EP4678046A1

EP4678046A1 - Control method for aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating device

Info

Publication number: EP4678046A1
Application number: EP24774149.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Huanjie HE; Ruilong HU; Wen ZHENG; Xiaogang FANG; Tao Wu; Zhongli XU; Yonghai LI
Original assignee: Shenzhen FirstUnion Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen FirstUnion Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-23
Filing date: 2024-03-20
Publication date: 2026-01-14
Also published as: WO2024193584A1; CN118680337A

Abstract

A control method for an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating device are provided. The aerosol generating device includes: an accommodating cavity (31) for accommodating at least part of an aerosol generating article (1), a heating assembly (2) for directly or indirectly heating the aerosol generating article (1), a puff detection assembly (4) for outputting a puff control signal when detecting a puff event, and a controller (5). The control method includes: obtaining a puff control signal; and adjusting and controlling an output power to a heating assembly (2) based on the puff control signal, so that after a puff event, a temperature of the heating assembly (2) returns to a preset temperature after a delay of a preset period of time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to a prior application with Chinese Patent Application No. 202310325156.6, filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on March 23, 2023 and entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE, AND AEROSOL GENERATING DEVICE", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of this application relate to the field of aerosol generation technologies, and in particular, to a control method for an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating device.

BACKGROUND

An aerosol generating device may heat air, pass the heated air to an aerosol generating article, and heat the aerosol generating article, to generate an aerosol for a user to inhale.
However, in the related art, a hot air outlet of the aerosol generating article is often provided at a bottom of the aerosol generating article, resulting in uneven heating of the aerosol generating article. A bottom area of the aerosol generating article close to the hot air outlet has a higher temperature than a top area away from the hot air outlet. To ensure that the aerosol generating article can be sufficiently heated, in the industry, the aerosol generating article is often heated through provision of hot air at a higher temperature, which easily causes carbonization or even combustion of the bottom area of the aerosol generating article.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of this application provide a control method for an aerosol generating device, and an aerosol generating device, which are intended to resolve a technical problem that to ensure that an aerosol generating article can be sufficiently heated, a local area of the aerosol generating article is prone to carbonization or even combustion as a result of the aerosol generating article being heated through provision of hot air at a higher temperature.
According to a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a control method for an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device includes an accommodating cavity for accommodating at least part of an aerosol generating article, a heating assembly for directly or indirectly heating the aerosol generating article, a puff detection assembly for outputting a puff control signal when detecting a puff event, and a controller. The control method includes:

obtaining the puff control signal; and
adjusting and controlling an output power to the heating assembly based on the puff control signal, to enable a temperature of the heating assembly to return to a preset temperature after a delay of a preset period of time after the puff event.

According to a second aspect, an embodiment of this application further provides an aerosol generating device, including:

an accommodating cavity, configured to accommodate at least part of an aerosol generating article;
a heating assembly, configured to directly or indirectly heat the aerosol generating article;
a puff detection assembly, configured to detect a puff event of the aerosol generating device, and output a puff control signal when detecting the puff event; and
a controller, connected to the heating assembly and the puff detection assembly, where the controller is configured to perform the foregoing control method.

Through the foregoing control method for an aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating device, the power outputted to the heating assembly is adjusted and controlled, so that the heating assembly returns to the preset temperature after a delay of a preset period of time after the puff event ends. Therefore, excessive heat is not accumulated in a local area of the aerosol generating article in a short time, thereby effectively preventing local carbonization or combustion of the aerosol generating article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments are exemplarily described with reference to pictures in accompanying drawings corresponding to the embodiments, and the exemplary descriptions do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements in the accompanying drawings that have same reference numerals are represented as similar elements, and unless otherwise particularly stated, the figures in the accompanying drawings do not constitute a scale limitation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of steps of a control method for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application.
FIG. 3 is a partial schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a connection of a controller, a puff detection assembly, and a heating assembly in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of this application.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a combination of a rod core with a heating element and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment of this application.
FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded view of a combination of a rod core with a heating element and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment of this application.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of this application, where a schematic curve diagram (b) in FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a temperature variation of a heating assembly when a puff intensity of a puff event is greater, relative to a schematic curve diagram (a) in FIG. 8, and a schematic curve diagram (c) in FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a temperature variation of the heating assembly when a puff duration of a single puff event is longer, relative to the schematic curve diagram (a) in FIG. 8.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a temperature of a heating assembly when a plurality of puff events occur in a short time according to an embodiment of this application.

