makes the second path 204 function after the operation of the first path 202 is completed. Therefore, in a static state in which no mist is generated, it is possible to discriminate with good accuracy whether the mist generating device 100 is in the first state or in the second state.

Further, according to the example of FIG. 7, the control unit 106 The first state and the second state can be distinguished from changes in the value associated with the temperature of the load 132 after the operation of the first path 202 is completed or while the second path 204 is functioning. In the configuration in which the first path 202 for generating the mist and the second path 204 for detecting the shortage of the mist source are set to the conduction state in sequence, the first state and the second state can be distinguished.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 7, the control part 106 may make the 2nd path 204 function after the operation|movement of the 1st path 202 is completed several times. For example, after the switch Q1 is turned on/off 5 times (5 times of puffs performed by the user are completed), the switch Q2 can be set to the on state. In this case, the control unit 106 may replace the storage unit 116 with a new one, or after the storage unit 116 is supplemented with a mist source, as the number of operations or the accumulated movement amount of the load 132 increases, before the second path 204 functions. The number of times the first path 202 is actuated is decreased.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the embodiment of FIG. 7 also differs in the control performed in the first state (steps 720 to 724) and the control performed in the second state (step 728).

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

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

The circuit 134 may also be configured to include the single path 802 shown in FIG. 8 . Path 802 is connected to load 132 in series. Path 802 may include switch Q1 and resistor 812 . In this example, the circuit 134 may further include an element (not shown) for smoothing the power supplied to the load 132 . Thereby, the influence of noise at the time of transition (on and off of the switch), noise due to inrush current, etc. can be reduced, and the first state and the second state can be distinguished with high accuracy.

As indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 8 , the control unit 106 can control the switch Q1 to acquire the value detected by the member 112 .

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

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

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

The mist generating device 100A having the configuration shown in FIG. 8 may further include a low-pass filter (not shown). Values (current values, voltage values, etc.) associated with the temperature of the load 132 obtained using the component 112 may also pass through the low-pass filter. In this case, the control unit 106 can also obtain and The temperature-related value after passing through the low-pass filter is used to derive the temperature of the load 132 .

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

FIG. 9 shows a sequence of atomization of the mist source using switch Q1 and estimation of the remaining amount of the mist source in the mist generating device 100A having the circuit 800 of FIG. 8 . Since the circuit in FIG. 8 has only a single path 802, the control unit 106 detects whether or not the mist source is insufficient even during the period when the mist source is being atomized (during the user's inhalation).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of detecting the shortage of the mist source in the mist generating device 100A of the present embodiment. This example assumes that the mist generating device 100A has the circuit 800 shown in FIG. 8 .

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

The process proceeds to step 1004, and the control unit 106 turns on the switch Q1 and causes the path 802 to function. Therefore, electric power is supplied to the heater (load 132 ), and the mist source in the holding part 130 is heated to generate mist. The control unit 106 further obtains a value related to the temperature of the load 132 through the component 112 (for example, the value applied to the resistor 812 , the electricity flowing through the load 132 , and the flow value, etc.). As already explained, the temperature of the load 132 is derived from the obtained value.

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

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

6 and 7, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the control performed in the first state (steps 1016 to 1020) is different from the control performed in the second state (step 1024).

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

When puffing by the user is detected, power is supplied to the load 132 to heat the load 132 . The temperature of the load 132 rises from room temperature (eg, 25°C) to the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source (eg, 200° C.). When there is a sufficient mist source in the holding part 130, the heat applied to the load 132 is used for atomization of the mist source, so as shown in FIG. 11, the temperature of the load 132 is stable around the above-mentioned temperature. When the puff performed by the user ends, the power supply to the load 132 is stopped, and the temperature of the load 132 is lowered toward room temperature.

When the interval from the end of the puff performed by the user to the start of the next puff is sufficiently long, as shown in FIG. 11 , the load 132 is cooled and the temperature returns to room temperature. If it is premised that a sufficient amount of mist source is stored in the storage part 116, until the next A sufficient amount of mist source can be supplied from the storage part 116 to the holding part 130 until the start of suction. Here, suction and spacing in this manner are referred to as "normal" suction and "normal" spacing, respectively.

The resistance value of the load 132 varies according to the temperature of the load 132 . In the example of FIG. 11, the resistance value of the load 132 rises from R (T _RT = 25° C.) to R ( T _BP = 200°C). When the temperature of the load 132 reaches the boiling point of the mist source and the atomization of the mist source starts, the temperature of the load 132 is stable, and therefore, the resistance value of the load 132 is also stable. The resistance value of the load 132 also decreases until the atomization of the mist source is completed and the temperature of the load 132 drops to room temperature. As described above, the example of FIG. 11 performs normal suction, so the resistance value of the load 132 returns to R (T _RT =25° C.) when the next suction starts.

In the present invention, the change in the resistance value of the load 132 caused by the heating of the load 132 during the previous suction is related to the influence of the resistance value of the load 132 during the next suction, which is referred to as the “thermal history” of the load. . In the case of the example of FIG. 11, since the above-mentioned influence does not occur, no thermal history remains with respect to the resistance value of the load 132.

