Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of aerosol generating devices, in particular to an aerosol generating device which comprises a heating element used for heating an aerosol generating substrate to generate aerosol; the detection circuit is configured to generate a fault signal when it is detected that the aerosol generating device breaks down; the protection circuit is configured to output a first level signal when the fault signal exceeds a preset protection threshold value; after the first level signal is maintained for a preset time period, a second level signal is output; the control unit is configured to respond to the first level signal output by the protection circuit so as to execute a protection action on the aerosol generation device; and the protection circuit responds to a second level signal output by the protection circuit so as to release the protection action executed on the aerosol generation device. Therefore, in the preset time period, even if the fault signal oscillates, the protection circuit still outputs the first level signal which is not changed into the second level signal, and the aerosol generating device still executes the protection action.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerosol generation device technology, and specifically to an aerosol generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Overcurrent detection and protection is a crucial function of high-power aerosol generators. Currently, most aerosol generators on the market handle abnormal signals, such as overcurrent or overvoltage (signals exceeding certain thresholds), by simply triggering protection upon receiving the abnormal signal and locking the circuit (remaining inactive). A reset signal from the system is required to restore normal operation. Figure 1 As shown, when the protection detection signal, such as current or voltage signal, exceeds the protection threshold, the output is directly pulled to a low level (stop working), and no matter how the protection detection signal changes afterward, the output remains at a low level for protection. Only when the system gives a reset signal to release the protection will the system resume normal operation.

[0003] In the above situations, such as Figure 2 As shown, some existing aerosol generating devices have a fixed protection threshold that is monitored in real time. If this threshold is exceeded, protection is activated; otherwise, protection is deactivated, and normal operation resumes immediately. The problem with this circuit is that there may not be enough protection time before resuming normal operation (t in the diagram is usually less than 1ms). If the protection detection signal oscillates rapidly around the protection threshold for a short period, the system will continuously and rapidly switch between protection and unlocking states, resulting in a very short protection output time t, which may not provide effective protection. Therefore, as... Figure 3 As shown, by adding a protection window range, also known as hysteresis protection, this hysteresis circuit is set with a hysteresis range of 1.67V to 3.33V. When the protection detection signal fluctuates within the hysteresis range, it will not cause the protection output to oscillate. However, if the fluctuation of the protection detection signal exceeds the hysteresis range within a short period of time, the protection output will oscillate continuously. For example, in load overcurrent detection protection, when the load is continuously under short-circuit overcurrent, even if the set hysteresis range is large, the output signal will oscillate continuously, causing the system to switch between protection and unlocking states rapidly. This makes it impossible to maintain the protection state for a sustained period of time, which can easily lead to system instability and even damage to the circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an aerosol generating device that aims to solve the problem that the protection detection signal oscillates for a short period of time, causing the output signal to oscillate continuously, resulting in the system constantly and rapidly switching between protection and unlocking states, and failing to maintain the protection state for a sustained period of time.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This application provides an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising: Heating element for heating the aerosol generation matrix to generate aerosols; The detection circuit is configured to generate a fault signal when a malfunction is detected in the aerosol generating device; The protection circuit is configured to output a first-level signal when the fault signal exceeds a preset protection threshold; and to output a second-level signal after maintaining the first-level signal for a preset period of time. The control unit is configured to respond to the first level signal output by the protection circuit to perform a protection action on the aerosol generating device; and to respond to the second level signal output by the protection circuit to deactivate the protection action performed on the aerosol generating device.

[0006] As one example, a voltage conversion circuit is also included, configured to convert the fault signal into a fault voltage signal; The protection circuit is configured to output the first level signal when the fault voltage signal exceeds a preset voltage protection threshold; and to output the second level signal after maintaining the first level signal for a preset time period.

[0007] As one example, the protection circuit includes a reference voltage generation circuit, an input voltage generation circuit, and a comparison circuit, wherein the comparison circuit includes a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal; The reference voltage generation circuit is configured to generate a first reference voltage to the non-inverting input terminal based on the power supply voltage when the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal; and to raise the voltage of the non-inverting input terminal from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage after a preset time period when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal. The input voltage generation circuit is configured to generate a first input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal when the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal; and to generate a second input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal and / or the power supply voltage when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal. The comparator circuit is configured to output the second level signal when the first input voltage is less than the first reference voltage; it is also configured to output the first level signal when the first input voltage is greater than the first reference voltage, so that the voltage of the inverting input terminal switches from the first input voltage to the second input voltage, and the voltage of the non-inverting input terminal rises from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage, which is greater than the second input voltage, after a preset time period, thereby re-outputting the second level signal.

