Control method for aerosol generating device and aerosol generating device

Abstract

This application provides a control method for an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device. The method includes: acquiring the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles and the heating duration of each working cycle, wherein the start-up mode is cold start or hot start; determining the number of working cycles that continuously meet preset conditions in the multiple working cycles based on the start-up mode and heating duration, thereby obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles, wherein the preset conditions include: the start-up mode corresponding to the working cycle is hot start, and the heating duration of the working cycle is greater than or equal to a first preset duration; when the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, activating a protection mode for the aerosol generating device, wherein the protection mode is a mode that stops the heating of the aerosol generating device. This method has the effect of extending the service life of the aerosol generating device and solves the problem in the prior art where the service life of the aerosol generating device is reduced due to multiple consecutive starts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol generating apparatus technology, and more specifically, to a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus and an aerosol generating apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional tobacco products (such as cigarettes and cigars) produce tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Existing technologies offer alternatives to these traditional tobacco products by releasing compounds through heating without combustion. Examples of such products include aerosol generating devices, which typically include a heating element that heats a cigarette-shaped aerosol product inserted into the device. This causes some of the active substances in the aerosol product to evaporate, generating an aerosol, which the user inhales.

[0003] When users repeatedly use the aerosol generator, the continuous heating process causes a buildup of internal temperature. This sustained high temperature can lead to aging of the internal electronic components and even damage due to excessive heat, thus reducing the device's lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a control method for an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device, so as to at least solve the problem of reduced lifespan of aerosol generating devices due to repeated startups in the prior art.

[0005] One aspect of this application provides a control method for an aerosol generating device, comprising: acquiring the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles and the heating duration of each working cycle, wherein the start-up mode is cold start or hot start; determining the number of working cycles that continuously meet preset conditions in the multiple working cycles based on the start-up mode and heating duration, thereby obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles, wherein the preset conditions include: the start-up mode corresponding to the working cycle is hot start, and the heating duration of the working cycle is greater than or equal to a first preset duration; and activating a protection mode for the aerosol generating device when the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, wherein the protection mode is a mode that stops the heating of the aerosol generating device.

[0006] In some embodiments, obtaining the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles includes: obtaining the interval between any two consecutive working cycles, wherein the two working cycles include a first working cycle and a second working cycle, and the interval is the time difference between the end time of the first working cycle and the start time of the second working cycle; if the interval is longer than a second preset time, determining that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is cold start; if the interval is shorter than or equal to the second preset time, determining that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is hot start.

[0007] In some embodiments, obtaining the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles includes: obtaining the start-up temperature corresponding to the start time of the working cycle; determining whether the start-up temperature is less than a first preset temperature to obtain a first determination result; if the first determination result indicates that the start-up temperature is less than the first preset temperature, determining that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is cold start; if the first determination result indicates that the start-up temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, determining that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is hot start.

[0008] In some embodiments, determining the number of consecutive working cycles that meet preset conditions in multiple working cycles based on the start-up method and heating duration, and obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles, includes: determining whether the start-up method corresponding to the current working cycle is a cold start, and obtaining a second determination result; if the second determination result indicates yes, setting the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to zero; if the second determination result indicates no, obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle, incrementing the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle by 1 to update the number of consecutive heating cycles, and storing the updated number of consecutive heating cycles.

[0009] In some embodiments, after setting the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to zero when the second determination result indicates yes, the method further includes: obtaining the working duration of the current working cycle; determining whether the working duration of the current working cycle is greater than or equal to a first preset duration; and updating the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to 1 and storing the updated number of consecutive heating cycles when the working duration of the current working cycle is greater than or equal to the first preset duration.

[0010] In some embodiments, after activating the protection mode of the aerosol generating device, the control method further includes: acquiring the current temperature of the aerosol generating device in the protection mode; determining whether the current temperature is lower than a second preset temperature to obtain a third determination result; and outputting a release protection signal to the aerosol generating device when the third determination result indicates that the temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, so that the aerosol generating device releases the protection mode according to the release protection signal.

[0011] In some embodiments, after activating the protection mode for the aerosol generating device, the control method further includes: acquiring the cooling time of the aerosol generating device in the protection mode; determining whether the cooling time is greater than a third preset time to obtain a fourth determination result; and outputting a release protection signal to the aerosol generating device when the fourth determination result indicates that it is greater than the third preset time, so that the aerosol generating device releases the protection mode according to the release protection signal.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, a protection mode for the aerosol generating device is activated, including: when the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, controlling the aerosol generating device to output a warning message, the warning message being used to indicate that the aerosol generating device cannot perform the heating function.

[0013] In some embodiments, the working state of the aerosol generating device includes at least a preheating stage and a suction stage, and the first preset duration includes the preset duration corresponding to the preheating stage and / or the suction duration corresponding to the suction stage.

