Suction device and control method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mechanism by which it is possible to improve operational safety regarding a power source of an inhalation device. [Solution] This inhalation device generates an aerosol, and comprises: a first resistor having a prescribed resistance; a measurement subject with variable resistance that is connected in series to the first resistor; an A / D converter that outputs an A / D conversion value of an applied voltage; and a measurement unit that measures the resistance of the measurement subject on the basis of the A / D conversion value outputted from the A / D converter. The A / D converter has applied thereto a reference voltage from a first power source, the reference voltage being a voltage that determines a full scale of the A / D conversion value, outputs an A / D conversion value of a first voltage applied from a second power source differing from the first power source, and outputs an A / D conversion value of a second voltage applied to the measurement subject from the second power source via the first resistor. The measurement unit calculates the resistance of the measurement subject on the basis of the ratio of the A / D conversion value of the first voltage and the A / D conversion value of the second voltage, and of the resistance of the first resistor.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a suction device and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Inhalation devices that generate a substance to be inhaled by a user, such as electronic cigarettes and nebulizers, are widely used. For example, the inhalation device generates an aerosol imparted with a flavor component using a substrate that includes an aerosol source for generating an aerosol and a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol. A user can taste the flavor by inhaling the aerosol imparted with the flavor component generated by the inhalation device.

[0003] In recent years, it has been considered to equip suction devices with various types of power sources. For example, in the following Patent Document 1, it has been considered to equip a suction device with a lithium ion battery, a solid-state battery, or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2020-504599 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 and the like has only recently been developed, and there is still room for improvement in various respects.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can improve the stability of power supply operation in a suction device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an inhalation device that generates an aerosol is provided, comprising: a first resistor having a predetermined resistance; a measurement object having a variable resistance connected in series to the first resistor; an A / D converter that outputs an A / D conversion value of an applied voltage; and a measurement unit that measures the resistance of the measurement object based on the A / D conversion value output from the A / D converter, wherein the A / D converter applies a reference voltage, which is a voltage that determines the full scale of the A / D conversion value, from a first power supply, outputs an A / D conversion value of a first voltage applied from a second power supply different from the first power supply, and outputs an A / D conversion value of a second voltage applied from the second power supply to the measurement object via the first resistor, and the measurement unit calculates the resistance of the measurement object based on the ratio between the A / D conversion value of the first voltage and the A / D conversion value of the second voltage and the resistance of the first resistor.

[0008] The measurement unit may calculate the resistance of the object to be measured based on the following formula, in which an A / D conversion value (Vdut) is the A / D conversion value of the first voltage, an A / D conversion value (Vad) is the A / D conversion value of the second voltage, R is the resistance of the first resistor, and Rdut is the resistance of the object to be measured.

number

[0009] The absolute value of the first voltage may be less than or equal to the absolute value of the reference voltage.

[0010] The suction device may further include a correction unit that corrects the absolute value of the first voltage to be equal to or less than an absolute value of the reference voltage.

[0011] The compensation portion may be a second resistor having a predetermined resistance.

[0012] The correction unit may be an amplifier that attenuates an input voltage and outputs the attenuated voltage.

[0013] The A / D converter may output an A / D converted value of the first voltage applied to the first resistor from the second power supply.

[0014] The measurement section may measure a temperature of the object to be measured based on a resistance of the object to be measured.

[0015] The suction device may further include a heating unit that generates the aerosol by heating an aerosol source, and the measurement target may be the heating unit.

[0016] The inhalation device may further include a heating unit that generates the aerosol by heating an aerosol source, and a thermistor whose temperature changes in response to a change in temperature of the heating unit, and the measurement object may be the thermistor.

[0017] Supplying power to the measurement object in order to measure the resistance of the measurement object may be performed periodically at a first timing, and supplying power to the heating unit in order for the heating unit to heat the aerosol source may be performed periodically at a second timing different from the first timing.

[0018] In addition, in order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for controlling an inhalation device that generates an aerosol, the inhalation device comprising a first resistor having a predetermined resistance, a measurement object having a variable resistance connected in series to the first resistor, and an A / D converter that outputs an A / D conversion value of the applied voltage, the control method including: applying a reference voltage, which is a voltage that determines the full scale of the A / D conversion value, from a first power supply to the A / D converter, applying a first voltage from a second power supply different from the first power supply to output the A / D conversion value of the first voltage, and applying a second voltage from the second power supply to the measurement object via the first resistor to output the A / D conversion value of the second voltage; and calculating the resistance of the measurement object based on the ratio between the A / D conversion value of the first voltage and the A / D conversion value of the second voltage and the resistance of the first resistor. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism capable of improving the stability of the power supply operation in a suction device is provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of a suction device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration relating to A / D conversion of the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of timing for supplying power to a heating unit in the suction device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processes executed in the suction device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a configuration relating to A / D conversion of a suction device according to a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0022] In addition, in this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different alphabets after the same reference numeral. For example, multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished as suction devices 100A and 100B as necessary. However, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between multiple elements having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference numerals are used. For example, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between suction devices 100A and 100B, they are simply referred to as suction device 100.