Reference numerals:

1. Aerosol generating article; 11. Aerosol forming substrate; 12. Suction nozzle;
2. Heating assembly; 21. Porous body; 22. Heating element; 23. Rod core; 24. Lead; 25. Wire;
211. Air hole; 212: Opening; 231: Through hole; 251. First wire; 252. Second wire;
31. Accommodating cavity; 32. Airflow channel;
4. Puff detection assembly; 41. Temperature sensor;
5. Controller;
6. Power supply;
7. Thermal insulation layer; 71. Air heat insulation layer or vacuum layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For ease of understanding of this application, this application is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, when an element is expressed as "being fixed to"/"being fixedly connected to" another element, the element may be directly on the another element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between the element and the another element. When one element is described to be "connected to" another element, the element may be directly connected to the another element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist therebetween. Terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", and similar expressions used in the specification are merely used for illustration.
Unless otherwise defined, meanings of all technical and scientific terms used in this specification are the same as those usually understood by a person skilled in the art of this application. Terms used in the specification of this application are merely intended to describe objectives of the specific embodiments, but are not intended to limit this application. A term "and/or" used in this specification includes any or all combinations of one or more related listed items.
In addition, technical features involved in different embodiments of this application described below may be combined with each other so long as they do not constitute a conflict with each other.
In the embodiments of this application, the "mounting" includes fixing or limiting an element or a device to a specific position or place in a manner such as welding, screwing, snapping, or bonding. The element or the device may keep still at the specific position or place or move within a limited range. The element or the device may or may not be disassembled after being fixed or limited to the specific position or place, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.
In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" are merely used for the purpose of description, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating a quantity of the indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined by "first", "second", "third", or "fourth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more such features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of' means at least two, such as two or three, unless otherwise definitely and specifically defined. Terms "include", "have", and any variant thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, a method, a system, a product, or a device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, and instead, optionally further includes a step or a unit that is not listed, or optionally further includes another step or unit that is intrinsic to the process, the method, the product, or the device.
The "embodiment" mentioned in this specification means that particular features, structures, or characteristics described with reference to the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The phrase appearing at various locations in this specification does not necessarily refer to a same embodiment, and is not an independent or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive of another embodiment. A person skilled in the art explicitly or implicitly understands that the embodiments described in the specification may be combined with other embodiments.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of steps of a control method for an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application.
Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. An embodiment of this application provides an aerosol generating device and a control method for an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device is configured to enable an aerosol generating article 1 to generate an aerosol without combustion.
As used herein, the term "aerosol generating article" refers to an article including an aerosol forming substrate 11. When heated, the aerosol forming substrate 11 releases volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. The aerosol formed by heating the aerosol forming substrate may include fewer known harmful components than an aerosol generated through combustion or pyrolysis and degradation of the aerosol forming substrate. In an embodiment, the aerosol generating article is removably coupled to the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating article may be disposable or reusable.
The aerosol forming substrate 11 may be a solid aerosol forming substrate. The solid aerosol forming substrate may include a tobacco-containing material. The tobacco-containing material includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the substrate when heated. The solid aerosol forming substrate may include a non-tobacco-free material. The solid aerosol forming substrate may include the tobacco-containing material and the non-tobacco-free material. When the aerosol forming substrate 11 is the solid aerosol forming substrate, the aerosol generating article may be a cigarette, a cigarette stick, a cigar, or the like.
As used herein, the term "aerosol generating device" is a device that engages or interacts with an aerosol generating article to form an inhalable aerosol. The aerosol generating device may be an electrically operated device, for example a power supply assembly may be operable to supply energy to heat the aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol.
FIG. 3 is a partial schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application.
The aerosol generating device may be described as a heating-type aerosol generating device. Reference may be made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. This is an aerosol generating device including a heating assembly 2, or an aerosol generating device that can cause the heating assembly 2 to generate heat. The heating assembly 2 is configured to heat an aerosol forming substrate 11 of an aerosol generating article 1 to generate an aerosol. In an example, the aerosol generating device includes an accommodating cavity 31. The accommodating cavity 31 is configured to accommodate at least part of the aerosol generating article 1. After the at least part of the aerosol generating article 1 is accommodated in the accommodating cavity 31, the heating assembly 2 may heat the aerosol generating article 1.
In an example, the heating assembly is coupled to the aerosol generating article, and serves as an integral part of the aerosol generating article. In an example, reference may be made to FIG. 1. The heating assembly 2 is coupled to the aerosol generating device, and serves as an integral part of the aerosol generating device. In an example, a part of the heating assembly is coupled to the aerosol generating device, and the remaining part is coupled to the aerosol generating article.
