WO2019196514A1 - Aerosol generating device and heating control method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a heating control method for an aerosol generating device (10), the method comprising the following steps: detecting the current temperature of a heat-generating component (300) after an activating signal is received, and estimating the heating time according to the current temperature and a target temperature of the heat-generating component (300) (S100); then driving the heat-generating component (300) to heat at maximum power, without temperature/resistance detection of the heat-generating component (300) occurring over the estimated heating time (S110); and after the heating time, intensively detecting a temperature/resistance stage of the heat-generating component (300) to control the temperature to be within a safe temperature range required for generating the aerosol (S120). During a temperature rising stage, no temperature detection takes place, thus solving the delay effect. A user can inhale the aerosol for the shortest possible time, thus achieving a good experience.

Description

Aerosol generating device and heating control method thereof Technical field

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly to a heating control method and an aerosol generating device for generating an aerosol.

Background technique

Aerosol generating devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes, are electronic products that mimic traditional cigarettes, with a look, smoke, taste and feel similar to traditional cigarettes. The electronic cigarette heats the aerosol generating matrix (such as smoke oil, smoke liquid) to form an evaporate by non-combustion heating, and mixes with air to form an aerosol for the user to suck.

Since e-cigarette does not need to burn tobacco to produce tobacco smoke, it does not produce harmful substances such as carbon monoxide and tobacco tar, which can affect human health, and can reduce the harm to users' health, thereby being widely accepted as a tobacco substitute.

The aerosol generating temperature is generally as high as 350 ° C. Generally, the safe temperature range of the heat generating component ranges from 280 ° C to 400 ° C in the case of generating an aerosol.

In order to control the temperature of the heating component does not exceed the aerosol generation temperature range, the existing electronic cigarettes detect the temperature of the heating component in real time to achieve the purpose of temperature control, so that the temperature of the heating component is maintained within a safe temperature range, avoiding Burning and frying oil due to high temperature of the heating wire, the temperature is too low, the aerosol is not enough, and the taste is not good.

During the temperature rise period of the heat generating component from the ambient temperature to the aerosol generating temperature, real-time temperature detection is performed on the heat generating component, which causes an increase in delay, a long heating time, and a poor user experience.

Summary of the invention

In order to allow the user to experience a good, instant / timely aerosol, the heating wire needs to reach the aerosol generating temperature from the ambient temperature in a short time. In one aspect, the present invention provides a heating control method for an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising the steps of: S100, detecting an existing temperature of a heat generating component after receiving an activation signal, according to an existing temperature and a target temperature of the heat generating component Estimating the heating temperature rise time; S110, driving the heat generating component at a maximum power, heating, and not performing temperature detection on the heat generating component during the heating temperature rising time; S120, after the heating and heating time of the budget, high The temperature of the heat generating component is frequently detected to control the temperature within a safe temperature range required to generate an aerosol; S130, after receiving the stop signal, stop driving the heat generating component at maximum power.

Preferably, detecting the temperature of the heat generating component comprises: performing temperature detection on the heat generating component, and when the detected temperature is less than a main operating temperature of the heat generating component, continuing to drive the heat generating component with heating power required by the current step, When the detected temperature is greater than the main operating temperature of the heat generating component, the output power is stopped, that is, the heat generating component is driven at zero power.

Preferably, the target temperature is a main operating temperature of the heat generating component, or a temperature value that increases a safety factor based on a main operating temperature of the heat generating component, the temperature value being lower than the main operating temperature.

Preferably, the step S120 includes: driving the heat generating component at a first power lower than the maximum power.

Preferably, the frequency of the high frequency in the step S120 is determined according to a temperature range required to generate an aerosol.

Preferably, the frequency interval of the high frequency in the step S120 ranges from 1 ms to 30 ms.

Preferably, the step S130 further includes: starting timing, and if the timing exceeds a threshold, shutting down

In another aspect, the present invention also provides an aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol-generating article and heating an aerosol-generating substrate contained in the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a switch member according to The user operates an output start signal and/or a stop signal, and the switch component is any one or a combination of a pneumatic switch, a push button switch, and a touch switch; and the control component is configured to: during the temperature rise phase, no temperature detection is performed; At the top of the temperature, high frequency temperature detection is performed.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an aerosol generating system comprising: an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol generating matrix; an aerosol generating device for cooperating with the aerosol-generating article; a component for heating the aerosol generating matrix; wherein the heat generating component may be contained in an aerosol generating article, or in an aerosol generating device, or both; a switching component that outputs an activation signal according to a user operation And/or a stop signal, the switch component being any one or a combination of a pneumatic switch, a push button switch, and a touch switch; and a control component included in the aerosol generating device for controlling: during a temperature rise phase, No temperature detection is performed; at the top of the temperature, high frequency temperature detection is performed.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides a control module for an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a processor configured to execute an instruction to enable the processor to perform: no temperature detection is performed during a temperature rise phase; At the top of the temperature, high frequency temperature detection is performed.