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

When the interval is short, the next pumping will start before the temperature of the load 132 returns to room temperature, and the load 132 will be heated again. Fig. 12A (a) is a graph showing this situation. In Fig. 12(A) (a), the situation from the start to the end of the earliest suction is the same as that of the normal suction in Fig. 11 . When the earliest pumping ends, the temperature of the load 132 will decrease, and the resistance value of the load 132 will decrease with this. However, since the interval from the end of the earliest puff to the start of the second puff is short, the temperature of the load 132 is higher than room temperature at the start of the second puff, so the load 132 The resistance value is also larger than the resistance value R at room temperature (T _RT = 25℃). That is, unlike the example of FIG. 11, the example of FIG. 12(A) does not leave a thermal history on the load 132 at the start of the second suction. In this way, when the load 132 is heated by the second suction, the mist source in the storage part 116 and the holding part 130 is insufficient, and the resistance value of the load 132 exceeds R (T _BP = 200° C.) rise.

Fig. 12A (b) is based on the situation shown in Fig. 12A (a), and shows a time-series change in the resistance value of the load 132 during repeated suction. Since the interval from the end of the earliest puff to the start of the second puff is short, the resistance value of the load 132 at the start of the second puff is higher than the resistance value R (T _RT at room temperature) =25°C) is larger. In addition, since this interval is short, the supply of the mist source from the storage part 116 to the holding part 130 cannot be performed sufficiently. Therefore, at the start of the second suction, there is a possibility that the mist source in the holding part 130 is less than that in the case where the interval having a sufficient length is provided. In this way, the thermal history of the load 132 remains and the mist source in the holding part 130 is small. Therefore, after the mist source is heated by the load 132 in the second puff to stably generate mist, the mist source in the holding part 130 is insufficient, and the temperature of the load 132 will exceed the boiling point of the mist source as shown. Therefore, the resistance value of the load 132 also reaches a value larger than R (T _BP =200° C.). By repeating this operation, the temperature of the load 132 reaches the threshold value (eg, 350° C.) shown in the embodiment described in relation to FIGS. 6 , 7 and 10 .

The inventors of the present application have invented the following technology: based on the thermal history of the load 132 , the method used to distinguish the first state and the second state in the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 6 , 7 and 10 is corrected. Conditions such as the threshold value (eg, Δt _thre in step 614 ), whereby the control of the mist generating device 100A can be further appropriately performed when the mist source is insufficient. This technique is described below.

Fig. 12B is a flowchart showing a process of correcting the condition for distinguishing the first state and the second state when the suction performed by the user is performed at short intervals according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The process starts at step 1202, and the control unit 106 sets the counter n to 0.

The process proceeds to step 1204 , and the control unit 106 measures the puff interval (interval _meas ) from the previous puff end time to the current puff start time.

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

The process proceeds to step 1208 , and the control section 106 calculates a value (Δinterval(n)) obtained by subtracting the interval _meas measured in step 1204 from the value of the preset interval (interval _preset ). The value of the interval _preset may be the time (for example, 1 second) until the temperature of the load 132 returns from the boiling point of the mist source to room temperature during normal puffing, or it may be sufficient from the storage unit 116 after the previous puff is completed. The time until the mist source of the quantity is supplied to the holding part 130 .

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

In FIG. 12B , when Δinterval(n) is equal to or less than 0 (interval _meas is equal to or greater than interval _preset ) (NO in step 1208 ), the process proceeds to step 1216 . However, it is also possible to repeat the steps 1204 to 1210 before the step 1204 for a predetermined number of times.

When Δinterval(n) is larger than 0 (interval _meas is smaller than interval _preset ) (“Yes” in step 1210 ), the process proceeds to step 1212 . In step 1212, the control unit 106 obtains the value Σ obtained by accumulating the calculated Δinterval(n) so far. The calculation formula shown in step 1210 is just an example. The process of step 1212 can be performed in the following manner: the earlier thermal history included in the thermal history of the load 132 is influenced by the above-mentioned condition (the condition for distinguishing the first state and the second state) than the thermal history of the load 132. The inclusion of newer thermal histories has little effect on this condition. Thereby, even when a plurality of thermal histories are accumulated, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with good accuracy. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that various calculations may be performed at step 1212 .

The process proceeds to step 1214, and the control unit 106 can obtain the above-mentioned condition (Δt _thre ) based on the accumulated value Σ obtained in step 1212 and a predetermined function. In FIG. 12B, an example of the predetermined function F(Σ) is shown on the horizontal side of step 1214 . In this way, in step 1214, it may be preset so that Δt _thre becomes smaller as the accumulated value Σ becomes larger (the puff interval becomes smaller). Therefore, as the time interval from the end of the request for the generation of mist (puff by the user, pressing of a predetermined button, etc.) to the start of the next request is shorter, it is determined that the first state is likely to have occurred. The above conditions are corrected in such a way that the performance becomes lower.