When the heating assembly 2 is an integral part of the aerosol generating device, the heating assembly 2 may include an external heating assembly or an internal heating assembly or an air heating assembly. As used herein, the term "external heating assembly" refers to a heating assembly positioned outside the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is combined with the aerosol generating device. As used herein, the term "internal heating assembly" refers to a heating assembly at least partially positioned inside the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article is combined with the aerosol generating device. As used herein, the term "air heating assembly" refers to a heating assembly for heating air in an airflow channel. The air enters the aerosol generating article through the airflow channel. The air heating assembly heats the air flowing through the airflow channel to form high-temperature air. The high-temperature air subsequently enters the aerosol generating article and exchanges heat with the aerosol generating article, thereby realizing heating and baking of the aerosol generating article.
The heating assembly 2 may directly heat or indirectly heat the aerosol generating article 1 combined with the aerosol generating device. As used herein, the term "direct heating" means that the heating assembly directly exchanges heat with the aerosol generating article when heating the aerosol generating article. As used herein, the term "indirect heating" means that the heating assembly does not directly exchange heat with the aerosol generating article when heating the aerosol generating article, or is spaced apart from the aerosol generating article. For example, the air heating assembly indirectly heats the aerosol generating article by heating air that enters the aerosol generating article.
An interior of the aerosol generating device is provided with an airflow channel 32. External air may enter the accommodating cavity through the airflow channel, and then enter the aerosol generating article 1. In an example, as shown in FIG. 3, a proximal end of the accommodating cavity 31 is open for the aerosol generating article 1 to be inserted into the accommodating cavity 31. A distal end of the accommodating cavity 31 is in communication with the airflow channel 32, so that air enters the accommodating cavity from the distal end of the accommodating cavity. In an example, as shown in FIG. 3, the heating assembly 2 is located in the airflow channel 32, and configured to heat air flowing through the airflow channel 32.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a connection of a controller, a puff detection assembly, and a heating assembly in an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of this application.
Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4. The aerosol generating device is configured to include a puff detection assembly 4. The puff detection assembly 4 is configured to detect a puff event of the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating article 1 is combined with the aerosol generating device, a user may trigger a puff event of the aerosol generating device by puffing through a suction nozzle 12 of the aerosol generating article 1 exposed outside the aerosol generating device, or by puffing through a nozzle member on the aerosol generating device. In addition, the puff detection assembly 4 can output a puff control signal when detecting the puff event.
In an embodiment, the puff detection assembly 4 includes an airflow detector. The airflow detector is configured to detect a flow rate of airflow in the airflow channel 32, and output the puff control signal based on the detected flow rate of the air. When no puff event occurs, the airflow in the airflow channel 32 has a relatively low flow rate, and when the puff event occurs, the airflow in the airflow channel 32 has a relatively high flow rate. In this way, when it is detected that the flow rate of the airflow in the airflow channel 32 reaches or exceeds a preset flow rate value, the airflow detector generates and outputs the puff control signal.
A larger puff intensity indicates a larger flow rate of airflow in the airflow channel 32, and indicates more air entering the aerosol generating article 1 per unit time and more heat lost from the heating assembly 2 or the aerosol generating article 1. In an example, the puff detection assembly 4 includes a memory. The memory has a plurality of range values of an airflow rate stored therein based on different puff intensities, so that the puff detection assembly 4 may determine a puff intensity of the puff event based on the flow rate of the air. For example, the puff intensities may include a first puff intensity and a second puff intensity. A minimum value of an airflow rate in the second puff intensity is greater than a maximum value of an airflow rate in the first puff intensity, and a minimum value of the airflow rate in the first puff intensity is a preset flow rate value for detecting occurrence of the puff event. In an example, each flow rate of airflow in the airflow channel 32 represents a puff intensity.
In an embodiment, the puff detection assembly 4 includes a temperature sensor 41. The temperature sensor 41 is configured to detect an airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32, and output a puff control signal based on the detected airflow temperature. After the aerosol generating device starts the heating assembly 2 to complete preheating of the aerosol generating article 1, at least part of air in the airflow channel 32 has a relatively high temperature due to heat conduction, heat convection, or heat radiation. When a puff event is not sent, the airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 fluctuates slightly and therefore is relatively stable. When the puff event occurs, the airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 decreases as a result of cool air entering the airflow channel 32. Therefore, the airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 may be detected through the temperature sensor 41, including detection of a drop amplitude of the airflow temperature, or detection of a drop speed of the airflow temperature, and the puff control signal is generated and outputted when the drop amplitude or the drop speed of the airflow temperature reaches a preset temperature drop value.
A larger puff intensity indicates a larger drop speed of the airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 or a larger amplitude of the temperature drop per unit time, and indicates more air entering the aerosol generating article per unit time and more heat lost from the heating assembly 2 or the aerosol generating article 1. In an example, the puff detection assembly 4 includes a memory. The memory has a plurality of range values of the drop speed or temperature drop amplitude of the airflow temperature per unit time stored therein based on different puff intensities, so that the puff detection assembly 4 may determine the puff intensity of the puff event based on the drop speed of the airflow temperature or the temperature drop amplitude per unit time. For example, the puff intensities may include a first puff intensity and a second puff intensity. A minimum value of the drop speed of the airflow temperature in the second puff intensity is greater than a maximum value of the drop speed of the airflow temperature in the first puff intensity. A minimum value of the drop speed of the airflow temperature in the first puff intensity is a preset temperature drop value for detecting occurrence of the puff event. For example, the puff intensities may include a first puff intensity and a second puff intensity. A minimum value of the drop amplitude of the airflow temperature per unit time in the second puff intensity is greater than a maximum value of the drop amplitude of the airflow temperature per unit time in the first puff intensity. A minimum value of the drop amplitude of the airflow temperature per unit time in the first puff intensity is a preset temperature drop value for detecting occurrence of the puff event. In an example, each speed at which the airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 drops or each amplitude by which the temperature drops per unit time represents a puff intensity.