In another aspect, the present invention also provides a non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform: no temperature detection is performed during a temperature rise phase; At the top of the temperature, high frequency temperature detection is performed.

The invention not achieves the temperature detection of the heat-generating component during the temperature rising phase, so that the heat-generating component reaches the main working temperature in the shortest time, and the user can almost immediately take the aerosol, and the experience is good.

DRAWINGS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a schematic diagram of functional blocks of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a schematic diagram of functional blocks of a control unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flow chart showing a heating control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a temperature timing chart during operation of a heat generating component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing the temperature of a heat generating component in another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a timing chart showing the temperature of a heat generating component in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention.

detailed description

In order to solve the problem of excessive heating time in the prior art, and let the user experience good, instant/timely aerosol absorption, the present invention provides a heating control method for an aerosol generating device, which can realize the heating component in the shortest time. The aerosol generation temperature is reached, and the temperature of the heating element is controlled to be within the safe temperature range required to generate the aerosol.

The general idea of the invention is that no temperature detection is performed on the heat generating component during the temperature rise phase; in the top temperature phase, intensive temperature detection is performed to control the temperature within the safe temperature range required to generate the aerosol.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The order of the terms (such as "first", "second", "third", etc.) used to denote elements such as structures, components, operations, etc., as used herein, does not in itself mean any of the elements relative to another element. Priority or order, but simply distinguishing the element from another element with the same name (but using order terms).

In the present invention, during the smoking process of the user, each cigarette is defined as one suction, and the duration of each suction continues from the beginning of the suction to the end of the suction. During each pumping process, the user inhales forcefully, as the start of the suction; the user stops inhaling and considers the end of the suction.

In the present invention, the suction interval time refers to the interval between adjacent two suctions.

In the present invention, the start signal refers to a temperature rise control signal, and the stop signal refers to a temperature drop control signal. The start signal and the stop signal are not limited to literal meaning, that is, the start signal includes but is not limited to the meaning of “output at maximum power”, and may also have the meaning of “output at a certain power”; the stop signal includes but is not limited to “stop output power” "The meaning of". For example, "stopping the supply of the power to the heat generating component according to the stop signal", except for the meaning of "stopping the output of the power", does not exclude "outputting another power different from the power to the The meaning of "heating parts". Unless otherwise defined in the context.

In the present invention, "detecting temperature" includes, but is not limited to, literal meaning, including the meaning of detecting temperature and/or detecting resistance, because between a temperature and a resistance value for a heat-generating component made of a temperature-temperature coefficient characteristic material. There is a one-to-one correspondence.

In the present invention, the temperature rise phase in "the temperature detection is not performed on the heat generating component during the temperature rising phase" does not include the head end time point and the tail end time point of the phase, because at the head end time point and the tail end time point It is possible to perform temperature detection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an aerosol generating system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 1, an aerosol generating system 1 of the present invention includes an aerosol generating device 10 and an aerosol generating device 20, which is used in combination with an aerosol generating article 20 containing an aerosol generating substrate 21, by heating an aerosol. The aerosol generating matrix 21 contained in the article 20 is produced to produce an aerosol.

In particular, aerosol generating device 10 refers to a device that cooperates with aerosol generating article 20 (e.g., contains or receives aerosol generating article 20) and interacts with aerosol generating matrix 21 to produce an aerosol. The aerosol generating device 10 may be a "smoke gun" type article.

The aerosol-generating article 20 can be a smoking article, and refers to an article comprising an aerosol-generating matrix 21. In use, the aerosol-generating article 20 is mated with the aerosol-generating device 10 (e.g., inserted or placed into the aerosol-generating device 10) such that the aerosol-generating matrix 21 and the aerosol-generating device 10 can interact to produce an aerosol. . The aerosol-generating article 20 can be disposable or supplemental in that the aerosol is continuously aspirated by the user replacing the disposable smoking article or manually adding an aerosol generating matrix 21 such as a smoke oil.

The aerosol-generating substrate 21 refers to a matrix of a volatile compound which forms an aerosol under certain conditions, which may be in a liquid state or in a solid state. The aerosol-generating matrix 21 is part of an aerosol-generating article 20, such as a portion of a smoking article. For the aerosol-generating substrate 21, it is usually required to form an evaporate under the condition of heating to an aerosol generating temperature, and the evaporating substance is mixed with air to finally form an aerosol under certain conditions. The composition of the aerosol-forming substrate 21 in liquid form comprises heating the fumed oil which can be converted into a gaseous state, and the fuming oil may include glycerin (glycerin), propylene glycol, flavor (or fragrance) and nicotine (nicotine), among the above-mentioned smoke oils. Nicotine and/or flavors can be replaced by tobacco extracts. Smoke oil may also not contain nicotine.