[0008] As one example, the reference voltage generation circuit includes a first switching circuit, a delay circuit, and a first voltage divider circuit; The first switching circuit is configured to turn on when the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal, thereby shorting the two ends of the capacitor in the delay circuit, and causing the first voltage divider circuit and the resistor in the delay circuit to generate a first reference voltage to the non-inverting input terminal based on the power supply voltage. Furthermore, the first switching circuit is configured to turn off when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal, so that the delay circuit works normally, thereby increasing the voltage at the non-inverting input terminal from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage after a preset time period.

[0009] As one example, the first voltage divider circuit includes a first resistor and a second resistor. The first terminal of the first resistor is input to the power supply voltage, the first terminal of the second resistor is grounded, and the second terminals of both the first and second resistors are electrically connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The delay circuit includes a third resistor and a first capacitor. The first terminal of the first capacitor is grounded, the second terminal of the first capacitor is electrically connected to the first terminal of the third resistor, and the second terminal of the third resistor is electrically connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The first switching circuit includes a first switching transistor and a fourth resistor. The first end of the fourth resistor is electrically connected to the output end of the comparator circuit. The control end of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the second end of the fourth resistor. The first terminal of the first switching transistor is grounded. The second terminal of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the first end of the third resistor.

[0010] As one example, the preset time period is determined by the parameters of the first resistor, the second resistor, the third resistor, and the first capacitor.

[0011] As one example, the input voltage generation circuit includes a second switching circuit and a second voltage divider circuit; The second switching circuit is configured to turn off when the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal, such that the second voltage divider circuit generates a first input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal; Furthermore, the second switching circuit is turned on when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal, so as to generate a second input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal and / or the power supply voltage.

[0012] As one example, the second voltage divider circuit includes a fifth resistor and a sixth resistor. The first terminal of the fifth resistor is input to the fault voltage signal, the first terminal of the sixth resistor is grounded, and the second terminals of both the fifth and sixth resistors are electrically connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The second switching circuit includes a second switching transistor, a seventh resistor, and an eighth resistor. The first end of the seventh resistor is electrically connected to the output terminal of the comparator circuit, and the second end of the seventh resistor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor. The first terminal of the second switching transistor receives the power supply voltage, and the second terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the first end of the eighth resistor. The second end of the eighth resistor is electrically connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit.

[0013] As one example, the second voltage divider circuit further includes a second capacitor, the first end of which is grounded and the second end of which is electrically connected to the inverting input of the comparator circuit.

[0014] As one example, a pull-up circuit is also included, the pull-up circuit including a pull-up resistor, a first end of which receives the power supply voltage, and a second end of which is electrically connected to the output of the comparator circuit.

[0015] As one example, the preset time period is between 0.1 seconds and 5 seconds.