In an embodiment in which the heating assembly 2 includes an air heating assembly, reference may be made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. A proximal end of the heating assembly 2 is arranged toward the accommodating cavity 31. Air flows through the heating assembly 2 from a distal end of the heating assembly 2 and flows toward the accommodating cavity 31 from the proximal end of the heating assembly 2. The temperature sensor 41 is configured to detect an airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 and output a puff control signal based on the detected airflow temperature. In an example, reference may be made to FIG. 3. The temperature sensor 41 is configured to detect an airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 adjacent to the proximal end of the heating assembly 2. The airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 adjacent to the proximal end of the heating assembly 2 is closer to an airflow temperature in a bottom of the aerosol generating article 1 than the airflow temperature in the heating assembly 2 and a temperature of airflow not flowing through the heating assembly 2. To be specific, the airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 adjacent to the proximal end of the heating assembly 2 can better represent a heating temperature at the bottom of the aerosol generating article 1. A controller 5 in the aerosol generating device may adjust and control an output power to the heating assembly 2 based on the temperature, to ensure a suitable heating temperature for the aerosol generating article 1, and avoid carbonization and combustion of the aerosol generating article 1, and can also determine, based on a change (for example, a drop amplitude or a drop speed) of the temperature, whether a puff event occurs. In an example, referring to FIG. 1, the temperature sensor 41 is configured to detect an airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 adjacent to the distal end of the heating assembly 2. The airflow in the airflow channel 32 adjacent to the distal end of the heating assembly 2 has a relatively high temperature due to being close to the heating assembly 2. In addition, since the airflow does not completely flow through the heating assembly 2, a temperature change thereof is relatively obvious when the puff event occurs. Through detection of the airflow temperature in the airflow channel 32 adjacent to the distal end of the heating assembly 2, accuracy and sensitivity of detection of the puff event can be improved.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of this application.
More specifically, in an embodiment, reference may be made to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The heating assembly 2 includes a porous body 21 and a heating element 22 coupled to the porous body 21 for heating the porous body 21. The porous body 21 is provided with a plurality of air holes 211 thereon for air to pass through. The heating element 22 is embedded in the porous body 21 or surrounds a side wall of the porous body 21. The porous body 21 may include glass fiber, ceramic, graphite, graphene, foam metal, a meta wire bundle, or the like. The porous body 21 absorbs heat from the heating element 22 for temperature rise and releases heat to air flowing therethrough, thereby heating the air flowing therethrough. The temperature sensor 41 is fixed to and exposed at a proximal end of the porous body 21.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a combination of a rod core with a heating element and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment of this application.
In the embodiments shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the heating assembly 2 further includes a rod core 23. The heating element 22 is a heating coil or a heating mesh, which surrounds an outer periphery of the rod core 23, or is sintered with the rod core 23 to form a whole, and is kept inside the porous body 21 through the rod core 23. A proximal end of the rod core 23 supports the temperature sensor 41 upward. A proximal end of the porous body 21 has an opening 212. The temperature sensor 41 is located in the opening 212 and is exposed through the opening 212. To more accurately detect an airflow temperature in an airflow channel 32 adjacent to a proximal end of a heating assembly 2, the temperature sensor 41 has no contact with a wall of the opening 212, so that air in the airflow channel 32 adjacent to the proximal end of the heating assembly 2 can surround the temperature sensor 41.
FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded view of a combination of a rod core with a heating element and a temperature sensor according to an embodiment of this application.
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, the rod core 23 may have one or more through holes 231. A lead 24 connecting the temperature sensor 41 and a controller 5 may pass through the through hole 231 in the rod core. The heating element 22 may include a resistive material. The resistive material can generate joule heat when energized. At least one wire 25 connecting the heating element 22 and the controller 5 may pass through a corresponding through hole 231 in the rod core 23. More specifically, a distal end of the heating element 22 is electrically connected to a first wire 251. A proximal end of the heating element 22 passes through a side wall of the rod core 23 or is embedded in the side wall of the rod core 23, so that the proximal end of the heating element 22 is electrically connected to a second wire 252 in one of the through holes 231. The second wire 252 extends downward along the through hole 231 until passing through the rod core 23.
The wire 25 connected to the heating element 22 and the lead 24 connected to the temperature sensor 41 are arranged through the through hole 231 in the rod core 23, which helps cause the wire 25 and the lead 24 to be in order.
It should be noted that the rod core is optional but not mandatory. In an embodiment without the rod core, the heating element may be maintained inside the porous body or surround an outer periphery of the porous body. A proximal end of the porous body has a connecting portion. The temperature sensor is connected to the connecting portion and is at least partially exposed to airflow outside the proximal end of the porous body, which is configured to detect a temperature of airflow that is about to enter an aerosol generating article.
In an embodiment, reference may be made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. The heating assembly 2 includes a heat storage material. The heat storage material refers to a material having a high heat capacity. The material having the high heat capacity may be a material having a specific heat capacity of at least 0.5 J/g.K, such as at least 0.7 J/g.K, such as at least 0.8 J/g.K at 25°C and a constant pressure. For example, the heat storage material may include, but is not limited to, glass fiber, glass felt, ceramic, silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, carbon, and ores, or any combination thereof. In an example, at least part of the porous body 21 is made of the heat storage material. In an example, a thermal conductivity of the heat storage material is greater than 100 W/m.K. In an example, the heat storage material includes graphite or graphene. A heat capacity of the graphite or graphene is 0.71 J/g.K. In addition, a thermal conductivity of the graphite or graphene at 23 degrees centigrade and a relative humidity of 50% is about 151 W/m.K.
