Aerosol-generating device

Abstract

The invention provides an aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device comprises a battery cell; a heating element; the boost converter has a direct connection mode and a boost mode and comprises a voltage input pin, a voltage output pin and a feedback pin; the voltage division circuit comprises a first voltage division unit, a second voltage division unit and a first switching circuit; the control unit is configured to control the first switching circuit to be switched on, so that the boost converter enters a boost mode; and the controller is further configured to control the first switching circuit to be switched off, so that the boost converter enters a direct-through mode. According to the aerosol generation device provided by the invention, the boost converter enters the boost mode or the direct connection mode by controlling the on or off of the switching circuit in the voltage division circuit; in this way, boosting of the boost converter can be started according to actual requirements, and the problems of high energy consumption and shortening of the service life of a battery caused by long-term starting of the boost converter are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of aerosol generation technology, and more particularly to an aerosol generation apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] As one example, there is an aerosol generating device that produces an aerosol for a user to inhale by heating rather than burning a solid aerosol to form a matrix, such as a cigarette. As another example, there is a different aerosol generating device that produces an aerosol for a user to inhale by heating a liquid aerosol to form a matrix, such as e-liquid.

[0003] The aforementioned aerosol generating device typically includes a boost circuit, which increases the cell voltage to a fixed voltage to increase the output power. Then, the control unit adjusts the duty cycle of the pulse signal to regulate the heating power of the heating element, thereby achieving temperature control of the heating element.

[0004] The problems with this device are that the boost circuit has a relatively high output voltage and a relatively large peak output current, which will shorten the battery life if the high current output is maintained for a long time; the boost circuit operates in a switching state, and the inductor and high-frequency switching transistor consume a lot of energy, resulting in low energy efficiency; the ripple voltage at the output terminal of the boost circuit is relatively large, and the data is unstable when measuring the output voltage and current, which is not conducive to achieving accurate measurement and control. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an aerosol generating apparatus to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] This application provides an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0007] Battery cells are used to provide electricity;

[0008] Heating element for heating the aerosol forming matrix to generate aerosols;

[0009] A boost converter has a pass-through mode and a boost mode. The boost converter includes a voltage input pin electrically connected to the battery cell, a voltage output pin electrically connected to the heating element, and a feedback pin.

[0010] The voltage divider circuit includes a first voltage divider unit electrically connected between the voltage output pin and the feedback pin, a second voltage divider unit electrically connected between the feedback pin and ground, and a first switching circuit connected in parallel with the second voltage divider unit.

[0011] The control unit is configured to control the first switching circuit to turn on, so that the boost converter enters boost mode, thereby enabling the boost converter to boost the cell voltage input at the voltage input pin and output it to the heating element through the voltage output pin; it is also configured to control the first switching circuit to turn off, so that the boost converter enters pass-through mode, thereby enabling the boost converter to directly output the cell voltage input at the voltage input pin to the heating element through the voltage output pin.

[0012] In one example, the boost converter also includes an enable pin;

[0013] The control unit is configured to output an enable control signal to the enable pin to start the boost converter.

[0014] In one example, the control unit is configured to output the enable control signal to the enable pin when a heating start command is received.

[0015] In one example, the control unit is configured to turn on the first switching circuit when the heating element is in the heating phase and / or the heat preservation phase, and to turn off the first switching circuit when the heating element is in the suction phase.

[0016] In one example, the control unit is configured to turn on the first switching circuit during the period when the heating element rises from an initial temperature to a target temperature, and to turn off the first switching circuit when the heating element reaches the target temperature.

[0017] In one example, a second switching circuit is also included, which is electrically connected between the boost converter and the heating element or between the heating element and ground;

[0018] The control unit is configured to output a heating control signal to the second switching circuit to control the heating energy output to the heating element based on the voltage output from the voltage output pin.

[0019] In one example, a detection circuit is also included, electrically connected between the second switching circuit and the heating element, the detection circuit being used to detect electrical parameters output to the heating element;

[0020] The control unit is configured to acquire the electrical parameters detected by the detection circuit and adjust the heating control signal output to the second switching circuit based on the electrical parameters.