[0014] According to another aspect of this application, an aerosol generating apparatus is provided, comprising: a heating element for heating an aerosol article to generate an aerosol; a controller; a memory; and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the controller, and the one or more programs include a control method for performing the above-described aerosol generating apparatus.

[0015] This application provides a control method for an aerosol generating device. This method obtains the start-up mode and heating duration of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles, determines the number of consecutive hot-start cycles with a heating duration exceeding a first preset duration, and obtains the number of consecutive heating cycles. When the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, a protection mode for the aerosol generating device is activated. This allows the protection mode to be triggered when the aerosol generating device is subjected to multiple consecutive heating cycles, enabling the aerosol generating device to cool down during the protection mode. This prevents the high temperature caused by repeated use of the aerosol generating device from affecting its internal electronic components, thus preventing aging or even damage to the internal electronic components due to overheating. This extends the service life of the aerosol generating device and solves the problem of reduced lifespan due to multiple consecutive starts in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus provided in some embodiments of this application is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of an aerosol generating apparatus provided in some other embodiments according to this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0020] Figure 4 The temperature curve corresponding to the cold start of the aerosol generating device in one embodiment is shown;

[0021] Figure 5 The temperature curve corresponding to the hot start of the aerosol generating device in one embodiment is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 The cooling temperature curve of the aerosol generating device after the output is turned off is shown in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 7 The temperature curve corresponding to the start-up of the low-temperature smoke appliance cold starter is shown in another embodiment;

[0024] Figure 8 The cooling temperature profile of the aerosol generator after its output is turned off is shown in another embodiment;

[0025] Figure 9 A structural block diagram of a control device for an aerosol generating apparatus provided according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0026] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0027] 100. Aerosol generating device; 10. Battery cell; 20. Main board; 30. Heating element; 40. Chamber; 50. Coil; 200. Aerosol product. Detailed Implementation

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0031] As described in the background section, in the prior art, when users use aerosol generating devices repeatedly, the internal temperature of the device will continuously accumulate due to repeated heating operations. To solve the problem of reduced lifespan of aerosol generating devices caused by repeated starts, embodiments of this application provide a control method for an aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating device.

[0032] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Specifically, the aerosol generating device 100 includes a battery cell 10, a main board 20 and a heating element 30. The main board 20 is provided with a controller (not shown in the figure) for the aerosol generating device 100. The battery cell 10 and the heating element 30 are electrically connected to the controller, so that the controller can control the battery cell 10 to provide electrical energy to the heating element 30. The aerosol generating device 100 also includes a longitudinally extending chamber 40 for containing a cigarette-shaped aerosol product 200. The aerosol product 200 is used in conjunction with the aerosol generating device 100. In some embodiments, a heating element 30 is attached to the outer wall of the chamber 40. When the controller can control the battery 10 to supply electrical energy to the heating element 30, the heating element 30 is used to heat the aerosol product 200 in the chamber 40. The aerosol product 200 is filled with an active substance, and at least a portion of the active substance volatilizes when heated to generate an aerosol. Users can inhale the aerosol by sucking it from the aerosol product 200.

[0034] Alternatively, in other embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol generating apparatus 100 can also heat the aerosol product 200 using electromagnetic induction heating. The heating element 30 extends at least partially into the chamber 40. In some embodiments, the end extending into the chamber 40 is configured as a pin or plate to facilitate smooth insertion of the heating element 30 into the aerosol product 200 for heating. A coil 50 is wound around the outer wall of the chamber 40. The controller controls the battery 10 to supply alternating current to the coil 50, causing the coil 50 to generate a changing magnetic field under the action of the alternating current. This changing magnetic field can penetrate the heating element 30, thereby inducing eddy currents in the heating element 30. The heating element 30 generates heat under the action of the eddy current effect and the hysteresis effect, thus heating the aerosol product 200.

[0035] The aerosol generating device 100 typically has a preheating stage and a suction stage in each working cycle. In the preheating stage, the battery cell 10 supplies high power to the heating element 30, thereby enabling the heating element 30 to rapidly heat the aerosol product 200 to a predetermined temperature, ensuring that aerosols can be generated during user suction. In the suction stage, during the user suction process, the battery cell 10 uses a relatively small heating power to maintain the temperature of the aerosol product 200, ensuring that aerosols can be generated throughout the entire suction process.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0037] Step S201: Obtain the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles and the heating duration of each working cycle, wherein the start-up mode is cold start or hot start;

[0038] Specifically, in order to solve the problem of aging or damage of internal electronic components caused by overheating of the aerosol generating device, the starting mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles and the working duration of the aerosol generating device in each of the multiple working cycles are obtained. This allows for a preliminary determination of the working state of the aerosol generating device in each working cycle based on the starting mode and the working duration of the aerosol generating device in that working cycle. This working state corresponds to the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device.