Since the heating assembly 2 includes the heat storage material, within a predetermined time after a puff event ends, the heat storage material may heat air flowing through due to releasing of stored heat absorbed from the heating element 22 to heat flowing air. Therefore, within a preset period of time, a temperature of the heating assembly 2 and a heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 are not to drop sharply or have a large drop amplitude within a short period of time due to reduction in the power provided to the heating assembly 2. Therefore, after the puff event ends, when the power provided to the heating assembly 2 is lower than a preset power and lasts for a certain period of time, generation of an aerosol by the aerosol generating article 1 is not affected, and a puffing taste when a next puff event occurs is not affected.
In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the puff detection assembly 4 includes an air pressure detector. The aerosol generating device includes a detection cavity in fluid communication with the accommodating cavity 31. When a puff event occurs, air in the detection cavity may be drawn into the accommodating cavity 31 or drawn into the aerosol generating article 1, so that a negative pressure is formed in the detection cavity. However, when no puff event occurs, air in the airflow channel 32 or air in the accommodating cavity 31 flows into the detection cavity, so that an air pressure in the detection cavity is balanced with an external atmospheric pressure. The air pressure detector is configured to detect an air pressure of the detection cavity, and output a puff control signal based on the detected air pressure. To be specific, the air pressure detector may generate and output the puff control signal when detecting that the air pressure in the detection cavity is lower than a preset air pressure value.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the aerosol generating device is configured to include a power supply assembly for supplying power to the heating assembly 2. The power supply assembly may include a power supply 6. The power supply 6 may be any suitable battery. In an embodiment, the battery is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the battery may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a lithium-based battery, for example, a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The power supply assembly may include a circuit board. The circuit board is provided with one or more controllers 5 thereon. The controller 5 may control overall operation of the aerosol generating device. Specifically, the controller 5 not only controls operation of the battery and the heating assembly 2, but also controls operation of other elements in the aerosol generating device. In addition, the controller 5 may determine, by checking a state of the element of the aerosol generating device, whether the aerosol generating device is operable.
The controller 5 is connected to the power supply 6 and the heating assembly 2, and may adjust and control a power outputted to the heating assembly 2 from the power supply 6. More specifically, the controller 5 may adjust and control the power of the heating assembly 2 by adjusting and controlling a current magnitude, a voltage magnitude, a duty cycle of a current pulse or a voltage pulse, a frequency of the current pulse or the voltage pulse, or the like outputted to the heating assembly 2. The "power" may be accumulated power within a preset duration, that is, electric energy, or may be an average power within a preset duration, so that the heating assembly 2 can maintain a certain temperature at a certain power.
The circuit board is provided with a memory thereon. The memory stores a preset temperature curve for directly or indirectly heating the aerosol generating article 1 by the heating assembly 2. The controller 5 adjusts and controls, based on the preset temperature curve, the power outputted to the heating assembly 2, so that a heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or a heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 is consistent with the preset temperature curve.
Based on this, in an example, the foregoing temperature sensor 41 configured to detect the airflow temperature in the airflow channel adjacent to the proximal end of the heating assembly 2 is connected to the controller 5. The temperature sensor 41 forms, as a feedback signal, a temperature detected by the temperature sensor, and sends the feedback signal to the controller 5. The controller 5 adjusts and controls an output power to the heating assembly 2 based on the feedback signal, so that the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 is consistent with the preset temperature curve. In an example, the aerosol generating device further includes an obtaining assembly that can obtain a temperature of the heating assembly 2. The obtaining assembly may include a temperature detector configured to detect the temperature of the heating assembly 2 and a connecting line connecting the temperature detector to the controller 5. The temperature detector may include a thermocouple, a thermistor, or the like in direct contact with the heating assembly 2, so that the controller 5 can obtain, through the connecting line, the temperature of the heating assembly 2 detected by the temperature detector, and adjust and control the output power to the heating assembly 2 based on the temperature, causing the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 to be consistent with the preset temperature curve. In an example, the aerosol generating device further includes an obtaining assembly that can obtain the temperature of the heating assembly 2. The heating element 22 in the heating assembly 2 includes a thermistor. The obtaining assembly includes a voltage obtaining circuit that can directly or indirectly obtain a heating voltage of the thermistor, and a current obtaining circuit that can directly or indirectly obtain a heating current of the thermistor, and further includes a calculator that calculates a real-time resistance value of the thermistor based on the heating voltage and the heating current of the thermistor and calculates a heating temperature of the thermistor based on the real-time resistance value. The controller 5 is connected to the calculator to obtain a temperature of the heating element 22 and adjust and control the output power to the heating assembly 2 based on the temperature, so that the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 is consistent with the preset temperature curve.
After the heating assembly 2 is started, the controller 5 may adjust and control the power outputted to the heating assembly 2, so that the heating assembly 2 operates based on a preset power, thereby causing the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 to reach a temperature at a preheating stage and a heating temperature at a puffing stage on the preset temperature curve.
At the puffing stage, the puff detection assembly 4 may output a no-puff control signal when having not detected a puff event. The controller 5 obtains the no-puff control signal, and adjusts and controls a power of the heating assembly 2 based on the no-puff control signal, so that the heating assembly 2 operates at a third power, and the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 is maintained consistent with a preset temperature on the preset temperature curve at a corresponding time. The third power may be a constant power, or may be a varying power. It should be noted that in another embodiment, the controller 5 may dynamically adjust the power of the heating assembly 2 based on a target temperature and an actual temperature, and a time required to rise from the actual temperature to the target temperature, so that the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 is consistent with the preset temperature on the preset temperature curve at a corresponding time within the required time. For example, the controller 5 may use a PID temperature control algorithm to provide power to the heating assembly 2.
