TW201916818A - Aerosol generating device, control method of aerosol generating device, and program for making processor execute the method - Google Patents

Abstract

Aerosol generating device includes: a power supply; a load having an electric resistance value varying with temperature and for atomizing an aerosol source or heating a flavor source with electricity supplied from the power supply; a sensor for outputting a measured value corresponding to a current value flowing to the load; and a control unit for controlling the electricity supplied from the power supply to the load and performing a determination operation which determins it as abnormal the measured value shows a value less than a threshold value within a determination period included in an electricity supplying sequence for supplying electricity from the power supply to the load on a time axis; wherein the control unit adjusts length of the determination period based on the measured value.

Description

 a mist generating device, a method of controlling a mist generating device, and a program for causing a processor to execute the method  

The present invention relates to a mist generating device, a method of controlling a mist generating device, and a program for causing a processor to execute the method.

As a so-called electronic cigarette or nebulizer (inhaler), there is known a mist generating device (electronic gasifying device) for a user to absorb, which is a heater and an actuator. The liquid or solid which is the source of the aerosol is atomized (fogized) by a load that is operated by the power supply from the power source.

For example, there has been proposed a system for generating vapors that can be inhaled in an electronic gasification device (for example, Patent Document 1). This technique determines whether or not gasification has occurred by monitoring the electric power supplied to a coil equivalent to a heater that atomizes the mist source. In the case where the necessary power reduction required to maintain the coil at the temperature adjustment is indicated, there is insufficient liquid in the fluid core for generating the usual gasification.

In addition, there is also a mist generating device which has been proposed to compare the electric power or energy supplied to the heating element necessary for maintaining the temperature of the heating element at the target temperature with a threshold value, thereby detecting the presence or absence of presence. The mist-forming substrate is formed adjacent to the heating element, and the heating element is configured to heat the mist-forming substrate that contains the mist source or the mist source (for example, Patent Document 2).

 [Previous Technical Literature]    [Patent Literature]  

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-501805

Patent Document 2: Japanese Special Table 2015-507476

Patent Document 3: Japanese Special Table 2005-525131

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-515093

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-509160

Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-531600

Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-501105

Patent Document 8: Japanese Special Table 2014-501106

Patent Document 9: Japanese Special Table 2014-501107

Patent Document 10: WO 2017/021550

Patent Document 11: Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2000-041654

Patent Document 12: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 3-232481

Patent Document 13: WO 2012/027350

Patent Document 14: WO 1996/039879

Patent Document 15: WO 2017/021550

When the general mist generating device generates mist, the power supply to the heater is controlled so that the temperature of the heater is near the boiling point of the mist source. In the case where the residual amount of the mist source is still sufficient and the amount of mist generated is being controlled, the power supplied from the power source to the heater exhibits a certain value or exhibits a continuous change. In other words, in the case where the residual amount of the mist source is still sufficient, and the feedback control for maintaining the heater temperature at the target temperature or the target temperature range is performed, the power supplied from the power source to the heater exhibits a certain value or continuous. Variety.

The residual amount of the mist source is an important variable for various controls of the mist generating device. For example, in the case where the residual amount of the mist source is not detected or accurately detected, if the mist source is exhausted and the power is continuously supplied from the power source to the heater, there is a waste of power stored in the power source.

Therefore, the mist generating device proposed in Patent Document 2 determines whether or not the mist source is present in a sufficient amount in accordance with the electric power required to maintain the temperature of the heater. However, the measurement of electric power usually uses a plurality of sensors. As long as the errors of these sensors are not correctly corrected, or the control taking into account the error is not constructed, it is difficult to accurately guess based on the measured electric power. The residual amount of the mist source or the source of the mist is presumed to have dried up.

Other methods for detecting the residual amount of the mist source include a method of using the temperature of the heater and a method of using the resistance value of the heater in Patent Documents 3 and 4. These methods are known to indicate that the residual amount of the mist source is sufficient and that the source of the mist has dried up with different values. However, no matter which method is used, it is necessary to use a dedicated sensor or a plurality of sensors, so it is also difficult to correctly estimate the residual amount of the mist source or the source of the mist has dried up.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mist generating device, a method of controlling a mist generating device, and a program for causing a processor to execute the method, which improve the accuracy of estimating the residual amount or exhaustion of a mist source.

The mist generating device of the present invention comprises: a power source; a load, the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor is output and flows to the load. And a control unit that controls the supply of power from the power source to the load, and performs a determination operation that is determined to be abnormal when the measured value is displayed to be less than a threshold value during the determination period. The determination period is included in the power supply program for supplying power from the power source to the load on the time axis; and the control unit adjusts the length of the determination period based on the measured value.

In this case, the reference in the determination operation can be adjusted based on the measured value change determination period, and the accuracy of the determination can be improved as compared with the case where the fixed reference is constantly used. That is, the accuracy of the residual amount of the mist source estimated by, for example, the mist generating device can be improved.

In addition, the power supply program may be performed plural times; the control unit adjusts the time value on the time axis later than the previous power supply program according to the measured value in the previous power supply program (hereinafter referred to as the preceding power supply program). The length of the determination period in the power supply program (hereinafter referred to as: the post-power supply program). In this case, the determination period can be changed not only based on the measured value of one time but also based on the change in the time series of the plurality of measured values. According to this, since the determination period obtained by estimating the state of the mist generating device is used, the accuracy of the determination can be improved.

Further, the control unit may adjust the determination period in the post-supply program based on the time when the measured value in the previous power supply program becomes less than the threshold. For example, in this manner, the current determination period can be adjusted based on the change in the measured value in the previous power supply period, or the next determination period can be adjusted based on the change in the measured value in the current power supply period.

In addition, the control unit may adjust the determination in the post-supply program according to the time when the measured value becomes less than the threshold value in the preceding power supply program and the shorter of the time from the power supply to the power supply to the load. period.

In addition, the control unit may stop the supply of power from the power source to the load when the number of determination periods in which the measured value becomes less than the threshold value exceeds a predetermined number. In addition, the control unit may continue to supply power from the power source to the load when the number of power supply programs whose measured value is less than the threshold value within the determination period does not exceed a predetermined number. Further, the control unit may stop the supply of power from the power source to the load when the measured value becomes less than the threshold value in the determination period in which the continuous number is greater than or equal to the predetermined number. In addition, the control unit may continue to supply power from the power source to the load when the measured value becomes less than the threshold value in the determination period that is continuously less than the predetermined number. The erroneous determination can be reduced by setting the predetermined number as compared with the case where the predetermined number is not set.

In addition, the method may further include: a power supply circuit electrically connecting the power source and the load, the power supply circuit having a first supply circuit and a second supply circuit connected in parallel; the control unit selectively enabling the first supply circuit and the second supply One of the circuits functions, and the second supply circuit is controlled such that the power supplied from the power source to the load is smaller than when the first supply circuit functions, and the determination operation is performed while the second supply circuit is functioning. In this case, the control unit can reduce the power loss in the mist generation by the first supply circuit, and reduce the influence of the voltage drop from the power supply in the determination operation by the second supply circuit. As a result, the utilization efficiency of the amount of electric power stored in the power source is improved as compared with the case where only a single supply circuit having the functions of the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit is provided.

In addition, the power supply circuit includes a power supply circuit electrically connected to the load, and the power supply circuit includes a first supply circuit and a second supply circuit connected in parallel; and the current supplied by the second supply circuit is compared with the first supply. The control unit selectively performs one of the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit, and performs a determination operation while the second supply circuit is functioning. According to the above configuration, the power loss can be reduced in the generation of the mist generated by the first supply circuit, and the influence of the voltage drop from the power supply can be reduced in the determination operation by the second supply circuit. As a result, the utilization efficiency of the amount of electric power stored in the power source is improved as compared with the case where only a single supply circuit having the functions of the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit is provided.

In addition, the method further includes: a suction end end disposed at an end of the mist generating device and configured to release the mist, and the control unit controls the second supply circuit to make the second supply circuit function The mist will not be released from the mouth of the mouth during the period. Further, the control unit may control the power supply circuit to cause fogging of the load only when the first supply circuit functions as the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit. In this way, the generation of mist in the determining action can also be reduced.

Further, the control unit may cause the second supply circuit to function after the first supply circuit is activated. In the next state, the determination can be made in a state where the mist source immediately after the mist is easily depleted, and the accuracy of the determination can be easily improved.

In addition, the mist generating device of other forms includes: a power source; a load, the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor is output and flows to a measurement value corresponding to a current value of the load; and a control unit capable of performing a power supply procedure for supplying power from the power source to the load in a state in which the sensor can output the measured value, and the measured value is displayed to be smaller than the first in the determination period The abnormal value determination can be performed in the case of the threshold value; and the determination period is shorter than the power supply procedure. Further, the control unit may make the determination period shorter than the power supply program only when the possibility that the mist source or the fragrance source is depleted based on the measured value is higher than or equal to the second threshold.

In this manner, by setting the determination period to be short to adjust the reference in the determination operation, the accuracy of the determination can be improved as compared with the case where the reference is not adjusted. That is, the accuracy of the residual amount of the mist source estimated by, for example, the mist generating device can be improved.