[0039] For example, the start-up mode of the aforementioned aerosol generating device is related to the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device. When the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device is low, the start-up mode corresponds to a cold start, while when the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device is high, the start-up mode corresponds to a hot start. Therefore, after obtaining the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in each working cycle, the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device can first be determined (cold start corresponds to a lower temperature, and hot start corresponds to a higher temperature). After obtaining the working time of the aerosol generating device, the temperature rise and fall of the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device can be further determined, thereby obtaining the working state of the aerosol generating device in that working cycle. This working state may include a heating state.

[0040] Specifically, the aforementioned multiple working cycles correspond to multiple starts and stops of the aerosol generating device. The starting method of the aerosol generating device in the multiple working cycles can be all cold start, or the starting method of the aerosol generating device in the multiple working cycles can be all hot start, or the starting method of the aerosol generating device in the multiple working cycles can be cold start, and the starting method of the aerosol generating device in the other part of the multiple working cycles can be hot start.

[0041] Step S202: Based on the start-up method and heating duration, determine the number of work cycles that continuously meet the preset conditions in multiple work cycles, and obtain the number of consecutive heating cycles. The preset conditions include: the start-up method corresponding to the work cycle is hot engine start-up, and the heating duration of the work cycle is greater than or equal to the first preset duration.

[0042] Specifically, the aforementioned preset conditions correspond to the preset time length of the aerosol generating device in each working cycle. This preset time length is the first preset duration, which can be the duration of the preheating stage or the total duration of the preheating and suction stages. When the heating duration of the heating element in the aerosol generating device is greater than or equal to the first preset duration, it indicates that the aerosol generating device has completed one heating cycle, and the MCU records one heating cycle. The aerosol generating device may have different start-up methods and heating durations in different working cycles. Since different start-up methods and heating durations can affect the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device, the number of heating cycles varies depending on the internal temperature.

[0043] Furthermore, firstly, preset conditions corresponding to when the aerosol generating device is in a heating state are determined. Then, after obtaining the actual start-up mode and actual heating duration of the aerosol generating device, the actual start-up mode and actual heating duration are compared with the aforementioned preset conditions. If the actual start-up mode and actual heating duration meet the preset conditions, the working cycle corresponding to this actual start-up mode is recorded and considered as one heating operation performed by the aerosol generating device within that working cycle. For example, the aforementioned preset conditions may include the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device and the corresponding heating duration of the aerosol generating device under that start-up mode.

[0044] For example, within each working cycle, each start-up mode of the aerosol generating device corresponds to a preset duration. When the working time corresponding to each start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is within the corresponding preset duration, it is determined that the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device is suitable. However, when the working time corresponding to each start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is greater than or equal to the corresponding preset duration, it is determined that the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device may be too high, and it is considered that the aerosol generating device has undergone one heating. Further, when the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in a working cycle corresponds to a warm-up start, and the working time of the aerosol generating device in that working cycle is greater than the aforementioned first preset duration, then the MCU counts the aerosol generating device as heated once and stores the heating count.

[0045] Step S203: If the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, activate the protection mode for the aerosol generating device. The protection mode is the mode that stops the heating of the aerosol generating device.

[0046] Specifically, because aerosol generating devices are constantly heated across multiple operating cycles, their internal electronic components may age, or even be damaged due to excessively high internal temperatures. To avoid these problems, when dealing with multiple operating cycles corresponding to multiple starts of the aerosol generating device, the number of heating cycles recorded across these cycles is counted, and the number of counts is used to determine whether the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device is too high.

[0047] Specifically, when determining whether the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device is too high based on the number of working cycles, a threshold for the number of heating cycles of the aerosol generating device is first determined, i.e., a preset threshold, such that this preset threshold corresponds to the maximum number of heating cycles allowed for the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles. Then, during the process of acquiring the actual number of working cycles recorded in multiple working cycles, the number of working cycles recorded in multiple working cycles is compared with the preset threshold.

[0048] Specifically, the mode in which the aerosol generator stops heating can be simply cutting off the electrical connection between the battery cell and the heating element, preventing the battery cell from supplying power to the heating element. However, the controller of the aerosol generator can still control the aerosol generator to perform other functions besides heating. For example, when the aerosol generator enters protection mode, the heating element does not operate, but the aerosol generator can still perform other functions normally. For instance, it can provide a warning message to the user, indicating that the aerosol generator is in protection mode and cannot perform heating operations. The warning message can be any of the following: indicator light, motor vibration, or buzzer.

[0049] For example, when the number of times recorded in multiple working cycles reaches the preset threshold, it indicates that the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device has reached the maximum allowable heating temperature. The protection mode of the aerosol generating device is then activated, so that the aerosol generating device no longer heats up. This prevents the internal electronic components of the aerosol generating device from aging or even being damaged due to excessively high temperatures after the aerosol generating device is started at this temperature.