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

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 operates to correct the conditions for distinguishing the first state and the second state according to the thermal history of the load 132 when the circuit 134 functions. Therefore, even when the thermal history of the load 132 remains, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with good accuracy.

According to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 obtains the time-series change of the request according to the request for the generation of mist, and corrects the thermal history of the load 132 based on the change in the time-series of the request. Operates in a manner that distinguishes the conditions of the first state and the second state. Therefore, even when an abnormal suction is performed, the first state and the second state can be distinguished with good accuracy.

Even in the case of a long time of puffing by the user, or when the puffing time is long and the interval is the usual length 12A and 12B, although the same problem as in FIGS. 12A and 12B occurs, this problem can be solved by this embodiment. In other words, even in the case where the change in the time series of the request for the generation of mist is caused by suction over a longer time than usual, correction can be made based on the thermal history of the load 132 resulting from the change. A condition used to distinguish the first state from the second state.

FIG. 13A is a graph conceptually showing a time-series change in the resistance value of the load 132 when the time required to cool the load 132 due to deterioration of the load 132 becomes longer than normal.

Once the time required to cool the load 132 becomes longer, the next suction can be started before the temperature of the load 132 returns to room temperature even if the suction interval is normal. The graph of Fig. 13A shows this situation. In Fig. 13A, the situation from the start to the end of the earliest puff is the same as that of the normal puff in Fig. 11 . When the earliest pumping ends, the temperature of the load 132 decreases, and with this, the resistance value of the load 132 also decreases. However, since the temperature of the load 132 decreases slowly, the temperature of the load 132 is higher than room temperature at the start of the second puff. Therefore, the resistance value of the load 132 is also larger than the resistance value R at room temperature (T _RT =25°C). That is, unlike the example of FIG. 11 , in the example of FIG. 13A , a thermal history remains on the load 132 at the start of the second suction. Therefore, once the load 132 is heated due to the second suction, the resistance value of the load 132 will reach R (T _BP =200°C) faster, so that more mist sources are heated and more mist can be generated. Therefore, the mist source in the holding part 130 tends to be insufficient. By repeating such an operation, the temperature of the load 132 can reach the threshold value (eg, 350° C.) shown in the embodiments described in FIGS. 6 , 7 and 10 .

The inventors of the present application and the like have invented the following technology: in the above-mentioned situation, according to the thermal history of the load 132, it is corrected to distinguish the first state in the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 6, 7 and 10. The conditions such as the threshold value of the second state (eg, Δt _thre in step 614 ), etc., can further appropriately perform the control of the mist generating device 100 when the mist source is insufficient. This technique will be described below.

FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing a process of correcting the condition for distinguishing the first state and the second state when the time required for cooling the load 132 becomes longer than that in the normal case.

The process starts at step 1302, and the control unit 106 obtains the initial temperature T _ini of the load 132 when the user's puffing starts and the circuit 134 of the mist generating device 100A functions.

The process proceeds to step 1304, and the control unit 106 obtains the above-mentioned condition (eg, Δt _thre ) based on the initial temperature T _ini and a predetermined function. In FIG. 13B, an example of the predetermined function F(T _ini ) is shown on the horizontal side of step 1304 . In this way, in step 1304, the Δt _thre may become smaller as the temperature of the load 132 increases when the circuit 134 of the mist generating device 100A functions. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 106 operates to correct the above conditions so that the higher the temperature of the load 132 when the circuit 134 functions, the less likely it is that the first state has occurred.

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

<Second Embodiment>

Compared with the mist generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the interval is shorter than that of normal suction (for example, the time required to supply a sufficient amount of mist from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130 ). Even if a sufficient amount of the mist source is stored in the storage portion 116 during suction at a short interval), a temporary shortage of the mist source in the holding portion 130 occurs. Also, when the suction volume of one suction is larger than that of normal suction, the same problem occurs. In addition, when the suction time of one suction is longer than the normal suction, the same problem occurs. These are but examples of suction where the problems described above can occur. It should be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention that the same problems may arise with unanticipated suction patterns having various characteristics. The second embodiment of the present invention is an invention for solving the above-mentioned problems.

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

The mist generator 100 of the present embodiment may include a supply unit capable of adjusting at least one of the amount and speed of the mist source supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 . The supply department can also It is controlled by the control unit 106 . The supply unit can be realized by various configurations, such as a pump arranged between the storage unit 116 and the holding unit 130 , a mechanism configured to control the opening of the storage unit 116 with respect to the atomizing unit 118 , and the like.

The mist generating device 100 of the present embodiment may have a temperature control unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the mist source. The temperature regulation unit can also be controlled by the control unit 106 . The temperature regulation unit can be realized by various configurations and arrangements.

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

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

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process of suppressing the temporary shortage of the mist source of the holding part 130 in the mist generator 100 of the present embodiment.

The processing starts at step 1402, and the control unit 106 sets the counter n _err to 0 when the processing starts. The value of the counter n _err may also indicate the number of times that an unexpected puff was detected.

