Aerosol generating device and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an aerosol generating device and a control method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of aerosol generating devices. The control method of the aerosol generating device comprises the following steps of: reminding a suction mode, namely sequentially performing suction prompts for each time; wherein each suction prompt process comprises the following steps: accumulating prompt variables, and performing suction prompt when the prompt variables meet the prompt conditions corresponding to the suction prompt process; and when the suction prompt is finished, directly entering the next suction prompt process. According to the embodiment of the invention, by setting the suction reminding mode, the suction behavior of the user can be standardized in an auxiliary manner, so that different users can obtain relatively consistent suction experience and obtain relatively good taste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aerosol generation device technology, and in particular to an aerosol generation device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Heated tobacco products (HNB) are equipped with an aerosol generator that produces smoke by heating tobacco to continuously release aerosols. The taste of these products is influenced by many factors, one of the most significant being the user's smoking habits. During the research and development phase of flavor testing, factors such as the smoking rate and other user habits are uncontrollable. Therefore, even with the same product and under the same conditions, different users may have different experiences. Thus, there is a pressing need to provide a smoking guidance system to help regulate user behavior and ensure that all users can achieve a better taste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an aerosol generating device and its control method. The aerosol generating device is equipped with a reminder suction mode, in which a suction reminder is given when the reminder conditions are met. This can help regulate the user's suction behavior so that different users can obtain a more consistent suction experience and a better taste.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a control method for an aerosol generating device, comprising:

[0005] The suction reminder mode includes: providing reminders for each suction cycle in sequence;

[0006] Each suction prompt process includes: accumulating the prompt variable; when the prompt variable meets the prompt condition corresponding to this suction prompt process, a suction prompt is given; when this suction prompt ends, the process directly proceeds to the next suction prompt process.

[0007] Optionally, the prompting variables include: the heating energy applied to the heating element in the aerosol generating device, the heating time of the heating element, and the maintenance time of the heating element after reaching the target temperature;

[0008] The cumulative prompt variables include: accumulating each of the prompt variables separately;

[0009] The prompting variable satisfies the prompting conditions corresponding to this suction prompting process, including: at least one prompting variable reaches the variable threshold corresponding to this suction prompting process.

[0010] Optionally, during each suction prompt, the prompt variable is cleared to zero before the accumulated prompt variable is reached;

[0011] And / or, during each suction prompt, the prompt variable is cleared to zero at the same time as the suction prompt is given;

[0012] And / or, during each suction prompt, after the suction prompt is given, the prompt variable is cleared to zero.

[0013] Optionally, before each suction prompt is given sequentially, the following may also be included:

[0014] Obtain the prompting condition table; wherein, the prompting condition table records each prompting variable and its corresponding variable threshold during each suction prompting process;

[0015] Accordingly, during each suction prompt, the prompting variables are determined according to the prompting condition table to determine whether each prompting variable has reached the variable threshold corresponding to this suction prompt.

[0016] Optionally, before obtaining the prompt condition table, the method further includes:

[0017] Obtain the concentration setting of the aerosol generating device;

[0018] Accordingly, obtaining the prompting condition table includes: obtaining the prompting condition table based on the concentration level; wherein, the higher the concentration level, the higher the variable threshold corresponding to the same prompting variable in the same aspiration prompting process in the prompting condition table.

[0019] Optionally, for any of the aforementioned prompting variables: the threshold value of the variable corresponding to each suction prompt is lower than or equal to the threshold value of the variable corresponding to the previous suction prompt.

[0020] Optionally, for any of the aforementioned prompt variables: during the first to the kth sucking prompt process, the variable threshold corresponding to each sucking prompt process is lower than or equal to the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt process, and at least one sucking prompt process has a variable threshold corresponding to a lower than the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt process; during the (k+1)th to the last sucking prompt process, the variable threshold corresponding to each sucking prompt process is higher than or equal to the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt process, and at least one sucking prompt process has a variable threshold corresponding to a higher than the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt process; k≥2, where k is a positive integer.

[0021] Optionally, the control method for the aerosol generating device includes:

[0022] Upon receiving the start command for the aerosol generating device, heating of the heating element in the aerosol generating device begins;

[0023] Upon receiving a reminder to operate in suction mode, the aerosol generating device is controlled to operate in the reminder suction mode.

[0024] Optionally, after starting to heat the heating element in the aerosol generating device, the method further includes:

[0025] Upon receiving a command for a free-suction mode, the aerosol generating device is controlled to operate in free-suction mode; the free-suction mode includes: providing a preheating prompt when the aerosol generating device has completed preheating.

