Control method and aerosol generating device

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to the technical field of electronic atomization, and discloses a control method and an aerosol generating device, the whole baking process is divided into a plurality of time periods according to the energy demand characteristics in the aerosol forming substrate baking process, and corresponding energy supply is set for each time period, so that the aerosol forming substrate baking efficiency is improved. Therefore, the aerosol forming substrate receives heat output by the heater in different time periods, and the aerosol generated after baking can rapidly reach a smokable state and maintain the smokable state. On the other hand, starting from the heat conduction characteristic, for each first time period, energy is continuously supplied in the first time period, and energy supply is stopped in the second time period, so that the temperature is firstly increased to the highest temperature and then reduced to the lowest temperature in the first time period, and the temperature difference between the two is 15 DEG C or above; the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol forming matrix in a large proportion when the energy is supplied in the next time period, so that the effects of improving the energy utilization rate and reducing the energy consumption are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of electronic atomization technology, and in particular to a control method and an aerosol generating device. Background Art

[0002] The aerosol generating device uses a heater to heat and bake the aerosol forming substrate to generate an aerosol for use by the user. Generally, the existing aerosol generating device adjusts the temperature of the heater by changing the power output of the power supply, and controls the temperature according to a preset temperature curve.

[0003] In some solutions known to the inventors of the present application, the temperature curve is basically a straight line, that is, the temperature of the heater is controlled to remain basically unchanged in each stage of suction, resulting in heat waste and high energy consumption. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of this, some embodiments of the present application provide a control method for an aerosol generating device, which provides energy in time periods based on energy requirements and heat conduction characteristics, so that a large proportion of the energy provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol forming matrix, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0005] In a first aspect, some embodiments of the present application provide a control method, which is applied to an aerosol generating device, wherein the aerosol generating device includes a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and a power source for providing energy to the heater, the method comprising:

[0006] In a plurality of time periods when the heater is started to heat, correspondingly controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater a plurality of times, wherein the plurality of time periods include a plurality of first time periods;

[0007] In the first time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes:

[0008] Controlling the power source to output energy supply in the current first time period and continue for a first time to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the current first time period;

[0009] Controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply in the current first time period and continuing for a second time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period;

[0010] Among them, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15℃.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first time is within 4 seconds.

[0012] In some embodiments, during the first time, the heating rate of the heater is greater than 40° C. / s.

[0013] In some embodiments, a heating rate of the heater in the first period of time is different from a heating rate of the heater in the second period of time.

[0014] In some embodiments, a heating rate of the heater in the first time is greater than a cooling rate in the second time.

[0015] In some embodiments, after controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continuing for a second time period, the method includes:

[0016] Enter the next time period and control the power source to output the energy supply for the next time period.

[0017] In some embodiments, in the first time period, before controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater, the method includes:

[0018] Detect the working time of the heater after it is started to heat;

[0019] If the working time meets the first time threshold, at least one first time period is entered.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first time threshold is greater than 60s.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0022] When controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period, determining the supplied energy of the current first time period;

[0023] If the supplied energy reaches the set energy corresponding to the current first time period, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0025] When controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period, determining the duration of the power source stopping the energy supply in the current time period;

[0026] If the duration meets the preset natural cooling time of the current first time period, the current first time period ends and enters the next time period.

[0027] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0028] When the power source is controlled to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period, detecting the real-time temperature of the heater;

[0029] If the real-time temperature drops to the preset low temperature threshold, the current first time period ends and enters the next time period.

[0030] In some embodiments, controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period includes: controlling the power source to continuously output the energy supply of the current first time period.

[0031] In some embodiments, the plurality of time periods further comprises a plurality of second time periods;

[0032] In the second time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes:

[0033] Controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current second time period, and continuing for a third time to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the current second time period;

[0034] Controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply in the current second time period and continuing for a fourth time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current second time period;

[0035] Among them, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is less than 10℃.

[0036] In some embodiments, the plurality of second time periods operate in the early stage of the suction operation phase, and the plurality of first time periods operate in the middle and / or late stage of the suction operation phase.

[0037] In some embodiments, the plurality of second time periods operate in a heat preservation operation stage, and the plurality of first time periods operate in a suction operation stage.

[0038] In a second aspect, some embodiments of the present application provide an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0039] A heater, for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol;

[0040] a power source for providing energy to the heater;

[0041] The controller is configured to control the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times in multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, wherein the multiple time periods include multiple first time periods. In the first time period, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period. The power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period, wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

[0042] In some embodiments, the heater is made of a metal having a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / (m·K).

[0043] In some embodiments, the heater is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron; in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C.

[0044] In some embodiments, the heater is made of aluminum alloy; in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

[0045] In some embodiments, the heater further comprises an energy storage layer, which is disposed between the heating element and the aerosol generating article, wherein the thermal conductivity of the energy storage layer is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heating element.

[0046] In some embodiments, the heating element is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron, and the energy storage layer is made of aluminum alloy.

[0047] The control method provided in the embodiment of the present application is applied to an aerosol generating device, which includes a heater for heating an aerosol-forming matrix to generate an aerosol, and a power source for providing energy to the heater. The control method includes correspondingly controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times in multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, wherein the multiple time periods include multiple first time periods. Taking one of the first time periods as an example, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period, and lasts for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period, and lasts for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

[0048] In this embodiment, the entire baking process is divided into multiple time periods based on the energy demand characteristics during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate, and corresponding energy supply is set for each time period, so that the aerosol-forming substrate receives the heat output by the heater in different time periods, and the aerosol generated after baking can quickly reach the inhalable state and maintain the inhalable state. On the other hand, based on the heat conduction characteristics, for each first time period, energy is continuously supplied in the first time period, and energy is stopped in the second time period, so that the temperature is first heated to the highest temperature and then reduced to the lowest temperature in the first time period, and the temperature difference between the two is above 15°C, which is conducive to the heat provided by the heater when energy is supplied in the next time period. The heat can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate in a larger proportion, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0050] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the aerosol generating article in some embodiments of the present application;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device in some embodiments of the present application;

[0052] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a control method applied to an aerosol generating device in some embodiments of the present application;

[0053] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0054] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0055] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0056] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0057] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a temperature curve of a heater in some embodiments of the present application;

[0058] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature curve of the heater in some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The present application is described in detail below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The following embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present application, but do not limit the present application in any form. It should be noted that, for those of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can also be made without departing from the concept of the present application. These all belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0060] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the present application is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0061] It should be noted that, if there is no conflict, the various features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other, all within the scope of protection of the present application. In addition, although the functional module division is performed in the device schematic diagram and the logical order is shown in the flow chart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be performed in a sequence different from the module division in the device or the flow chart. In addition, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. used herein do not limit the data and execution order, but only distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same functions and effects.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this application belongs. The terms used in this specification and in the specification of this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0063] In addition, the technical features involved in each embodiment of the present application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0064] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aerosol generating product provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol-generating article 20 comprises a filter segment 21 and a substrate segment 22 .