In addition, the mist generating device of other forms may include: a power source; a load, the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor is output. a measurement value corresponding to a current value flowing to the load; and a control unit that controls a plurality of power supply programs for supplying power from the power source to the load; and the control unit determines the measurement value according to the previous power supply program The length of the power supply program on the timeline is later than the previous power supply program.

As described above, by changing the length of the subsequent determination period based on the measured value in the previous power supply program, the determination can be made based on the change in the measured value in the plurality of periods, and the reference in the determination operation can be adjusted to make the determination. The accuracy is improved. That is, the accuracy of the residual amount of the mist source estimated by the mist generating device can be improved.

In addition, the mist generating device of other forms may include: a power source; a load, the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor is output. a measured value affected by a residual amount of the mist source or the flavor source; and a control unit that controls the supply of power from the power source to the load, and performs a determination operation in which the measured value is displayed to be less than a threshold value during the determination period. The case is determined to be abnormal. The determination period is included in the power supply program for supplying power from the power source to the load on the time axis; and the possibility that the control unit depletes the mist source or the fragrance source based on the measured value is higher. , the shorter the judgment period is set.

In this case, the length of the determination time can be appropriately set according to the possibility that the mist source or the fragrance source is depleted, and the accuracy of the determination can be improved. That is, the accuracy of the residual amount of the mist source estimated by the mist generating device can be improved.

In addition, the mist generating device of other forms may include: a power source; a load, the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor is output. a measurement value corresponding to a current value flowing to the load; and a control unit that controls a plurality of power supply programs for supplying power from the power source to the load; and the control unit adjusts the measured value according to the current power supply program The length of the power supply program on the timeline that is later than this time.

In this manner, the length of the power supply program may be determined based on the measured value in the past power supply program, and the length of the power supply program after the next power supply may be determined based on the measured value in the current power supply program.

The contents described in the [Means for Solving the Problems] can be variously combined without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, the contents of the means for solving the problem can be provided in the form of a computer, a processor, an electric circuit or the like, a system including a plurality of devices, a method implemented by the device, or a program executed by the device. It also allows the program to be executed on the network. In addition, a recording medium holding the program can also be provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for estimating a residual amount of a mist generating device, a method for controlling a mist generating device, a mist source or a flavor source, which improves the residual amount of the mist source or whether the exhaustion is depleted, and causes the processor to execute the method The program of the method.

1‧‧‧Fog gas generating device

2‧‧‧ Ontology

3‧‧‧Fog source maintenance department

4‧‧‧Adding ingredient maintenance department

21‧‧‧Power supply

22‧‧‧Control Department

23‧‧‧Sucking sensor

31‧‧‧ Storage Department

32‧‧‧Supply Department

33‧‧‧load

34‧‧‧Residual Sensor

41‧‧‧ aroma components

51‧‧‧ first node

52‧‧‧second node

211‧‧‧Voltage conversion department

212‧‧‧Voltage conversion department

341‧‧ ‧ shunt resistor

342‧‧‧ voltmeter

C1, C2‧‧‧ capacitor

Comp‧‧‧ Comparator

D1‧‧‧ diode

E _thre , Thre1 , Thre2‧‧‧ threshold

I _shunt , I _HTR ‧‧‧ current value

L1‧‧‧Inductors

Q1, Q2, Q3‧‧‧ switch

Quantity‧‧‧Residual quantity

R1, R2‧‧‧ resistors

R _shunt , R _HTR ‧‧‧ resistance value

t‧‧‧Time

T1~t9‧‧‧

T _HTR ‧‧‧temperature

V _out ‧‧‧output voltage

V _REF ‧ ‧ reference voltage

V _shunt ‧‧‧ voltage at both ends

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a mist generating device.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing an example of a mist generating device.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the internal structure of the mist generating device.

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a mist generating device.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a process of estimating the amount of the mist source stored in the storage portion.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of an example of the residual amount estimation processing.

Fig. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of a state in which the user uses the mist generating device.

Fig. 8 is a view for explaining an example of a method of determining the length of the determination period.

Fig. 9 is a view showing another example of the change in the current value flowing through the load.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for setting the determination period.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the energy consumed in the storage unit, the supply unit, and the load.

Fig. 12 is a schematic line diagram showing the relationship between the energy consumed by the load and the amount of mist generated.

Figure 13 is a line graph showing the relationship between the residual amount of the mist source and the resistance value of the load.

Fig. 14 is a view showing a modification of the circuit provided in the mist generating device.

Fig. 15 is a view showing another modification of the circuit provided in the mist generating device.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the mist generating device of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangement, and the like of the constituent elements described in the present embodiment are merely examples. In addition, the order of processing is merely an example, and various possible alternatives or parallel executions can be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the invention is not limited to the following examples unless otherwise specified.

<Embodiment>

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a mist generating device. Fig. 2 is an exploded view showing an example of a mist generating device. The mist generating device 1 is an electronic cigarette, a nebulizer, or the like, and generates mist in response to a user's suction operation, and supplies it to the user. Hereinafter, a continuous suction by the user is referred to as "puff". In the present embodiment, the mist generating device 1 adds a component such as a fragrance to the generated mist and then releases it into the oral cavity of the user.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mist generating device 1 includes a main body 2 , a mist source holding unit 3 , and an additive component holding unit 4 . The main body 2 supplies electric power and the operation of the entire control device. The mist source holding portion 3 holds a mist source to be atomized to generate mist. The additive component holding unit 4 holds components such as flavor and nicotine. The user can hold the end portion on the side of the additive component holding portion 4 which is the suction port, and absorb the mist in which the fragrance or the like is added.

The mist generating device 1 is formed by a combination of the main body 2, the mist source holding unit 3, and the additive component holding unit 4 by a user or the like. In the present embodiment, the shapes of the main body 2, the mist source holding unit 3, and the additive component holding unit 4 are each a cylindrical shape having a predetermined size, a truncated cone shape, or the like, and the main body 2 and the mist source holding unit 3 can be added. The order of the component holding portions 4 is combined. The main body 2 and the mist source holding portion 3 are coupled by, for example, screwing of a male screw portion provided at each end portion and a female thread portion. The mist source holding unit 3 and the additive component holding unit 4 are coupled to each other by, for example, fitting a tapered component-added component holding portion 4 to a cylindrical portion provided at one end of the mist source holding portion 3. The mist source holding portion 3 and the additive component holding portion 4 can be replaced parts that are discarded when they are used up.

<Internal composition>

Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the inside of the mist generating device 1. The main body 2 includes a power source 21, a control unit 22, and a suction sensor 23. The control unit 22 is electrically connected to the power source 21 and the suction sensor 23, respectively. The power source 21 is a secondary battery or the like, and supplies electric power to an electric circuit provided in the mist generating device 1 . The control unit 22 is a processor such as a microcontroller (MCU: Micro-Control Unit), and controls the operation of the electric circuit included in the mist generating device 1. The suction sensor 23 is a barometric sensor, a flow sensor, or the like. When the user sucks from the suction port of the mist generating device 1, the suction sensor 23 outputs a value corresponding to the negative pressure or the flow rate of the gas generated inside the mist generating device 1. That is, the control unit 22 can detect the action taken by the user based on the output value of the suction sensor 23.

The mist source holding unit 3 of the mist generating device 1 includes a storage unit 31, a supply unit 32, a load 33, and a residual amount sensor 34. The storage unit 31 stores a container of a mist source that is atomized by heating. The mist source is a material of a polyol such as glycerin or propylene glycol. The mist source may also be a mixture containing nicotine solution, water, flavor, etc. (also referred to as "fragrance source"). Such a mist source is stored in advance in the storage unit 31. Further, the mist source may be a solid that does not require the storage portion 31.

The supply portion 32 is a wick formed of a fibrous material such as glass fiber. The supply unit 32 is connected to the storage unit 31. Further, the supply unit 32 is connected to the load 33, or at least a part of the supply unit 32 is disposed in the vicinity of the load 33. The mist source penetrates into the wick due to the capillary phenomenon and moves to a portion where the mist source can be atomized due to the heating of the load 33. In other words, the supply unit 32 sucks the mist source from the storage unit 31 and transports it to the vicinity of the load 33 or the load 33. It is also possible to use a porous ceramic as the wick to replace the glass fiber.

The load 33 is, for example, a coil-shaped heater, and generates heat by a current. For example, the load 33 has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic, and its resistance value is approximately proportional to the heat generation temperature. The load 33 does not necessarily have to have a positive temperature coefficient characteristic as long as the resistance value thereof is related to the heat generation temperature. For example, the load 33 may also have a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic. Further, the load 33 may be wound around the outside of the wick, or may be configured such that the wick is covered around the load 33. The power supply to the load 33 is controlled by the control unit 22. The mist source is supplied from the storage unit 31 to the load 33 by the supply unit 32, and the heat of the load 33 evaporates the mist source to generate mist. When the control unit 22 detects that the user has performed the suction operation based on the output value of the suction sensor 23, the control unit 22 performs power supply to the load 33 to generate mist. When the residual amount of the mist source stored in the storage portion 31 is sufficient, a sufficient mist source is supplied to the load 33, and heat generated by the load 33 is transmitted to the mist source, in other words, heat generated by the load 33 is used for the mist source. The temperature rises and vaporizes, so the temperature of the load 33 hardly exceeds a predetermined temperature that is pre-designed. On the other hand, when the mist source stored in the storage unit 31 is depleted, the amount of the mist source supplied to the load 33 per unit time is lowered. As a result, the heat generated by the load 33 cannot be transmitted to the mist source, in other words, the heat generated by the load 33 is not used for the temperature rise and vaporization of the mist source, so the load 33 is overheated, and the resistance value of the load 33 rises.