2 is a schematic block diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a switch member 100, a power supply member 200, a heat generating component 300, and a control component 400. The control component 400 is electrically connected to the switch component 100, the power supply component 200, and the heat generating component 300, respectively. 200 is used to provide electrical energy.

The power supply part 200 is for supplying electric power to the heat generating part 300 according to the control of the control part 400. Specifically, the power supply unit 200 adjusts the power output power and the output time to the heat generating unit 300 according to the control of the control unit 400. Power supply component 200 can be any suitable power source, including corresponding charging, powering circuits, and components. For example, the power supply component 200 can be a battery, such as a lithium ion battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium manganese battery, a nickel chrome battery, or a nickel metal hydride battery.

The heat generating component 300 is for heating the aerosol generating substrate 21 contained in the aerosol generating article 20 to form an evaporant. The heat generating component 300 heats up the aerosol generating substrate 21 in accordance with the power supplied from the power supplying member 200 (controlled by the control member 400). The main operating temperature of the heat generating component 300 means that the heat generating component 300 heats the aerosol generating matrix 21 contained in the corresponding aerosol generating article 20 to form an evaporating material, and causes the generated aerosol to have a heating temperature required for a better use experience. . The main operating temperature can be either a temperature value or a temperature range. During the entire operation of the aerosol generating device, the control unit 400 adaptively monitors the temperature of the heat generating component 300 and controls the temperature of the heat generating component 300 as far as possible and/or below the main operating temperature, or as much as possible Within the safe temperature range.

Specifically, for example, the heat generating component 300 may be made of a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, the resistance of the material having a corresponding relationship with the temperature of the material, and the control component 400 may be obtained according to the measured resistance value of the heat generating component 300. The temperature of the heat generating component 300 corresponding to the resistance value is used to control the temperature of the heat generating component 300 or to control the power supplied to the heat generating component 300. The material of the heat generating component 300 includes, but is not limited to, platinum, copper, nickel, titanium, iron, ceramic-based PTC material, polymer-based PTC material, etc., and the resistance value thereof varies with the temperature of the heat generating component 300 (for example, for a positive temperature coefficient) The material increases in resistance as the temperature increases, and the resistance decreases as the temperature rises with respect to the negative temperature coefficient material. Therefore, the temperature variation parameter of the heat generating component 300 can be measured by monitoring the resistance change of the heat generating component 300. In other embodiments, the heat generating component 300 may also employ a conventional heat generating material that does not have a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, in which case an additional temperature sensor needs to be added beside the heat generating component to obtain the temperature of the heat generating component.

In other embodiments, the heat generating component 300 may not be disposed within the aerosol-generating device 10, but rather within the aerosol-generating article 20 where the aerosol-generating article 20 is mated (eg, inserted or placed) into the aerosol-generating device 10 At this time, the heat generating component 300 is electrically connected to the power feeding component 200 and the control component 400. The aerosol generating device 10 and the aerosol-generating product 20 may be provided with the heat generating component 300. The present invention does not limit the specific arrangement of the heat generating component 300.

The switch unit 100 outputs an activation signal or a stop signal to the control unit 400 in accordance with the user's operation. The switch component 100 can be, for example, a pneumatic switch, or a gas sensitive switch, or an air differential pressure sensing switch. When the user smokes, the pneumatic/gas sensitive/air differential pressure sensing switch can detect the air pressure difference caused by the user's inhalation causing air flow in the device, and output a corresponding start signal or stop signal according to the monitoring result. In one embodiment, when the pneumatic switch detects the above air pressure difference (meaning that the user starts pumping), the start signal is output, and after receiving the start signal, the control unit 400 controls the power supply unit 200 to output power to the heat generating unit to start heating. After the start signal is output, the pneumatic switch continuously monitors whether the gas flows into the device. When the gas no longer flows into the device (meaning that the user has finished pumping), the stop signal is output, and the control unit 400 receives the stop signal and controls the signal. The power supply unit 200 stops/drives the heat generating component at a lower power. The start signal refers to a signal that the control unit 400 controls the temperature rise of the heat generating unit 300. After receiving the start signal, the control unit 400 controls the power supply unit 200 to output at maximum power, so that the temperature of the heat generating unit 300 rises, so that the shortest time can be obtained. The temperature of the heat generating component 300 is raised to the target temperature; the stop signal refers to a signal that the control component 400 controls the temperature drop of the heat generating component 300, and after receiving the stop signal, the control component 400 controls the power supply component 200 to stop outputting power (ie, output). Zero power) or outputting another power (below the maximum power but greater than zero) causes the temperature of the heat generating component 300 to drop, preferably at zero power, which reduces the complexity of the circuit and control process. Simply summarized, the start signal is a temperature rise control signal and the stop signal is a temperature drop control signal.