[0021] In one example, the detection circuit includes at least one of a voltage detection circuit and a current detection circuit, wherein the voltage detection circuit is used to detect the voltage output to the heating element, and the current detection circuit is used to detect the current output to the heating element.

[0022] In one example, the second switching circuit includes a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor;

[0023] The first terminal of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor, and the second terminal of the first switching transistor is grounded. The control terminal of the first switching transistor is used to receive the heating control signal. The first terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the boost converter, and the second terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the heating element.

[0024] In one example, it also includes an input filtering unit and an output filtering unit;

[0025] The input filter unit is electrically connected between the battery cell and the voltage input pin, and the output filter unit is electrically connected between the voltage output pin and the heating element.

[0026] In one example, the first switching circuit includes a third switching transistor and a resistor connected in series.

[0027] The aerosol generating device provided in this application controls the switching circuit in the voltage divider circuit to enable the boost converter to enter boost mode or direct mode. This allows the boost converter to be started according to actual needs, avoiding the problems of high energy consumption and shortened battery life caused by long-term start-up of the boost converter. Attached Figure Description

[0028] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heating curve of the heating element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a circuit block diagram provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a specific circuit diagram provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 This is another specific circuit diagram provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the control method for the aerosol generating apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the aerosol generating device includes a nozzle 11, a liquid storage unit 12, a liquid transfer unit 13, a heating element 14, a circuit 15, a battery cell 16, and a suction detector 17.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In one example, the aforementioned components are integrally formed, and the aerosol generating device is a typical integrated device. In another example, the aerosol generating device includes an atomizer and a power supply assembly detachably connected to the atomizer. The atomizer is often referred to as a cartridge, and the power supply assembly is often referred to as a device. The circuit 15, the battery 16, and the inhalation detector 17 are disposed in the power supply assembly. The mouthpiece 11, the liquid storage unit 12, the liquid delivery unit 13, and the heating element 14 are disposed in the atomizer.

[0041] The nozzle 11 is used for users to inhale the aerosol generated by heating.

[0042] The liquid storage unit 12 is used to store a liquid aerosol forming matrix capable of generating aerosols.

[0043] Liquid aerosol forming matrices can be liquid matrices containing tobacco-containing substances, including volatile tobacco aroma components, or they can be liquid matrices containing non-tobacco substances. Generally, liquid aerosol forming matrices include aerosol forming agents such as glycerol and propylene glycol.

[0044] The liquid transfer unit 13 is capable of transferring the liquid aerosol stored in the liquid storage unit 12 to the heating element 14 to form a matrix. For example, the liquid transfer unit 13 can be made of cotton fiber, ceramic fiber, glass fiber, or porous materials such as porous ceramics or porous glass, but is not limited thereto. The liquid transfer unit 13 can be constructed in a tubular, plate-like, or other regular or irregular shape.

[0045] The heating element 14 is a component used to heat the liquid aerosol forming matrix transferred through the liquid transfer unit 13. For example, the heating element 14 can be a metal wire, a metal plate, a ceramic heater, etc., but is not limited to these. Alternatively, the heating element 14 can be made of a conductive heating wire such as nickel-chromium wire, and can be arranged in a structure wound around the liquid transfer unit 13. The heating element 14 can be heated by an electric current supply, and heat is transferred to the liquid aerosol forming matrix in contact with the heating element 14 to heat the liquid aerosol forming matrix, thereby generating an aerosol.

[0046] Circuit 15 controls the overall operation of the aerosol generating device. Specifically, circuit 15 controls not only the operation of the battery cell 16 and the heating element 14, but also the operation of other components in the aerosol generating device. Furthermore, circuit 15 can determine whether the aerosol generating device is operable by checking the status of its components.

[0047] Circuit 15 includes at least one control unit. The control unit may include a logic gate array, or may include a combination of a microcontroller and a memory storing a program executable in the microcontroller. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that circuit 15 may include another type of hardware.

[0048] Battery cell 16 provides power for operating the aerosol generating apparatus 10. For example, battery cell 16 can provide power to heat the heating element 14 and can provide the power required to operate the circuit 15. In addition, battery cell 16 can provide the power required to operate the sensors, motors, etc. provided in the aerosol generating apparatus.