[0016] The aerosol generating device described in this invention has the following advantages: When a fault is detected in the aerosol generator, the detection circuit generates a fault signal. When the fault signal exceeds a preset protection threshold, the protection circuit outputs a first-level signal. The control unit responds to the first-level signal output by the protection circuit and performs a protection action on the aerosol generator. Since the protection circuit maintains the first-level signal for a preset time period before outputting a second-level signal, the control unit responds to the second-level signal output by the protection circuit and releases the protection action on the aerosol generator. Therefore, even if the fault signal oscillates within the preset time period, the aerosol generator will still perform a protection action because the protection circuit still outputs the first-level signal and does not change to the second-level signal. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a simulation waveform diagram of the input and corresponding protection output of one type of protection detection signal in the existing technology; Figure 2 This is a simulation waveform diagram of another type of protection detection signal input and corresponding protection output in the existing technology; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the hysteresis protection circuit structure in the prior art; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit portion of an aerosol generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit portion of an aerosol generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the protection circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the protection circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the protection circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 To and Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the circuit corresponding to the structure shown; Figure 12 for Figure 11 A simulation waveform diagram of the circuit shown; Figure 13 for Figure 11 Another simulation waveform of the circuit shown.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100. Atomizer; 110. Electrical contact; 111. Heating element; 200. Power supply mechanism; 210. Battery cell; 220. Control circuit board; 230. Power supply contact; 240. Charging module; 250. Sensor; 260. Separator; 270. Receiving cavity; 300. Aerosol generating device; 301. Aerosol generating product; 302. Chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] See also Figure 4As shown, this embodiment proposes an aerosol generating device that can be used to atomize a liquid matrix (liquid aerosol generating matrix) to generate an aerosol. In an optional embodiment, the liquid matrix preferably comprises a tobacco-containing material, which includes volatile tobacco flavor compounds released from the liquid matrix upon heating. Alternatively or additionally, the liquid matrix may contain non-tobacco materials. The liquid matrix may include water, ethanol or other solvents, plant extracts, nicotine solutions, and natural or artificial flavorings. Preferably, the liquid matrix further comprises an aerosol forming agent. Examples of suitable aerosol forming agents are glycerol and / or propylene glycol.

[0021] The aerosol generating device proposed in this embodiment includes an atomizer 100 that stores a liquid matrix and vaporizes it to generate an aerosol, and a power supply mechanism 200 that supplies power to the atomizer 100.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, for example Figure 4 As shown, the power supply mechanism 200 includes a receiving cavity 270 disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction for receiving and accommodating at least a portion of the atomizer 100, and a power supply contact 230 exposed at least partially on the surface of the receiving cavity 270 for supplying power to the atomizer 100 when at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is received and accommodated within the power supply mechanism 200.

[0023] according to Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, an electrical contact 21 is provided on the end of the atomizer 100 opposite to the power supply mechanism 200 in the longitudinal direction. When at least a portion of the atomizer 100 is received in the receiving cavity 270, the electrical contact 21 forms an electrical connection by contacting and abutting against the power supply contact 230. The electrical contact 21 supplies power to the heating element 111 disposed inside the atomizer 100, thereby causing the heating element 111 to convert the liquid matrix into an aerosol.

[0024] A partition 260 is provided within the power supply mechanism 200, and this partition 260 divides at least a portion of the internal space of the power supply mechanism 200 to form a receiving cavity 270. Figure 4 In the preferred embodiment shown, the separator 260 is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the power supply mechanism 200; and the separator 260 is flexible, thereby preventing the liquid matrix leaking from the atomizer 100 into the receiving cavity 270 from flowing into electronic components such as the control circuit board 220 and the sensor 250 inside the power supply mechanism 200.

[0025] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the power supply mechanism 200 further includes a battery cell 210 for power supply located at the other end of the receiving cavity 270 in the longitudinal direction; and a control circuit board 220 disposed between the battery cell 210 and the receiving cavity, the control circuit board 220 being operable to guide current between the battery cell 210 and the power supply contact 230.

[0026] The control circuit board 220 integrates a protection circuit. For example, when the heating element 111 experiences overcurrent, overvoltage, or short circuit, the protection circuit can put the system into a protection state, thereby preventing the heating element 111 from being damaged by excessive temperature and excessive current due to the lack of such protection circuit, thus extending the product's working cycle and achieving the function of product safety protection.

[0027] In use, the power supply mechanism 200 includes a sensor 250 for sensing the suction airflow generated when the atomizer 100 is inhaled, and then the control circuit board 220 controls the battery cell 210 to output current to the atomizer 100 according to the detection signal of the sensor 250.

[0028] Further in Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the power supply mechanism 200 has a charging module 240 at the other end away from the receiving cavity 270 for charging the battery cell 210.

[0029] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the present invention provides an aerosol generating apparatus that can be used to heat an aerosol generating article 301 to generate an aerosol. In an optional embodiment, the aerosol generating article 301 preferably uses a tobacco-containing material that releases volatile compounds from a matrix upon heating; or it may be a non-tobacco material suitable for electrically heated smoking after heating. The aerosol generating article 301 preferably uses a solid matrix, which may include one or more of vanilla leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, expanded tobacco, powders, granules, fragments, strips, or sheets; or the solid matrix may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile aroma compounds to be released when the matrix is ​​heated.