[0026] Optionally, during each aspiration prompt process, if the total heating time of the heating element in the aerosol generating device reaches the preset total time while or after the aspiration prompt is given, the heating of the heating element is stopped; if the total heating time of the heating element does not reach the preset total time, the next aspiration prompt process is directly initiated.

[0027] Optionally, during each suction prompt, the prompt variable is cleared to zero before the accumulated prompt variable is reached;

[0028] Correspondingly, if the total heating time of the heating element does not reach the preset total time, the process will directly proceed to the node where the prompt variable is cleared.

[0029] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an aerosol generating apparatus, comprising:

[0030] Heating element;

[0031] A heating device for heating the heating element;

[0032] The reminder module is used to provide suction prompts;

[0033] The controller is connected to the heating device and the reminder module respectively; the controller is used to execute the control method of the aerosol generating device provided in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Optionally, the alert module includes at least one of a vibrator, an indicator light, and a display screen.

[0035] Optionally, the prompting variables include: the heating energy applied to the heating element, the heating time of the heating element, and the maintenance time of the heating element after reaching the target temperature;

[0036] The aerosol generating device further includes:

[0037] A temperature acquisition device is used to acquire the temperature of the heating element;

[0038] A current acquisition device is used to acquire the current flowing through the heating element;

[0039] A voltage acquisition device is used to acquire the voltage applied across the heating element;

[0040] The temperature acquisition device, the current acquisition device, and the voltage acquisition device are all connected to the controller; the controller is used to calculate the heating energy applied to the heating element based on the current flowing through the heating element and the voltage applied across the heating element, record the heating time of the heating element, and record the maintenance time of the heating element after reaching the target temperature.

[0041] The control method for the aerosol generating device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a reminder-based suction mode. In this mode, when the reminder variable meets the reminder conditions corresponding to the current suction reminder process, it indicates that the optimal suction time has been reached, or that the aerosol has reached the concentration required for optimal taste. Providing a suction reminder at this time helps the user obtain a better taste. Furthermore, the next suction reminder process begins directly after each suction reminder ends, enabling continuous reminders of the optimal suction time for each suction, helping the user obtain a better taste throughout the entire suction process. By adding a reminder-based suction mode, this embodiment of the invention determines the optimal suction time for each puff based on the heating status of the aerosol generating device, and sequentially provides suction reminders to inform the user that heating has been completed. This can maximize the standardization of suction behavior for different users, ensuring a consistent suction experience and optimal taste for all users. It also allows users to quickly and accurately adjust their usage method and achieve the best taste based on the taste indicated by the suction reminders.

[0042] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0048] This invention provides a control method for an aerosol generating device, equipped with a puff reminder mode to assist and regulate the user's puffing behavior. This method can be executed by a controller within the aerosol generating device. The aerosol generating device can be configured in a heated tobacco product to control the heating process of the tobacco within the product. The control method for the aerosol generating device includes a puff reminder mode. Specifically, the puff reminder mode includes: sequentially providing puff reminders; each puff reminder process includes: accumulating a reminder variable; providing a puff reminder when the reminder variable meets the corresponding reminder condition for the current puff reminder process; and directly proceeding to the next puff reminder process after the current puff reminder ends.

[0049] The aerosol generating device includes a heating element and a heating mechanism. The heating mechanism heats the tobacco by heating the heating element, causing the tobacco to release aerosols and produce smoke. The heating element continuously heats the tobacco, increasing the aerosol concentration. When the aerosol concentration reaches a preset level, a puff prompt is given to meet the user's preferred smoking experience. A single filling of tobacco can be used for multiple puffs. During the development and testing of the device, prompt conditions can be determined for each puff, tailored to the specific needs of each user. Each prompt indicates that the aerosol concentration has reached the required level for that puff. For example, the required concentration for each puff can be determined by analyzing a large sample of users' aerosol concentration preferences throughout the entire puffing process, thus catering to the needs of various users and ensuring a better smoking experience for both those who prefer a strong or mild flavor.