The residual amount sensor 34 outputs sensing data required to push the residual amount of the mist source stored in the storage portion 31 in accordance with the temperature of the load 33. For example, the residual amount sensor 34 includes: a resistor for measuring current (shunt resistance) connected in series with the load 33; and a measuring device connected in parallel with the resistor to measure the voltage value of the resistor . Among them, the resistance value of the resistor is a predetermined constant value that hardly changes with temperature. Therefore, the current value flowing to the resistor can be obtained from the voltage value measured by the known resistance value and amount.

Instead of the above-described measuring device using a shunt resistor, a measuring device in which a Hall element is used may be used. The Hall element is placed in series with the load 33. That is, a gap core having a Hall element is disposed around the wire connected in series with the load 33. The Hall element detects the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through it. In the case of using a Hall element, the so-called "current flowing through itself" means a current flowing in a wire disposed at the center of the gap core member and not connected to the Hall element, and the current value thereof is a current flowing through the load 33. the same. In the present embodiment, the residual amount sensor 34 outputs a current value flowing through the resistor. Alternatively, instead of using a voltage value applied to both ends of the resistor, or a current value or a value of the voltage value, a value after a predetermined calculation is applied thereto. These measured values, which can be used in place of the current value flowing through the resistor, are values that vary with the value of the current flowing through the resistor. That is, the residual amount sensor 34 is only required to output a measured value corresponding to the current value flowing through the resistor. Of course, the technical means of using these measured values instead of the current value flowing to the resistor is also included in the technical idea of the present invention.

The additive component holding unit 4 of the mist generating device 1 holds a flavor component 41 such as tobacco leaf or menthol therein. Further, the additive component holding portion 4 is provided with a vent hole at a portion where it is coupled to the suction port side and the mist source holding portion 3, and when the user sucks the suction port, a negative pressure is generated inside the additive component holding portion 4, and the mist is sucked. The mist generated in the source holding portion 3 is filled with a component such as nicotine and aroma in the additive component holding portion 4, and then released into the oral cavity of the user.

The internal structure shown in Fig. 3 is an example. The mist source holding portion 3 may be an annular shape provided along the side surface of the cylinder and having a cavity along the center of the circular cross section. In this case, the supply portion 32 and the load 33 can be disposed in the center of the cavity. In order to output the state of the device to the user, an output unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or a vibrator may be further provided.

<circuit configuration>

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a portion related to the detection of the residual amount of the mist source and the control of the power supply to the load among the circuit configurations in the mist generating device. The mist generating device 1 includes a power source 21, a control unit 22, a voltage converting unit 211, switches (switching elements) Q1 and Q2, a load 33, and a residual amount sensor 34. Hereinafter, a portion including the switches Q1 and Q2 and the voltage conversion unit 211 connected between the power source 21 and the load 33 is also referred to as a "power supply circuit" in the present invention. For example, the power source 21 and the control unit 22 are provided in the body 2 of FIGS. 1 to 3, and the voltage conversion unit 211, the switches Q1 and Q2, the load 33, and the residual amount sensor 34 are provided in the mist of the first to third figures. Source holding unit 3. By combining the main body 2 and the mist source holding portion 3, the internal constituent elements are electrically connected to form a circuit as shown in Fig. 4. For example, at least a part of the voltage conversion unit 211 and the switches Q1 and Q2 and the residual amount sensor 34 may be provided in the main body 2. In the case where the mist source holding portion 3 and the additive component holding portion 4 are configured as replacement parts that are used up or lost, the cost of the replacement parts can be reduced as the number of components included in the both is reduced.

The power source 21 is directly or indirectly electrically connected to each constituent element to supply electric power to the circuit. The control unit 22 is connected to the switches Q1 and Q2 and the residual amount sensor 34. Further, the control unit 22 acquires the output value of the residual amount sensor 34, calculates the estimated value of the mist source remaining in the storage unit 31, and controls the switch Q1 based on the calculated estimated value and the output value of the suction sensor 23. And the switch of Q2.

The switches Q1 and Q2 are semiconductor switches such as a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor). One end of the switch Q1 is connected to the power source 21, and the other end is connected to the load 33. By turning on the switch Q1, power can be supplied to the load 33 to generate mist. For example, when the control unit 22 detects that the user has performed the suction operation, the switch Q1 is turned on. Hereinafter, the path through the switch Q1 and the load 33 is also referred to as a "mist generation path" and a "first supply circuit".

One end of the switch Q2 is connected to the power source 21 via the voltage conversion unit 211, and the other end is connected to the load 33 via the residual amount sensor 34. The output value of the residual amount sensor 34 can be obtained by turning on the switch Q2. Hereinafter, the path in which the predetermined measurement value is output from the residual amount sensor 34 by the switch Q2, the residual amount sensor 34, and the load 33 is also referred to as a "residual amount detection path" and a "second supply circuit" in the present invention. In the case where the residual amount sensor 34 employs a Hall element, the residual amount sensor 34 need not be connected to the switch Q2 and the load 33 as long as it is set to output a predetermined measured value between the switch Q2 and the load 33. In other words, it suffices that the wires connecting the switch Q2 and the load 33 pass through the Hall element.

As described above, the circuit shown in FIG. 4 includes a first node 51 that is branched from the power source 21 into a mist generation path and a residual amount detection path, and a mist supply path and a residual amount detection path are merged, and then connected to the load. The second node 52 of 33.

The voltage converting portion 211 can convert the voltage output from the power source 21 and then output it to the load 33. Specifically, a voltage regulator such as an LDO (Low Drop-Out) voltage regulator as shown in FIG. 4 outputs a constant voltage. One end of the voltage conversion unit 211 is connected to the power source 21, and the other end is connected to the switch Q2. The voltage conversion unit 211 includes a constant voltage source of the switch Q3, the resistors R1 and R2, the capacitors C1 and C2, the comparator Comp, and the output reference voltage V _REF . In the case of using the LDO voltage regulator shown in Fig. 4, the output voltage V _out can be obtained by the following equation (1).

V _out =R ₂ /(R ₁ +R ₂ )×V _REF . . . (1)

The switch Q3 is a semiconductor switch or the like, and is opened and closed in accordance with the output of the comparator Comp. One end of the switch Q3 is connected to the power source 21, so that the output voltage is changed in accordance with the duty ratio of the opening and closing of the switch Q3. The output voltage of the switch Q3 is divided by the resistors R1 and R2 connected in series, and then applied to one input terminal of the comparator Comp. The reference voltage V _{REF is} applied to the other input terminal of the comparator Comp. Then, a signal indicating a comparison result of the reference voltage V _REF and the output voltage of the switch Q3 is output. Thus, even if the voltage value applied to the switch Q3 varies, as long as it is above a predetermined value, feedback from the comparator Comp is received, and the output voltage of the switch Q3 can be kept constant. Hereinafter, the comparator Comp and the switch Q3 are also referred to as "voltage conversion sections" in the present invention.

One end of the capacitor C1 is connected to the end on the power supply 21 side in the voltage conversion portion 211, and the other end is grounded. Capacitor C1 accumulates power and protects the circuit from surge voltages. One end of the capacitor C2 is connected to the output terminal of the switch Q3 to smooth the output voltage.

In the case of using a power source such as a secondary battery, the power supply voltage is lowered as the charging rate is lowered. According to the voltage conversion unit 211 of the present embodiment, a constant voltage can be supplied even when the power supply voltage fluctuates to some extent.

The residual amount sensor 34 includes a shunt resistor 341 and a voltmeter 342. One end of the shunt resistor 341 is connected to the voltage conversion unit 211 via the switch Q2. The other end of the shunt resistor 341 is connected to the load 33. That is, the shunt resistor 341 is connected in series with the load 33. The voltmeter 342 is connected in parallel with the shunt resistor 341, and can measure the voltage step-down amount of the shunt resistor 341. The voltmeter 342 is also connected to the control unit 22, and outputs the measured voltage step-down amount of the shunt resistor 341 to the control unit 22.

<Residual amount estimation processing>

Fig. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a process of estimating the amount of the mist source stored in the storage unit 31. Here, it is assumed that the voltage V _out output from the voltage conversion unit 211 is constant. Further, the resistance value R _shunt of the shunt resistor 341 is a known constant. Therefore, the current value I _shunt flowing to the shunt resistor 341 can be obtained by the following equation (2) by the voltage V _shunt at both ends of the shunt resistor 341.

I _shunt =V _shunt /R _shunt . . . (2)

The current value I _HTR flowing to the load 33 connected in series with the shunt resistor 341 is the same as I _shunt . The shunt resistor 341 is connected in series to the load 33, and measures a value corresponding to the current value flowing through the load.

Here, when the resistance value R _HTR of the load 33 is used, the output voltage V _{out of the} voltage conversion unit 211 can be expressed by the following formula (3).

V _out = I _shunt × (R _shunt + R _HTR ). . . (3)

When the formula (3) is deformed, the resistance value R _{HTR of} the load 33 can be expressed by the following formula (4).