[0023] <<1. Example of suction device configuration>> The inhalation device is a device that generates a substance to be inhaled by a user. In the following description, the substance generated by the inhalation device is described as an aerosol. Alternatively, the substance generated by the inhalation device may be a gas.

[0024] (1) First configuration example FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first configuration example of an inhalation device. As shown in FIG. 1, an inhalation device 100A according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 110, a cartridge 120, and a flavoring cartridge 130. The power supply unit 110 includes a power supply section 111A, a sensor section 112A, a notification section 113A, a memory section 114A, a communication section 115A, and a control section 116A. The cartridge 120 includes a heating section 121A, a liquid guiding section 122, and a liquid storage section 123. The flavoring cartridge 130 includes a flavor source 131 and a mouthpiece 124. An air flow path 180 is formed in the cartridge 120 and the flavoring cartridge 130.

[0025] Power supply unit 111A accumulates power. Power supply unit 111A supplies power to each component of suction device 100A under the control of control unit 116A. Power supply unit 111A may be configured with, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion secondary battery.

[0026] The sensor unit 112A acquires various information related to the suction device 100A. As an example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with a pressure sensor such as a microphone capacitor, a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like, and acquires values ​​associated with suction by the user. As another example, the sensor unit 112A is configured with an input device such as a button or a switch that accepts information input from the user.

[0027] Notification unit 113A notifies the user of information. Notification unit 113A is configured, for example, by a light emitting device that emits light, a display device that displays an image, a sound output device that outputs sound, or a vibration device that vibrates.

[0028] Storage unit 114A stores various types of information for the operation of suction device 100 A. Storage unit 114A is configured with, for example, a non-volatile storage medium such as a flash memory.

[0029] The communication unit 115A is a communication interface capable of performing communication in compliance with any wired or wireless communication standard, such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0030] The control unit 116A functions as an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, and controls the overall operation within the suction device 100A in accordance with various programs. The control unit 116A is realized by electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a microprocessor.

[0031] The liquid storage unit 123 stores the aerosol source. The aerosol source is atomized to generate the aerosol. The aerosol source is a liquid such as polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and water. The aerosol source may contain tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components. When the inhalation device 100A is a medical inhaler such as a nebulizer, the aerosol source may contain a medicine.

[0032] The liquid guide unit 122 guides and holds the aerosol source, which is a liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 123, from the liquid storage unit 123. The liquid guide unit 122 is, for example, a wick formed by twisting a fiber material such as glass fiber or a porous material such as porous ceramic. In this case, the aerosol source stored in the liquid storage unit 123 is guided by the capillary effect of the wick.

[0033] The heating unit 121A heats the aerosol source to atomize the aerosol source and generate an aerosol. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the heating unit 121A is configured as a coil and is wound around the liquid guide unit 122. When the heating unit 121A generates heat, the aerosol source held in the liquid guide unit 122 is heated and atomized, and an aerosol is generated. The heating unit 121A generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply unit 111A. As an example, power may be supplied when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has started inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input. Then, power supply may be stopped when the sensor unit 112A detects that the user has stopped inhaling and / or that predetermined information has been input.

[0034] The flavor source 131 is a component for imparting flavor components to the aerosol. The flavor source 131 may include tobacco-derived or non-tobacco-derived flavor components.

[0035] The air flow path 180 is a flow path for air inhaled by the user. The air flow path 180 has a tubular structure with an air inlet hole 181, which is an inlet for air into the air flow path 180, and an air outlet hole 182, which is an outlet for air from the air flow path 180, at both ends. In the middle of the air flow path 180, the liquid guide section 122 is disposed on the upstream side (the side closer to the air inlet hole 181), and the flavor source 131 is disposed on the downstream side (the side closer to the air outlet hole 182). The air that flows in from the air inlet hole 181 as the user inhales is mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating section 121A, and is transported to the air outlet hole 182 through the flavor source 131 as shown by the arrow 190. When the mixed fluid of the aerosol and the air passes through the flavor source 131, the flavor components contained in the flavor source 131 are imparted to the aerosol.

[0036] Mouthpiece 124 is a member that is held in the mouth of a user when inhaling. Air outlet hole 182 is arranged in mouthpiece 124. By holding mouthpiece 124 in the mouth and inhaling, the user can take in a mixed fluid of aerosol and air into the oral cavity.