[0066] The substrate segment 22 comprises an aerosol-forming substrate. An aerosol-forming substrate is a substrate capable of releasing volatile compounds that can form an aerosol, and the volatile compounds can be released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate.

[0067] Aerosol formation substrate can be a solid aerosol formation substrate.Alternatively, aerosol formation substrate can include solid and liquid components.Aerosol formation substrate can include tobacco-containing material, which is included in the volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the aerosol formation substrate when heated.Alternatively, aerosol formation substrate can include non-tobacco material.Aerosol formation substrate can further include aerosol formation thing.The example of suitable aerosol formation thing is glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0068] The aerosol generated by heating the substrate segment 22 is delivered to the user through the filter segment 21, which may be a cellulose acetate filter. The filter segment 21 may be sprayed with a flavoring liquid to provide a flavor, or a separate fiber coated with a flavoring liquid may be inserted into the filter segment 21 to improve the persistence of the flavor delivered to the user. The filter segment 21 may also have a capsule in a spherical or cylindrical shape, which may contain a content of a flavoring substance.

[0069] The aerosol generating article 20 may further include a cooling section 23 disposed between the substrate section 22 and the filter section 21 for cooling the aerosol generated by the heating of the substrate section 22 so that the user can inhale the aerosol cooled to an appropriate temperature.

[0070] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol generating device 10 includes a battery cell 101, a controller 102, and a heater 103. In addition, the aerosol generating device 10 has an inner space defined by a housing, and the aerosol generating article 20 can be inserted into the inner space of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0072] The battery cell 101, i.e., the power source, is used to provide power for operating the aerosol generating device 10. For example, the battery cell 101 can provide power to heat the heater 103, and can provide power required to operate the controller 102. In addition, the battery cell 101 can provide power required to operate the display device, sensor, motor, etc. provided in the aerosol generating device 10.

[0073] The battery cell 101 may be, but is not limited to, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. For example, the battery cell 101 may also be a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) battery or a lithium titanate battery. The battery cell 101 may also be a rechargeable battery or a disposable battery.

[0074] When the aerosol generating article 20 is inserted into the aerosol generating device 10, the aerosol generating device 10 can heat the heater 103 through the power provided by the battery 101. The heater 103 increases the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate in the aerosol generating article 20 to generate an aerosol. The generated aerosol is transferred to the user through the filter segment 21 of the aerosol generating article 20 for inhalation.

[0075] The heater 103 and the aerosol-forming substrate can adopt a variety of heating coordination forms. For example, a heater adopting a central heating method is in the form of a needle, a sheet, a pin, etc., which is inserted into the interior of the aerosol-forming substrate, so that the periphery of the heater is in contact with or close to contact with the aerosol-forming substrate (as close as possible), thereby achieving heat transfer. A heater adopting a peripheral heating method is usually hollow cylindrical, and the aerosol-forming substrate is arranged inside the hollow cylindrical heater, so that the inner wall of the heater is in contact with or close to contact with the periphery of the aerosol-forming substrate (as close as possible), thereby achieving heat transfer.

[0076] The heater 103 can adopt a variety of heating platforms, for example, a resistance heat conduction heating platform, an electromagnetic induction heat conduction heating platform.

[0077] The controller 102 can control the operation of the main components of the aerosol generating device 10. In detail, the controller 102 can control the operation of the battery cell 101 and the heater 103, and can also control the operation of other components of the aerosol generating device 10.

[0078] The controller 102 is further configured to execute a control method of the aerosol generating device 10 .

[0079] The controller 102 includes at least one processor. The controller may include a logic gate array, or may include a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a memory storing a program executable in the microprocessor.

[0080] For example, the controller 102 controls the operation of the heater 103. The controller 102 may control the amount of power supplied to the heater 103, the time for which power is continuously supplied to the heater 103, and stop supplying power to the heater 103. In addition, the controller 102 may also monitor the state of the battery cell 101 (e.g., the remaining power of the battery cell 101), and / or may monitor the operating state of the heater 103 (e.g., the resistance change of the heater 103), and may generate a notification signal to prompt the user when necessary.

[0081] In addition to the battery cell 101, the controller 102 and the heater 103, the aerosol generating device 10 may also include other common components. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may include a display device for outputting visual information, and the display device may be a visual display component such as a display screen, a touch screen, or a lighting assembly. The controller 102 may send information about the state of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., whether the aerosol generating device 10 can be used), information about the heater 103 (e.g., preheating starts, preheating is being performed, or preheating is completed), information about the battery cell 101 (e.g., the remaining power of the battery cell 101, whether the battery cell 101 can be used), information related to resetting the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., reset time, resetting is being performed, or resetting is completed), information related to cleaning of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., cleaning time, cleaning is required, cleaning is being performed, or cleaning is completed), information related to charging of the aerosol generating device 10 (e.g., charging is required, charging is being performed, or charging is completed), information related to puffing (e.g., the number of puffs, puffing end notification), or information related to safety (e.g., usage time) to the user. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may also include a vibration motor for outputting tactile feedback information, and the controller 102 may generate a vibration feedback signal by using the vibration motor, and may send the above information to the user. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 also includes an airflow sensor for detecting whether the user is inhaling and / or the intensity of the inhalation. For example, the aerosol generating device 10 may include at least one input device to control the function of the aerosol generating device 10. Specifically, the input device may include a button, a touch screen, etc.; the user may perform various functions by using the input device. For example, the desired function among the multiple functions of the aerosol generating device 10 may be performed by adjusting the number of times the user presses the input device (for example, once or twice), or the time the user continues to press the input device (for example, 0.1s or 0.2s); the user may also perform the function of heating the heater 103, the function of adjusting the temperature of the heater 103, the function of cleaning the space where the aerosol generating article is inserted, the function of checking whether the aerosol generating device 10 can be operated, the function of displaying the remaining power (usable power) of the battery cell 101, and the function of resetting the aerosol generating device 10 through the input device. However, the functions of the aerosol generating device 10 are not limited thereto.