In one embodiment, the switch component 100 is a pneumatic switch. When the user starts pumping, the pneumatic switch outputs a start signal due to the air pressure difference. After receiving the start signal, the control component 400 controls the power supply component 200 to drive the heat generating component 300 at maximum power. Component 300 quickly rises from ambient temperature to the main operating temperature. The heat-generating component 300 is then controlled to maintain a safe temperature range to continue to generate aerosols, which may still be the maximum power drive or the first power (below the maximum power but greater than zero) drive, which may The details are as follows. When the user suctions, the pneumatic switch outputs the first stop signal because there is no air pressure difference, and after receiving the stop signal, the control unit 400 stops the output power, that is, drives the heat generating component 300 with zero power, and the heat generating component 300 starts to rapidly cool down. Alternatively, after receiving the stop signal, the control unit 400 drives the heat generating component 300 at a lower power, such as the second power. The heat generating component 300 does not directly cool down to the ambient temperature, but is maintained at a standby temperature lower than the main operating temperature. .

In another embodiment, the switch component 100 is a manual switch, such as a button or touch switch, that outputs a start signal or a stop signal depending on whether the user presses or touches the switch component 100. In this embodiment, the other control processes are the same as in the previous embodiment except that the switch components are different. For example, when the user presses or touches the switch member 100, the start signal is output, and the power supply unit 200 is controlled to drive the heat generating unit 300 at the maximum power, and the heat generating unit 300 rapidly rises from the ambient temperature to the main operating temperature. The power supply component 200 is then controlled to control the heat generating component 300 to remain within a safe temperature range to continuously generate aerosols, in which case it may still be the maximum power drive or may be changed to the first power (below the maximum power but greater than zero). ) Drive, which will be detailed below. When the switch member 100 is pressed or touched again, a stop signal is output. It is also possible that the user outputs an activation signal when the user presses or touches the switch member 100 and maintains a pressed or touched state, and outputs a stop signal when the user stops pressing or touching the switch member 100. It can also be that the switch closing time does not exceed a certain threshold (such as 0.3 seconds), indicating that the switch is accidentally touched, does not output the start signal, and the heat generating component does not work; if the switch closing time exceeds the threshold (such as 0.3 seconds), it indicates that the switch is open. The relationship is intentionally operated, and this only outputs the start signal, and the heat generating component starts to work.

In other embodiments, the switch component 100 can also be used in combination with a pneumatic switch, a push button switch, and a touch switch, or other types of switching elements. The present invention does not limit the specific composition of the switch component 100. In the embodiment in which the switch component 100 is used in combination with a pneumatic switch, a push button switch or a touch switch, when the user presses or touches the switch component 100, the first start signal is output, and after the control component 400 receives the first start signal, The control power supply unit 200 is driven to the heat generating component 300 at the maximum power, and after a predetermined time elapses, the user can be notified by the indicator light or by vibration. Then, the user starts pumping, triggers the pneumatic switch, and outputs a second start signal. After receiving the second start signal, the control component 400 controls the power supply component 200 to continue to drive the heat generating component 300 at maximum power or by the first power, and the heat generating component 300 Fast reach the main operating temperature. It is then maintained/controlled within a safe temperature range, during which it can still be either the maximum power drive or the first power (below the maximum power but greater than zero) drive, as detailed below. When the user withdraws, the pneumatic switch outputs a stop signal, and the control component 400 stops outputting power to the heat generating component (ie, zero power) after receiving the stop signal, or drives the heat with the second power (less than the maximum power but greater than zero). The parts are kept at a standby temperature.

During the entire operation of the aerosol generating device, the control unit 400 adaptively monitors the temperature/resistance of the heat generating component 300 and controls the temperature of the heat generating component 300 not to exceed and/or be lower than the main operating temperature, remaining in one Within the safe temperature range.

3 is a block diagram of a control unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 400 includes a storage unit 410 and a main control unit 420.

In an embodiment, when the heat generating component 300 is made of a material having a temperature coefficient of resistance characteristic, the main control unit 420 can obtain a corresponding temperature parameter by detecting the magnitude of the resistance value of the heat generating component 300. In another embodiment, when the heat generating component 300 is made of a conventional heat generating material, a separate temperature detecting unit such as a temperature sensor may be installed in the vicinity of the heat generating component 300. A temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature of the heat generating component 300.

By way of example and not limitation, memory unit 410 may include one or more memory devices such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, or combinations thereof. The storage unit 410 also stores instructions, a relationship between the resistance value of the heat generating component and the temperature, and one or more thresholds (and/or parameter values). In another aspect, the memory can store instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to perform operations in accordance with aspects of the present invention, such as one or more of the operations described in FIG.

The main control unit 420 controls the power supply unit 200 to output power to the heat generating unit 300 or stop the output power based on the detected resistance value of the heat generating component 300 and the information supplied from the storage unit 420 according to the output signal of the switching unit.