[0037] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100A. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100A is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0038] As an example, the inhalation device 100A may not include the flavoring cartridge 130. In that case, the cartridge 120 is provided with the mouthpiece 124.

[0039] As another example, the inhalation device 100A may include multiple types of aerosol sources. Multiple types of aerosols generated from the multiple types of aerosol sources may be mixed in the air flow path 180 and undergo a chemical reaction to generate yet another type of aerosol.

[0040] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121 A. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be vibration atomization or induction heating.

[0041] (2) Second configuration example 2 is a schematic diagram showing a second configuration example of the suction device. As shown in FIG. 2, the suction device 100B according to this configuration example includes a power supply unit 111B, a sensor unit 112B, a notification unit 113B, a storage unit 114B, a communication unit 115B, a control unit 116B, a heating unit 121B, a holding unit 140, and a heat insulating unit 144.

[0042] Each of power supply unit 111B, sensor unit 112B, notification unit 113B, memory unit 114B, communication unit 115B, and control unit 116B is substantially the same as the corresponding components included in suction device 100A according to the first configuration example.

[0043] The holding part 140 has an internal space 141, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 while accommodating a part of the stick-shaped substrate 150 in the internal space 141. The holding part 140 has an opening 142 that connects the internal space 141 to the outside, and holds the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141 from the opening 142. For example, the holding part 140 is a cylindrical body with the opening 142 and the bottom part 143 as the bottom surface, and defines a columnar internal space 141. The holding part 140 also has a function of defining a flow path for air to be supplied to the stick-shaped substrate 150. An air inlet hole that is an entrance of air to such a flow path is arranged in the bottom part 143, for example. On the other hand, an air outlet hole that is an exit of air from such a flow path is the opening 142.

[0044] The stick-type substrate 150 includes a substrate portion 151 and a suction mouth portion 152. The substrate portion 151 includes an aerosol source. In this configuration example, the aerosol source is not limited to a liquid, and may be a solid. When the stick-type substrate 150 is held by the holder 140, at least a part of the substrate portion 151 is accommodated in the internal space 141, and at least a part of the suction mouth portion 152 protrudes from the opening 142. When the user holds the suction mouth portion 152 protruding from the opening 142 in his / her mouth and inhales, air flows into the internal space 141 from an air inlet hole (not shown) and reaches the user's mouth together with the aerosol generated from the substrate portion 151.

[0045] The heating unit 121B has a configuration similar to that of the heating unit 121A according to the first configuration example. However, in the example shown in Fig. 2, the heating unit 121B is configured in a film shape and is arranged so as to cover the outer periphery of the holding unit 140. When the heating unit 121B generates heat, the substrate unit 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 is heated from the outer periphery, and an aerosol is generated.

[0046] The heat insulating section 144 prevents heat transfer from the heating section 121B to other components. For example, the heat insulating section 144 is made of a vacuum heat insulating material, an aerogel heat insulating material, or the like.

[0047] The above describes an example of the configuration of the suction device 100B. Of course, the configuration of the suction device 100B is not limited to the above, and various configurations such as those exemplified below may be used.

[0048] As one example, the heating unit 121B may be configured in a blade shape and disposed so as to protrude from the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140 into the internal space 141. In this case, the blade-shaped heating unit 121B is inserted into the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 and heats the substrate 151 of the stick-shaped substrate 150 from the inside. As another example, the heating unit 121B may be disposed so as to cover the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140. Furthermore, the heating unit 121B may be configured as a combination of two or more of a first heating unit covering the outer periphery of the holding unit 140, a blade-shaped second heating unit, and a third heating unit covering the bottom 143 of the holding unit 140.

[0049] As another example, the holding unit 140 may include an opening and closing mechanism such as a hinge that opens and closes a part of the outer shell that forms the internal space 141. The holding unit 140 may then open and close the outer shell to clamp the stick-shaped substrate 150 inserted into the internal space 141. In this case, the heating unit 121B may be provided at the clamping location in the holding unit 140, and may heat the stick-shaped substrate 150 while pressing it.

[0050] Furthermore, the means for atomizing the aerosol source is not limited to heating by the heating unit 121B. For example, the means for atomizing the aerosol source may be induction heating.

[0051] Furthermore, the inhalation device 100B may further include the heating unit 121A, the liquid guide unit 122, the liquid storage unit 123, and the air flow path 180 according to the first configuration example, and the air outlet hole 182 of the air flow path 180 may also serve as an air inlet hole to the internal space 141. In this case, the mixed fluid of the aerosol and air generated by the heating unit 121A flows into the internal space 141 and is further mixed with the aerosol generated by the heating unit 121B, and reaches the oral cavity of the user.