[0030] The aerosol generating device 300 proposed in this embodiment includes a battery cell 210, a control circuit board 220, a charging module 240, and a heating element 111. A controller is provided on the control circuit board 220, the charging module 240 is electrically connected to the controller, and the battery cell 210 and the heating element 111 are respectively electrically connected to the controller, so that the controller can control the battery cell 210 to provide electrical energy to the heating element 111.

[0031] The control circuit board 220 integrates a protection circuit. For example, when the heating element 111 experiences overcurrent, overvoltage, or short circuit, the protection circuit can put the system into a protection state, thereby preventing the heating element 111 from being damaged by excessive temperature and excessive current due to the lack of such protection circuit, thus extending the product's working cycle and achieving the function of product safety protection.

[0032] The aerosol generating apparatus 300 also includes a longitudinally extending chamber 302 for housing a cigarette-shaped aerosol generating article 301 used in conjunction with the aerosol generating apparatus 300. A heating element 111 is attached to the outer wall of the chamber 302 to heat the aerosol generating article 301 within the chamber 302. The active material filling the aerosol generating article 301 evaporates upon heating, generating aerosol. A user can inhale the aerosol by sucking it from the aerosol generating article 301. In some embodiments, the heating element 111 extends at least partially into the chamber 302, and its end extending into the chamber 302 is configured as a pin or plate to facilitate smooth insertion of the heating element 111 into the aerosol generating article 301 for heating.

[0033] like Figure 6 As shown, the control circuit board 220 of the two aerosol generating devices provided above integrates a detection circuit, a protection circuit, and a control unit. The detection circuit is configured to generate a fault signal when a fault is detected in the aerosol generating device; the protection circuit is configured to output a first level signal when the fault signal exceeds a preset protection threshold; and after maintaining the first level signal for a preset time period, output a second level signal; the control unit is configured to respond to the first level signal output by the protection circuit to perform a protection action on the aerosol generating device; and respond to the second level signal output by the protection circuit to release the protection action performed on the aerosol generating device.

[0034] When a malfunction is detected in the aerosol generating device, the detection circuit generates a fault signal. When the fault signal exceeds a preset protection threshold, the protection circuit outputs a first-level signal. The control unit responds to the first-level signal output by the protection circuit and performs a protection action on the aerosol generating device. Since the protection circuit maintains the first-level signal for a preset time period before outputting a second-level signal, the control unit responds to the second-level signal output by the protection circuit and releases the protection action on the aerosol generating device. Generally, the preset time period is between 0.1 seconds and 5 seconds; or between 0.5 seconds and 5 seconds; or between 0.5 seconds and 4 seconds; or between 0.5 seconds and 3 seconds; or between 0.5 seconds and 2 seconds; or between 1 second and 2 seconds.

[0035] Therefore, even if the fault signal oscillates within the preset time period, the aerosol generating device will still perform its protective action because the protection circuit continues to output a first-level signal and does not change to a second-level signal. Furthermore, since the second-level signal is only output after the first-level signal has been maintained for the preset time period, the first-level signal output by the protection circuit can be easily read by the control unit even for very short-lived, narrow-pulse fault signals. This allows the control unit to monitor the abnormal protection status of the entire system.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the control circuit board 220 also integrates a voltage conversion circuit, which is configured to convert the fault signal into a fault voltage signal; the protection circuit is configured to output a first level signal when the fault voltage signal exceeds a preset voltage protection threshold; and after maintaining the first level signal for a preset time period, output a second level signal.

[0037] Since faults include overcurrent and overvoltage, fault signals include current and voltage signals. When the fixed signal is a current signal, the voltage conversion circuit can convert the current signal into a voltage signal, so that the protection circuit can determine whether the fault voltage signal exceeds the preset voltage protection threshold. If the fault voltage signal exceeds the preset voltage protection threshold, it indicates that there is overcurrent or overvoltage. Therefore, the protection circuit needs to output a first-level signal to make the control unit respond to the first-level signal and perform protection action on the aerosol generating device to protect the control circuit board 220. If the fault voltage signal does not exceed the preset voltage protection threshold, it indicates that there is no overcurrent or overvoltage. The protection circuit still outputs a second-level signal to make the control unit respond to the second-level signal, and the aerosol generating device works normally.