R _HTR =V _out /I _shunt -R _shunt . . . (4)

The load 33 has the aforementioned positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristics. As shown in FIG. 5, the resistance value R _HTR of the load 33 is approximately proportional to the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33. Therefore, the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33 can be calculated from the resistance value R _HTR of the load 33. In the present embodiment, information indicating the relationship between the resistance value R _{HTR of the} load 33 and the temperature T _HTR is previously stored in, for example, a table. Therefore, the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33 can be estimated without using a dedicated temperature sensor. The same applies to the case where the load 33 has a negative temperature coefficient characteristic (NTC), and the temperature T _HTR of the load 33 can be estimated based on the information indicating the relationship between the resistance value R _HTR and the temperature T _HTR .

In the present embodiment, when the load 33 evaporates the surrounding mist source, a sufficient amount of the mist source is stored in the reservoir 31, and the mist source is continuously supplied to the load 33 via the supply unit 32. Therefore, as long as the residual amount of the mist source in the storage portion 31 is more than a predetermined amount, the temperature of the load 33 does not generally rise more than the boiling point of the mist source. However, when the residual amount of the mist source in the storage unit 31 is reduced, the amount of the mist source supplied to the load 33 via the supply unit 32 is also reduced, and the temperature of the load 33 rises above the boiling point of the mist source. The information indicating the relationship between the residual amount of the mist source and the temperature of the load 33 is information that is known in advance through an experiment or the like. Based on this information and the calculated temperature T _HTR of the load 33, the residual amount Quantity of the mist source held by the storage unit 31 can be estimated. Further, the obtained residual amount may be a ratio of the residual amount with respect to the capacity of the storage portion 31.

Since there is a correlation between the residual amount of the mist source and the temperature of the load 33, the threshold of the temperature of the load 33 corresponding to the threshold of the predetermined residual amount may be used, and in the case where the temperature of the load 33 exceeds the threshold of the temperature, It is determined that the mist source of the storage unit 31 has been exhausted. In addition, since there is a correspondence between the resistance value of the load 33 and the temperature, it may be determined as the storage unit 31 when the resistance value of the load 33 exceeds the threshold value of the resistance value corresponding to the above-described temperature threshold value. The source of the mist has dried up. Further, since the variable of the above formula (4) has only the current value I _shunt flowing through the shunt resistor 341, the threshold value of the current value corresponding to the threshold value of the above-described resistance value is also unique. Here, the current value I _shunt flowing through the shunt resistor 341 is the same as the current value I _HTR flowing through the load 33. Therefore, in the case where the current value I _HTR flowing through the load 33 is expressed as a value smaller than the threshold value of the predetermined current value, it can be determined that the mist source of the storage portion 31 has been exhausted. In other words, for the measured value of the current value or the like flowing to the load 33, for example, a target value or a target range in a state in which the residual amount of the mist source is sufficient may be set, and then depending on whether the measured value falls within a predetermined target value or a target range. Within the range to determine whether the residual amount of the fog source is sufficient. The predetermined range can be determined using, for example, the threshold described above.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the resistance value R _{shunt of the} load 33 can be calculated from one measured value of the value I _shunt of the current flowing through the shunt resistor 341. Further, the current value I _shunt of the shunt resistor 341 can be obtained by measuring the voltage V _shunt across the shunt resistor 341 as shown in the equation (2). Here, in general, the measured value of the sensor output includes various errors such as an offset error, a gain error, a hysteresis error, and a linear error. In the present embodiment, by using the voltage conversion unit 211 that outputs the constant voltage, the residual amount of the mist source held in the estimated storage unit 31 or the mist source of the storage unit 31 is depleted, and the variable of the measured value is substituted. For one. Therefore, the accuracy of the calculated resistance value R _shunt of the load 33 can be improved as compared with a method of calculating the resistance value of the load by substituting the output values of the different sensors into, for example, a plurality of variables. As a result, the accuracy of the residual amount of the mist source estimated based on the resistance value R _{shunt of the} load 33 is also improved.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of an example of the residual amount estimation processing. Fig. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of a state in which the user uses the mist generating device. In Fig. 7, the direction of the arrow indicates the elapse of time t(s), and each of the line graphs indicates the opening and closing of the switches Q1 and Q2, the value of the current flowing through the load 33, I _HTR , and the calculated temperature T _HTR of the load 33, The change in the residual amount of the fog source. Among them, the thresholds Threl and Thr2 are used to detect a predetermined threshold value of whether or not the mist source is depleted. The mist generating device 1 performs the estimation of the residual amount when the user uses the mist generating device 1, and performs predetermined processing when detecting that the mist source is reduced.

The control unit 22 of the mist generating device 1 determines whether or not the user has performed the suction operation based on the output of the suction sensor 23 (S1 in Fig. 6). In this step, the control unit 22 determines that the user has not detected the occurrence of the negative pressure or the change in the flow rate based on the output of the suction sensor 23. If no suction is detected (the result of S1 is "NO"), the processing of S1 is repeated. The user's absorption can be detected by comparing the change in negative pressure or flow with a threshold that is not zero.

On the other hand, when the suction is detected (YES in S1), the control unit 22 performs PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control on the switch Q1 (S2 in Fig. 6). For example, it is assumed that there is a suction at time t1 of Fig. 7. After time t1, the control unit 22 opens and closes the switch Q1 at a predetermined cycle. With the opening and closing of the switch Q1, a current flows to the load 33, and the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33 rises to the boiling point of the mist source. Further, the mist source is heated and evaporated by the temperature of the load 33, and the residual amount of the mist source is reduced. Further, when the switch Q1 is controlled in step S2, pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control may be used instead of PWM.

Then, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the user's suction operation has ended based on the output of the suction sensor 23 (S3 in Fig. 6). In this step, the control unit 22 determines that the user's suction has ended because the generation of the negative pressure or the change in the flow rate is not detected based on the output of the suction sensor 23. If the suction is not completed (the result of S3 is "NO"), the control unit 22 repeats the processing of S2. The end of the user's absorption can be detected by comparing the change in negative pressure or flow with a threshold that is not zero. Alternatively, it is possible to automatically proceed to step S4 without performing the determination of step S3 after a predetermined time elapses after detecting that the user has a suction in step S1.

On the other hand, if the suction is completed (YES in S3), the control unit 22 stops the PWM control of the switch Q1 (S4 in Fig. 6). For example, suppose that it is determined at the time t2 of Fig. 7 that the sucking has ended. After time t2, the switch Q1 is turned off (OFF), and the power supply to the load 33 is stopped. Since the mist source is supplied from the storage portion 31 to the load 33 via the supply portion 32, the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33 is gradually lowered due to heat dissipation. Then, the evaporation of the mist source is stopped because the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33 is lowered, and the decrease in the residual amount Quantity is also stopped.

As described above, by turning on the switch Q1, in the steps S2 to S4 surrounded by the dotted rounded corners in Fig. 6, the current flows to the mist generating path of Fig. 4.

Then, the control unit 22 causes the switch Q2 to continue to be closed for a predetermined period of time (S5 in Fig. 6). By turning the switch Q2 ON (ON), in steps S5 to S10 surrounded by a dotted circle frame in Fig. 6, the current flows to the residual amount detecting path of Fig. 4. At time t3 of Fig. 7, the switch Q2 is in a closed state (ON). In the residual amount detecting path, a shunt resistor 341 connected in series to the load 33 is connected. Therefore, the resistance value on the path of the residual amount detection path is larger than the mist generation path by the addition amount of the shunt resistor 341, and the current value I _HTR flowing through the load 33 becomes lower.

Then, in a state where the switch Q2 is in a closed state, the control unit 22 acquires the measured value from the residual amount sensor 34, and detects the current value flowing through the shunt resistor 341 (S6 in Fig. 6). In this step, the current value I _{shunt of the} shunt resistor 341 is calculated by the above equation (2) using the voltage across the shunt resistor 341 measured by, for example, the voltmeter 342. The current value I _shunt of the shunt resistor 341 is the same as the current value I _HTR flowing through the load 33.

Then, in a state where the switch Q2 is in a closed state, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the current value flowing through the load 33 becomes a threshold value smaller than a predetermined current (S7 in Fig. 6). That is, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the measured value falls within the range including the target value or the target range. Here, the threshold value of the current (Thre1 in FIG. 7) is a value corresponding to a threshold value (Thre2 in FIG. 7) of the residual amount of the predetermined mist source, which is used to determine whether or not the mist source in the storage unit 31 has been depleted. . That is, in the case where the current value I _HTR flowing through the load 33 becomes less than the value of the threshold Thre1, it can be determined that the residual amount of the mist source has become a value smaller than the threshold Thre2.

When the current value I _HTR becomes less than the threshold value Thr1 in the predetermined period in which the switch Q2 is closed (YES in S7), the control unit 22 detects that the mist source has dried up and performs predetermined processing ( S8) in Fig. 6. When the voltage value measured in S6 and the current value obtained based on it are smaller than a predetermined threshold value, since the residual amount of the mist source is decreasing, this step S8 controls to make the voltage value measured in S6. And the current value obtained according to it is further reduced. For example, the control unit 22 can stop the operation of the switch Q1 or the switch Q2, for example, or shut off the power supply to the load 33 by a power fuse (not shown) to stop the operation of the mist generating device 1.