[0052] <<2. Technical features>> (1)Technical issues In the suction device 100, A / D conversion is performed. In a typical power supply configuration for A / D conversion, a reference voltage VREF for determining the full scale of the A / D conversion value and a voltage VDUT applied to the circuit under test are supplied from the same power supply. This is because, when there is a fluctuation in the voltage supplied from the power supply, the voltage VDUT fluctuates following the fluctuation in the reference voltage VREF, thereby causing a tracking effect to work and offsetting the full scale fluctuation of the A / D conversion value.

[0053] On the other hand, when the reference voltage VREF and the voltage VDUT are supplied from different power sources, the voltage value of the voltage VDUT can be determined independently of the reference voltage VREF, enabling highly accurate A / D conversion. However, in this case, the above-mentioned tracking action does not work, and the influence of the fluctuations of the reference voltage VREF and the voltage VDUT appears in the A / D conversion value.

[0054] Therefore, in this embodiment, a mechanism is provided for offsetting the influence of fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the voltage VDUT while supplying the reference voltage VREF and the voltage VDUT from different power sources. According to this mechanism, it is possible to perform highly accurate A / D conversion while removing the influences of the fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the voltage VDUT. From this viewpoint, this embodiment can improve the stability of the operation related to the power supply of the suction device 100. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5.

[0055] (2) A / D Conversion According to This Embodiment Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration related to A / D conversion of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 3, the suction device 100 according to this embodiment includes a first battery 11, a second battery 12, an A / D (Analog to Digital) converter 13, a voltage dividing resistor 14, a measurement target 15, and a measurement unit 16. The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 are included in, for example, the power supply unit 111 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The A / D converter 13, the voltage dividing resistor 14, and the measurement unit 16 are included in, for example, the sensor unit 112 shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0056] The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 store power and supply the stored power to other components. The first battery 11 and the second battery 12 are configured separately. The first battery 11 supplies a reference voltage VREF to be applied to the A / D converter 13. The second battery 12 supplies a voltage VDUT to be applied to the circuit under test. The circuit under test in the example shown in FIG. 3 is a voltage dividing resistor 14 and a measurement target 15.

[0057] The voltage dividing resistor 14 is a resistor having a predetermined resistance R (i.e., a known resistance). The voltage dividing resistor 14 is an example of a first resistor in this embodiment. The voltage dividing resistor 14 and the measurement target 15 form a so-called voltage dividing circuit. A voltage dividing circuit is a circuit that generates a voltage proportional to an input voltage at the midpoint of multiple resistors.

[0058] The object to be measured 15 is an object whose resistance Rdut is to be measured. The resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 is variable. As shown in FIG. 3, the object to be measured 15 is connected in series to a voltage dividing resistor 14.

[0059] The A / D converter 13 outputs an A / D converted value of the applied voltage. The A / D converter 13 outputs the A / D converted value of the applied voltage in relation to a reference voltage. The reference voltage is a voltage for determining the full scale of the A / D converted value.

[0060] A reference voltage is applied to the A / D converter 13 from the first battery 11. In the example shown in FIG. 3, VREF is applied as the reference voltage. When a voltage equal to the reference voltage VREF is applied to the A / D converter 13, the A / D converter outputs a value corresponding to the full scale (hereinafter also referred to as the full-scale value). For a voltage equal to or lower than the reference voltage VREF, an A / D conversion value equal to or lower than the full-scale value is output. On the other hand, when a voltage exceeding the reference voltage VREF is applied to the A / D converter 13, the A / D conversion value is clipped to an upper limit value. That is, the full-scale value is output.

[0061] A power supply voltage Vdut is applied to the A / D converter 13 from the second battery 12. The A / D converter 13 outputs an A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut in full scale based on the reference voltage VREF. Here, the voltage applied to the voltage dividing resistor 14 from the second battery 12 is applied to the A / D converter 13 as the power supply voltage Vdut. That is, the voltage before division by the voltage dividing resistor 14 and the measurement object 15 is applied to the A / D converter 13 as the power supply voltage Vdut. The power supply voltage Vdut is an example of a first voltage in this embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the power supply voltage Vdut is equal to the voltage VDUT.

[0062] An input voltage Vad is applied to the A / D converter 13 from the second battery 12. The A / D converter 13 outputs an A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad in full scale based on the reference voltage VREF. Here, a voltage applied to the object to be measured 15 from the second battery 12 via the voltage dividing resistor 14 is applied to the A / D converter 13 as the input voltage Vad. That is, a voltage after voltage division at a midpoint between the voltage dividing resistor 14 and the object to be measured 15 is applied to the A / D converter 13 as the input voltage Vad. The input voltage Vad is an example of a second voltage in this embodiment.