[0049] Cell 16 can be, but is not limited to, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) cells, lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) cells, or lithium titanate cells. Cell 16 can be a rechargeable cell or a disposable cell.

[0050] The suction detector 17 is used to detect the user's suction action and generate a corresponding electrical signal, that is, to detect whether the aerosol generating device is being suctioned, so that the circuit 15, such as the control unit, controls the operation of the battery cell 16, heating element 14, etc., according to the electrical signal. For example, it controls the battery cell 16 to provide power to the heating element 14 so that the heating element 14 heats the atomized liquid aerosol to form a matrix. The suction detector 17 can be a common pressure sensor, differential pressure sensor, airflow sensor, etc.

[0051] An air inlet is provided near the suction detector 17 of the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating device is suctioned, the airflow enters through the air inlet, flows through the suction detector 17, the battery cell 16, the circuit 15, the heating element 14, etc., and then flows out through the suction nozzle 11. The dashed arrow in the figure roughly shows the airflow path.

[0052] It should be noted that, Figure 1 Only components relevant to this embodiment are shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the aerosol generating apparatus may also include, in addition to... Figure 1 Other common components besides those shown.

[0053] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another aerosol generating device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the aerosol generating device includes:

[0055] Chamber A contains a removable aerosol-generated article B.

[0056] The aerosol-generating article B preferably uses a solid aerosol-forming matrix, which may include one or more of the following: powder, granules, fragments, strips, or sheets of vanilla leaves, tobacco leaves, homogenized tobacco, and expanded tobacco; or, the solid aerosol-forming matrix may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds to be released when the matrix is ​​heated.

[0057] When the aerosol generating article B is received in the chamber A, the heating element 14 can be inserted into the aerosol generating article B for heating to generate aerosol.

[0058] It should be noted that the heating method of the heating element 14 includes, but is not limited to, resistance heating, electromagnetic induction heating, infrared radiation heating, and air heating. The shape of the heating element 14 includes, but is not limited to, needle-shaped, pin-shaped, or sheet-shaped.

[0059] It should also be noted that, with Figure 2Unlike the example, in other examples, it is also possible for the heating element 14 to be configured to heat at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article B, i.e., circumferential heating or peripheral heating, etc.

[0060] Cell 16 provides power for operating the aerosol generating device. Cell 16 can be a rechargeable cell or a disposable cell.

[0061] Circuit 15 is used to control the aerosol generating device; for example, to control the battery cell 16 to provide power to the heating element 14.

[0062] Circuit 15 includes a control unit. The control unit is a hardware component configured to control the overall operation of the aerosol generation device. The control unit may be implemented as an array of logic gates, or as a combination of a microcontroller and a memory storing a program executable in the microcontroller. Those skilled in the art will understand that other forms of hardware may be used.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heating curve of the heating element provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the temperature change curve of heating element 14 over time (the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is temperature) includes the heating stage t0~t1, the heat preservation stage t1~t2 and the suction stage t2~t3.

[0065] During the heating phase t0 to t1, the temperature of the heating element 14 increases from the initial temperature T0 (or ambient temperature) to the target temperature T1. Generally, the target temperature T1 can be 200℃-400℃.

[0066] During the heat preservation stage t1 to t2, the temperature of the heating element 14 is maintained at the target temperature T1 for a period of time so that the aerosol forming matrix is ​​fully preheated, thereby improving the user's inhalation experience.

[0067] The aforementioned heating and holding stages are collectively referred to as the preheating stage, and t0 to t2 is the preheating time of the heating element 14. Generally, for Figure 2 The aerosol generating device shown has a preheating time of 5 to 30 seconds for its heating element 14.

[0068] During the suction phase t2 to t3, the temperature of the heating element 14 decreases from the target temperature T1 to the target temperature T2. The target temperature T2 is the optimal temperature for the aerosol-forming matrix to generate aerosols. During this phase, the temperature of the heating element 14 is generally maintained at the target temperature T2 or fluctuates around the target temperature T2. t2 to t3 is the holding time.