The process proceeds to step 1404, and the control unit 106 measures the interval of puffing, the puffing volume, the length of puffing time, and the like. These are only examples of the parameters measured in step 1404 . It should be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention that by measuring in step 1404, it is helpful to detect non- The present embodiment can be realized with various parameters of the suction that are envisaged.

The process proceeds to step 1406, and the control unit 106 compares the parameters measured in step 1404 with parameters corresponding to normal suction, and determines whether or not the suction currently being performed has suction of unexpected characteristics. For example, when the measured puff interval is shorter than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 106 determines that the current puff is an unintended puff. In another example, when the measured suction volume exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 106 determines that the current suction is an unintended suction. In another example, when the measured puff time is longer than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 106 determines that the current puff is an unexpected puff. Alternatively, the control unit 106 may determine whether or not the current suction is performed using the technique described in relation to the first embodiment and in relation to FIGS. 6, 7, 10, 12B, and 13B. Although the storage part 116 can supply the mist source, the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient (for example, the second state in the first embodiment). For example, as described in relation to the first embodiment, the control unit 106 may perform the determination in step 1406 based on the temperature change of the load 132 after the circuit 134 has been activated. Alternatively, as described in relation to the first embodiment, the control unit 106 may perform the determination of step 1406 in accordance with a time series change of the request from the request unit.

When the current puff is not an unintended puff (“No” in step 1406 ), the process returns to before step 1404 . Alternatively, the process may end.

When the current suction is not the expected suction (“Yes” in step 1406 ), it is detected that the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient (more specifically, although the storage unit 116 can supply the mist source) , a dry state in which the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the mist source due to the shortage of the mist source of the holding part 130 or a precursor of the dry state). The process proceeds to step 1408, and the control unit 106 increments the value of the counter _nerr .

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

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

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

For example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may execute control to set the interval from the completion of the generation of the mist to the start of the next generation of the mist to be longer than the previous interval. Thereby, the generation of mist is prohibited during the extended interval, and the time for supplying the mist source from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130 can be secured. Therefore, the occurrence or recurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 can be suppressed. In this example, the control unit 106 can also be based on the viscosity of the mist source, the remaining amount of the mist source, and the load 132 At least one of the resistance value of , and the temperature of the power supply 110 , the length of the correction interval. Thereby, the interval can be prevented from being excessively long, and the deterioration of the user experience can be suppressed.

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

For example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may control the aforementioned circuit so as to reduce the amount of mist generated.

For example, in step 1414, the control unit 106 may also control the above-mentioned temperature adjusting unit by heating the mist source. A general liquid mist source has the property that its viscosity decreases as its temperature rises. That is, if the mist source is heated at a temperature that does not generate mist, at least one of the amount and speed of the mist source supplied from the storage part 116 to the holding part 130 is increased by capillary action. The control unit 106 may also control the temperature adjustment unit to heat the mist source during the period when the mist is not generated by the load 132 . Thereby, since the mist source is supplied from the storage part 116 to the holding part 130 mainly when the suction is not performed, the effect of warming can be easily obtained. The control unit 106 can also use the load 132 as a temperature regulation unit. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide another heater for heating, and the simplification of the structure and the reduction of the cost can be achieved.

For example, in step 1414 , the control unit 106 may control the above-mentioned changing unit so as to increase the ventilation resistance in the mist generating device 100 .

For example, the control unit 106 may control the circuit 134 according to the correlation that the greater the request from the above-mentioned request unit (eg, the greater the change in air pressure detected for suction), the greater the amount of mist generated. In step 1414, the control unit 106 may also correct the correlation in such a way that the amount of mist generated corresponding to the requested size decreases.

For example, the control unit 106 may be configured to be able to execute the first mode and the second mode, in which the first mode is to set the interval from the completion of the generation of the mist to the start of the next generation of the mist more than before. In the second mode, at least one of when the power supply 110 starts to supply power to the load 132 and when the power supply 110 to the load 132 is completed, the holding part is controlled so that the interval is not controlled. 130 is a control for increasing the holding amount of the mist source or a control for increasing the possibility of increasing the holding amount. In step 1414, the control unit 106 may execute the second mode more preferentially than the first mode. Thereby, the occurrence or recurrence of temporary dryness of the holding portion 130 can be controlled without causing inconvenience to the user.

The control unit 106 may execute the first mode when further detecting a dry state of the holding unit 130 or a precursor of the dry state after executing the second mode. Thereby, since the interval control is performed when the temporary drying of the holding portion 130 cannot be suppressed by means other than the interval control which may impair the user's convenience, the user's convenience can be ensured at the same time. The occurrence or recurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 is suppressed.

In the case where the processing 1400 shown in FIG. 14 is performed a plurality of times, the control unit 106 may use the above-mentioned various formulas each time the processing is performed. The process executed in step 1414 is selected among various processes. For example, among the processes that can be executed in step 1414, a process that is less burdensome to the user may be preferentially executed. When this process is performed and the occurrence or reoccurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 cannot be suppressed, a process that imposes a heavy burden on the user may be performed.