[0050] This embodiment allows for the acquisition of the start-up mode and heating duration of the aerosol generator in multiple working cycles, determining the number of consecutive hot-start cycles with a heating duration exceeding a first preset duration, and obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles. When the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, a protection mode for the aerosol generator is activated. This ensures protection is triggered when the aerosol generator is subjected to multiple consecutive heating cycles, allowing the aerosol generator to cool down during the protection mode. This prevents the high temperatures caused by repeated use of the aerosol generator from affecting its internal electronic components, thus preventing aging or even damage to these components due to overheating. This extends the lifespan of the aerosol generator and solves the problem of reduced lifespan due to multiple consecutive starts in existing technologies.

[0051] In specific implementations, in some optional embodiments, obtaining the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles in step S201 includes: obtaining the interval between any two consecutive working cycles, wherein the two working cycles include a first working cycle and a second working cycle, and the interval is the time difference between the end time of the first working cycle and the start time of the second working cycle; if the interval is longer than a second preset time, determining that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is cold start; if the interval is shorter than the second preset time, determining that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is hot start.

[0052] First, after obtaining the first working cycle and the second working cycle, the interval between the first and second working cycles can be determined. It is understood that, due to the continuity of time, this interval is the time difference between the end of the first working cycle and the start of the second working cycle. Then, by determining whether this interval is greater than a second preset duration, it is determined whether the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is started cold or hot. Specifically, if the interval is greater than the second preset duration, the aerosol generating device is determined to be started cold in the second working cycle; if the interval is less than or equal to the second preset duration, the aerosol generating device is determined to be started hot in the second working cycle. For example, the first working cycle corresponds to the working cycle of the aerosol generating device's initial startup, and the second working cycle corresponds to the working cycle of the aerosol generating device restarting after its initial startup and pause.

[0053] In some alternative embodiments, step S201, obtaining the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles, includes: obtaining the start-up temperature corresponding to the start time of the working cycle; determining whether the start-up temperature is less than a first preset temperature to obtain a first determination result; if the first determination result indicates that the start-up temperature is less than the first preset temperature, determining that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is cold start; if the first determination result indicates that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, determining that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is hot start. For example, the first working cycle corresponds to the working cycle in which the aerosol generating device has been started for the first time, and the second working cycle corresponds to the working cycle in which the aerosol generating device has been started again or multiple times after the first start-up and pause. Firstly, after obtaining the first working cycle and the second working cycle, the first start-up temperature of the first working cycle and the second start-up temperature of the second working cycle can be determined. Then, by comparing the relationship between the first start-up temperature and the first preset temperature, a first judgment result can be obtained. Based on the first judgment result, it can be determined whether the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the first working cycle is cold start or hot start, and the relationship between the second start-up temperature and the first preset temperature can be used to determine whether the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is cold start or hot start.

[0054] Specifically, when the first start-up temperature is lower than the first preset temperature (i.e., when the first judgment result indicates yes), the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the first working cycle is determined to be cold start; when the first start-up temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature (i.e., when the first judgment result indicates no), the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the first working cycle is determined to be hot start; when the second start-up temperature is lower than the first preset temperature, the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is determined to be cold start; when the second start-up temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is determined to be hot start.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cold start or hot start can be determined by combining the time difference and the start-up temperature. For example, if the aerosol generating device operates for four cycles, the cold start or hot start can be determined by the time difference in the first two cycles, while the cold start or hot start can be determined by the start-up temperature in the last two cycles.

[0056] In some optional implementations, step S202, which determines the number of consecutive working cycles that meet the preset conditions based on the start-up method and heating duration, and obtains the number of consecutive heating cycles, includes: determining whether the start-up method corresponding to the current working cycle is a cold start, and obtaining a second determination result; if the second determination result indicates yes, setting the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to zero; if the second determination result indicates no, obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle, incrementing the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle by 1 to update the number of consecutive heating cycles, and storing the updated number of consecutive heating cycles.

[0057] In the above embodiments, after the current work cycle ends, a second determination result is obtained by determining whether the start-up mode corresponding to the current work cycle is a cold start. Based on this second determination result, it is determined whether the heating count needs to be updated to zero. Specifically, if the start-up mode corresponding to the current work cycle is a cold start, it is initially determined that the heating count needs to be updated to zero, so that the heating count of the aerosol generating device is re-accumulated. If the start-up mode corresponding to the current work cycle is a hot start, it is initially determined that the heating count does not need to be updated to zero. Based on the continuous heating count corresponding to the previous work cycle, the continuous heating count is incremented by 1 to achieve the purpose of updating the accumulated heating count, thereby obtaining the updated continuous heating count and storing the updated continuous heating count.