[0063] The input voltage Vad reflects a change in the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15. More specifically, since the resistance R of the voltage dividing resistor 14 is known, when the input voltage Vad changes, it is possible to capture the change in the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 from the change in the A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad.

[0064] The measurement unit 16 measures the resistance of the object to be measured 15 based on the A / D converted value output from the A / D converter 13. The measurement unit 16 is, for example, configured with an MCU (Micro Control Unit). In detail, the measurement unit 16 calculates the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 based on the ratio between the A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad and the A / D converted value of the power supply voltage Vdut, and the resistance R of the voltage dividing resistor 14. A method of calculating the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 will be described in detail below.

[0065] The measurement unit 16 can calculate the input voltage Vad from the A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad. 10 −1), the input voltage Vad is calculated by the following formula:

[0066]

number

[0067] Here, the A / D conversion value (Vad) is the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad.

[0068] The measuring unit 16 can calculate the power supply voltage Vdut from the A / D converted value of the power supply voltage Vdut. 10 −1), the power supply voltage Vdut is calculated by the following formula:

[0069]

number

[0070] Here, the A / D conversion value (Vdut) is the A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut.

[0071] Since voltage dividing resistor 14 and object to be measured 15 form a voltage dividing circuit, the following relationship holds between input voltage Vad and power supply voltage Vdut:

[0072]

number

[0073] By substituting the right side of the above formula (2) for Vad on the left side of the above formula (4), and since Vdut = VDUT, substituting the right side of the above formula (3) for VDUT on the right side of the above formula (4) and rearranging, the above formula (4) can be transformed into the following formula.

[0074]

number

[0075] The measuring unit 16 calculates the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 based on the above formula (5). As shown in the above formula (5), the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 is calculated based on the ratio between the A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad and the A / D converted value of the power supply voltage Vdut. Therefore, the measuring unit 16 can calculate the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 while removing the influence of fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the voltage VDUT. That is, the measuring unit 16 can calculate the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 with high accuracy.

[0076] As an example, a case is assumed where the voltage VDUT is constant and the reference voltage VREF fluctuates. In that case, the full scale of the A / D conversion fluctuates, so the A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut and the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad fluctuate. However, even if the reference voltage VREF fluctuates, the voltage division ratio of the voltage division circuit formed by the voltage dividing resistor 14 and the object to be measured 15 does not fluctuate, so the ratio between the A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut and the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad does not fluctuate. Therefore, the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 calculated by the above formula (5) also does not fluctuate. That is, the measurement unit 16 can calculate the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 by removing the influence of the fluctuation of the reference voltage VREF.

[0077] As another example, a case is assumed where the reference voltage VREF is constant and the voltage VDUT fluctuates. In that case, the power supply voltage Vdut and the input voltage Vad fluctuate, so that the A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut and the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad fluctuate. However, even if the voltage VDUT fluctuates, the voltage division ratio of the voltage division circuit formed by the voltage dividing resistor 14 and the object to be measured 15 does not fluctuate, so the ratio between the A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut and the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad does not fluctuate. Therefore, the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 calculated by the above formula (5) also does not fluctuate. That is, the measuring unit 16 can calculate the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 by removing the influence of the fluctuation of the voltage VDUT.

[0078] The absolute value of the power supply voltage Vdut is equal to or less than the absolute value of the reference voltage VREF. If the absolute value of the power supply voltage Vdut exceeds the absolute value of the reference voltage VREF, the power supply voltage Vdut overflows the full scale of A / D conversion, and the A / D conversion value is clipped to the upper limit value. In other words, the A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut becomes inaccurate. In contrast, if the absolute value of the power supply voltage Vdut is equal to or less than the absolute value of the reference voltage VREF, the power supply voltage Vdut is within the full scale of A / D conversion, and therefore clipping of the A / D conversion value to the upper limit value is avoided. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an accurate A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut.

[0079] From the above viewpoint, the suction device 100 may further include a correction unit that corrects the absolute value of the power supply voltage Vdut so that it is equal to or less than the absolute value of the reference voltage VREF. As an example, the correction unit is disposed between the second battery 12 and the A / D converter 13, and divides or attenuates the voltage VDUT so that the absolute value of the power supply voltage Vdut is equal to or less than the absolute value of the reference voltage VREF. With this configuration, the absolute value of the power supply voltage Vdut can be made equal to or less than the absolute value of the reference voltage VREF, making it possible to obtain an accurate A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut. As a result, the measurement unit 16 can calculate the resistance Rdut of the measurement object 15 with high accuracy.