The main control unit 420 can include one or more processors. The processor can be connected to the memory 410. For example, the processor can be configured to access or receive instructions 411 in memory 410, a relationship 412 between the resistance values of the heat generating components and the temperature, and/or one or more thresholds 413 (and/or parameter values). In some implementations, the processor can also include another memory (not shown), such as a cache or other local memory. The processor can be configured to execute software (such as a program represented by one or more instructions) stored in a respective memory 410, such as a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. For example, a processor (such as one or more processors) can be configured to execute instructions 411 to enable the processor to perform one or more operations as shown in FIG.

4 is a flow chart showing an aerosol generating heating control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to the aerosol generating system 1 and is specifically controlled by the control unit 400 of the aerosol generating device 10. After the aerosol-generating article 20 is combined with the aerosol generating device 10, the heating control method is used to heat the aerosol-generating substrate 21 in the aerosol-generating article 20.

The heating control method includes the following steps:

In step S100, after receiving the start signal, the existing temperature of the heat generating component 300 is detected, and the heating warming time is estimated based on the current temperature of the heat generating component and its target temperature based on the maximum power; to step S110.

In particular, the activation signal may be from the switching component or may be derived from other triggers, such as triggering an activation signal when the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol generating device, which is not limited in the present invention.

Regarding the existing temperature of the heat generating component, there are two cases: (1) When the user does not smoke for a long time, the current temperature of the heat generating component is the ambient temperature, and is usually 40 ° C or less. (2) When the user is smoking, if the suction interval is short (such as 4s), or if the aerosol generating device has a set standby temperature, or other conditions, the existing temperature of the heat-generating component at the beginning of each suction is high. At ambient temperature, such as 100 ° C or above, but below the main operating temperature.

Regarding the target temperature of the heat generating component, the main operating temperature of the heat generating component may be set as the target temperature, or the main operating temperature may be subtracted from the safe operating range value as the target temperature. For example, in one embodiment, the main operating temperature of the heat generating component is 350 ° C, then the target temperature can be set to 350 ° C, or the target temperature can be set to 300 ° C, leaving 50 ° C of safety redundancy; or the target The temperature is set to 250 ° C, leaving 100 ° C of safety redundancy.

In step S110, the heat generating component 300 is driven at the maximum power and heated, and the temperature/resistance detection is not performed on the heat generating component 300 in the above-described estimated heating temperature rising time; to step S120.

Specifically, the parameters of the entire aerosol generating device, such as the amount of electricity of the battery, the temperature of the battery, the temperature of the environment, and the like, are usually detected before heating, and heating is started when all the parameters are normal. The invention is not limited.

The control unit 400 controls the driving of the heat generating component 300 at the maximum power, and starts to generate an aerosol from the ambient temperature to the main operating temperature (e.g., 350 ° C) in the shortest time. During the entire heating and heating process, the control unit 400 does not detect the temperature of the heat generating component 300, and the user can suck the aerosol with almost no waiting, and the experience is better.

If the temperature of the heat generating component 300 is detected in real time during the entire heating process from the ambient temperature to the main operating temperature, the delay is increased, and the time from the ambient temperature to the main operating temperature is too long, and the user is very May draw oil, the experience is poor.

In step S120, after the heating and heating time period, the heating element is continuously driven at the maximum power or the first power, and the temperature/resistance intensive detection phase of the heat generating component 300 is entered to control the temperature to the safety required to generate the aerosol. Within the temperature range; to step S130.

Specifically, after the above heating and heating time, it means that the temperature of the heat generating component 300 has reached the target temperature (for example, 350 ° C). In order to control the temperature of the heating element after heating and/or to maintain the safe temperature range required for generating the aerosol, to avoid scorching and oiling due to excessive temperature of the heating element, it is necessary to intensively detect the temperature of the heat generating component 300. / resistance value, for example, every 10 ms (10 ms is only an example, the invention is not limited thereto). In the intensive detection phase, if the detection result is not higher than the main operating temperature, the heating component 300 is further driven to be heated by the maximum power or the first power; after 10 ms, the temperature/resistance detection is performed again, and if the detection result is higher than the operating temperature, Then, the supply of power to the heat generating component 300 is stopped, which is equivalent to driving the heat generating component 300 with zero power; then, after 10 ms, temperature/resistance detection is performed, and if the detection result is lower than the main operating temperature, then the maximum power or the first power is used. The heating element 300 is driven to heat; then, after 10 ms, the temperature/resistance detection is performed; the cycle is continued; until the stop signal is received.

In this embodiment, the temperature/resistance detection interval of 10 ms is only an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The preferred range of the detection interval may be 1 ms to 30 ms.

The setting of the detection interval is related to the safe temperature range. For example, the main operating temperature is 350 ° C, and the safe temperature range is about 350 ° C ± 50 ° C, then the maximum acceptable detection interval can be estimated is 30 ms. In other words, the smaller the detection interval, the smaller the fluctuation range of the main operating temperature, and the larger the detection interval, the larger the fluctuation range of the main operating temperature.