[0050] The prompt variable is a variable that can characterize aerosol concentration (or the degree of heating by the heating element), such as at least one of the following: heating energy applied to the heating element, heating time of the heating element, and the duration of the heating element after reaching the target temperature. The target temperature can also be determined by analyzing a large sample of users' aerosol concentration requirements. Higher heating energy, longer heating time, and longer duration of heating after reaching the target temperature will all result in a higher concentration of aerosols that can be released from the tobacco. For example, for the prompt variable to meet the prompting conditions corresponding to this puff prompting process, it can be understood as: the cumulative value of at least one prompt variable during this puffing process reaches the variable threshold specified in the prompting conditions. During each puff prompting overshoot, the change in the prompt variable during a single puff is monitored, without limiting the initial value of the prompt variable during a single puff. For example, the higher the aerosol concentration required for a single puff, the higher the variable threshold specified in the prompting conditions can be set for that puff prompting process, such as higher heating energy, longer heating time, and longer duration of heating. Furthermore, before the first puff prompt, the aerosol generating device is essentially cold-started from the smoke-free device's off state. Before each subsequent puff prompt, the aerosol generating device is essentially already at a certain temperature. Therefore, under the same aerosol concentration requirement, the variable threshold specified by the prompt conditions during the first puff prompt can be set to be higher than the variable threshold specified by the prompt conditions during each subsequent puff prompt.

[0051] The prompting conditions for each puff prompt can be obtained through multiple tests during the pre-shipment debugging phase of the heating device and stored in the aerosol generating device, for example, in the form of a table or curve. During the user's use of the heated tobacco device, in the aerosol generating device's prompt puff mode, the controller obtains real-time changes in the prompt variables to understand the heating status of the heating element, and then controls the puff prompts sequentially based on the prompting conditions. The moment when the prompting conditions are met can be understood as the optimal puffing time during the tobacco heating process; prompting at this time reminds the user to puff promptly for a better experience. The purpose of this invention is to regulate the user's puffing behavior based on the heating status of the aerosol generating device, ensuring that the user puffs at the prompt for a better taste experience. During the heating process, there is no need to detect the user's puffing action, i.e., no need to detect the usage status of the device; prompts are made only based on the heating status of the aerosol generating device and the prompting conditions. Each puff prompt ends, and the next puff prompt process begins directly, effectively simplifying the control logic.

[0052] The control method for the aerosol generating device provided in this invention includes a puff reminder mode. In this mode, when the reminder variable meets the reminder conditions corresponding to the current puff reminder process, it indicates that the optimal puffing time has been reached, or that the aerosol has reached the concentration required for a better taste. Providing a puff reminder at this time helps the user obtain a better taste. Furthermore, the next puff reminder process begins directly after each puff reminder ends, enabling continuous reminders of the optimal puffing time for each puff, helping the user obtain a better taste throughout the entire smoking process. By adding a puff reminder mode, this invention determines the optimal puffing time for each puff based on the heating status of the aerosol generating device, and provides sequential puff reminders to inform the user that the tobacco has been heated sufficiently. This maximizes the guidance and standardization of puffing behavior for different users, ensuring a consistent puffing experience and a better taste for all users. It also helps users quickly and accurately adjust their usage method and achieve the best taste based on the taste provided by the puff reminders.

[0053] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the prompting variables include: the heating energy applied to the heating element, the heating time of the heating element, and the maintenance time of the heating element after reaching the target temperature. Accordingly, each prompting variable is accumulated during each aspiration prompting process. When at least one prompting variable reaches the variable threshold corresponding to this aspiration prompting process, the prompting variable is considered to have met the prompting conditions corresponding to this aspiration prompting process. Wherein, the variable threshold corresponding to the heating energy applied to the heating element is the energy threshold, the variable threshold corresponding to the heating time of the heating element is the heating time threshold, and the variable threshold corresponding to the maintenance time of the heating element after reaching the target temperature is the maintenance time threshold. The setting rules for the target temperature and each variable threshold can be set according to actual conditions and are not specifically limited here.

[0054] The embodiments of the present invention employ three-dimensional prompt variables, which can collect heating process parameters in all aspects, fully characterize the dynamic heating of tobacco, and provide a prompt when at least one prompt variable reaches a variable threshold, so as to determine the optimal smoking time and provide a smoking prompt in a timely manner.

[0055] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, during each suction prompt process, a step of clearing the prompt variables to zero can be set at an appropriate time. By clearing all prompt variables to zero, it can be ensured that the initial value of each prompt variable is consistent with 0 before the accumulation of prompt variables begins in each suction prompt process. Then, the accumulated value of the prompt variable in a single prompt process is the change of the prompt variable in a single prompt process, which can effectively simplify the calculation process, simplify the control logic, and improve the accuracy and real-time performance of suction prompts.

[0056] There are several ways to set the zeroing step. Several of them will be described below as examples, but they are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0057] In one implementation, optionally, during each suction prompt process, each prompt variable can be cleared to zero before the cumulative prompt variable is accumulated, so that each prompt variable is accumulated separately starting from zero.