[0080] The correction unit may be a resistor having a predetermined resistance. Such a resistor is an example of the second resistor in this embodiment. For example, a first resistor (i.e., the voltage dividing resistor 14) and a second resistor may form a voltage dividing circuit, and a voltage after voltage division at a midpoint between the first resistor and the second resistor may be applied to the A / D converter 13 as the power supply voltage Vdut. In this case, however, it is desirable to perform a calibration in advance so that an error does not occur between a calculated voltage division ratio calculated by the resistance of the first resistor and the resistance of the second resistor and an actual voltage division ratio. This is because, if an error occurs between the calculated voltage division ratio and the actual voltage division ratio, the power supply voltage Vdut calculated from the A / D conversion value of the power supply voltage Vdut will have a shifted value. As the calibration here, a circuit may be changed so that the calculated voltage division ratio and the actual voltage division ratio match, or the actual voltage division ratio may be used when converting the A / D conversion value into a voltage. The configuration of the voltage divider circuit, such as the number of resistors as the correction section and the position of the midpoint, is not particularly limited as long as a desired voltage division ratio can be realized.

[0081] Alternatively, the correction unit may be an amplifier that attenuates and outputs an input voltage. In any case, by providing the correction unit, it is possible to obtain an accurate A / D converted value of the power supply voltage Vdut.

[0082] (3)Temperature measurement The measurement object 15 is a member whose electrical resistance changes in response to a change in temperature. Therefore, the measurement unit 16 measures the temperature of the measurement object 15 based on the resistance of the measurement object 15. With this configuration, it is possible to measure the temperature of the measurement object 15.

[0083] Measurement target 15 is heating unit 121. According to this configuration, measurement unit 16 can measure the temperature of heating unit 121 based on the resistance of heating unit 121. In addition, since there is no need to separately provide a thermistor or the like for measuring the temperature of heating unit 121, the ease of designing suction device 100 is improved.

[0084] The power supply to the measurement target 15 for measuring the resistance of the measurement target 15 is periodically performed at a first timing. That is, the power supply to the heating unit 121 for measuring the temperature of the heating unit 121 is periodically performed at a first timing. On the other hand, the power supply to the heating unit 121 for heating the aerosol source by the heating unit 121 is periodically performed at a second timing different from the first timing. With this configuration, temperature measurement and heating are performed alternately. Therefore, it is possible to continue heating by the heating unit 121 while monitoring the temperature of the heating unit 121. When measuring the temperature, a weaker voltage may be applied to the heating unit 121 compared to when heating. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress power consumption. In addition, it is possible to prevent a breakdown of the measurement system caused by a large current flowing. The timing of power supply to the heating unit 121 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0085] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the timing of power supply to the heating unit 121 in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment. The horizontal axis in FIG. 4 is the time axis, and time flows from left to right. The suction device 100 has a control period of 50 ms as one period, and repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, in the first 3 ms of the control period, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 to measure the temperature of the heating unit 121. In the following 46 ms, power is supplied to the heating unit 121 for heating. In the following 1 ms, power supply to the heating unit 121 is stopped.

[0086] The details of the first 3 ms in the control period will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 4, first, in the first 1 ms, the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 each apply a voltage. At that time, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the first battery 11 applies the reference voltage VREF to the A / D converter 13, and the second battery 12 applies the power supply voltage Vdut and the input voltage Vad to the A / D converter 13. Next, in the middle 1 ms, the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 continue to apply a voltage, and A / D conversion is performed. Note that the middle 1 ms includes the settling time of the A / D converter 13. Then, in the last 1 ms, the power supply from the first battery 11 and the second battery 12 is stopped. In the last 1 ms, the A / D converter 13 is discharged.

[0087] (4) Processing flow FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed in the suction device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 5, first, the first battery 11 applies the reference voltage VREF to the A / D converter 13, and the second battery 12 applies the power supply voltage Vdut and the input voltage Vad to the A / D converter 13 (step S102).

[0089] Next, the A / D converter 13 outputs the A / D converted value of the power supply voltage Vdut and the A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad (step S104).

[0090] Next, the measurement unit 16 calculates the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 based on the ratio between the A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad and the A / D converted value of the power supply voltage Vdut, and the resistance R of the voltage dividing resistor 14 (step S106).

[0091] Then, the measurement unit 16 measures the temperature of the object to be measured 15 based on the resistance Rdut of the object to be measured 15 (step S108).

[0092] (5) Effects of the suction device according to this embodiment The effects of the suction device 100 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to comparative examples.

[0093] 6 is a diagram for explaining a configuration related to A / D conversion of an aspirating device 90 according to a comparative example. As shown in FIG. 6, the aspirating device 90 according to the comparative example includes a first battery 11, a second battery 12, an A / D converter 93, a voltage dividing resistor 14, a measurement object 15, and a measurement unit 96.