[0038] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the protection circuit includes a reference voltage generation circuit, an input voltage generation circuit, and a comparison circuit, wherein the comparison circuit includes a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal. The reference voltage generation circuit is configured to generate a first reference voltage to the non-inverting input terminal based on the power supply voltage when the comparator circuit outputs a second level signal; and to raise the voltage at the non-inverting input terminal from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage after a preset time period when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal. The input voltage generation circuit is configured to generate a first input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal when the comparator circuit outputs a second level signal; and to generate a second input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal and / or the power supply voltage when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal. The comparator circuit is configured to output a second level signal when the first input voltage is less than the first reference voltage; it is also configured to output a first level signal when the first input voltage is greater than the first reference voltage, so that the voltage at the inverting input terminal switches from the first input voltage to the second input voltage, while the voltage at the non-inverting input terminal rises from the first reference voltage to a second reference voltage greater than the second input voltage after a preset time period, thereby re-outputting the second level signal.

[0039] The comparator circuit determines whether to output a first-level signal or a second-level signal by comparing the magnitude of the first input voltage at the inverting input terminal with the first reference voltage at the non-inverting input terminal, and the magnitude of the second input voltage at the inverting input terminal with the second reference voltage at the non-inverting input terminal. Furthermore, the first-level and second-level signals are used to adjust the changes between the first and second input voltages and between the first and second reference voltages. The voltage at the non-inverting input terminal needs a preset time period to rise from the first reference voltage to a second reference voltage greater than the second input voltage. Therefore, even if the fault voltage signal in the input voltage generation circuit oscillates during this preset time period, the comparator circuit outputs a first-level signal because the first reference voltage has not yet risen to a second reference voltage greater than the second input voltage. This maintains the protective action of the aerosol generator, preventing the control unit from constantly and rapidly switching between protection and unlocking states, thus maintaining system stability.

[0040] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the reference voltage generation circuit includes a first switching circuit, a delay circuit, and a first voltage divider circuit; The first switching circuit is configured to turn on when the comparator circuit outputs a second level signal, shorting the two ends of the capacitor in the delay circuit, thereby causing the first voltage divider circuit and the resistor in the delay circuit to generate a first reference voltage to the non-inverting input based on the power supply voltage. Furthermore, the first switching circuit is configured to turn off when the comparator circuit outputs a first level signal, so that the delay circuit can work normally, thereby increasing the voltage at the non-inverting input terminal from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage after a preset time period.

[0041] The first switching circuit is turned on or off according to the level signal output by the comparator circuit, thereby controlling the charging and discharging of the capacitor in the delay circuit. When the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal, the first switching circuit is off, and the capacitor in the delay circuit is charged. After being fully charged, the voltage across the resistor in the delay circuit is the same, so the resistor branch is equivalent to an open circuit. In conjunction with the first voltage divider circuit, the voltage at the non-inverting input terminal is raised from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage after a preset time period. The second reference voltage is greater than the second input voltage, and the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal. The aerosol generating device is deprotected and enters normal operation. The first switching circuit is turned on, and the capacitor in the delay circuit is grounded, so that the resistor in the delay circuit, in conjunction with the first voltage divider circuit, generates the first reference voltage at the non-inverting input terminal based on the power supply voltage.

[0042] like Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the first voltage divider circuit includes a first resistor R1 and a second resistor R2. The first terminal of the first resistor R1 is input to the power supply voltage VDD, the first terminal of the second resistor R2 is grounded, and the second terminals of the first resistor R1 and the second terminal of the second resistor R2 are both electrically connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The delay circuit includes a third resistor R3 and a first capacitor C1. The first terminal of the first capacitor C1 is grounded, the second terminal of the first capacitor C1 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the third resistor R3, and the second terminal of the third resistor R3 is electrically connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The first switching circuit includes a first switching transistor T1 and a fourth resistor R8. The first end of the fourth resistor R8 is electrically connected to the output end of the comparator circuit. The control end of the first switching transistor T1 is electrically connected to the second end of the fourth resistor R8. The first terminal of the first switching transistor T1 is grounded. The second terminal of the first switching transistor T1 is electrically connected to the first end of the third resistor R3.