It should be noted that the preset power (the third power) is a power required to maintain the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 at the temperature of the preset heating curve at a corresponding moment. For example, a preset temperature corresponding to the preset heating curve at a moment t0 (not shown in the figure) should be T1 (not shown in the figure). However, since a puff event occurs, the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 is actually T2 (not shown in the figure) at the moment t0. In this case, a corresponding preset power is a power required to maintain the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 at T1.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heating assembly according to an embodiment of this application.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing three curves, which are a schematic curve diagram (a), a schematic curve diagram (b), and a schematic curve diagram (c), where the schematic curve diagram (b) is a schematic diagram of a temperature change of a heating assembly relative to the schematic curve diagram (a) when a puff intensity of a puff event is greater, and the schematic curve diagram (c) is a schematic diagram of a temperature change of a heating assembly relative to a schematic curve diagram (a) when puffing in the puff event lasts longer.
Reference may be made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 8. The controller 5 is connected to the puff detection assembly 4 to receive the puff control signal outputted by the puff detection assembly 4, and adjust and control, based on the puff control signal, a power outputted to the heating assembly 2, so that the temperature of the heating assembly 2 returns to the corresponding preset temperature T0 after a delay of a preset period of time t after the puff event. The preset period of time t may be in a range of 1s to 10s. To be specific, after the puff event, under the control of the controller 5, power compensation is performed on the heating assembly 2 with a delay. To be specific, after the puff event, an actual power of the heating assembly 2 is reduced to below a preset power corresponding to a corresponding period of time, and the power less than the preset power is maintained for a certain period of time. The certain period of time is included in the preset period of time t.
More specifically, the preset period of time t includes a first period of time t1 and a second period of time t2.
In an embodiment, within the first period of time t1, the controller 5 starts the heating assembly 2 to output a first power. To be specific, the heating assembly 2 is enabled to operate at the first power, and then enters a second period of time t2. Within the second period of time t2, the controller 5 starts the heating assembly 2 to output a second power, so that the heating assembly 2 operates at the second power, where the first power is less than the second power.
In an example, within the first period of time t1, an operating power of the heating assembly 2 is a constant power. To be specific, within the first period of time t1, an operating voltage and an operating current of the heating assembly 2 are maintained at the same pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, or pulse duty cycle. In an example, within the first period of time t1, the operating power of the heating assembly 2 is a varying power. To be specific, at least one of the pulse amplitudes, the pulse frequencies, or the pulse duty cycles of the operating voltage and the operating current of the heating assembly 2 changes. The first power may be an average power at which the heating assembly 2 operates within the first period of time t1. The first power may be an accumulated power of the heating assembly 2 within the first period of time t1.
Similarly, an operating power of the heating assembly 2 within the second period of time t2 may be a constant power or a variable power. The second power may be an average power at which the heating assembly 2 operates within the second period of time t2. The second power may be an accumulated power of the heating assembly 2 within the second period of time t2.
The first power and the second power are both the average power within respective period of times, or are both the accumulated power within respective period of times. Therefore, the first power being less than the second power means that the average power within the first period of time t1 is less than the average power within the second period of time t2, or means that the accumulated power within the first period of time t1 is less than the accumulated power within the second period of time t2.
Since the first power is less than the second power, a maximum value of the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 within the first period of time t1 may be less than or equal to a minimum value of the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 within the second period of time t2.
In an example, the second power is greater than or equal to a third power. The third power may be an average power for maintaining a preset temperature at a corresponding time, or may be an accumulated power for maintaining a preheating temperature at a corresponding time. The second power being greater than or equal to the third power means that the second power and the third power are both the average power, or the second power and the third power are both the accumulated power. To be specific, the second power is greater than or equal to the third power of the same attribute.
In an example, the first power is less than the third power. The first power being less than the third power means that the first power and the third power are both the average power, or the first power and the third power are both the accumulated power. To be specific, the first power is less than the third power of the same attribute.
Alternatively, within the first period of time t1, the controller 5 stops an output power to the heating assembly 2. To be specific, within the first period of time t1, the controller 5 controls the operating voltage of the heating assembly 2 to 0V, or controls the operating current of the heating assembly 2 to 0A, and then enters the second period of time t2. Within the second period of time t2, the controller 5 starts the heating assembly 2 to output the second power, so that the heating assembly operates at the second power.
In an embodiment, the controller 5 adjusts and controls a power outputted to the heating assembly 2, so that the temperature of the heating assembly 2 continuously drops within the first period of time t1, and then enters the second period of time t2. Within the second period of time t2, the temperature of the heating assembly 2 starts to rise and finally rises to the corresponding preset temperature T0.
In an embodiment, the controller 5 adjusts and controls a power outputted to the heating assembly 2, so that the temperature of the heating assembly 2 is maintained constant within the first period of time t1, and then enters the second period of time t2. Within the second period of time t2, the temperature of the heating assembly 2 starts to rise and finally rises to the corresponding preset temperature T0.