[0082] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a control method of an aerosol generating device provided in some embodiments of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the controller 102 is configured to execute a control method of the aerosol generating device 10, the method S100 comprising:

[0083] S10: During the multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, the power source is correspondingly controlled to supply energy to the heater multiple times.

[0084] After receiving the start heating instruction, the controller can control the heater to start heating, and the heating process of the heater includes multiple time periods. These multiple time periods can be distributed in the entire suction working stage of the aerosol-forming substrate or a part of the suction working stage. The suction working stage refers to such a stage, in which the aerosol can be generated by the aerosol generating device at a satisfactory rate and inhaled by the user.

[0085] Among them, the start heating instruction can be a signal generated by the user operating the input element, or it can be obtained by relying on the detection signal of the sensor, such as detecting the insertion trigger signal of the aerosol generating product into the aerosol generating device through a pressure sensor or an electrical parameter sensor, or detecting the signal started by the user's inhalation through an airflow sensor.

[0086] The controller controls the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times, all in strict accordance with the supply energy (also known as set energy) corresponding to each pre-set time period. The supply energy corresponding to these multiple time periods can be pre-stored in the memory inside the aerosol generating device for the controller to retrieve. The supply energy corresponding to these multiple time periods can also be stored in an external device connected to the aerosol generating device, such as a cloud server, a charging box memory, or a memory inside the aerosol generating device connected thereto, etc. The controller can retrieve and reference it from the external memory or server during operation.

[0087] The set energy corresponding to each time period is determined based on the energy demand characteristics during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the set energy can be an experimental value obtained based on a large number of test experiments of the applicant in combination with the material of the specific aerosol-forming substrate after the installation design of the aerosol generating device is completed, or it can be an empirical value. It is understandable that the set energy can be adjusted based on the thermal insulation performance of the heating module, and can also be adjusted based on the heat transfer rate between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater, etc.

[0088] Therefore, after receiving the instruction to start heating, the controller calls the supply energy corresponding to multiple time periods in the memory, and controls the power source to provide energy in a time-sharing manner according to several one-to-one corresponding time periods and supply energy, and the heater to provide heat to the aerosol forming matrix in a time-sharing manner.

[0089] The multiple time periods include multiple first time periods, that is, the first time period is one of the multiple time periods, and the first time period corresponds to one supply energy. In other embodiments, the other time periods correspond to another supply energy. The supply energy of the first time period and the other time periods is different.

[0090] Taking one of the first time periods as an example, S11, control the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period, and continue for the first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; S12, control the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period, and continue for the second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

[0091] It can be understood that the first time period is divided into two parts: the first time and the second time. During the first time, the power source is controlled to output energy supply so that the temperature of the heater quickly rises to the highest temperature. The first time is also called the heating time. During the second time, the power source is controlled to stop outputting energy so that the temperature of the heater drops to the lowest temperature. The second time is also called the natural cooling time. Due to the heat preservation performance of the aerosol generating device, even in the absence of energy supply, the temperature will gradually decrease in the second time and will not drop too quickly. Thus, during the entire first time period, the average temperature meets the baking temperature of the aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol generated after the aerosol forming substrate is baked can quickly reach an inhalable state and maintain an inhalable state.

[0092] For example, after entering the current first time period, the timing starts, and the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period. When the timing reaches the first time, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period. At this time, the temperature of the heater rises to the highest temperature; then, the timing is restarted. When the timing reaches the second time, the current first time period ends and enters the next time period. At this time, the temperature of the heater drops to the lowest temperature.

[0093] In some embodiments, during the second time (i.e., natural cooling time) in the first time period, the power source is controlled to output a smaller amount of energy, which is much smaller than the energy supplied during the first time period. On the one hand, it does not affect the temperature of the heater dropping to the lowest temperature during the second time period. On the other hand, maintaining the energy supply can facilitate subsequent switching to the energy supply for the next time period.

[0094] It can be understood that in the embodiment of the present application, the highest temperature is the maximum temperature within a time period, and the lowest temperature is the lowest temperature within a time period.

[0095] In the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C. When the heater is at the lowest temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate is also at a relatively low temperature (close to the lowest temperature). In the next time period, when the heater is quickly heated to the highest temperature, the aerosol-forming substrate is still at a relatively low temperature due to the hysteresis of heat transfer. Thus, the temperature difference between the surface of the heater and the surface of the aerosol-forming substrate is increased, breaking the thermal balance. Based on the heat conduction characteristics (temperature is transferred from a high-temperature object to a low-temperature object, the greater the temperature difference, the more heat is transferred), under a large temperature difference, the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate in a larger proportion, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0096] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C. For example, in the first time period, the temperature amplitude is within ±25°C. That is, in the first time period, the temperature curve is wavy with an amplitude within ±25°C. The temperature difference of 15°C to 50°C can effectively break the thermal balance between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate, and the heat provided by the heater can be more transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate and absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first time is within 4 seconds. Based on the fact that the power source will output the energy supply of the current first time period within the first time, that is, the power source needs to output the set energy corresponding to the current first time period within the first time. When the set energy is constant, the shorter the first time, the greater the output power per unit time, and the faster the heater heats up.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first time is within 4 seconds, so that the heater can quickly heat up to the maximum temperature to compensate for the temperature drop in the previous time period, and the temperature can be quickly increased. At this time, based on the large temperature difference between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater, the aerosol-forming substrate can absorb more heat from the heater, thereby improving energy utilization.

[0099] In some embodiments, during the first time, the heating rate of the heater is greater than 40° C. / s. For example, the heating rate of the heater may be greater than 50° C. / s.

[0100] It can be understood that the heating rate is the temperature rise per unit time (e.g., within 1 second). The heating rate of the heater is greater than 40°C / s, and optionally greater than 50°C / s; it can be heated to the highest temperature in a shorter time, thereby shortening the first time, which is conducive to increasing the temperature difference between the aerosol forming substrate and the heater. The heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol forming substrate in a larger proportion, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0101] In some embodiments, the heating rate of the heater in the first time is different from the cooling rate in the second time. It is understood that the heating rate of the heater in the first time depends on the output power of the power source, and the heating rate is proportional to the output power. In the second time, the power source does not provide energy supply to the heater, and the cooling rate is related to the thermal insulation performance of the aerosol generating device. Therefore, the heating rate of the heater in the first time is different from the cooling rate in the second time.