[0043] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the comparison circuit includes a comparator U1, which is powered by a single power supply. The first switching transistor T1 is an NMOS transistor, with its control terminal being the gate, its first electrode being the source, and its second electrode being the drain. The second terminals of the first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are both electrically connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator U1; the second terminal of the third resistor R3 is electrically connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator U1; and the first terminal of the fourth resistor R8 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the comparator U1.

[0044] When the output terminal of comparator U1 outputs the second level signal, the first switch T1 is turned on. Since the second terminal of the first switch T1 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the third resistor R3, the first terminal of the third resistor R3 is grounded. At this time, the first reference voltage VREF1 input to the non-inverting input terminal of comparator U1 is VDD*(R1||R3) / (R1+R2||R3). When the comparator U1 outputs the first level signal, the first switch T1 is turned off. Therefore, the first capacitor C1 is charged through the third resistor R3. The first reference voltage input to the non-inverting input of the comparator U1 will slowly rise over time until the first capacitor C1 is fully charged. At this time, the voltage across the third resistor R3 is the same, so the branch containing the third resistor R3 is equivalent to an open circuit. The second reference voltage input to the non-inverting input of the comparator U1 is VREF2 = VDD*R2 / (R1+R2), which is obviously VREF2>VREF1.

[0045] The preset time period is the charging time, and the charging time constant τ=RC during this charging process, where R=(R1||R2)+R3. Therefore, the charging time is determined by the parameters of the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2, the third resistor R3 and the first capacitor C1. Users can control the length of the preset time period by setting the values ​​of the parameters of the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2, the third resistor R3 and the first capacitor C1.

[0046] like Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the input voltage generation circuit includes a second switching circuit and a second voltage divider circuit; The second switching circuit is configured to turn off when the comparator circuit outputs a second level signal, so that the second voltage divider circuit generates a first input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal. Furthermore, the second switching circuit is turned on when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal, so as to generate a second input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal and / or the power supply voltage.

[0047] The second switching circuit is turned on or off according to the level signal output by the comparator circuit, thereby cooperating with the first voltage divider circuit. When the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal, the second switching circuit is off, and the second voltage divider circuit generates the first input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal. When the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal, the second switching circuit is turned on, and the second voltage divider circuit generates the second input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal and the power supply voltage.

[0048] like Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, the second voltage divider circuit includes a fifth resistor R4 and a sixth resistor R5. The first terminal of the fifth resistor R4 is input to the fault voltage signal VIN, the first terminal of the sixth resistor R5 is grounded, and the second terminals of both the fifth resistor R4 and the sixth resistor R5 are electrically connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The second switching circuit includes a second switching transistor T2, a seventh resistor R7, and an eighth resistor R6. The first terminal of the seventh resistor R7 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the comparator circuit, and the second terminal of the seventh resistor R7 is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor T2. The first terminal of the second switching transistor T2 receives the power supply voltage VDD, and the second terminal of the second switching transistor T2 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the eighth resistor R6. The second terminal of the eighth resistor R6 is electrically connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit.

[0049] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second switch T2 is a PMOS transistor, the control terminal of the second switch T2 is the gate, the first terminal is the source, and the second terminal is the drain.

[0050] When the output of comparator U1 is the second level signal, the second switch T2 is cut off. At this time, the resistance between the drain and the source is very large and can be regarded as an open circuit. Therefore, the branch where the eighth resistor R6 is located is an open circuit. The first input voltage VIN1 of the inverting input of the comparator is VIN*R5 / (R4+R5).

[0051] When the output of comparator U1 is the first level signal, the second switch T2 is turned on, and the second input voltage VIN2 at the inverting input of the comparator is VIN*(R5||R6) / (R4+R6||R6)+VDD*(R4||R5) / (R6+R4||R5).

[0052] When the comparator U1 outputs a first-level signal, the protection is activated. By properly configuring the parameters of the above components, the comparator U1 can be guaranteed to continuously output a second-level signal when the aerosol generator is operating normally.