[0058] In some optional implementations, after setting the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to zero when the second determination result indicates yes, the method further includes: obtaining the heating duration of the current working cycle; determining whether the heating duration of the current working cycle is greater than or equal to a first preset duration; and updating the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to 1 and storing the updated number of consecutive heating cycles when the heating duration of the current working cycle is greater than or equal to the first preset duration.

[0059] In some embodiments, since the current working cycle corresponds to a cold start, in order to determine whether the aerosol generating device has reached the condition for continuous heating, the heating duration of the current working cycle is first obtained, and then it is determined whether the heating duration of the current working cycle is greater than a first preset duration. If the determination result is greater than the first preset duration, it indicates that the aerosol generating device is in a continuous heating state, the continuous heating count corresponding to the current working cycle is incremented by 1, and the updated continuous heating count is stored for the accumulation of heating counts. If the determination result is less than or equal to the first preset duration, it is not necessary to update the continuous heating count corresponding to the current working cycle, that is, the heating count remains zero.

[0060] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the current working cycle was started by a hot engine, it is initially determined that the number of heating cycles does not need to be updated to zero. Then, it is further determined whether the working duration of the current working cycle is greater than a first preset duration, and further determined whether the cumulative number of heating cycles needs to be updated. If the result is greater than the first preset duration, the number of continuous heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle is obtained. Then, based on the number of continuous heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle, the number of continuous heating cycles is incremented by 1 to update the cumulative number of heating cycles, thereby obtaining the updated number of continuous heating cycles. The updated number of continuous heating cycles is stored so that it can be compared with a preset threshold to determine whether to activate the protection mode of the aerosol generating device.

[0061] In some optional embodiments, after activating the protection mode of the aerosol generating device, the control method further includes: acquiring the current temperature of the aerosol generating device in the protection mode; determining whether the current temperature is less than a second preset temperature, and obtaining a third determination result; if the third determination result indicates that the temperature is less than the second preset temperature, outputting a release protection signal to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device releases the protection mode according to the release protection signal.

[0062] In the above embodiments, in order to enable the aerosol generating device to restart after maintaining the protection mode for a period of time, a critical condition for releasing the protection mode is set. When the aerosol generating device reaches the above critical condition, the protection mode of the aerosol generating device is released, so as to avoid the user restarting the aerosol generating device and causing the startup failure because the aerosol generating device is still in the protection mode.

[0063] For example, since the heating element of the aerosol generating device in protection mode has stopped working, the temperature of the aerosol generating device will gradually decrease. Because the aerosol generating device has a temperature sensing unit, this unit can obtain the current temperature of the aerosol generating device in protection mode. This current temperature can be a real-time temperature, and the aerosol generating device stores a second preset temperature. Therefore, when the aerosol generating device determines that the current temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the MCU determines that the internal temperature of the aerosol generating device has decreased below the critical temperature for deactivating the protection mode. Thus, it outputs a deactivation signal to deactivate the protection mode of the aerosol generating device, causing the aerosol generating device to exit the protection mode. In some embodiments, the temperature sensing unit can be a temperature sensing element.

[0064] In some embodiments, when the temperature sensing unit acquires the current temperature of the aerosol generating device, the current temperature may also be the internal temperature corresponding to the restart of the aerosol generating device. In some embodiments, the signal corresponding to the restart of the aerosol generating device is used as the start signal, so that the aerosol generating device acquires a current temperature each time it receives a start signal, and then the MCU determines whether the current temperature is lower than a second preset temperature to determine whether to deactivate the protection mode. That is, if the current temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the protection mode is deactivated; if the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset temperature, the protection mode is not deactivated.

[0065] In some optional implementations, after activating the protection mode for the aerosol generating device, the control method further includes: acquiring the cooling time of the aerosol generating device in the protection mode; determining whether the cooling time is greater than a third preset time to obtain a fourth determination result; and outputting a release protection signal to the aerosol generating device when the fourth determination result indicates that it is greater than the third preset time, so that the aerosol generating device releases the protection mode according to the release protection signal.

[0066] Since the heating element of the aerosol generating device in protection mode is no longer working, the aerosol generating device in protection mode will cool down over time. The duration of the aerosol generating device in protection mode is the cooling duration. In the above embodiment, a critical condition for releasing the protection mode of the aerosol generating device is set as the cooling duration reaching a third preset duration. That is, by determining whether the cooling duration of the aerosol generating device in protection mode is greater than the third preset duration, if it is determined to be greater, it is determined that the current temperature of the aerosol generating device has been reduced to a temperature at which the protection mode can be released, thereby outputting a release signal to the aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol generating device has a time monitoring unit used to acquire the duration of the aerosol generating device in protection mode. In some embodiments, the time monitoring unit can be a timer, which is started simultaneously with the activation of the protection mode to record the cooling duration.