The puff detection assembly 4 detects the puff event based on a preset detection period, or the puff detection assembly 4 continuously detects the puff. When the puff event occurs again within the preset period of time t after one puff event, a new puff control signal is outputted. The controller 5 obtains the new puff control signal, and re-adjusts and controls the output power to the heating assembly 2 based on the new puff control signal, so that the temperature of the heating assembly 2 returns to the preset temperature T0 after the delay of the preset period of time t after the new puff event.
The preset period of time t delayed based on the new puff event may be the same as the preset period of time t delayed based on a previous puff event. Certainly, the preset period of time t delayed based on the new puff event may be shorter than the preset period of time t delayed based on the previous puff event.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a temperature of a heating assembly when a plurality of puff events occur in a short time according to an embodiment of this application.
As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, after experiencing a plurality of puff events with relatively short time intervals, the temperature of the heating assembly 2 experiences a plurality of drops accordingly. After the temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 experiences a plurality of drops, if volatile matter still remains in the aerosol generating article 1, the controller 5 controls the power of the heating assembly 2, so that the temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 rises again until rising to the preset temperature T0 again.
For example, a puff event occurs again within a time tx (not shown in the figure, tx < t) after one puff event ends, so that a temperature drops again before the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 starts to rise to a preset temperature. After three consecutive puff events are completed within a short time, the volatiles in the aerosol generating article 1 still remain, and the controller 5 enables the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 to return to the preset temperature T0 after the delay of the preset period of time t.
For example, a puff event occurs again within a time tx (tx < t1) after one puff event ends, so that the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 drops again. After a new puff event and when t1 < tx < t2 or tx ≥ t2, the controller 5 may control to increase a power to the heating assembly 2, so as to reduce a drop amplitude or a drop speed at which the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 continues to drop after the new puff event. Therefore, in a plurality of consecutive puff events within a short time, the heating temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 may continuously drop a plurality of times, but a temperature drop amplitude or a temperature drop speed may be gradually reduced.
In an embodiment, the controller 5 may further adjust and control output of a fourth power to the heating assembly 2 based on the puff control signal, so that the temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 continuously decreases during a duration of the puff event. To be specific, when the puff event occurs or before the puff event ends, the temperature of the heating assembly 2 or the heating temperature of the aerosol generating article 1 continuously decreases.
The fourth power may be an average power at which the heating assembly 2 operates during a duration of a puff event. The fourth power may be an accumulated power of the heating assembly 2 within the duration of the puff event. The fourth power may be less than or equal to the third power. The fourth power may be less than or equal to the first power. Similarly, the fourth power may be an average power within a duration of one puff event, or may be an accumulated power during the duration of one puff event. That the fourth power may be less than or equal to the third power means that the fourth power and the third power are both the average power, or the fourth power and the third power are both the accumulated power. To be specific, the fourth power is less than or equal to the third power of the same attribute.
Alternatively, the controller 5 may further stop an output power to the heating assembly 2 based on the puff control signal. To be specific, when the puff event occurs or before the puff event ends, the controller 5 controls an operating voltage of the heating assembly 2 to 0V, or controls an operating current of the heating assembly 2 to 0A.
A length of the preset period of time t may be constant. To be specific, regardless of the number of puff events, the preset period of time t may be the same each time.
The length of the preset period of time t may change based on a puff intensity. When a puff intensity of a puff event is relatively high, a corresponding preset period of time t may be shortened. For example, the first period of time t1 in the preset period of time t may be shortened.
A longer duration of the puff event in the puff event indicates more air entering the aerosol generating article during the duration of the puff event, and more heat lost from the heating assembly 2 or the aerosol generating article 1. The length of the preset period of time t may change based on the duration of the puff event in the puff event. When the duration of the puff event is relatively long, the corresponding preset period of time t may be shortened. For example, the first period of time t1 in the preset period of time t may be shortened.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in an embodiment in which the heating assembly 2 is an air heating assembly, the aerosol generating device further includes a thermal insulation layer 7. An inner surface of the thermal insulation layer 7 defines a boundary of the accommodating cavity 31. The thermal insulation layer 7 includes a tubular body and an air heat insulation layer or a vacuum layer 71 located in a wall of the tube body. Heat is prevented from escaping outward along a radial direction of the aerosol generating article 1 through the thermal insulation layer 7, which helps to diffuse the heat at the bottom of the aerosol generating article 1 upward. This reduces heat accumulated at the bottom (upstream) of the aerosol generating article and can also fully utilize the heat, so that the heat can heat the aerosol forming substrate 11 in midstream and downstream areas of the aerosol generating article 1, and also helps to reduce energy consumption of the heating assembly 2.
Through the foregoing control method for an aerosol generating device and the aerosol generating device, the power outputted to the heating assembly is adjusted and controlled, so that the heating assembly returns to the preset temperature after a delay of a preset period of time after the puff event ends. Therefore, excessive heat is not accumulated in a local area of the aerosol generating article in a short time, thereby effectively preventing local carbonization or combustion of the aerosol generating article.
It should be noted that the preferred embodiments of this application are provided in the specification and the accompanying drawings of this application, but are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art may make improvements or modifications according to the foregoing descriptions, and all of the improvements and modifications shall fall within the protection scope of the appended claims of this application.