As shown at time t3 to t4 in Fig. 7, the current value I _HTR is larger than the threshold Thre1 in the case where the residual amount of the mist source is sufficient.

After S8, or when the current value I _HTR is greater than or equal to the threshold Thre1 in the predetermined period in which the switch Q2 is closed (the result of S7 is "NO"), the control unit 22 makes the switch Q2 open (in FIG. 6 S9). At time t4 in Fig. 7, since the predetermined period current value I _HTR is greater than or equal to the threshold Thre1, the switch Q2 becomes OFF. The predetermined period (corresponding to the time t3 to t4 in FIG. 7) in which the switch Q2 is closed is a predetermined period (corresponding to the timing t1 to t2 in the seventh drawing) in which the switch Q1 is closed in S2 to S4. short. In addition, when it is determined in S7 that the measured value falls within a predetermined range, and then the opening and closing of the switch Q1 (S2) in the case where the suction is detected ("YES" in S1) is detected, for example, by adjusting, for example, The duty ratio of the switch is used to control the current value (measured value) calculated in S6 to converge to the target value or the target range. Here, compared with the control of the power supply circuit (also referred to as the "first control mode" in the present invention) for causing the measured value to converge to the target value or the target range in the case where the measured value falls within the predetermined range, The control of the power supply circuit (also referred to as "second control mode" in the present invention) for reducing the amount of current flowing to the load 33 in the case where the measured value does not fall within the predetermined range is such that the measured value is Control is performed in such a way that the amount of change becomes larger.

After the above steps, the residual amount estimation process ends. Then, returning to the processing of S1, if it is detected that the user has performed the suction operation, the processing of Fig. 6 is performed again.

At the time t5 in Fig. 7, the user's suction operation is detected (the result of S1 in Fig. 6 is YES), and the PWM control of the switch Q1 is started. At the time t6 in Fig. 7, it is determined that the user's suction operation is completed (YES in S3 in Fig. 6), and the PWM control of the switch Q1 is stopped. Then, at time t7 in Fig. 7, the switch Q2 is turned on (S5 in Fig. 6), and the current value of the shunt resistor is calculated (S6 in Fig. 6). Then, as shown at time t7 in Fig. 7, the residual amount Quantity of the mist source is less than the threshold Thre2, and the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33 rises. Then, the current value I _HTR flowing through the load 33 is lowered, and at time t8, the control unit 22 detects that the current value I _HTR becomes smaller than the threshold Thre1 (the result of S7 in Fig. 6 is YES). In this case, it is known that the mist source cannot be generated due to the exhaustion of the mist source. Therefore, for example, after the time t8, the control unit 22 does not open or close the switch Q1 even if it is detected that the user has made a suction. In the example of Fig. 7, when the predetermined period of time elapses after time t9, the switch Q2 is turned off (S9 in Fig. 6). Alternatively, at time t8 when the current value I _HTR becomes less than the value of the threshold Thre1, the control unit 22 turns off the switch Q2.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the voltage conversion unit 211 that converts the voltage, it is possible to reduce the error in the variables used for the mixing control when estimating the residual amount of the mist source or whether it is exhausted, for example, according to the mist source. The accuracy of the control of the residual amount is improved.

<decision period>

In the above-described embodiment, in the remaining amount determination processing, the control unit 22 causes the switch Q2 to be kept turned on for a predetermined period of time to obtain the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34. The period in which the switch Q2 is closed is also referred to as a "power supply procedure" for supplying power to the residual amount sensor 34 and the load 33. Here, in order to determine the residual amount of the mist source, a "decision period" for determining the residual amount may be employed. The decision period is included in, for example, a power supply program on the time axis, and its length is variable.

Fig. 8 is a view for explaining an example of a method of determining the length of the determination period. In the graph of Fig. 8, the horizontal axis represents the passage of time t, and the vertical axis represents the current value I _HTR flowing through the load 33. In the example of FIG. 8, is omitted for convenience of the current value I _HTR accompanied by the opening and closing of the switch Q1 is changed, only the power switch Q2 is closed the program in the current flowing through the load value of I _HTR 33.

The period p1 in Fig. 8 is a normal power supply procedure, and the current value I _HTR shown on the left is an exemplary linear shape when the residual amount of the mist source is sufficient. In the initial stage, the determination period is the same as the power supply procedure (p1). The example shown on the left is that the temperature T _HTR of the load 33 rises with energization, and as the resistance value R _{HTR of the} load 33 increases, the current value I _HTR gradually decreases, but does not become smaller than the value of the threshold Thre1. In such a case, the determination period is not changed.

The current value I _HTR displayed in the center indicates an example in which the current value I _HTR becomes less than the value of the threshold Thre1 in the determination period (p1). Here, the period p2 from the start of the power supply program until the current value I _HTR becomes smaller than the threshold value Thr1 is set to the length of the determination period included in the subsequent power supply program. That is, the determination period in the subsequent power supply program is adjusted based on the time during which the current value I _{HTR in the} previous power supply program becomes less than the value of the threshold Thre1. In other words, the higher the possibility that the mist source is depleted, the shorter the determination period is set. Further, in the case where the current value I _HTR becomes smaller than the threshold Thre1 in the power supply program (determination period) based on the length of the power supply program, it is determined that the possibility that the mist source is depleted is higher than or equal to the threshold (also referred to as this The "second threshold" in the invention). In other words, the determination period is shorter than the power supply procedure only when the possibility that the mist source is depleted is higher than or equal to the threshold.

The current value I _HTR shown on the right side is an example of a case where the current value I _HTR becomes less than the value of the threshold Thre1 in the determination period (p2). In the use of the mist generating device 1, the amount of the mist source held by the storage portion 31 is always decreasing. Therefore, when the mist source is exhausted, it can be said that the period from the start of the power supply until the current value I _HTR becomes less than the value of the threshold Thre1 is shortened. In the example of Fig. 8, when the current value I _HTR becomes less than the threshold value Thr1 in the determination period changed as described above, it is determined that the mist source has dried up continuously for more than a predetermined number of times during the repeated determination period. (ie abnormal). In the case where the mist source has been exhausted, as shown in Fig. 8, the power supply for detecting the residual amount is stopped.

Fig. 9 is a view showing another example of the change in the current value flowing through the load. The change in the current value I _HTR shown on the left and center in Fig. 9 is the same as in Fig. 8. The current value I _HTR shown on the right side of Fig. 9 is the same as the line shape when the residual amount of the mist source is sufficient, and the current value I _HTR does not become smaller than the threshold Thre1 during the determination period (p2). Here, in the mist generating device 1 shown in Fig. 3, the supply of the mist source from the storage portion 31 to the supply portion 32 is performed through the capillary phenomenon, and this portion is sucked by the user. It is difficult to control by the control unit 22 or the like by the taste method. In the case where the user takes a time for one suction longer than the expected time, or when the suction is performed at an interval shorter than the expected normal interval, the amount of the mist source is temporarily reduced from the periphery of the load 33 to be more than usual. Less possibilities. In such a case, there is a possibility that the current value I _HTR becomes less than the value of the threshold Thre1 during the determination period as shown in the center of Fig. 9. Then, if the user's suction mode is changed, the current value I _HTR does not become smaller than the threshold Thre1 during the determination period as shown on the right side of FIG. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 9, the case where the current value I _HTR becomes less than the threshold value Thr1 during the determination period does not continuously exceed the predetermined number of times in the repeated power supply period, and therefore it is determined that the storage unit 31 is stored. The source of the mist has not dried up.

By using the determination period as described above, the accuracy of the judgment as to whether or not the mist source has been exhausted can be further improved. In other words, the accuracy of the determination can be improved by adjusting the reference in the determination operation by changing the determination period.

<Modification of determination processing>

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for setting the determination period. In the present modification, the control unit 22 performs the determination processing of FIG. 10 in the remaining amount estimation processing shown in FIG. 6 instead of the processing of S5 to S9.

First, the control unit 22 of the mist generating device 1 turns on the switch Q2 (S5 in Fig. 10). This step is the same as S5 in Fig. 6.

Then, the control unit 22 starts the timer and starts counting the elapsed time t (S11 in Fig. 10).

Then, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the elapsed time t is greater than or equal to the determination period (S12 in Fig. 10). If the elapsed time t is not greater than or equal to the determination period (NO in S12), the control unit 22 counts the elapsed time (S21 in Fig. 10). This step is such that t is added to the difference Δt from the start of the timer or the elapsed time from the start of the processing of the previous S21.

Then, the control unit 22 detects the current value I _HTR flowing through the load 33 (S6 in Fig. 10). The processing of this step is the same as that of S6 in Fig. 6.

Then, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the calculated current value I _HTR is smaller than a predetermined threshold Thre1 (S7 in FIG. 10). This step is the same as S7 in Fig. 6. If the current value I _{HTR is} greater than or equal to the threshold Thre1 (the result of S7 is "NO"), the process returns to S12.

On the other hand, if the current value I _{HTR is} smaller than the threshold Thre1 (YES in S7), the control unit 22 increments the counter of the number of determination periods in which the count is depleted (S22 in Fig. 10).