[0067] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this application, the implementation process of the control method of the aerosol generation device of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0068] This embodiment relates to a specific control method for an aerosol generating device, including the following steps:

[0069] The horizontal axis t(s) represents the operating time of the aerosol generator, and the vertical axis T(°C) represents the temperature of the aerosol generator. T0 represents the second preset temperature of the aerosol generator, and t3 represents the third preset operating time of the aerosol generator. The system determines whether the temperature of the aerosol generator at startup time t0 is lower than the first preset temperature T1, obtaining a first judgment result. If the first judgment result indicates yes, the startup mode of the aerosol generator in the current operating cycle is determined to be cold start. Figure 4 As shown; if the first judgment result indicates that the temperature of the aerosol generating device at startup time t0 is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature T1, then the startup mode of the aerosol generating device in the current working cycle is determined to be a hot start, such as... Figure 5 As shown;

[0070] Then, after the current work cycle ends, it is determined whether the start-up method corresponding to the current work cycle is a cold start, and a second judgment result is obtained; if the second judgment result indicates a cold start, the number of continuous heating times corresponding to the current work cycle is set to zero, and then it is determined whether the working time of the current work cycle is greater than the first preset time t2. If the working time of the aerosol generating device is greater than the first preset time t2, the number of continuous heating times corresponding to the current work cycle is updated to 1, and the updated number of continuous heating times is stored.

[0071] If the second judgment result indicates that the engine is started, and the working time of the aerosol generating device is greater than the first preset time t2, the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle will be updated to 1, and the updated number of consecutive heating cycles will be stored.

[0072] Then, the current temperature of the aerosol generating device is acquired; it is determined whether the current temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, a third determination result is obtained, and if the third determination result indicates yes, it indicates that the aerosol generating device has been completely cooled, and a release protection signal is output to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device can release the protection mode according to the release protection signal, such as... Figure 6 As shown, t0 is the second preset temperature, t1-t5 are the cooling times of the aerosol generating device, and the current temperature of the aerosol generating device at time t4 is obtained. Since the current temperature is less than the second preset temperature T0, a protection release signal can be output to the aerosol generating device.

[0073] This embodiment relates to another specific control method for an aerosol generating device, including the following steps:

[0074] The horizontal axis t(s) represents the working time of the aerosol generating device, the vertical axis T(°C) represents the temperature of the aerosol generating device, and t4 represents the second preset time. Firstly, assuming the first working cycle is the initial start-up cycle of the aerosol generating device, the start-up method for the aerosol generating device in the first working cycle is determined to be a cold start, such as... Figure 7 As shown, T0 is the start-up temperature of the aerosol generating device, t1-t2 is the start-up and working time of the aerosol generating device, and t2 to t4 are the times when the heating element of the aerosol generating device is not working. The current time after the heating element of the aerosol generating device finishes working is t2. The interval between the first working cycle and the second working cycle is obtained. The second working cycle is a continuous cycle of the first working cycle. The interval is the time difference between the end time of the first working cycle and the start time of the second working cycle. If the interval is less than or equal to the second preset time t4, the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in the second working cycle is determined to be heat engine start-up.

[0075] Then, after the current work cycle ends, it is determined whether the start-up method corresponding to the current work cycle is a cold start, and a second judgment result is obtained; if the second judgment result indicates a cold start, the number of continuous heating times corresponding to the current work cycle is set to zero, and then it is determined whether the working time of the current work cycle is greater than the first preset time t1. If the working time of the aerosol generating device is greater than the first preset time t1, the number of continuous heating times corresponding to the current work cycle is updated to 1, and the updated number of continuous heating times is stored.

[0076] If the second judgment result indicates that the engine is started, and the working time of the aerosol generating device is longer than the first preset time t1, the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle will be updated to 1, and the updated number of consecutive heating cycles will be stored.

[0077] Then, starting from the moment the protection mode of the aerosol generator is activated, a timer is started. The timer continues until the duration exceeds the third preset duration t4, at which point the timer stops and a release signal is output to the aerosol generator, causing the aerosol generator to release its protection mode based on the release signal. Figure 8 As shown, the time between 0 and t4 is the duration of the aerosol generating device in protection mode (cooling time). Since t3 is between 0 and t4, if the aerosol generating device receives a start signal at time t3, the cooling time corresponding to time t3 is less than the third preset time, so the aerosol generating device will not release the protection mode. However, if the aerosol generating device receives a start signal after time t4, the aerosol generating device can release the protection mode.

[0078] This application also provides an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: a heating element for heating an aerosol article to generate an aerosol; a controller; a memory; and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the controller, and the one or more programs include a control method for performing the aerosol generating apparatus provided in this application.