[0053] The specific working process is as follows: When the output of comparator U1 is a second level signal, the fault voltage signal VIN is divided by the fifth resistor R4 and the sixth resistor R5 of the second voltage divider circuit and becomes the first input voltage VIN1. The first input voltage VIN1 is compared with the first reference voltage VREF1. When the fault voltage signal VIN is higher than the preset protection threshold, the first input voltage VIN1 is greater than the first reference voltage VREF1, the output of comparator U1 outputs a first level signal, and the control unit controls the aerosol generating device to start protection. Furthermore, when comparator U1 outputs the first level signal, the second switch T2 is turned on, and the input of the inverting input terminal of comparator U1 becomes the second input voltage VIN2. With appropriate parameters, even when the fault voltage signal VIN is at its lowest value of 0, VIN2 > VREF1 + V1 (the value of V1 affects the protection time). V1 is the voltage across the third resistor R3 during the charging process of the first capacitor C1.

[0054] After charging for a period of time, the non-inverting input terminal of comparator U1 will reach the second reference voltage VREF2, where VIN2 < VREF2. At this time, as long as the fault voltage signal VIN is less than the preset protection threshold, the circuit will be reset, and the control unit will control the aerosol generating device to解除保护 (remove protection), resume normal operation, and enter the next monitoring process.

[0055] For example, set the following protection parameters: the first reference voltage VREF1 is 1.0V, and the second reference voltage VREF2 is 2.0V. When the fault voltage signal VIN is greater than the preset protection threshold voltage of 2.0V, at this time the first input voltage VIN1 is greater than 1.0V, and protection is activated. At this time, if the fault voltage signal VIN is equal to 0, then V1 can be set to 0.4V, and the second input voltage VIN2 > 1.4V. The non-inverting input terminal of comparator U1 needs to be charged for a period of time to reach above 1.4V before it can be reset and unlocked.

[0056] And during the protection period, even if there is an input of the fault voltage signal VIN, as long as the fault voltage signal VIN is less than the protection threshold voltage of 2.0V and the second input voltage VIN2 < 1.9V, the non-inverting input terminal of the final comparator will be charged to above 1.9V to ensure that the protection output can be reset normally.

[0057] As Figure 13 shown, VOUT represents Figure 4 the protection output signal VOUT. When VOUT is the first level signal, the system enters the protection state. V+ and V- are the inputs to the non-inverting and inverting input terminals of comparator U1 respectively. VG3 is Figure 12 the fault signal VIN. EN is the system operation enable, and a low level means not working (i.e., entering protection).

[0058] From Figure 13 it can be seen that at time 1s, when the fault signal VIN gives an input exceeding the protection threshold (the currently set threshold is 2.0V), the protection output signal VOUT is immediately pulled down to the first level signal, and the system enters the protection state. At this time, the V+ voltage slowly rises. After time t1, the V+ voltage is greater than the V- voltage, and the system解除保护 (removes protection).

[0059] From Figure 13 it can be seen that when the fault signal VIN is greater than the protection threshold (2.0V) and protection is triggered, even if the fault signal VIN persists, as long as it does not exceed the protection threshold (2.0V), after time t2, the system can still解除保护 (remove the protection state).

[0060] As Figure 12 shown, in some embodiments, the second voltage dividing circuit further includes a second capacitor C2. The first end of the second capacitor C2 is grounded, and the second end of the second capacitor C2 is electrically connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparison circuit.

[0061] A small capacitor C2 is connected in parallel at the inverting input of comparator U1 to ensure that it does not prematurely enter the protection state during power-on.

[0062] like Figure 12 As shown, in some embodiments, a pull-up circuit is also included. The pull-up circuit includes a pull-up resistor R9. The first terminal of the pull-up resistor R9 is input to the power supply voltage, and the second terminal of the pull-up resistor R9 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the comparator circuit. The voltage value of the second level signal of the circuit output VOUT is equal to the power supply voltage value of the pull-up resistor R9, and the voltage value of the first level signal is equal to ground (0V).