When the value of the counter n _{err does} not exceed the predetermined threshold value (NO in step 1410 ), the process proceeds to step 1412 . In step 1412, the user is alerted. The warning is preferably made so that the user can easily understand that sufficient mist generation cannot be performed due to the influence of the current suction. For example, the control unit 106 may cause the notification unit 108 to function upon detection of the above-described dry state or a precursor of the dry state. When the notification unit 108 is a light-emitting element such as an LED, a display, a speaker, a vibrator, or the like, the control unit 106 may cause the notification unit 108 to emit light, display, sound, and vibrate. As a result, the user can be prevented from sucking, and as a result, the time required to supply the mist source from the storage part 116 to the holding part 130 can be ensured. Therefore, temporary drying of the holding portion 130, recurrence of drying, and the like can be suppressed.

For example, in step 1412, the control unit 106 may make the notification unit 108 function for a plurality of times and then detect a dry state or a precursor of the dry state, and execute setting the next aforementioned interval to be longer than the previous one. control. Thereby, the user can be prevented from feeling inconvenience from the beginning, and the occurrence or recurrence of temporary dryness of the holding portion 130 can be suppressed. In this example, the control unit 106 modifies the length of the interval according to at least one of the viscosity of the mist source, the remaining amount of the mist source, the resistance value of the load 132 , and the temperature of the power source 110 .

In one embodiment, after the generation of the mist is completed, the control unit 106 may supply the mist source from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 until an amount of mist source equal to or greater than that used for the generation of the mist is supplied to the holding unit 130 . The control for suppressing the generation of mist or the control for increasing the possibility of suppressing the generation of mist is performed at intervals corresponding to the period. Thereby, the occurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 can be effectively suppressed. In this example, the control unit 106 may control the notification unit 108 in the first mode during the period of fog generation, and control the notification unit 108 in the second mode different from the first mode during the interval. As a result, the user can be prevented from sucking, and as a result, the time required for supplying the mist source from the storage part 116 to the holding part 130 can be ensured. Therefore, temporary drying of the holding portion 130, recurrence of drying, and the like can be suppressed. The control unit 106 may control the notification unit 108 in a third mode different from the second mode when the request from the request unit is obtained during the interval. The control unit 106 may also control the circuit 134 so as to prohibit the generation of mist during the above-mentioned interval. As a result, the amount of the mist source held by the holding portion 130 in the above-mentioned interval is not easily reduced. As a result, the occurrence or recurrence of temporary drying of the holding portion 130 can be suppressed. The control unit 106 may correct the length of the interval according to at least one of the magnitude and change of the request from the request unit. Thereby, since the length of the interval is corrected according to the form of suction, the occurrence or recurrence of temporary dryness of the holding portion 130 can be suppressed by an appropriate suction interval.

FIG. 15 shows a specific example of the correction of the puff interval performed in the process 1400 of FIG. 14 . The control unit 106 can correct the current suction interval A using the correction coefficient obtained by various methods.

The control unit 106 may include a suction volume derivation unit 1510, a suction interval derivation unit 1512, a liquid viscosity derivation unit 1514, and a holding part contact amount derivation unit 1518, or may function as these components. constitute. The mist generating device 100 may also be provided with at least one of a flow or velocity sensor 1502 , a temperature sensor 1506 , a current sensor 1508 and a voltage sensor 1510 . The mist generating device 100 may further include means for detecting the liquid properties 1504 of the mist source.

As shown in FIG. 15 , the suction volume derivation unit 1510 derives the suction volume based on the flow rate or flow rate value detected by the flow rate or flow rate sensor 1502 . The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α1 from the derived suction volume according to a predetermined relationship 1522 between the suction volume and the correction coefficient α1.

The suction interval deriving unit 1512 derives the suction interval according to the flow rate or flow velocity value detected by the flow rate or flow velocity sensor 1502 . The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α2 from the derived suction interval according to the predetermined relationship 1524 between the suction interval and the correction coefficient α2.

The liquid viscosity derivation unit 1514 derives the liquid viscosity according to the liquid properties of the mist source and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1506 . The control unit 106 obtains the correction coefficient α3 from the derived liquid viscosity according to a predetermined relationship 1526 between the liquid viscosity and the correction coefficient α3.

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

The holding part contact amount deriving part 1518 is based on current sensing The contact amount of the holding portion is derived from the current value detected by the sensor 1508 and the voltage value detected by the voltage sensor 1510 . In addition, the contact amount of the holding part indicates how much the holding part 130 is in contact with the mist source stored in the storage part 116 . According to the contact amount of the holding portion, the amount of the mist source supplied from the storage portion 116 to the holding portion 130 by capillary action varies. The temperature of the load 132 also changes as a result of the change in the amount of the mist source supplied to the holding unit 130 , so the holding unit can be derived from the resistance value of the load 132 derived from the current sensor 1508 and the voltage sensor 1510 amount of exposure. The control section 106 obtains the correction coefficient α5 from the derived holding section contact amount according to a predetermined relationship 1530 between the holding section contact amount and the correction coefficient α5.