The setting of the detection interval is also related to the driving power. If driven at the first power (less than the maximum power), to be controlled within the same safe temperature range, the maximum acceptable detection interval can be greater than the maximum power drive. For example, to control within the same safe temperature range of 350 ° C ± 50 ° C, if driven at maximum power, the maximum acceptable detection interval is estimated to be 30 ms; if driven at 2 / 3 maximum power (first power), Then the maximum acceptable detection interval is estimated to be 40 ms; this is only an exemplary description.

In step S130, after receiving the stop signal, stop supplying power to the heat generating component 300; or drive the heat generating component 300 with the second power; and start timing, waiting for the next start signal (ie, waiting for the next pumping), to step S140 .

Specifically, the receipt of the stop signal means that the user has finished pumping, (1) the supply of power to the heat generating component 300 is stopped, and the heat generating component 300 naturally cools down. Or (2) the heat generating component 300 is driven at a second power (less than the maximum power) so that the heat generating component 300 is maintained at a standby temperature at which no aerosol is generated when not sucked. In the case of the above (1), the temperature of the heat generating component may or may not be detected. If detected, the frequency can be determined based on the time interval of the pumping. Normally, the average time per two pumping intervals is about 6 seconds, so it can be set to be detected every 1 second, where 1 second is only an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto. In the case of the second (2) case, the temperature of the heat generating component is usually not detected during the process from the main operating temperature to the standby temperature, and a cooling time can be estimated based on the standby temperature and the main operating temperature, and the cooling time is not exceeded during the cooling time. After the temperature is detected and the temperature is lowered, during the maintenance of the standby temperature, the high frequency detection temperature is required to maintain the standby temperature, which is the same as the above principle of maintaining the main operating temperature.

Temperature detection can be performed during the temperature drop because the temperature drop process is not pumping time. At this time, temperature detection does not give the customer a so-called delay and does not affect the user experience. Temperature detection is performed to improve safety and prevent abnormal temperature rise due to malfunction. The frequency of temperature detection during temperature drop can be set as needed.

In step S140, if the control section 400 receives the next start signal, it returns to step S100 to repeat the entire process. If the timing duration (ie, no pumping time) exceeds a certain threshold, shut down.

It should be understood that the threshold is typically not less than the pumping interval, but rather much greater than the pumping interval. Typically, the aspiration interval is on average 5 s. For example, you can choose a threshold of 2 minutes, and more than 2 minutes means that the customer does not want to smoke again, then shut down.

The present invention does not detect the temperature at all times during the user's pumping process, but instead places the temperature detection at the top stage of the temperature and does not perform the temperature detection during the temperature rise phase. In this way, the user does not feel the delay and thus does not affect the user experience.

The present invention treats each user's cigarette as a single puff. The above steps S100 to S140 are applied to each suction process.

Fig. 5 is a graph showing changes in temperature of the heat generating component 300 in the aerosol generating device 10 and/or the aerosol-generating article 20 as a function of time when the aerosol generating heating control method of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4 is employed.

In Fig. 5, T is the main operating temperature of the heat generating component 300, and is also the aerosol generating temperature. When the user starts the first port suction, the heating temperature rise time is estimated to be t1 (for example, 250 ms) according to the existing temperature (ambient temperature) of the heat generating component 300 and the target temperature (T), and then the heat generating component 300 is driven at the maximum power, and the driving time is long. For t1, during the heating temperature rise period of t1, the temperature/resistance detection of the heat-generating component is not performed. After the t1 time, the temperature/resistance of the heat-generating component is intensively detected, and the detection interval is Δt (for example, 10 ms). After t1 time, the temperature of the heat generating component is detected for the first time as T1. T1 may be exactly the same as T, or it may be different from T, because the estimation of time t1 may have errors. In Fig. 5, if T1 < T, the heating element heating is continued to be driven at the maximum power; after Δt, the temperature/resistance detection is performed again, and the detection result is T2, T2>T, then the supply of power to the heat generating component is stopped; then Δt and then again Perform temperature/resistance detection, and the detection result is lower than T, then drive the heating element to heat at the maximum power; then, after Δt, perform temperature/resistance detection; continue to cycle; until time point t2 receives stop signal (suction End), the power supply to the heat generating component is stopped, and the temperature of the heat generating component is naturally lowered.

The process in which the heat generating component rises from the existing temperature to the target temperature is called a temperature rising phase; after that, it enters the aerosol generating phase, and the temperature is maintained/controlled within a safe temperature range of the main operating temperature, which is called the temperature top phase; After the end of the suction, enter the temperature drop phase.

In the temperature rising phase, the temperature/resistance detection of the heat-generating component is not performed; in the top stage of the temperature, the temperature/resistance value of the heat-generating component is intensively detected; in the temperature drop phase, the temperature/resistance detection of the heat-generating component may not be performed. Temperature detection can be performed, and the invention is not limited.