[0063] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not constitute any limitation on the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: Heating element for heating the aerosol generation matrix to generate aerosols; The detection circuit is configured to generate a fault signal when a malfunction is detected in the aerosol generating device; The protection circuit is configured to output a first-level signal when the fault signal exceeds a preset protection threshold. After maintaining the first level signal for a preset time period, the second level signal is output. The control unit is configured to respond to the first level signal output by the protection circuit to perform a protection action on the aerosol generating device; And respond to the second level signal output by the protection circuit to release the protection action performed on the aerosol generating device.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a voltage conversion circuit configured to convert the fault signal into a fault voltage signal; The protection circuit is configured to output the first level signal when the fault voltage signal exceeds a preset voltage protection threshold. After maintaining the first level signal for a preset time period, the second level signal is output.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protection circuit includes a reference voltage generation circuit, an input voltage generation circuit, and a comparison circuit. The comparison circuit includes a non-inverting input terminal, an inverting input terminal, and an output terminal. The reference voltage generation circuit is configured to generate a first reference voltage to the non-inverting input terminal based on the power supply voltage when the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal. When the comparison circuit outputs the first level signal, the voltage at the non-inverting input terminal is increased from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage after a preset time period. The input voltage generation circuit is configured to generate a first input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal when the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal. When the comparison circuit outputs the first level signal, a second input voltage is generated to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal and / or the power supply voltage. The comparator circuit is configured to output the second level signal when the first input voltage is less than the first reference voltage; It is also configured to output the first level signal when the first input voltage is greater than the first reference voltage, so that the voltage of the inverting input terminal switches from the first input voltage to the second input voltage, and the voltage of the non-inverting input terminal rises from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage which is greater than the second input voltage after a preset time period, thereby re-outputting the second level signal.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reference voltage generation circuit includes a first switching circuit, a delay circuit, and a first voltage divider circuit. The first switching circuit is configured to turn on when the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal, thereby shorting the two ends of the capacitor in the delay circuit, and causing the first voltage divider circuit and the resistor in the delay circuit to generate a first reference voltage to the non-inverting input terminal based on the power supply voltage. Furthermore, the first switching circuit is configured to turn off when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal, so that the delay circuit works normally, thereby increasing the voltage at the non-inverting input terminal from the first reference voltage to the second reference voltage after a preset time period.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first voltage divider circuit includes a first resistor and a second resistor. The first terminal of the first resistor is input to the power supply voltage, the first terminal of the second resistor is grounded, and the second terminals of both the first and second resistors are electrically connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The delay circuit includes a third resistor and a first capacitor. The first terminal of the first capacitor is grounded, the second terminal of the first capacitor is electrically connected to the first terminal of the third resistor, and the second terminal of the third resistor is electrically connected to the non-inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The first switching circuit includes a first switching transistor and a fourth resistor. The first end of the fourth resistor is electrically connected to the output end of the comparator circuit. The control end of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the second end of the fourth resistor. The first terminal of the first switching transistor is grounded. The second terminal of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the first end of the third resistor.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preset time period is determined by the parameters of the first resistor, the second resistor, the third resistor, and the first capacitor.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The input voltage generation circuit includes a second switching circuit and a second voltage divider circuit; The second switching circuit is configured to turn off when the comparator circuit outputs the second level signal, such that the second voltage divider circuit generates a first input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal; Furthermore, the second switching circuit is turned on when the comparator circuit outputs the first level signal, so as to generate a second input voltage to the inverting input terminal based on the fault voltage signal and / or the power supply voltage.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second voltage divider circuit includes a fifth resistor and a sixth resistor. The first terminal of the fifth resistor is input to the fault voltage signal, the first terminal of the sixth resistor is grounded, and the second terminals of both the fifth and sixth resistors are electrically connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit. The second switching circuit includes a second switching transistor, a seventh resistor, and an eighth resistor. The first end of the seventh resistor is electrically connected to the output terminal of the comparator circuit, and the second end of the seventh resistor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor. The first terminal of the second switching transistor receives the power supply voltage, and the second terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the first end of the eighth resistor. The second end of the eighth resistor is electrically connected to the inverting input terminal of the comparator circuit.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second voltage divider circuit also includes a second capacitor, the first end of which is grounded, and the second end of which is electrically connected to the inverting input of the comparator circuit.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a pull-up circuit, which includes a pull-up resistor. The first end of the pull-up resistor is input to the power supply voltage, and the second end of the pull-up resistor is electrically connected to the output terminal of the comparator circuit.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset time period is between 0.1 seconds and 5 seconds.

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