[0069] It should be noted that the heating curve of heating element 14 is not limited to... Figure 3 In other examples, it is also feasible for the heating element 14 to have a heating curve consisting only of a heating phase and a suction phase.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a circuit block diagram provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, circuit 15 includes control unit 151, boost circuit 152 and switching circuit 153 (second switching circuit).

[0072] The control unit 151 is electrically connected to the heating element 14. The control unit 151 can obtain the temperature information of the heating element 14 detected by the temperature detection unit (not shown in the figure). The temperature detection unit is not limited here, and can be a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple, an NTC thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient) or a PTC thermistor (Positive Temperature Coefficient) to measure the temperature information of the heating element 14.

[0073] The boost circuit 152 is electrically connected to the battery cell 16 and the switching circuit 153, and the switching circuit 153 is electrically connected between the boost circuit 152 and the heating element 14. The boost circuit 152 and the switching circuit 153 can be found in [reference needed]. Figures 5-6 Examples.

[0074] like Figures 5-6 As shown, in one example, the boost circuit 152 includes a boost converter U1 and a voltage divider circuit.

[0075] The boost converter U1 includes a voltage input pin VIN, a voltage output pin VOUT, and a feedback pin FB.

[0076] The voltage divider circuit includes a first voltage divider unit electrically connected between the voltage output pin VOUT and the feedback pin FB, a second voltage divider unit electrically connected between the feedback pin FB and ground, and a first switching circuit connected in parallel with the second voltage divider unit. The first switching circuit includes a third switching transistor and a resistor connected in series.

[0077] Specifically, the first voltage divider unit includes resistor R5, the second voltage divider unit includes resistor R4, and the first switching circuit includes a third switch Q1 and resistor R6 connected in series. One end of resistor R5 is electrically connected to the voltage output pin VOUT, and the other end of resistor R5 is electrically connected to one end of resistor R4, one end of resistor R6, and the feedback pin FB. The other end of resistor R4 is grounded, and the other end of resistor R6 is electrically connected to the first terminal of the third switch Q1. The second terminal of the third switch Q1 is grounded. The control terminal of the third switch Q1 is used to receive the control signal from the control unit 151 (refer to HIGH_VLO_EN in the figure). The control terminal of the third switch Q1 is grounded through a pull-down resistor R7 to prevent the third switch Q1 from being malfunctioning. The third switch Q1 can be a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), or a thyristor, and is not limited to the types listed.

[0078] Continue to refer to Figure 5 As shown, the boost converter U1 also has a self-boost pin BST, a switch control pin SW, an enable pin EN, a mode selection pin MODE, a chip power supply pin VDD, a soft-start pin SS, an analog ground pin AGND, a power ground pin PGND, a fault signal pin FTY, and a compensation pin COMP.

[0079] An input inductor L1 can be connected between the voltage input pin VIN and the switch control pin SW. A bootstrap capacitor C7 can be connected between the switch control pin SW and the boost converter pin BST. The compensation pin COMP is grounded via a compensation capacitor C8 and a compensation resistor R3. Phase compensation is achieved by appropriately adjusting the capacitance of compensation capacitor C8 and the resistance of compensation resistor R3 to avoid frequency domain response problems. The fault signal pin FTY is grounded. The soft-start pin SS can be grounded via a soft-start capacitor C6 to help adjust the soft-start time. The chip power supply pin VDD can be grounded via a filter capacitor C5 to help provide a stable power supply voltage. The mode selection pin MODE is electrically connected to the filter capacitor C5 via a resistor R2. The enable pin EN receives the enable control signal from the control unit 151 (shown as POW_EN in the figure), thereby starting the boost converter U1. The enable pin EN is grounded via a pull-down resistor R1 to prevent the boost converter U1 from being malfunctioning.

[0080] Furthermore, the boost circuit 152 may also include an input filter unit and an output filter unit.

[0081] The input filtering unit can be electrically connected between the battery cell 16 and the voltage input pin VIN. The output filtering unit can be electrically connected between the voltage output pin VOUT and the heating element 14, respectively, to filter the input voltage and output voltage and improve the voltage waveform.