Claims

A control method for an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises an accommodating cavity for accommodating at least part of an aerosol generating article, a heating assembly for directly or indirectly heating the aerosol generating article, a puff detection assembly for outputting a puff control signal when detecting a puff event, and a controller; and the control method comprises:
obtaining the puff control signal; and

adjusting and controlling an output power to the heating assembly based on the puff control signal, to enable a temperature of the heating assembly to return to a preset temperature after a delay of a preset period of time after the puff event.
The control method according to claim 1, wherein the preset period of time is in a range of 1s to 10s.
The control method according to claim 1, further comprising:
first starting the heating assembly to output a first power and then starting the heating assembly to output a second power within the preset period of time, wherein the first power is less than the second power.
The control method according to claim 3, wherein within the preset period of time, the temperature of the heating assembly first continuously drops and then rises to the preset temperature; or
within the preset period of time, the temperature of the heating assembly is first maintained constant and then rises to the preset temperature.
The control method according to claim 3, wherein the puff detection assembly outputs a no-puff control signal when having not detected a puff event, and the control method further comprises:
obtaining the no-puff control signal; and

adjusting and controlling, based on the no-puff control signal, output of a third power to the heating assembly to maintain the heating assembly at a preset temperature,

wherein the first power is less than the third power.
The control method according to claim 1, wherein within the preset period of time, after the output power to the heating assembly is stopped for a period of time, the heating assembly is started again to output a second power.
The control method according to claim 6, wherein within the preset period of time, the temperature of the heating assembly first continuously drops and then rises to the preset temperature.
The control method according to claim 1, further comprising:
obtaining a new puff control signal within the preset period of time; and

readjusting and controlling the output power to the heating assembly based on the new puff control signal, to enable the temperature of the heating assembly to return to the preset temperature after a delay of a preset period of time after the new puff event.
The control method according to claim 8, wherein the temperature of the heating assembly undergoes a plurality of drops and then rises to the preset temperature.
The control method according to claim 1, wherein the aerosol generating device further comprises an obtaining assembly configured to obtain the temperature of the heating assembly group, and the control method further comprises:
obtaining the temperature of the heating assembly; and

adjusting and controlling the output power to the heating assembly based on the temperature, to maintain the temperature of the heating assembly at the preset temperature.
The control method according to claim 1, further comprising:
adjusting and controlling output of a fourth power to the heating assembly based on the puff control signal, to enable the temperature of the heating assembly to continuously decrease during a duration of the puff event.
An aerosol generating device, comprising:
an accommodating cavity, configured to accommodate at least part of an aerosol generating article;

a heating assembly, configured to directly or indirectly heat the aerosol generating article;

a puff detection assembly, configured to detect a puff event of the aerosol generating device, and output a puff control signal when detecting the puff event; and

a controller, connected to the heating assembly and the puff detection assembly, wherein the controller is configured to perform the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, comprising an airflow channel for providing air to enter the accommodating cavity, wherein the heating assembly is configured to heat air flowing through the airflow channel.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein a proximal end of the heating assembly is arranged toward the accommodating cavity, the puff detection assembly comprises a temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor is configured to detect an airflow temperature of the airflow channel, and output the puff control signal based on the airflow temperature.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 14, wherein the heating assembly comprises a porous body and a heating element coupled to the porous body for heating the porous body, and the temperature sensor is fixed to and exposed at a distal end of the porous body.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the heating assembly comprises a heat storage material, and a heat capacity of the heat storage material is greater than or equal to 0.7 J/g.K.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the puff detection assembly comprises a temperature sensor, the aerosol generating device comprises an airflow channel for providing air to enter the accommodating cavity, and the temperature sensor is configured to detect an airflow temperature in the airflow channel, and output the puff control signal based on the airflow temperature.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the puff detection assembly comprises an airflow detector, the aerosol generating device comprises an airflow channel for providing air to enter the accommodating cavity, and the airflow detector is configured to detect a flow rate of airflow in the airflow channel, and output the puff control signal based on the flow rate.
The aerosol generating device according to claim 12, wherein the puff detection assembly comprises an air pressure detector, the aerosol generating device comprises a detection cavity in fluid communication with the accommodating cavity, and the air pressure detector is configured to detect an air pressure of the detection cavity, and output the puff control signal based on the air pressure.