[0102] Exemplarily, the heating rate of the heater in the first time is greater than the cooling rate in the second time. It is understandable that, based on the good heat preservation performance of the aerosol generating device, the heat loss is slow, so the cooling rate in the second time is smaller and less than the heating rate of the heater in the first time.

[0103] Since the cooling rate of the heater is relatively low during the second time, the aerosol-forming substrate can continue to absorb heat from the heater to maintain the temperature to meet the baking conditions. That is to say, during the second time, the power source does not provide energy to the heater or provides a relatively small energy supply, and can also keep baking the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol. Compared with the power source continuously providing energy to the heater (the heater always generates heat at a stable power), the embodiment of the present application intermittently provides energy to the heater, which can break the thermal balance between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate, so that a larger proportion of the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0104] As can be seen from the above, the embodiment of the present application divides the entire baking process into multiple time periods based on the energy demand characteristics during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate, and sets a corresponding energy supply for each time period, so that the aerosol-forming substrate receives the heat output by the heater in different time periods, and the aerosol generated after baking can quickly reach the inhalable state and maintain the inhalable state. On the other hand, based on the heat conduction characteristics, for each first time period, energy is continuously supplied during the first time period, and energy is stopped or a smaller amount of energy is supplied during the second time period, so that the temperature is first heated to the highest temperature and then reduced to the lowest temperature during the first time period, and the temperature difference between the two is above 15°C, which is conducive to the heat provided by the heater when energy is supplied in the next time period. The heat can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate in a larger proportion, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0105] In some embodiments, after controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continuing for a second time, it includes: entering the next time period and controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the next time period.

[0106] Wherein, the next time period may be a first time period, and its energy supply mode is the same as the energy supply mode of the current first time period. Exemplarily, the current first time period is the 8th first time period among multiple first time periods, and the next time period is the 9th first time period among multiple first time periods. It can be understood that the 9th first time period corresponds to a set energy, and after the 8th first time period (current first time period) ends, the 9th first time period is entered, and the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the 9th first time period.

[0107] In other embodiments, the next time period may be a time period corresponding to another energy supply mode. For example, in the next time period, when the temperature reaches a certain threshold, the energy supply is output. For example, in the next time period, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply for a part of the time, and the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply for the remaining part of the time, and the energy supply here is different from the set energy corresponding to the first time period.

[0108] In this embodiment, the plurality of first time periods are part of the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate, and after the aerosol generating device starts heating, the power source outputs energy according to the preset time period energy supply correspondence relationship. Based on the energy demand characteristics of the aerosol-forming substrate baking process, the entire baking process is divided into a plurality of time periods, and a corresponding energy supply is set for each time period, so that the aerosol-forming substrate receives the heat output by the heater in different time periods, and the aerosol generated after baking can quickly reach and maintain an ingestible state.

[0109] In some embodiments, in the first time period, before controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater, it includes: detecting the working time of the heater being started to heat; if the working time meets the first time threshold, entering at least one first time period.

[0110] The first time threshold is a time threshold for determining whether to enter the first time period. The first time threshold can be used to indicate the end of the insulation working stage, the beginning of the suction working stage, or the end of the suction working stage.

[0111] Exemplarily, if the first time threshold is the duration of the preheating working stage (e.g., 8s), then after the preheating working stage ends and the suction working stage is entered, at least one first time period begins to be entered. The suction working stage may include multiple first time periods throughout, and the power source is controlled to provide energy to the heater in an energy supply mode corresponding to the first time period. In other words, in the suction working stage, the temperature of the heater fluctuates in a wave-like manner between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature with the first time period as a cycle, for example, fluctuates in a wave-like manner between a temperature difference of ±25°C.

[0112] It will be appreciated that the preheating operating phase refers to an operating phase in which the temperature of the aerosol-forming substrate is increased to a temperature sufficient to produce a satisfactory amount of aerosol. Aerosol may be generated during this phase, but is generally unlikely to be drawn out of the aerosol generating device by the user. For example, at the end of the preheating operating phase, the aerosol-forming substrate may have reached a temperature at which volatile components contained in the tobacco are released.

[0113] The inhalation working stage refers to a working stage in which aerosol can be generated by the aerosol generating device at a satisfactory rate and inhaled by the user. The end time of the preheating working stage is equivalent to the start time of the inhalation working stage, and the aerosol generating device can remind the user through components such as a vibration motor or a visual display component to remind the user that the aerosol generating device has entered the inhalation working stage and can perform the inhalation action.

[0114] Exemplarily, the first time threshold is greater than 60 seconds. It is understandable that if the heater is activated to heat for a duration greater than 60 seconds, it means that at least one first time period is entered at least in the early or middle stage of the puffing operation. In the early or middle stage of the puffing operation, the temperature of the heater fluctuates between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature in a wave-like manner with the first time period as a cycle, for example, fluctuates between a temperature difference of ±25°C in a wave-like manner.

[0115] In some embodiments, before the first time threshold after starting heating, a PID control algorithm is used to control the temperature of the heater. After the cumulative heating time reaches the first time threshold, at least one first time period is entered, energy is supplied according to the time period, and the temperature of the heater changes in a wave-like manner for heating.

[0116] It is understandable that as the heater continuously conducts heat, the aerosol-forming product gradually heats up from the part in contact with the heater. From the heat conduction process of the aerosol-forming product heated by the heater, it can be seen that in the early stage of starting the heating, the aerosol-forming product and the heater have not yet reached thermal equilibrium, that is, the aerosol-forming product has not been completely heated, and there may be uneven temperature. If at least one of the first time periods is entered too early and wave heating is performed, it is easy to cause the aerosol-forming product to drop in temperature seriously, and the aerosol cannot be maintained in an inhalable state.

[0117] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first time threshold is greater than 60s. When the aerosol-forming product is heated through, the heater heats in a wave-like manner, which can effectively ensure that the aerosol-forming product does not lose temperature too quickly and maintain the aerosol in an inhalable state.

[0118] In some embodiments, in the first time period, before controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater, it includes: detecting a state flag of the working stage; if the state flag satisfies a preset state flag, entering at least one first time period.