[0094] The configurations of the first battery 11, the second battery 12, the voltage dividing resistor 14, and the measurement target 15 are similar to the configurations of the corresponding components in the aspirator 100 according to this embodiment shown in Fig. 3. Comparing Fig. 3 with Fig. 6, in the aspirator 90 according to the comparative example, the power supply voltage Vdut is not applied to the A / D converter 93.

[0095] Therefore, the A / D converter 93 outputs an A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad in a full scale based on the reference voltage VREF. Then, the measurement unit 96 measures the measurement target based on the A / D converted value of the input voltage Vad. elephant 15 Measure the resistance Rdut.

[0096] In the suction device 90 according to the comparative example, the above formula (2) and formula (4) are obtained. By substituting the right side of formula (2) for Vad on the left side of formula (4) and rearranging, formula (4) is transformed into the following formula.

[0097]

number

[0098] The measuring unit 96 calculates the resistance Rdut of the measurement target 15 based on the above formula (6). As shown in the above formula (6), in the comparative example, the influence of the fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the voltage VDUT is reflected in the calculation result of the resistance Rdut of the measurement target 15. Therefore, in the suction device 90 according to the comparative example, it is difficult to eliminate the influence of the fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the power supply voltage Vdut.

[0099] As an example, a case is assumed in which the voltage VDUT is constant and the reference voltage VREF fluctuates. In that case, the full scale of the A / D conversion fluctuates, and the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad fluctuates. However, it is difficult for the measurement unit 96 to distinguish whether the fluctuation in the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad is caused by the influence of the fluctuation in the voltage VDUT or the influence of the fluctuation in the reference voltage VREF. Therefore, it is difficult for the measurement unit 96 to eliminate the influence of the fluctuation in the reference voltage VREF.

[0100] As another example, a case is assumed in which the reference voltage VREF is constant and the voltage VDUT fluctuates. In this case, the input voltage Vad fluctuates, and the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad fluctuates. However, it is difficult for the measurement unit 96 to distinguish whether the fluctuation in the A / D conversion value of the input voltage Vad is caused by the influence of the fluctuation in the voltage VDUT or the influence of the fluctuation in the reference voltage VREF. Therefore, it is difficult for the measurement unit 96 to eliminate the influence of the fluctuation in the voltage VDUT.

[0101] As described above, it is difficult for the suction device 90 according to the comparative example to eliminate the influence of the fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the power supply voltage Vdut. Therefore, the suction device 90 according to the comparative example may erroneously capture the fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the power supply voltage Vdut as the fluctuations in the resistance Rdut of the measurement target 15. Alternatively, the suction device 90 according to the comparative example may ignore the fluctuations in the resistance Rdut of the measurement target 15 that should be captured as the influence of the fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the power supply voltage Vdut.

[0102] In contrast, with the suction apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, as described above with reference to Fig. 3, it is possible to calculate the resistance Rdut of the measurement target 15 by removing the influence of the fluctuations in the reference voltage VREF and the voltage VDUT. That is, the suction apparatus 100 according to this embodiment is able to calculate the resistance Rdut of the measurement target 15 with high accuracy, compared to the suction apparatus 90 according to the comparative example.

[0103] <<3. Supplementary Information>> Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0104] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the measurement object 15 is the heating unit 121, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The measurement object 15 may be a thermistor. A thermistor is a member whose electrical resistance changes significantly in response to a change in temperature. The thermistor is disposed near the heating unit 121, for example, adjacent to the heating unit 121. In this case, the temperature of the thermistor changes in response to a change in temperature of the heating unit 121. According to this configuration, the measuring unit 16 can measure the temperature of the thermistor based on the resistance of the thermistor, and measure the temperature of the heating unit 121 based on the measured temperature of the thermistor.

[0105] The series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are stored in advance, for example, in a recording medium (non-transitory medium) provided inside or outside each device. Each program is read into a RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, and is executed by a processor such as a CPU. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, etc. The computer program may also be distributed, for example, via a network, without using a recording medium.

[0106] In addition, the processes described herein using flowcharts do not necessarily have to be performed in the order shown. Some process steps may be performed in parallel. Additional process steps may be employed, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0107] The following configurations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. (1) 1. An aerosol generating suction device, comprising: a first resistor having a predetermined resistance; a measurement target having a variable resistance, the measurement target being connected in series with the first resistor; an A / D converter that outputs an A / D converted value of the applied voltage; a measurement unit that measures a resistance of the object to be measured based on the A / D converted value output from the A / D converter; Equipped with The A / D converter includes: A reference voltage that determines the full scale of the A / D conversion value is applied from a first power supply; outputting an A / D converted value of a first voltage applied from a second power supply different from the first power supply; outputting an A / D converted value of a second voltage applied to the object to be measured from the second power supply via the first resistor; the measurement unit calculates the resistance of the object to be measured based on a ratio between the A / D converted value of the first voltage and the A / D converted value of the second voltage and the resistance of the first resistor. Suction device. (2) The measurement unit calculates the resistance of the object to be measured based on the following formula: In the following formula, an A / D conversion value (Vdut) is the A / D conversion value of the first voltage, an A / D conversion value (Vad) is the A / D conversion value of the second voltage, R is the resistance of the first resistor, and Rdut is the resistance of the object to be measured. The suction device described in (1) above.