[0058] In another implementation, optionally, after each suction prompt, all prompt variables can be cleared to zero so that they can be accumulated separately from zero in the next suction prompt. Specifically, clearing all prompt variables to zero after the last suction prompt ensures that all prompt variables are already zero when entering the reminder suction mode again, so that during the first suction prompt in the reminder suction mode, all prompt variables still accumulate separately from zero.

[0059] In another implementation, optionally, during each suction prompt, all prompt variables can be cleared to zero at the same time as the suction prompt is given, so as not to increase the time spent clearing variables separately, so that the next suction prompt process can be directly connected when the current suction prompt ends.

[0060] It is understandable that the above-mentioned zeroing steps can be used selectively. Alternatively, the above-mentioned zeroing steps can be used in combination to ensure that the variable accumulation during each suction prompt process starts from zero, thus guaranteeing data accuracy.

[0061] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, in the reminder suction mode, before each suction reminder is given sequentially, the following is also included:

[0062] Obtain the prompt condition table; the prompt condition table records each prompt variable and its corresponding variable threshold during each suction prompt process.

[0063] Accordingly, during each suction prompt, the prompt condition table is used to determine whether each prompt variable has reached the variable threshold corresponding to this suction prompt process.

[0064] For example, the prompt condition table can be set by analyzing a large sample of users' aerosol concentration requirements for each aerosol extraction during a complete extraction process, and in conjunction with the heating characteristics of the aerosol generating device. The structure of the prompt condition table is shown in Table 1.

[0065] Table 1

[0066]

[0067] Table 1 provides an example of a blank prompt condition table, where enough_energy[x] represents the energy threshold during the x-th puff prompt, in J; enough_time[x] represents the heating time threshold during the x-th puff prompt, in s; and duration_time[x] represents the duration threshold during the x-th puff prompt, in s. Each smoking device can have a prompt condition table generated and stored before leaving the factory.

[0068] There are multiple ways to set the threshold values ​​for each cue variable in different aspirations. Several of them are illustrated below, but they are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0069] In one implementation, optionally, for any cue variable: the variable threshold corresponding to each suction cue is lower than or equal to the variable threshold corresponding to the previous suction cue.

[0070] For example, if the variable threshold corresponding to at least one aspiration prompt is lower than the variable threshold corresponding to the previous aspiration prompt, then the variable thresholds specified in the prompt condition table generally show a downward trend as the number of aspiration prompts increases. Considering that the aerosol generating device is starting up in a cold state before the first aspiration prompt, the specific variable thresholds for each prompt variable in each aspiration prompt process can be set as follows:

[0071] enough_energy[x] is, for example, {300J, 50J, 45J, 40J, 30J, 30J, ...};

[0072] enough_time[x] is, for example, {30s, 18s, 15s, 15s, 15s, ...};

[0073] For example, duration_time[x] can be {15s, 13s, 13s, 13s, 13s, ...}.

[0074] In another implementation, optionally, for any prompting variable: during the first to the kth sucking prompts, the variable threshold corresponding to each sucking prompt is lower than or equal to the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt, and at least one sucking prompt has a variable threshold lower than the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt; during the (k+1)th to the last sucking prompt, the variable threshold corresponding to each sucking prompt is higher than or equal to the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt, and at least one sucking prompt has a variable threshold higher than the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt; k≥2, where k is a positive integer.

[0075] This setting is equivalent to setting the variable threshold to the lowest level during the k-th puff prompt. Considering the stimulation needed in the last few puffs of the cigarette, the variable threshold can be set higher for the last few puff prompts after the k-th puff. The specific threshold can be adjusted according to the actual taste, and no specific limitation is made here. For example, the tobacco filled into the cigarette device once can be used for more than ten puffs, so k=10 can be set.

[0076] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the aerosol generating device can also be equipped with multiple concentration level buttons, allowing users to select the desired concentration and flavor for inhalation according to their own preferences. Therefore, in the reminder inhalation mode, before retrieving the prompt condition table, the process also includes: retrieving the concentration level of the aerosol generating device. The controller can determine the concentration level selected by the user based on the pressed concentration level button.

[0077] Accordingly, obtaining the prompt condition table includes: obtaining the prompt condition table based on the concentration level; wherein, the higher the concentration level, the higher the threshold value of the variable corresponding to the same prompt variable in the prompt condition table for the same inhalation prompt process, so as to meet the aerosol concentration requirements for each inhalation prompt. In other words, the aerosol generating device can store multiple prompt condition tables, each corresponding to a different concentration level. After obtaining the concentration level, the controller can extract the corresponding prompt condition table to provide inhalation prompts. This effectively improves the applicability and adjustability of the smoking device for different users, and meets the different taste preferences of different users as much as possible.