[0119] It is understandable that different working stages correspond to different status signs. The working stages include a preheating working stage, a heat preservation working stage and a suction working stage. Among them, the heat preservation working stage refers to the need to maintain the preheating temperature or a temperature slightly lower than the preheating temperature, and aerosol continues to be generated during this stage.

[0120] The status flag may be a level parameter or a character parameter, etc. For example, taking the level parameter as an example, the level parameter of the preheating working stage is 0V, the level parameter of the heat preservation working stage is 5V, and the level parameter of the suction working stage is 10V. The preset status flag may be "10V". When the level is detected to be 10V, the condition is met, and at least one first time period is entered, and the power source is controlled to output power according to the energy supply mode corresponding to the first time period.

[0121] In some embodiments, based on the working stage detected by the status flag, the motor or visual component can be controlled to work in a manner corresponding to the working stage. For example, when the preheating working stage is detected, the visual component displays a red light; when the heat preservation working stage is detected, the visual component displays a yellow light; when the suction working stage is detected, the visual component displays a green light.

[0122] In this embodiment, based on the status mark, the aerosol generating device can be accurately controlled to enter at least one first time period to compensate for the problem of smoke attenuation, so that the smoke volume can be increased. In addition, it conforms to the smoking habit and does not cause waste of smoke.

[0123] In some embodiments, the method S100 further includes:

[0124] S20: When controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period, determining the supplied energy of the current first time period.

[0125] S30: If the supplied energy reaches the set energy corresponding to the current first time period, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period.

[0126] The controller retrieves the set energy of the current first time period, and according to the set energy, the controller controls the battery cell to provide power so as to supply the set energy to the heater.

[0127] The power provided by the controller may be the maximum real-time power that the battery cell can provide; in this case, as the capacity of the battery cell decays, the duration of the energy supplied by the battery cell to the heater will also be extended.

[0128] The power provided by the controller may also be the stable power output by the battery cell after passing through the voltage regulating circuit. The specific aerosol generating device 10 also includes a voltage regulating circuit coupled between the heater 103 and the battery cell 101; the voltage regulating circuit includes a boost circuit and / or a buck circuit. For example, a BUCK-BOOST conversion circuit. It is understandable that the voltage regulating circuit is not limited to a BUCK-BOOST conversion circuit, and may also be at least one of a BOOST conversion circuit, a BUCK conversion circuit, a CUK conversion circuit, a ZETA conversion circuit, and a SEPIC conversion circuit.

[0129] In some embodiments, controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period includes: controlling the power source to continuously output the energy supply of the current first time period.

[0130] That is, the process of the controller 102 providing power can be uninterrupted continuous output, so that the heat loss of the heater 103 and the aerosol forming matrix can be better supplemented. Taking a first time period as an example, the time for the controller 102 to continuously output power only accounts for a part of the current first time period, and this part is referred to as the first time (energy supply time) in this article. In some embodiments, the first time (energy supply time) is variable, and the controller 102 controls the energy supply according to the set energy of the current first time period and the real-time output power, without limiting the energy supply time. In some embodiments, when the output power of the power source 102 is stable, the first time (energy supply time) can be pre-set. Therefore, the controller 102 can determine the output power according to the set energy of the current first time period and the preset first time (energy supply time).

[0131] It can be understood that if the heater is a resistive type, during the first time (energy supply time), the battery cell continuously outputs current to the heater, and the heater continuously generates heat. If the heater is an electromagnetic induction type, during the first time (energy supply time), the battery cell outputs a pulse voltage at a certain frequency, and the heater generates electromagnetic induction under the pulse voltage, and continuously generates heat.

[0132] In the first time (energy supply time), the heater 103 starts to rise in temperature under energy supply, and the rate of temperature rise is determined by the set energy, the actual power output, etc.

[0133] During the puffing stage, when the first time period occurs synchronously with the user's puffing action, due to the frequency setting of multiple time periods during the puffing stage, there is at least one first time period of energy supply within one puffing action (about 5s), and the heat taken away by the puffing action is extremely small, which can only cause some jitters in the temperature change of the heater 103. The heat of the heater 103 and the aerosol-forming matrix can still be replenished in time, so the temperature of the heater 103 can still be maintained within a temperature range without a significant temperature drop.

[0134] In some embodiments, the detection circuit can be used to detect electrical parameters such as voltage, current and / or resistance of the heater 103, as well as the duration of supply (energy supply time), and then the energy supplied to the heater can be calculated based on the formula of energy Q=P*t=U^2 / R*t=I^2*R*t=U*I*t.

[0135] In some embodiments, during the heating process of the heater 103, when some electrical parameters remain constant, for example, when the heater 103 is supplied with a constant voltage, or a constant current, or the resistance of the heater 103 remains constant, the supplied energy can be indirectly characterized by only monitoring some of the electrical parameters or the duration of the continuous supply.

[0136] By comparing whether the supplied energy has reached the set energy, if not, the energy supply continues; if it has reached, the power source is controlled to stop the energy supply in the first time period.

[0137] The controller 102 stops the energy supply to the heater 103 for a period of time, which will be referred to as the natural cooling time (second time) herein. In some embodiments, the natural cooling time is pre-set, and is related to factors such as the heat preservation performance of the heating module or the heat transfer demand between the heater and the aerosol forming matrix. Therefore, after completing the energy supply of the current first time period, the controller 102 stops the energy supply to the heater 103 within the preset natural cooling time, and determines whether the natural cooling time reaches the cut-off time by timing. In some embodiments, the natural cooling time may not be directly set, for example, by detecting the real-time temperature of the heater 103, to determine whether to end the natural cooling time, and the natural cooling time at this time can be changed between multiple time periods.

[0138] During the natural cooling time, since the heater 103 has no energy supply or provides less energy, the temperature of the heater 103 naturally begins to drop. This part of the temperature loss is due to the heat loss of the matrix formed by the heater 103 and the outside world / aerosol. During the puffing stage, the heat loss caused by the puffing action may also be superimposed.

[0139] With the end of the natural cooling time, the current first time period also officially ends. After repeating multiple first time periods, the total working time of the aerosol generating device 10 (or the preset number of puffs) has reached a preset threshold, or the controller 102 receives an instruction to end heating, then the aerosol generating device ends its operation and does not enter the next time period.

[0140] In some embodiments, the aerosol generating device further comprises a temperature sensor configured to determine the real-time temperature of the heater.

[0141] The method S100 further includes:

[0142] S40: When the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply in the current first time period, the real-time temperature of the heater is detected.