[0079] This application also provides a control device for an aerosol generating apparatus. It should be noted that the control device for the aerosol generating apparatus in this application can be used to execute the control method for the aerosol generating apparatus provided in this application. This device is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments; details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the apparatus described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0080] The control device of the aerosol generating apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0081] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the control device of an aerosol generating apparatus according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 As shown, the device includes:

[0082] The acquisition module 301 is used to acquire the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles and the heating duration of each working cycle, wherein the start-up mode is cold start or hot start;

[0083] The determining module 302 is used to determine the number of consecutive working cycles that meet preset conditions in multiple working cycles based on the starting method and heating duration, and to obtain the number of consecutive heating cycles. The preset conditions include: the starting method corresponding to the working cycle is a hot start, and the heating duration of the working cycle is greater than or equal to a first preset duration.

[0084] The start-up module 303 is used to activate the protection mode of the aerosol generating device when the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. The protection mode is a mode that stops the heating of the aerosol generating device.

[0085] In some embodiments, the acquisition module includes: a first processing submodule, configured to acquire the interval between any two consecutive working cycles, wherein the two working cycles include a first working cycle and a second working cycle, and the interval is the time difference between the end time of the first working cycle and the start time of the second working cycle; a second processing submodule, configured to determine that the aerosol generating device is started as a cold start in the second working cycle when the interval is longer than a second preset time; and a third processing submodule, configured to determine that the aerosol generating device is started as a hot start in the second working cycle when the interval is shorter than or equal to the second preset time.

[0086] In some embodiments, the acquisition module includes: a fourth processing submodule, used to acquire the start-up temperature corresponding to the start time of the working cycle; a fifth processing submodule, used to determine whether the start-up temperature is less than a first preset temperature and obtain a first determination result; a sixth processing submodule, used to determine that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is cold start when the first determination result indicates that it is less than the first preset temperature; and a seventh processing submodule, used to determine that the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is hot start when the first determination result indicates that it is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature.

[0087] In some embodiments, the determining module includes: an eighth processing submodule, configured to determine whether the start-up mode corresponding to the current working cycle is cold start, and obtain a second determination result; a ninth processing submodule, configured to set the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to zero when the second determination result indicates yes; and a tenth processing submodule, configured to obtain the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle when the second determination result indicates no, increment the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle by 1 to update the number of consecutive heating cycles, and store the updated number of consecutive heating cycles.

[0088] In some embodiments, the determining module further includes: an eleventh processing submodule, configured to obtain the working duration of the current working cycle; determine whether the working duration of the current working cycle is greater than or equal to a first preset duration; and a twelfth processing submodule, configured to update the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to 1 and store the updated number of consecutive heating cycles if the working duration of the current working cycle is greater than or equal to the first preset duration.

[0089] In some embodiments, the control device further includes: a thirteenth processing submodule, configured to acquire the current temperature of the aerosol generating device in protection mode; a fourteenth processing submodule, configured to determine whether the current temperature is less than a second preset temperature and obtain a third determination result; and a fifteenth processing submodule, configured to output a release protection signal to the aerosol generating device when the third determination result indicates that the temperature is less than the second preset temperature, so that the aerosol generating device releases the protection mode according to the release protection signal.

[0090] In some embodiments, the control device further includes: a sixteenth processing submodule, configured to acquire the cooling duration of the aerosol generating device in protection mode; a seventeenth processing submodule, configured to determine whether the cooling duration is greater than a third preset duration and obtain a fourth determination result; and an eighteenth processing submodule, configured to output a release protection signal to the aerosol generating device when the fourth determination result indicates that it is greater than the third preset duration, so that the aerosol generating device releases the protection mode according to the release protection signal.

[0091] In some embodiments, the startup module includes an alarm submodule, which controls the aerosol generating device to output an alarm message when the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. The alarm message is used to indicate that the aerosol generating device cannot perform the heating function.

[0092] The control unit of the aerosol generation device includes a processor and a memory. The aforementioned acquisition module, determination module, and start-up module are all stored as program units in the memory, and the processor executes these program units stored in the memory to achieve the corresponding functions. All of the above modules are located in the same processor; alternatively, the various modules may be located in different processors in any combination.

[0093] The processor contains a kernel, which retrieves the corresponding program units from memory. One or more kernels can be configured, and adjusting kernel parameters can extend the lifespan of the aerosol generation device.

[0094] The memory may include non-permanent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM, and the memory includes at least one memory chip.

[0095] This invention provides a computer-readable storage medium including a stored program, wherein, when the program is running, a control method for controlling the device containing the computer-readable storage medium to execute an aerosol generating apparatus is provided.