[0078] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, in the control method of the aerosol generating device, heating of the heating element in the aerosol generating device begins upon receiving an activation command for the aerosol generating device. For example, the aerosol generating device may be equipped with an activation button; when the user presses the activation button, the controller can receive the activation command and control the heating process to begin.

[0079] Upon receiving a reminder suction mode command, the aerosol generator is controlled to operate in reminder suction mode. For example, the aerosol generator may be equipped with a reminder suction mode button. When the user presses the reminder suction mode button, it is equivalent to selecting the reminder suction mode. At this time, the controller can receive the reminder suction mode command and execute the relevant control procedures under the reminder suction mode.

[0080] The above embodiments exemplify control strategies for the reminder suction mode, but are not intended to limit the invention. In other embodiments, optionally, a free suction mode can also be configured in the aerosol generating device. For example, the free suction mode can be selected by default when the reminder suction mode button is not pressed; then, the controller can receive a free suction mode command when the user does not press the reminder suction mode button. Alternatively, a separate free suction mode button can be configured in the aerosol generating device; then, when the user presses the free suction mode button, the controller can receive a free suction mode command.

[0081] Specifically, after starting to heat the heating element, the method also includes: controlling the aerosol generating device to operate in free suction mode when a free suction mode command is received.

[0082] The free-flow mode includes a preheating prompt when the aerosol generator finishes preheating, alerting the user to begin inhalation. During the subsequent heating period after preheating, no further inhalation prompts are given, allowing the user to inhale according to their own habits. This mode offers users greater freedom in inhalation.

[0083] For example, the aerosol generating device completes preheating, including: the heating time of the aerosol generating device reaches a preset preheating time; wherein, the preset preheating time is negatively correlated with the temperature of the environment in which the aerosol generating device is located. Since the smoking device is turned on and heated from a cold state, under the condition that the aerosol concentration corresponding to preheating is certain, the higher the ambient temperature, the easier it is for the aerosol generating device to be heated, and the easier it is for the concentration of aerosols released from the tobacco to increase to the concentration required for preheating. Therefore, the preset preheating time can be set to be shorter. In this embodiment, the preheating time of the aerosol generating device is not a fixed value, but can be changed according to the ambient temperature of the smoking device. The preheating reminder is only issued after the device considers that the optimal smoking state has been reached, which is beneficial to maintain a consistent smoking taste in different environments. For example, the aerosol generating device can store the correspondence between different ambient temperatures and preset preheating times. In practical applications, the controller can obtain the corresponding preset preheating time according to the ambient temperature and issue a preheating reminder. Alternatively, the preheating process of the aerosol generating device can be as follows: starting from the start of the smoking device, the heating device is controlled to output maximum power until the heating element reaches the target preheating temperature and is maintained for a period of time to complete the preheating.

[0084] In this embodiment of the invention, the reminder puff mode can be used as an optional mode for consumers. Consumers can choose between the free puff mode and the reminder puff mode as needed, effectively improving the freedom of use of the smoking device. The puff reminder can be at least one of vibration, light, and screen display prompts; the preheating prompt can also be at least one of vibration, light, and screen display prompts; the puff reminder and preheating prompt can be the same or different. In the reminder puff mode, the first puff reminder is equivalent to a preheating prompt.

[0085] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the control method for the aerosol generating device can also include statistics on the total heating time of the heating element. For example, the total heating time can be counted starting from the moment the start command for the aerosol generating device is received. When the total heating time of the heating element reaches a preset total time, heating of the heating element can be stopped. The preset total time can be determined based on the amount of tobacco that can be filled into the smoking device at one time and the heating capacity of the heating device. During use after the smoking device is turned on, the heating time of the heating element can be continuously timed. When the total heating time reaches the preset total time, it indicates that the tobacco filled this time has been completely consumed, and heating can be automatically stopped at this point.

[0086] Specifically, in the suction reminder mode, during or after each suction reminder, a check can be performed to determine whether the total heating time has reached a preset total time, thus deciding whether to continue the suction reminder process. If the total heating time reaches the preset total time, heating of the heating element is stopped, and no further suction reminders are given. If the total heating time has not reached the preset total time, it indicates that heating of the heating element can continue, and the process can proceed directly to the next suction reminder. For example, during each suction reminder, the reminder variable is cleared to zero before accumulating the reminder variable. Correspondingly, if the total heating time of the heating element has not reached the preset total time, the process can directly proceed to the node where the reminder variable is cleared to zero, and the next reminder variable accumulation will only begin after the reminder variable has been cleared.