[0143] S50: If the real-time temperature drops to a preset low temperature threshold, the current first time period ends and the next time period begins.

[0144] The preset low temperature threshold is the lower temperature limit of the temperature of the heater. In some embodiments, those skilled in the art can set the low temperature threshold according to the preheating temperature and / or the heat preservation performance of the heater assembly.

[0145] Specifically, during the natural cooling period (equivalent to the second time above), if the real-time temperature of the heater is detected to be lower than the preset low temperature threshold, it means that the heat loss is too much, which will affect whether the heater can reach or maintain the target temperature (such as the insulation temperature or the suction temperature). Then, it is necessary to control the battery cell to start the output of the energy supply for the next time period to ensure the temperature of the heater. At this time, it is equivalent to ending the current first time period and entering the next time period.

[0146] In this embodiment, by setting a low temperature threshold as a trigger threshold for ending the natural cooling stage and starting the next time period, the heater can be heated in time periods to provide an aerosol with a good taste.

[0147] In some embodiments, the multiple time periods further include multiple second time periods. In the second time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes: controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current second time period, and continuing for a third time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current second time period. Controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply of the current second time period, and continuing for a fourth time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current second time period. Wherein, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is less than 10°C.

[0148] The second time period is one of the multiple time periods, and the second time period corresponds to an energy supply mode, that is, the energy supply mode of the second time period is different from the energy supply mode of the first time period.

[0149] In this embodiment, the second time period is a time period different from the first time period. Specifically, the third time (energy supply time in the second time period) is less than the first time (energy supply time in the first time period), and the fourth time (natural cooling time in the second time period) is less than the second time (natural cooling time in the first time period).

[0150] It is understandable that the supply energy corresponding to each second time period is pre-stored in the memory inside the aerosol generating device for the controller to retrieve. In each second time period, the controller controls the power source to supply energy to the heater strictly in accordance with the set energy corresponding to the pre-set second time period.

[0151] The set energy corresponding to each second time period is determined based on the energy demand characteristics during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate. In some embodiments, the set energy can be an experimental value obtained based on a large number of test experiments of the applicant in combination with the material of the specific aerosol-forming substrate after the installation design of the aerosol generating device is completed, or it can be an empirical value. It is understandable that the set energy can be adjusted based on the heat preservation performance of the heating module, and can also be adjusted based on the heat transfer rate between the aerosol-forming substrate and the heater, etc.

[0152] Taking one of the second time periods as an example, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current second time period, and continue for a third time to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the current second time period; the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current second time period, and continue for a fourth time to reach the minimum temperature of the heater in the current second time period; wherein the temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature is less than 10°C.

[0153] It can be understood that the second time period is divided into two parts: the third time and the fourth time. During the third time, the power source is controlled to output energy supply so that the temperature of the heater quickly rises to the highest temperature. The third time is also called the heating time. During the fourth time, the power source is controlled to stop outputting energy so that the temperature of the heater drops to the lowest temperature. The fourth time is also called the self-heating cooling time. Due to the heat preservation performance of the aerosol generating device, even in the absence of energy supply, the temperature will gradually decrease during the fourth time, and will not drop too quickly. Thus, during the entire second time period, the average temperature meets the baking temperature of the aerosol forming substrate, and the aerosol generated after the aerosol forming substrate is baked can quickly reach an inhalable state and maintain an inhalable state.

[0154] For example, after entering the current second time period, the timing starts, and the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current second time period. When the timing reaches the third time, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current second time period. At this time, the temperature of the heater rises to the highest temperature; then, the timing is restarted. When the timing reaches the fourth time, the current second time period ends and enters the next time period. At this time, the temperature of the heater drops to the lowest temperature.

[0155] In some embodiments, during the fourth time period (ie, natural cooling time) in the second time period, the power source is controlled to output a smaller amount of energy, which is much smaller than the energy supplied during the third time period, and the temperature of the heater still drops to the lowest temperature during the fourth time period.

[0156] It can be understood that, here, the maximum temperature is the maximum temperature in a second time period, and the minimum temperature is the minimum temperature in a second time period.

[0157] In the second time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is within 10°C. It can be seen that the temperature difference in the second time period is smaller than the temperature difference in the first time period. Just like the effect of the temperature difference in breaking the thermal balance in the first time period, the temperature difference in the second time period can also break the thermal balance between the heater and the aerosol-forming substrate, so that the heat provided by the heater can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0158] It is understandable that the temperature difference in the second time period is relatively small, and can be applied to the stage of sufficient aerosol, so that sufficient aerosol can be baked and stimulated with a small energy supply. Exemplarily, multiple second time periods work in the early stage of the suction working stage, and multiple first time periods work in the middle and / or late stage of the suction working stage.

[0159] See also Figure 4 The temperature curve is a wave curve, and the wave curve fluctuates up and down with the central temperature as the center, and the central temperature is the fluctuation center of the temperature wave curve. In this embodiment, based on the control strategy of the constant central temperature of the temperature wave curve, the energy supply amount of each time period is set so that the wave curve fluctuates up and down with the central temperature as the center.

[0160] like Figure 4As shown, after the aerosol generating device starts heating, it first enters the preheating working stage and then enters the suction working stage. In the preheating working stage, the controller controls the power source to output at maximum power for a certain period of time, so that the temperature rises rapidly. After the preheating working stage is completed, it enters the early stage of the suction working stage. In the early stage of the suction working stage, including multiple second time periods, the controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each second time period, and the temperature of the heater fluctuates in small waves within ±5°C. It can be understood that in the early stage of the suction working stage, the aerosol formation matrix is ​​sufficient, and a relatively small energy supply is used each time, and the temperature fluctuates in small waves, which can bake and excite sufficient aerosol. Compared with the continuous output of energy in the early stage of the suction working stage, it can improve the energy utilization rate and achieve the effect of reducing energy consumption.

[0161] After the early stage of the suction working stage is completed, it enters the middle and late stages of the suction working stage. The middle and late stages of the suction working stage include multiple first time periods. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each first time period, and the temperature of the heater fluctuates in large waves within ±25°C. In the middle and late stages of the suction working stage, the energy supply method corresponding to the first time period is used to control the output power of the power source. The energy supply corresponding to the first time period is relatively large, and there is a relatively high maximum temperature in the early stage of the suction working stage. The amplitude of the temperature wave is within ±25°C, which increases the amount of smoke. In addition, intermittently increasing the temperature is in line with the habit of suction, and will not cause aerosol waste due to continuous high-temperature baking of the aerosol to form a matrix. Compared with continuously outputting energy in the middle or late stages of the suction working stage, it can improve energy utilization and achieve the effect of reducing energy consumption.