Then, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the counter exceeds a predetermined value (threshold value) (S23). When it is determined that the counter has exceeded the predetermined value (YES in S23), the control unit 22 determines that the exhaust of the mist source is detected, and performs predetermined processing (S8 in Fig. 10). This step is the same as S8 in Fig. 6.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the counter does not exceed the predetermined value (the result of S23 is "NO"), the control unit 22 determines whether or not the power supply program has ended (S31 in Fig. 10). If the power supply procedure has not been completed (the result of S31 is "NO"), the control unit 22 updates the elapsed time t and returns to the processing of S31.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the power supply program has been completed (YES in S31), the control unit 22 updates the determination period (S32 in Fig. 10). This step sets the elapsed time t at the time when it is determined that the current value I _{HTR is} smaller than the threshold Thre1 in S7 as the new determination period. That is, the determination period in the subsequent power supply program is adjusted based on the time when the measured value in the previous power supply program becomes less than the threshold value. In other words, the length of the determination period in the latter power supply procedure is adjusted based on the measured value in the previous power supply procedure. It can also be said that the length of the determination period in the future power supply program is adjusted based on the measured value in the current power supply program.

If it is determined in S12 that the elapsed time t is greater than or equal to the determination period (YES in S12), the control unit 22 determines whether or not the power supply program has ended (S13 in Fig. 10). If the power supply program has not been completed (the result of S13 is "NO"), the control unit 22 continues the power supply until the power supply program ends. The state in which the determination period has elapsed but the power supply program has not been completed is a state in which the period p2 has elapsed but the period P1 has not yet ended, as shown in the right side in FIG.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the power supply program has been completed (YES in S13), the control unit 22 sets the length of the determination period to be the same as the length of the power supply program (S14 in Fig. 10).

Then, the control unit 22 resets the counter (S15 in Fig. 10). In other words, in the determination period defined by the power supply period, the current value I _{HTR does} not become smaller than the value of the threshold Thre1, so the counter for counting the number of consecutive determination periods in which the exhaustion is detected is reset. The reset of the counter may not be performed, and it may be judged as abnormal when the number of determination periods during which the exhaustion is detected exceeds a predetermined threshold.

After S15, S8, or S32, the control unit 22 turns off the switch Q2 (S9 in Fig. 10). This step is the same as S9 in Fig. 6.

The variable determination period shown in Figs. 8 and 9 can be realized by the processing as described above.

<shunt resistance>

The control unit 22 causes the residual amount detection path to function while the user is not absorbing the mist generating device 1, and estimates the residual amount of the mist source. However, it is not good that fog is emitted from the mouth during the period when the user does not smoke. That is, it is desirable that the amount of evaporation of the mist source by the load 33 during the period in which the switch Q2 is closed is preferably as small as possible.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the control unit 22 can detect the change in the residual amount very accurately in the case where only a small amount of residual amount of the mist source is left. That is, it is preferable that the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 corresponds to the residual amount of the mist source, and the resolution is increased when there is a large change. From the above viewpoint, the resistance value of the shunt resistor will be described below.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the energy consumed in the storage unit, the supply unit, and the load. Q ₁ represents the calorific value of the wick of the supply unit 32, Q ₂ represents the calorific value of the coil of the load 33, Q ₃ represents the amount of heat required for the temperature of the mist source of the liquid to rise, and Q ₄ represents the source of the mist from the liquid to the gas. The amount of heat required for the state change, Q ₅ indicates the heat of the air due to the radiation, and the like. The energy Q consumed is the sum of Q ₁ to Q ₅ .

Further, the heat capacity C (J/K) of the object is the product of the mass m (g) of the object and the specific heat c (J/g. K). The heat Q (J/K) required to change the temperature of the object T(K) can be expressed as m × C × T. Therefore, the energy Q consumed can be schematically expressed as the following formula (6) when the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33 is lower than the boiling point T _{b of the} mist source. Here, m ₁ is the mass of the wick of the supply unit 32, C ₁ is the specific heat of the wick of the supply unit 32, m ₂ is the mass of the coil of the load 33, and C ₂ is the specific heat of the coil of the load 33, m ₃ The mass of the mist source of the liquid, C ₃ is the specific heat of the mist source of the liquid, and T ₀ is the initial value of the temperature of the load 33.

Q = (m ₁ C ₁ + m ₂ C ₂ + m ₃ C ₃ ) (T _{HTR -} T ₀ ). . . (6)

The energy Q consumed is such that the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33 is higher than or equal to the boiling point T _b of the mist source, which can be expressed by the following formula (7). Wherein m ₄ is the mass of the portion of the liquid mist source that evaporates, and H ₄ is the heat of vaporization of the liquid mist source.

Q = (m ₁ C ₁ + m ₂ C ₂ ) (T _{HTR -} T ₀ ) + m ₃ C ₃ (T _{b -} T ₀ ) + m ₄ H ₄ . . . (7)

Therefore, in order to prevent the mist derived from evaporation from occurring, the threshold E _thre must satisfy the condition shown by the following formula (8).

E _thre <(m ₁ C ₁ +m ₂ C ₂ +m ₃ C ₃ )(T _b -T ₀ ). . . (8)

Fig. 12 is a schematic line diagram showing the relationship between the energy (electric quantity) consumed at the load 33 and the amount of mist generated. In Fig. 12, the horizontal axis represents energy, and the vertical axis represents TPM (Total Particle Matter: the amount of substance forming a mist). As shown in Fig. 12, when the energy consumed by the load 33 exceeds a predetermined threshold E _thre , the mist starts to be generated and is approximately proportional to the energy consumed, and the amount of generated mist also increases. The vertical axis of Fig. 12 is not necessarily the amount of mist generated by the load 33. For example, it may also be the amount of mist generated from the evaporation of the mist source. Alternatively, it may be the amount of mist released from the mouthpiece.

Here, the energy E _HTR consumed at the load 33 can be expressed by the following formula (9). Among them, W _HTR is the operating rate of the load 33, and t _{Q2_ON} is the time (s) for turning on the switch Q2. In order to measure the resistance value of the shunt resistor, the switch Q2 must be maintained for a certain period of time.

E _HTR = W _HTR × t _{Q2_ON} . . . (9)

The equation (9) is deformed by using the current value I _Q2 flowing through the residual amount detection path, the resistance value R _HTR (T _HTR ) which changes according to the temperature T _{HTR of the} load 33, and the measurement voltage V _{meas of the} shunt resistance. Become the following formula (10).

Therefore, as shown in the following formula (11), if the energy E _HTR consumed by the load 33 is made smaller than the threshold E _{thre of} Fig. 12, fogging does not occur.

By deforming the above formula, it becomes the following formula (12). That is, as long as the resistance value R _{shunt of the shunt} resistor satisfies the value of the formula (12), the mist is not generated in the residual amount estimation process, and is a preferable resistance value.

In general, in order to reduce the influence of the circuit for the additional shunt resistor, the resistance value of the shunt resistor is preferably a low value of about 10 mΩ. However, in the present embodiment, the lower limit of the resistance value of the shunt resistor as described above is defined based on the viewpoint of suppressing generation of mist. The lower limit value is larger than the resistance value of the load 33, and is preferably a value of, for example, several Ω. Therefore, it is preferable to set the resistance value of the shunt resistor to a first condition that satisfies the amount of mist generated by the load in the power supply process from the power source to the resistor, which is below a predetermined threshold.

In addition, an adjustment resistor added to increase the resistance value in series with the shunt resistor in order to increase the resistance value of the shunt resistor may be further provided. In this case, the additional adjustment resistor can be used without measuring the voltage across it.

Fig. 13 is an example of a line graph showing the relationship between the residual amount of the mist source and the resistance value of the load 33. In the line graph of Fig. 13, the horizontal axis represents the residual amount of the mist source, and the vertical axis represents the resistance value depending on the temperature of the load 33. Where R _HTR (T _Depletion ) is the resistance value in the case where the residual amount of the mist source has been depleted, and R _HTR (T _RT ) is the resistance value at room temperature. Here, with respect to the resolution of the control unit 22 including the number of bits, the voltage, the current, the resistance value of the load 33, and the temperature measurement range are appropriately set, and the accuracy of estimation of the residual amount of the mist source is improved. . On the other hand, the larger the difference between the R _HTR (T _Depletion ) and the R _HTR (T _RT ) of the resistance value of the load 33, the larger the range of variation corresponding to the residual amount of the mist source. In other words, in addition to the resolution and the measurement range of the control unit 22, the fluctuation range of the resistance value that changes in accordance with the temperature of the load 33 is increased, and the accuracy of the estimated value of the residual amount calculated by the control unit 22 can be improved.

Further, the resistance value R _HTR (T _Depletion ) of the load 33 in the case where the residual amount of the mist source has been exhausted can be used, and the current value I _{Q2_ON} (T _{Depletion )} detected based on the output value of the residual amount sensor 34 at that time point can be used. ) is expressed as the following formula (13).

Similarly, the resistance value R _HTR (T _RT ) of the load 33 at room temperature can be used, and the current value I _{Q2_ON} (T _RT ) detected based on the output value of the residual amount sensor 34 at that time point can be expressed as follows. Formula (14).

Then, the difference _{ΔI Q2_ON} obtained by subtracting the current value I _{Q2_ON} (T _Depletion ) from the current value I _{Q2_ON} (T _RT ) can be expressed by the following equation (15).