[0087] In free suction mode, the total heating time can be judged in real time or at set intervals to determine whether the preset total heating time has been reached. The specific judgment frequency can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0088] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for an aerosol generation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 The control methods for aerosol generating devices specifically include:

[0089] S200, Start heating.

[0090] S201. Determine whether to select the reminder suction mode; if yes, proceed to S203; if no, proceed to S202.

[0091] S202. Provide a preheating prompt when the aerosol generating device has completed preheating.

[0092] This step is equivalent to entering free suction mode, and there will be no more suction prompts after the preheating prompt.

[0093] S203. Obtain the prompt condition table.

[0094] S204. Clear all prompt variables to zero.

[0095] S205, cumulative heating energy of the heating element.

[0096] S206, Cumulative heating time of the heating element.

[0097] S207, Duration after the cumulative heating element reaches the target temperature.

[0098] S205, S206, and S207 can be performed simultaneously, meaning that the various prompt variables are accumulated at the same time.

[0099] S208. Determine whether the energy threshold prompted this time has been reached; if yes, execute S211; if no, return to execute S205.

[0100] S209. Determine whether the heating time threshold prompted this time has been reached; if yes, proceed to S211; if no, return to S206.

[0101] S210. Determine whether the maintenance time threshold for this prompt has been reached; if yes, proceed to S211; if no, return to S207.

[0102] S208, S209 and S210 can be performed simultaneously. As long as the result of any one of the judgment steps is yes, proceed to S211.

[0103] S211, Prompt for suction.

[0104] For example, vibration, light, and screen display can be used to provide suction prompts, and the specific settings can be configured according to actual needs.

[0105] S212. Determine whether the total heating time has reached the preset total time; if yes, execute S213; if no, return to execute S204.

[0106] If the total heating time does not reach the preset total time, return to S204, which is equivalent to resetting all three prompt variables so that the judgment of the next suction prompt condition can continue.

[0107] S213, Stop heating.

[0108] This invention provides a complete control strategy for the aerosol generating device through steps S200-S213. In this embodiment, both a free-sucking mode and a reminder-sucking mode are offered as selectable modes to the consumer, allowing the user to choose the desired mode. In the free-sucking mode, the preset preheating time can be adjusted according to the ambient temperature, and the dynamic preheating time setting makes the device suitable for different environments. In the reminder-sucking mode, the conditions for reaching the optimal sucking time during each sucking session can be specified based on a reminder condition table. This prompts the user to suck during the heating process, standardizing user sucking habits and enabling different users to use a more accurate sucking frequency, achieving a more consistent product experience and quickly and accurately adjusting to the best flavor.

[0109] This invention also provides an aerosol generating device, and the control method for the provided aerosol generating device can be implemented in any way according to this invention, achieving corresponding beneficial effects. The aerosol generating device can be configured in a heated non-combustible smoke appliance. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 2 The aerosol generating device includes: a heating element 110, a heating device 120, a reminder module 140, and a controller 150.

[0110] The heating device 120 is connected to the heating element 110 and is used to heat the heating element 110. The heating element 110 is, for example, a resistance heating element, and the heating device 120 is, for example, a power source. However, this is not a limitation of the invention, and other types of heating elements 110 and heating devices 120 can also be used in conjunction in practical applications. The reminder module 140 is used for suction prompts and preheating prompts. Exemplarily, the reminder module 140 may include at least one of a vibrator, an indicator light, and a display screen. The reminder module 140 can use at least one of vibration prompts, light prompts, and screen display content prompts for prompting. Specifically, the structure and prompting method of the reminder module 140 can be set according to actual needs. The prompting methods for suction prompts and preset prompts can be the same or different, and can be adjusted according to actual needs. The controller 150 is connected to both the heating device 120 and the reminder module 140. The controller 150 is used to execute the control method of the aerosol generating device provided in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Specifically, the aerosol generating device may include a power button. When the user presses the power button, the controller 150 receives an activation command and sends a heating command to the heating device 120, controlling the heating device 120 to begin heating the heating element 110 in the aerosol generating device. Additionally, the aerosol generating device may include a reminder suction mode button. When the user presses the reminder suction mode button, the controller 150 receives a reminder suction mode command and controls the aerosol generating device to operate in reminder suction mode. The reminder suction mode includes: sequentially providing suction prompts; each suction prompt process includes: accumulating a prompt variable; providing a suction prompt when the prompt variable meets the prompt condition corresponding to the current suction prompt process; and directly proceeding to the next suction prompt process after the current suction prompt ends.