[0162] In some embodiments, Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the temperature curve is a wave curve, and the wave curve fluctuates up and down with the central temperature as the center. The central temperature is the fluctuation center of the temperature wave curve. Figure 4 The difference between the embodiments shown in the figure is that the center temperature in the early stage of puffing and the middle and late stage of puffing are different, and the center temperature in the middle and late stage of puffing is lower than the center temperature in the early stage of puffing, so as to meet the taste requirements of different aerosol-forming products. Among them, the maximum temperature in the early stage of puffing can be the same as the maximum temperature in the middle and late stage of puffing. In other embodiments, the maximum temperature in the early stage of puffing can be different from the maximum temperature in the middle and late stage of puffing. For example, the maximum temperature in the early stage of puffing can be higher than the maximum temperature in the middle and late stage of puffing, which is conducive to saving energy consumption. For example, the maximum temperature in the early stage of puffing can be lower than the maximum temperature in the middle and late stage of puffing, which is conducive to increasing the amount of smoke in the middle and late stage of puffing.

[0163] In some embodiments, Figure 6As shown, the temperature curve is a wave curve, and the wave curve fluctuates upward with the lowest temperature as the starting point, and the lowest temperature is the lower limit of the temperature wave curve. In this embodiment, based on the control strategy of keeping the lower limit of the temperature wave curve unchanged, the energy supply of each time period is set so that the wave curve fluctuates upward with the lowest temperature as the starting point. It can be understood that, Figure 6 The energy supply method shown is similar to the above Figure 4 The energy supply methods shown are the same, and both can achieve the same functions, which will not be repeated here.

[0164] In some embodiments, Figure 7 As shown in the figure, the temperature curve is a wave curve, and the wave curve fluctuates upward with the lowest temperature as the starting point, and the lowest temperature is the lower limit of the temperature wave curve. Figure 6 The difference between the embodiments shown in the figure is that the minimum temperature in the early stage of puffing and the middle and late stages of puffing are different, and the minimum temperature in the middle and late stages of puffing is lower than the minimum temperature in the early stage of puffing, so as to adapt to the mouthfeel of different aerosol-forming products.

[0165] In some embodiments, see Figure 8 The temperature curve is a wave curve, and the wave curve fluctuates upward with the lowest temperature as the starting point, and the lowest temperature is the lower limit of the temperature wave curve. In the suction working stage, the temperature wave curve has three fluctuation amplitudes.

[0166] In the preheating working stage, the controller controls the power source to output at maximum power for a certain period of time, so that the temperature rises rapidly. The early stage of the suction working stage includes multiple second time periods a. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each second time period a. The temperature of the heater fluctuates in small waves within ±3°C. The middle stage of the suction working stage includes multiple second time periods b. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each second time period b. The temperature of the heater fluctuates in small waves within ±5°C. Among them, the second time period b and the second time period a are two different second time periods, and the set energy corresponding to the second time period b is greater than the set energy corresponding to the second time period a.

[0167] In the later stage of the puffing operation, including multiple first time periods, the controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply method corresponding to each first time period. The temperature of the heater fluctuates in a large wave within ±25°C, which can bake and stimulate sufficient aerosol.

[0168] In some embodiments, see Fig. 9 The temperature curve is a wave curve, and the wave curve fluctuates upward with the lowest temperature as the starting point. The lowest temperature is the lower limit of the temperature wave curve. During the suction working stage, the temperature wave curve has three fluctuation amplitudes. Figure 8The difference between the embodiments shown in the figure is that the minimum temperatures in the early stage of puffing, the middle stage of puffing and the late stage of puffing are different, the minimum temperature in the middle stage of puffing is lower than the minimum temperature in the early stage of puffing, and the minimum temperature in the late stage of puffing is lower than the minimum temperature in the middle stage of puffing, so as to adapt to the mouthfeel of different aerosol-forming products.

[0169] In some embodiments, the plurality of second time periods operate in a heat preservation operation stage, and the plurality of first time periods operate in a suction operation stage. The heat preservation operation stage refers to a temperature that needs to be maintained at or slightly lower than the preheating temperature, and aerosol continues to be generated during this stage.

[0170] The heat preservation working stage includes multiple second time periods. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply mode corresponding to each second time period. The temperature of the heater fluctuates in small waves within ±5°C.

[0171] The suction working stage includes multiple first time periods. The controller controls the power source to output power according to the energy supply mode corresponding to each first time period. The temperature of the heater fluctuates in a large wave within ±25°C.

[0172] In summary, the control method provided in the embodiment of the present application divides the entire baking process into multiple time periods based on the energy demand characteristics during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate, and sets a corresponding energy supply for each time period, so that the aerosol-forming substrate receives the heat output by the heater in different time periods, and the aerosol generated after baking can quickly reach a smokable state and maintain a smokable state. On the other hand, based on the heat conduction characteristics, for each first time period, energy is continuously supplied during the first time period, and energy is stopped or less energy is supplied during the second time period, so that the temperature is first heated to the highest temperature and then reduced to the lowest temperature during the first time period, and the temperature difference between the two is above 15°C, which is conducive to the heat provided by the heater when energy is supplied in the next time period. The heat can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate in a larger proportion, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0173] Some embodiments of the present application also provide an aerosol generating device, which includes a heater, a power source and a controller. The heater and the power source are respectively connected to the controller in communication.

[0174] The heater is used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate the aerosol. For example, in terms of appearance, the heater can be a needle-shaped or tubular heater; in terms of heating principle, the heater can be a resistive heater or an electromagnetic induction heater. The power source is a battery cell, which is used to provide energy for the heater.

[0175] The controller is configured to control the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times in multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, wherein the multiple time periods include multiple first time periods. In the first time period, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period. The power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period, wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

[0176] In this embodiment, the entire baking process is divided into multiple time periods based on the energy demand characteristics during the baking process of the aerosol-forming substrate, and corresponding energy supply is set for each time period, so that the aerosol-forming substrate receives the heat output by the heater in different time periods, and the aerosol generated after baking can quickly reach the inhalable state and maintain the inhalable state. On the other hand, based on the heat conduction characteristics, for each first time period, energy is continuously supplied in the first time period, and energy is stopped in the second time period, so that the temperature is first heated to the highest temperature and then reduced to the lowest temperature in the first time period, and the temperature difference between the two is above 15°C, which is conducive to the heat provided by the heater when energy is supplied in the next time period. The heat can be absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate in a larger proportion, thereby achieving the effect of improving energy utilization and reducing energy consumption.