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

The control unit 106 can apply the correction coefficient α1 to the correction coefficient α6 obtained as described above to the current suction interval A by various methods. For example, the control unit 106 may obtain the configured puff interval A by using a value obtained by multiplying the value obtained from the correction coefficient α1 to the correction coefficient α6 by A as the overall correction coefficient. ' .

The above is only an example of the method for deriving the correction coefficient, and various methods can be applied. It should be understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention that the mist generating device 100 can be configured in various ways in order to specifically realize the processing conceptually shown in FIG. 15 .

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

<The third embodiment>

As described in relation to the first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to distinguish between the first state in which the mist source stored in the storage portion is insufficient, or the mist source held in the holding portion although the storage portion can supply the mist source. A mist generating device in the second state with insufficient sources. The third embodiment of the present invention described below is capable of appropriately controlling the constituents of the mist generating device having the above-mentioned characteristics.

The configuration of the mist generating device described in the first embodiment of the present invention (for example, the configuration described in relation to Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 8, etc.) and operation method (for example, in relation to Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 8, etc.) 6, 7, 10, 12B, 13B, etc.), and the operation method of the mist generator described in the second embodiment of the present invention (for example, in relation to Fig. 14) , the processing described in Fig. 15, etc.) can be used as an example of this embodiment.

For example, the mist generating device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a power source 110; a load 132 that receives power from the power source 110 to generate heat and atomize the mist source; Member 112; circuit 134 electrically connecting power source 110 and load 132; storage part 116 for storing the mist source; holding part for maintaining the mist source supplied from storage part 116 in a state where load 132 can be heated 130; and the control unit 106. It can also be constructed such that the control unit 106 discriminates that the mist generating device is in the first state in which the mist source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient according to the change of the value related to the temperature of the load 132 after or during the functioning of the circuit 134, Or in the second state where the mist source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient although the storage unit 116 can supply the mist source, the first control is executed when the first state is detected, and the same as the first control is executed when the second state is detected. Different second controls. Thereby, since the control when the insufficiency of the mist source of the storage part 116 is detected is different from the control when the insufficiency of the mist source of the holding part 130 is detected, it is possible to perform appropriate control according to the event occurring in the mist generating device 100 .

For example, in the first state, since the mist source stored in the storage part 116 is insufficient, the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the mist source or the temperature at which mist is generated by evaporation of the mist source. In the second state, although the storage part 116 can supply the mist source, the mist source held by the holding part 130 is insufficient, so the temperature of the load 132 exceeds the boiling point of the mist source or the mist is generated due to the evaporation of the mist source. temperature.

For example, the above-mentioned second control can significantly reduce the mist source stored in the storage unit 116 compared to the above-mentioned first control. In this way, it is possible to maintain the residual amount of mist in the storage part 116 and the residual amount of mist in the holding part 130 at appropriate values according to events.

For example, the control performed by the control unit 106 in the second control also changes a larger number of variables and/or a larger number of algorithms than the control performed by the control unit 106 in the first control. The first control is based on detecting It is executed in the first state (the state in which the mist source stored in the storage unit 116 is insufficient). Therefore, the first control system may only include replacement of the storage unit 116 instructed by the user or supplementation of the mist source. On the other hand, the second control is executed when the second state (the state in which the mist source held by the holding unit 130 is insufficient although the storage unit 116 can supply the mist source) is detected. Therefore, the second control system may include various controls included in the process of step 1414 in FIG. 14 described in connection with the second embodiment of the present invention. For example, the second control may also include a control for increasing the holding amount of the mist source held by the holding part 130 at at least one of when the power supply 110 starts to supply power to the load 132 and when the power supply 110 completes supplying power to the load 132 Or control that increases the possibility of increasing the holding amount. The second control may include a control to set the interval from the generation of the mist to the start of the next generation of the mist to be longer than the previous interval. The length of the interval can also be modified according to at least one of the viscosity of the mist source, the remaining amount of the mist source, the resistance value of the load 132 , and the temperature of the power source 110 . The second control may include control to increase at least one of the amount or the speed of the mist source supplied from the storage unit 116 to the holding unit 130 . The second control may also include controlling the circuit 134 in a manner that reduces the amount of mist generated. The second control may also include controlling the temperature regulation part so as to warm the mist source. The second control may include controlling the temperature control unit to heat the mist source during a period when the mist is not generated by the load 132 . The second control may include controlling the above-described changing unit so as to increase the ventilation resistance in the mist generating device 100 . The second control may also control the circuit 134 based on the correlation that the greater the request from the request unit, the greater the amount of mist generated. The second control may include reducing the amount of mist generated according to the required size. way to correct the correlation. In this embodiment, it should be understood that in order to execute the second control, a larger number of variables and/or a larger number of algorithms must be changed as compared with the first control.