[0112] The various prompt variables may include: the heating energy applied to the heating element 110, the heating time of the heating element 110, and the duration of the heating element 110 after reaching the target temperature. Correspondingly, the aerosol generating device may also include a data acquisition device 130, connected to both the heating element 110 and the controller 150. The data acquisition device 130 works in conjunction with the controller 150 to acquire the various prompt variables.

[0113] Specifically, the data acquisition device 130 may include a temperature acquisition device, a current acquisition device, and a voltage acquisition device, used to acquire the temperature of the heating element 110, the current flowing through the heating element 110, and the voltage applied across the heating element 110, respectively. The controller 150 can calculate the power applied to the heating element 110 based on the aforementioned current and voltage data, and then integrate the power over time to obtain the heating energy applied to the heating element 110. The controller 150 may be configured with a timing function. The controller 150 can determine whether the heating element 110 has reached the target temperature based on the aforementioned temperature data, and then record the duration of the heating element 110 after reaching the target temperature. Furthermore, the controller 150 itself can record the heating time of the heating element 110.

[0114] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, during each suction prompt process, before accumulating the prompt variables, the controller 150 can clear each prompt variable to zero; and / or, during each suction prompt process, while performing the suction prompt, the controller 150 can clear the prompt variables to zero; and / or, during each suction prompt process, after performing the suction prompt, the controller 150 can clear the prompt variables to zero. For example, each suction prompt process may specifically include: acquiring each prompt variable in real time and accumulating each prompt variable separately; when at least one prompt variable reaches the variable threshold corresponding to this suction prompt process, issuing a suction prompt command to the reminder module 140, controlling the reminder module 140 to perform the suction prompt, and clearing all prompt variables to zero.

[0115] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the aerosol generating device also includes a memory for storing a prompting condition table. The controller 150 is further configured to retrieve the prompting condition table from the memory before each sequential aspiration prompt. Accordingly, during each aspiration prompt, the controller 150 determines, according to the prompting condition table, whether each prompting variable has reached the variable threshold corresponding to this aspiration prompt process. Exemplarily, the prompting condition table can be obtained through testing and stored in the memory before the aerosol generating device leaves the factory.

[0116] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the aerosol generating device may include multiple concentration level buttons. When a user presses one of the concentration level buttons, the controller 150 can obtain the concentration level corresponding to that concentration level button. For example, a higher concentration level indicates that the user desires a higher aerosol concentration during aspiration. Therefore, before obtaining the prompt condition table, the method further includes: obtaining the concentration level of the aerosol generating device based on the pressing status of the concentration level buttons; correspondingly, obtaining the prompt condition table includes: obtaining the prompt condition table based on the concentration level. Wherein, the higher the concentration level, the higher the variable threshold corresponding to the same prompt variable in the prompt condition table for the same aspiration prompt process.

[0117] Optionally, based on the above embodiments, the aerosol generating device may also include a free-suction mode button. When the user presses the free-suction mode button, the controller 150 receives the free-suction mode command and controls the aerosol generating device to operate in free-suction mode. The free-suction mode includes: issuing a preheating reminder command to the reminder module 140 when the aerosol generating device has completed preheating, and controlling the reminder module 140 to provide a preheating reminder. In free-suction mode, after the preheating reminder, the controller 150 no longer controls the reminder module 140 to provide a suction reminder.

[0118] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the control module 150 can also count the total heating time of the heating element 110 in real time, for example, starting to count the heating time of the heating element 110 after receiving the start command of the aerosol generating device. When the total heating time of the heating element 110 reaches the preset total time, the controller 150 can send a stop heating command to the heating device 120 to control the heating device 120 to stop heating the heating element 110. In the suction reminder mode, during each suction reminder process, the controller 150 can determine whether the total heating time of the heating element 110 has reached the preset total time at the same time as or after the suction reminder; if yes, the heating of the heating element 110 is stopped; if no, the next suction reminder process is directly entered. For example, during each suction reminder process, the reminder variable is cleared to zero before accumulating the reminder variable. Correspondingly, if the total heating time of the heating element has not reached the preset total time, the node of clearing the reminder variable is directly entered.

[0119] It is understandable that the aerosol generating device can be installed inside the housing of the heated non-combustible smoke appliance, and the buttons configured on the aerosol generating device can protrude from the housing of the heated non-combustible smoke appliance as corresponding function buttons of the heated non-combustible smoke appliance.