[0082] Specifically, the input filtering unit can consist of four capacitors C1, C2, C3, and C4 connected in parallel. One end of each capacitor (C1, C2, C3, and C4) is electrically connected between the battery cell 16 and the voltage input pin VIN, and the other end is grounded. The output filtering unit can consist of four capacitors C9, C10, C11, and C12 connected in parallel. One end of each capacitor (C9, C10, C11, and C12) is electrically connected between the voltage output pin VOUT and the heating element 14, and the other end is grounded.

[0083] like Figure 6 As shown, the switching circuit 153 is electrically connected between the boost converter U1 and the heating element 14 (the heating element 14 is located between OUT+ and OUT-). Specifically, the switching circuit 153 includes a first switching transistor Q2 and a second switching transistor Q3; the first terminal of the first switching transistor Q2 is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor Q3, the second terminal of the first switching transistor Q2 is grounded, and the control terminal of the first switching transistor Q2 is used to receive the heating control signal from the control unit 151; the first terminal of the second switching transistor Q3 is electrically connected to the boost converter U1 (refer to V+ in the figure), and the second terminal of the second switching transistor Q3 is electrically connected to the heating element 14.

[0084] Similarly, the first switch Q2 or the second switch Q3 can be a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), or a thyristor, and is not limited to the types listed.

[0085] Further reference Figure 6 As shown, it also includes a detection circuit electrically connected between the switching circuit 153 and the heating element 14, the detection circuit being used to detect electrical parameters output to the heating element 14. Specifically, in Figure 6In the example, the detection circuit includes a voltage detection circuit and / or a current detection circuit. The voltage detection circuit is used to detect the voltage output to the heating element 14, and the current detection circuit is used to detect the current output to the heating element 14. The voltage detection circuit includes a voltage divider circuit composed of resistors R10 and R11, with a filter capacitor C14 connected in parallel across resistor R11. The control unit 151 can sample the voltage divider signal output by the voltage divider circuit via VOUT_ADC to determine the voltage output to the heating element 14. The current detection circuit includes a sampling resistor R12 and a differential pressure processor U2. The sampling resistor R12 is electrically connected between the second terminal of the second switching transistor Q3 and the heating element 14 (shown as OUT+ in the figure). The input terminals IN+ and IN- of the differential pressure processor U2 are connected in parallel between the sampling resistor R12. The current output to the heating element 14 generates a differential pressure across the sampling resistor R12. The differential pressure processor U2 amplifies this differential pressure and outputs it through the output terminal OUT. The control unit 151 can sample the amplified differential pressure signal through IOUT_ADC, thereby determining the current output to the heating element 14. Resistor R13 and capacitor C15 constitute a filter circuit to filter the amplified differential pressure signal.

[0086] It should be noted that, Figure 4 The circuit 15 shown can be varied. For example, in one example, the switching circuit 153 can be placed between the heating element 14 and ground; in another example, the switching circuit can be placed simultaneously between the heating element 14 and ground, and between the boost circuit 152 and the heating element 14.

[0087] Based on the aforementioned aerosol generating device, in one example, the control unit 151 is configured to control the first switching circuit to turn on, so that the boost converter enters boost mode, thereby enabling the boost converter to boost the cell voltage input at the voltage input pin and output it to the heating element through the voltage output pin; it is also configured to control the first switching circuit to turn off, so that the boost converter enters pass-through mode, thereby enabling the boost converter to directly output the cell voltage input at the voltage input pin to the heating element through the voltage output pin.

[0088] like Figure 5 As shown, the third switch Q1 is an NMOS transistor. The source of the NMOS transistor is grounded, the drain of the NMOS transistor is electrically connected to the feedback pin FB through resistor R6, and the gate of the NMOS transistor is electrically connected to the control unit 151.

[0089] When the control unit 151 outputs a high level to the third switch Q1, the third switch Q1 is turned on. Resistors R6 and R4 are connected in parallel. Based on the voltage of the voltage output pin VOUT, an adjustment signal is generated to the feedback pin FB, thereby causing the boost converter U1 to enter boost mode. In boost mode, the boost converter U1 boosts the voltage of cell 16 input to the voltage input pin VIN and outputs it to the heating element 14 through the voltage output pin VOUT.