[0096] This application also provides a computer program product, which, when executed on a data processing device, is suitable for executing an initialization program having at least the following method steps: acquiring the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles and the heating duration of each working cycle, wherein the start-up mode is cold start or hot start; determining the number of working cycles that continuously meet preset conditions in multiple working cycles based on the start-up mode and heating duration, thereby obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles, wherein the preset conditions include: the start-up mode corresponding to the working cycle is hot start, and the heating duration of the working cycle is greater than or equal to a first preset duration; and activating a protection mode for the aerosol generating device when the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, wherein the protection mode is a mode that stops the heating of the aerosol generating device.

[0097] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. They can be implemented using computer-executable program code, and thus can be stored in a storage device for execution by a computing device. In some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a different order than those described herein, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0098] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0099] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0100] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0101] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0102] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0103] Memory may include non-persistent memory in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0104] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0105] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0106] As can be seen from the above description, the embodiments of this application achieve the following technical effects:

[0107] By acquiring the startup mode and heating duration of the aerosol generator in multiple working cycles, the number of consecutive hot-start cycles with a heating duration exceeding a first preset duration is determined, resulting in the number of consecutive heating cycles. When the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, a protection mode for the aerosol generator is activated. This ensures that the protection is triggered when the aerosol generator is subjected to multiple consecutive heating cycles, allowing it to cool down during the protection mode. This prevents the high temperatures caused by repeated use from affecting the internal electronic components, thus preventing aging or even damage to these components due to overheating. This extends the lifespan of the aerosol generator and solves the problem of reduced lifespan due to multiple consecutive startups in existing technologies.

[0108] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: The start-up mode and heating duration of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles are obtained, wherein the start-up mode is either cold start or hot start; Based on the start-up method and the heating duration, the number of work cycles that continuously meet the preset conditions among the multiple work cycles is determined to obtain the number of consecutive heating cycles. The preset conditions include: the start-up method corresponding to the work cycle is a hot engine start-up, and the heating duration of the work cycle is greater than or equal to a first preset duration. If the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, a protection mode for the aerosol generating device is activated, wherein the protection mode is a mode that stops the heating of the aerosol generating device. The step of determining the number of consecutive working cycles that meet the preset conditions in multiple working cycles based on the start-up method and the heating duration, and obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles, includes: determining whether the start-up method corresponding to the current working cycle is a cold start, and obtaining a second determination result; if the second determination result indicates yes, setting the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to zero; if the second determination result indicates no, obtaining the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle, incrementing the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the previous working cycle by 1 to update the number of consecutive heating cycles, and storing the updated number of consecutive heating cycles. After the step of setting the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to zero when the second judgment result indicates yes, the method further includes: obtaining the working duration of the current working cycle; determining whether the working duration of the current working cycle is greater than or equal to the first preset duration; and updating the number of consecutive heating cycles corresponding to the current working cycle to 1 and storing the updated number of consecutive heating cycles when the working duration of the current working cycle is greater than or equal to the first preset duration.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The start-up modes of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles are obtained, including: Obtain the interval between any two consecutive work cycles, wherein the two work cycles include a first work cycle and a second work cycle, and the interval is the time difference between the end time of the first work cycle and the start time of the second work cycle. If the interval is longer than the second preset duration, the aerosol generating device is determined to start as a cold start in the second working cycle. If the interval is less than or equal to the second preset duration, the aerosol generating device is determined to start up as a hot start in the second working cycle.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The start-up modes of the aerosol generating device in multiple working cycles are obtained, including: Obtain the start-up temperature corresponding to the start time of the work cycle; Determine whether the start-up temperature is lower than a first preset temperature to obtain a first determination result; If the first judgment result indicates that the temperature is lower than the first preset temperature, the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is determined to be cold start. If the first judgment result indicates that the temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the start-up mode of the aerosol generating device is determined to be a hot start.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After activating the protection mode for the aerosol generating device, the control method further includes: Obtain the current temperature of the aerosol generating device in protection mode; Determine whether the current temperature is lower than the second preset temperature to obtain a third determination result; If the third judgment result indicates that the temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, a protection release signal is output to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device releases the protection mode according to the protection release signal.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After activating the protection mode for the aerosol generating device, the control method further includes: The cooling time of the aerosol generating device in protection mode is obtained; Determine whether the cooling time is greater than the third preset time to obtain the fourth determination result; If the fourth determination result indicates that the duration is greater than the third preset duration, a protection release signal is output to the aerosol generating device so that the aerosol generating device releases the protection mode according to the protection release signal.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the protection mode for the aerosol generating device is activated, including: If the number of consecutive heating cycles is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the aerosol generating device is controlled to output a warning message, which is used to indicate that the aerosol generating device cannot perform the heating function.

7. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The heating stage of the aerosol generating device includes at least a preheating stage and a suction stage, and the first preset duration includes the preheating duration corresponding to the preheating stage and / or the suction duration corresponding to the suction stage.

8. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: A heating element for heating an aerosol product to generate an aerosol; A controller, a memory, and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the controller, the one or more programs including methods for performing the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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