[0120] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0121] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: The suction reminder mode includes: providing reminders for each suction cycle in sequence; Each suction prompt process includes: accumulating the prompt variable; when the prompt variable meets the prompt condition corresponding to this suction prompt process, a suction prompt is given; when this suction prompt ends, the process directly proceeds to the next suction prompt process.

2. The control method for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indicated variables include: the heating energy applied to the heating element in the aerosol generating device, the heating time of the heating element, and the maintenance time of the heating element after reaching the target temperature; The cumulative prompt variables include: accumulating each of the prompt variables separately; The prompting variable satisfies the prompting conditions corresponding to this suction prompting process, including: at least one prompting variable reaches the variable threshold corresponding to this suction prompting process.

3. The control method for the aerosol generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before each suction prompt, the following is also included: Obtain the prompting condition table; wherein, the prompting condition table records each prompting variable and its corresponding variable threshold during each suction prompting process; Accordingly, during each suction prompt, the prompting variables are determined according to the prompting condition table to determine whether each prompting variable has reached the variable threshold corresponding to this suction prompt.

4. The control method for the aerosol generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Before obtaining the prompt condition table, the following is also included: Obtain the concentration setting of the aerosol generating device; Accordingly, obtaining the prompting condition table includes: obtaining the prompting condition table based on the concentration level; wherein, the higher the concentration level, the higher the variable threshold corresponding to the same prompting variable in the same aspiration prompting process in the prompting condition table.

5. The control method for the aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, For any of the aforementioned prompting variables: the threshold value of the variable corresponding to each suction prompt is lower than or equal to the threshold value of the variable corresponding to the previous suction prompt.

6. The control method for the aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, For any of the aforementioned prompt variables: during the first to the kth sucking prompt process, the variable threshold corresponding to each sucking prompt process is lower than or equal to the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt process, and at least one sucking prompt process has a variable threshold corresponding to a lower than the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt process; during the (k+1)th to the last sucking prompt process, the variable threshold corresponding to each sucking prompt process is higher than or equal to the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt process, and at least one sucking prompt process has a variable threshold corresponding to a higher than the variable threshold corresponding to the previous sucking prompt process; k≥2, k is a positive integer.

7. The control method for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: Upon receiving the start command for the aerosol generating device, heating of the heating element in the aerosol generating device begins; Upon receiving a reminder to operate in suction mode, the aerosol generating device is controlled to operate in the reminder suction mode.

8. The control method for the aerosol generating device according to claim 7, characterized in that, After the heating element in the aerosol generating device is started, the process further includes: Upon receiving a command for a free-suction mode, the aerosol generating device is controlled to operate in free-suction mode; the free-suction mode includes: providing a preheating prompt when the aerosol generating device has completed preheating.

9. The control method for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During each suction prompt, the prompt variable is cleared to zero before the accumulated prompt variable is reached; And / or, during each suction prompt, the prompt variable is cleared to zero at the same time as the suction prompt is given; And / or, during each suction prompt, after the suction prompt is given, the prompt variable is cleared to zero.

10. The control method for the aerosol generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, During each aspiration prompt, if the total heating time of the heating element in the aerosol generating device reaches the preset total time at the same time as or after the aspiration prompt, the heating of the heating element is stopped; if the total heating time of the heating element does not reach the preset total time, the next aspiration prompt process is directly initiated.

11. The control method for the aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, During each suction prompt, the prompt variable is cleared to zero before the accumulated prompt variable is reached; Correspondingly, if the total heating time of the heating element does not reach the preset total time, the process will directly proceed to the node where the prompt variable is cleared.

12. An aerosol generating device, characterized in that, include: Heating element; A heating device for heating the heating element; The reminder module is used to provide suction prompts; The controller is connected to both the heating device and the reminder module. The controller is used to execute the control method of the aerosol generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-11.

13. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The reminder module includes at least one of a vibrator, an indicator light, and a display screen.

14. The aerosol generating apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The prompt variables include: the heating energy applied to the heating element, the heating time of the heating element, and the maintenance time of the heating element after reaching the target temperature; The aerosol generating device further includes: A temperature acquisition device is used to acquire the temperature of the heating element; A current acquisition device is used to acquire the current flowing through the heating element; A voltage acquisition device is used to acquire the voltage applied across the heating element; The temperature acquisition device, the current acquisition device, and the voltage acquisition device are all connected to the controller; the controller is used to measure the current flowing through the heating element and the voltage applied to the heating element. The voltage at the terminal is used to calculate the heating energy applied to the heating element, and the heating time of the heating element is recorded. And, record the duration for which the heating element maintains the target temperature.

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