[0177] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to execute any one of the control methods in the above method embodiments, so that the aerosol generating device has the functions that can be achieved by any one of the control methods in the above method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0178] In some embodiments, the heater is made of a metal having a thermal conductivity greater than 10W / (m·K). It is understandable that the greater the thermal conductivity, the higher the heat transfer effect, and the heat of the heater can be quickly transferred to the aerosol-forming substrate. Thus, during the heating time (for example, the first time or the third time mentioned above), the temperature of the heater can rise rapidly, forming a large temperature difference with the aerosol-forming substrate. It can be seen that the temperature difference amplitude is positively correlated with the thermal conductivity. For example, the temperature difference amplitude can reach 50°C in the first time period. For another example, in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

[0179] Exemplarily, the heater is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron, and in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is 15° C.-20° C. The heater made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron is suitable for a resistive heater or an electromagnetic induction heater.

[0180] Exemplarily, the heater is made of aluminum alloy; in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15° C. to 50° C. It is understandable that the heater made of aluminum alloy is suitable for resistive heaters but not for electromagnetic heaters.

[0181] In this embodiment, the heater is made of a metal with a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / (m·K), and the thermal conductivity is positively correlated with the heating rate, so that the heater can heat up quickly in a short time.

[0182] In some embodiments, the heater further comprises an energy storage layer, which is disposed between the heating element and the aerosol generating article, wherein the thermal conductivity of the energy storage layer is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heating element. It is understood that the heating element is a component in the heater for generating heat, such as a metal needle, sheet or tube.

[0183] For example, the heating element is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron, and the energy storage layer is made of aluminum alloy. The thermal conductivity of aluminum alloy is greater than that of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron.

[0184] It is understandable that the heat generated by the heating element is first transferred to the energy storage layer, and then transferred from the energy storage layer to the aerosol-generating product. Since the thermal conductivity of the energy storage layer is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heating element, the aerosol-forming product that contacts the energy storage layer for heat transfer can heat up quickly.

[0185] Therefore, in the preheating stage, the energy storage layer itself needs to absorb a certain amount of heat, which will cause the overall heating rate of the heater to be lower than that of the heater without the energy storage layer. When the energy storage layer reaches a certain temperature, in the subsequent insulation and suction stages, the energy storage layer has a high heat conduction efficiency, which can effectively reduce the heat transfer rate from the heater to the outside of the whole machine, thereby effectively reducing the heat loss of the whole machine.

[0186] It should be noted that the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative, wherein the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0187] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Under the concept of the present application, the technical features in the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other changes in different aspects of the present application as described above, which are not provided in detail for the sake of simplicity. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments can still be modified, or some of the technical features can be replaced by equivalents. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A control method, applied to an aerosol generating device, the aerosol generating device comprising a heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol, and a power source for providing energy to the heater, characterized in that: The method comprises: In a plurality of time periods when the heater is started to heat, correspondingly controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater a plurality of times, wherein the plurality of time periods include a plurality of first time periods; In the first time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes: Controlling the power source to output energy supply in a current first time period and continuing for a first time to reach a maximum temperature of the heater in the current first time period; Controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period and continue for a second time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period; Wherein, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature difference between the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first time is within 4 seconds.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that During the first time, the heating rate of the heater is greater than 40° C. / s.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that A temperature increase rate of the heater in the first time is different from a temperature decrease rate in the second time.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The heating rate of the heater in the first time is greater than the cooling rate in the second time.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that After controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply in the current first time period and continuing for a second time, the method includes: Enter the next time period, and control the power source to output the energy supply for the next time period.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first time period, before controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater, the method includes: Detecting the working time of the heater being started for heating; If the working time meets the first time threshold, at least one of the first time periods is entered.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The first time threshold is greater than 60s.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: When controlling the power source to output the energy supply of the current first time period, determining the supplied energy of the current first time period; If the supplied energy reaches the set energy corresponding to the current first time period, the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: When controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period, determining the duration of the power source stopping the energy supply in the current time period; If the duration meets the preset natural cooling time of the current first time period, the current first time period ends and enters the next time period.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: When controlling the power source to stop outputting energy supply in the current first time period, detecting the real-time temperature of the heater; If the real-time temperature drops to a preset low temperature threshold, the current first time period ends and the next time period begins.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The controlling the power source to output energy supply in the current first time period includes: The power source is controlled to continuously output energy supply in the current first time period.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of time periods further includes a plurality of second time periods; In the second time period, controlling the power source to supply energy to the heater includes: Controlling the power source to output energy supply in the current second time period and continuing for a third time to reach the maximum temperature of the heater in the current second time period; Controlling the power source to stop outputting the energy supply in the current second time period and continuing for a fourth time period to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current second time period; Wherein, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is less than 10°C.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The plurality of second time periods operate in the early stage of the suction operation phase, and the plurality of first time periods operate in the middle and / or late stage of the suction operation phase.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The plurality of second time periods operate in a heat preservation operation stage, and the plurality of first time periods operate in a suction operation stage.

17. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that: include: A heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol; a power source for providing energy to the heater; The controller is configured to control the power source to supply energy to the heater multiple times in multiple time periods when the heater is started to heat, wherein the multiple time periods include multiple first time periods, and in the first time period, the power source is controlled to output the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a first time to reach the highest temperature of the heater in the current first time period, and the power source is controlled to stop outputting the energy supply of the current first time period and continue for a second time to reach the lowest temperature of the heater in the current first time period, wherein the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is above 15°C.

18. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The heater is made of metal with a thermal conductivity greater than 10 W / (m·K).

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heater is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron; in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature is in the range of 15°C-20°C.

20. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heater is made of aluminum alloy; in the first time period, the temperature difference between the highest temperature and the lowest temperature ranges from 15°C to 50°C.

21. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heater further comprises an energy storage layer disposed between the heat generating body and the aerosol generating article, wherein a thermal conductivity coefficient of the energy storage layer is greater than a thermal conductivity coefficient of the heat generating body.

22. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that The heating element is made of stainless steel, Permalloy or stainless iron, and the energy storage layer is made of aluminum alloy.

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