From the formula (15) shows that increased R _shunt, the current value _I Q2_ON (T _RT) and the current value _I Q2_ON (T _Depletion) the difference _△ I Q2_ON becomes small, residual amount of mist can not be accurately estimated source. Therefore, as shown in the formula (16), the resistance value R _{shunt of the shunt} resistor is determined such that the difference _{ΔI Q2_ON} can be made larger than a predetermined threshold _{ΔI thre} .

In order to solve the resistance value R _shunt from the equation (16), in order to make the resolution of the estimated value of the residual amount sufficiently large, the condition that the resistance value R _shunt should be satisfied can be expressed as follows using the desired threshold _{ΔI thre} . Formula (17). Therefore, it is only necessary to set the resistance value R _shunt to satisfy the formula (17).

In this embodiment, the resistance value R _shunt line is set such that the temperature at the current value flowing to the load 33 of the _I Q2_ON (T _RT) and the fog source depleted stream to a case where the load current value 33 of _I Q2_ON (T _Depletion The difference _{ΔI Q2_ON of the} ) is the _magnitude that the control unit 22 can detect. _{Alternatively} , the resistance value R _{shunt may be} set so that the difference between the current value flowing to the load 33 near the boiling point of the mist source and the current value flowing to the load 33 when the mist source has dried up becomes the control unit 22 The extent to which it can be detected. In general, the smaller the temperature difference corresponding to the current difference detectable by the control unit 22, the higher the estimation accuracy of the residual amount of the mist source is.

Here, the influence of the resolution of the residual amount detecting circuit including the resolution of the control unit 22 and the resistance value of the load 33 on the estimation accuracy of the residual amount of the mist source will be described in more detail. When the n-bit microcontroller is used as the control unit 22 and V _{REF is} applied as the reference voltage, the resolution Resolution of the control unit 22 can be expressed by the following equation (18).

Further, the voltmeter 342 in the case where load 33 is the voltmeter 342 of the detected temperature value and the residual amount of the mist of the source has been depleted detected difference _△ V Q2_ON values according to formula (15) represents In the following formula (19).

Therefore, from the equations (18) and (19), the control unit 22 can detect the value represented by the following formula (20) and its integral multiple in the range of 0 to ΔV _{Q2_ON} as the voltage difference.

Further, from the equation (20), the control unit 22 can detect the value represented by the following formula (21) and its integral multiple as the heater within the range of the temperature of the load 33 from the room temperature to the case where the mist source has been depleted. temperature.

As an example, the degree of resolution of the temperature of the load 33 by the control unit 22 in the case where the variable in the equation (21) is changed is shown in Table 1 below.

As is clear from Table 1, adjusting the values of the respective variables tends to greatly change the resolution of the temperature of the load 33 by the control unit 22. In order to judge whether or not the residual amount of the mist source has been exhausted, the control unit 22 must at least distinguish between the temperature at which the control unit 22 is not controlled and the temperature at which the control is started (that is, the room temperature) and the temperature at which the residual amount of the mist source has been depleted. That is, the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 at room temperature and the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 in the case where the residual amount of the mist source has been depleted must have a significant difference in the degree to which the control unit 22 can distinguish. . In other words, the resolution of the temperature of the load 33 by the control unit 22 must be less than or equal to the difference between the temperature of the depleted condition of the residual amount of the mist source and the room temperature.

As described above, in the case where the residual amount of the mist source is sufficient, the temperature of the load 33 is maintained near the boiling point of the mist source. In order to more accurately judge whether or not the residual amount of the mist source has been depleted, the control portion 22 preferably distinguishes between the boiling point of the mist source and the temperature at which the residual amount of the mist source has been depleted. That is, the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 at the boiling point of the mist source and the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 in the case where the residual amount of the mist source has been depleted must have a degree of significance distinguishable by the control unit 22. The difference is better. In other words, the resolution of the temperature of the load 33 by the control unit 22 is preferably smaller than or equal to the difference between the temperature of the case where the residual amount of the mist source has been depleted and the boiling point of the mist source.

Further, in the case where the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 is used not only for the judgment that the residual amount of the mist source has been exhausted but also for the temperature sensor of the load 33, the control portion 22 preferably distinguishes the control portion 22 from the The room temperature at the time of control and the temperature at which the control is started and the boiling point of the mist source. That is, the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 at room temperature and the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34 at the boiling point of the mist source must have a significant difference to the extent that the control unit 22 can distinguish. In other words, the resolution of the temperature of the load 33 by the control unit 22 is preferably less than or equal to the difference between the boiling point of the mist source and the room temperature.

In order to use the temperature sensor as the load 33 with higher precision, the resolution of the temperature of the load 33 by the control unit 22 is preferably 10 ° C or lower, more preferably 5 ° C or lower. More preferably below 1 °C. Further, if it is desired to correctly distinguish the residual amount of the mist source from being exhausted and the residual amount of the mist source is actually exhausted, the resolution of the temperature of the load 33 by the control unit 22 is preferably the residual of the mist source. The factor of the difference between the temperature and room temperature in the case of depletion.

Further, as is clear from Table 1, the number of bits of the control unit 22 is increased, in other words, the control unit 22 is improved in performance, and the resolution of the temperature of the load 33 by the control unit 22 can be easily improved. However, increasing the performance of the control unit 22 leads to an increase in cost, weight, size, and the like.

As described above, the resistance value of the shunt resistor can be determined so as to satisfy the first condition that the amount of mist generated by the load 33 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, and the control portion 22 can be based on the output value of the residual amount sensor 34. At least one of the second conditions for reducing the residual amount of the mist source is detected, and more preferably, the resistance value satisfying both conditions can be determined. Further, it may be determined that the minimum value satisfying the first condition and the maximum value satisfying the second condition are closer to the maximum value satisfying the second condition. In this way, not only the generation of the mist in the measurement can be reduced, but also the resolution of the residual amount detection can be improved as much as possible. As a result, the residual amount of the mist source can be estimated not only with high precision but also for a short period of time, so that the generation of mist in the measurement can be further reduced.

Both the first condition and the second condition are said to be related to the responsiveness of the change in the current value flowing to the load 33, which is the measured value of the residual amount sensor 34, with respect to the change in the temperature of the load 33. When the responsiveness of the change in the current value flowing to the load 33 with respect to the change in the temperature of the load 33 is strong, the load 33 is dominant in the combined resistance of the shunt resistor 341 and the load 33 connected in series. That is, since the resistance value R _{shunt of the shunt} resistor is a small value, the second condition is easier to satisfy, but the first condition is less satisfactory.

On the other hand, in the case where the change in the current value flowing to the load 33 is weak with respect to the change in the temperature of the load 33, the shunt resistor 341 has a combined resistance of the shunt resistor 341 and the load 33 connected in series. The case of dominance. That is, since the resistance value R _{shunt of the shunt} resistor is a large value, the first condition is easier to satisfy, but the second condition is less satisfactory.

That is, in order to satisfy the first condition, the responsiveness of the change in the current value to the load 33 with respect to the change in the temperature of the load 33 must be below a predetermined upper limit. On the other hand, in order to satisfy the second condition, the responsiveness of the change in the current value flowing to the load 33 with respect to the change in the temperature of the load 33 must be above a predetermined lower limit. Further, in order to satisfy both the first condition and the second condition, the responsiveness of the change in the current value to the load 33 with respect to the change in the temperature of the load 33 must fall within the range defined by the predetermined upper limit and lower limit.

<Modification 1 of Circuit>

Fig. 14 is a view showing a modification of the circuit included in the mist generating device 1. In the example of Fig. 14, the residual amount detecting path also serves as a mist generating path. That is, the voltage conversion unit 211, the switch Q2, the residual amount detector 34, and the load 33 are connected in series. Then, the generation of the mist and the estimation of the residual amount are performed in one path. Even with such a configuration, the residual amount can be estimated.

<Modification 2 of Circuit>

Fig. 15 is a view showing another modification of the circuit provided in the mist generating device 1. In the example of Fig. 15, a voltage conversion unit 212 belonging to a switching regulator is provided instead of a linear regulator. As an example, the voltage conversion unit 212 is a boost converter, and includes an inductor L1, a diode D1, a switch Q4, and capacitors C1 and C2 that function as smoothing capacitors. The voltage conversion unit 212 is provided before the start of the divergence of the mist generation path and the residual amount detection path from the start of the power source 21. Therefore, the control unit 22 can output voltages of different magnitudes to the mist generation path and the residual amount detection path by controlling the opening and closing of the switch Q4 of the voltage conversion unit 212. In the case where a switching regulator is used instead of a linear regulator, the switching regulator can also be placed in the same position as the linear regulator in Figure 14.

Further, in order to detect the residual amount of the mist source, the voltage converting portion 212 can be controlled to: make the mist generating path (compared to the residual amount detecting circuit that must apply a certain voltage to the entire path, the limitation on the applied voltage is The power loss in the case where the function is small is smaller than the power loss in the case where the residual amount detection path functions. This can suppress the waste of the power storage capacity of the power source. Further, the control unit 22 can control the current flowing through the load 33 to be smaller than the mist generation path by the residual amount detection path. In this manner, the generation of the mist at the load 33 can be suppressed while the residual amount detecting path functions to estimate the residual amount of the mist source.