For example, in the second control, the number of operations required by the user to allow the generation of mist is smaller than the number of operations required by the user to allow the generation of mist in the first control. For example, in the case of the first control, the user must perform an operation of replacing the storage part 116, an operation of replenishing the mist source to the storage part 116, and the like. On the other hand, although the second control may include the above-mentioned various controls, these controls can be automatically executed by the components of the mist generating device 100 such as the control unit 106 without requiring the user to perform operations. It should be understood from at least the above description that the number of user operations required to allow mist generation in the second control can be less than the number of user operations required to allow mist generation in the first control.

For example, in the first control and the second control, the control unit 106 may prohibit the generation of mist at least for a predetermined period. Thereby, since the mist generating device 100 can be disabled in any of the first state and the second state, the temperature of the load 132 can be suppressed from rising further. The so-called failure means that even if the user operates the mist generating device 100 , the load 132 will not be powered.

The period during which the generation of mist is prohibited in the second control may be shorter than the period during which the generation of mist is prohibited in the first control. In order to return from the first state to a state in which normal control can be performed, operations such as replacing the storage unit 116 must be performed, but in order to return from the second state to a state where normal control can be performed In the state of control, there is no need to perform operations such as replacing the storage portion 116 . Therefore, it is possible to suppress the failure control from being executed for an unnecessary length of time.

For example, the first control and the second control each have a return condition for transitioning from a state in which generation of mist is prohibited to a state in which generation of mist is permitted. The so-called restoration refers to returning to a state where the user can operate the mist generating device 100 to supply power to the load 132 . The reset condition in the first control may be set to be stricter than the reset condition in the second control. For example, the reset condition in the first control includes a larger number of conditions to be satisfied than the reset condition in the second control. In other examples, the reset condition in the first control requires more workload of the user's work than the reset condition in the second control. In other cases, the reset condition in the first control takes longer to execute than the reset condition in the second control. In another example, the reset condition in the first control cannot be completed when it is controlled only by the control unit 106 , and must rely on the manual operation of the user. On the other hand, the reset condition in the second control depends only on the control unit 106 . control can be completed. In other examples, even if the reset condition in the second control is sufficient, the reset condition in the first control is not sufficient. The number of replacement operations for the constituent elements of the mist generating device 100 included in the reset condition in the first control may be greater than the number of replacement operations for the constituent elements of the mist generating device 100 included in the reset condition in the second control.

For example, the mist generator 100 may have one or more notification units 108 . The number of notification units 108 functioning in the first control may be greater than the number of notification units 108 functioning in the second control. Therefore, in order to return to the normal state, it is necessary to During the user's work, the user can easily recognize the shortage of the mist source. As a result, earlier regression can be achieved. In another example, the time during which the notification unit 108 is functioning in the first control may be longer than the time during which the notification unit 108 in the second control is functioning. In another example, the amount of power supplied from the power source 110 to the notification unit 108 in the first control may be greater than the amount of power supplied from the power source 110 to the notification unit in the second control.

In the above description, the third embodiment of the present invention has described the mist generator and the method of operating the mist generator. However, it should be understood that when the present invention is implemented by a processor, it can be implemented as a program for causing the processor to execute the method, or a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but it should be understood that these embodiments 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-mentioned embodiments, but should be limited only by the scope of the patent application and its equivalents.

100A: Mist generating device

102: The first component

104: Second component

106: Control Department

108: Notification Department

110: Power

112: Components

114: Memory

116: Reservoir

118: Atomization Department

120: Air suction flow path

121: Mist flow path

122: Suction mouth

124: Arrow

130: Keeping the Ministry

132: load

134: Circuit

Claims (26)