number

[0108] 100 Suction device 110 Power supply unit 111 Power supply section 112 Sensor section 113 Notification Department 114 Storage section 115 Communications Department 116 Control Unit 120 Cartridge 121 Heating section 122 Liquid guiding part 123 Liquid storage unit 124 Mouthpiece 130 Flavoring cartridge 131 Flavor source 140 Holding part 141 Interior Space 142 Aperture 143 Bottom 144 Insulation section 150 Stick-type substrate 151 Base material part 152 Mouthpiece 180 Air flow path 181 Air inlet 182 Air outlet 11 First Battery 12 Second Battery 13 A / D Converter 14 Voltage divider resistor 15 Measurement Object 16 Measuring part

Claims

1. 1. An aerosol generating suction device, comprising: a first resistor having a predetermined resistance; a measurement target having a variable resistance, the measurement target being connected in series with the first resistor; an A / D converter that outputs an A / D converted value of the applied voltage; a measurement unit that measures a resistance of the measurement object based on the A / D converted value output from the A / D converter; Equipped with The A / D converter includes: A full scale of the A / D conversion value is set based on a reference voltage applied from the first power supply; a voltage corresponding to a change of one bit of the A / D converted value is set based on the output bit length of the A / D converter and the full scale set based on the reference voltage; outputting an A / D converted value of a first voltage applied from a second power supply different from the first power supply; outputting an A / D converted value of a second voltage applied to the object to be measured from the second power supply via the first resistor; the measurement unit calculates the resistance of the object to be measured based on a ratio between the A / D converted value of the first voltage and the A / D converted value of the second voltage and the resistance of the first resistor. Suction device.

2. The measurement unit calculates the resistance of the object to be measured based on the following formula: In the following formula, an A / D conversion value (Vdut) is an A / D conversion value of the first voltage, an A / D conversion value (Vad) is an A / D conversion value of the second voltage, R is the resistance of the first resistor, and Rdut is the resistance of the object to be measured.

2. The suction device of claim 1. [0010]

3. the absolute value of the first voltage is less than or equal to the absolute value of the reference voltage; 3. A suction device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The suction device further includes a correction unit that corrects the absolute value of the first voltage to be equal to or less than the absolute value of the reference voltage.

4. The suction device according to claim 3.

5. The compensation unit is a second resistor having a predetermined resistance.

5. The suction device according to claim 4.

6. The correction unit is an amplifier that attenuates an input voltage and outputs the attenuated voltage.

5. The suction device according to claim 4.

7. the A / D converter outputs an A / D converted value of the first voltage applied to the first resistor from the second power supply; A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The measurement unit measures a temperature of the object to be measured based on a resistance of the object to be measured. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The inhalation device further includes a heating unit that generates the aerosol by heating an aerosol source, The measurement object is the heating unit. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The suction device is A heating unit that generates the aerosol by heating an aerosol source; a thermistor whose temperature changes in response to a change in temperature of the heating unit; Further equipped with The measurement object is the thermistor. A suction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. supplying power to the object to be measured in order to measure the resistance of the object to be measured is performed periodically at a first timing; The supply of power to the heating unit, which is performed so that the heating unit heats the aerosol source, is periodically performed at a second timing different from the first timing.

11. A suction device according to claim 9 or 10.

12. 1. A method for controlling an aerosol generating suction device, comprising: The suction device is a first resistor having a predetermined resistance; a measurement target having a variable resistance, the measurement target being connected in series with the first resistor; an A / D converter that outputs an A / D converted value of the applied voltage; Equipped with The A / D converter includes: A full scale of an A / D conversion value is set based on a reference voltage applied from a first power supply; a voltage corresponding to a change of one bit of the A / D converted value is set based on an output bit length of the A / D converter and the full scale set based on the reference voltage; applying a first voltage from a second power supply different from the first power supply and outputting an A / D converted value of the first voltage; and applying a second voltage from the second power supply through the first resistor to the object to be measured and outputting an A / D converted value of the second voltage; calculating a resistance of the object to be measured based on a ratio between an A / D converted value of the first voltage and an A / D converted value of the second voltage and a resistance of the first resistor; A control method comprising:

Images