Further, while the mist generating path is functioning, the switching regulator can stop the opening and closing operation of the low-side switch Q4 to maintain the "direct connection mode" in the on state (also called "direct connection mode" (also called "direct connection mode"). It is a "direct link status" action. That is, the duty ratio of the switch Q4 can be made 100%. In addition to the conduction loss, there is a loss of conduction and switching loss accompanying switching switching in terms of loss in the case where the switching regulator is switched. However, by operating the switching regulator in the direct connection mode, the loss in the switching regulator can be reduced only by the conduction loss, so that the utilization efficiency of the power storage amount of the power source 21 is improved. Further, the switching regulator may be operated in the direct connection mode only in a part of the period in which the mist generation path is made to function. As an example, when the power supply 21 has sufficient power storage and the output voltage is high, the switching regulator operates in the direct connection mode. On the other hand, when the power storage amount of the power source 21 is small and the output voltage is low, the switching regulator is switched. With such a configuration, the residual amount can be estimated as well, and the loss can be reduced as compared with the case of using a linear regulator. Alternatively, a step-down or step-up/down type converter may be used instead of the boost type converter.

<Other>

The object to be heated by the mist generating device may be a source of flavor of a liquid containing other additive materials such as nicotine. In this case, the mist after the generation is made to be sucked by the user without passing through the component holding portion. In the case of using such a flavor source, the residual amount can be accurately estimated based on the above-described mist generating device.

Further, the control unit 22 can control the switches Q1 and Q2 so that they are not turned on at the same time. That is, the control of the mist generation path and the residual amount detection path do not simultaneously function. Further, when the switches Q1 and Q2 are switched on and off, it is possible to set a dead time in which both of them are turned off. In this way, current can be suppressed from flowing to both paths. On the other hand, in order not to lower the temperature of the load 33 as much as possible in the dead time, it is preferable to have a short dead time.

In the processing shown in Fig. 6, an example in which the user performs one suction and performs the residual amount estimation processing is described. However, it is also possible to perform the residual amount estimation process interactively not corresponding to each time but corresponding to the plurality of suctions. Further, since the residual amount of the mist source is sufficient after the mist source holding portion 3 is replaced, the residual amount estimation process can be started after the predetermined number of suctions. That is, the frequency of energization of the residual amount detecting path can be made lower than that of the mist generating path. In this case, since the excessive residual amount estimation process is suppressed and is performed only at an appropriate timing, the utilization efficiency of the power storage amount of the power source 21 is improved.

Claims (24)

 A mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load, wherein the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor outputs and flows to the load The control unit controls the supply of power from the power source to the load, and performs a determination operation for determining that the measured value is less than a threshold value during the determination period. In the abnormality, the determination period is included in a power supply program for supplying power from the power source to the load on the time axis; and the control unit adjusts the length of the determination period based on the measured value.    The mist generating device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply program is performed plural times, and the control unit is based on the measured value in the previous power supply program (hereinafter referred to as a preceding power supply program). The length of the aforementioned determination period in the aforementioned power supply procedure (hereinafter referred to as "after power supply procedure") on the time axis later than the foregoing preceding power supply procedure is adjusted.    The mist generating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit adjusts the determination period in the post-supply program based on a time period in which the measured value becomes less than the threshold value in the preceding power supply program .    The mist generating device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit continues the power supply from the power source to the load based on a time during which the measured value becomes less than the threshold value in the preceding power supply program. The shorter of the times, to adjust the aforementioned determination period in the aforementioned power supply procedure.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit causes the power source to be supplied from the power source when the number of the determination periods in which the measured value becomes less than the threshold value exceeds a predetermined number. The power supply to the aforementioned load is stopped.    The mist generating device according to any one of the first to fifth aspect, wherein the control unit causes the power source from the power source when the number of determination periods in which the measured value becomes less than the threshold value does not exceed a predetermined number. The power supply to the aforementioned load continues.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is in a case where the measured value becomes smaller than the threshold value in the determination period in which the continuous number is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. The power supply from the aforementioned power source to the aforementioned load is stopped.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is configured to be smaller than the threshold value in a predetermined period of time that is less than a predetermined number. In this case, the power supply from the aforementioned power source to the aforementioned load is continued.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a power supply circuit electrically connecting the power source to the load, wherein the power supply circuit includes a first supply circuit and a second connection connected in parallel The control unit selectively functions as one of the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit, and the control unit controls the second supply circuit to supply power from the power source to the load The power ratio is smaller when the first supply circuit functions, and the determination operation is performed while the second supply circuit is functioning.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: a power supply circuit electrically connecting the power source to the load, wherein the power supply circuit includes a first supply circuit and a second connection connected in parallel a supply circuit configured to cause a current flowing through the second supply circuit to be smaller than the first supply circuit; the control unit selectively causing one of the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit to function The control unit performs the above-described determination operation while the second supply circuit is functioning.    The mist generating device according to claim 9 or 10, comprising a suction end which is provided at an end of the mist generating device and is used for releasing a mist, wherein the control unit The two supply circuit is controlled such that the mist is not released from the suction end while the second supply circuit is functioning.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the control unit controls the power feeding circuit to: cause the first portion only among the first supply circuit and the second supply circuit When the circuit is functioning, the aforementioned load is fogged.    The mist generating device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the control unit causes the second supply circuit to function after the first supply circuit functions.    A method for controlling a mist generating device, comprising: controlling power supply to a load, the power is used to atomize a mist source or to heat a flavor source, and the resistance value varies with temperature; from output and flow The sensor that has measured the value corresponding to the current value of the load acquires the measured value, and performs a determination operation that is determined to be abnormal when the measured value is displayed to be smaller than the threshold value during the determination period. The period is included in a power supply program for performing power supply from the power source to the load on the time axis; and the length of the determination period is adjusted based on the measured value.    A mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load, wherein the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor outputs and flows to the load And a control unit configured to perform a power supply process for supplying power from the power source to the load by using the sensor to output the measured value, and display the measured value during the determination period The abnormality determination may be performed in a case where the value is less than the first threshold; and the aforementioned determination period is shorter than the aforementioned power supply procedure.    The mist generating device according to claim 15, wherein the control unit causes only the possibility that the mist source or the flavor source is depleted based on the measured value is higher than or equal to a second threshold value. The aforementioned determination period is shorter than the aforementioned power supply procedure.    A method for controlling a mist generating device includes: obtaining, from a sensor, a measured value corresponding to a current value flowing to a load, wherein the load is used to atomize a mist source or heat a flavor source by using power from a power source, and the resistance value And changing with temperature; performing a power supply procedure for supplying power from the power source to the load by using the sensor to output the foregoing measured value; and displaying the measured value as a value less than a threshold value during the determination period The case is determined to be abnormal; and the aforementioned determination period is shorter than the power supply program.    A mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load, wherein the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor outputs and flows to the load And a control unit configured to control a plurality of power supply programs for supplying power from the power source to the load; and the control unit determines the measurement value according to the previous power supply program The length of the aforementioned power supply procedure on the time axis is later than the previous power supply procedure.    A method for controlling a mist generating device includes: obtaining, from a sensor, a measured value corresponding to a current value flowing to a load, wherein the load is used to atomize a mist source or heat a flavor source by using power from a power source, and the resistance value Changing with temperature; controlling a plurality of power supply procedures for supplying power from the power source to the aforementioned load, and determining the previous power supply procedure on the time axis based on the aforementioned measured value in the foregoing power supply program The length of the aforementioned power supply program is later.    A mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load, wherein the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor is outputted by the mist source or a measurement value of the influence of the residual amount of the flavor source; and a control unit that controls the supply of power from the power source to the load, and performs a determination operation in which the measurement value is displayed to be less than a threshold value during the determination period. The case is determined to be abnormal, and the determination period is included in a power supply program for supplying power from the power source to the load on the time axis; and the control unit is the mist source or the fragrance estimated based on the measured value. The higher the probability of source depletion, the shorter the aforementioned determination period is set.    A method for controlling a mist generating device, comprising: obtaining, from a sensor, a measured value affected by a residual amount of a mist source or a flavor source, the mist source or the flavor source being changed according to temperature from a power source for a resistance value; Heating the power supply of the load; controlling the power supply from the power source to the load, and performing a determination operation for determining that the measurement value is less than a threshold value during the determination period, and the determination period is The time axis is included in a power supply program for supplying power from the power source to the load; and the higher the possibility that the mist source or the flavor source is depleted based on the measured value, the determination period is set. The shorter.    A mist generating device comprising: a power source; a load, wherein the resistance value changes with temperature, and the mist source is atomized or heated by the power supply from the power source; the sensor outputs and flows to the load And a control unit configured to control a plurality of power supply programs for supplying power from the power source to the load; and the control unit is configured based on the measured value in the power supply program of the current time. Determine the length of the aforementioned power supply program on the time axis later than this time.    A method for controlling a mist generating device includes: obtaining, from a sensor, a measured value corresponding to a current value flowing to a load, wherein the load is used to atomize a mist source or heat a flavor source by using power from a power source, and the resistance value Changing with temperature; controlling a plurality of power supply procedures for supplying power from the power source to the load, and determining that the time axis is later than this time based on the aforementioned measured value in the power supply program of the current time. The length of the aforementioned power supply program.    A program for causing a processor to implement a control method of a mist generating device as described in claim 14, 17, 19, 21 or 23.