In one embodiment, the temperature is driven at maximum power during the main temperature rise phase, the top temperature phase is also driven at maximum power, and the temperature drop phase is driven at zero power. In this embodiment, the design of the circuit and the control method are relatively simple.

In another embodiment, the temperature is driven at a maximum power during a main temperature rise phase, the first temperature is driven at a lower power than the maximum power, and the temperature drop phase is driven at a second power of zero power or less. . The setting of the first power below the maximum power is such that the fluctuation range of the top stage of the temperature is not so large (in the case of the same detection interval); the setting of the second power below the maximum power is to maintain a standby temperature when not pumping .

In Fig. 5, the aerosol generation temperature fluctuation range at the top stage of the temperature is controlled within the range of (T1 to T2), which is related to the detection interval Δt, and the driving power.

If the suction interval between the two suctions is relatively long, and the temperature of the heat generating component may be lowered to the ambient temperature, the next start signal (the second port suction) is received at the time t3, then the entire heating is repeated. process. It is easy to see that Figure 5 shows the process of three suctions.

If the ambient temperature is high, the temperature of the heat generating component 300 does not drop so fast, or the suction interval between the two suctions is relatively short, and it is likely that the next start signal is received at the time t3 (second port suction). At the time, the temperature of the heat-generating component has not been lowered to the ambient temperature, and the temperature change curve is as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to Fig. 6, the heating control process of the first port suction is the same as the first port suction of Fig. 5, but the second port suction start time t3 of Fig. 6 detects that the temperature value is T3; The existing temperature T3 and the target temperature T are estimated to be one heating time t4-t3; then the heating element is driven at the maximum power, and the temperature/resistance detection is not performed during the heating period of t4-t3; after the time point t4, the start The temperature/resistance of the heat-generating component is intensively detected, and the detection interval is Δt (for example, 10 ms). The subsequent steps are the same as in FIG. 5.

It is easy to see that Figure 6 also shows the process of three suctions. 6 differs from FIG. 5 only in that the existing temperature of the heat-generating component at the time of the second and third port suctions is greater than the ambient temperature due to the short suction interval. But the entire heating control process is the same.

Fig. 7 is another graph showing changes in temperature of the heat generating component 300 in the aerosol generating device 10 and/or the aerosol-generating article 20 as a function of time when the aerosol generating heating method of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 4 is employed.

The difference between Fig. 7 and Fig. 5 is only that the estimated heating time t1' is shorter than t1 in Fig. 5 according to the existing temperature (ambient temperature) and the target temperature (T), because safety is considered in the estimation process. coefficient. In this case, the temperature detected at t1' is T3, and since T3 < T, heating is continued at the maximum power. The temperature is again detected after Δt as T1, since T1 is still less than T and continues to be heated at maximum power. After Δt, the detected temperature is T2, because T2>T, the output power is stopped. Repeat this way until the end of the pumping. The heating control method is the same as that of Fig. 5 except that the estimated heating time is shorter and the intensive detection period t2-t1' is longer.

It is easy to see that Figure 7 also shows the process of three suctions.

5, 6 and 7 are merely schematic representations, not to scale, in which certain details are exaggerated for clarity and certain details may be omitted.

In combination with the foregoing embodiments, the aerosol generation heating control method, apparatus and system provided by the present invention do not perform temperature/resistance detection during a temperature rise phase, so that the user does not feel the delay due to temperature/resistance detection. .

It should be understood that the above preferred embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to be limiting, and those skilled in the art may modify the technical solutions described in the above preferred embodiments, or The technical features are equivalently substituted; all such modifications and substitutions are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. A heating control method for an aerosol generating device, each of which includes a temperature rising phase, a temperature top phase, and a temperature decreasing phase, and is characterized by:

   In the temperature rising phase, no temperature detection is performed; in the top stage of the temperature, high frequency temperature detection is performed; in the temperature drop phase, temperature detection is performed, or temperature detection is not performed;

   The temperature rising phase refers to a phase in which the heat generating component rises from the existing temperature to the target temperature, and the temperature top phase refers to a phase in which the temperature is maintained/controlled within a safe range of the main operating temperature, and the temperature falling phase refers to a phase The period from the safe range of the main operating temperature to the current temperature at the next pumping.
2. A heating control method according to claim 1, wherein:

   Heating the heat-generating component at a maximum power during the temperature rise phase, and driving the heat-generating component to be heated at a maximum power during the temperature-decreasing phase, at zero power or below the maximum during the temperature drop phase The second power of power drives the heat generating component.
3. A heating control method according to claim 1, wherein:

   In the temperature rising phase, the heat generating component is driven to be heated at a maximum power, and at the top stage of the temperature, the heat generating component is driven to be heated at a first power lower than the maximum power, in the temperature drop phase, The heat generating component is driven by zero power or a second power lower than the first power.
4. A heating control method according to claim 1, wherein:

   The frequency interval of the high frequency is in the range of 1 ms to 30 ms.
5. The heating control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temperature detection comprises:

   Performing temperature detection on the heat generating component, and when the detected temperature is less than the main operating temperature of the heat generating component, continuing to drive the heat generating component with the heating power required at the current stage, when the detected temperature is greater than the heat generating component At the main operating temperature, the output power is stopped, that is, the heat generating component is supplied with zero power.
6. A heating control method for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that each suction comprises the steps of:

   S100, after receiving the start signal, detecting the existing temperature of the heat-generating component, estimating the heating temperature rise time t1 according to the existing temperature of the heat-generating component and the target temperature;

   S110: driving the heat generating component with maximum power and heating, and performing temperature detection on the heat generating component during the heating temperature rising time t1;

   S120. After the heating and heating time t1 of the budget, the temperature of the heat-generating component is detected at a high frequency to control the temperature within a safe temperature range required for generating an aerosol;

   S130. After receiving the stop signal, stop driving the heat generating component at maximum power.
7. The control method according to claim 6, wherein detecting the temperature of the heat generating component comprises: performing temperature detection on the heat generating component, and continuing to current when the detected temperature is less than a main operating temperature of the heat generating component The heating power required for the step drives the heat generating component, and when the detected temperature is greater than the main operating temperature of the heat generating component, the output power is stopped, that is, the heat generating component is driven at zero power.
8. The control method according to claim 6, wherein the target temperature is a main operating temperature of the heat generating component, or a temperature value that increases a safety factor based on a main operating temperature of the heat generating component, The temperature value is lower than the main operating temperature.
9. The control method according to claim 6, wherein said step S120 comprises: driving said heat generating component at a first power lower than said maximum power.
10. The control method according to claim 6, wherein the frequency of the high frequency in the step S120 is determined based on a temperature range required to generate the aerosol.
11. The control method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the frequency interval of the high frequency in the step S120 ranges from 1 ms to 30 ms.
12. The control method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the step S130 further comprises: starting timing, and if the timing exceeds a threshold, shutting down.
13. An aerosol generating device for receiving an aerosol generating article and heating an aerosol generating substrate comprised by the aerosol generating article, wherein the aerosol generating device comprises:

    a switching component that outputs an activation signal and/or a stop signal according to a user operation, the switching component being any one or a combination of a pneumatic switch, a push button switch, and a touch switch;

    Control unit for:

    S100, after receiving the start signal, detecting the existing temperature of the heat-generating component, estimating the heating temperature rise time t1 according to the existing temperature of the heat-generating component and the target temperature;

    S110: driving the heat generating component with maximum power and heating, and performing temperature detection on the heat generating component during the heating temperature rising time t1;

    S120. After the heating and heating time t1 of the budget, the temperature of the heat-generating component is detected at a high frequency to control the temperature within a safe temperature range required for generating an aerosol;

    S130. After receiving the stop signal, stop driving the heat generating component at maximum power.
14. The aerosol generating device according to claim 13, wherein the heat generating member is provided in the aerosol generating device, or the heat generating member is provided in the aerosol generating article.
15. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein detecting the temperature of the heat generating component comprises: performing temperature detection on the heat generating component, and continuing when the detected temperature is less than a main operating temperature of the heat generating component The heat generating component is driven at a heating power required for the current step, and when the detected temperature is greater than the main operating temperature of the heat generating component, the output power is stopped, that is, the heat generating component is driven at zero power.
16. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said target temperature is a main operating temperature of said heat generating component, or a safety factor is increased based on a main operating temperature of said heat generating component a temperature value that is lower than the main operating temperature.
17. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said step S120 comprises: driving said heat generating component at a first power lower than said maximum power.
18. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the frequency of the high frequency in the step S120 is determined based on a temperature range required for generating an aerosol.
19. The aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the frequency interval of the high frequency in the step S120 ranges from 1 ms to 30 ms.
20. The aerosol generating system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the step S130 further comprises: starting timing, and shutting down if the timing exceeds a threshold.
21. An aerosol generating system, comprising:

    An aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating matrix;

    An aerosol generating device for cooperating with the aerosol generating article;

    a heat generating component for heating the aerosol generating matrix; wherein the heat generating component may be contained in an aerosol generating article, or in an aerosol generating device, or both;

    a switching component that outputs an activation signal and/or a stop signal according to a user operation, the switching component being any one or a combination of a pneumatic switch, a push button switch, and a touch switch;

    A control unit included in the aerosol generating device for performing the control method according to claims 6-12.
22. A control module for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

    A processor and configured to execute instructions to enable the processor to perform the temperature method as recited in claims 6-12.
23. The control module of claim 22, further comprising a switch coupled to said processor, said switch being configured to output said enable signal and/or stop signal in response to user operation.
24. A control module according to claim 22 or 23, further comprising a memory coupled to said processor and configured to store said instructions.
25. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium comprising instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform the control method of claims 6-12.

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