[0090] When the control unit 151 outputs a low level to the third switch Q1, the third switch Q1 is turned off, and resistors R4 and R5 are connected in series. Based on the voltage of the voltage output pin VOUT, another adjustment signal is generated to the feedback pin FB, thereby causing the boost converter U1 to enter the shoot-through mode. In the shoot-through mode, the boost converter U1 directly outputs the voltage of cell 16 input at the voltage input pin VIN to the heating element 14 through the voltage output pin VOUT, that is, the voltage output at the voltage output pin VOUT is the voltage of cell 16.

[0091] In specific applications, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the heating element 14 is in the heating and / or heat preservation stage, the first switching circuit (third switching transistor Q1) can be turned on, thereby putting the boost converter U1 into boost mode. When the heating element 14 is in the suction stage, the first switching circuit (third switching transistor Q1) can be turned off, thereby putting the boost converter U1 into shoot-through mode. In this way, on the one hand, the boost circuit can avoid maintaining a boost operation state throughout the entire heating process, reducing energy consumption and preventing long-term high current output from shortening the lifespan of the battery cell 16; on the other hand, when the boost converter U1 is in shoot-through mode, the output voltage or current can be stably measured, which is beneficial for achieving accurate measurement and control.

[0092] In applications without a heat preservation stage, the first switching circuit (third switching transistor Q1) can be turned on during the period when the heating element 14 is raised from the initial temperature T0 to the target temperature (e.g., T1 or T2), thereby causing the boost converter U1 to enter the boost mode; when the heating element is raised to the target temperature, the first switching circuit (third switching transistor Q1) can be turned off, thereby causing the boost converter U1 to enter the direct mode.

[0093] In one example, the control unit is configured to output a heating control signal to the second switching circuit to control the heating energy output to the heating element based on the voltage output from the voltage output pin.

[0094] like Figure 6As shown, the first switch Q2 is an NMOS transistor, and the second switch Q3 is a PMOS transistor. When the first switch Q2 is turned on by the heating control signal from the control unit 151, the gate of the second switch Q3 is grounded through the first switch Q2, thus also being turned on. When the first switch Q2 is turned off by the heating control signal from the control unit 151, the voltage between the gate and source of the second switch Q3 keeps it in the off state. In this way, the control unit 151 can output a PWM signal with a preset duty cycle to the first switch Q2, thereby controlling the second switch Q3 to alternately turn on or off, and then adjust the voltage output to the heating element 14 based on the voltage output pin VOUT, that is, adjust the heating power output to the heating element 14.

[0095] In one example, the control unit is configured to acquire the electrical parameters detected by the detection circuit and adjust the heating control signal output to the second switching circuit based on the electrical parameters.

[0096] Electrical parameters include, but are not limited to, voltage and current. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 151 can detect the voltage or current output to the heating element 14 via VOUT_ADC or IOUT_ADC. Based on the voltage or current output to the heating element 14, it can be determined whether the heating element 14 has malfunctioned, such as a short circuit fault. When the heating element 14 malfunctions, the second switch Q3 can be controlled to disconnect.

[0097] In one example, the control unit is configured to output an enable control signal to the enable pin to start the boost converter.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the enable pin EN of the boost converter U1 is electrically connected to the control unit 151. When the control unit 151 outputs an enable control signal to the enable pin EN, for example, when it outputs a low-level signal to the enable pin EN, the boost converter U1 is enabled and begins to work. Generally, when the control unit 151 receives a heating start command, such as a button signal, a suction signal, etc., it outputs the enable control signal to the enable pin EN.

[0099] In some embodiments, circuit 15 includes a memory or the like for storing program instructions corresponding to the control method in any of the following method embodiments, thereby implementing the control method in any of the following method embodiments. The control methods provided in some embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to exemplary applications and implementations of the aerosol generating apparatus provided in embodiments of this application. Please refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 7This is a schematic flowchart of the control method for the aerosol generating apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application. It can be understood that the execution subject of this control method may be one or more control units 151 of the circuit.

[0100] like Figure 7 As shown, the method may specifically include the following steps:

[0101] S21. Determine if a heating start command has been received. If a heating start command has been received, proceed to step S22; otherwise, continue the detection and determination.

[0102] S22. Output the enable control signal to the enable pin EN of the boost converter U1 to start the boost converter U1.