A mist generating device, comprising: a power source; a load, which receives power from the aforementioned power source to generate heat, and atomizes the mist source; an obtaining member, which is used to obtain a value associated with the temperature of the aforementioned load; a circuit, which connects the aforementioned power source with the aforementioned A load is electrically connected; a storage part stores the mist source; a holding part keeps the mist source supplied from the storage part in a state where the load can be heated; and a control part is configured to: when a dry state is detected when the power supply starts to supply power to the load and when the power supply stops supplying power to the load, execute control to increase the holding amount of the mist source held by the holding part; the dry state is: Although the storage part can supply the mist source, the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source because the mist source held by the holding part is insufficient. The mist generating device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit for notifying a user, and the control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to function when the dry state is detected . The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the following control: when the dry state is detected In the state, the interval from the stop of the generation of the mist to the next start of the generation of the mist is set to be longer than the previous interval. The mist generating device according to claim 3, further comprising a notification unit for notifying a user, and the control unit is configured to control the following: when the dry state is detected, the The notification unit functions, and when the drying state is detected after the notification unit functions once or several times, the next interval is controlled to be longer than the previous interval. The mist generating device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control unit is configured according to the viscosity of the mist source, the remaining amount of the mist source, the resistance value of the load, and the temperature of the power supply At least one of them modifies the length of the aforementioned interval. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 of the claimed scope, further comprising a supply unit capable of adjusting at least one of the amount or speed of the mist source supplied by the storage unit to the holding unit Alternatively, the control unit may be configured to control the supply unit so as to increase at least one of an amount or a speed of the mist source supplied from the storage unit to the holding unit when the dry state is detected. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is configured to control the circuit so as to reduce the amount of mist generated when the dry state is detected. The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 of the scope of the application, further comprising a temperature regulating unit capable of adjusting the temperature of the mist source, and the control unit is configured to: after detecting the drying In the state, the temperature regulation part is controlled to heat the mist source. The mist generating device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to control the temperature adjustment unit to heat the mist source during a period when mist is not generated by the load. The mist generating device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to use the load as the temperature regulation unit. The mist generating device described in claim 1, further comprising a changing unit capable of changing the ventilation resistance in the mist generating device, and the control unit is configured so as to cause the drying state to be detected when the drying state is detected. The changing unit is controlled so that the ventilation resistance is increased. The mist generating device described in item 1 of the scope of the application further comprises a request unit, and the request unit outputs a request for the generation of mist, and the control unit is constructed so that the larger the request, the greater the amount of mist generated. The correlation relationship of , controls the circuit, and when the dry state is detected, the correlation relationship is corrected so that the amount of mist generated corresponding to the required magnitude is reduced. The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to be able to execute a first mode and a second mode, and the first mode is performed from after the generation of mist is stopped to when the next mode is started. The interval until the generation of the second mist is set to be longer than the interval of the previous one, and the second mode is at least one of when the power supply starts to supply power to the load and when the power supply stops supplying power to the load. The control of the interval is performed to increase the holding amount; when the dry state is detected, the second mode is executed, and after the second mode is executed, the dry state of the holding part is detected. Execute the first mode. The mist generating device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is configured to execute the first mode when the drying state is detected after executing the second mode. The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to detect the dry state based on a temperature change of the load after the circuit is activated. The mist generating device described in claim 1 further comprises a request unit, the request unit outputs a request for the generation of mist, and the control unit is configured to detect the drying according to the change of the time series of the request. state. A method for operating a mist generating device, comprising: a step of heating a load to atomize a mist source; and when the stored mist source is not insufficient, the mist is kept in a state that can be heated by the load When the source system is insufficient, and the dry state in which the temperature of the load exceeds the boiling point of the mist source is detected, the power supply to the load is started and the operation is stopped. At least one of the times when the load is powered, executes a control step of increasing the holding amount of the held mist source. A mist generating device, comprising: a power source; a load, which receives power from the aforementioned power source to generate heat, and atomizes the mist source; an obtaining member, which is used to obtain a value associated with the temperature of the aforementioned load; a circuit, which connects the aforementioned power source with the aforementioned The load is electrically connected; the storage part stores the mist source; the holding part keeps the mist source supplied from the storage part in a state where the load can be heated; and the control part is configured to stop the generation of mist Then, the control for suppressing the generation of mist is performed at an interval corresponding to the period until a predetermined amount of the mist source is supplied from the storage portion to the holding portion; the predetermined amount is greater than that used for the generation of the mist. The amount of the aforementioned mist source is still more. The mist generating device described in claim 18 of the scope of the application further comprises a notification unit, the notification unit notifies the user, and the control unit is configured to control the notification in the first mode during the generation of mist part, and the notification part is controlled in a second mode different from the first mode during the interval. The mist generating device as described in item 19 of the scope of the application, further comprising: The request unit outputs a request for the generation of mist, and the control unit is configured to control the notification unit in a third mode different from the second mode when the request is obtained during the interval. The mist generating device according to claim 18, wherein the control unit is configured to control the circuit so as to prohibit the generation of mist during the period of the compartment. The mist generating device described in any one of the claims 18 to 21 of the scope of the application further comprises a request unit, the request unit outputs a request for the generation of mist, and the control unit is constructed to be configured according to the size of the request and the At least one of the changes is used to modify the length of the aforementioned interval. A method for operating a mist generating device, comprising the steps of: heating a load to atomize a mist source to generate mist; and after the generation of mist is stopped, the stored mist source to a predetermined amount is maintained as described above The control for suppressing the generation of mist is performed at intervals corresponding to the period until the load can be heated; the predetermined amount is greater than the amount of the mist source used for the generation of the mist. A mist generating device, comprising: a power source; a load, which receives power from the aforementioned power source to generate heat, and converts the mist source Atomization; the obtaining member is used to obtain the value related to the temperature of the load; the circuit is used to electrically connect the power source with the load; the storage part is used to store the mist source; the holding part is used from the storage part The supplied mist source is maintained in a state in which the load can be heated; and the control unit is configured to: when the storage unit can supply the mist source but the mist source held by the holding unit is insufficient, the power supply starts to control the mist source. At least one of when the power supply to the load is supplied and when the power supply stops supplying power to the load, is controlled to increase the holding amount of the mist source held by the holding portion. A method of operating a mist generating device, comprising: heating a load to atomize a mist source; and maintaining the mist in a state that can be heated by the load although the stored mist source is not insufficient When the source system is insufficient, at least one of when power supply to the load is started and when power supply to the load is stopped, a step of controlling to increase the holding amount of the held mist source is executed. 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 17th, 23rd and 25th claims.

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