[0103] S23. Control the third switch Q1 to turn on so that the boost converter U1 enters boost mode.

[0104] In boost mode, the boost converter U1 boosts the voltage of cell 16 input to the voltage input pin VIN and outputs it to the heating element 14 through the voltage output pin VOUT.

[0105] S24. Control the heating power output to the heating element 14 so that the heating element 14 is raised from the initial temperature T0 to the target temperature T1 and maintained at the target temperature T1 for a period of time (t1~t2).

[0106] S25. Determine if the preheating stage has ended. If the preheating stage has ended, proceed to step S26; otherwise, continue to step S24.

[0107] S26. Control the third switch Q1 to disconnect so that the boost converter U1 enters the shoot-through mode.

[0108] In direct-through mode, the boost converter U1 outputs the voltage of cell 16 input at the voltage input pin VIN directly to the heating element 14 through the voltage output pin VOUT. That is, the voltage output at the voltage output pin VOUT is the voltage of cell 16.

[0109] S27. Control the heating power output to the heating element 14 until the suction phase of the heating element 14 ends.

[0110] It should be noted that while preferred embodiments of this application are provided in the specification and accompanying drawings, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are not intended to impose additional limitations on the content of this application; their purpose is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this application. Furthermore, the above-described technical features can be combined with each other to form various embodiments not listed above, all of which are considered to be within the scope of this application's specification. Moreover, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: Battery cells are used to provide electricity; Heating element for heating the aerosol forming matrix to generate aerosols; A boost converter has a pass-through mode and a boost mode. The boost converter includes a voltage input pin electrically connected to the battery cell, a voltage output pin electrically connected to the heating element, and a feedback pin. The voltage divider circuit includes a first voltage divider unit electrically connected between the voltage output pin and the feedback pin, a second voltage divider unit electrically connected between the feedback pin and ground, and a first switching circuit connected in parallel with the second voltage divider unit. The control unit is configured to control the first switching circuit to turn on, so that the boost converter enters boost mode, thereby enabling the boost converter to boost the cell voltage input at the voltage input pin and output it to the heating element through the voltage output pin; it is also configured to control the first switching circuit to turn off, so that the boost converter enters pass-through mode, thereby enabling the boost converter to directly output the cell voltage input at the voltage input pin to the heating element through the voltage output pin.

2. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The boost converter also includes an enable pin; The control unit is configured to output an enable control signal to the enable pin to start the boost converter.

3. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to output the enable control signal to the enable pin when a heating start command is received.

4. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to turn on the first switching circuit when the heating element is in the heating stage and / or the heat preservation stage, and to turn off the first switching circuit when the heating element is in the suction stage.

5. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to turn on the first switching circuit during the period when the heating element rises from the initial temperature to the target temperature, and to turn off the first switching circuit when the heating element reaches the target temperature.

6. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second switching circuit, which is electrically connected between the boost converter and the heating element or between the heating element and ground; The control unit is configured to output a heating control signal to the second switching circuit to control the heating energy output to the heating element based on the voltage output from the voltage output pin.

7. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a detection circuit electrically connected between the second switching circuit and the heating element, the detection circuit being used to detect electrical parameters output to the heating element; The control unit is configured to acquire the electrical parameters detected by the detection circuit and adjust the heating control signal output to the second switching circuit based on the electrical parameters.

8. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detection circuit includes at least one of a voltage detection circuit and a current detection circuit. The voltage detection circuit is used to detect the voltage output to the heating element, and the current detection circuit is used to detect the current output to the heating element.

9. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second switching circuit includes a first switching transistor and a second switching transistor; The first terminal of the first switching transistor is electrically connected to the control terminal of the second switching transistor, and the second terminal of the first switching transistor is grounded. The control terminal of the first switching transistor is used to receive the heating control signal. The first terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the boost converter, and the second terminal of the second switching transistor is electrically connected to the heating element.

10. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an input filtering unit and an output filtering unit; The input filter unit is electrically connected between the battery cell and the voltage input pin, and the output filter unit is electrically connected between the voltage output pin and the heating element.

11. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first switching circuit includes a third switching transistor and a resistor connected in series.

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